How important is a window or a balcony room?

[cruiser288]

If you do an ocean view you should be fine. We took an inside cabin, and I have to say that we regretted our decision. We spent no time in our cabin and were forever on deck - and got dead tired for our pains! So if this is going to be the last cruise for some time, take an ocean view cabin located above sea level.

[K L B]

a balcony is essential to us. I would not even consider cruising without one unless i'm on a small ship where it is not an option. i love to sit in the mornings or the evenings and listen to the ocean. read a book. drink a coffee in my robe in the morning, or have a glass of wine before we head out for dinner.

[Canoe6me]

My first cruise was last year. Fourteen days in Alaska. I got a balcony stateroom because I have been to interior Alaska and knew about all the sights. And I did not regret the small additional price. I was in my stateroom, during the day, very little during that trip, but when I was, I spent half the time on the balcony! It turned out to be well worth it. I even enjoyed it during the few days we were at sea. There is always something to look at and it's a great place to just sit and relax, read, doze, etc. Unlimited fresh air! Since that trip, I have told friends who have asked about cruising to never book one without a balcony. This coming Spring, I am taking a 20 day trip, Ft Lauderdale to Vancouver, and have booked a mini-suite. Gotta have a balcony for a trip like that!

[FilmCam]

At least a balcony! We would rather not cruise than be in an inside cabin. Once one has cruised with a balcony it is hard (impossible) to go back down. We started with a balcony (Alaska) then an Owners Suite (RCL) a couple more Owners Suites (RCL), Owners Suite (NCL) and the last cruise was a Deluxe Owners Suite (NCL).

 

I doubt that we could go back to a balcony. Our last 5 day re-positioning cruise, Van. - L.A. included 3 days of storm, not allowed out on deck, everything tied down, and the only sun was in San Francisco. We had a Deluxe Owners Suite which made the rough trip actually very good.

 

We are not rich but we save so that we can afford the upscale on-board living. We don't live like that at home and it is an extra special treat to have the pampering, once and awhile, on vacation. So, our advice is to spend as much as you can afford on the cabin. We haven't regretted it.

[brownie32]

As a cruiser who has had both, it depends on the type of cruise vacation you are going on. If you are going to be multiple days at sea on a leisurely cruise, then a balcony is really enjoyable. Our last 7 day cruise was to Turkey and the Greek Isles. No days at sea. Off the ship by 9 and back at 5 or 6. We had a window and that was all that was needed.

[hajozo]

I like the big picture window, because I feel safe. I am restless sleeper, never sleep-walked but what if I start on the cruise and walk out to the balcony. It sounds crazy but comes to my mind so I stay with my window cabin.

[ejfla]

I book inside staterooms since the only time I use it is to change clothes, shower or sleep. The money I save on not booking a oceanview or balcony is used for either tours or a little extra for the casino. It is a personal choice everyone must make.

[sandipoe]

I have been on 10 cruises and the last one was the only one that I booked a balcony. Which was nice to sit out, read and drink coffee. However, the people on both sides smoked and when I opened the door I got a whiff of smoke. On you first cruise get an inside cabin or a oceanview, don't waste your money on the balcony.

[sunshinechgo]

My first cruise I did an inside cabin. Then again I was 20 and had no clue. We would have slept most of the day since it's really dark in the room and had no clue what the weather was like outside.

 

The only time I would do a balcony if I was on the Alaska cruise. We usually do an outside cabin towards the middle of the ship towards the bottom so you don't feel the boat. I like the porthole just fine and really dont feel a need for a balcony.

 

Now the friends we travel with love the balcony to dry the swimsuits, etc. They love sitting on it and watch people running for the ship. They have seen 2 or 3 people getting left on the pier!! We said on our cards they should have a phone number just incase there is an issue and you can contact someone from the ship.

[hbuhr]

Having taken more than 40 cruises over some 30 plus years in every cabin type except suites, I can say while I like an outside or verandah cabin on occassion, it is rarely worth the difference in price to us. First and foremost, my wife hates to be awakened in the AM by light. She loves total darkness when she wants to sleep and we always carry a nightlight for our hotel room or cruise cabin . She is right. Inside is the only way to assure more quiet and darkness for a good sleep. Also, when we take Transatlantic cruises, a balcony is a total waste. Offseason on the North Atlantic means variable weather. The constant wind while at sea diminishes my enthusiasm to be outside. I realize each of us has different goals and must make our decision based on our personal priorities. Now that we're retired, we don't chase the sun or look for cruises that provide great childrens' activities unless we're taking one of our own grandchildren, so each trip is different. Give me an inside cabin and another cruise anytime.

[volleyballmom87]

@Kari - I just left a message for you on MY board.

[marub]

In my opinion - if either of you are the least bit claustrophobic DONT do an inside cabin. I am very claustrophobic so always do minimum of oceanview. I really love having a balcony if for no other reason than to sit and have my morning coffee or in the evening with a drink and listening to the waves.

[Cooley Consumers]

The topic has been pretty well exhausted, but...........we LOVE our balcony rooms. We have seen a LOT of things from our bedside window that others have missed, e.g. whales, and flying fish! There is nothing like watching a sunrise or sunset from the balcony. A nice cup of coffee or something stronger, as we watch the sun and sea. We've had an inside room ONCE, and we were miserable.

 

Good luck and great sailing.

[flashncrash]

definitely personal preference. our first cruise was an inside and we slept and slept and slept because it was so dark in there. have also had a window twice; on one carnival ship the window was so big we could seat 2 people in it but you couldn't open the window. since then i have only taken balconies (i also would not take a promenade balcony; those that face inward and you look at another balcony). i enjoy spending a lot of time in the cabin and balcony. i don't smoke and i find that if people do smoke it is irritating but they don't smoke for hours at a time. i like the natural light to wake me up in the morning. you could also consider where you are crusing as some locations almost demand a balcony such as alaska or even the panama canal. now if you are going transatlantic i could see skipping a balcony. i love looking at the water though in some places the smell isn't all that great! you do save a bunch with an inside unless you find some deals. me and the wife are off the week after t-giving out of san juan on a balcony for $378 per person taxes included. but whatever anyone does on a cruise stateroom-wise, enjoy the trip.

[charlie's girl]

My husband and I have had both. We found a balcony a wee bit disappointing. Entering or leaving a port, we found we prefer the total view the top decks afford. And often it is too warm to sit on the balcony. Leaving the doors open to hear the waves created a wind tunnel with curtains flying and made the room too warm. But certainly morning coffee is very pleasant. We have not chosen a balcony for our April cruise to Hawaii, preferring to spend our money on the more lavish shore excursions. In short, it's up to you.

[teebee1]

We enjoy a balcony and only close the door when we are not in the room. It is great to have room service bring coffee in the morning and sit on the balcony having coffe without getting dressed. Having a constant view of the ocean or the port is also very nice. The fresh air is a big plus instead of a closed room with air recirculated from other rooms.

[Cruzin Suzin]

I'm going on a 4 night Western Caribbean cruise next month, and found a balcony cabin for $624 incl. fees/taxes and single supplement. I suggest you look on holidays like Labor Day or Black Friday to find the best deals. My balcony was less expensive than the window obstructed view cabins, and this changes not only by day, but by hour. Put some effort into your search, and whatever you find, you'll enjoy the experience!

[BeckNCall]

My husband and I took our first cruise the first week of October and we opted for the balcony because we got a terrific price. We are now cruiser converts and would never take another cruise without a balcony. Sitting out on the balcony and watching the sun go down was perfect! It was also interesting to see how the largest ship was able to dock. I say go for it!

[CAlady]

My husband & I have just returned from a 35 nt. cruise from HI to Sydney, AU, to Perth. We were in an inside cabin, on a low deck, midship,where the stability is greatest. During an extended cruise, we like to have the option of a dark room to sleep late in the morning, or to take a nap in. We enjoy many activities outside our room.

We have had a balcony for one cruise, and we were disturbed by the noise of the balcony furniture being moved on the balcony above us.

It's a matter of making a choice which suits your preferences.

[turnpike]

We had an inside cabin on our first cruise because we didn't know any different. Second cruise was a port hole cabin, Third cruise, an oceanview and the fourth-you guessed it-a balcony. Unless we got a free cruise, we would never consider anything other than a balcony. Sure, you don't spend much time in your cabin, but getting up in the morning and walking out on a balcony in your jammies with your pot of coffee is an awesome way to start your day. Our only issue is that others can be so inconsiderate about letting their balcony cabin door slam. At times, it's at all hours of the night. At any rate, balcony is the way to go. ;)

[macon]

I recently stayed in a Prominate interior cabin on the Royal Caribbean Explorer of the Seas. It was an inside one that overlooked the promenade interior. It was fine, it was like looking out the window of a high rise at another high rise. I would book that one again. quite pleasant light from the Promenade area.

 

Keeping in mind that all boats are configured differently.

[tynes1der]

Our first cruise was in an outside cabin in the Midnight sun. The curtains do not stop the light all night so it can be difficult to sleep. We have tried an inside cabin - it is never dark if you put the lights on.

 

Because we like to socialise we spend nearly all our waking hours around the ship getting the same view and fresh air as we would if we were isolated on a balcony.

 

We do not like sitting IN the sun so would not use the balcony if it was on the sunny side during the day. The ones we have seen do not offer much shade, but no doubt there are big balconies with a good overhang if you pay enough.

 

Anyway we would rather spend the extra money on trips ashore than a balcony.

[Wicky4]

As many have said.....a balcony is the way to go. If you aren't doing many shore excursions, it is nice to see/be outside & see what is going on. You don't feel couped up. No rush to get up & out in the am. Room service with coffee on the balcony...can't wait!

[RVRCLC]

Depends on the route.

When I go to Panama Canal, or Alaska, I must have a balcony. A balcony equals a big window for the wonderful scenery.

 

For a first cruise, go with whatever fits your budget.

If that needs to be an inside: Tune the TV to the bridge cam and

leaving the TV on, WITH THE SOUND OFF, could give you an idea of what's going on outside.

 

I have friends who can afford a suite. However, they wouldn't think of booking anything but an inside. She likes to sleep late and he likes to hang out with a cup of coffee on an upper deck.

[skipp_r1]

We are going on our first cruise and we were just wondering just how important it is to have a balcony? I know it depends on lifestyle, preferences etc. Basically- is it worth 300-400 more per person? Is having an interior cabin a really big deal? I am mostly there to see the port cities, so I am not sure how much time we will spend on the ship anyway. However, this is going to be our BIG vacation and the last one for awhile. What do you think?

We get balcony's whenever we are a a cruise with wonderful scenery or long cruises. Alaska and the Panama Canal are ones where you want a balcony. Cruises over 7 day it is always nice to have coffee and drinks on your balcony on lazy sea days, Hawaii is another where you want a balcony or outside cabin. If you don't spend much time in the room, inside cabins are fine, especially if you like to sleep late after a long nght of partys.