Are Balcony Cabins Worth it on a Cruise? 10 Pros & 4 Cons

Cruise Ship Balcony Cabins - Are They Worth it

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One of the most important decisions you’ll make as you plan your cruise, is what type of cabin to book. Balcony cabins, sometimes called veranda staterooms, are a popular cruise cabin choice for good reason. 

When we think of balcony cabins, we envision amazing balcony views of the ocean, islands, glaciers and more.

However, you might be wondering if a balcony cabin is worth it on a cruise, especially since the cost will be higher than ocean view and interior cabins .

In this post, I share the 10 reasons to book a balcony cabin on a cruise and why it may be the perfect choice for you. However, there are times when a balcony won’t make as much sense or be worth the extra cost and we’ll look at this too.

Cruise Ship Balcony Cabins – Are They Worth it?

cruise Balcony cabin

What is a Balcony Cabin on a Cruise?

A balcony cabin is a cruise ship stateroom which has all the same features as inside and ocean view cabins. However, balcony rooms are usually larger and have a private outdoor balcony space. On some cruise lines, such as Celebrity and Holland America, balcony cabins are called Veranda cabins. 

Balconies on some cruise ships will be larger than others, but all will have at least 2 outdoor chairs and one small table. If you book an aft facing balcony cabin , you’ll often get lucky and have deck chairs to lay out and enjoy.

Cruise cabin tip: Beware of obstructed balcony cabins , which may be disappointing in terms of the view.

Related: Worst Cruise Ship Cabins to Avoid

Is a Cruise Ship Balcony Cabin Worth the Extra Cost?

Are balcony cabins worth it on a cruise? These days, balcony cabins may not cost as much as you think, and for many people, they are definitely worth the splurge! When you book a balcony cabin, you’ll have a private outdoor space where you can get a sea view at any time. Along with the larger cabin space, this can add so much enjoyment to your cruise experience.

Top Reasons to Book a Balcony Cabin on a Cruise

1. the ocean views.

It’s undeniable that one of the best reasons to book a balcony cabin on a cruise is for the amazing ocean views! Whether you enjoy being up early to catch the sunrise with a cup of coffee on your private balcony, or you love a good sunset and a glass of wine – it’s a very special experience.

There’s something so peaceful about the sea and the waves, especially when all is quiet.

Your balcony is also great place for stargazing late at night on a cruise in the open seas where there’s little light pollution. 

10 best reasons to book a balcony cabin on a cruise

2. Larger Cabin

Balcony Cabin on a Cruise Ship

Balcony cabins are larger than most inside and ocean view cabins. According to Cruise Critic , inside cabin sizes range from 150-185 square feet and ocean view cabins 160-200 square feet. Whereas, balcony cabins average 175-220 square feet. Some balcony cabins can even be larger depending on the cruise ship and cabin category.

3. Scenery & Itinerary

Cruise ship aft balcony view

There are some itineraries where the view from your balcony is a big reason to choose this type of cabin. In Alaska , as you’re sailing through Glacier Bay or Endicott Arm, you’ll have a view on the glaciers and incredible scenery from the comfort of your own balcony space.

At any time of day, you’ll see the landscape as well as potential marine and wild life. This is a reason many travel agents and avid cruisers recommend balconies for Alaska cruise itineraries.

In addition to Alaska, other itineraries that may be well worth the splurge for a balcony cabin include Mediterranean and Hawaii cruises.

Related:   Port Side or Starboard Side on a Cruise? Which is best

4. Value of a Balcony Cabin

cruise Balcony cabins and view

While cruise ship balcony cabins are generally more expensive than inside and ocean view cabins, they may be more affordable than you think. Years ago, there were fewer balcony rooms per cruise ship, and the cost difference may have been huge.

However, on some cruise ships you’ll find that the price of a balcony cabin may only be a couple hundred dollars more than an ocean view or outside stateroom. It’s always worth checking to see if there are any promotions or past passenger rates that can make a balcony room more affordable on a cruise.

Related:   27 Cruise Travel Hacks Repeat Cruisers Swear By  

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cruise boat balcony

5. Escape the Crowds

Some large cruise ships can feel busy and crowded, especially on sea days. A balcony cabin can give you some private outdoor space to read or just sit quietly, away from the activities going on on the lido deck and inside the cruise ship.

Related:  The Ultimate Cruise Lingo Glossary – How to Talk Like a Cruiser

6. Avoid Seasickness

If you’re worried about getting seasick on a cruise , one of the best things you can do is have a balcony cabin ideally in a mid-ship location. When you feel seasick on a cruise, one of the worst things to do is to go back to a small cabin and sit indoors. Instead, getting fresh air is helpful.

The ocean breeze you’ll have by opening the sliding doors in your cabin, will help you to feel better if you are a bit bothered by the ship’s movement.

Read more:  How to Prevent Seasickness on a Cruise

Bonine or Dramamine for Motion Sickness on a Cruise – Which is best?

Cruise Couple on Balcony

8. Claustrophobia

This probably goes without saying, but if you’re claustrophobic, having a balcony is absolutely worth the money. The fact is, inside cabins are small and cozy, meaning no natural light at all. You may be ok with an ocean view, but still feel a bit closed in. 

If you’re worried about feeling confined on a cruise ship, you’ll feel much better in a balcony or veranda cabin. You may even appreciate a larger mini suite or suite.

Balcony Cabin is it worth it

9. Balcony Dividers May Be Opened

Are you cruising with family or friends in different cabins? On many cruise ships, the crew will be able to open up the balcony dividers for you so you can enjoy a larger space for several cabins. 

Make sure to ask in advance, as cruise lines have different policies, but this is a great idea for group cruises if you do want to spend a lot of time together.

Related:   10 Things that Cost Extra on a Cruise but Are Worth It

10. See Whales and Dolphins

While there’s no guarantee, it’s certainly possible to sit on your balcony cabin and be lucky enough to see marine life like dolphins, whales and flying fish. When the seas are calm, you’ll have a greater chance of seeing such a spectacular sight right from your own veranda.

Remember to bring your travel binoculars to see as much as you can!

Read next:  50 Best Selling Amazon Cruise Essentials

When Is it Not Worth Booking a Balcony Cabin?

It’s hard to imagine when a balcony cabin wouldn’t be enjoyable, however there are times when it may be hard to justify the extra cost.

Cruise ship balconies mid-ship

1. Short Cruises

If you’re only on a cruise for 2-4 days, you may just not have that much time to enjoy your private balcony. If you’ll be off then ship or plan to participate in the many activities on the cruise ship, this may be a time to stick with a cheaper cabin .

2. No Sea Days

There are some cruise itineraries that are very port intensive, and have few or even no sea days. In this case, if you booked the cruise planning to be off the ship exploring the ports of call, a balcony cabin may be a waste of money on your cruise .

3. Cold Weather Cruises

If your cruise itinerary has a good chance of very cool or even rainy weather, you may not get a lot of use out of the balcony itself. In this case a large ocean view cabin may be a better value.

4. You’re Never in Your Cabin

If you love to be out and about during your cruise, and are only in your cabin to shower, get dressed and sleep, don’t let anyone convince you that you are missing out if you don’t get a balcony cabin.

In your case, an inside cabin is likely your best option.

Read next:  7 Best Reasons to Book an Interior Cabin

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Final thoughts

In this post we went through 10 reasons why a balcony cabin is worth the extra cost, from having more privacy to experiencing incredible sea views. However, to be fair, we also shared a few reasons that you may not want to pay extra for a balcony. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether or not a balcony cabin is the best cabin choice for you.

What type of cabin do you usually get, and in your opinion, are balcony cabins worth it?

Happy cruising!

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11 Comments

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You are so correct. On our first cruise we had an outside cabin, big porthole, no problems and absolutely nothing wrong with it. Our second cruise was for our 25th anniversary. We decided to treat ourselves to a balcony. That was many years ago and many cruises ago and we never went back. Our last cruise we upgraded to a junior suite. Walk-in closet and bath tub…Uh oh…

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Oh no…now you’re stuck, lol. Ah the larger spaces and bathtub must have been wonderful. Thanks for sharing this Greg!

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We had a veranda room on our cruise to Alaska and loved it. This was on Holland America. Then we used the same cruise line going to New England and Canada. We chose the veranda again but then saw where a lanai room was cheaper so we chose that. My husband and I both loved it. We could see a few people walking by (I’m a people watcher!) but no one could see in out room and one could only use the sliding door with a room key. It automatically locked every time.

I have heard that those are such interesting cabins, and so unique. I would definitely choose a lanai if it was an itinerary where outdoor privacy wasn’t a concern. Thanks for the tip about that awesome HA cabin type!

Thanks for sharing Joanne. I’ve never had this type of cabin, but I’ve heard they are one of the unique “best kept secrets” on the smaller HAL ships.

Glad to know you enjoyed a balcony in Alaska!

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I have always gotten a balcony or better room. I like suites but on the newer ships on longer sailings they can be priced out of my budget or what I want to spend. We sailed to Alaska and pulled up to the glaciers. Magnificent!!! We were on 9th deck, about 100 feet above the water. More glacier above us than below us. No crowds, no fighting for position for a good picture, and just the two of us. Thanks for your articles. Maybe we will be sailing again soon.

Sounds absolutely amazing & well worth it!! Enjoy your upcoming cruise Russell!

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I am going to be add man out here. The first cruise I sailed was a obstructed ocean view. that is basically a window that looks out to the life boat. You did get a feeling of night and day, but I did not find it appealing I also spend almost NO time in my cabin. It is a place to change, shower and sleep. When I go on a cruise, I spend 95% of my waking hours in the common areas of the ship. I have been booking inside cabins ever since. On my third or fourth cruise, there was an anomaly in the pricing where the balcony was actually cheaper than the inside cabin due to extra onboard credit for the balcony that was more than the difference in price. We got a balcony for that cruise, and I spend about 30 minuets of the cruise on the balcony as we were leaving port and never used it the rest of the cruise. These types of decisions are personal and if you find that you stay in your cabin, or like to be alone on your balcony, then these are decisions you need to make based on your likes and dislikes. I have now cruised 18 times and will stick with the inside cabin unless the cost of the balcony is a wash or cheaper.

Thanks so much for sharing your experiences. You’re right, choosing a cabin is really personal and it depends how you spend your time on a cruise, and budget of course. Personally, I like an inside cabin sometimes and flop between these and balconies depending on the cruise.

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We are on a back to back Hawaii to Vancouver to Alaska cruise with a balcony and the Alaska weather has been much nicer than the Hawaii weather. We love balconies!

So glad the Alaska weather has been so nice! Funny about Hawaii – hope it’s a great cruise!

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Everything to Know about Balcony Cabins on a Cruise (Read Before Booking)

Think of a cruise, and you might picture sitting on a cabin balcony, sipping a drink, and watching the waves go by. It’s a classic staple of taking a cruise.

Cruise ship balcony cabins are popular, and for good reason. They provide your own little oasis, away from the rest of the ship, along with million-dollar views that you simply can’t get on land. 

Balcony cabin on a Royal Caribbean ship.

But before you drop the money to book that balcony, there are some things you’ll want to know about sailing in this type of cabin. 

Note: This article contains links to our partner, Cruise Critic. We earn a commission for clicks made on their website, at no charge to you.

Balcony Cabins Are Often Larger (Even Without the Outdoor Space)

Of course the biggest perk of a balcony cabin is having the outdoor space; that’s no argument. But one thing you might not realize is another perk — balcony cabins are normally larger than non-balcony rooms.

For instance, an interior cabin on a ship might be 140 square feet in space, while a balcony cabin might be 170 square feet, plus the additional outdoor space. Of course, the figures will change from ship to ship, but you can expect to see the trend on many cruise lines.

For example, you can see the difference on this Royal Caribbean cruise aboard Navigator of the Seas where the balcony room is considerably larger than an interior even before the balcony space is added in:

The Rooms Are More Expensive (50%-100% Over Interior)

We all understand that a balcony cabin is also going to come with a higher price tag. What you might not realize is that the increase  can vary widely. Pricing will vary ship by ship and even down to the specific cruise.

Instead, you should just anticipate the price difference between a basic bare-bones interior cabin and a balcony room. In our estimation, it seems to run between 50%-100% more for a balcony cabin.

So if a 7-day cruise for an interior cabin is $500 per person, expect a balcony to be between $750 and $1,000.

You can check prices for balconies versus interior cabins for specific cruises with our partner Cruise Critic, here .

You’ll Likely Use the Balcony Less Than You Think (But It’s Still Wonderful to Have)

If you are considering booking a balcony cabin, you might picture yourself sitting out and taking in the view for hours on end each day. The reality is a bit different.

Yes, you definitely can do that if you want to, but you might be surprised at how little time overall you actually spend there. Between activities around the ship, mealtimes, and being out in ports of call, the amount of time to actually just sit and do nothing is less than you think, unless you make it a priority. 

All you have to do is take a look at a ship in port and see how few people are actually out on the balcony. It seems what’s more common is to sit occasionally and other times simply popping out for a few minutes to take in the view before heading off to do something else.

Even so, being able to have that outdoor access to take in some fresh air and a view is still a great thing to enjoy, even for a short bit.

Balconies Themselves May Not Be That Large

cruise boat balcony

When you think of your balcony, maybe you think of a large area where you can lay out and get some sun, or enjoy a meal sitting at a table. The reality is somewhat different. Balconies will vary in size, but for the most part they are relatively small.

While they are the width of the cabin — usually around 8-10 feet, the typical balcony doesn’t offer much depth. We’d estimate about 4-5 feet. There’s enough space for a couple of chairs and a small table between, but that’s about it.

That’s not to say you can’t find larger balconies on the ship — there are some large enough in some high-end cabins to have their own hot tub — but in general the space is modest.

These Rooms Are Great for Longer Trips (6+ Days)

We’re strong believers that on a short cruise of five days or fewer, you can get by without having a balcony cabin. On a short trip, between everything to do on board and being in ports of call, the amount of time you’ll take advantage of the balcony is relatively small. It’s nice to have, but not a must.

On trips longer than that, the amount of “downtime” you have increases. That means more time to take advantage of the balcony space. As well, on longer trips simply having access to some fresh air and natural light in the cabin is a major benefit. ( See cruise offers for trips of 6 days and longer here .)

Light/Late Sleepers Might Have Issues

cruise boat balcony

If you’re a light sleeper — or you like to sleep in — then a balcony room actually might have a disadvantage. You see, with one of these cabins the end of your room is essentially a wall of windows with a glass door that leads out. It’s wonderful for views, but can also be bright.

There is a blackout curtain that you can pull to close off the light coming in, but even then there will normally be light around the edges on the sides, top and bottom. The result is that even if you try to make it as dark as possible, there’s going to be some light entering the room in the mornings. So if you had a late night and want to sleep in, it could be enough to disturb you.

Infinite Balconies Are a New Style on Some Ships

Infinite balcony cabins on a cruise.

As of now, most balcony cabins are a traditional style where you have the cabin, and then a door that leads out to the outdoor balcony. But some newer ships are changing that style with a few rooms.

Dubbed an “infinite balcony,” this style makes the balcony and the cabin one space. At the end of the cabin you’ll have a full window wall instead of a door leading outdoors. The top half of this wall slides down, essentially like a large horizontal window. With the window up, you have all the space of the cabin and balcony to enjoy indoors. With the window down, it’s as if your entire cabin is now the balcony as it’s open to the outside air.

Your Balcony May Not Be Private

cruise boat balcony

To be sure, there is a lot of privacy to your own balcony. Traditionally, there are dividers on either side of you, meaning that you won’t have your neighbor staring at you if you both decide to sit outside at the same time.

But don’t think it’s completely private. For one, any sound will travel. So if you and your neighbors are both sitting outside, you will hear each other talking.

Meanwhile, the dividers usually leave gaps around the bottom and the edges, so just passing in and out you might catch sight of someone else, similar to a stall in a restroom.

All that’s to say if you were thinking about getting some sunshine where the sun don’t shine or maybe getting frisky with your significant other in the fresh air… you might want to be careful that others don’t catch a glimpse.

To search for a deal a balcony cabin, you can find the latest offers with Cruise Critic, here .

More on choosing a cabin:

  • Should I Book an Interior or Balcony Cabin on my Cruise?
  • Everything to Know About Interior Cruise Cabins
  • Why You Should Never Go Nude On Your Cruise Balcony

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With the infinite balcony keep in mind that the air automatically shuts off when the window is down. Even with the dividers closed.

We had a balcony on our cabin for the last cruise and it ended up that we could barely use it because we had noisy neighbors on both sides that would go out on the balcony and Blair loud music at all hours of the day and night

All true but we will not cruise without one. They are great but be sure to book ABOVE THE OBSTRUCTIONS such as lifeboats corners etc.

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6 reasons you’ll want to book a balcony cabin on your next cruise

Gene Sloan

Is it worth paying extra for a balcony cabin?

As someone who has written about cruising for more than two decades , I have heard that question a lot, and I know where I stand on it: Absolutely .

You'll almost always pay more for a balcony cabin on a ship than for a cabin that just has a window — the latter being known in industry lingo as an "ocean-view" cabin. But often, it's not outrageously more. For example, at the time of this story's publishing, fares for balcony cabins on some fall 2024 cruises out of Galveston, Texas, were just 7% more than fares for ocean-view cabins. (Specifically, that was the differential on seven-night sailings in October 2024 on Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas).

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Ocean-view cabins, in turn, were running about 29% more than windowless inside cabins — the third major category of cabins you'll find on ships.

These differentials aren't insignificant, of course. For many vacationers on a tight budget, though, an extra 29% or even 7% for a room can be a deal breaker.

Related: 8 cabin locations on cruise ships that you definitely should avoid

In addition, some people with extra money to spend would rather splurge on shore excursions or other extra-charge items, such as shipboard spa treatments, than on a higher-priced cabin. That makes perfect sense to me. What is most important to one person on a vacation may be different from what is important to another person.

However, here are six things you'll get out of a balcony cabin that I personally think make it worth the extra cost if you have the money to spare.

The fresh air

For me, this is the big reason to get a balcony cabin. At any time of the day — or night — you can slide open your balcony door and breathe in the fresh ocean air. You'll also be able to hear the sounds of the waves as they crash against the bow of your ship. It's a wonderfully soothing, rhythmic sound — so soothing that it can lull you to sleep.

Even on cruises in cold weather, there's nothing quite like stepping out on a balcony for a few minutes or more to soak in the salty breeze. It's invigorating.

Related: 5 reasons you might want to turn down a cabin upgrade

cruise boat balcony

The fresh air available on balconies also can be a lifesaver — at least for your sanity — should you find yourself confined to your cabin due to an illness. That can happen if you come down with something like norovirus or COVID-19 on a ship. This happened to cruisers quite a bit during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and many of the people who were isolated in cabins without balconies for days weren't thrilled with the lack of access to fresh air.

I can attest personally to the fact that it isn't a great situation to be stuck in a room that doesn't have a balcony for days. In late 2020, I was isolated in a cabin without a balcony for four days during a COVID-19-related ship quarantine, even though I wasn't sick. I would have paid just about anything during those days for even the smallest bit of outdoor space.

The ultimate privacy

Cruise ships can be crowded places . Even on luxury ships, which generally have more space per passenger than mass-market vessels, you'll likely be sharing the pool deck with dozens or even hundreds of other people. On some of the biggest vessels, such as Royal Caribbean's giant new Icon of the Seas , you'll compete for deck chairs with literally thousands of others. Private, it isn't — nor is it often quiet. The pool decks of cruise ships can be noisy places.

If you have a balcony cabin, you're always guaranteed an outdoor space where you can lounge for a few hours in complete privacy. And, in general, it will be a quiet outdoor space. While you will sometimes hear the sounds of other passengers nearby on their own balconies, for the most part, it's a much more serene experience than being up on the top deck.

The best views

Balcony cabins don't just offer you access to an outdoor space. They typically also offer you a great view of the outdoors from inside your cabin.

This is because the doors leading to balconies in balcony cabins usually are made almost entirely of glass running from floor to ceiling. Often, a balcony cabin will have both a floor-to-ceiling glass door leading to the outside as well as floor-to-ceiling windows that make for what is, in effect, an outward-facing wall made entirely of glass. Ocean-view cabins without balconies, by contrast, often have just a single window. Some just have portholes.

Related: 7 reasons to splurge for a suite on your next cruise

cruise boat balcony

The result is that you'll generally have a much better view of the outdoors from the inside of a balcony cabin than from the inside of an ocean-view cabin.

The chance for wildlife encounters

Speaking of the view, you're going to be able to see passing wildlife much better from a balcony cabin than an ocean-view cabin. If you stand at the edge of your balcony railing, you'll be able to twist your head side-to-side to get a 180-degree view of the passing waters. That's two or three times the field of vision that you'll get from gazing out a cabin window.

Related: The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship

I've found balcony cabins to be particularly wonderful to have in wildlife-filled destinations such as Alaska, where ships sometimes pass such spectacular creatures as whales in the water or bears along the shoreline. Often, the captain of a vessel will spot such animals first and then make a public announcement to passengers to head to the sides of the ship to look. If you're in a balcony cabin (and on the correct side of the ship), you'll be gazing down upon these sights in no time.

The chance for a romantic dinner

There's nothing that says romance like a private dinner for two under the stars. And that's exactly what you can do on your balcony on many cruise ships, with the waves as a background soundtrack.

cruise boat balcony

Some upscale lines will arrange an elegant, private dinner for two on your balcony — think white tablecloths, multiple courses, the works — at no extra charge. Among mass-market lines, Princess Cruises offers an Ultimate Balcony Dining experience at an extra charge that brings a four-course meal, Champagne and cocktails or a glass of wine. In the case of the Princess offering, you'll even get fresh flowers and a (flameless) candle on your table.

The perfect spot to watch a port arrival

I'm a big fan of getting up early to watch as cruise ships pull into ports. In some places, such as New York and Sydney, the experience is a highlight of the trip. The arrival into New York, in particular, is one of the great cruise experiences. Your ship will glide under the giant Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge (often with just feet to spare) before passing the Statue of Liberty and the skyline of lower Manhattan.

Related: What's a cruise cabin guarantee — and can it save you money?

But as spectacular as they are, these arrivals into ports often take place very early in the morning, before you (or at least your bed-head hair) may be ready to go out into the world. What's great about having a balcony is that you don't have to get dressed and ready for the day to watch a port arrival. You can just roll out of bed in your jammies and head out on the balcony.

Of course, you have to be on the correct side of the ship to get certain views. Arriving in New York, there is an allure to watching the arrival from both sides of a vessel. From the port side, you'll get the best view of the Statue of Liberty. But the starboard side brings you the best views of downtown Manhattan, assuming you're on a vessel heading to a midtown pier.

Bottom line

Balcony cabins cost more than ocean-view cabins or windowless "inside" cabins. But they can be worth the splurge if you're the kind of person who likes a private place to be outdoors during a vacation. No matter how crowded your ship is, you always can escape to your balcony, if you have one, and watch the world go by with few distractions.

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COMMENTS

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    CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE. On select Carnival Cruise Line ships, such as Carnival Vista and Carnival Magic, you'll find special Deck 2 Cove balcony cabins that are built into the steel hull of the ship, close to the waterline and near the ship's lifeboats. These accommodations afford a unique view of the sea since you aren't on a typical balcony ...

  2. 8 best balcony cabins on cruise ships that you will want to ...

    Balcony cabins are some of the most popular cruise ship accommodations. Who doesn't dream of opening a door and stepping out onto a private verandah where you can peacefully watch the ocean pass you by while you sip on a cup of coffee or catch up on your reading list.

  3. BEST Balcony Room Cruise Deals (2024) - Cruise Critic

    Luxury Deal. $3,199 pp. — 10-Nt Caribbean Balcony Cabin w/ 59% Off Fares, 2-for-1 Cruise Fares, Exclusive Free Gratuities, $600 Excursion Credit, Free Specialty Dining a Free Beverage Package ...

  4. Are Balcony Cabins Worth it on a Cruise? 10 Pros & 4 Cons

    Balcony cabins are larger than most inside and ocean view cabins. According to Cruise Critic, inside cabin sizes range from 150-185 square feet and ocean view cabins 160-200 square feet. Whereas, balcony cabins average 175-220 square feet. Some balcony cabins can even be larger depending on the cruise ship and cabin category.

  5. Everything to Know about Balcony Cabins on a Cruise (Read ...

    Instead, you should just anticipate the price difference between a basic bare-bones interior cabin and a balcony room. In our estimation, it seems to run between 50%-100% more for a balcony cabin. So if a 7-day cruise for an interior cabin is $500 per person, expect a balcony to be between $750 and $1,000. You can check prices for balconies ...

  6. 6 reasons you’ll want to book a balcony cabin on your next cruise

    Related: The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship. I've found balcony cabins to be particularly wonderful to have in wildlife-filled destinations such as Alaska, where ships sometimes pass such spectacular creatures as whales in the water or bears along the shoreline.