Infinite Balconies on a Cruise: Pros, Cons, and Should You Book? (2024)

FAQs

Is it worth it to pay for a balcony on a cruise? ›

Balcony cabins cost more than ocean-view cabins or windowless "inside" cabins. But they can be worth the splurge if you're the kind of person who likes a private place to be outdoors during a vacation.

Balconies pose a serious risk to passenger safety and have been at the center of many cruise ship accidents. We hear too often about people falling overboard from balcony staterooms, sometimes because the passenger has had too much to drink and other times because foul play was involved.

If you're after views, the best room on a cruise ship will be a balcony cabin at the ship's rear end. Aft balcony accommodations at the ship's corners are also the largest and often give more outside area than conventional balcony cabins, allowing you to enjoy both the beautiful views and the extra space.

Balconies are not designed for overnight sleeping, so it's essential to prioritise safety. Additionally, changing weather conditions and the need to respect other cruise guests' comfort make balcony sleeping less practical.

The most stable part of the ship is its lowest point of gravity, so on a lower deck, at the center. You'd feel a lot less motion here than, say, in a stateroom on the upper decks a long way forward or aft (towards the back of the ship).

If you want to stick to a budget and like the idea of cruising with a window in your stateroom, then obstructed view cabins are the perfect choice. They offer excellent value at only slightly more than an inside cabin, yet benefit from the added bonus of a great view.

Moreover, some cruise lines, including Carnival, Norwegian, and MSC Cruises, have yet to implement the design at all. As of 2024, you'll find infinite veranda cabins onboard Celebrity Edge, Apex, Beyond, and Ascent, as well as Icon of the Seas and Viking Octantis.

Icon of the Seas is the first Royal Caribbean ship to feature infinite balconies, so I decided to book this type of cabin to see what it was like. Specifically, I booked an infinite cabin that offered views of Central Park, the open-air neighborhood with bars, shops, restaurants, and thousands of real plants.

Key Takeaways. Certain areas of a cruise ship, including pool decks, dining rooms, and outer decks, can become particularly hazardous during rough seas, posing risks such as injuries from slips and falls.

One of the most common crimes occurring on cruise ships is sexual assault. Living in such close proximity to other passengers and crew members can create a dangerous environment for vacationers, including those embarking from major cruise hubs in Miami.

Can you leave the balcony door open on a cruise? ›

Leaving Your Balcony Door Open Can Make a Mess

You might want to prop open your balcony door as you sail, but cruise lines aren't so keen on the idea. For starters, the warm air coming in will cause your cabin's air-conditioning to work harder (unless you turn it down), wasting energy on the ship.

Princess Cruises' latest ships — Sky Princess, Enchanted Princess and Discovery Princess — break the record for largest cruise ship balconies of any cabin on any cruise ship, according to the line.

Middle decks strike a balance between stability and accessibility. They are often preferred by cruisers who want easy access to onboard facilities while still enjoying a relatively stable experience. These decks are usually located near popular amenities like pools, spas, and dining venues.

Midship cabins

The big allure of a midship cabin is its stability. You won't feel the rocking of the sea in a midship cabin nearly as much as you will in a cabin toward the front or back of a vessel. This is because ships are like teeter-totters. They pitch forward and back around a central axis that barely moves.

Even on smaller, more luxurious ships that don't feel crowded, a balcony is desirable; if the weather is such that you can spend a lot of time on your balcony, it's like having an additional room.

An upgraded cabin is almost always better than the most basic room on board. The only thing stopping you from splurging on a larger space, a private balcony and extra perks is your budget. If you change your mind once you've booked, you'll find several ways to upgrade your cabin to a higher-category room.

However, it's important to remember that your "private" veranda isn't as secluded as you might think. Other passengers can hear and sometimes even see you, so proper etiquette is crucial.

Most guests bring $50-$120 cash per day to spend during the cruise. You will have many opportunities to purchase duty free goods, take exciting shore excursions, buy local souvenirs, play your chance in the casino, or enjoy some pampering in the spa.