Balcony cabins are the top picks and most loved by almost everyone on a cruise.
There’s something about rolling out of bed, sliding that door open, and getting hit with ocean air.
But balcony cabins also come with a few “learned the hard way” moments.
Not dramatic, but annoying. Here are 10 things you should never do in a balcony cabin if you want the good vibes to stay good.
1. Never leave the balcony door open
This one is basically a cruise cabin classic.
On a lot of ships, the air conditioning doesn’t behave normally when the balcony door is open.
Sometimes it weakens. Sometimes it just turns off automatically to save energy.
The cabin warms up way faster than it would in a hotel room, especially if the sun is hitting your side of the ship.
In addition, consider that cruise cabins have strong ventilation, especially in the bathroom.
When the balcony door is open, it can mess with the airflow and pull air from the bathroom into the cabin instead of pushing it out.
2. Never dry wet clothes on the balcony railing
If you just washed something and it’s sunny outside, it’s tempting to hang the clothes on the balcony to dry.
But here’s what can happen: it can blow off and end up on someone else’s balcony, which is definitely awkward.
Ot worst, it could fall into the ocean, and you would never see it again.
Some cruise lines actually expressly prohibit it.
You could use the balcony chairs instead, and if it’s very windy, just hang your clothes in the shower.
3. Never forget the balcony is not private
This one surprises people. Balconies feel private because it’s your space.
But depending on the ship’s design, your neighbors can see you way more than you think.
On some ships, the upper balconies can see everything on the ones below, as you can notice in the photo here.
And if you’re having a deep life conversation at 1 a.m., whisper. Sound carries out there. Ocean air is basically a microphone.
4. Never underestimate kids
Balconies and kids require extra attention.
Not because they are dangerous by default, but because kids are curious by nature and balconies are full of things that look fun to climb, lean on, or peek through.
Chairs can be dragged near the railing in seconds, and small hands fit in places adults do not even notice.
Most cruise lines have very strict rules about children on balconies for this reason.
The railing is safe when used correctly, but the real risk is how easily furniture can be moved and used in ways it was never meant to be used.
If you are traveling with kids, keep the furniture away from the railing, never leave them alone out there, and use the balcony door lock if you find one on most ships.
5. Never keep your curtains open with the lights on at night
At night, even if you’re inside and the balcony door is closed, anyone can see right in.
And it’s not always obvious when that’s happening.
If it’s dark outside and the cabin lights are on, it’s better to keep the curtains closed.
Plus, in some cabins, it may be explicitly required to keep the curtains closed to avoid interfering with navigation.
It usually happens with cabins near the bridge, typically the front staterooms.
6. Never leave food out when you go on the balcony
We all love room service on a balcony. It’s one of the reasons people upgrade.
But don’t leave food sitting out there while you go inside, even if you go grab something real quick (especially on warmer routes).
Seagulls are smart and not polite.
Over the years, they’ve learned cruisers’ habits really well, and they’re just waiting for one tiny moment of distraction.
7. Never underestimate how windy it gets
Always keep in mind that the weather in the middle of the ocean can change very quickly.
It can be sunny and calm, then suddenly it can turn into a strong windstorm.
Always be careful about what you bring onto the balcony and what you leave outside, especially hats, papers, plastic cups, lightweight dresses, and anything you’d be sad to watch fly away forever.
8. Never assume the balcony furniture is safe for creative ideas
People get excited out there and start moving chairs around, stacking stuff, leaning on railings weirdly, trying to take crazy photos.
Just don’t. Balcony furniture is fine for sitting, reading, sipping something, and staring at the sea.
It’s not a jungle gym. And those chairs slide more than you’d think.
Always keep in mind the behaviors that are prohibited in cruise cabins, because in recent years, lifetime bans have become more and more common.
9. Never smoke on the balcony (even if you think nobody will notice)
This is a big one. Most cruise lines are super strict about smoking.
For good reason. Fire risk on ships is not a joke.
Also, the smoke drifts. It doesn’t politely stay on your balcony.
It goes straight into other cabins and ruins people’s balcony time. And people will report it.
If smoking is allowed, there are designated areas. Use them.
Smoking in prohibited areas is among the top 10 most common reasons why people are removed from ships.
10. Balcony cabins can be noisy in weird ways
Everyone talks about how peaceful balconies are. And they can be.
But you’ll sometimes hear: chairs scraping above you, people talking next door, crew working early in the morning, or the wind whistling.
So if you’re a super light sleeper, pack earplugs. They are among the 10 things people always forget to pack for a cruise,
Final balcony cabin advice
Balcony cabins are still the passengers’ favorite. Even with all the little quirks.
They’re worth it for the mornings alone. Coffee, quiet, ocean view. It’s the kind of simple thing that makes a cruise feel like a cruise.
Just don’t treat the balcony like a backyard at home. Treat it like what it is: a tiny, amazing space floating on the ocean that comes with a few rules if you want the experience to stay perfect.
If you want save money, you can also have a look at the articles that explain why an interior cabin might be the best choice for some people.
