Oceanview vs Balcony cabin on a cruise ship

Factors to consider when selecting an oceanview versus a balcony cabinon your cruise.
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[@josmith7616]

Once you have a balcony room it’s difficult to go back to an interior rm. I love enjoying the peacefulness of watching the ocean while having my morning coffee.

[@raybon7939]

Yeah your right....I don't know how anyone can go on the interior.

[@SandyToes75]

@@raybon7939 Better than no cruise at all.

[@APimpNamedSlick]

Reading a book on the balcony while the sun sets with a nice beverage, oh yes.

[@willingcube5713]

@@APimpNamedSlick but there are plenty of quiet places on the ship to read on deck and watch the sun set...

[@APimpNamedSlick]

@@willingcube5713 I imagine their is, I’d prefer my own space though

[@gmkarliah6528]

Honestly after when the pandemic first started and they shut down those ships and forced everyone to stay in their rooms, I told myself I'd never get anything that wasn't a balcony if I ever cruised again. I would lose my mind staying in an interior room for a week in that sort of situation.

[@theworldtravelingmom7496]

Same!

[@shortcake7200]

We just booked our first cruise and we had the same thought. Totally understand things happen, but the type of room and accessibility to fresh air I could control.

[@Lori_L]

Exactly!

[@thefreckledafrikan]

Once you go balc, you never go back

[@theworldtravelingmom7496]

@@thefreckledafrikan 😆😆😆

[@janaf3813]

Our preference is definitely balcony room. Having the option to step outside wearing whatever you want is great. Sitting and watching the ocean while sipping some Asti, that is blissful!

[@gwcrispi]

Having a place to sit and enjoy some bubbly while my wife gets ready for dinner is worth the price.

[@SandyToes75]

@@gwcrispi How sweet.

[@EricIsTraveling]

We always do a balcony. Love having room service in the morning watching and listening to the ocean 🚢 🌊

[@larry4111]

My very first cruise was about getting the biggest bang for the buck and I chose an inside studio cabin. That was the last time. From that point on I have only sailed balcony - and I'm a solo cruiser so it can often cost a lot more but Royal usually has a second cruiser discount and/or solo discount so it's rarely double. For me, the added cost is definitely worth it. I love sitting out there having coffee and watching the sunrise, and for me there's nothing like taking a nap after dinner on the balcony on a dark moonlit night with the sound of the sea rushing by. I wouldn't have it any other way.

[@amybradley5821]

Me too, only a balcony and I usually go solo.

[@soniabarbosa8066]

Sounds magnificent 🌟

[@vinylninja]

Brilliant. How do you get a single person discount?

[@larry4111]

@@vinylninja Just go to any of the cruise sites. I usually use Norwegian or Royal Caribbean. For example, every few weeks NCL offers "60% off 2nd guest." Right now Celebrity is having a "75% off 2nd guest" sale. That amounts to a 125% fare for solo travelers vs. 200%. Celebrity also has solo studio cabins like NCL where you only pay for one person. Many ships have them now. Also, if you do a search on many sites there is "Solo Cruiser Discount" as an option. Most cruise lines have a selection for it. It will bring up cruises that don't charge doub le for solo cruisers.

[@timd729]

100% agree.. most people dont know how to utilize that balcony. Its for the moonlit nights

[@LaquetaHodge]

Balcony is always a must for me, I feel like if I'm spending that much money might as well splurge a bit on that type of room.

[@lorihughes8873]

Just booked a balcony cabin for an Alaska 2023 cruise. Didn’t know about the room service in the morning. Yay!

[@LMDinNC]

Two things made the balcony well worth the extra cost for me: room service breakfast in pajamas enjoying the sunrise, and sunset cocktail. Weather was in the 70s night and day on my December cruise and the fresh air was glorious.

[@EntropyGuardian]

I prefer promenade view rooms. But having room service breakfast in your robe sitting on your balcony looking at the port or ocean... It is extremely nice

[@tiannam117]

I’ve done interior on carnival and royal Caribbean Then two ocean view balconies on RC. Doing a Central Park balcony for the first time and am excited to try it out! I always say the best part of a balcony are room service breakfasts in PJs in the fresh air.

[@jordanwilliams1546]

How is it Cruising in December vs in the summer?

[@LMDinNC]

Jordan, it was perfect for me - 70s night and day. Not sure that is always the case.

[@jordanwilliams1546]

@@LMDinNC thanks

[@deborahthemisses]

Took my first cruise 5/2024 we had a balcony suite......Love the views and everything

[@wsasi07]

Just booked my 1st cruise on RC for a family of 4 and I was able to snag to 2 connecting Ocean view balcony rooms for 30% off. So Excited!

[@Detroit-gx5nd]

How was it?

[@stewartscarborough4608]

I had a balcony cabin when I sailed Alaska. When we were in Hubbard Glacier we sat on our balcony and had breakfast and took pictures as we sailed by the glaciers. I looked at the TV screen, which was set to the ship's CCTV showing the deck, and people were lined up 3 or 4 people deep to get pictures. On an itinerary like Alaska, balcony is a definite plus.

[@ginafromcologne9281]

Interesting, that's a very good point! I thought that you wouldn't need a balcony when it's so cold outside, but the view is surely amazing.

[@leenaray1172]

We base our room choices on itinerary. For Alaska and Hawaii we are definitely doing balconies, but for our summer Caribbean cruise coming up we are doing interior. The price was way better and leaves us with extra $$$ for all of the excursions!

[@isabellaredenbarger3393]

Totally agree!

[@MoistCrumpet]

On my last cruise my family and I had a balcony cabin, and on our next one in a few days we will have a balcony cabin again. Drinking my morning coffee while sitting and relaxing on the balcony taking in the beautiful view is pure bliss.

[@curtbonnell4308]

I go with an interior stateroom. I want to spend sea days wandering around the ship or getting sun/air in the public spaces onboard. To me, the room is just a place to sleep and shower. I prefer to spend the saved money on shore excursions and/or drink packages.

[@fiffigal]

I have cruise over 15 timed Royal by far the best line, and when it comes to our room inside cabin every time never mind the budget. We just don't need space or have the time to spend in there, being that we are our all day and all night only using for sleep and changing of course. We did have upgrade once to balcony and hated it, smelly smokers drifting in when door open, gaily winds humming through the cracks, and it just wasn't warm enough to be out there or keep door open for air. So save your money for other important things like fine dining which we love instead of dining room. All in all enjoy your experience and don't spend it in your room, you can get peace and quiet in the solarium. Aussie travellers advice. X

[@cadenmorgan2503]

I agree it depends! When it’s just me and my wife, we usually go balcony, but we have a cruise in December with some friends and want more budget for excursions and plan to spend more time with them outside of our room, so we are actually doing an interior cabin.

[@timothywitte729]

I love being able to step out and take in the sea air. Makes my cruise.

[@dominicfong6341]

I much prefer the oceanview over balcony as it seems to provide me with a much better sense of safety/security/privacy and better sound/weatherproofing. Was staying at a lower deck of the Ovation of The Seas and I loved the waves splashing on the glass which was fun and relaxing. The window lets me know what time of the day was really nice. I wouldn't have to worry about going overboard if I ever had a little too much to drink.

[@sariel8406]

I cruised on both and never used the balcony much because too hot or too cold. But with ocean view you can sit and look out even when a storm is raging. Yes on an alaska cruise we had waves cover our window.

[@dominicfong6341]

@@sariel8406 Hey thanks for the kind reply dear Sariel. Don't know about you but with a balcony, often worries me if spirits would come paying me a visit...call me superstitious...I will keep sticking to a tiny little window instead!

[@hfleah]

Nooooo I can’t do water crashing at my window. 😮 The ocean terrifies me. I definitely respect it.

[@ginafromcologne9281]

Interesting point! I never went on a cruise before, can a balcony cabin be dangerous in case there is a storm?

[@nala3038]

I have only two thoughts about cruise rooms: 1. While cruise ships do have elevators, the wait times for the elevator are very long, especially during meal and entertainment times. Therefore, try to book on a floor fairly close to where you will be spending your time (i.e. pool) because you will get sick of waiting for the elevator. There are always a LOT of disabled people on cruise ships who need to use the elevator, so I try to take the stairs. 2. All of the views from windows or balconies only give you a partial view. When we cruise, I go way up to the top of the ship to get a 180 degree view when I want to really see the scenery.

[@shyrahhall4266]

For my first cruise in July 2024 🎉my daughter graduating high school/her 18th birthday we choosing balcony. Symphony of the Seas can’t wait I’m so excited. Watching videos none stop. But yes 🙌🏾

[@IamHerbie]

We decied against a balcoiny room with small kids, even though the rail height is plenty high enough, it just made it less stressful for us. We honestly didn't notice the difference that much as we were out and about most days with kids, I think it makes sense for couples or singles but those with kids it really doesn't make a huge difference

[@cathyparsons8878]

Thank you Matt for another great video! We always choose a balcony. We enjoy relaxing outside in a somewhat private area, anytime we wish.

[@ronaldbernier462]

I’ve been on 7 cruises and had stayed in balcony’s until the last one. To be honest I like the balcony better but was quite satisfied with the oceanview. I will likely be staying in oceanviews from now on.

[@joeydutchak3137]

We are a Canadian couple who have been on 5 Cruises - and - 5 balconies !! I will NOT go on a Cruise if I can't get a balcony room!! So far - so good!!

[@travelingmike6334]

The price makes me determine if I go inside, ocean view or balcony. The other factors are the price and maybe the price...

[@patricialittle2607]

I agree 100% with Gm I said the very same thing after hearing some of the horror stories of those people being kept in their rooms for weeks, even considering suicide! Always balcony for me after this pandemic!

[@kristineangelicacruz6921]

we love the balcony room - we leave the balcony door open and hear the waves while sleeping and spacoius panoramic ocean view room is really nice with ceiling to floor glass window :)

[@iwkaoy8758]

You leave de balcony open at knight? Your knott afraid of kraken tentacles?

[@SandyToes75]

@@iwkaoy8758 🤣😂🤣

[@Deadmou5_YT]

Hey Matt, I love watching your videos and they helped so much with my first cruise last week and what's also funny is that when i was in Coco Cay, I got to see Anthem Of The Seas docked with Independence of the seas (I was on Independence).I loved it!

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

That is awesome!

[@davidhill2444]

Well done! Just when I thought I had a good grasp on cruising you seem to enlighten me.

[@ThatsMrsApriltou]

We booked our 1st balcony on our last cruise in February and the whole family spent time out there throughout the trip. Especially me, I went out there multiple times a day and spent time. We were able to get it because of our future cruise credit.

[@SoniaDied]

For me, I like to spend lots of time outside of my stateroom so choosing the cheapest room option is the better deal. Leaving more room in our budget to spend on excursions. This upcoming cruise I chose to upgrade to an ocean view stateroom, the difference was less than $100. And I chose to let RC choose the room for us. You can imagine my surprise when I found out that the room we got was the spacious panoramic ocean view!

[@chinenyeekwe985]

Sorry but what’s RC?

[@kazzityangel]

@@chinenyeekwe985 Royal Caribbean.

[@concettabrown5685]

Same

[@michaeldean563]

I think another factor is if you are slightly claustrophobic a balcony room would be a better idea. As you can leave the curtains open

[@juliemcglinchey1474]

Travelled on odessy about 3 weeks ago and had an internal cabin. Although the room was really comfy, being able to see some natural light would have been of benefit as it would have helped regulate my sleep pattern! Especially when time changes were made as we moved from port to port. Waking up in utter darkness was quite disorientating and just made me want to go back to sleep again.

[@angelawilkinson9327]

I did a balcony on my first cruise, but honestly I just didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would. It was early spring and the days we were at sea were just crazy windy. I much preferred to take a book up to the glassed in deck and sit up there. It wasn't windy in port, but then we were off ship and not using it anyway. 2nd cruise was a ocean view for half the price.

[@carmeljackson1271]

I've gone from Interior, to Oceanview, to Balcony, & my last trip was Virtual Interior. I love the Balcony because I can sit out and watch the the water and sky go by. But since I'm solo traveler, the oceanview or virtual interior work for me. I will be doing a virtual in August, and I don't plan on being in the room that much I enjoy being up on the deck taking in the views. Oceanview or Virtual Interior are usually at a good price. Thanks for the comparison video!

[@kyleerobin2523]

I have another one coming up next month but every cruise I’ve ever been on has been a balcony room. A MUST

[@tmoore4075]

Yeah it all depends on cost and what you are willing to spend or your budget. I would always try to get a balcony for the extra space and fresh air. For Alaska I'm very excited to have a balcony.

[@suitelife22]

I love a balcony to sit and watch the sunset or sail way with a cocktail before my pre dinner nap. I also enjoy having the balcony door open and sleeping to the sound of the ocean. I also appreciate having it on itineraries that have multiple sea days.

[@SandyToes75]

Having a balcony when having the extra sea days makes it seem so worth it to me.

[@nzubervicki2740]

Thank you for the information on the rooms and ships I'm planning on going on one soon

[@Dabeachguy]

Balcony all day long!!! Can’t feel like I’m on vacation when I’m in a windowless box.

[@JeffreyPBowne]

I tried both...I prefer Balcony how ever I was in a Panoramic ocean view on Independence of the Seas , Deck 12 in the front of the ship cabin 1852....it was the most awesome view....complete view of front of shop

[@EE-ie9gm]

I just can’t afford the balcony

[@MrKayakinglife]

Balcony for sure, we always book the same room on each cruise :D Gotta love that hidden entrance on quantum class ships.

[@ethelsdaughter3317]

We have always gotten a balcony room, but would like to try an ocean view room one day. We don’t spend very much time on our room, and with more port days than days at sea, an ocean view room might be perfect for us. Thanks for this comparison video!

[@CrispiePotato]

We did Oceanview for our honeymoon and loved it! Sure sitting out on the balcony to watch is nice, but really we would spend maybe 5-10 minutes looking out the window at the sea or checking out the port before we went to grab breakfast and go on with the day. Since we spent most of our time exploring the ship and the ports the oceanview was perfect. Plus it left us room to do more expensive excursions and even a lunch experience at Izumi and other spending money!

[@michellejade3272]

Panoramic ocean view is my favorite. You get the captain’s view as it’s one deck above the bridge. Room 1864 on Freedom Class ships have 5 huge windows that span the entire more cabin. We had more view space than a balcony.

[@laurapeck8902]

I’ve done both but definitely prefer the balcony 😊

[@mikemahon6164]

Love going with a balcony for the views and the fresh sea air.

[@christineshields1714]

We've stayed each stateroom category all the way through a junior suite. While the junior suite was by far our favorite, we were able to upgrade for very little due to our Crown & Anchor level and a near empty ship. A few months ago, with a lot of FCCs to "spend" I worked with my travel agent on a strategy to use those FCCs. We managed to turn 1 canceled cruise into 4 cruises: a 14 nt B2B balcony stateroom, a 7 nt interior stateroom, and a 9 nt oceanview stateroom. As long as we're on a cruise ship we are happy!

[@SandyToes75]

Sounds like you have a fabulous TA!

[@daveoner1]

Is it better to book with a TA?

[@christineshields1714]

@@daveoner1 I have a really good TA. I find it easier. She's often able to find deals not available on line, staterooms you can't see on the RC website. A TA can make things so much easier if you are booking multiple staterooms, planning a group cruise, or simply needing a specific cabin such as connecting cabins. Also, if there are any problems, the TA will make all the phone calls, sit on hold, etc. Another plus, she always throws in some extra OBC.

[@PJL3791]

Just book an interior with a virtual balcony if you want the daylight to wake up to, and you can use the public balconies on the ship.

[@drguy629]

Balcony all the way! I love it!!

[@michellejade3272]

If it means more cruising, ocean view for me. The panoramic ocean view cabins offer spectacular views. I’ve had a couple of balconies. First one had little shade and the heat was brutal in the Caribbean during the day. The second one was well covered, large and pleasant all times of the day. Got the second one during a “ book a balcony for an interior price” sale.

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Thanks for sharing!

[@SandyToes75]

Hard to grab those sales but when they pop p, I agree with you, they are fabulous!

[@sunshinehoney1852]

@@RoyalCaribbeanBlog you suck 👎

[@Gladacya]

Thank you Matt..! Great video!

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Glad you liked it!

[@simplyatsea6779]

Booked a Guarantee Outside View (ocean view) room on the Symphony of the Seas for June. Since prices are higher on summer sailings and we are a family of 4… I went that route and saved thousands. With SOTS having limited ocean view rooms for families of 4, we might even be upgraded to a balcony room. Excited to see where Royal puts us. 😊 I think if we were to splurge on a balcony though, i would like to pick it therefore i avoid an obstructed view.

[@corneliusw09]

Did you get upgraded for free to balcony? How was the ocean view room if not?

[@debnjazz2012]

Great Analysis, Matt!

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Thanks!

[@amandatilley7441]

We are doing a balcony in May. Some how it was cheaper than the Oceanview when we booked.

[@dropdead266]

Oh really? Trying to book royal for May! I wanted Interior bc it’s the cheapest w 3 people. How did that work out?

[@fredericklamb4199]

Not yet tried a balcony room but I stand firm on an outside ocean view, it’s great

[@willinguyen1]

I can do interior state room but my family really like the balcony and their happiness is worth it.

[@KILLLERBOB]

If you have kids resting, a balcony allows adult time to hangout / talk without worrying about waking resting children

[@djlesher]

have had balcony on our first 2 cruises, our next were trying out a Promenade view since it is only a couple of us going, our next big family cruise we went whole hog and booked the 2 bedroom grand suite, hope we don't enjoy that too much :-) Just the ability to go out on the balcony is nice

[@jean6822]

I’ve done one cruise - Royal Caribbean’s - I loved my balcony! Smokers next door were my only issue - wonderful when I was outside and they weren’t. Mornings tended to be the most likely overlap. I wasn’t in the cabin that much - but it was a splurge I enjoyed!

[@SandyToes75]

There is supposed to be NO smoking on the balcony. You can contact guest services anonymously.

[@kennethmoore2266]

We booked RC cruise sept 11th. Yes balcony cabin. We'll love view & fresh air. 😍

[@fatcat83]

Never been on a cruise. But have been dreaming and potentially planning it. I have been looking only for the balcony units as I feel like for a first time experience I would like to splurge a bit.

[@poetrygirl5309]

Right now I'm researching cruises as well. I prefer the balcony because of the waterview and the fresh Sea Air.

[@poetrygirl5309]

Update: I've booked my first cruise!! Sailing in late January 2023 on Norwegian Epic. I'll be visiting San Juan, Aruba, Curacao,St. Kitts, Bonaire,& St. Lucia. 8 nights l. Balcony room. I am so excited!⛴️

[@SurviveGR8]

How was it?>@@poetrygirl5309

[@mariebrooks7341]

I like an oceanview cabin however I will book a balcony/cove balcony if the price is good. I won't be splurging on a balcony if I don't have time to sit on it during the cruise. I like to get lunch sometimes and if the weather is good, sit on my balcony and enjoy a moment of peace and solitude. I stay out all day around the ship at shows or on excursions in port so I value my peade and solitude when I can get it. I like an oceanview because I can always look outside and see the ocean and the sky without having to go of my cabin. I will pay the extra to have an oceanview over an inside also. Price is the factor whether I go with an oceanview or a balcony.

[@JH-lw1fz]

A big factor no one talks about, the temperature of Oceanview is much better. Especially if you sleep cold, it's not uncommon for the balcony door to be slightly off when being closed and suddenly the a/c is off in the room. Also if properly closed, it still doesn't get cold like an Oceanview. Also on bigger ships balconies can be in neighborhoods and on looking other Balconies, so you don't have privacy unless you close the shades. Which can heavily defeat the purpose of having a balcony.

[@essaym7509]

We purchased an interior room and managed to get our offer selected for Oceanview Balcony! (We only went with the minimum too) 🎉

[@sachaput]

I love a balcony room, but for me it depends on the cruise length and destinations. In some cases, an oceanview is enough, and often not much more than an inner costwise. On a typical 3-4 night cruise an inner is fine, as I tend not so spend a lot of time in my cabin to begin with. I can usually find some spot on deck where I can read or have a drink while looking at the sea. Also, if I have already been to a port than an ocean view is fine and I don't feel like I'm missing anything. On a longer cruise like 7+ days, it's nice to have the balcony just to enjoy the view and fresh air. If I'm sailing with two or three friends or family members than we can split the cost and get a balcony cabin. From personal experience, if you are taking a Panama Canal or Alaskan cruise a balcony is worth the money, as you don't want to miss those views, sitting in your chair and watching things go by.

[@SinisterMD]

I've only been on one cruise and it was a balcony room. Personally, one of my favorite things to to was sit on the balcony and just look out, whether with a cup of coffee, book or my kids. I don't think an interior room would do it for me, but it might. An ocean view might be sufficient...but trying to put 5 people in a room I'm limited so the costs add up when you get those larger balcony rooms.

[@jcshaves]

Was just looking at booking our first cruise and after looking myself also got help from a travel agent. Wanted a balcony but it was double the price of an ocean view. That was quite a difference. Difference between inside and ocean view was like $120 so that is no biggie but double price is quite a bit.

[@karenjensen2345]

We have done mostly oceanviews, and a few balconies. We have done only one inside cabin, and won’t do it again. The ocean views are much cheaper. We did book a balcony for our upcoming Panama Canal cruise

[@Lushlayers]

Planning for my 1st cruise experience, got much clearer idea by this vedio.

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Glad it was helpful!

[@larrywatts3552]

That is some great advice

[@annmerley52]

We have found that when we have been on a cruise, the ocean view cabins have more interior space. With the balcony cabins, the cabin space INCLUDED the balcony so the cabin was actually smaller. And, when we wanted to sit and relax with a view of the sea, there were several places where we could do that. I don't think it makes any sense to book a balcony room if you plan a lot of shore excursions or if you are sailing in areas where the temperatures will be below 55.

[@whos_shiloh]

How ironic! Me and the fam are going on the Independence of the Seas in april(as I have said with every other comment), and we both got these 2 rooms!

[@Clearbrite]

We are going to cruise with Pacific Explorer. The balcony rooms look really small,so I think we’ll appreciate having the little extra with a balcony. It was the same price for a balcony and an ocean view was the same..so jumped at the balcony!

[@raybon7939]

You don't really spend alot of time in the room except 4 to 6 before dinner.

[@brandonchapman7642]

We booked a Balcony on Symphony (my first balcony room) in March, and it was amazing! My wife is an introvert, so having the balcony as a nice place to relax and "recharge" was wonderful. On Serenade (to Alaska), we're just doing an interior room. Ocean view is about the same price, but worse location - and Balcony is ~2x the cost. Besides, we're trying to save money on that cruise so we can spend more on excursions in Alaska! It will be a nice back-to-back for us (~6 months apart) going from Symphony Balcony (with deluxe bev package) to Serenade Interior (with no package).

[@charlesschroeder4062]

A balcony in Alaska was amazing. Sun all day and always a view for this FL guy. The Caribbean has no real reason to look out, just docks and black skies.

[@thefreckledafrikan]

The deluxe beverage package was a complete nightmare and highway robbery bc no one, not even the robot,knew how to make a drink. All my drinks tasted like ink

[@Seth_Arvila]

I would either pick inside, virtual balcony, or balcony. If I don’t have a balcony, I’m not going to be spending too much time in my room and will only see out the window when it is dark. Virtual balcony only because they are marginally more expensive than inside staterooms but feel a bit more roomy

[@VTHokies1987]

Balcony’s are worth the extra fees in my opinion. The idea of having my own private outdoor space is very alluring. We have cruised with family and having the gates open to multiple balconies makes the space feel even larger. Just ask your room attendant for help with this.

[@koolroo8337]

Our last cruise was a 9 night cruise and we got the extra large balcony room. Don’t get me wrong it was fantastic but we probably only used it half a dozen times at around 15 minutes a time. It was around $175 per person more so we thought that wasn’t too bad. We are looking at an 8 night cruise this time but noticed prices for an extra large ocean view on bow is around $350 per person cheaper then say a room with normal size balcony. I noticed that normal size balcony room is 198 sq for room where the Spacious ocean view room is 214sq for room. This is with Ovation of the Seas.

[@whale5646]

It was 70 degrees in Ketchican Alaska when I went in June and july. IT WAS NOT COLD AT ALL.

[@ginafromcologne9281]

I never went on a cruise so far, but a balcony cabin would surely be great, unless you are sailing to cold destinations in the North. I'm a bit afraid though of going on a cruise on my own, because no one else I asked wants to go. :/ But I would rather economize in other areas than going without the experience of a balcony.

[@Pburg415]

For Alaska you should def get a balcony. We didn't get a balcony and my family let me hear it about it lol. All others eh at your discretion and budget.

[@nildalopez8869]

I love the balcony cause l sleep with the door open listening to the ocean relax

[@chriskemper7627]

Our 1st cruise we had a balcony. We are booking our 2nd cruise and taking an interior room for budget reasons. The cruises are 6 months apart hope it works out.

[@luckdragongirl]

Going to Alaska with family this summer. We're doing ocean view (no balcony) because we want to see the potential wildlife and views, but we don't want to deal with the chillier temperatures.

[@DRSmigley]

When my wife and I cruise together, we get a balcony. Great for peaceful drink and snack/meal times together. When we travel alone, we get interior cabins to save money. Outdoor view cabins are that middle ground that don't make that much sense for us.

[@bigboy0625]

Another great helpful video. Going on my first cruise next January can't wait. I have a question what are the gyms like on board also the fitness classes is it worth taking my gym gear or having a nice 8 day break from the gym ?

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Fitness centers are great. Check out our ship tour videos for an idea of what they look like and what they offer.

[@SandyToes75]

Then, do a google search for your specific ship gym. The gyms vary so much from class of ship, the size, and the age of the ship. Also the classes can vary as to what crew members are working on the ship.

[@TechGeekTXDad]

With my kids, we always get the ocean view balcony. To me the rooms are much bigger and they give us a place to dry shoes and bathing suites.

[@mortar235]

For me the choice is between interior and balcony. An ocean view cabin takes away the pitch black sleeping benefits of the interior but doesn't give the enjoyment/views of a balcony. For this reason we usually stick to interiors unless the sailing is in a more scenic location or if the ship has great deals on balconies.

[@maxs351]

What would you recommend for 1 week Mediterranean?

[@mortar235]

@@maxs351 I'm actually about to take my first Mediterranean cruise soni don't have prior experience. I could see a balcony being worth it for the views but you'd want to consider which side of the ship would be facing land. For me if the price of a balcony would cost $400 or more per person than an interior I'd rather put that towards excursions or food

[@SandyToes75]

@@mortar235 That is our cut off too. Thought is $400/pp is $800/2 and that is alot of money for excursions.

[@linkingirl17]

i got a interior with central park view on allure of the seas and I love it. is in the middle of the boat and easy access to the central park caffe, I would always eat something from there during the day because I hate going to windjamer. too much confusion.

[@luluballoon]

I would never stay in a balcony room with young kids, I would never sleep worrying they would sneak out and climb on the railing. An ocean view I can enjoy the sight without the risk over anyone going overboard.

[@connorrocks4626]

Been on 4 previous cruises, all w balconies, and every cruise said to myself “what a waste of $$” 5th cruise in 3 weeks = balcony.

[@weekenderfam7965]

depends on the itinerary, if you are going to Alaska it’s definitely a well worth the upgrade. Also if you have little kids and they need afternoon naps, wake up late or sleep early, you can just hang out on the balcony while they sleep to get some fresh air, and not stuck inside the room.

[@kimberlyvandeway5441]

I've had both. Balcony, IMO, is the way to go. Not being able to get some sea air every once in a while is no go for me.

[@Lori_L]

Living in Florida we have done a number of caribbean cruises and love the balcony. The game changer is if I'm not feeling well I can still enjoy myself in bed with the door open. I'm disabled and that happened on our cruise last month. I didn't feel like I lost anything and my spouse was even able to have my dinner from the main dining room sent to me at no charge

[@SandyToes75]

That was wonderful that you were able to still enjoy the cruise. And, having the MDR meal sent to your cabin was really great. Sweet partner you have there.

[@Lori_L]

@@SandyToes75 she is very sweet. I'm a lucky girl 😊

[@SandyToes75]

@@Lori_L How wonderful💞

[@Lori_L]

@@SandyToes75 thanks!! We've been married 6 years, together 10 & best friends 15

[@vkhiev]

I have stayed on RC Interiors, OV and Balcony as they are all Great. I most often settle on OV and spend $$$ elsewhere

[@user-nv1iu9kn2s]

If you’re light sensitive, I would get an interior room on an Alaskan cruise. Because of the late sunsets and early sunrises in Alaska, my dad got very little sleep since he can’t sleep when his body senses sunlight.

[@marianufkes7367]

We book an outside view or balcony on price and weather. We found that the Greek Islands were very humid and it was too hot and humid to sit on the balcony. But we had the best view from the cabin on the Panama Canal cruise. The workers waved to us through our window. So we do both.

[@Cwright94]

Thanks for that input me and my fiancé are booking a cruise to Greek islands for our honeymoon and were debating on ocean or balcony

[@JClark2600]

QQ: I just found out about the 30% off sale for RC cruises but I can't afford it right this second. How often do sales like that come along and when do you typically see the best sales? After summer or right before a new ship is released...?

[@JeepBoiFL]

After a few cruises, I realized balconies were a total waste of $. Would rather have spent that cash on excursions & extras like a drink package, good internet etc. Ships today provide so many spaces both in and out that there is always a place to relax and enjoy. The room is just a place to sleep and shower......

[@corneliusw09]

I agree, balconies are a waste. But I am looking at wonder of seas, and your talking like a $100 price difference total between balconies and oceanview. Wish there was a bigger price difference as I can do without a balcony.

[@Danny-br9jp]

I think duration of a cruise would be big on choosing an oceanview over a balcony. Anything more than a 4 day I would want to do a Balcony.

[@spocheld]

My first cruise was an interior room, will never do that again, must have at least a window.

[@LaquetaHodge]

Same. While it was fine, I honestly prefer to know what time of day it is & I enjoy having a private area to sit outside & enjoy the ocean air.

[@happycola2689]

One time, our oceanview room went under sea when the weather was bad. My husband never booked an oceanview after that incident. We booked the balcony room.

[@MsTamika766]

Must’ve been on the lowest deck. Deck 1 Riviera.