When you think about a cruise, you probably see yourself kicking back on the balcony of your cabin, relaxing and enjoying the view of the open sea.
That said, it’s also important to underline that a balcony cabin isn’t always the perfect choice for everyone. In some situations, it can even be the wrong one.
If you’re planning your next cruise, take a moment to check out these 7 reasons you might want to skip a balcony cabin. Read them carefully so there are no unpleasant surprises once you’re on board.
1. Fear of Heights
The first thing you have to consider is if you’re afraid of heights.
Modern cruise ships are very tall (almost 70 metres high), roughly the equivalent of a 17- or 18-storey building.
If you have acrophobia, that height can feel overwhelming, especially because cruise-ship balconies are usually enclosed in glass, which can heighten the anxiety.
In that case, you might skip the balcony and choose an ocean-view cabin with sealed portholes.
2. Limited Budget
Another big drawback is the hefty price tag.
According to the latest data, a balcony cabin can cost anywhere from 48% to roughly 100% more than an inside cabin, a price jump you shouldn’t underestimate.
It’s simple supply and demand: more travellers want balcony cabins, so the rate goes up year after year.
If you have a limited budget, it might be better to put that money toward shore excursions or onboard experiences.
3. Little Time in the Cabin
Closely related to the point above is the total time you’ll actually spend in your cabin.
If you’ve cruised before, you know you’re hardly ever in the room; just long enough to sleep, change, shower, and use the bathroom.
The rest of your day is filled with excursions or time in the ship’s public areas: pools, bars, restaurants, and lounges.
So sometimes, paying extra for a balcony is a waste, especially if you already know you’ll use the cabin only to sleep.
It can still be worth it on highly scenic itineraries, such as Alaska cruises, where you’ll have a great view from your balcony. If you’re going there, remember to check the 7 Alaska cruise mistakes that can RUIN your cruise.
4. Privacy Concerns
Privacy is another factor many people overlook. Although balconies are designed to be private, there’s always a chance the neighbours or other people on the ships or in ports can see you.
This is quite difficult with traditional sea-view balconies, but it’s very noticeable with balconies that face the ship’s interior.
On cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and MSC, you’ll often find “interior-view” balconies that overlook the promenade; they’re common but not very private. I’ll add a photo below so you can see what I mean.
As you can see, those cabins have other cabins in front of them, so privacy is minimal, and some guests may not like it.
5. Sensitivity to Noise
If you’re sensitive to noise, a balcony cabin might not be the best option. Why are balcony cabins noisier? Simply because when you leave the door open, you may hear music or voices coming from the pool deck or other loud areas.
Plus, for obvious reasons, you also hear the sound of the sea, something you won’t notice in an inside or ocean-view cabin.
We must admit that the balconies of modern ships have very soundproof doors, but if you travel on an old ship, you need absolute silence to sleep, keep this in mind.
In addition, you can also look at the secret to sleep like a baby on a cruise ship.
6. Seasickness
Not everyone knows it, but statistically, balcony cabins are more prone to seasickness than inside or ocean-view ones.
That’s because balconies are usually on the upper decks, where the ship’s motion feels stronger.
On the contrary, inside cabins and ocean-view cabins are often on lower, more central decks, where the movement is less noticeable.
If you want to dive deeper into which decks are best, check out my article where I explain which deck is best on a cruise.
7. Travelling with Small Children
If you’re travelling with toddlers, a balcony can pose a safety risk. Let me be clear, on most cruise ships, the railing is quite high, and the doors usually have child-proof locks.
However, Balconies can have chairs or loungers that kids can climb on, so you always need to keep a close eye on them!
That said, if you’re a cautious parent, you might feel more comfortable in a cabin without a balcony, and that’s fine. There are plenty of fantastic cabin options that don’t have one.
In that case, I’d recommend reading the article with the 7 tips to find the best xabins on any cruise ship.
Also Read:
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