For those that Know about Balconies

[chapdaddy]

We have sailed enough that we know the size of a regular princess balcony, a balcony on the Caribe deck of CB. We are getting ready to book the Crown for next February and are trying to decide between the Caribe deck and it's oversized balcony (Really enjoyed that) and the Aft-end of ship cabins. We have never been on one so could someone that has been on both help us here. We would love the view from the aft, but how are the balconies? Thank you !!

[woodofpine]

On most ships aft balconies are superb and in very high demand. Haven't been on one of a Princess ship, but those on Summit and Westerdam were superlative outrageous! I'm sure that many on Princess fleet are likewise.

[spongerob]

I'm not sure how well the aft balconies on the various Grand-class ships compare to other ships, such as the two mentioned above. One huge benefit you'll find with the Princess balconies on these ships is that they are covered, and the slight reverse angle of the stern makes it almost impossible for trash blowing from above to wind up on your balcony. The stair-stepped and more open balconies on other ships often have this problem. There is some difference in size between the various aft balconies, but I think all are more than large enough to suit you. I'm not sure a few square feet makes that much difference. We're talking location, location, location here.

[CRUISAYEAR]

Go for the coveted "aft BB cat." the balconys are a good bit larger than those in the same catagory on the sides of the ship.

The biggest advantage is they are completely private as they are closed in on both sides by a full height partition and no one can see into them from above or below. You MUST ask your T.A. to get you one of these A.S.A.P. ! they go fast as there are only 6 of this cat. aft available on Grand class ships.

Go to http://www.princess.com and find on the first page where you can click on "ships" choose "Crown Princess" and then "deck plans" check the aft cabins on decks A through E and you will see how many there are, but your T.A. has to reserve one for you. Tell your T.A. no upgrades unless it is to a mini-suite.

We are on the Sapphire Princess in February and have snagged E735. We had C753 on the Golden Princess last time and it was awesome.

You will have a 180 degree view, and be looking down on the wake. They shine spotlights down on the wake at night. It is just a tad noisy as those 4 giant props are churning water big time, but close your patio door and it is fine. Another advantage is you are protected from the wind, which most will tell you can get quite fierce on a side of the ship balcony.

Hope this helps.