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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

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

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

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

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 .

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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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The best cruise ship balcony cabins for your vacation at sea

Balcony cabins are popular accommodations on cruise ships, affording the luxury of an outdoor space where you can take in the sea breezes, read a book, have breakfast or a drink and stare at the waves without distraction.

These spaces vary widely in size, so it pays to study your ship's deck plan before booking. Affordable balcony cabins might come with a veranda so small your knees rub against the railing as you sit in one of two deck chairs flanking a small cocktail table. The most expensive suites, on the other hand, can have balconies as large as half a tennis court, equipped with cushy loungers, a big table for outdoor dining and even a private hot tub or plunge pool.

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With all balcony cabins, you can just throw on your bathrobe to catch views of wildlife or of your ship pulling into port. Keep in mind when you step outside that your balcony might not be entirely private — your neighbors might be able to see you (as will the ship's security team via hidden cameras).

Here are our picks for the best balcony cabins at sea.

Cove balcony cabins on 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 that hangs off the ship, but in a cutout in the ship's superstructure. You'll have more privacy than with typical balcony cabins, since no one can see you from above or the side — but that's not the main draw.

The thrill here is sitting in a deck chair and watching the waves and spray splashing up from only 20 to 25 feet below. Call it a free show. Just be aware that you can't use your balcony in rough seas when a watertight door seals off the space from the roiling water. Also, given the close-up view of rolling waves, these cabins are not appropriate for those who suffer from seasickness.

Cove cabins are limited in number and popular, so you'll need to snag one well in advance of your sailing.

Related: 6 reasons you'll want to book a balcony cabin on your next cruise

Infinite Veranda cabins on Celebrity Cruises

On its Edge-class ships, Celebrity Cruises sought to redefine the concept of a "balcony." Instead of creating private outdoor spaces that hang off the ship, the cruise line cleverly designed a way to bring the outside space in.

At the push of a button, the top half of a floor-to-ceiling wall of glass in your cabin slides down like a car window to let in the fresh ocean air. If you want, you can close off the section of your room closest to the window by sliding shut a pair of folding doors. Once that is done, you have a cozy spot with two chairs and a cocktail table where you can admire the sea or enjoy your morning coffee — even if your cabinmate is still sleeping.

If the weather turns rainy or chilly, roll that window back up, and you can still enjoy the sitting area as an indoor portion of your cabin.

With no space wasted for a traditional balcony, the other benefit of this setup is expanded indoor space. These cabins are 23 percent larger than on the line's Solstice-class ships, including bigger bathrooms.

Sister cruise line Royal Caribbean has introduced these cabins on its newest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas , and other ocean lines such as Atlas Ocean Voyages have begun to copy the idea , too. The concept first began popping up about a decade ago on river cruise ships, where it was pioneered by Avalon Waterways.

Super Studio balcony cabins on Royal Caribbean

Single cruisers have a tough choice. They can choose an inside or windowed cabin designed and priced for solo guests — but to enjoy balcony accommodations, they typically must pay a supplement (as much as 100% of the cruise fare) to reserve a veranda cabin designed for two people to share.

Related: These 8 cabins are great for travelers cruising alone

Royal Caribbean sought to level the playing field on its Quantum Class ships by creating Super Studio balcony cabins. On Quantum, Anthem, Ovation, Spectrum and Odyssey of the Seas, these solo cabins are designed and priced for one, with up to 199 square feet of interior space and a 55-foot balcony that's large enough for two chairs and a small table.

There are only a dozen of these cabins per ship, so you'll want to book as early as possible to snag one.

Rear-facing cabins on any cruise line

On any ship, rear-facing balcony cabins are coveted spaces. They deliver mesmerizing views as your ship pulls out of ports of call, and their balconies tend to be larger than those on the sides of the ship. Many people book them for a feeling of privacy and to enjoy peaceful moments gazing out at the ship's wake. Corner cabins are a particular bonus, delivering long, wraparound outdoor spaces.

On the newest ships of lines such as MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line , you'll find suites occupying the corners, but other ships have more affordable balcony cabins in this location. Be aware when booking rear-facing balconies that your space might not have much shade and that you will feel more movement than you would in a cabin in the middle of the ship. These beloved cabins are not necessarily the best for those who get seasick.

Related: What not to do on a cruise balcony

AquaTheater Suites on Royal Caribbean

On Royal Caribbean's enormous Oasis Class ships , these one- and two-bedroom suites overlook the back of the ship with the bonus of views of the AquaTheater. You can sit in your lounge chair and privately watch thrilling high-diving shows, complete with dancers, acrobats, dancing fountains and performers jumping off 30-foot platforms into the deepest pools at sea. There are no tickets needed and no jockeying for seats with your shipmates.

The largest suites sleep up to eight and wrap around the side of the ship with 772 square feet of outdoor space. You can hold a party at your outdoor bar or sit down to an alfresco, room-service dinner.

Sky Suites on Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises ' latest ships — Sky Princess, Enchanted Princess and Discovery Princess — break the record for largest cruise ship balconies of any cabin on any cruise ship, according to the line.

The fancy Sky Suites, centrally located on a top deck, have huge, wraparound terraces that overlook the sea and the ship's sports deck. The 1,012-square-foot balcony features lounging areas, a dry bar, an alfresco dining setup and even a TV alcove.

The suites come with many perks, the coolest of which is a private viewing of what's playing on your ship's giant Movies Under the Stars screen. You even get to request a movie showing of your choice.

Sea Terraces on Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages likes to do things more playfully than other lines, and its balcony cabins are in keeping with that philosophy. Book a Sea Terrace on the line's Scarlet Lady , Resilient Lady or Valiant Lady and you'll get a balcony equipped with chairs and a small table plus a hammock swing attached to the ceiling. Embrace your inner kid and swing to your heart's content while you enjoy fresh air and sea views.

Other unique quirks of Virgin Voyages' Sea Terrace cabins are mood lighting and full-size beds that turn into sofas by day.

Related: First impressions of Scarlet Lady, the first-ever Virgin Voyages vessel

Excel Presidential Suites on Carnival Cruise Line

On Carnival's Mardi Gras , Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee , these big suites for big spenders afford the same forward-facing views as the captain, with plenty of room to entertain your nearest and dearest both indoors and outside.

The largest balconies in the Carnival fleet at 645 square feet, these come with double sunbeds and loungers, a dining table for meals outdoors and a private soaking pool plus an outdoor shower.

Book one of these suites and you also have unlimited access to Loft 19, a lounging area equipped with cushy loungers and cabanas that is reserved for suite guests.

Slightly more affordable are the ships' 12 Carnival Excel Corner Suites, with the "wow" of private, open-air hot tubs on wraparound balconies.

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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?

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 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

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

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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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?

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.

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.

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!

P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself ;-). Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!

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11 Comments

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…

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

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!

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!

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.

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!