Balconies: Is there such a thing as a BAD balcony room?

[NOLAbebe]

Hello, y'all!

 

I am wondering if there is such a thing as a bad balcony. We are debating letting Carnival pick a balcony for us vs upgrading to a balcony of our choosing for significantly more money. Have you ever had a balcony room you didn't like? Have you ever had a bad experience letting Carnival choose your room location?

[kelkel2]

That really is debatable. There are certain ships that have obstructed view balconies. I am not sure off hand which ships those are and I am sure someone can tell you but those would be less desirable to me personally, but maybe not to you. Also I am somewhat noise sensitive so I am careful to book my room where I am not under or over a bar area or somewhere that will be loud at night because when I am ready to sleep I want to sleep. So it really just depends on you personally. But in the end, if I was saving a lot of money, I would probably let Carnival pick my balcony, because cheaper cruises are more cruises!!

[D4]

... Also I am somewhat noise sensitive so I am careful to book my room where I am not under or over a bar area or somewhere that will be loud at night because when I am ready to sleep I want to sleep. ...

 

I agree with this. Last year we upgraded from a balcony to a suite on the Glory. It was near the atrium elevators and the atrium music was way too loud at night. We would not have paid to upgrade to the suite if we had known about the noise in that part of the ship. The noise affected the other cabins near ours as well (suites and insides.)

 

If you don't care about noise, vibrations, etc. then take the guarantee and save money.

[ryansmith18]

My first cruise was an obstructed view balcony. Not a big deal at all for us. In our particular case we couldn't lean over the rail to see what was up ahead. Still got a wide ocean view and enjoyed the living crap out of it. Of course it helps to have a glass-half-full attitude and enjoy whatever cabin you end up in.

[srlafleur]

While I wouldn't classify them as "bad", the aft-view balconies on deck 8 on Sunshine are right below a loud nightclub, though it seemed that they either moved the sound system, (which felt as though it was right over our heads...THUMP, THUMP, THUMP) or they turned it down significantly after the first couple of nights (and some complaints, I'm sure, though we just dealt with it).

 

Now, that's not a problem at all if you're likely to be IN the nightclub.

 

For some reason I failed to check the location before booking. Normally, I would make certain there were only other staterooms above and below.

[KPfromCT]

As stated above, there are certain ships that have obstructed balconies, by the lifeboats. That would be a bummer.

Also, I don't think I'd want them picking my cabin for fear that I would end up over the nightclub, or under the Lido.

While I am a DEAD sleeper, DH is a LIGHT sleeper. He hears EVERTHING:eek:

 

What ship are you looking at? Is the savings substantial for a guarantee?

[salinator]

I was on the Pride earlier this year in May, and we had a wheelchair / handicap room. We had actually picked that room, not sure why. We knew we would be moved if there was a need for a room for someone in a wheelchair. In the past, I have had the need for a handicap room for a family member and it never bothered me, but with the room on the Pride, and probably other ships as well, the washroom IS the shower. This means that every shower you take, you have to clean the whole bathroom floor if you do not want wet feet. The balcony was great, as it was a double wide. Had a great view, so I can't complain about that. You just have to make sure that if you get a room such as this, you will need to expect some differences versus your normal room configuration.

[NOLAbebe]

As stated above, there are certain ships that have obstructed balconies, by the lifeboats. That would be a bummer.

Also, I don't think I'd want them picking my cabin for fear that I would end up over the nightclub, or under the Lido.

While I am a DEAD sleeper, DH is a LIGHT sleeper. He hears EVERTHING:eek:

 

What ship are you looking at? Is the savings substantial for a guarantee?

 

We are sailing on the Dream. This is our first cruise, and Hubs could care less about cruising. We are traveling with multiple friends and it's all about the social aspect to him. He likes blackout curtains in the bedroom and says he is perfectly fine with the tiny, dark interior room. I, on the other hand, crave sunshine. I feel lethargic if there isn't enough of it. We are also tall- Hubby is 6'6". I am trying not to be unreasonable, but I am mildly worried about feeling claustrophobic and/or depressed every time we are in the cabin. For less than $100, it seems we can get a Carnival-chosen balcony. If we wet to choose our own balcony, it is almost $550.

 

I feel like a deer in headlights here! I saw that some Cove balconies were somewhat more affordable, around $400 to choose out own. I guess we won't know until it's too late, since we have nothing to compare this to. I tell you this: if we end up NOT upgrading, I will go Wayne Brady on someone to get a spa pass, which is where you will find me de-stressing from our hole of a room all week long. ;)

[idiebabe]

We are sailing on the Dream. This is our first cruise, and Hubs could care less about cruising. We are traveling with multiple friends and it's all about the social aspect to him. He likes blackout curtains in the bedroom and says he is perfectly fine with the tiny, dark interior room. I, on the other hand, crave sunshine. I feel lethargic if there isn't enough of it. We are also tall- Hubby is 6'6". I am trying not to be unreasonable, but I am mildly worried about feeling claustrophobic and/or depressed every time we are in the cabin. For less than $100, it seems we can get a Carnival-chosen balcony. If we wet to choose our own balcony, it is almost $550.

 

I feel like a deer in headlights here! I saw that some Cove balconies were somewhat more affordable, around $400 to choose out own. I guess we won't know until it's too late, since we have nothing to compare this to. I tell you this: if we end up NOT upgrading, I will go Wayne Brady on someone to get a spa pass, which is where you will find me de-stressing from our hole of a room all week long. ;)

 

I've been on Dream and Breeze. I would stay away from Deck 6 due to lack of privacy and noise and also any room directly above the Hot Tubs that are on Promenade (including Deck 9). The noise travels up and although the Hot Tubs close at 8:00 pm and depending on who is in them it can be rather annoying!

 

Haven't stayed in a Cove Balcony but have been in one of the rooms and they are nice! Close to the water, too!

 

Check out the Deck Plans! :)

Edited August 25, 2014 by idiebabe

[Grannycb]

Have you looked at Cruise Critic cabin reviews? They can give you a good idea of what people think about various locations around your particular ship.

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/cabin-reviews/?src=nav

[WetToes]

We are sailing on the Dream. This is our first cruise, and Hubs could care less about cruising. We are traveling with multiple friends and it's all about the social aspect to him. He likes blackout curtains in the bedroom and says he is perfectly fine with the tiny, dark interior room. I, on the other hand, crave sunshine. I feel lethargic if there isn't enough of it. We are also tall- Hubby is 6'6". I am trying not to be unreasonable, but I am mildly worried about feeling claustrophobic and/or depressed every time we are in the cabin. For less than $100, it seems we can get a Carnival-chosen balcony. If we wet to choose our own balcony, it is almost $550.

 

I feel like a deer in headlights here! I saw that some Cove balconies were somewhat more affordable, around $400 to choose out own. I guess we won't know until it's too late, since we have nothing to compare this to. I tell you this: if we end up NOT upgrading, I will go Wayne Brady on someone to get a spa pass, which is where you will find me de-stressing from our hole of a room all week long. ;)

 

I'd spend the $100 (or less) and let Carnival choose. We've let them chose several times, and haven't had a problem with where we wound up.

You 'both' deserve to enjoy the cruise, and the cabin. ;)

Edited August 25, 2014 by WetToes

[onegroundcafe]

One night while on the Glory we sat with a couple who had a balcony room right above the night club, they hated it and eventually moved rooms to a balcony on the opposite side of the ship....

[Celebrategoldens]

We just booked a guarantee category balcony cabin for our upcoming, Aug 31 cruise on the Carnival Pride. We booked in early August so pretty late to book. Our first assigned cabin was 5248, two days after our assignment was published we got an email from the upgrade fairy and took the upgrade to cabin 7248. The upgrade cost us $40 total. I would book a guarantee cabin again. I liked both the ones we were offered. 😊

 

Sailing in SIX days!!

[Crusin Hogs]

Our spa balcony cabin last Jan , had a crying baby next door , Day and night , Carnival gave us 20% off our next cruise . Found out baby was teething , so take a baby remember they can be heard thru the walls . This could have happened in any cabin

[092306]

We had a mid ship balcony on deck 6 on the Triumph. No idea what we were thinking as it wasn't our first cruise, but we didn't check the deck plans. We were right above the casino and heard the live music loud and clear afternoons and evenings. Would have taken a quiet interior over that room.

[KPfromCT]

We are sailing on the Dream. This is our first cruise, and Hubs could care less about cruising. We are traveling with multiple friends and it's all about the social aspect to him. He likes blackout curtains in the bedroom and says he is perfectly fine with the tiny, dark interior room. I, on the other hand, crave sunshine. I feel lethargic if there isn't enough of it. We are also tall- Hubby is 6'6". I am trying not to be unreasonable, but I am mildly worried about feeling claustrophobic and/or depressed every time we are in the cabin. For less than $100, it seems we can get a Carnival-chosen balcony. If we wet to choose our own balcony, it is almost $550.

 

I feel like a deer in headlights here! I saw that some Cove balconies were somewhat more affordable, around $400 to choose out own. I guess we won't know until it's too late, since we have nothing to compare this to. I tell you this: if we end up NOT upgrading, I will go Wayne Brady on someone to get a spa pass, which is where you will find me de-stressing from our hole of a room all week long. ;)

 

LOL!!!! I have heard GREAT things about the dream, and also Cove balconies. I would say go for a cove. Just check the deck plans and make sure you are not underneath the dining room or the dance club.

DH won't do a cove, as he doesn't want to be that close to the water:mad:

However, he does love the Lido balconies, so I am content with that.:D

 

Go for it!!! People that have cruise on the Dream can chime in and let you know if there are any obstructed balconies, but I would personally take an obstructed balcony over an inside, anyday.

 

Have a great cruise!!! Enjoy!:D

[Out to sea!]

Please show me where I've complained about you (whomever you are) driving me off? I was remarking on how sad it is that someone sees a balcony as being useless simply because they can't smoke on it.

 

You don't seem to understand that some people don't see a balcony as the end all of cabin selection. Some of us really couldn't care less about a balcony and the only thing that the extra expense of a balcony was worth was to be able to smoke on it without going up or down to a public deck. And you made your statement rather rudely to boot.

[Out to sea!]

We just booked a guarantee category balcony cabin for our upcoming, Aug 31 cruise on the Carnival Pride. We booked in early August so pretty late to book. Our first assigned cabin was 5248, two days after our assignment was published we got an email from the upgrade fairy and took the upgrade to cabin 7248. The upgrade cost us $40 total. I would book a guarantee cabin again. I liked both the ones we were offered. 😊

 

Sailing in SIX days!!

 

Congrats. Most people who want a balcony are happy with any balcony. Granted, there are some such as light sleepers who might be bothered with a certain location but for most, it really doesn't matter, especially if they can save some money. Glad your GTY was good for you and also that you got a cheap upgrade as well.

[srlafleur]

We always choose an aft-facing veranda stateroom (because we're spoiled and we can), but if it came down to it, I'd choose a balcony Gty. over something less.

The balcony makes a big difference to us, regardless of location or type. It's almost like having a second room. A very tiny extra room, but it's nice to read out on the (relatively) quiet and private veranda, to watch the sunrise or set, or just to decompress after a busy day.

Plus, booking a balcony gty. doesn't automatically mean you'll have the worst balcony cabin. You could end up with one of the best.

Edited August 26, 2014 by srlafleur

[chef5674]

The only balcony we did not like was a spa cabin on the Valor. There was not cover so it was super hot all day and people looked right down from the mini golf. But I gladly do guarantees to save money now. On our upcoming Glory cruise we scored a lido balcony.

 

 

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[angie1818]

On our last cruise we tried an aft balcony. I had read all the reviews and thought it would be a great balcony plus it was the only type room we had never tried. Big mistake! While the view was wonderful you couldn't stay on it very long because of the heat. No breeze at all. It was June and we were sailing east to west and west to east but I didn't expect it to be so hot. No cover and no privacy so that added to the disappointment. The aft balcony would probably be a lot better in the spring or fall but definitely not in the middle of summer! I did however enjoy the view and my Bloody Mary first thing in the morning watching the sun rise. But like someone said earlier there really is no BAD balcony.:D

[Surfwench]

I'd probably go with an ocean-view of my choosing rather than a balcony of theirs. The OV is as large as a balcony cabin, (minus the balcony), and it has a window so you have lots of interior light. Plus there is a couch and end table and just more room in general. With your husband so tall.... I can understand why you are reluctant to commit to an interior. They are small, narrow, and claustrophobic, although that doesn't bother some people. Now the interiors with French Doors are the same size as an interior, but the French Doors, (no balcony just opens up behind the lifeboats), give you plenty of light and fresh air if you wish.

[Out to sea!]

I'd probably go with an ocean-view of my choosing rather than a balcony of theirs. The OV is as large as a balcony cabin, (minus the balcony), and it has a window so you have lots of interior light. Plus there is a couch and end table and just more room in general. With your husband so tall.... I can understand why you are reluctant to commit to an interior. They are small, narrow, and claustrophobic, although that doesn't bother some people. Now the interiors with French Doors are the same size as an interior, but the French Doors, (no balcony just opens up behind the lifeboats), give you plenty of light and fresh air if you wish.

 

PTs are cheaper than OVs and the same size plus still have the natural light for the cost of a 4A.

[cruzinlisa]

IMO, depends on what you consider bad. I have had exactly two balcony rooms. The one on Conquest was the lowest category you can get. On Celebrity Constellation, it was the lowest category Aqua Class balcony (which many say they created so they could sell the less desirable balconies at a lower rate). No issues with either. On conquest we were aft, below the piano bar, but I was never bothered by noise. On Constellation we were right above the lido deck so when we were on the balcony, we could hear the sail away party. But other than that, no major issues. We are not super picky. And I would rather be in a balcony in the least desirable part of the ship (within reason of course) than a super quiet ideally located inside cabin. But that is JMO.

[NOLAbebe]

Thank you all for chiming in! I found out that letting Carnival pick your room was for a new booking, so I went ahead and chose our own Cove balcony. We are supposedly in a good area, from what I can tell by the cabin reviews and the deck plans. It is slightly forward, and I can imagine the only thing we'll be bummed about is if there is hurricane winds and waves, resulting in more pitch (our interior was mid-ship) and a wet, unusable balcony. I am EXCITED!!! I feel very, very good about this switch. Thank you for the tips about deck 6! I have heard and read so many bad things that I would be scared to ever book any type of room on that floor!

 

Thanks for the clarification about the gty. policies, also! Will keep the upgrade options in mind for our next cruise.

 

Lastly, if a dolphin leaps onto my balcony, I may never cruise again. Just had to make that clear. 33 days! Woohoo!!!

Edited August 27, 2014 by NOLAbebe
Typos!