As a frequent cruiser, I stay in many types of cabins, but balcony rooms tend to be the most common choice I make.

I tend to book balcony rooms the most because they offer a great balance of space, amenities, and price. They aren't the cheapest option, but usually a balcony is a reasonably higher cost compared to interior cabins.

This year, I stayed in a balcony cabin on five different Royal Caribbean ships: Liberty of the Seas, Utopia of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Icon of the Seas, and Mariner of the Seas.  

In the case of Utopia of the Seas, I actually stayed in two different balcony rooms on separate sailings.

Here's how the spaces stacked up — and which cruise room I liked best for its excellent value.

My balcony room on Liberty of the Seas was all the way forward

In June, I booked connecting balcony cabins at the very front of Liberty of the Seas.

This was a 5-night cruise to Bermuda that I took my family on after my kids finished their school year. Because our schools finish up before Memorial Day weekend, we're able to hop on a summer cruise before the summer season rush starts.

Each cabin was a category 3B Spacious Ocean View Balcony room, with a cost of $4,296.98 per cabin.  

I was able to get one room for free because it was offered to me by Royal Caribbean's Crown and Anchor Society as a reward for reaching Pinnacle Club status.

I liked the fact these rooms were spacious balcony rooms, which meant they had more living space so there was less shuffling.  

Plus, booking two connecting cabins is still one of my favorite family cruise hacks for saving money (and sanity).

Liberty of the Seas is a middle-aged cruise ship, so the aesthetics of the cabin are not going to wow anyone, but it's certainly quite functional.

The downside to this cabin was it was all the way forward.  It gave us great views from our balcony, but it meant a longer walk back and forth between the room and other places on the ship. Plus, cabins all the way forward can be more susceptible to motion.

I stayed in two balcony rooms on Utopia of the Seas

Royal Caribbean launched two new cruise ships in 2024, Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas.

I ended up sailing on Utopia six times in 2024, with two of those sailings in an oceanview balcony.

The first time was a media preview sailing, in which Royal Caribbean invited me to sail as their guest prior to the ship's launch.

For this short 3-night weekend cruise, I had a category 1C cabin that was midship.

One thing you'll notice on a brand new ship is how modern everything looks.

Storage space on Royal Caribbean's newer Oasis Class ships always stands out to me, because there is so much of it. 

Compared to older Oasis Class ships, the cruise line figured out how to add so much more storage options inside it. On both sides of the couch is a closet. One closet was wide open and contained 20 hangers to hang up dresses or suits. It's even big enough to store your suitcase, backpack, and other luggage.

The second closet had five shelves along with a safe to store valuables.

Another tremendous upgrade within cabins on a new ship are how many USB outlets there are.

There's USB outlets on both sides of the bed, along with USB and power outlets elsewhere in the cabin.  This is so helpful for families and it means less reliance on having to remember to pack an outlet extender.

In October, I went back on Utopia again in a category 4D Ocean View Balcony cabin.

This cabin was "free" in the sense I got it through Royal Caribbean's casino program.  Essentially, I gambled enough money on a previous sailing to qualify for a free balcony offer.

All I had to pay were the taxes and fees, which came out to 312.94 per room.

Just like on Liberty of the Seas, I booked two connecting balcony rooms (my wife and I both qualified for a casino offer on this sailing).

I'm not sure you can really tell a difference between the ocean view balcony cabins between my two sailings other than location. 

My next cabin was on Anthem of the Seas in Europe

In August 2024, I sailed alone in a balcony cabin on Anthem of the Seas from Southampton, UK on a 7-night cruise to France and Spain.

I stayed in a category 4D ocean view balcony that cost me $2,822.55. 

You might be wondering why I went for a balcony if it was just me in the room, and there are two reasons why I went with a balcony.

First, the price was good. This balcony cost me almost half as much as the balcony on Liberty of the Seas, and this sailing had two more nights.

Second, because the scenery in Europe is so different to me, I valued being able to easily see my surroundings.  This was especially true for sailing in and sail away, when there was a lot to enjoy.

Also, the weather in Europe was quite mild, so I really enjoyed being able to use my laptop from the balcony and do some work while enjoying temperate weather.

Even though Anthem is about 10 years old, I think the room looks quite up to date with its modern touches.

There are USB outlets around the cabin, and lots of storage too.  While Royal Caribbean may have tweaked options more with its newer ships, I don't think you'll be at a disadvantage with the amenities of a Quantum Class ship.

At 55 square feet, the balcony is average for a Quantum class ship and it has enough room for two chairs and a table.  It's enough space for two people to comfortably enjoy the view and ocean air.

I spent 3 nights in a balcony on the brand new Icon of the Seas

Just like Utopia, Royal Caribbean invited me to stay in a balcony room on Icon of the Seas when she debuted.

Being a brand new ship, you come to expect a beautiful cabin with modern touches. There were the most USB outlets I've seen on any Royal Caribbean ship, but there were two changes that stood out about a balcony room on Icon.

The first change was adding a seat in the shower.

I have never seen a cruise ship shower with a seat before, so this is very unique to Icon of the Seas. 

I also appreciated the size of the shower, as cruise cabin showers have been notoriously small in older ship designs.

The other change that I didn't love as much was the shift from drawers to baskets in some areas.

There are baskets in one of the storage areas, and I can't say I thought it was a good idea.

They didn’t seem to fit well in the shelves: they were heavy and slid harshly over the wood below. They didn’t slide as easily as a drawer, and I had to pull them all the way out if I wanted to get an item out of the basket.

Of course, baskets are not a deal breaker when it comes to a balcony room.  

If I had to pick a winner, I'd say my balcony on Mariner of the Seas felt like the best bang for my buck

The first cruise I took in 2024 I think ended up being the best dollar-for-dollar value.

While still on winter break, I took the family on a 5 night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day on Mariner of the Seas.

Once again, I booked two connecting balcony cabins. The total for two balcony cabins was $3,864.28, making each cabin less than $2,000 each.

Mariner is similar to Liberty of the Seas in age, but unlike Liberty, Royal Caribbean added significant updates to the ship more recently.

Unfortunately, the cabins weren't updated. Royal Caribbean rarely, if ever, updates cabins as part of its ship refurbishments.

Nonetheless, I think the price is perfect for a ship like this.  

I think most cruisers are willing to overlook the curtain color, bathroom motif, and lack of USB plugs if the price is right.

I strongly considered Anthem of the Seas for the best value, but because I had to also think about airfare and other costs of a European cruise, I had to give the edge to Mariner.

When you can go on a cruise for cheap, it's difficult to find many faults, but there are some downsides to a low-cost sailing in an inside cabin.

Thanks to an amazing offer from Royal Caribbean's casino, I was able to go on a 5-night cruise to Mexico for just $200 in an inside cabin.

There's no doubt it was a fantastic value, but I missed having a view and easy access to the outdoors more than I expected.

I've been cruising for a couple of decades now, and I've stayed in plenty of inside cabins before. I'm not someone who tried it for the first time and had a kneejerk reaction to it, so I knew what the experience was like.

However, this time around, I found waking up in the morning to pitch black more jarring than in the past.

Because my inside cabin on deck had no windows, the room was pitch black when my alarm would go off in the morning. I felt like my brain didn't connect that it's morning and I kept thinking I was waking up in the middle of the night.

Likewise, if I woke up on my own, I had no idea if it was 2am or 7am.  It's my personal theory the secret to falling back asleep quickly if you wake up at night is not to open your eyes or check your phone, so a few times I probably woke up 10 minutes before my alarm went off and tried to go back to sleep, only to be awoken again by the alarm.

Had I been in an oceanview cabin or balcony, I would have sensed some light coming in the room and been more aware if it was night or day time.

By the end of the 5-night sailing, I knew the next time I stay in an inside cabin I need to make changes.

I think one factor for me was the length of the sailing.  Most (if not all) of my inside cabin experiences have been on short weekend cruises.  

Weekend cruises go by so quickly and there's so much happening that I don't think the lack of light impacts me as much as on a longer sailing.

While I loved how easy it was to fall asleep in the darkness of the room, I lamented every morning re-adjusting to that lack of light.

I'd stumble around getting up, turn on the lights in the cabin and bathroom, and it felt like "deer in headlights" every time.

Of course, once I was awake and had my wits about me, my inside cabin was perfectly acceptable.

It's not spacious, but it offers just enough space for my belongings and there's room at the vanity for my laptop so I can start my work for the day.

In fact, I think the amount of storage space for a ship as small and old as Serenade of the Seas is ample, and it's better than some newer ship inside cabins I've been in.

Three things I'll do differently next time

Since coming home, I started working on how I could make the inside cabin experience better to avoid this issue.

First, I will bring a sunrise alarm clock with me on my cruise.

I probably mocked this device the first time I heard of it, but I think this would be the game changer for my problem.

It's an alarm clock that has a light that will illuminate slowly to let you know there's daylight out.

The sunrise alarm clock I bought has a gradual light, with two alarms and even has noise you can sleep to: birds, running water, white noise, and more. (Link contains an Amazon affiliate link that costs you nothing extra to use, but I get a commission if you buy it)

It also has a sunset feature which will slowly get darker as the evening progresses, but I doubt I'd use that feature since that never bothered me.  Plus, I'm rarely in my cabin past dinner until it's time to sleep.

The second thing I'll bring with me is a nightlight for the bathroom.

I was lucky that this particular cabin had a motion activated light in the ceiling. I had never seen that on any Royal Caribbean ship, and I assume it was added because of the World Cruise.

Some newer Royal Caribbean ships have a standby light in the bathroom, but the one on Serenade was pitch black. 

I'll admit, there are times I've tried to use the facilities without turning a light on so that I could fall back asleep easier, but it doesn't always work out as well as my memory of the bathroom would lead me to believe.

Therefore, a battery operated nightlight is probably the right move to pack as well. (Amazon affiliate link included here)

It's powered by 3 AAA batteries and has LED lights that are activated when motion is detected. The base is magnetic too, so that means you can attach it to any wall or door in your cabin.

Lastly, I'd probably at least consider trying bidding for a stateroom upgrade.

It never crossed my mind to try a Royal Up bid, but I also think I was focused on my super cheap deal. 

Nonetheless, I bet it would have been a low cost to move up to an oceanview cabin. For $50-$100 extra, it probably would have been worth trying to upgrade my cabin.

Of course, there's no guarantee there will be an upgrade option actually available or that your bid will win, but it's a low risk and high reward option.  As long as the bid isn't too outrageous, I feel like it might be the perfect opportunity to give it a try.

I used to think all rooms on a cruise ship were the same until I stayed in the worst cruise ship cabin I ever had.

The cabin I regretted was on Freedom of the Seas and the room was all the way forward near the ship's anchor. Anytime we docked, it felt like a major earthquake and would always wake us up from sleep in the early morning.

The other problem with this room is we felt more movement because we were all the way forward, and that lead to seasickness on top of it. It was a valuable lesson in paying closer attention to which cabin I choose.

Picking the perfect cabin location on a cruise ship is critical because it is where you will spend the most time during the voyage. Everyone has different preferences, as some people want a cabin with better views on a high deck, while others want to be near the kids club or buffet for the convenience factor.

With a little bit of extra research, there are important things to know about which cabins you should avoid.

Not looking what is above or below your room

Perhaps the biggest concern is picking a room that experiences "noise bleed", where noise from another venue can be heard in the room.

Royal Caribbean's staterooms do a pretty good job at muffling nearby noise, but no cabin is soundproof.

Before you book a room, look at the ship's deck plans and look what is above and below your stateroom.  Ideally, you want other staterooms on either deck and not public venues like pools, restaurants or other public venues.

Keep in mind that is not the worst thing if there is a public venue on a deck above or below your room, but it is a best practice if you can avoid it.

Room location if you are worried about getting seasick

The sensation of movement affects everyone differently, but it is a mistake to book a stateroom all the way forward or all the way aft if you are prone to motion sickness.

Getting seasick on a cruise is something a lot of first time cruisers worry about, and while there are a lot of easy remedies in case it occurs, picking the right room can greatly help as well.

Ideally, you want to book a stateroom that is on a low deck and centrally located to lessen the feeling of movement. While balcony rooms are a good idea, you want to be on the lowest deck, with a room that is the most midship available.

Try to avoid higher decks, as well as cabins at the very front or back of the ship.

Distance to walk

On the bigger Royal Caribbean ships, where your room is in relation to the rest of the ship is a consideration to account for as well.

The proximity of your room to elevators, pools, Royal Promenade, and other popular areas can play a factor in picking the right room for you.

If you think you might spend a lot of time at the pool deck, picking a room on a deck closer to the pool deck might make more sense to avoid the hassle of going back and forth to your room across the ship.

Similarly, if you have mobility concerns, picking a stateroom closer to the elevator banks would be a good idea.

Trying to put everyone in one room

Families going on a cruise often try to book a room that can accommodate everyone in one room. This may seem like the logical solution, but you should consider booking two (or more) smaller rooms instead.

While there are lot of cabins that can fit 4 people in one room, it may not be the most comfortable situation (plus the fact you are all sharing one bathroom).

Instead, consider booking two connecting rooms that have a common inside door between them.  Not only will this provide more room, physical separation and an extra bathroom, it may not be that much more money than trying to book one of the larger rooms.

Looking at only the price

We all have a limited vacation budget, but looking only at the price when choosing a cruise ship cabin is a big mistake.

You will want to look at more than just the price when choosing a cabin, including where it is located and what is (or is not) included with the room.

Your cabin is one part of the vacation where paying a little bit more for a higher category or better location can make a huge difference in your cruise enjoyment.

Read more: The epic Royal Caribbean suites 

Rooms that have noise bleed

Certain staterooms can have more than normal noise from public venues nearby, and that might be an issue if you're someone that goes to bed early or is a very light sleeper.

Royal Promenade View cabins are available on Freedom Class, Voyager Class and Oasis Class ships and they have cabins that face inward towards the Royal Promenade. Each of these rooms has a large bay window that looks out to the Promenade, but this window is not soundproof.

In the evenings especially, there can be noise emanating from the bars and parties below to your room.

In addition, these windows mean people can see into your cabin, so it's important to always keep the blinds drawn if you want privacy.  This is another reason Promenade view rooms may not be desirable.

On the Vision & Radiance Class ships, the first few cabins from the Centrum can also deal with noise bleed, as the Centrum is home to loud music in the evening.  

Read more: The 5 best cabin locations on any cruise ship

Cabins below the pool deck

A good rule of thumb is to try to avoid a cabin that is one deck below the pool deck.

Music isn't the issue with these cabins, rather, noise from chairs being arranged tends to be heard in the room. In the early morning, crew members re-arrange deck chairs for the coming day. Unfortunately, the noise created by dragging heavy lounge chairs across a deck tends to be heard in the rooms below the deck.

Light sleepers or anyone that enjoys sleeping in could have a problem with rooms in this location, so try to book a cabin with another stateroom above your cabin.

Read more: Guide to Royal Caribbean cruise ship cabins and suites

Obstructed view cabins

It may be tempting to save money by booking an obstructed view cabin, but buyer's remorse sets in quickly.

Obstructed view cabins are rooms that have some physical structure blocking at least part of your balcony or porthole window view. Usually, these are lifeboats.

On Voyager and Freedom Class ships, aft balcony rooms have an obstructed view due to the metal structure on the back of the ship. You can still see the ocean, but it's not completely open either.

Read more: 6 reasons to reject a cruise ship cabin upgrade

Connecting cabins (if you don't also book the connecting room on the other side)

Connecting cabins are a fantastic option for families, but if you aren't booking both rooms on either side of the common door, you're making a mistake.

The issue is the common door between the two staterooms is not soundproof and is actually quite easy for noise to pass through.

While the door will remain locked if you don't know the person in the other room, you're going to hear a lot of what's happening in their room and they'll hear what you're up to as well.

Look at a deck plan before booking any cabin, and avoid booking connecting rooms if you aren't going to book both cabins.

A balcony cabin on a cruise ship is the accommodation so many people prefer, but what's the realistic price you can expect to pay?

Of the four basic cruise ship cabin categories, balconies are the most popular because of the extra space and relative affordability they provide.

Unlike suites, there are many more balcony cabins on Royal Caribbean ships, and the price jump to a balcony is far more palatable compared to going up to a suite.

Having access to fresh air and a private veranda is the rationale most people give for booking a balcony in the first place.

The average cost for a balcony is around $2,200 for 2 people

In trying to answer the question of how much a balcony room will cost, I crunched the numbers.

I sampled the price of a balcony across more than 2,000 upcoming Royal Caribbean sailings in 2024 & 2025. These include short weekend cruises, 7-night cruises, and longer voyages.

When finding the average price, the cost of a balcony cabin came out to $1,139 per person or around $2,200 for 2 people.

Since this is an average, you can expect to find plenty of prices that are well above or below our average because cruise cabin prices vary by ship and itinerary.

Even within the same sailing, the price of a balcony can change on a daily basis. Like airline pricing, the timing of your reservation significantly affects the price.

In general, the earlier you book your cruise, the cheaper the price.

There are different balcony cabins

Another factor that will affect the price of a balcony cabin is the exact cabin type.

Royal Caribbean has many subcategories of balcony rooms that are priced differently depending on:

• Location
• Passenger capacity
• Living space square footage
• View

When you choose a balcony cabin, you'll need to consider these options in picking the right cabin choice for you.

Midship balcony rooms with more living space typically cost more than a smaller balcony room towards the front or back of the ship.

Likewise, a balcony cabin that can accommodate more than two passengers will cost more than a standard double room.

Balconies that aren't balconies

When we talk about a balcony room, you probably envision a private veranda to go outside and enjoy. However, there are a few Royal Caribbean cabins called a balcony that don't actually have that.

A virtual balcony is an inside room with a large floor-to-ceiling television screen showing real time views from outside. It's really meant as an upgrade from a standard inside cabin.

On the brand new Icon Class cruise ships, Royal Caribbean added infinite balconies, which have a window that slides down to provide fresh air.

The idea behind the infinite balcony is you can close the window and retain the balcony space as added indoor space.

Lastly, the neighborhood balconies are actual cabins with a real veranda that looks inwards instead of to the ocean. These are on Oasis Class and Icon Class cruise ships, and have views of one of the ship's neighborhoods, such as Central Park, Boardwalk, or Surfside.

This isn't to say you shouldn't book these types of balconies. Rather, understand what you're getting (and not getting) before you book.

How much more is a balcony cabin from an inside room?

The average cost to move up from an inside cabin to balcony runs the gamut of prices depending on the sailing you choose.

In our analysis, there's roughly a $390 per person difference to move up from an inside cabin to a balcony room, but you can expect wild variations in pricing depending on the specific cruise.

What I recommend doing is when you narrow down your search for which cruise to book, evaluate the cost difference and decide if an inside or a balcony cabin is a better deal.

Top reasons to book an inside cabin:

• Cheaper
• You won't spend that much time in the cabin
• (Arguably) Easier to sleep because of the dark

Top reasons to book a balcony cabin:

• Extra living space
• Private veranda
• Fresh air

Guarantee balcony cabins can save money

If you're not picky, booking a guarantee balcony could save you a lot of money on the cost of a balcony.

By choosing a guarantee cabin, you're letting Royal Caribbean assign you a room from the leftover unbooked staterooms. While you might not get the best cabin location on the ship, you'll still get a balcony room and likely save a few hundred dollars along the way.

The amount of money you can save on a cruise by going with a guarantee cabin will vary considerably, but sometimes it can net you significant savings.

The reason to skip booking a guarantee is if you want a specific location.

Some people absolutely want to be midship for convenience and to avoid getting seasick. Others want a great view, such as an aft balcony that looks out the back of the ship.

Watch out for obstructed balconies

Not all balconies are created equally, and some have obstructions to block part of the view.

Obstructed balconies are just like regular balcony cabins, but there is some physical structure blocking part of your view.

Royal Caribbean provides a percentage of how much of the view is blocked. Usually, the obstruction is a lifeboat, pole, or some part of the ship's steel infrastructure.

One advantage of an obstructed balcony is it will be cheaper than a regular balcony room.

You should also be aware it's quite common for a guarantee cabin booking to end up with an obstructed balcony cabin because they're less desirable and thus end up unsold. Ditto if you're thinking of bidding for a stateroom upgrade to a balcony.

How much is a balcony worth to you?

Ultimately, the decision if a balcony cabin is worth it depends on your costs involved, your vacation budget, and how much you value the benefits of a balcony.

Because the prices vary so wildly, I can't offer advice for everyone. However, I do think it's worth always weighing the cost of a balcony and other cabin categories, rather than going into a booking only focused on a balcony room category.

Something else to consider is the destinations your cruise will visit. If you're taking an exotic cruise to a place like Alaska or Norway, the value of a balcony room is higher because of all the scenery.

It seems a lot of people will justify booking a balcony instead of an inside cabin if the price is reasonable. Around $200 per person to move up to a balcony is the range where it's a no brainer to upgrade. Beyond that, it's up to you and your budget.

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Is a balcony worth splurging on for a cruise? Sometimes it can be an obvious choice for the convenient access to fresh air, a great view, and natural light in your cabin.

However, sometimes a balcony can cost a lot more or the itinerary isn't conducive for a balcony cabin.

A balcony cabin is incredibly popular because a lot of people see them as a good blend of space, value, and amenities. It's why you'll find more balcony cabins on newer cruise ships than older ones.  Cruise lines have increased the percentage of balcony cabins on ships quite a bit over the last 15 years.

I've taken almost 100 cruises, and I've sailed around the world, so I've been on quite a few balconies. Here are the pros and cons of private balconies on a cruise.

What to expect in a balcony cabin

No matter which ship or balcony cabin you book, you can expect a stateroom with a private veranda that you can enjoy anytime day or night.

Balcony rooms are also larger than an inside cabin, which means more living space within the cabin itself and the space the balcony provides.

Royal Caribbean's inside cabins are around 149 square feet in side, whereas a balcony room starts at 180 square feet. That may not seem like a lot of extra space on paper, but experiencing it in person gives all the perspective you need.

Verandas come in many sizes, with some being just 40 square feet all the way up to hundreds of square feet in the mega suites.

All balcony cabins include at least two chairs and a table, that you can use to sit or even have room service deliver food out there. Having your morning coffee while sitting on your balcony is something I will never tire of, and something I can never replicate at home.

I'd recommend everyone try this at least once, because eating on your balcony is another fantastic reason to book a balcony.

Some of the larger balconies (especially those on suites), may include loungers instead of chairs.

Balcony cabins offer a lot to love

When you think of a cruise vacation, you probably have the ocean air in mind, and a balcony cabin gives you ample access to it.

It's quite refreshing to be able to open up you balcony any time of day and get the breeze immediately. The connection to the ocean is such a critical component for many on why they enjoy to cruise.

Even when the weather may be a bit chilly, having access to the fresh ocean air is refreshing. 

In addition, enjoying your ship departing and arriving from your balcony is definitely more enjoyable. Since you have a private balcony to enjoy, you don't have to contend with anyone else to get a spot.

Taking a seat in a chair and watching the world go by is a big reason why I enjoy being in a balcony cabin.

Why cruisers book a balcony

When asked if it's worth the extra cost to have a balcony, veteran cruisers talk about the reasons to give one a try.

In an online discussion, journmajor wrote, "Balconies are heaven after a hot day, a cool shower, with a glass of wine and a book before late dinner time. My favorite time of the day."

Julios_on_50th wrote, "I have been on 10 cruises. Always get a balcony. My husband and I use it throughout the day. Early morning coffee, reading in the afternoon, late night cocktail. The balcony is so relaxing."

tipsy_python shared their thoughts on how much more to spend on a balcony, "My opinion on value: $1-$250 more is no brainer, you have to do balcony $251-$500 tempting, probably should $500+ experiencing diminishing returns, gotta consider the alternatives."

Reasons to not book a balcony

If you're wondering what the rationale is to skip a balcony, there are a few good counterarguments.

A balcony stateroom can sometimes cost a lot more than an inside room. That's money you could spend on another cruise or even just a shore excursion. Every dollar adds up.

The amount of people in your cabin could be a factor. Most balconies only have two chairs, so if you have a family of three or four people, you cannot sit outside together.

Something else to think about is the wind effect, especially when the balcony door is open and someone opens the stateroom door to the hallway.  This creates a wind tunnel, and it can tussle all of your belongings.

Lastly, there's the reality of how much time will you actually spend on your balcony? Royal Caribbean ships are designed to have so much going on, and what ends up happening is cruisers spend more time out of their cabin than they originally anticipated.

Is it worth getting a balcony on a cruise?

Spending more to book a balcony can definitely make sense, but there are important factors to consider.

On shorter sailings, where the amount of overall time you have on the cruise limited, you may find a balcony unnecessary since there is not much time to enjoy it.

However, if your cruise is 7-nights or longer, that provides significantly more time to relax and enjoy the private balcony area, especially on sea days.

Part of the decision is to determine what your plans are for the cruise and how much you plan on taking advantage of the room.

Royal Caribbean ships offer an incredible amount of activities, places to dine, and things to do onboard that you may not find much reason to stay in your stateroom, balcony or not. For some cruisers, a cabin is where you sleep, shower, and not much else.

While rock climbing walls, the casino, water slides and other activities are compelling options for some, other guests know they prefer to enjoy the weather from the comfort of their balcony.

Ultimately, a balcony cabin will almost certainly cost more than an oceanview or windowless "inside" cabin, but I think the cost is justified in so many cases.

New cruisers may see a balcony room as a good investment and opportunity to try cruising in an ideal environment.

Someone who been on multiple cruises and wants to book more cruises may look at this conundrum as an opportunity to save money for a future cruise and book an interior stateroom.  Plus, they have already experienced a balcony cabin in the past.

Having access to a balcony and the associated benefits it brings makes the decision to splurge on a balcony worth it.

Decorating cruise cabin doors has become a fun and popular tradition among passengers on Royal Caribbean cruises.

Maybe you’re celebrating a special occasion like a milestone birthday, graduation, or anniversary, or perhaps you’re just looking to add a personal touch to your stateroom. Whatever the reason, decorating your cruise cabin door is a great way to make your stateroom easy to spot in the hallway.

However, before you purchase decorations, it’s important to be aware of Royal Caribbean’s rules and policies. In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about decorating your stateroom door on a Royal Caribbean cruise, as well as provide some inspiration to help you get started. 

Please note that we have linked Amazon items in this article containing affiliate links. The affiliate links cost you nothing extra, but Royal Caribbean Blog will make a small commission if you purchase the item through the link.

Read more: 30 Cruise cabin hacks that cruisers love

Royal Caribbean allows guests to decorate their cabin door

Though Royal Caribbean passengers are permitted to spruce up their stateroom doors, you will want to be considerate of your fellow guests, avoiding anything that could be deemed offensive, inappropriate, or disruptive.

Royal Caribbean’s code of conduct states, “Inappropriate or abusive behavior is not permitted. This includes: … placing materials (including signs, banners, decorations, etc.) anywhere on the exterior of the ship, [and] placing materials anywhere on the interior of the ship (including stateroom doors, along corridors, etc.) without the express permission of [the ship's] management or which may be deemed by ship management as inappropriate, or any other illegal or offensive conduct.”

In other words, crew members won't remove lighthearted and tasteful decor, so long as it's confined to your cabin door and not blocking any passageways. 

It's also wise to ensure your decor won't damage the cruise line's property. 

When choosing your cabin door decorations, avoid any that require tape, nails, or adhesives that could harm the finish. Instead, go for magnetic decor, as magnets can be easily placed and removed without leaving any damage.

And as wholesome as the activity is, you shouldn't be personally attached to any decor in case it's stolen. Young children, for instance, may see a cute magnet and think it's okay to grab it from your door. 

If you bought the magnet in port, you'll likely be disappointed when you discover it's missing; it's not easy to replace a unique souvenir bought in Ketchikan, Alaska, or Barcelona, Spain. 

Note that your cabin category doesn't matter. Passengers staying in the smallest interior rooms or lavish suites can personalize their stateroom's door. However, the same rules apply: the decor shouldn't be offensive, blocking passageways, or stuck to the door with potentially harmful adhesives. 

Read more: How to find the cheapest cabins on Royal Caribbean

The benefits of decorating your cruise cabin door

In a thread posted on the Royal Caribbean Blog discussion forum, cruise passengers explain why they love cabin decor. 

"Invariably I will have a morning during a cruise when I will wake up way too early. On that morning I head to Cafe Promenade to grab...a cup of coffee and begin to do my daily walk but rather than use the walking track I walk the halls of each deck. The only reason I do this is to view the various door decorations," said Mike n Ky. 

whitsmom shared, "I like to use it [to] help find our door easier (in the beginning)." 

ScottD talked about the camaraderie that came with his choice of decor. 

"We had a [whiteboard] on our door, supporting our favorite football team who was playing in a big playoff game that day. We had a blast every time we came back to the room and saw different notes added to the board, sometimes in support and sometimes against our team. We loved it," he said. 

What types of decorations are acceptable?

A go-to choice is decor celebrating something specific, whether someone's birthday, graduation, anniversary, or retirement. Cruises, however, are a great vacation option, even if there's nothing monumental to celebrate. 

Are you sailing somewhere new? You can focus your decor on the destination. Perhaps you're a brand-new cruiser and want to honor your first-ever voyage! That's a fun theme for your door, too. Guests may also tailor their decor around holidays like Easter, the 4th of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc. 

Families might consider ordering customized magnets with everyone's name, including "Mom," "Dad," etc. These are ideal for families who love cruising and can see themselves on annual (or bi-annual) voyages, as they can be reused. 

Read more: I tried the best inside cruise ship cabin hacks to see how well they worked

Some of the most universal door decor are those relating to drink packages. With Royal Caribbean's Deluxe Beverage Package, you can enjoy unlimited alcoholic drinks each day of your sailing for a fixed price. And yes, the drink package works ashore at Perfect Day at CocoCay!  

Some making the splurge on a package—which often costs over $65 per person, per day—may want to extend a "warning" to those in neighboring cabins. 

Of course, you want to be mindful of your consumption and not disrupt others! While it's perfectly acceptable to enjoy handcrafted cocktails onboard, your enjoyment shouldn't bother guests, especially when they are trying to rest. 

Read more: I spent $600 on Royal Caribbean’s beverage package

Where can I buy cabin door decorations?

Those looking to score last-minute decor should head to Amazon. "Cruise cabin decor" yields over 2,000 results, so there's no shortage of magnets available to purchase for your upcoming cruise. They're affordable, too. 

A 28-piece nautical pack can be bought for around $10. Celebrating a birthday? Look no further than this 27-piece "birthday cruise" pack for $8.99, which includes everything you need to let other passengers know about the occasion. 

A colorful drink package warning costs $8.99. In addition to a bright yellow warning label, the 13-piece pack also includes beverages to add a fun and eye-catching touch to your stateroom door. 

Whiteboards are popular, too. You can use them to leave messages for your friends and family, perhaps letting them know that you left for dinner or went to grab seats on the pool deck. 

They can also be used to engage with other passengers. It's not uncommon to see whiteboards with a "question of the day," asking guests their favorite food, where they're from, how many cruises they've been on, etc. 

Some cruisers opt to make their own decor to add a personalized element, instead of buying pre-made magnets. While this isn't prohibited by Royal Caribbean, you'll want to ensure you attach magnets to the photographs, signs, etc., rather than relying on tape and glue. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean cabins for 5 or more people

Another option for more customized cruise cabin decor is to browse Etsy, an online marketplace where you can find lots of handmade items, ranging from t-shirts to cabin door decorations. Under the "cruise cabin decor" search, you can filter by cruise line, material, color, theme, and more. 

Plus, you can indicate if you want decor that's customizable. Note, though, that many items purchased off Etsy won't ship as fast as those from Amazon, so give yourself plenty of time to place your order before your cruise's departure date. 

Finally, you can purchase cruise cabin decor directly through Royal Caribbean. 

For guests celebrating a birthday, it's easy to surprise the special cruiser with the "Happy Birthday Decorations" package available on the Cruise Planner for $69.99. In addition to a door magnet, you'll receive hanging ceiling decor inside your stateroom, a wire photo cable with clips, and more. 

There's also an anniversary package and "Bon Voyage Decorations" package with festive accessories for those who aren't celebrating anything specific onboard. Both include a magnetic door decoration.

Choosing the right balcony stateroom on a Royal Caribbean cruise involves understanding the different categories and what each one offers.

When booking a balcony stateroom on a Royal Caribbean cruise, it’s essential to know how the room categories differ. 

Here is what you need to know about these balcony room to know the difference between them all.

1D vs 2D vs 5D vs 7D

When you decide to book a balcony stateroom, you will see a variety of category numbers: 1D, 4D, 1A, 1E, 2F, etc. There are sixteen sub-categories of balcony staterooms across Royal Caribbean's fleet (not including suites or interior balcony rooms).

Categories like 1D, 2D, and 5D indicate the room's location and size, with lower numbers typically signifying more desirable rooms closer to mid-ship and with more square footage. As the number increases, rooms are often further from mid-ship and may have less space, resulting in lower prices.

The differences can be very subtle from one category to another, but the price tends to drop as the number climbs (i.e. a 7D tends to be cheaper than a 1D).

Another difference between staterooms is the capacity of the cabin. Rooms that accommodate more guests may cost more, but it's the only way to have three and four passengers in the room. 

Location on the ship is another key factor because mid-ship rooms are highly desirable for those concerned about seasickness or who prefer convenience to the elevators.

Other balcony categories

In addition to balcony staterooms that have the letter "D" in the category, there are other categories of balcony staterooms that may be on the same ship.

• A : Ultra Spacious Ocean View with Large Balcony
• C: Ocean view with Large Balcony
• E: Obstructed Ocean View Balcony
• F: Studio Ocean View Balcony
• X: Ocean View Balcony Guarantee

Oasis Class ships

Quantum Class

Freedom Class

Voyager Class

Radiance Class

Vision Class

Which room should I book?

Now that you understand what the categories mean, you might be wondering which category is the right choice for your family.

First and foremost, you will be limited by the room capacity, so if you want a room that can handle 3 or 4 guests, then any category that can only sleep up to 2 guests is out of the question.  Similarly, rooms that can accommodate 4 guests may be "overkill" for what you need.

The other two considerations are price and location.

The location of a cabin is arguably the next most important consideration, as where your room is on the ship (mid-ship, aft, forward, or somewhere inbetween) is an important consideration for some. 

If you are concerned about getting seasick, or prefer convenience to the elevators, then a room mid-ship should be your choice.

Lastly, price moves a lot of guests one way or another. Those higher balcony room numbers (6D and 7D) are going to cost you less, but expect a longer walk down the hall. The obstructed view rooms will save you money as well, but you will not have full view out of your balcony.

Ultimately, the rooms left to book and budget tend to dictate which room categories are really under consideration. Knowing how Royal Caribbean has categorized its rooms provides better insight into picking the right choice for you.

Big Royal Caribbean cruise ships are great, but sometimes the commute of getting from your cabin to the fun can get tiresome.

On my last two cruises, I ended up with cabins on a lower deck than usual and near the stairs.  It might seem like a big deal, but it made a big difference in my enjoyment overall.

There are compelling arguments of where to pick your cabin.  Aft cabins offer great views, mid-ship cabins are more stable, and some balconies are larger because of the ship design.

Read more: Royal Caribbean cabin guide

I am one of those people that doesn't spend a lot of time in my cabin, but I do find myself going back and forth a lot. With so much happening onboard, sometimes you need your sunglasses, or laptop, or bathing suit, or playing cards. But I don't want them all at once.

Out of necessity, I've started booking cabins that are on a lower deck and near the staircases, and it's made my enjoyment of the cruise far better.

Being on a low deck helps avoid elevator waits

Picking a cabin that is just one or two decks away from the Royal Promenade is half of the strategy.

Conventional wisdom says to book a balcony cabin on a higher deck for the views. I'd argue in the Caribbean, there's a negligible difference in terms of views between deck 7 and deck 9.

Read more: The 5 best cabin locations on a cruise ship

Being on a lower deck means you can easily go up one or two staircases and get to the heart of what's happening on the ship. You'll mostly find activities between decks 3, 4 and 5 on most Royal Caribbean ships because that's where the theaters are located, along with Royal Promenade, and many bars.

If all I have to do is go up a deck or two, I can easily manage that and skip the elevator.

I find after 2 or 3 decks of going up stairs, I start to feel like Peter Venkman in Ghostbusters trying to climb 22 flights of stairs.

This same methodology would hold true if I was staying on a higher deck in regards to the pool and buffet, but I find there's more happening to draw me to the lower decks.

Read more: Choosing the Quietest Cabins on Royal Caribbean

Picking a cabin near stairs is even better

Now combine a lower deck cabin with a cabin in close proximity to staircases, and you've got a winning combination.

Royal Caribbean ships have two stairwells, with one towards the front and another mid-ship. 

If you pick a cabin all the way forward or all the aft, you're going to find a long distance to traverse each time you go to and from your room.

This is especially true on Quantum, Oasis, and Icon Class cruise ships where the hallways seem to go on indefinitely.

When I stayed in a room near the stairs, I found it so convenient to be able to get to my cabin. With kids, this is so helpful because inevitably, someone forgot something back in the room.

Plus, not having to go very far to get something from my room is quite convenient.

Because I enjoy spending most of my time around the Promenade, having a cabin near the stairs makes it so easy to get back and forth to get or drop off something.

Avoid cabins with noise bleed

Before you pick the first cabin on deck 6 near the stairs, you'll want to make sure it's not above or below a public venue.

Ideally, you'll pick a cabin that is one deck above and below another cabin.

You want to avoid any cabin that is above or below a pool, bar, lounge, or restaurant because of the potential of noise bleeding through to your cabin.

Read more: Choosing a cabin for your cruise

Additionally, don't book a connecting room if you don't know the person in the connecting room because the connecting door is poor at preventing noise bleed.

The key is to look at the deck plans on Royal Caribbean's website before you select a room.

Suites are the exception

This strategy works for inside, oceanview, and balcony cabins, but if you prefer to stay in a suite, you're out of luck.

Suites tend to be located on higher decks. On Royal Caribbean's newest ships, you'll find its Suite Neighborhood on decks 17 and 18.

If you want to book a suite, you probably won't be able to pick a cabin on a lower deck.

Read more: A $7,000 Suite on Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas

Can you change or upgrade a stateroom after booking your cruise?

It might feel like your stateroom choice is a significant decision, one that will set your cruise experience in stone.

Whether you want to save money with an interior cabin, feel the ocean breeze in a balcony stateroom, or enjoy luxury in an elegant suite, choosing a stateroom is a big deal.

A cruise cabin becomes your home for the length of the sailing, so picking one that fits your travel needs is essential.

Desires can also change throughout the process of preparing for a cruise.

Maybe you want to splurge on a bigger room, change the location, or try a different stateroom category.

Whatever the reason, it is possible to change your stateroom, even if you've already made your final payment.

Here's how you can do so.

Read more: How to upgrade your cabin on Royal Caribbean

Changing your cruise cabin

Assuming there's unbooked cabins for your sailing, if you wish to change your cruise cabin, you can do so anytime before the sail date by contacting your travel agent.

If you do not have a travel agent, call Royal Caribbean customer service at 866-562-7625. They will assist you as best they can with finding and booking a new stateroom.

If your desired stateroom is an upgrade from the previous category, you can expect it to be repriced and any promotions from the original booking would be lost to the current promotions. 

Any previous payments or deposits you've made will apply to the new prices, but you'll have to pay the difference.

When your new stateroom costs more than the previous one for any reason, you'll have to pay the difference.

If you're choosing the same room category, you'll switch at no extra charge.

The cost of changing your room will be the difference between your current booking and the cost of the prevailing rate for the new stateroom.

It's important to remember that you will not receive any refunds if you're changing staterooms after the final payment has been made. Even if your new stateroom costs less than the previous one, you won't receive any of your money back.

Additionally, Royal Caribbean has many offers that change frequently. 

If you booked your cabin with a particular sale or offer, you may lose the booking incentives of that offer.

Prices fluctuate constantly, so when changing rooms, Royal Caribbean will use the current rate of the new cabin on the day that you change it.

This new stateroom price will determine the fare difference.

Last-minute rates can also be quite high, so you should be prepared to pay an extra cost for changing your room, even if you're staying within the same stateroom category.

Finding a stateroom

Of course, changing your stateroom also depends on there being unsold cabins left to switch to.

Most cruise ships sail completely full, so you can expect staterooms to sell out in the weeks before the cruise.

Read more: How full is my cruise ship: How to tell if your cruise is fully booked

The closer to the cruise you attempt to change your room, the fewer options you'll have available.

If you're wondering which cabins are available to switch to, you can go to the Royal Caribbean website and begin a mock booking.

In the booking process, select your desired stateroom category, and the screen will show you exactly what cabins are still available.

If you see any that suit your preferences, you can close the fake booking and proceed to call Royal Caribbean or your travel agent to begin the process of switching to that cabin.

Bid for a RoyalUp upgrade

If you specifically want to upgrade your cruise cabin, another option is to make a bid for it.

Royal Caribbean has a bidding program that allows you to bid for a higher cabin category, called the RoyalUp program.

With this blind bidding program, you can place a bid for cabins that cost more than the one you previously booked.

Essentially, cruisers can bid on a possible range of prices you'd be willing to pay.

Using the Royal Caribbean website, you'll browse through the available stateroom categories and select the amount you'd be willing to pay for each upgrade.

Read more: RoyalUp tips & tricks

When you make your bid, you'll enter your payment information. If you win the bid, your card will be automatically charged and you will be switched to the new stateroom.

It's important to note that this final charge is not refundable. If you win the bid, it becomes binding.

However, you can withdraw or cancel the bid before any decisions are approved.

Bids are accepted up to 2 days before embarkation day.

The benefit of using the RoyalUp program is that you can make a bid that is cheaper than the cost of simply upgrading to the cabin.

It's also easy to do; you merely select your bid from the Royal Caribbean website.

However, one downside is that it's a guessing game without any guarantee. You won't know if there are any cabins available to upgrade to, or what other cruisers are bidding for them.

It's purely based on luck.

You also won't be able to choose the cabin's location, if you are granted an upgrade.

Additionally, you cannot use the RoyalUp program to gain extra Crown and Anchor Society points. If you book a standard cabin originally, but make a bid and successfully move up to a suite, you'll still only receive one point per night of the cruise.

Can I change my room after I get on board?

We recommend that you book the category of room you desire, or try to change the cabin before your sail date.

It is possible but very unlikely that you'll be able to change your stateroom after you get onboard.

Royal Caribbean's website reads: "Because of the popularity of cruising almost all our rooms are occupied. It is very unlikely to be able to change or upgrade your room onboard."

Since the cruise line makes an effort to fill its ships each sailing, empty staterooms are rarely available.

However, if you still want to switch cabins when you get onboard, you can go to Guest Services to request this.

For the best chance, try to speak with them as soon as you get on board.

Your cruise ship cabin is your "home away from home" during your vacation, but you can't treat it like your real home.

Cruise staterooms come with essential furniture, a private bathroom, and even a stateroom attendant who will tidy up the area daily.

Your stateroom is meant to be a comfortable, private place to rest and enjoy your cruise.

However, you can’t do just anything you want inside your cabin. There are certain rules you must follow during the length of your stay.

Royal Caribbean wants its guests to care for the room they have during their stay and respect the crew members onboard.

You should also use careful etiquette to be mindful of other guests around you.

This article will highlight the most important rules you cannot break, and one rule that is okay to bend. Here are 8 rules to always follow during your cruise.

1. No smoking 

Smoking inside the cabin or even on the balcony is a fire hazard.

Royal Caribbean strictly bans guests from smoking or vaping anywhere that is not the designated smoking zone.

While it may seem like you can smoke on your balcony without much risk, ashes could be blown back on another deck of the ship and that poses a major fire hazard.  Plus, ashes going in the ocean is littering.

Fire is actually the biggest danger to a cruise ship! 

Anything with a flame could fall or cling to fabric and should be kept far away from your cruise ship's stateroom.

2. Don’t climb or play on the balcony

Every once in a while, you’ll see a news story about someone who has fallen overboard on a cruise ship.

But the truth is, most cruise ship railings are actually high enough that someone cannot merely slip and fall overboard.

If someone "falls" off, it's because they're doing something they're not supposed to or are in a place they are not supposed to, such as climbing or playing around on a high balcony.

To avoid tragedies like this, everyone is asked to stay off the railings and avoid climbing on any balconies. 

If you don’t follow this rule, you could be kicked off the ship or even banned from the cruise line. 

Remember that cameras are also on every balcony, so you will definitely get caught.

Take your safety and Royal Caribbean’s warnings seriously.

3. Communicate with your cabin attendant

On the first day of your cruise, you will meet your cabin’s stateroom attendant. If you're in a standard cabin, they will ask if you prefer having your room cleaned in the morning or at night. If you're in a suite, you'll have twice-a-day cleaning.

Read more: Why you should get your cruise cabin serviced in the evening instead of the morning

Throughout your cruise, they will be responsible for cleaning the stateroom and taking care of any requests you have.

Don’t be afraid to communicate to them anything you need!

Whether you want ice, need extra towels, want the beds separated, can’t find a hair dryer, or are wondering how any part of the room works, they are there to assist you with any requests.

While gratuities will be charged as part of your cruise fare, consider leaving them a nice tip if you appreciate their service or have special requests.

Read more: 30 Cruise cabin hacks that cruisers love

4. Don’t leave a mess

While your stateroom attendant is there to help, that doesn’t mean that they are your personal maid.

They have other staterooms to service and they deserve your respect.

Out of courtesy, make sure that you don’t leave a huge mess in the room.

Don’t move around furniture or leave out too much clutter. 

Your stateroom attendant needs to be able to get into the room, after all.

Plus, leaving a mess can just stress you out more during a vacation when you’re trying to relax.

5. Use the Do Not Disturb sign for privacy

Royal Caribbean provides a cute do-not-disturb magnet for every stateroom that reads, “sleeping off the adventure.”

If you need privacy at any time, simply stick this outside your room and you will be left alone.

Various deliveries or questions could come to your door anytime, so this is a helpful hack to help you get that peace and quiet.

However, stateroom attendants are not permitted to enter the room while you have this up, so don’t forget to take it down when you leave!

Read more: 15 Things To Do As Soon as You Get to Your Cruise Cabin

6. Don’t throw anything overboard

Cruise ships are committed to protecting the environment and the marine wildlife around them.

Because of this, there are strict rules against throwing anything overboard and into the ocean.

While some people think that it’s okay to send food or trash flying overboard, think again.

Don’t throw anything off the balcony or into the ocean, and especially don’t feed the sea animals!

If you’ve ever heard the quote, “Take only memories, leave nothing but footprints,” this applies to a sea vacation as well.

Keep your arms, feet, and items inside the cruise ship.

Read more: I tried the best inside cruise ship cabin hacks to see how well they worked

7. Don’t flush things down the toilet 

You should only be flushing toilet paper down the cruise ship toilets.

Cruise ship plumbing is very sensitive and can be easily clogged by tampons, wipes, double-ply toilet paper, or any other items.

Not only that but the plumbing is also connected between all the cabins. This means that if you back up your toilet, other passengers will also experience issues.

Be considerate, and put everything else in the trash can.

Read more: Where does the poop go on a cruise ship?

8. Be considerate of noise in the hallways

Not only should you be respectful inside your stateroom, but you should also be considerate when walking to and from your cabin.

Keep the noise down in the hallways, don’t leave a mess, and don’t run or jump around.

We’re all on vacation and understand that it can be fun and exciting. But you should still remember that there are others around, and they may be resting, sleeping, or just not wanting to hear your noise.

Keep it down in the hallways, and rejoice once you’re inside your stateroom with the door closed.

1. One rule you can break: You don’t have to stay in the room you booked

Did you know you don’t necessarily have to stay in the cabin you booked under your room? Whether you’re visiting friends, or splitting a room with a group, you can switch it up.

This is especially a helpful hack for families with kids who want a little more privacy.

Because only guests over 21 can book a room, you’ll want to book one room under each adult’s name.

But when you get on the cruise ship, you can divide the room up differently.

Maybe you’re traveling with teenagers, who are under 21 but would really like their own space.

Simply book that cabin under an adult’s name, and then let them have the room once onboard.