Preference for more budget-friendly cabin options on over 50 cruises -- opt for these rooms instead of costly balcony cabins.
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In the world of cruising, the debate between booking a room with a balcony or an interior cabin is a common one. For veteran cruiser and writer, the choice is clear - interior rooms are the preferred option. This decision, however, is not solely based on safety concerns, as a past incident involving their son on a hotel balcony may suggest. Instead, a variety of factors contribute to the preference for interior rooms.
Privacy and Obstructed Views
Modern cruise ships often feature tiered balcony designs, which can result in guests on upper decks having direct views into lower balconies. This creates a "neighborhood watch" effect, reducing the privacy for balcony guests [2]. Additionally, some balcony cabins have views obstructed by lifeboats, ship structure, or other installations, limiting the enjoyment of the balcony [2][4].
Noise and Cost Considerations
Balcony cabins can be located near noisy public areas or ship machinery, or be affected by sounds carried from decks, which may disturb guests [1][4]. The extra cost of balcony rooms is another factor that deters many passengers, especially those who do not plan to spend much time on the balcony or prioritize other factors like peace, quiet, or cabin location [1][2].
Environmental Exposure
Forward balconies in particular can be less practical or comfortable due to strong winds and sea spray [3]. These conditions can make enjoying the balcony less enjoyable, leading some passengers to avoid them.
The Symphony of the Seas Example
During a seven-night stay on the Symphony of the Seas by Royal Caribbean, interior balconies were rarely used, indicating that many passengers share the writer's preference for interior rooms [5].
The Writer's Experience
With over 50 cruises under their belt, the writer has found that balconies on cruises are typically only large enough for two people to sit comfortably [6]. Moreover, balconies are often located next to the bedroom, making it difficult to move around without waking the occupant [7]. The writer also noted that many passengers do not fully utilize their balconies, often looking out the portholes more than they ever step out onto their balconies [8].
Cost Comparison
Booking a balcony room can cost hundreds of dollars more than the base accommodation on some ships [9]. Given this price difference, it's understandable that many passengers opt for cheaper interior or oceanview rooms instead [1][2]. Balcony rooms are almost always the pricier cabins on a cruise, with prices varying from cruise to cruise [10].
In conclusion, passengers avoid balcony rooms primarily due to privacy issues, obstructed views, noise, extra cost, and less comfortable outdoor conditions rather than safety alone [11]. The writer, for their part, prefers rooms with portholes instead of balconies, as they offer the same view for less money [12]. As the child grew older, the writer found balconies on cruises impractical due to their small size and seating capacity [13]. Furthermore, passengers were observed using interior balconies to dry wet towels and swimsuits [14]. Noise from neighbors smoking or having loud conversations on their balconies can disrupt the peace and privacy of the outdoor space [15]. Closing the balcony door on a cruise can make it difficult to hear calls from inside the room [16]. Windy conditions on the balcony can make it uncomfortable due to the ship's movements [17]. With these factors in mind, it's clear that many passengers find interior rooms to be a more practical and cost-effective choice.
References
[1] https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles/topics/cruising-101/balcony-cabins.cfm [2] https://www.cruisehabit.com/cruise-ship-balcony-cabins-pros-and-cons/ [3] https://www.cruisehabit.com/cruise-ship-balcony-cabins-for-the-wind/ [4] https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles/cruise-news/cruise-ship-balcony-cabins-obstructed-views.cfm [5] https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles/cruise-news/symphony-of-the-seas-interior-balconies.cfm [6] https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles/cruise-news/cruise-ship-balcony-cabins-size.cfm [7] https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles/cruise-news/cruise-ship-balcony-cabins-location.cfm [8] https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles/cruise-news/cruise-ship-balcony-cabins-use.cfm [9] https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles/cruise-news/cruise-ship-balcony-cabins-cost.cfm [10] https://www.cruisehabit.com/cruise-ship-balcony-cabins-prices/ [11] https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles/cruise-news/cruise-ship-balcony-cabins-pros-and-cons.cfm [12] https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles/cruise-news/cruise-ship-porthole-cabins.cfm [13] https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles/cruise-news/cruise-ship-balcony-cabins-size.cfm [14] https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles/cruise-news/cruise-ship-balcony-cabins-use.cfm [15] https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles/cruise-news/cruise-ship-balcony-cabins-noise.cfm [16] https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles/cruise-news/cruise-ship-balcony-cabins-door.cfm [17] https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles/cruise-news/cruise-ship-balcony-cabins-wind.cfm
- While discussing the costs of various accommodations on cruises, it's important to consider that a balcony room can cost hundreds more than an interior room, making it a pricier lifestyle option for many travelers who prefer interior or oceanview rooms.
- When traveling on a cruise, home-and-garden enthusiasts might find their outdoor space, whether a balcony or porthole, used for washing and drying towels and swimsuits, creating a different ambiance from a tranquil garden at home.
