We have always had aft suites on multiple ships. Forward wind could be a big problem where you may be warned not to venture out on the deck when at sea from the wind. Yes, Royal class balconies are huge on aft. The soot was hit and miss depending on the wind and ship speed. We liked the aft suites on the Pacific, Tahitian, and Ocean Princess almost 1000' feet of space. Too bad they are gone but Oceana and Azamara have those ships now.