Do you Actually NEED A Balcony Cabin On A Cruise Ship?

A balcony cabin is amazing to have. I have had one many times, and I enjoy it immensely. However, I don’t necessarily think a balcony is a “must-have”.

If you’re anything like me, you might want to save a few pennies and often end up in an inside cabin.

There are a few situations where I would definitely consider a balcony though. In this article, we look at things to consider before you book.

#1 Money

This one will come as no surprise to you. The difference between an inside cabin and a balcony can be a lot – sometimes enough to buy another cruise!

On scenic routes, like trips to the Norwegian Fjords everyone is keen to have a balcony. Sometimes the balcony fare is more than double than that of an inside cabin.

Consider how much time you will spend on your balcony. Are you happy to watch the views from a bar or the top deck? If so, maybe book an inside and treat yourself to a drinks package or another inside cabin cruise instead!

If money is no object though, have a balcony. You don’t need me to tell you to treat yourself…

#2 Itinerary

Have a look at the itinerary you will be taking. If you are sailing to Alaska or cruising out of New York Harbour, you might be able to justify the price.

If however, like me you are more likely to be sailing to Northern Europe in winter, having a balcony would be pointless.

The weather is not going to be good enough to sit outside, and many of the ports the ship docks in will just be ugly container ports. ( I’m thinking Zeebrugge for Bruges or Le Havre for Paris.)

I recently sailed on a short cruise from Southampton to Bruges on P&O’s oldest ship, Aurora. Despite it being June, the weather in Bruges ( or Zeebrugge for Bruges) was awful and we didn’t even bother getting off the ship!

Having a balcony cabin would have been a total waste of money. We were surprised at how much we liked an old ship like Aurora though. Find out more here:

#3 Weather

As I mentioned above, weather is a big factor to consider.

If you are sailing around the Mediterranean or Greek Islands in the summer months, the days are likely to be long and sunny and the views can be spectacular.

It might be worth splashing out on a balcony, because you will doubtless spend lots of time sitting on it.

If you are sailing to the Baltics or Northern Europe in the winter months, the days will be short, cold and often wet. You won’t get the benefit of the balcony anyway…

It Can Be Hard To Decide, So I Have Made a Handy Little Flow Chart…

Cheaper Alternatives

Ocean View Cabins

If you are worried about the lack of natural light and having no view, you could go to the “halfway house” and book an ocean view cabin.

These are often much cheaper, you can still get your ocean views but without any private outside space.

Another advantage of these cabins is that they are often on lower decks ( below the balconies.) If you are worried about seasickness or bad weather, low down and central is the best place to be to minimise movement.

Find out more about that here:

What is The Best Cabin Location on a Cruise For Avoiding Seasickness? (I’ve Tried Them All!)

Obstructed View Cabins

Another cheaper option would be to book an obstructed-view balcony cabin. When I sailed to Asia onboard Spectrum of the Seas, I booked this type of cabin.

I would love to have booked a standard balcony, but it was such an expensive holiday once the airfares were included, that I wanted to make some savings.

I still got the great views from my obstructed view balcony cabin – I just had to be standing up to see them!

Find out more about obstructed-view cabins, including pictures of real-life examples here:

The Truth About Obstructed View Cabins – (Photo Examples & How to Find One)

Find out about my wonderful cruise onboard Spectrum of the Seas here:

Get A Balcony Cabin For Less

Sometimes you can get a balcony cabin at a reduced price:

• You sometimes see cruise lines offering promotions, where you pay for an ocean view and get a balcony cabin instead.
  • It is always worth looking out for these offers if you are keen to have a balcony.
• You could save money by booking a guaranteed balcony cabin.
  • You will have no idea where your cabin will be until the last minute, the cruise line allocates the cabins when they know which ones they have free.
  • Because you can’t choose the location, you are charged less.

Find out more about guaranteed cabins here:

I Always Book Guaranteed Cabins on Cruise Ships – (Photo Examples, Regrets & More)

There are, of course, a huge group of cruisers who wouldn’t dream of cruising in anything less than a balcony.

For most of us, money is finite. My advice would be don’t waste it on a balcony cabin if you’re not going to use it or appreciate it!

Take it from me, you will still have an amazing time if you chose an inside cabin. Find out about some of the smallest cabins I have stayed in below:

Before You Go

Find out more about getting the best cabin for your budget here:

Get The Best Cabin for Your Budget! Hints, Tips and Examples of How to Save Money Without Downgrading Your Cabin Type

On some Royal Caribbean ships, you can book a “virtual balcony” cabin. Find out what that is here:

7 Days in The Most Controversial “INSIDE” Cabin (Virtual Balcony Review)