Is a balcony worth the money?

[Mississippian]

A question for the OP. Do you ever sleep? A big problem with ocean view and balcony cabins is that light gets in the room. Inside cabins are completely dark. You can get some great sleep, far better than with a bunch of light shining in your eyes. I love being in a completely or almost completely dark room.

[PunkiC]

Different strokes.

 

We have friends who are elite Princess cruisers who will only book an inside cabin. They love dancing all night and napping during the day. In a way, I am jealous of them because they can cruise so much cheaper than we can, balcony-dependent persons that we are.

 

We both just love to go out and watch the ocean at any time of day or night without having to worry about dressing, and love, love, love watching the docking and sail away processes in privacy. Since arrival and docking usually happen very early in the morning, and sail away usually happens while we are preparing for dinner, a balcony really works well for us.

 

I also hand-wash all of my lingerie every day and dry it on the balcony in the sun, if there is any. Nothing smells better than sun-dried clothes. DH, sends his stuff to the laundry which is comped for elites, but I like to do mine by hand both at home and on the ship.

 

DH also like to sun bathe au naturale on the deck, so don't peek around the corner unless you like looking at naked men. :p

[Shogun]

Hi All

 

Well I will swim against the tide here,

 

started of with balcony, mini suite, OV then moved to inside,

 

and never went back,

 

loads of reasons but the biggest one has to be I like cruising

 

so when I said to DW what do you want two cruises a year or one with a balcony

 

the inside won,

 

I do not cruise to spend time in a cabin, its a big ship with plenty to do,

 

now I know some folks spend a fair bit time on their balcony, which is fine, its there choice, some will hate being inside,

 

but I would like to see then work out the extra cost per hour and still think it was value for money, just to see the same sea I can by going on deck,

 

yours Shogun

[Happy ks]

The main reason we love to cruise is for the ocean sights, smells and the feeling we are on the ocean. Not for casinos, shows, shopping, trivia or dancing. We spend a rather large amount of time on our balcony, even in inclement weather. I love the fresh air, the light coming into the room and especially that I can just step outside in my robe without getting fully dressed. We have our morning coffee on the balcony, a glass of wine before going to dinner, many times I take a mirror out there and put my makeup on in pure light, rather than the dim inside light.

 

The last time we cruised in an inside cabin, my husband wanted to take a sledgehammer to the wall, I felt like we were staying in a cave. After that little cruise (thank goodness it was only 4 nights) we swore we'd never cruise without a balcony again. I don't blame people for just using inside cabins for getting ready and sleeping, I want to get the heck out of there, too!

 

If we could stand it we'd probably cruise in inside cabins to save money, but we just can't...we'd both rather go less frequently.

[traveling psych nurse]

We get an ocean view because my husband likes the light. We live out in the country and have pleanty of peace and quiet at home.We like to be out and about on vacation and do not feel like the balcony is worth the price to us. I think it depends on the person and what is important to them. If you would like to be out on your own balcony go for it.

[Tak8]

My first cruise I had a porthole and I thought that was great. Next time I booked a balcony and now I always book a balcony. To me it's worth it. I don't spend a lot of time in my cabin, but it's a great way to start and end the day.

[beachgirl50]

We started booking inside cabins a couple of cruises ago. Up until then, we had always booked a balcony. Unless we are cruising an itinerary like Alaska or the Panama Canal, where there is so much to see close to the shoreline, we will almost always choose an inside cabin. We find that we sleep so much better in a completely dark cabin, and it seems that the temperature of the cabin stays so much more consistent without the sun beating in. Like others have stated, we spend very minimal time in the cabin, and found that we didn't use the balcony enough to justify the price difference. I know it is not for everyone, but it works great for us!

[KirkNC]

I think it is very subjective. For us the answer is usually no but based on pricing and itinerary we occasionally get a balcony.

[LoriPhil]

Agree - it depends on what is important to the individual cruiser.

 

We love the balcony for the reasons previously stated. Additionally, DH is a tad claustrophobic and it gives us the feel that our personal space is so much larger because our line-of-sight goes to the horizon when we are in the room, rather than stopping at the wall. Much of our cruise experience is the pleasure we get returning to our room and continuing that viewing experience - we've been surprised with so many wonderful things in the water or spectacular sun rises/sets while preparing for meals etc - things that are only there for maybe just a minute or two before they're gone.

[SoBaycruiser]

I really think a lot of it depends on what you like to do on cruises and what your finances are. If you are always looking at the Patter in the morning for things to do, you like the hubbub and activity around the pools, etc and finances are limited, than a balcony might not be worth it. If you'd rather be playing bingo or trivia than having a glass of wine on your balcony...then the inside room might be better for you.

 

We like quiet time and cruise for both relaxation and the sights. For us, a balcony is a must. We like stepping out in our robes to see the world to by. We like having cocktails there...reading a book. We like the alone time together where we can talk and see ourselves as a couple more, not as parents or employees. (not saying others who don't spend time together on a balcony aren't enjoying being a couple...just that it works for us). We enjoy sea days sitting on our balcony. We love having the balcony as you enter the port....no rushing to get dressed to run upstairs to see the view as you arrive.

 

One last comment about a balcony in cold weather. One of the best choices we made was having a balcony on our So America/Antarctica cruise. One day, when we were cruising the Antarctica peninsula, we went through a heavy snow storm. Instead of freezing up on deck to see the sights, we went out on our COVERED balcony and stepped inside our room when we got cold. Another morning we were suppose to arrive at Deception Island at 7am and go inside the caldera if it wasn't too windy. We set our alarms, looked out and it was indeed windy so decided not to dress. Well, 20 minutes later we saw this wall of rock just outside our window. We rushed outside in our robes and got a first hand view of Neptunes Bellows....a fantastic experience. So we are confirmed believers in having a balcony in cold weather too. Next June we are booked in a balcony to go up into the Arctic circle on the Midnight Sun cruise. I can hardly wait.

[LarryL]

We love our balconies above all. We were spoiled on our first cruise with a Carib balcony on the Golden. Since then we have tried an OV to save a little money because we had our DD and her friend and missed the balcony a lot. I really do like getting up in the morning with natural light and the ability to step outside for a little morning fresh air and watch as we pull into port. The meals, late night star gazing, and just watching the world pass by make it worth it for us. That said, we are trying an inside this spring. We are top heavy on vacations this year so want to save a little for them, too. :o

 

Larry

[OCruisers]

We seldom use our balcony but like being able to step directly outside from our cabin if and when we wish.

 

NORO VIRUS .... Once on a cruise, DH had Noro. I didn't but was confined to our cabin as well. Actually, wouldn't have left him anyway.

If we had not had that Balcony Cabin where I could get outside for a bit, I would have had Big Time Cabin Fever! It was also nice for him to be able to sit out there for a while once he was feeling better.

 

LuLu

~~~~

[GweninTX]

We have had them all and only you will know what works for you! We thought we HAD to have one for our Alaska cruise last year and it was nice, but we did not feel we got our money's worth out of it, because we were not out on it that much. We are goers and doers- not sit on the balcony and sip wine kind of people! I would rather take 2 cruises and book a cheaper guarantee inside than only take 1 with a balcony- but you are the only ones that know what type you are! Enjoy it either way you go!

[miched]

For us it makes a cruise more enjoyable. The difference in cost is very small when compared to the total cost. It allows you to enjoy the cruise while it in your cabin instead of when not in it.

 

Just being able to walk out anytime and enjoy the sea, stars, sunshine and etc makes a world of difference. Many times At night I will read on the balcony or just sit there looking at the sea and sky and fall asleep.

[TinaLee]

We've done all combinations of cabins and itineraries, and I can't honestly say I think a balcony is worth the extra charged, at least not for us every time. Don't get me wrong, I think a balcony on an inside passage cruise in Alaska is amazing - we enjoyed our Caribe deck balcony the last time immensely. On the other hand, I live in Florida, grew up on the coast, can pretty much go to the beach whenever I like, so I don't see the need for a balcony on a Caribbean cruise since the only view is open water. That said, we did have an aft facing balcony a few years ago on a Caribbean cruise that was lovely.

 

I'd say you need to ask yourself WHY you want a balcony? Do you like to watch sail away and sail in? (we don't particularly) Do you like to get some sun and you don't want to fight for a chair? (we like the shade - skin cancer phobia and it's more peaceful - plus my DH likes to watch MUTS while I read). Do you want someplace quiet to have a drink or a glass of wine? (again, not our thing) Do you want to do it once just to see? (totally legitimate reason) Only you can decide just WHY you are thinking you want that balcony :)

 

Me, I'll take my lovely little inside and enjoy every minute of my cruise!

[cotonwod]

Our first cruise we booked an inside, based on it was money saving and 'you're never in your room'. We also had no idea what it was like outside unless we went up and out deck - webcams weren't installed then.

 

Our second cruise we splurged on an OV, still at a great price. We knew we would never be without a view again.

 

The last two cruises have been with balcony cabins, and we have booked a balcony GTY for the upcoming one as well. It's great to be able to step outside at any time of the day, even if you are in your bathrobe. Arriving and departing from ports is wonderful as observed from your balcony. There is privacy and the dress code is relaxed.

 

The only time I would consider getting an OV instead of a balcony now would be on a port intensive European cruise.

 

Our first cruise was to Alaska in an inside cabin due to having to reschedule last minute. NEVER AGAIN. It was dark and dreary. I've been on several cruises since then and have had balconies and ocean view. I agree that if you're going to the Mediterranean where you're off the ship so many hours or going to Alaska, a balcony isn't as necessary. We're going to the Caribbean in Feb. and a balcony is a must. We were able to get it after booking our cruise at a very small upgrade price of $50 per person.

[margeg]

We always have a balcony! Can't imagine not having one! :eek:

 

Im with Jim. :)

[geoherb]

Once you have a balcony you will probably never go back to an inside.

That's what my DH said after we had our first balcony cabin. But I booked us an inside for our next cruise, which was to New England and Canada. We saved more than $700 per person, which was enough to pay for airfare, excursions, tips, wine, etc. Since then, we've had more insides, obstructed views, unobstructed views, and balcony cabins. Just going on a cruise is usually enough. I'll book us a balcony when the price is good--under $100 per person per day. I'd rather go in an inside cabin than to not go at all.

[kywildcatfanone]

A question for the OP. Do you ever sleep? A big problem with ocean view and balcony cabins is that light gets in the room. Inside cabins are completely dark. You can get some great sleep, far better than with a bunch of light shining in your eyes. I love being in a completely or almost completely dark room.

 

That is one of the things I do enjoy about the inside cabins, is they are completely dark. To answer your question, yes, but usually only at night, kind of regular sleeping hours. In fact, I usually wake up around 5am each day and so I don't need it to be dark during daylight hours.

[kywildcatfanone]

Hi everyone,

 

Sorry I started this thread and disappeared for a couple of days, didn't mean to do that. I've read through the responses and I appreciate them. I believe we are going to book a balcony for our next cruise just to try it out. I would imagine we would not use it as much as others do, but we will see.

I might even try the UBD if it's an option, again, just to try it.

 

We usually like to stay on the Lido deck, so I will likely try a balcony there. Does that sound like a good location for a balcony to those who have stayed in one on the Lido?

 

Thanks,

 

Mike

[TracieABD]

Hi everyone,

 

Sorry I started this thread and disappeared for a couple of days, didn't mean to do that. I've read through the responses and I appreciate them. I believe we are going to book a balcony for our next cruise just to try it out. I would imagine we would not use it as much as others do, but we will see.

I might even try the UBD if it's an option, again, just to try it.

 

We usually like to stay on the Lido deck, so I will likely try a balcony there. Does that sound like a good location for a balcony to those who have stayed in one on the Lido?

 

Thanks,

 

Mike

 

I have stayed on the Lido. It was very convienent. The balcony is fully covered. The disadvantages are you may hear people walking or running overhead, and it is a long way to TD in the aft of the ship.

 

Good luck and happy planning!

[bling19572010]

I haven't read all of the posts here....but YES a balcony is well worth the money. I will never cruise again without having a balcony. It is so nice to get up early and sit on your balcony with a cup of coffee and watch the morning unfold. Also nice in the evening to have a glass of wine on your balcony! Plus any time through out the day just to sit in peace on your own balcony! Enjoy!

[Mississippian]

That is one of the things I do enjoy about the inside cabins, is they are completely dark. To answer your question, yes, but usually only at night, kind of regular sleeping hours. In fact, I usually wake up around 5am each day and so I don't need it to be dark during daylight hours.

I like to sleep a little later. And if I want to take a nap....DARK!

[kywildcatfanone]

I like to sleep a little later. And if I want to take a nap....DARK!

 

I agree with you there, if you want to sleep during the daylight hours, an inside is the way to go (if you need it to be dark when you sleep, which I do).

[vmom]

Hi everyone,

 

Sorry I started this thread and disappeared for a couple of days, didn't mean to do that. I've read through the responses and I appreciate them. I believe we are going to book a balcony for our next cruise just to try it out. I would imagine we would not use it as much as others do, but we will see.

I might even try the UBD if it's an option, again, just to try it.

 

We usually like to stay on the Lido deck, so I will likely try a balcony there. Does that sound like a good location for a balcony to those who have stayed in one on the Lido?

 

Thanks,

 

Mike

 

If you want to try a balcony but want to save some money, you may want to consider a guarantee. Just make sure you would be happy with any balcony location.

 

On one of our cruises we had booked a balcony guarantee and got a cabin just under the Horizon buffet. We never heard any noise from above since the buffet is carpeted and it was nice to be able to go up one flight of stairs for coffee or snacks when we wanted to.

 

You may want to check out the noise level for the Lido balcony cabins.