Is a cruise ship balcony room worth the extra money?
I've been cruising since I was five years old and only sailed in balconies until I was in my 20s. At first, I was sure that — after 45 collective days with a private ocean-view verandah — I'd hate tiny, windowless inside cabins. In reality, that could not be further from the truth.
Although nothing compares to stepping out onto your balcony and feeling the sea breeze, I quickly learned that it's a luxury, and staying in an inside cabin doesn't necessarily mean you'll have a crummy vacation.
That said, the inside vs. balcony debate can get pretty heated, with some cruisers swearing off the windowless tomb-like rooms. On the flip side, some can't imagine spending more than they have to on the base fare.
In this article, I'll go over the pros and cons of booking a balcony versus an inside cabin, including amenities, cost, and how each stateroom impacts your overall experience.
Cruise Ship Room Amenities
Regardless of which stateroom category you end up choosing, the basic amenities will be the same. By this, I mean you will have an ensuite bathroom, two twin-sized beds that can be pushed together to make a Royal King, a TV, safe, storage space, telephone, hair dryer, vanity area, and a private thermostat.
Most rooms are designed to accommodate two guests. However, there are inside and balcony cabins that can fit three or four people, typically using a sofa bed or a pullman bed.
All standard cruise bathrooms are nearly identical, with the main difference usually being the layout. You can expect a capsule-like shower (no bathtub), sink, toilet, mirror, and some shelves. Royal Caribbean also stocks its showers with a 2-in-1 body wash-shampoo hybrid.
Additionally, all Royal Caribbean cruise rooms receive daily housekeeping service from a dedicated cabin steward. They will do things like make the bed, take out any trash, and refresh towels.
That said, when it comes to comparing inside vs. balcony rooms, the biggest differences come down to natural light and space, rather than the amenities themselves.
That's a good thing, though, because if you are on a budget, choosing the most affordable inside cabin means you will not miss out on the overall cruise experience.
Your cabin will come with housekeeping service, comfortable beds, standard amenities, and access to the ship's dining, entertainment, and activities.
Read more: Cruise ship rooms on Royal Caribbean: How to choose the best cabin
Cruise Inside Cabin vs Balcony: Which is Better?
Knowing that the amenities are the same, how do you decide whether an inside or balcony cabin is right for you?
Space
First, balcony cabins tend to be a little larger and offer a private outdoor area, which can make the room feel more open and less confined.
For example, a standard interior room on Freedom of the Seas measures around 162 square feet. However, a balcony cabin comes in at 188 square feet, plus an additional 46-square-foot balcony.
Inside cabins, while definitely cozier, are functional and comfortable. However, if you want a little more space to relax, you're better off choosing a balcony.
View
And then, of course, there's the view. With a balcony cabin, you can step outside to watch the sunrise as you pull into port, gaze at the endless horizon, or simply take in the fresh sea air.
On some itineraries, such as a Caribbean or Bahamian getaway, a balcony may not be as important since there's less scenery to look at on sea days.
However, if your itinerary includes scenic coastlines, towering mountains, or glacier viewing days, a balcony can greatly enhance your experience.
Cost
Enter the cost. Sometimes, the difference between an inside cabin and a balcony might be negligible, especially on sailings to The Bahamas and Caribbean.
For example, on Jewel of the Seas in November 2027, a balcony cabin starts at $534 per person for a 4-night Bahamian getaway, while an inside room comes in at $434.
However, balcony staterooms on cruises to Alaska, Norway, New Zealand, etc., are often hundreds of dollars more since the destinations themselves are a major part of the experience, and balconies are in higher demand.
For instance, an interior cabin on an Alaska cruise departing from Seattle, Washington, in July 2027 starts at $879 per person. However, a balcony room on the same Voyager of the Seas sailing jumps up to $1,591 per person.
Alaska excursions are notoriously more expensive than warm-weather tours, so saving money on the accommodation could mean you could book worthwhile experiences ashore.
How Do You Pick a Balcony Room on a Cruise?
Once deciding you need a balcony, you’ll need to narrow down the type of balcony room you want.
Forward balconies, aft balconies, extended balconies, connecting balconies, Central Park balconies, Boardwalk balconies, Surfside balconies, infinite verandahs — need I go on?
Here's a brief synopsis of the different kinds of cruise balcony rooms to help you narrow down your options:
- Forward balconies are typically on the same side of the ship as the adult-only lounge (except on Icon and Vision Class ships). This makes them convenient for those who want to be a short elevator ride away from the Solarium. However, they are more likely to feel the ship rocking.
- Aft-facing balconies have the best wake views aboard the ship, but they are a farther walk from many of the main lounge areas and amenities.
- Extended balcony cabins are ideal for those who plan on spending a lot of time outside since they have larger balconies.
- Connecting balconies are best for families or friends. You don't want to be in a connecting room if you do not know the party beside you.
- Central Park balcony cabins overlook the Central Park neighborhood on Oasis and Icon Class ships. They don't have an ocean view and lack privacy, but they are great for people watching.
- Boardwalk balconies are similar in that they don't directly face the ocean and instead have a view of the Oasis Class Boardwalk neighborhood.
- Surfside balcony cabins are exclusive to Icon Class ships and overlook the family-friendly Surfside neighborhood.
- Infinite verandahs are also only found on Icon Class ships. There are some that have ocean views, while others face the Central Park neighborhood. These rooms replace a traditional balcony with more interior living space and a massive floor-to-ceiling window that can be lowered to create the "balcony."
Read more: Not all Royal Caribbean cruise balconies are created equal: How to avoid the wrong ones
What are the Best Inside Cabins on a Cruise Ship?
Compared to balconies, there are fewer variations of inside cabins. However, there are some unique layouts to be aware of:
- Virtual balcony inside rooms have a massive 80-inch LED television screen that provides live high-definition views from outside the ship directly into your cabin.
- Interior Plus rooms on Icon Class ships are redesigned inside cabins that feature a deluxe closet and dressing area.
- Interior cabins with neighborhood-facing windows (i.e., Central Park, the Boardwalk, and Surfside) are ideal for those who want to be awoken by natural light but don't necessarily care about the extra space of a private balcony.
Bottom Line
There is no right or wrong when it comes to picking a balcony vs. inside cruise room. If you have the money to spare, a balcony can make for a memorable splurge. However, they certainly aren't necessary to have a great vacation.
In many cases, you will likely spend more time on the pool deck, attending shows, exploring ports of call, and more, rather than staying tucked away in your stateroom.
Still, even if you mostly explore the ship or the destinations, the perks of a private balcony, especially on a scenic itinerary, greatly enhance your overall stateroom experience.
