There are three types of cruisers where cabin type is concerned:
1/ "I'm never in my room! Just book me in the cheapest interior!"
2/ "Here's my budget, what can I get with that?"
3/ "I MUST have a balcony, I cannot cruise without a balcony, I will save my money and wait for when I can get a balcony, if I can't have the balcony on this cruise, I'll just take a balcony on a different cruise, but I will not sail without a balcony."
Geez! What's the fuss with Type #3? Well, being a #3 myself... I'm more than happy to break it down for ya...
1/ Relaxing in peace and quiet
There are many places to relax around a cruise ship. You have the pool deck, the spa, the adults-only retreat, etc. You know what they don't have that your balcony does?? Privacy! Who wants to "relax" while being concerned if their butt is going to fall out of their swimsuit or if they drool in front of people or fart after all those delicious meals?? On your own balcony, you have the privacy to not worry about that, and the peace and quiet from those antics from other cruisers, as well.
2/ Port Runners! And other great port sights.
I'm not the type to wait until the last minute to head back to the port. Most of the time, I'm one of the many others who are relaxing on the balcony, showered after an adventurous day on land, with some light snacks from room service and enjoying the view. If you booked a port-side balcony cabin, most likely, your views are breathtaking, and watching those late comers running down the pier to make it to the ship on time (or not) makes for some pretty cool entertainment.
3/ Catching Sun
All the lounge chairs on the lido deck full? Too many kids? Not in for the music? You can sunbathe right on your own balcony. In fact, this is the one place on the ship that you can feel free to sunbathe topless if you wanted to, as well.
4/ Stargazing
One of my favorite things to do is stargaze. Can't really do that when the kids are awake and you have to go outside of the cabin. Many late nights on cruises have been spent by my husband and I just looking at the stars while our daughter is fast asleep. Depending on the ship, there are some cabins that allow you ample room to spread a blanket on the floor and you have a clear view straight up to the skies. (CruiseGuruz knows exactly where these special cabins are, wink, wink.) I can't tell you how many shooting stars we've seen from out there at sea in the complete darkness other than the beautiful moonlight. Yep. This alone is too much to miss by not having a balcony cabin.
5/ Sunrise and sunset
Who wants to get dressed that early and head out for the sunrise? Schedule room service for a half-hour before sunrise, and enjoy your coffee and croissants to that beautiful view in the comfort of your robe. The sun usually sets while I'm getting dressed for Early dining, but with a balcony cabin, I can still see that view of an amazing sunset. It also makes for great pictures before we head down to dinner.
6/ Naps
If you haven't napped on your balcony, you're absolutely missing out. Take your blanket (or not) and lay the seat-back down on your lounger and go for it! Wanna make it through the whole night listening to waves crash while feeling that fresh sea breeze? No one's stopping you!
7/ Being outside without getting dressed
Yes, we discussed this already for some of the above reasons but it absolutely deserves a number of its own: You can take in the fresh air without the inconvenience of getting dressed and putting your shoes on and running up the stairs or waiting for elevators. But to take it one step further: Being naked outside! It is absolutely exhilarating and if you have not tried it before, you must! It's a liberating feeling unlike any other. However, obvious disclaimer here, please be observant and ensure that no one else is... um... being observant. Do not go parading naked while docked at the port, you will be arrested for indecent exposure.... but out at sea, and not too close to the rails where your neighbor can see, just take a minute and let it all hang out. :) You'll thank me later.
8/ Catching unique sights on special itineraries
There are certain itineraries that you absolutely MUST have a balcony or you would have missed major moments of what could have been a much more magical vacation... For example, Alaska: I had a balcony cabin while my siblings were in interior cabins across the hall. I would see beautiful whales randomly and by the time I went to knock on their door and got them over to my cabin, the whales and all their glory were gone. The same thing happened when we saw the northern lights. If we didn't have the balcony, we would not have been able to see all those wonderful things. Another time the balcony was very much appreciated was on our Panama Canal cruise. We ordered cheese plates and wine and saw the entire process of sailing through the locks in comfort. If you still insist on going with interior or ocean view cabins after this article, please at least splurge for the balcony for Alaska.
9/ Preventing Sea Sickness / Claustrophobia
For those who are prone to motion sickness or those who tend to feel claustrophobic, I highly recommend the balcony cabin for you. The fresh air does wonders for you when you're not feeling so well, and in many cases, it actually prevents these.
10/ Room Service Breakfast
If you're anything like me, something needs to go in the belly within 5.34 minutes of waking up. I set my room service breakfast order out the night before with the time I would like to wake up. That's my alarm, no need to set the annoying clock. Breakfast comes in, I brush my teeth, and I take my time and enjoy a light breakfast out on the balcony. Afterward, I do get dressed and go up to the lido deck and eat a heavier breakfast, but this is a judgment-free zone, right? The point is, no one likes the smell of food in the small cabin, but breakfast on the balcony is my favorite way to start any day.
11/ Cuddle Time!
Everyone loves to cuddle, right? No? What's wrong with some people? Anyway, cuddling is great in bed, on the couch, by the pool, etc, but there's just something so much more romantic and peaceful about cuddling on the balcony overlooking the sea. Try it! Maybe it will lead to something more than cuddling... another perk of having a balcony. ;)
12/ Special Moments
There is no doubt that balconies on cruises give the most amazing backdrops for pictures, so imagine utilizing those breathtaking views for your special moments, like engagement proposals, or pregnancy announcements, or even just special conversations that you know you'll remember forever.
As a Travel Advisor, I make it my duty to try all cruise lines, all itineraries, all cabin types that I can, and there is no right or wrong way to cruise. ANY cruise is a great cruise, no matter which cabin you get. However, my little heart has a big place for the balcony cabins and I will be a Type #3 for the foreseeable future.
No matter which cabin you're booking next, you can always reach out to CruiseGuruz to make sure you have an amazing experience on your next cruise. Happy Sailing, everyone!
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