Let’s just say it out loud. Balcony cabins ruin other cabins for people.
Because once a balcony is involved, it’s hard to go back to staring at four walls again.
Is a balcony always the cheapest option? Absolutely not.
Is it always necessary? Technically no.
But is it the only right choice if the goal is to enjoy the cruise like a happy human being. Yeah. Pretty much.
1. The ocean air hits different in the morning
Waking up on a cruise is already great. But waking up and sliding open that balcony door, it’s the thing that lets you say “oh yeah, we’re on a ship.”
The air is cooler. Fresher. Even if the weather isn’t perfect, it still feels kind of magical.
It’s not the same as walking outside later. It’s that first moment. Quiet. No crowds. Just water and sky.
2. It’s the easiest way to avoid the crowd
Sometimes the ship is loud, especially on some cruise lines. Not always in a bad way, just busy.
The pool deck is usually packed, and there’s no rail space.
With a balcony, you still get the ocean vibe without having to go anywhere. You can sit outside with a coffee, read, do nothing, stare at water.
It’s the very relaxing part of a cruise.
3. Extra light makes the cabin feel way less cramped
Cruise cabins can feel small. Even nice ones. Especially when it’s cloudy, and the room is kind of dark.
Balcony cabins usually get more natural light, and that alone changes everything. The room feels bigger. Less cave-like.
Some people say they prefer an inside cabin because it’s easier to sleep in total darkness, but it’s definitely not a good choice if you prefer airy and spacious rooms.
4. The view is always there, even on sea days
A lot of people say, “We won’t be in the room much.” That’s true, especially on short or weekend cruises.
However, if you’re choosing a longer cruise or a cruise that has sea days, you actually might be in your room.
And having a view right there is honestly underrated. And the best part is actually feeling that you’re on a ship.
Because with an inside cabin, it’s easy to forget, and suddenly it’s like, am I in a cruise or a very quiet hotel room with no windows?
5. Better naps. Like suspiciously good naps
I don’t know what it is. The fresh air, the sound of the water, the rocking, the fact that you ate three desserts, and now your body shuts down.
But balcony cabin naps are elite.
The other good thing? You can take a nap right on the balcony, especially if you have a sun lounger.
6. It’s the best spot for a late night chill
At night, the entire ship has energy. Shows, music, bars, people dressed up, the casino doing its casino thing.
And that’s fun. I love it.
But sometimes you want quiet. And the balcony at night is that. The ocean is black, the air is cool, you can hear the ship moving. It’s weirdly calming.
7. You can enjoy room service
Room service inside an inside cabin is fine. It’s still food.
But room service on the balcony feels like you’re living your best life. Even if it’s literally a burger and fries.
You sit outside, the ship is gliding, you’ve got a drink, and all your problems seem to disappear.
Have a look at the article on how to eat the best food for free on a cruise.
8. It’s another space if you’re traveling with other people
Cruising with friends or family is awesome, and you’ll definitely have a lot of fun.
However, you’re all in one cabin, obviously each with different needs, and there may be little privacy.
A balcony gives you a little extra breathing room. One person can step outside. Take a call. Cool down. Have five minutes of peace.
It really prevents small annoyances from turning into something bigger.
And if you’re on a tight budget but still want a balcony cabin, have a look at these tricks to find cheap cruises.
9. You can actually spot whales, dolphins, and flying fish
On a lot of cruises, the best wildlife moments are random.
They’re very different to predict and usually last five minutes or less. Someone yells, half the deck starts running, and then it’s over.
If you really want to spot them, with a balcony, there’s definitely a higher chance.
And obviously, you don’t have to fight for a railing and get elbows in your ribs.
Just remember that throwing things from the balcony, including food for animals, is strictly prohibited.
It’s one of the 10 things that can get you immediately banned from the cruise ship.
10. It makes the whole cruise feel more special
This is the real reason. The simple one.
A balcony cabin just feels like a cruise. Once again, it’s the small moments.
The random sunset you catch without planning it. Seeing dolphins if you’re lucky. Watching the ship pull into port while everyone else is still sleeping.
It adds something. A little extra wow.
And yeah, once you get used to it, it’s hard to choose anything else without feeling like you’re downgrading your own vacation on purpose.
Just make sure you you know the things you should never do in a balcony cabin on a cruise.
Is the balcony cabin suitable for everyone?
That said, there are still some cases where a balcony cabin is not the best choice.
It’s rare, but I assure you it can happen, especially if you recognize yourself in one of these 7 reasons why you should avoid a balcony cabin.
In that case, you could opt for a window cabin, which still offers some very interesting benefits.
