Is there anyone else who have never been in a balcony?

[malackym]

We had an ocean view on our first cruise on a lower deck, I still remember waking up one morning and opening the blind and seeing people’s feet walking along the pier. No big deal, just funny.

Since then, we have only had interior rooms and we don't spend much time in it. I tend to get motion sick so we stay in the middle as close to sea level as we can. I just haven't been able to convince myself to spend the extra money for a balcony when it's about the same as our airfare. I look at it as one of us flies for free.

However, we have a cruise planned with some friend in 2014 and I'm wondering if I'm beginning to cave. Didn't have any problem with motion sickness on the FOS last time and our friends are getting a balcony. The say all the same things as I hear here. I was even thinking of starting a thread to have people try and convince me to get a balcony.

Never say never, but I just can't see me pulling the trigger.

So, to the OP, you are not alone!

Mark.

[DMickey28]

Our first cruise was Oceanview. Then we went balcony and back to ocean view and last few have been balcony. I don't know that I could do inside but I would if it meant I could cruise vs not cruising. I prefer balcony but for me it's just being on the ship.

[cj_one2000]

I'm doing cruise #4 in an inside cabin, this will be hubby's second in an inside cabin. We'd rather spend our money on the ports, enjoying the places we are traveling to! Someday we might splurge on a balcony -- if there's a deal too good to pass up at the right time :)

[printingchick]

Just curious if I am the only one! On my last cruise, I "splurged" and got an oceanview, but other than that, every cruise I have taken has been in an inside cabin. After reading posts about this suite and that suite, and all the perks, I'm thinking to myself, am I the only cruiser who books an inside all the time? Truth is, I'm afraid if I ever upgrade, I'll never want to go back to an inside, and I'm not sure my budget can afford that! :)

 

I am in the same boat...no pun intended! Once I got a taste of OV cabins, I was unable to go back to insides. I worry I'll have the same reaction to a balcony! Maybe when I reach a level where I qualify for a balcony discount. But for now, the window is enough for me...and within my limited budget!!

[superduper123]

Balconies are horrible! I should know I have had 3 and one was a suite!

 

Cruisers who only get balconies are always complaining about smokers on other balconies! Insides never have that problem;) Balcony cruisers always complain about chair noise from above:confused:

 

Balcony cruisers are boring people who dont know how to socialise with anything other than a good book or the room service steward with cheese platter to complement said book with an occasional glass of red!

 

Inside cruisers rock! and are much better people than Balcony cruisers are!

Great thread ;)

 

I love this! Thanks for putting a different spin on it! :D

[Scotico]

Had an inside many years ago....Once you upgrade you will "never go back."

 

Exactly.....once you get a taste of a balcony room, you can never stay inside. Nothing like getting room service in the morning and having breakfast on your balcony overlooking the ocean. Also, I don't understand how someone can get an inside room for a cruise like Alaska or the Mediterranean.

[billylen]

Good thread… I have been in many balcony “types” (aft, D, E, JS) and have enjoyed them but the truth is I spend very little time on them. Add to that some balconies are fairly small so there is not much room, depending on category and ship to move around. When I had an aft cabin the balcony was huge but it creeped me out to be on the back of the ship (silly, right).

 

My next cruise is in an oceanview on a lower deck…I find that what I enjoy the most is to be as high up and as far forward on the ship as possible because of the rocking…makes me sleep like a baby. It is for that reason I will probably try an inside soon because everyone says they sleep so well. I want to see if that’s true. Back to the original question; for me I can understand the “once you get a balcony you never go back” mentality, but I think once you cruise enough the real goal is the cruise itself regardless of the type of cabin…

[cj_one2000]

I think it is important to listen to your budget and not listen to people who can easily afford balconies or suites and then think that choice is essential. I am able to cruise more often and enjoy excursions more because of my lower cost cabin choices.

 

Exactly how we feel!

 

And on top of that, we don't spend much time in the room anyway. With all the things to do on the ships and getting off at every port to enjoy the port of call, we just don't see the value in spending all that money on a balcony. For the 5 & 7 night cruises I've done, it works out just fine.

 

Now, a longer (14+) nights or a transatlantic/repositioning cruise, sometimes there are great deals and once we are in the "market" for one of those cruises, we will probably choose a balcony.

[jpg1747]

After many years of cruising, I finally tried a balcony on my last two cruises. The first was a solo TA and the second was a 7-day cruise with a roommate. I only did them because the cost was comparable to what I normally pay for a solo OV cabin for myself. I didn't make much use of the balconies. I'd rather be out and about around the ship. I won't say I'll never get one again, because while I didn't go out on it very much, I did like the full glass wall for the view. As always, I will book the cabin that's the best value for me, whatever it is. On my upcoming two cruises, one is an OV and one is an inside - for now. Depends on how the prices fluctuate.

[Desert Cruizers]

Our first cruise was an OV, we then did a balcony for our Caribbean and have book balconies since. Next year for our first Australia cruise, we did splurge and go with a JS which we will have for both our 13 day NA and 18 day Transpacific, however for the 12 day Hawaii back to Vancouver, we dropped back to a D-1. They wanted more for the JS then what we paid for the Transpacific and weren't about the spend that huge differance. I especially enjoy sitting out on our balcony late at night just before going to bed.

[Goes Cruising]

As you can see from the responses, you are definitely not alone. We are diamond, and have cruised the majority of the time inside. The 1st time I splurged on a balcony, we were never able to use it because the smoker next door was non-stop. I swore I would never waste the money again, but happened to snag a great price on one of those often talked about aft balconies on a TA, and really loved it. Smokers next door, but we really only caught an occasional whiff. I got another great price on a standard balcony on our last Oasis cruise, and thought it was so-so. I actually prefer the room layout of insides to the balcony layout.

 

So, I've reached the point that I'll spend a few dollars to upgrade (with the diamond discount, it can make it tempting), but I can easily live without it. I don't agree that you can never go back. I definitely don't cruise for the balcony, so to me, it's a perk but not a necessity.

 

Though, that aft sure was nice...I am on a mission to snag one of those corner afts on a Radiance class just once in my life :D

[cj_one2000]

Balconies are horrible! I should know I have had 3 and one was a suite!

 

Cruisers who only get balconies are always complaining about smokers on other balconies! Insides never have that problem;) Balcony cruisers always complain about chair noise from above:confused:

 

Balcony cruisers are boring people who dont know how to socialise with anything other than a good book or the room service steward with cheese platter to complement said book with an occasional glass of red!

 

Inside cruisers rock! and are much better people than Balcony cruisers are!

 

Great thread ;)

 

Don't forget that inside cruisers get the best sleep - pitch black & quiet! :D Therefore we are less grumpy and can be the life of the party!

[bigque]

Did a Ocean View for the 1st cruise cause I wanted to be able to look out when I was in the cabin. Decided on a balcony for the 2nd cruise and doing a balcony again on the next cruise because we liked it so much. We enjoyed sitting out on the balcony in the mornings as the ship was getting close to port eatting breakfast and having coffee. I also like sitting out on the balcony late at night just watching the stars, other ships passing in the distance, seeing the lights on the nearby islands and if I am back in the cabin, I like to sit out on the balcony rather than inside the cabin itself. I have dozed off out there at night because it so peaceful. So after one balcony trip, balconies is the cabin of choice for me!

[HappyCruiser54]

I have done insides, oceanview and one junior suite. We usually cruise with quite a bit of friends so don't really spend much time in the cabin. Only really used the balcony one time. I would much rather be out on the ship. I am an early riser, I like to go up early, grab a cup of coffee sit by the pool and enjoy the quiet while my husband sleeps in. Of course, we are also up late with our friends, so not much time for the balcony. I would rather use the extra money saved by booking an inside to buy:D Next Cruise Certificates.

[MOSusan]

Our first family cruise was in an inside which worked just fine - the kids were 7 & 9. The next cruise was Alaska and my husband announced that a balcony was as must. We haven't sailed in anything but a balcony since.

 

I am not one of those that "never spends anytime in the cabin" as I am a little more sun sensitive than most. So when the balcony is shady it's a great place to kick back and enjoy the Caribbean without risking the awful sunburn.

 

I think it really depends on what you want from a vacation. If you love being in the "mix" with everyone - hanging out at the pool, night club, etc. then it's a waste of money to do anything more than an inside. But if quiet and relaxation is a goal for your cruise, then a balcony is the best choice.

 

Enjoy which ever you decide.

[superduper123]

After many years of cruising, I finally tried a balcony on my last two cruises. The first was a solo TA and the second was a 7-day cruise with a roommate. I only did them because the cost was comparable to what I normally pay for a solo OV cabin for myself. I didn't make much use of the balconies. I'd rather be out and about around the ship. I won't say I'll never get one again, because while I didn't go out on it very much, I did like the full glass wall for the view. As always, I will book the cabin that's the best value for me, whatever it is. On my upcoming two cruises, one is an OV and one is an inside - for now. Depends on how the prices fluctuate.

 

I agree. I like to be out and about on the ship, not hanging out in my cabin. I am only there when sleeping. Of course, relaxing with a glass of wine on the balcony sounds a lot more appealing that sitting on the bed....:)

[MommaBear55]

Going on my 6th cruise in 6 weeks and am very nervous as it will be my FIRST inside cabin. I will take a night light and just hope I won't be claustrophobic. I love the sight and sound of the ocean rushing by. Hope I can appreciate as much on deck! However we did it this way as a cost saving measure so we can do more cruises!:)

[narrow56]

I've had an interior, oceanview, and balcony (in that order). We're back to interiors for our next two cruises! As long as I'm on the ship, I don't really care where I am...unless I get a call from the upgrade fairy (that's how we got the balcony).

[superduper123]

As you can see from the responses, you are definitely not alone. We are diamond, and have cruised the majority of the time inside. The 1st time I splurged on a balcony, we were never able to use it because the smoker next door was non-stop. I swore I would never waste the money again, but happened to snag a great price on one of those often talked about aft balconies on a TA, and really loved it. Smokers next door, but we really only caught an occasional whiff. I got another great price on a standard balcony on our last Oasis cruise, and thought it was so-so. I actually prefer the room layout of insides to the balcony layout.

 

So, I've reached the point that I'll spend a few dollars to upgrade (with the diamond discount, it can make it tempting), but I can easily live without it. I don't agree that you can never go back. I definitely don't cruise for the balcony, so to me, it's a perk but not a necessity.

 

Though, that aft sure was nice...I am on a mission to snag one of those corner afts on a Radiance class just once in my life :D

 

Great comments. Thanks!

[WetToes]

... needs a balcony right away on their first cruise. Are they nice, yes, but not a necessity for every cruise.

 

 

Of course you're only speaking for yourself ... right? ;)

 

My motto is 'No balcony, no go'.

 

I don't get people who talk about not spending enough time in the cabin to warrant getting a balcony, but then talk about sleeping good long sleeps, and naps in inside cabins.

Seems to me if you're doing all this sleeping in there then you ARE spending a bit of time in the cabin. It's just not awake time, but sleep time.

[tlatrice]

Of course you're only speaking for yourself ... right? ;)

 

My motto is 'No balcony, no go'.

 

I don't get people who talk about not spending enough time in the cabin to warrant getting a balcony, but then talk about sleeping good long sleeps, and naps in inside cabins.

Seems to me if you're doing all this sleeping in there then you ARE spending a bit of time in the cabin. It's just not awake time, but sleep time.

 

 

Ditto. This is my first cruise and I wouldn't consider anything less than a balcony. Since I don't have as much vacation time, I want to make the most of my cruise. I'm so looking forward to breakfast on my balcony, and spending Saturday recovering from my excursions (I'm doing one in each port) on my balcony.

[deltahog]

I would think most cruisers have never been on a balcony. I would think even a majority of cruisecritic members. As for me:

 

Cruise 1 - porthole

Cruise 2 - porthole

Cruise 3 - interior

 

Upcoming cruise 4 - interior

[VillaHappy]

We leave on our 5th cruise next Saturday :D and it will be our 5th inside cabin. I feel the same way as to 'What I don't know, I won't miss' strategy. I've actually never even seen a balcony room.

:p

 

Not even a picture of one? Online, or in a brochure?

[WetToes]

Ditto. This is my first cruise and I wouldn't consider anything less than a balcony. Since I don't have as much vacation time, I want to make the most of my cruise. I'm so looking forward to breakfast on my balcony, and spending Saturday recovering from my excursions (I'm doing one in each port) on my balcony.

 

 

Hope you have a great time. I do not believe that you will be sorry for getting a balcony.

We really enjoy our early morning coffee out there ... so quiet.

[akcruz]

Of course you're only speaking for yourself ... right? ;)

 

My motto is 'No balcony, no go'.

 

I don't get people who talk about not spending enough time in the cabin to warrant getting a balcony, but then talk about sleeping good long sleeps, and naps in inside cabins.

Seems to me if you're doing all this sleeping in there then you ARE spending a bit of time in the cabin. It's just not awake time, but sleep time.

 

Where I have an issue is that newbies will see something like this and think that they will not enjoy their cruise unless they get a balcony. This just is not the case. You may have a strong preference, and the $$ to go along with it, to always get a balcony, but others may not.

 

When we were younger and money was tighter we sailed in insides or oceanviews, often with 4 of us in the one cabin. We made it work and very much enjoyed those cruises. It was not necessary to have a balcony for us to have a great time.

 

Now that the kids are older and we are in a better place we can afford a balcony for us and sometimes one for the "kids" as well. Does it enhance our cruise, yes it is does, but it still is not a necessity to enjoy our cruise.

 

As for those that say the cabin is great to sleep in, maybe they enjoy the inside more since it is darker and quieter?? If that is their choice and it works for them, great.

 

I just want the newbies to know they don't have to get a balcony. Think about what works best for you and your traveling companions from both a $$ and extras perspective.