Balcony??

[KSGal]

We are booked on our first cruise this June aboard the Conquest. My husband is not one to try something new, so this could be the only time I ever get to cruise if he's less than thrilled. (Afterall, he's stuck for 7 days, right?) Should I spend and extra $300pp for a balcony? Or save my $$ for other fun stuff?

[habby]

There are some who would say, book a guarantee for ocean view (meaning that's the lowest category you'll take) and hope for an upgrade. Then there are others who think it's worth the extra cash.

 

Just keep the DH occupied and before you know it, he'll be the one booking the next cruise!

[luvdale]

I am booked on the Glory in April. This will be my first Balcony. This will be my 6th cruise. I started out in a inside cabin, next was the floor to ceiling window, then not a port hole but a smaill type window. I am really excited about the cruise with a balcony. I think it is up to you and your bank account.

[KenMo]

My first cruise was a 4 day ocean view cabin. I, too, was worried about being "stuck" on a ship for 7 days. That's why we only did a 4 day.

 

Let me tell you.....I did not want to get off the ship! And I didn't feel stuck at all!

 

I've had balconies on the rest of my cruises and I think it is the only way to go! If you can afford it.....do it!!!

[I&MsMom]

Is it two of you, or are you sharing the cabin with kids? If you have kids, the balcony is invaluable, particularly if they are small.

 

As you didn't mention any kids, I'll assume it's the two of you. I would say it depends on your personalities. DH would not miss the balcony. He is very social, and spends a fair amount of time in the casino. A chaise on the Lido deck for an hour or two a day would do him fine. He likes to be out and about and meeting people.

 

On the other hand, I love the quiet early mornings and late nights. But that may be a factor of the fact that I'm in the cabin every night by about 10, and once the kids are asleep, I enjoy the balcony, not feeling at all deprived! And when the kids wake up in the morning, they join me on the balcony while dad sleeps a little longer (late night at the tables!) If it were just the two of us, I think I might be inclined to skip the balcony and spend the money on something else.

 

Just as a footnote, after our first 2 cruises with a balcony, I took the kids alone, and we stayed in an inside cabin. I thought I might really dislike it, but I really didn't and would have no problem staying in one again (although not if there would be 4 of us!)

 

Enjoy, whatever you decide!

[sugar n spice]

I've only sailed 2 times and both times with a balcony cabin. Someday I'm going to try the interior cabin on a short cruise just to see what I think but DH and I really enjoy our own private seaside space. If you can afford a balcony cabin and not interfere with the rest of your cruise very much (money wise), I think you'd love it.

 

If you do get a balcony, be sure to order early morning roomservice at least one day and have coffee, juice (whatever you enjoy) and some light breakfast food (maybe the sliced fruit...again, whatever you enjoy) on your balcony before getting dressed and heading to the dining room or buffet. We usually do that a couple of mornings....just have a couple of days to wake up and get in no big hurry. We have room service deliver our light, pre-breakfast around 5:30-6a.m. so that we can watch the early morning sun on the water and just have some quiet time together in all that beauty. Another thing you might do is pack a bottle of your favorite wine or champagne, chill it all day in the ice bucket and when you get back from a shore excursion, get your shower, put on your robe and share a glass or two of your favorite drink on your private balcony before dressing for dinner.

 

Oh, how I miss it all!! Thankfully, I'm planning a cruise now or I'd be really depressed!

 

I can't remember if you said you booked a guarantee or not but if not, check into booking a balcony guarantee. See if the price is still $300.00 more than what you booked. Just be sure to tell your TA or whoever is handling your booking that you do not want an obstructed view and get them to explain how the guarantee process works.

 

By the way, if your DH thinks of a cruise as being "stuck" for 7 days.....he's in for a pleasant surprise already!

[Caribbean Dad1]

If you can afford it, do it. I told caribbean_mom to go ahead and splurge with a balcony when she booked our Legend cruise. The only problem that you might run in to is that you may never want to book anything less than a balcony ever again. ;)

[cruznlobo]

The first cruise we took together, I booked an Ocean View for four days hoping that my future wife would enjoy cruising.:confused:

She booked the next one. A balcony.:rolleyes:

We've been on four other cruises since then (all balconies).:D

And we got married on the Glory two years ago.:D

Balcony on the Liberty up next for our second anniversary.:cool:

[richcrow]

My DW is a smoker and I am not. Since she will not smoke in a room that we both occupy, the least i csn do is book a balcony.

 

Richard

[2timecruiser28]

Book the balcony. You will really enjoy stepping outside (even in your pajamas) without having to go out on the public deck to get a breath of fresh air. We even propped the door open and took a nap one afternoon. It was heavenly! For the money, it can't be beat. Happy cruising.

[Timmys_mom]

Should I spend and extra $300pp for a balcony? Or save my $$ for other fun stuff?

 

This is like asking "Should I breathe?" Spend the money on the balcony. You can find a lot of suggestions for "free balcony activities" on other threads. ;)

[KSGal]

Thanks for the opinions, a balcony is definitely in my future!!!!

[LizaMM]

I have had inside cabin, oceanview and balcony.

 

For all the reasons other posters have mentioned.....A Balcony cabin is DEFINETLY my favorite choice! I spend a lot of time out there and find that it adds a fabulous dimension to my vacation and is probably the spot where I can totally submerse myself in the R&R factor.

 

I was also quite satisfied with my inside cabin and would surely do it again if the balcony cost was not in my range (I sometimes cruise solo and this can be quite a price difference!!). Personally, I don't think I'd bother with an OV - an inside for the coziness, darkness and price or a balcony.