Nowadays, balconies make up the largest percentage of staterooms aboard the majority of cruise ships. Regardless, there are still cruisers who haven’t upgraded from interior or ocean views to the glorious balcony. For those still on the edge (don’t fall of the ship) here are my reasons why you should choose a balcony stateroom for your next cruise.
#3 Natural Sunlight
While it is true that an ocean view stateroom will bring some sunlight into your stateroom, nothing beats the natural sunlight brought into your stateroom from a balcony. Many ships now have balcony staterooms that feature floor to ceiling windows with a door to your balcony. These expanded windows will flood your room with warm, natural light, creating a comfortable and relaxing stateroom environment.
#2 Great Views
Whether you are sailing past El Morro Fortress in San Juan or glaciers in the Inside Passage – your balcony will provide you with some of the best views available onboard your ship. On your balcony, you are guaranteed railing space for sailaways and glacier spotting, there is no need to battle for space up on the Lido deck. Some may argue that ocean view staterooms also have a view, but keep in mind that balconies are located higher up on the ship and provide more panoramic views than a small window would.
#1 Your Own Private Retreat
The main reason to have your own balcony – it’s your very own, private retreat. Your balcony is your guaranteed spot on the exterior of the ship. Here there are no worries of not having a chair or lounger to get a little sun. This private relaxation area is only steps from your bed and provides a quiet, relaxing place to either watch the waves move by or even take an afternoon nap. On some ships, balconies may not have another balcony above, which provides you with direct sunlight, transforming your balcony into a sun deck. Your balcony is simply – your balcony. There is no need to place down a towel on your chair to grab quick bite in the buffet and become a vicious chair hog. A balcony is your way to get away from the crowds on the Lido deck and simply relax in a private, relaxing environment.
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Photos copyright Mike Faust 2013
6 replies on “3 Reasons To Book A Balcony Stateroom For Your Next Cruise”
going on the Oasis of the Seas in November, and will be our first time having a balcony… can’t wait !!
balconies rock
You’re right on the mark, Mike! Might I offer another perspective on the subject, though…..
For single (for now) cruisers like me, paying 150% for a Balcony cabin (on Holland America Line….175-200% on Cunard), getting an Oceanview significantly offsets the extra cost (single supplement). I can get an Oceanview for just myself at the same price as it would cost for 50% of a balcony cabin. This allows me to cruise for longer periods, too!
So, after several years of thoroughly enjoying Balcony cabins aboard Cunard and Holland America Line, but dreading the burdensome cost of sailing single, I discovered the joys of Oceanview cabins. Most of them are down low in the ship, making one closer to the ocean. It reminds me of being at-sea in the U.S. Navy when I look out the window and see the sea rushing by so close. In addition, without a balcony, I am forced to get out and mingle with other passengers to get fresh air and see the sights better. I sure have met a lot of great folks!
That’s just a take on the issue from a solo cruiser. When I am a “couple” again someday, then, of course, we’re back to Balcony cabins!
I agree and most of the we think that they are worth the extra $. BUT my husband is now handicapped and I cannot not even count the number of cruise we WOULD have taken if we had been able to book an oversized handicapped stateroom. The #1 reason? He MUST have a electric mobility cart and there is NO room in a regular stateroom to keep it, you must have an oversized stateroom to have room for the EMC. The cruise lines need to come up with a solution for this or we will have to stop cruising. We have even tried booking as much as a year out.
I booked a balcony for the first time for a transatlantic crossing. The only reason I booked it was because of the extraordinary offer they gave me. Normally, I book an inside room. As it turned out, on a 10 night crossing, I don’t think I was out on the balcony more than a total of 2 hours. For me, the usual cost of a balcony does not outweigh the use of it. I would much rather save my money for other “luxuries” on the ship, such as my expense account, shopping, sightseeing, etc.
Balconies are nice, but I would rather save the extra cost for other expenses.