Is a Balcony Cabin Worth the Extra Money on a Cruise?

One of the first decisions you’ll make when booking a cruise is also one of the biggest:

What kind of cabin should I book?

Inside cabin? Oceanview? Balcony? Suite?

For many travelers, the real decision comes down to an inside cabin versus a balcony cabin. A balcony certainly sounds better, but depending on the cruise, it can add hundreds — and sometimes considerably more — to the cost of your vacation.

So, is a balcony cabin really worth the extra money?

My answer is: sometimes absolutely — and sometimes I’d save the money.

Here’s how I would decide.

What Do You Actually Get With a Balcony Cabin?

A balcony cabin gives you your own private outdoor space directly outside your stateroom.

Instead of heading to a public deck every time you want some fresh air or an ocean view, you simply open the door and step outside.

That may not sound like a big deal when you’re sitting at home planning the cruise.

Once you’re onboard, it can be wonderful.

Imagine having your morning coffee while watching the ship arrive at a new port. Or sitting outside in the evening while the coastline disappears in the distance.

Those quiet moments can become some of the best memories of the entire cruise.

When I Think a Balcony Is Worth the Money

There are certain cruises where I’d lean strongly toward getting the balcony.

Alaska

Alaska may be the best example.

The scenery is a major part of the vacation. Mountains, glaciers, wildlife and dramatic coastlines aren’t just things you see when you get off the ship.

They’re all around you while you’re sailing.

Being able to walk onto your balcony when something interesting appears can make the extra expense worthwhile.

Mediterranean Cruises

I’m also a fan of balconies on Mediterranean itineraries.

Sailing into and out of European ports can be spectacular.

There’s something special about sitting on your own balcony as the ship approaches a historic coastal city early in the morning.

For travelers who love Europe, that’s part of the experience — not simply transportation between ports.

Longer Cruises

The longer you’re onboard, the more valuable that private outdoor space can become.

On a three-night cruise, you may barely spend any time in your cabin.

On a 10-, 12- or 14-night cruise, that’s different.

Having somewhere private to sit, read and watch the ocean can make your cabin feel considerably more comfortable.

Cruises With Several Sea Days

Sea days are another situation where I’d seriously consider the upgrade.

The pool deck and other public areas can get busy.

Your balcony gives you somewhere quiet to escape without completely retreating inside your cabin.

When I’d Save the Money

Here’s the other side of the argument.

A balcony isn’t automatically the best choice.

You’re Rarely in Your Cabin

Some travelers wake up, get dressed and disappear.

They’re at breakfast, the pool, trivia, shows, restaurants, excursions and bars until bedtime.

If that’s you, spending hundreds of dollars for a balcony you barely use doesn’t make much sense.

It’s a Short Cruise

On a three- or four-night cruise, I’d look carefully at the price difference.

If an inside cabin costs $800 and the balcony is $900, I’d probably take the balcony.

But if that balcony costs $1,400?

I’d start thinking about what else I could do with that $600.

The Upgrade Takes Money Away From the Experience

This is the big one.

Don’t spend so much upgrading your cabin that you can’t afford to enjoy your vacation.

That extra money could pay for shore excursions, specialty dining, transportation, a hotel before the cruise or even airfare.

I’d rather see someone take a wonderful cruise in an inside cabin than stay home because they thought they couldn’t afford the balcony.

Don’t Forget the Oceanview Cabin

There is another option travelers sometimes overlook.

Oceanview cabins can be a terrific compromise.

You get natural light and a view of the ocean without paying the full balcony price.

You can’t walk outside, of course, but for some travelers that’s perfectly fine.

If the price difference between an inside and ocean view cabin is small, it’s certainly worth considering.

Location Can Matter More Than Cabin Type

Here’s something that doesn’t receive enough attention:

Where your cabin is located can sometimes matter more than whether it has a balcony.

A beautiful balcony cabin underneath a noisy public deck might not be such a bargain.

Neither is a cabin that requires a long walk every time you want to reach the places you use most.

You should consider what’s above you, below you and nearby.

Also think about elevators, restaurants, theaters, pool areas and other high-traffic locations.

That’s one reason I don’t recommend choosing a cruise cabin based solely on price.

Watch Out for the “Guaranteed Cabin”

Cruise lines sometimes offer attractive prices for guaranteed cabins.

You select the cabin category, but the cruise line selects your actual cabin.

That can save money.

But there’s a trade-off.

If you’re particular about where you sleep, want to be near an elevator, need connecting cabins or simply don’t want to risk an undesirable location, choosing your specific cabin may be worth paying a little more.

My Rule for Choosing a Cruise Cabin

I like to keep this simple.

Ask yourself:

“What would make the biggest difference to my vacation?”

If sitting on your private balcony every morning sounds like something you’d genuinely enjoy, spend the money if your budget allows.

If you’re going to use your cabin mainly for sleeping and showering, save the money and spend it somewhere else.

There isn’t one “best” cruise cabin.

There’s a best cabin for you.

One More Thing Before You Book

Don’t look only at the advertised cruise fare.

Compare the total vacation cost.

Cruise fare, taxes, gratuities, airfare, hotels, excursions, beverages, specialty dining, transportation and insurance can all affect your final budget.

A $200 cabin upgrade may be insignificant on one vacation and completely unnecessary on another.

That’s why I believe choosing the right cruise is about more than finding the lowest price.

It’s about getting the best value for the vacation you actually want.

Ready to Plan Your Next Cruise?

Choosing the cruise is only the beginning. Picking the right ship, itinerary and cabin can make a tremendous difference in your vacation.

That’s where I can help.

At Traveling With Mike Gray, my goal is simple: help you make better travel decisions and take some of the stress out of planning.

Whether you’re considering the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, a river cruise or somewhere completely different, I’d be glad to help you find the trip that’s right for you.

Travel smarter. Travel better.

Visit MikeGray.CruiseBrothers.com/cb to start planning your next vacation.