7 Reasons Why You Should Avoid Balcony Cabins - Cruise with Leo (2024)

When it comes to cruises, there’s one thing I’m sure of: when I ask someone what their favorite cabin is, they will almost always answer the balcony one!

But are we sure that this is always true? Are we sure that balcony cabins are always the best choice?

Today I want to write a somewhat divisive article. I have come up with 7 reasons why you should not choose a cabin with a balcony.

I’ve given these reasons a lot of thought, and I believe they’re all valid. Therefore, I encourage you to consider them, maybe they will make you rethink your decision.

Table of Contents

The external noise

7 Reasons Why You Should Avoid Balcony Cabins - Cruise with Leo (1)

There is no debate on this point: balcony cabins are almost always noisier than inside cabins.

This is simply due to the presence of the balcony. If you leave the balcony door open and you are on some specific decks, you may hear people chattering or music coming from the pool deck.

Usually, this problem can be easily solved by closing the balcony door. They are very soundproof on modern ships although, on some older ships, I’ve encountered doors that didn’t close perfectly.

The strong wind

7 Reasons Why You Should Avoid Balcony Cabins - Cruise with Leo (2)

Strong wind is a real problem on cruises. It can be really annoying, especially when the ship is moving.

If you can’t stand the wind or for medical reasons you can’t be in windy areas, there is no point in choosing a cabin with a balcony.

If you still like a sea view, you can choose a cabin with a window. This way you can still enjoy the view without worrying about the wind.

The high price

According to our data, after analyzing about 100 cruises, balcony cabins cost between 50 percent and 60 percent more than inside cabins.

This is quite a significant price difference. Therefore, I recommend that you evaluate it well according to your needs.

Some passengers immediately aim for balcony cabins, even if they have a very limited budget. By doing so, they will not have much money for other activities or excursions.

In my opinion, it is better to save a little more on the cabin so that you can enjoy all the extra experiences during your vacation.

The safety for children

Parents traveling with young children may want to avoid the balcony cabin if they fear for their children’s safety.

Let me be clear, there are no particular risks for children in a balcony cabin.

The balcony railing is quite high on all ships, and many cruise ships have special locks to open the door that leads outside.

However, if you are a very apprehensive parent and want to enjoy your vacation without worries then do not choose this type of cabin.

The cold

7 Reasons Why You Should Avoid Balcony Cabins - Cruise with Leo (4)

If you are planning a cruise trip in winter or an itinerary to cold countries, the balcony cabin may not be the best choice.

If it is too cold, you cannot enjoy the outside of your cabin, you cannot have breakfast on the balcony, and you cannot sit to relax in the fresh air.

I personally recommend the balcony cabin in the summer and when you can enjoy the sunshine. Otherwise, it doesn’t make much sense.

Of course, it always depends on personal preference, but it’s something to consider.

The little time spent in the cabin

During my cruises, I have met passengers who spent very little time in their cabins.

In particular, a few years ago, I met a couple who would leave the room at 7 a.m. and return only at 6 p.m. to wash up and get ready for dinner.

If you are among these people, and you spend very little time in the cabin, it is quite unnecessary to book one with a balcony.

Rather save the money and spend it on something else like the spa or the many things to do on the ship.

The light

This last point is quite peculiar and I believe it applies to only a few people.

While reading an online forum, I came across a message from a person saying that he preferred interior cabins because he could only sleep completely in the dark.

When you think about it, this makes sense. Sometimes the curtains in balcony cabins can’t close perfectly and there is some glimmer of sun that tends to get in.

Consequently, if you can’t stand the sleeping mask, the only way to sleep completely in the dark is by booking an inside cabin.

To conclude

Dear cruise fans, as you have seen some valid reasons might lead people to avoid balcony cabins.

Let me know what you think in the comments! Which cabins do you prefer? Do you always book the balcony one?

Please share this article! It can be useful to another cruise enthusiast!

7 Reasons Why You Should Avoid Balcony Cabins - Cruise with Leo (2024)

FAQs

Is it worth getting a balcony cabin on a cruise? ›

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.

Are balcony rooms safe on cruises? ›

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.

What cabins to avoid on a cruise ship? ›

Here are our recommendations of cabin locations to avoid.
  • Near Entertainment Venues. ...
  • At The Bow. ...
  • Near the Anchor. ...
  • Obstructed Views. ...
  • Close to the Engine Room and the Galleys. ...
  • Near Elevator Landings and Stairwells. ...
  • Under the Jogging Track or Near Children's Playrooms. ...
  • Connecting Cabins.
Aug 24, 2021

What can you not do on a balcony on a cruise? ›

Here are some of the things you should never do on a cruise balcony.
  • Climbing on the balcony railings: ...
  • Throwing objects overboard: ...
  • Smoking on the balcony: ...
  • Loud noise or music: ...
  • Leaving your children unattended on your balcony: ...
  • Feeding wildlife: ...
  • Overconsumption of alcohol on the balcony:
Jun 7, 2023

What is the best floor to stay on a cruise ship? ›

On most cruise ships, the most luxurious accommodation is on the upper decks. Here, you'll find a selection of elegant suites, with generous outdoor space, separate living areas, and amenities ranging from all-inclusive drinks to the service of a concierge.

What are the best balcony rooms on a cruise ship? ›

Rear-facing cabins on any cruise line

On any ship, rear-facing balcony cabins are coveted spaces. They deliver mesmerizing views as your ship pulls out of ports of call, and their balconies tend to be larger than those on the sides of the ship.

Is it worth it to upgrade to a balcony on a cruise? ›

After taking 50 cruises, I've learned that some upgrades are worth the hype. I always upgrade to a balcony cabin for views of the ocean and a quiet spot to chill. The best coffee onboard is also an added cost, but it's worth it, in my opinion.

How do you know if a balcony is safe? ›

The first sign is creaking. When your deck begins to creak every time you step out on it, then you know something is wrong. Any sound that suddenly appears that wasn't present when the deck was new is a strong indicator that the deck's integrity is likely compromised. Wobbly rails is another obvious sign.

Can you sleep on the balcony on a cruise ship? ›

A question we often hear from cruise enthusiasts is, “Can I sleep on the balcony of a cruise ship?” While the idea is enchanting, and on most cruise ships, there are no rules against getting your shut-eye here, many discourage it.

Where not to go on a cruise ship? ›

It is typically the top floor of a cruise ship, and exposed to the elements. With that being said, the lido deck is a common place where slip and fall accidents occur. The reasons slip and fall accidents occur on cruise ship lido decks can include spilled drinks, water from hot tubs, and swimming pools.

What is the riskiest part of a cruise ship? ›

The 5 Most Dangerous Parts of a Ship for Passengers
  • Watertight Doors. Never try to outrun a closing watertight door. ...
  • Wet/Slippery Surfaces. ...
  • Ferries & Lifeboats. ...
  • Dining Facilities & Fast-Spreading Illnesses. ...
  • Balconies. ...
  • Talking to a Florida Cruise Ship Injury Attorney.
Feb 28, 2018

What is the noisiest part of a cruise ship? ›

And don't forget the cruise ship engine. While humming noises put some to sleep, the loud buzz of machinery might not exactly be restful to others, making these some of the worst cabins on a cruise ship. Passengers on the lowest deck are most likely to hear engine or even anchor sounds.

Is it worth getting a room with a balcony on a cruise? ›

Balcony cabins are great for giving you that much needed bit of personal space when you're both in the room. If he wants to nap but you're wide awake, a balcony offers you a place to hang out without worrying if you're making too much noise or using too bright lights.

What you should not put on your balcony? ›

Do not store any flammable items on your balcony. Keep items to a minimum by removing any rubbish and combustible items like furniture, timber, decorating materials, children's plastic toys and other clutter. White/electrical goods (such as fridges and tumble driers) must not be stored on balconies.

Why can't you leave the balcony door open on a cruise? ›

Leaving Your Balcony Door Open Can Make a Mess

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.

What are the benefits of a balcony on a cruise ship? ›

Benefits of Cruising in a Balcony Stateroom

The outdoor balcony is an extension of your stateroom's living area, which means you're getting extra space at a great value. If the sun deck is particularly busy, you know that you always have the perfect spot from where to watch the sunset — your very own balcony!

What is the best cabin position on a cruise ship? ›

The lower and more central you are in a ship, the less roll and sway you will feel. Even if you choose a balcony room, choose a low level and a room closest to the ship's center. The higher decks and cabins at the front (forward) or back (aft) of the ship will rock and roll the most.

Where are the best and worst cabins on a cruise ship? ›

Log in .
  • BEST ROOMS TO BOOK ON A CRUISE.
  • Ocean-level cabins.
  • Studio rooms.
  • Port or starboard staterooms.
  • Cabins close to popular attractions.
  • Rooms by elevators.
  • WORST ROOMS TO BOOK ON A CRUISE.
  • Staterooms directly above or below busy areas.
Jan 30, 2024

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