Does a guaranteed balcony really mean...

[NoobCruise]

Does a guaranteed balcony really mean that you could get an ocean view, or a central park, or royal promenade, or boardwalk? Is it just me or is that a ridiculous amount of variance? It seems like quite the gamble. Assume that you won't get an ocean view I guess? Is royal promenade any better than an interior room?

[WAAAYTOOO]

It depends upon the type guarantee you have.  A neighborhood balcony can be any balcony including Central Park, Boardwalk or ocean view.  An ocean view balcony can only be an ocean view balcony -no CP or Boardwalk.

[CanHardlyWait]

11 minutes ago, NoobCruise said:

Is royal promenade any better than an interior room?

I have booked a GTY inside and been upgraded to a promenade view. It's nice perk (a little noisy in the evening). I wouldn't go out of my way to pay extra for it. A regular inside is much more peaceful. 

[WAAAYTOOO]

IMO the promenade view is a lot better than an interior but that’s just me.  We actually like the promenade view but I would never want an interior.

[CanHardlyWait]

Just now, WAAAYTOOO said:

IMO the promenade view is a lot better than an interior but that’s just me.  We actually like the promenade view but I would never want an interior.

I love it. You get to totally disconnect. I find that "shut off" from everything onboard a nice break for the senses. Plus sleeping in total dark, like a cave, Best sleep ever.

[NoobCruise]

7 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

It depends upon the type guarantee you have.  A neighborhood balcony can be any balcony including Central Park, Boardwalk or ocean view.  An ocean view balcony can only be an ocean view balcony -no CP or Boardwalk.

Thanks WAAYTOOO but I don't think I was ever given an option for ocean or neighborhood. We are pricing Icon cruises next year and if I am remembering correctly once I selected the category of balcony it gave me two options pick your room (which i guess would be type of balcony as well) and a guarenteed balcony with no further options.

[steverk]

2 minutes ago, NoobCruise said:

Thanks WAAYTOOO but I don't think I was ever given an option for ocean or neighborhood. We are pricing Icon cruises next year and if I am remembering correctly once I selected the category of balcony it gave me two options pick your room (which i guess would be type of balcony as well) and a guarenteed balcony with no further options.

That's what I remember.  If you book a gty balcony,  you don't get any further choices. So, yes, it can be anything. 

[DoomSlayer]

1 hour ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

IMO the promenade view is a lot better than an interior but that’s just me.  We actually like the promenade view but I would never want an interior.

I am with you.  We like the promenade view.  I like people watching on the couch area by the window while I wait for my wife to get ready for the evening.

[DoomSlayer]

1 hour ago, steverk said:

That's what I remember.  If you book a gty balcony,  you don't get any further choices. So, yes, it can be anything. 

This has not been my experience.  I have booked GTY Ocean View balconies which are guaranteed not to be boardwalk or central park balconies.  I usually book these by calling into the casino desk to book and not booking online.  I am pretty sure you can do the same by calling into the regular reservation line too.

[NoobCruise]

1 hour ago, DoomSlayer said:

This has not been my experience.  I have booked GTY Ocean View balconies which are guaranteed not to be boardwalk or central park balconies.  I usually book these by calling into the casino desk to book and not booking online.  I am pretty sure you can do the same by calling into the regular reservation line too.

I wish that was the case in my attempted booking. I would book a GTY $5300 icon room in a second if i knew I would get an ocean view room.

[DoomSlayer]

26 minutes ago, NoobCruise said:

I wish that was the case in my attempted booking. I would book a GTY $5300 icon room in a second if i knew I would get an ocean view room.

Did you call in and ask what a GTY ocean view costs and if they could help you book it?  I've only done this over the phone and never online.

[Pattycruise]

I love a Promenade room.  They feel more spacious than an interior cabin.  They are typically quiet-I’m out late at night-usually in any party taking place on the promenade so I don’t know about promenade room noise from below. Central Park promenades are also very nice. 
as a person who is selective in regards to cabin location I’d prefer a hand picked promenade over a GTY balcony but I’m also someone who doesn’t sit on a balcony. 

[ScottD]

36 minutes ago, Pattycruise said:

I love a Promenade room.  They feel more spacious than an interior cabin.  They are typically quiet-I’m out late at night-usually in any party taking place on the promenade so I don’t know about promenade room noise from below. Central Park promenades are also very nice. 
as a person who is selective in regards to cabin location I’d prefer a hand picked promenade over a GTY balcony but I’m also someone who doesn’t sit on a balcony. 

I also loved my Promenade view room...that little sitting area and the window makes the room feel much bigger than it actually is. We had an interior booked for our next one but bumped it up to an OV, my wife loves sleeping and she's afraid with no natural light...she'll never get up! lol 

[Marlena]

there are different codes for each. XB is oceanview balcony XN is neighborhood. Ive never seen the availability to chose different guarantees on RC website. But my TA picks Ocean view balcony guarantee for us.