I chose a balcony cabin to go with my grandmother when she was wheelchair-bound.. it was perfect!! We drink coffee she got to see outside all the time without having to be pushed around the ship she was happy just sitting out there.. ❤️
ITS WORTH IT. If you’re just chilling in your room on ur phone it feels way better to do that outside. Just sitting outside and watching the waves and observing the ocean is the most peaceful thing ever
My advice for cruisers: If your cruise itinerary is very busy for the cruise duration, for example, you are in a different port everyday, I don't recommend spending $$$ on a balcony, unless you're one of these people that has tons of money and it doesn't matter. Reason for this, is you're probably going to be off the ship most of the time, enjoying new places in port. You will not have enough time to enjoy the balcony sitting in your room -- because you're not going to be on the cruise ship much! And at night, you can't see the ocean -- it's just black. If you are on a cruise with an itinerary with many "days at sea", where you are not docked in port, it would make more sense to get a balcony, because you'll have more time to be in your room and enjoy your balcony. Otherwise, you're just paying for something you'll be using very little.
How prophetic it you to talk about being quarantined in a balcony cabin rather than an interior cabin. I had such compassion for passengers trapped in interior cabins with Corona virus!
Interior cabins are best for sleep if you go North or South in large latitudes in Summer. The Sun never goes down and any light in your cabin will keep you from sleeping. Bumpy weather it is better to be all the in the back. More bumpy---more back. Verandas in upper levels are a plague of stack gas and ash.
My husband and I love to cruise so we have been on many. A balcony cabin works well for us as I have ostioarthritis which I suffer from more some days than others. On bad days when I'm too sore to walk far, I can still enjoy the ocean, air and view from our balcony. I have watched castles on the coast of Ireland, lighthouses and oil rigs off Scotland. The volcano on Hawiai, the white cliffs of Dover, pods of Orca whales and glaciers in Alaska. Enjoyed the beautiful turquoise water and green palms of the Caribbean, and amazed at the Pitons of St. Lucia. Evenings on my balcony I've counted many shooting stars and marvelled at our moon reflecting across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas. Experiences I would not have on another type of holiday or an inside cabin. Plus, I have a steward who cleans our cabin, washes the sheets, and makes our bed. I can order great room service food all day and night, if I like. In the meantime I'm not concerned about my husband because he's enjoying his vacation by mixing and mingling with other guests on the ship and joining all the different onboard cruise activities. Cruising suits us very well, especially with a balcony so I don't feel like I'm missing out when I'm having a bad day.
Have always had a balcony and would never have it any other way, as you dock in the morning it is awesome to sit and have your coffee with a different view on the mornings you dock,
Interior cabins are best for sleep if you go North or South in large latitudes in Summer. The Sun never goes down and any light in your cabin will keep you from sleeping. If you are in a veranda cabin always take laundry cloths pins with you to pin the drapes shut. Bumpy weather it is better to be all the in the back. More bumpy---more back. Verandas in upper levels are a plague of stack gas and ash. Also, bad weather winds will blow your doors open and fling everything in your cabin around. For people that get sea sick. It is better to not look at the waves outside your veranda. It will make you want to vomit every time you look. Just depends on where and when your cruising.
A balcony room is a real benefit in the highly unlikely occurrence of a failure of the ship's electrical, plumbing, and ventilation systems. You can let in fresh air and daylight!
I love waking up before everyone else, enjoying the ocean and saying my morning prayers. I'll take an inside vs not cruising at all. But balconies are wonderful!
Absolutely, the Heath benefits of breathing natural sea air, the meditative relaxation of water wave watching, allowing real air into the cabin. Incredible reasons for cruising in an unobstructed view balcony cabin.
If you're traveling to Alaska it is highly worth it to get the balcony cabin. During glacier days you'll be fighting with everyone else on the ship to get a decent view on the promenade deck.
Just an "attaboy" note. I have watched a couple hundred youtube vids about cruising. YOURS are the most useful, intelligent, and welcome I have seen! I like the objective approach, confident that you actually HAVE a lot of experience, and greatly appreciate the fact that you focus on "information", rather than "entertainment".
The peace an quiet in an inside cabin makes me feel snug as a bug in a rug ! 😉 If my piggie bank allowes for it, I choose a balcony cabin or a suite. Just getting away from the daily grind is a luxury anyway, so I'm usually the happiest passenger onboard. My rule is ; treat the crew with respect and gratitude, and they become your friends. 😎
I love a forward balcony because: I love the fresh air away from the horribly infected recirculating air conditioning; I love the feeling of the motion of the ship (I'm an ex sailor), I like to know what is going on... don't trust ships announcements, Like to know what the weather is like outside before dressing and finally always take 5 metres of light rope and a dozen clothes pegs.... lol
If you can afford it, a balcony is the only way to sail. Your last point is spot on. Norovirus is a terrible, terrible experience. In 2008 on a Panama Canal cruise, my husband contracted it, then me. I thought I was going to be taken off the ship in a box. A very horrible experience. Since I'm claustrophobic, I would have gone nuts as well if not in a balcony suite. So, all your tips for having a balcony are germane and well stated. Thank you.
Thanks!! I’m with you as balcony is the way I go. I do go ocean view occasionally if in a more premium line and travelling solo and the surcharge gets too high to justify to myself 😀
I have horrible claustrophobia. I’m terrified of what might happen if I try an inside cabin. But I’m pretty sure I’d never be able to swing an ocean view or balcony cabin.
Had never been on a cruise at the time I had norovirus four or five years ago, but I had never been so ill in my life. Four days straight of not been able to eat or even keep down water for hydration. So weak after as well. Fast forward to this pandemic with COVID, and I ended up catching that as well very early last year, that left me feeling like I could barely breathe for nigh on 14 days until the virus finally decided it had enough of me and started to disappear. I'm convinced I've now got a shorter lifespan thanks to these two viruses.
@@cherylq709 I'm so sorry to hear of your experiences. On the other hand, maybe you are better off than most, with a strengthened immune system from enduring!
I've recently completed my second cruise and so far, I've only been in balcony cabins. I'm so spoiled that I don't want to sail in anything less now. I love the sounds of the ocean at night and just love being able to step outside from my own room.
I was rather skeptical about having a balcony cabin because I'd cruised with an interior cabin. I thought, all I do is sleep there so what does it matter. I found that it was very nice to be able to sit on the balcony and read late at night and that's when I discovered one of the joys of being at sea: no bugs buzzing around your lights.
One of my primary reasons for liking a balcony is being able to watch the ocean go by or enjoy the scenery while lying in bed. That's particularly nice in the morning when first waking up, but also nice if you are just resting after a lot of activity. You do have to have a plexiglass railing though.
I am a newbie to cruising progressing over the recent years from an inside stateroom, then to a regular balcony, and as of late a Grand Suite. A balcony works for me because of mobility issues; however, the down side is that I generally miss the social aspects of utilizing the public areas of the ship to experience the outdoors and mingle with others. Barring the mobility issues, I think I would be satisfied with the value of an interior cabin on a premium or luxury cruise line versus that of an interior cabin on a mainstream line.
That's why I insisted on getting a balcony cabin when I was traveling with a friend She likes to sleep in And I get up early That's why I sat outside and had my coffee very pleasant The only way to travel
I combine #6 and #7. The balcony gives me the benefits of enjoying the weather and scenery like I could on a pool deck or some lounges while not having to worry about crowds or getting and holding onto chairs. It can be even more fun if I’m cruising with family or friends and we have adjacent balconies that can be connected. Then, the balcony becomes the communal space where we can chat, have drinks, and spend time together while our cabins become our bolt holes.
some lovely comments on here however i would point out that if you have insistent smokers upwind of you it will detract from your overall enjoyment; yes i know its against company rules but some folks make their own rule book up. happy cruising to y'all
My favourite are the in-hull balconies on the QM2... I have crossed in December and January on the QM2 and had balconies on 4, 5 and 6 and been able to use them even when the weather is not great as they are so sheltered. Like having an extra section to the cabin. I like the ability to have the fresh air and extra space, and see the sea. Always try for a balcony.
This video really enhanced my view of balcony cabins Never thought of most of your eight points, particularly if one got quarantined The eight points also actually inspired me to travel on a Norwegian cruise. The sample snap views of the fjords are awesome. I will be on my way next week Saturday on a cruise with a balcony room Looking forward to dining, reading and daydreaming on the balcony Thanks!
I like to leave the sliding door open , just a few inches at night and the sound of the sea helps me get to sleep, it is very soothing and you just can't get that sound at home.
I caught a flu the day I got on a 10 day cruise. I was so thankful I had book a balcony cabin so I could at least have a beautiful view while quarantined to my cabn until I was well on the last night of the cruise!.
Laughing because I splurged on a balcony for my first cruise - and it was cool weather, little-to-no scenery, and not a busy loud cruise where I felt I needed a bolt hole. So was it wasted? Nope - I absolutely loved waking up to the open sea, never closing the curtains so I could wake with the dawn, having snacks and drinks sitting out there. It's romantic and private ... and now I'm afraid I'm utterly hooked. Great tip to see if I can book way in advance to get the balcony for the price of inside... not how I normally shop but I will try it!
Nice comment. I will tell you once you go with a balcony, it gets very difficult to go back to inside. I do know of a few couples that prefer an inside cabin but they have not sailed in a balcony.
For sea sickness. On waking eat a whole peeled orange and a dry bread roll. Wait for a short time for your stomach to settle before ingesting anything else. It really works. I got this hot tip from a well-seasoned sailor.
Doing a 4-day Carnival cruise solo to Cozumel and spent the extra 270 and got a balcony. Glad I did. I'll enjoy having some time to myself watching the ocean while enjoying the peace and quiet. It'll be nice to wake up and open the door to the outside and enjoying the sea air in the morning. :)
Two cruises ago, we had a mini suite. Our last cruise we had an interior. Our next cruise is a balcony. The interior is really cramped and DARK. Mini suite was nice but we really didn't need all that room. So after seeing your video, I'm sure that having a balcony is going to be what we will get from now on. Thanks so much for all your videos!!
I like to go up to the weather decks, of sit at a bar. Much better view and usually someone there to talk and socialize with. Important for a single person.
Sometimes I travel alone, so I book the inside rooms to save on cost and still have a wonderful time. I cant think of an itinerary that wouldnt be improved by a veranda though... so much beauty to see.
Gary, many years ago I took a repositioning cruise from San Pedro, Ca to Vancouver BC on the Regent Sea of the Regency Cruise Lines and I brought with me Diphenhydramine-an antihistamine and am glad I did as one afternoon prior to the captain's formal dinner, I got very nauseous and ran to my cabin and took my antihistamine. It knocked me out where I slept for an hour and this did the trick. So my "TIP FOR TRAVELERS" is take Diphenhydramine with you and as soon as you feel awful take it preferably with seltzer water or any carbonated beverage and YES it does make you drowsy but, this is the whole idea-the sleep will get rid of whatever is ailing you. When you get up, you will feel 200% better and you'll feel like going all night to activities (eg. dancing, see the shows, etc). BTW- I used to be a travel agent (consultant) for 16 years.
Yep, Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) is a great over-the-counter med for this. Also, consider getting some Sea Bands (elastic bracelets that fit to your wrist and help allay any motion sickness). Can be had in most pharmacies, Walmart and even online (eBay, for certain). Well worth the thought if you have ANY motion sickness, whether on land or on sea. My wife swears by this--fortunately, I don't have the need. ;)
I love cruises. One a year. Someday 2 a year. Thus I thoroughly benefit from the information. You are helping us to get the most out of our buck, potential problems and or loveliness but most importantly how to be SAFE on a cruise. I thank you.
Yes it is ,we have been on one. However all those people have a balcony and when there are sites too see 3/4 of the people are on the top decks so crowded. Why pay the price if you’re going to be on the top decks. We are going on another Alaska cruise this year and and booked a balcony again, we are one of those people that enjoy the sites from our balcony. Just my opinion 🤔
I hope our balcony is worth the price, we are taking 10 day San Francisco to Alaska on Star princess next year. 6300 for 2 for a reg balcony not a mini suite 😱
@@shaungriffin150 We got a mini on the golden for 3 people, 14 day Alaska Cruise round trip from LA for $7,862. Bonus it's the last on the aft so it has a double balcony thsts covered. They run new sales every day. Checking our price on Princess.com is the 1st thing I do every morning lol.
My parents did this and LOVED it but I have to admit that the complete darkness of the indoor cabins is also pretty great. After having kids, I appreciated that the sun didn't wake me up.
Our first two cruises were inside staterooms, the third was a balcony, we've never gone back. Favourite thing is waking early and having a coffee on the balcony, then enjoying breakfast in the stateroom with the balcony doors wide open. Balcony stateroom whilst cruising the Norwegian fjords especially early morning is one of the best cruise experiences I have had
I did a Med cruise in 2017. It was great and a deal because Susan (20 years as a director of Logistics ) does the shopping and planning. We never eat a meal or sat for a drink but we frequently stepped out and took photos.
Helen Ross, you won’t be sorry. My husband and I had an inside cabin for our first cruise on our honeymoon. That was the only time. We primarily use the balcony in the late evening to wind down for the night and maybe for a little while just before we go for dinner.
We always book a balcony cabin when we cruise! The philosophy is this: living in the U.S. Midwest, we don't live near a port city and as such can only afford to cruise once every two years or so. Why not purchase the best possible vacation we can afford?
I really like your series. Your information and advice is solid, not breathless and dramatic like much of RUclips. I've been on 3 cruises in 10 years, once on Costa in the Eastern Mediterranean, and twice on Holland America (Bermuda, Australia/New Caledonia). As a single traveler, I have opted for ocean-view rooms. I like watching the sea from the window, being closer down to the water, and I also need to economize to offset the single supplement. But you have good points about cruises that are very scenic. I liked the norovirus point, which is something to consider. For me, watching the passengers on the Carnival Triumph in 2013 made me think that I might want to splurge on a balcony next time!
Thanks. Great to hear you enjoyed it and found it helpful..and enjoyed the out there reason.... The high costs as a solo traveller for balcony is an issue. On some I do go Ocean view if too crazy price too
I suffer from claustrophobia but because it was "free" I booked an inside cabin. Surprised to find it didn't feel claustrophobic at all. This was on a Princess cruise. Years ago I went on a Royal Caribbean cruise, had a room with a window, but it was the size of a closet. THAT I found claustrophobic.
Very helpful list. I agree when cruising to a destination like Alaska, having a balcony is wonderful. As the days are so long, it's really nice to keep the drapes & patio door open and look at the scenery float by.
Just watching the RUclips story of the people quarantined on the Diamond Princess, on the Asian cruise, especially the four family members who were in an inside cabin, made me feel claustrophobic. A passenger on the previous sailing had the virus and after he left, a couple hundred of the new group of passengers came down with it also.
We had a different experience with balconies that I'd like to share. We sprung for a balcony once on a Caribbean cruise and thought we would love it. However, we had neighbors next to us who had four very talkative and social people in their cabin. They were up early and stayed up late and they used their balcony from morning till night and in between. They loved to sit out there and talk and laugh and eat and tell jokes and drink and toast one another. They never shouted. But they didn't keep their voices especially low either. We, on the other hand, savor a quiet space to read and think and in my case, do needlework. We also thought the balcony would be a romantic place to hold hands and drink a glass of wine and look at the moonlight. We couldn't enjoy doing any of those things because we could hear every word and every giggle and every corny joke and every toast from our neighbor's balcony. We ended up not using our balcony and keeping our balcony door closed to keep our neighbors' voices and laughter out of our cabin. We thought about complaining to our cabin attendant or to guest services. But were our neighbors doing anything wrong? It was hard for us to argue that they were. We felt that our neighbors were entitled to use their balcony as many hours of the day that they wanted to and to speak in normal voices, which is what they were doing. We felt that the problem was that the balconies (at least on this ship) are very small and right on top of one another, separated by very little. You may not mind noise from a neighbor the way we do. Or you may have a quieter neighbor than we did, or one that doesn't use the balcony so much of the time. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case for us. In the end, we felt we wasted our money on the balcony and have gone with less expensive ocean view rooms ever since. I'd appreciate feedback from others cruisers about this. Do you have any suggestions for us as we move forward? Is there a way for us to ensure that this doesn't happen to us again if we opt for a balcony cabin? Do you think we should have complained? Thanks so much for your input.
That’s very interesting. One would think that these extroverted neighbors would go to a more public venue. Most balconies have room for two not four people. I’d suggest this experience is probably rare.
I also experienced the same thing. It made me not want to even go out on my balcony because my neighbors were using their balconies so often. We booked inside cabins ever since. We also like the fact that we can sleep in a dark room and not be awoken from the light. But we have now changed our mind because if you get quarantined because of the coronvirus/norovirus etc. I would want access to fresh air now and at least enjoy the sea views and scenery in the meantime. It would also be better to have your meals out on your balcony rather than an in inside cabin should you be quarantined.
Wonderful video! I always try to get a balcony. We had an extended balcony on a Disney cruise once and it became our refuge for meals, card games, and general sight seeing. Well worth the extra money. Ocean view is fine on very short cruises, such as a quick West Coast cruise to Baja California because you're never in your cabin anyway. Your videos are always so professional. Thank you!
On a long 18 day cruise, the people on both sides of our balcony used their balconies for a smoking space, which is against the rules. We didn't know who to report it to but now I do thanks to your video on things to never do in your cabin.
A balcony is the only way to go if it is warm enough to sit or stand out there. After 12 cruises, we either have always had an ocean view or a balcony. A new experience is coming in spring 2020. We will have an inside cabin due to the cruise being very port intensive, 9 ports in 12 days. There was a $900 difference between an inside and a balcony. Plus it is the British Isles in early May. Not known for being warm. So we thought we would save the $ and put it toward shore excursions.
Love a balcony for all the reasons you stated! Really sleep well at night with the door open, although the cruise line says keep it closed. I’ve never gotten called out on it though. Fantastic channel! Appreciate all the effort you put into it. About to go on our sixth trip, and just came across your channel looking for new tips. ALOT here! Thank you!
Trust me. Balconies are not quiet places to retreat to. On a recent cruise the people in the next cabin sat out on their balcony, with the sliding door open and their television blaring so they could hear the news. This was for hours at a time. Prior to that, the balconies below us were occupied by friends who sat out on their respective balconies and yelled at one another to converse. Buyer beware.
Did you confront, politely of course, any of these nearby noisemakers? Lots of times folks forget their civilized manners as they immerse themselves in their little own world. They forget others exist. Many times it is not intentional Pick a cruise line that caters to older, more mature cruisers who have, themselves, likely experienced such noisy neighbors before. Such folks understand the issue and are more polite.
Did a balcony twice on a river cruise in Europe. Great, but in ocean cruising the ocean view worked. Another great review. Hope you don’t run out of ideas.
We have found that if we are doing an itinerary for the second or third time we are less likely to book a balcony cabin. Thanks again Gary for some good tips.
My first cruise in 1994 we were on the Big Red One and had an inside room. The next time I cruised it was with a balcony. I’m only doing balcony, balcony suites, or a loft for future cruises.
I am a balcony fan too :-) Though on trips where my better half not coming it can be crazy expensive on some lines to pay the single occupancy surcharge... but on many I do as I love a balcony so much....
I think it depends where you are going. For example its worth it in Alaska because you have several days at sea and the weather is cooler and possibly wet. So it is much better to be able to go on to your own balcony to take photographs. However I think it is less important in the Caribbean or other places with warm weather where you have very few sea days and spend most of your time doing things around the ship. I find on these types of cruises I find I don't spend all that much time in the cabin so I would not be against doing an inside cabin. I started typing this at the beginning of the video. I basically agree with you LOL
Reason #8 is sure applicable now, particularly for those poor people stuck on the Diamond Princess! In fact, this has convinced me to go for balconies from here on out, even though I've thoroughly enjoyed inside, oceanview and balcony cabins in the past!
We love watching your videos. Our very first cruise was a gift and we had a 3 day cruise and a inside cabin. It was nice but I felt very claustrophobic and was uncomfortable. We waited a very long time before cruising again, 10 years, and I don't know why as we loved it very much. So our next cruise we booked a inside cabin again but got very lucky and booked a inside cabin but when we arrived to check in we were able to upgrade to a balcony and we were placed midship and it was the perfect spot. We always book now a balcony and I love waking up early and watching cruising into port and catching those great pictures. Another great reason for having a balcony was that the pool becomes very crowded and I walked around trying to find a deck chair to sit on and it was so frustrating and I thought heck 'why and I trying to a chair when I have my own private space on my balcony.' So I grab snacks and drinks and we had had our music on low and had a great time. And like you said, God help us if we are quarantined on a ship. At least you have a balcony if you can't leave your cabin. We may not be able to cruise every year so we can save up for that balcony cabin but it is so worth every penny.
So funny that you wrote about quarantining in a balcony cabin. On my last cruise in March 2020 (just as covid broke out), I had the chicken pox and was quarantined for our entire trip. Thankfully, we had booked a balcony cabin and it made the quarantine less oppressive. Actually, between the room service, the crew (amazing and attentive), in room movies , cocktails and balcony, I had one of the most relaxing vacation/cruise ever. After seeing what happened to those cruise ships with covid, I vowed never to book less than a balcony. I would not have been very happy stuck in a room where I couldn't get fresh air.
I love the late nights on the balcony watching the stars, and I swear I see other things moving up there. Very romantic watching the stars with your partner.
As a nurse I appreciate the effort you made to sell a balcony cabin for the passengers with Noro virus.That balcony is going to make all the vomiting and diarrhea worth it. Lol!!
I stairstepped my way up. My first cruise was an inside cabin. My next couple were ocean view. My most recent was a balcony. I can't go backwards now. #Balcony4Life
Tips For Travellers Thank you planning a Cruise to Cuba. Many moons ago I experienced motion sickness which deterred me from cruising. It's been 30+ years I'll be making the step...I appreciate your through explanations
We just did a Cunard New York-Quebec cruise - it was nice having a sheltered balcony on the QM2 - even in gale force winds up on the promenade deck, we could still sit outside on our Deck 4 balcony with coffee! Another strange reason for having a balcony - it’s much faster and easier to dry one’s swimsuit out there, rather than having that chlorine smell inside the cabin, or having to go to the launderettes...
Tips For Travellers I have enjoyed every one of your videos that I watched so far; they are very informative and very well done! In two days I’ll be going on my very first cruise!😃 I wanted a balcony cabin but they were all booked.😞
These are all great reasons that fall in line with why I prefer a balcony (except the sea sickness one as I don’t suffer). Another great video - thanks!👌🏾
Another great tip. Took 2 cruises inside, then did a balcony. Once you do, you can never go back! I love the place to relax. Though I agree with skipping it in a cold area. And I love the Norovirus reason!! Omg! How did you get the Noro?? Love your videos and told all fellow cruisers not to miss them. Keep up the exemplary work!
Especially, for an Alaska Cruise, in the summer. It's light outside A LOT longer and you can see the coast line as it passes by, for a lot longer (Port side going...Starboard side coming back)
I'm getting a unobstructed balcony cabin on my first cruise no ifs, ands, or buts. There won't be anything to see but endless miles of ocean, but I love to look out at the sea and I want my own, private, space to get fresh air and sunlight.
Booked a balcony cabin for my cruise through Alaska next June and I am so excited! We’ve upgraded each year and it’s been great seeing the difference in rooms, but this will be my first balcony cabin experience. 😆
We just change our inside cabin, our normal selection, to a balcony. We laughed at your last item, if you get sick. My wife had Norovirus and spent three days in the cabin several cruise ago. With all the concern about the global pandemic currently going on, we decided that having an balcony, as the just in case option.
I like a balcony when cruising but the best place to view the scenery is on deck as you have a 360 degree view always & if i felt seasick i would go to the bathroom not the balcony this guy seems to be like a hermit when cruising i love going on deck & socializing people are so friendly also been in an inside cabin & was great value for your money put it this way if i were to go on 3 cruises with a balcony i could go on several cruises at the same price in an inside cabin fantastic do not dismiss an inside cabin.
After 26 years in the Navy, with more than 14 on ships I was used to an interior berthing space. Now retired and taking cruises with my wife who is claustrophobic, a balcony is the only way we go.
Traveling as a family, my sister and I shared an inside cabin, and our parents had a balcony cabin directly across the hallway. We congregated in the balcony cabin. We shared the larger bathroom of the balcony cabin- it had a bathtub. There was a larger television. There was a larger sofa. We could be together for a meal. We could retreat to the inside cabin for a nap, for time alone. It worked out so well.
@@chriswilliams6568 so many things to know about cruising. The more you go, the more you know what questions to ask, and the more you know the possibilities.
I am glad I found you site. Just basic and real. I love the photography . I am going on my first cruise and watched other sites but find the presenter tacky and hard to watch
I had a balcony cabin on a Caribbean cruise but it was always too muggy and humid to sit out there. I don't mind the inside cabins, particularly because of the price!
You can also sleep on the balcony which is great if your travelling companion is a snorer...though this would have to be in a tropical climate and not someplace cold. Likewise you can also rig a washing line to dry bathers, towels, clothes.
when i went carnival. we got a cheap balcony as long as we didnt care where it was. it was only slightly obstructed (Lifeboat) so not that bad really on the 5lvl port side in the middle. $1190 AUD for 11 days pp/twin shre
When we first started cruising I always went with interior cabins, thinking We would be spending most of our time on deck, and we did so it wasn't an issue. Finally I decided to try a balcony cabin on one cruise and OMG did it make a huge difference. It was an extended balcony on the stern, and was like having our own private vacation and we only ever went up onto the main deck to go to other parts of the ship, otherwise we were kicked back on our balcony.
I chose a balcony cabin to go with my grandmother when she was wheelchair-bound.. it was perfect!! We drink coffee she got to see outside all the time without having to be pushed around the ship she was happy just sitting out there.. ❤️
ITS WORTH IT. If you’re just chilling in your room on ur phone it feels way better to do that outside. Just sitting outside and watching the waves and observing the ocean is the most peaceful thing ever
Also it is so much nicer to be able to have fresh air, rather than constantly recirculated conditioned air.
It’s also great watching people racing to get back to the ship just before the ship is due to leave port!
Ah, yes, the "I didn't think the departure time applied to me" or "Nothing can go wrong on our excursion; we'll have plenty of time" people.
😩😂😂
Oh, that’s awful… awfully funny!
My advice for cruisers: If your cruise itinerary is very busy for the cruise duration, for example, you are in a different port everyday, I don't recommend spending $$$ on a balcony, unless you're one of these people that has tons of money and it doesn't matter. Reason for this, is you're probably going to be off the ship most of the time, enjoying new places in port. You will not have enough time to enjoy the balcony sitting in your room -- because you're not going to be on the cruise ship much! And at night, you can't see the ocean -- it's just black.
If you are on a cruise with an itinerary with many "days at sea", where you are not docked in port, it would make more sense to get a balcony, because you'll have more time to be in your room and enjoy your balcony. Otherwise, you're just paying for something you'll be using very little.
I love balcony cabins. I love sitting on the balcony and watching the ocean, sunrises, sunsets, moon glows...
How prophetic it you to talk about being quarantined in a balcony cabin rather than an interior cabin. I had such compassion for passengers trapped in interior cabins with Corona virus!
Yes, that's what I was thinking! I'm watching this on 4/30/21 . . .
Interior cabins are best for sleep if you go North or South in large latitudes in Summer. The Sun never goes down and any light in your cabin will keep you from sleeping. Bumpy weather it is better to be all the in the back. More bumpy---more back. Verandas in upper levels are a plague of stack gas and ash.
You missed his point. How pathetic of you to miss the point.
My husband and I love to cruise so we have been on many. A balcony cabin works well for us as I have ostioarthritis which I suffer from more some days than others. On bad days when I'm too sore to walk far, I can still enjoy the ocean, air and view from our balcony. I have watched castles on the coast of Ireland, lighthouses and oil rigs off Scotland. The volcano on Hawiai, the white cliffs of Dover, pods of Orca whales and glaciers in Alaska. Enjoyed the beautiful turquoise water and green palms of the Caribbean, and amazed at the Pitons of St. Lucia. Evenings on my balcony I've counted many shooting stars and marvelled at our moon reflecting across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas. Experiences I would not have on another type of holiday or an inside cabin. Plus, I have a steward who cleans our cabin, washes the sheets, and makes our bed. I can order great room service food all day and night, if I like. In the meantime I'm not concerned about my husband because he's enjoying his vacation by mixing and mingling with other guests on the ship and joining all the different onboard cruise activities. Cruising suits us very well, especially with a balcony so I don't feel like I'm missing out when I'm having a bad day.
Have always had a balcony and would never have it any other way, as you dock in the morning it is awesome to sit and have your coffee with a different view on the mornings you dock,
Interior cabins are best for sleep if you go North or South in large latitudes in Summer. The Sun never goes down and any light in your cabin will keep you from sleeping. If you are in a veranda cabin always take laundry cloths pins with you to pin the drapes shut. Bumpy weather it is better to be all the in the back. More bumpy---more back. Verandas in upper levels are a plague of stack gas and ash. Also, bad weather winds will blow your doors open and fling everything in your cabin around. For people that get sea sick. It is better to not look at the waves outside your veranda. It will make you want to vomit every time you look. Just depends on where and when your cruising.
#9 It's easier to laugh at people left behind on the docks when they arrive back too late to board the ship.
A balcony room is a real benefit in the highly unlikely occurrence of a failure of the ship's electrical, plumbing, and ventilation systems. You can let in fresh air and daylight!
Haha, if you lose electrical, plumbing etc. getting fresh air and daylight will be the last of our worries! Remember the poop cruise?
If you are worried about an electrical failure in considering your cabin. Your on the wrong ship.
I love waking up before everyone else, enjoying the ocean and saying my morning prayers. I'll take an inside vs not cruising at all. But balconies are wonderful!
Absolutely, the Heath benefits of breathing natural sea air, the meditative relaxation of water wave watching, allowing real air into the cabin. Incredible reasons for cruising in an unobstructed view balcony cabin.
Not so much when that air is 30C with 100% humidity. You will be in hospital for it in a day.
If you're traveling to Alaska it is highly worth it to get the balcony cabin. During glacier days you'll be fighting with everyone else on the ship to get a decent view on the promenade deck.
Just an "attaboy" note. I have watched a couple hundred youtube vids about cruising. YOURS are the most useful, intelligent, and welcome I have seen! I like the objective approach, confident that you actually HAVE a lot of experience, and greatly appreciate the fact that you focus on "information", rather than "entertainment".
Thanks so much! Really appreciate that 😀😀
The peace an quiet in an inside cabin makes me feel snug as a bug in a rug ! 😉
If my piggie bank allowes for it, I choose a balcony cabin or a suite.
Just getting away from the daily grind is a luxury anyway, so I'm usually the happiest passenger onboard.
My rule is ; treat the crew with respect and gratitude, and they become your friends. 😎
I love a forward balcony because: I love the fresh air away from the horribly infected recirculating air conditioning; I love the feeling of the motion of the ship (I'm an ex sailor), I like to know what is going on... don't trust ships announcements, Like to know what the weather is like outside before dressing and finally always take 5 metres of light rope and a dozen clothes pegs.... lol
Take two strong magnetic hocks to stick to the metal walls of your cabin for your washing line.
If you can afford it, a balcony is the only way to sail. Your last point is spot on. Norovirus is a terrible, terrible experience. In 2008 on a Panama Canal cruise, my husband contracted it, then me. I thought I was going to be taken off the ship in a box. A very horrible experience. Since I'm claustrophobic, I would have gone nuts as well if not in a balcony suite. So, all your tips for having a balcony are germane and well stated. Thank you.
Thanks!! I’m with you as balcony is the way I go. I do go ocean view occasionally if in a more premium line and travelling solo and the surcharge gets too high to justify to myself 😀
I have horrible claustrophobia. I’m terrified of what might happen if I try an inside cabin. But I’m pretty sure I’d never be able to swing an ocean view or balcony cabin.
Should have climbed down the anchor chain and swam away.
Had never been on a cruise at the time I had norovirus four or five years ago, but I had never been so ill in my life. Four days straight of not been able to eat or even keep down water for hydration. So weak after as well. Fast forward to this pandemic with COVID, and I ended up catching that as well very early last year, that left me feeling like I could barely breathe for nigh on 14 days until the virus finally decided it had enough of me and started to disappear. I'm convinced I've now got a shorter lifespan thanks to these two viruses.
@@cherylq709 I'm so sorry to hear of your experiences. On the other hand, maybe you are better off than most, with a strengthened immune system from enduring!
I've recently completed my second cruise and so far, I've only been in balcony cabins. I'm so spoiled that I don't want to sail in anything less now. I love the sounds of the ocean at night and just love being able to step outside from my own room.
I was rather skeptical about having a balcony cabin because I'd cruised with an interior cabin. I thought, all I do is sleep there so what does it matter. I found that it was very nice to be able to sit on the balcony and read late at night and that's when I discovered one of the joys of being at sea: no bugs buzzing around your lights.
One of my primary reasons for liking a balcony is being able to watch the ocean go by or enjoy the scenery while lying in bed. That's particularly nice in the morning when first waking up, but also nice if you are just resting after a lot of activity. You do have to have a plexiglass railing though.
I am a newbie to cruising progressing over the recent years from an inside stateroom, then to a regular balcony, and as of late a Grand Suite. A balcony works for me because of mobility issues; however, the down side is that I generally miss the social aspects of utilizing the public areas of the ship to experience the outdoors and mingle with others. Barring the mobility issues, I think I would be satisfied with the value of an interior cabin on a premium or luxury cruise line versus that of an interior cabin on a mainstream line.
That's why I insisted on getting a balcony cabin when I was traveling with a friend She likes to sleep in And I get up early That's why I sat outside and had my coffee very pleasant
The only way to travel
I combine #6 and #7. The balcony gives me the benefits of enjoying the weather and scenery like I could on a pool deck or some lounges while not having to worry about crowds or getting and holding onto chairs.
It can be even more fun if I’m cruising with family or friends and we have adjacent balconies that can be connected. Then, the balcony becomes the communal space where we can chat, have drinks, and spend time together while our cabins become our bolt holes.
some lovely comments on here however i would point out that if you have insistent smokers upwind of you it will detract from your overall enjoyment; yes i know its against company rules but some folks make their own rule book up. happy cruising to y'all
Please report any smokers that you see and even if you don't know who is doing it, still report it, they will check.
@@kimO.7439 ...smokers PLEASE remember a fire at sea is not a good thing...
My favourite are the in-hull balconies on the QM2... I have crossed in December and January on the QM2 and had balconies on 4, 5 and 6 and been able to use them even when the weather is not great as they are so sheltered. Like having an extra section to the cabin. I like the ability to have the fresh air and extra space, and see the sea. Always try for a balcony.
On our honeymoon we received a free upgrade to a balcony cabin on the old Regal Princess...it featured bunk beds.
This video really enhanced my view of balcony cabins
Never thought of most of your eight points, particularly if one got quarantined
The eight points also actually inspired me to travel on a Norwegian cruise. The sample snap views of the fjords are awesome.
I will be on my way next week Saturday on a cruise with a balcony room
Looking forward to dining, reading and daydreaming on the balcony
Thanks!
I like to leave the sliding door open , just a few inches at night and the sound of the sea helps me get to sleep, it is very soothing and you just can't get that sound at home.
I agree I love the sound of rain and the ocean
I'd love to do that on our balcony cruises but wouldn't it be too windy?
Agreed. That's probably the only time I sleep through the whole night. The best sleep I've ever had.
Sue Bradford I promise you, just give it a try, it is fantastic.
Im not rich, but live across the street from the ocean. It's not inexpensive, but still affordable.
I caught a flu the day I got on a 10 day cruise. I was so thankful I had book a balcony cabin so I could at least have a beautiful view while quarantined to my cabn until I was well on the last night of the cruise!.
Sucked to be you! Lucky to have had the outside experience with the balcony!
Laughing because I splurged on a balcony for my first cruise - and it was cool weather, little-to-no scenery, and not a busy loud cruise where I felt I needed a bolt hole. So was it wasted? Nope - I absolutely loved waking up to the open sea, never closing the curtains so I could wake with the dawn, having snacks and drinks sitting out there. It's romantic and private ... and now I'm afraid I'm utterly hooked. Great tip to see if I can book way in advance to get the balcony for the price of inside... not how I normally shop but I will try it!
Nice comment. I will tell you once you go with a balcony, it gets very difficult to go back to inside. I do know of a few couples that prefer an inside cabin but they have not sailed in a balcony.
@@alsuzy1345 You're absolutely correct. We did our 1st cruise with a balcony and are hooked.
For sea sickness. On waking eat a whole peeled orange and a dry bread roll. Wait for a short time for your stomach to settle before ingesting anything else. It really works. I got this hot tip from a well-seasoned sailor.
good tip!
I find eating or drinking anything with ginger settles the stomach without motion-sickness meds.
Doing a 4-day Carnival cruise solo to Cozumel and spent the extra 270 and got a balcony. Glad I did. I'll enjoy having some time to myself watching the ocean while enjoying the peace and quiet. It'll be nice to wake up and open the door to the outside and enjoying the sea air in the morning. :)
Two cruises ago, we had a mini suite. Our last cruise we had an interior. Our next cruise is a balcony. The interior is really cramped and DARK. Mini suite was nice but we really didn't need all that room. So after seeing your video, I'm sure that having a balcony is going to be what we will get from now on. Thanks so much for all your videos!!
I always stay in suites with balconies. Love to sit out there with a glass of wine. My wife and I like to see the scenery .
I am a big fan like you of them!!
Tips For Travellers What do You drink instead of wine, Gary?
I like to go up to the weather decks, of sit at a bar. Much better view and usually someone there to talk and socialize with. Important for a single person.
Sometimes I travel alone, so I book the inside rooms to save on cost and still have a wonderful time. I cant think of an itinerary that wouldnt be improved by a veranda though... so much beauty to see.
Gary, many years ago I took a repositioning cruise from San Pedro, Ca to Vancouver BC on the Regent Sea of the Regency Cruise Lines and I brought with me Diphenhydramine-an antihistamine and am glad I did as one afternoon prior to the captain's formal dinner, I got very nauseous and ran to my cabin and took my antihistamine. It knocked me out where I slept for an hour and this did the trick. So my "TIP FOR TRAVELERS" is take Diphenhydramine with you and as soon as you feel awful take it preferably with seltzer water or any carbonated beverage and YES it does make you drowsy but, this is the whole idea-the sleep will get rid of whatever is ailing you. When you get up, you will feel 200% better and you'll feel like going all night to activities (eg. dancing, see the shows, etc). BTW- I used to be a travel agent (consultant) for 16 years.
Yep, Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) is a great over-the-counter med for this. Also, consider getting some Sea Bands (elastic bracelets that fit to your wrist and help allay any motion sickness). Can be had in most pharmacies, Walmart and even online (eBay, for certain). Well worth the thought if you have ANY motion sickness, whether on land or on sea. My wife swears by this--fortunately, I don't have the need. ;)
Have cruises 3 times (ocean view and interior) cruising in March and sprang for the upgrade to a balcony.
I love cruises. One a year. Someday 2 a year. Thus I thoroughly benefit from the information. You are helping us to get the most out of our buck, potential problems and or loveliness but most importantly how to be SAFE on a cruise. I thank you.
I took a 12 day cruise to Alaska and booked a balcony cabin it was great and I will never go without a balcony cabin😍❤️
A balcony is a MUST for any Alaska cruise
agree :-)
You guys are killing me. I'm going to have to save more money!
Yes it is ,we have been on one. However all those people have a balcony and when there are sites too see 3/4 of the people are on the top decks so crowded. Why pay the price if you’re going to be on the top decks. We are going on another Alaska cruise this year and and booked a balcony again, we are one of those people that enjoy the sites from our balcony. Just my opinion 🤔
I hope our balcony is worth the price, we are taking 10 day San Francisco to Alaska on Star princess next year. 6300 for 2 for a reg balcony not a mini suite 😱
@@shaungriffin150 We got a mini on the golden for 3 people, 14 day Alaska Cruise round trip from LA for $7,862. Bonus it's the last on the aft so it has a double balcony thsts covered. They run new sales every day. Checking our price on Princess.com is the 1st thing I do every morning lol.
My parents did this and LOVED it but I have to admit that the complete darkness of the indoor cabins is also pretty great. After having kids, I appreciated that the sun didn't wake me up.
Hi Gary. I've cruised a lot and it's always good to review your tips on various ports and policies. Thanks for sharing.
Only honest man on web.
Gosh do you mean on the whole web he's the only honest man?
Our first two cruises were inside staterooms, the third was a balcony, we've never gone back.
Favourite thing is waking early and having a coffee on the balcony, then enjoying breakfast in the stateroom with the balcony doors wide open.
Balcony stateroom whilst cruising the Norwegian fjords especially early morning is one of the best cruise experiences I have had
I agree !! Once you cruise in one, especially in places like the Fjords, hard not to
I did a Med cruise in 2017. It was great and a deal because Susan (20 years as a director of Logistics ) does the shopping and planning. We never eat a meal or sat for a drink but we frequently stepped out and took photos.
I’m convinced when we go on a cruise I will be choosing a balcony cabin . Thanks for the inspiration.
Helen Ross, you won’t be sorry. My husband and I had an inside cabin for our first cruise on our honeymoon. That was the only time. We primarily use the balcony in the late evening to wind down for the night and maybe for a little while just before we go for dinner.
We always book a balcony cabin when we cruise! The philosophy is this: living in the U.S. Midwest, we don't live near a port city and as such can only afford to cruise once every two years or so. Why not purchase the best possible vacation we can afford?
I really like your series. Your information and advice is solid, not breathless and dramatic like much of RUclips. I've been on 3 cruises in 10 years, once on Costa in the Eastern Mediterranean, and twice on Holland America (Bermuda, Australia/New Caledonia). As a single traveler, I have opted for ocean-view rooms. I like watching the sea from the window, being closer down to the water, and I also need to economize to offset the single supplement. But you have good points about cruises that are very scenic. I liked the norovirus point, which is something to consider. For me, watching the passengers on the Carnival Triumph in 2013 made me think that I might want to splurge on a balcony next time!
Thanks. Great to hear you enjoyed it and found it helpful..and enjoyed the out there reason.... The high costs as a solo traveller for balcony is an issue. On some I do go Ocean view if too crazy price too
I suffer from claustrophobia but because it was "free" I booked an inside cabin. Surprised to find it didn't feel claustrophobic at all. This was on a Princess cruise. Years ago I went on a Royal Caribbean cruise, had a room with a window, but it was the size of a closet. THAT I found claustrophobic.
Going on my very first cruise to Alaska and I opted for the extended balcony. August couldn't come sooner.
That's what we did and LOVED it!!! The views are incredible. Go for the side where the shore will be seen if you can get it.
Very helpful list. I agree when cruising to a destination like Alaska, having a balcony is wonderful. As the days are so long, it's really nice to keep the drapes & patio door open and look at the scenery float by.
Just watching the RUclips story of the people quarantined on the Diamond Princess, on the Asian cruise, especially the four family members who were in an inside cabin, made me feel claustrophobic. A passenger on the previous sailing had the virus and after he left, a couple hundred of the new group of passengers came down with it also.
We had a different experience with balconies that I'd like to share. We sprung for a balcony once on a Caribbean cruise and thought we would love it. However, we had neighbors next to us who had four very talkative and social people in their cabin. They were up early and stayed up late and they used their balcony from morning till night and in between. They loved to sit out there and talk and laugh and eat and tell jokes and drink and toast one another. They never shouted. But they didn't keep their voices especially low either. We, on the other hand, savor a quiet space to read and think and in my case, do needlework. We also thought the balcony would be a romantic place to hold hands and drink a glass of wine and look at the moonlight. We couldn't enjoy doing any of those things because we could hear every word and every giggle and every corny joke and every toast from our neighbor's balcony. We ended up not using our balcony and keeping our balcony door closed to keep our neighbors' voices and laughter out of our cabin. We thought about complaining to our cabin attendant or to guest services. But were our neighbors doing anything wrong? It was hard for us to argue that they were. We felt that our neighbors were entitled to use their balcony as many hours of the day that they wanted to and to speak in normal voices, which is what they were doing. We felt that the problem was that the balconies (at least on this ship) are very small and right on top of one another, separated by very little. You may not mind noise from a neighbor the way we do. Or you may have a quieter neighbor than we did, or one that doesn't use the balcony so much of the time. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case for us. In the end, we felt we wasted our money on the balcony and have gone with less expensive ocean view rooms ever since. I'd appreciate feedback from others cruisers about this. Do you have any suggestions for us as we move forward? Is there a way for us to ensure that this doesn't happen to us again if we opt for a balcony cabin? Do you think we should have complained? Thanks so much for your input.
not saying anything was the right thing to do. you cant control what others do. just hope that it’s not the norm.
That’s very interesting. One would think that these extroverted neighbors would go to a more public venue. Most balconies have room for two not four people. I’d suggest this experience is probably rare.
I also experienced the same thing. It made me not want to even go out on my balcony because my neighbors were using their balconies so often. We booked inside cabins ever since. We also like the fact that we can sleep in a dark room and not be awoken from the light. But we have now changed our mind because if you get quarantined because of the coronvirus/norovirus etc. I would want access to fresh air now and at least enjoy the sea views and scenery in the meantime. It would also be better to have your meals out on your balcony rather than an in inside cabin should you be quarantined.
@@ashley1400 You're right, Ashley. I agree with you about balconies being extremely important in case you are quarantined.
Make sure your balcony is not near a suite balcony - I would think there would be an increased chance of social gathering.
I’ve done an indoor cabin on my first cruise with Holland America. Wasn’t bad. This time I’m taking a Disney Cruise and booked a balcony. I’m excited.
Wonderful video! I always try to get a balcony. We had an extended balcony on a Disney cruise once and it became our refuge for meals, card games, and general sight seeing. Well worth the extra money. Ocean view is fine on very short cruises, such as a quick West Coast cruise to Baja California because you're never in your cabin anyway. Your videos are always so professional. Thank you!
On a long 18 day cruise, the people on both sides of our balcony used their balconies for a smoking space, which is against the rules. We didn't know who to report it to but now I do thanks to your video on things to never do in your cabin.
I loved your outlier reason for getting a balcony - in case you contract norovirus! Good point, but hysterical too! :-)
Thanks. Great to hear you enjoyed it .and enjoyed the out there reason....
A balcony is the only way to go if it is warm enough to sit or stand out there. After 12 cruises, we either have always had an ocean view or a balcony. A new experience is coming in spring 2020. We will have an inside cabin due to the cruise being very port intensive, 9 ports in 12 days. There was a $900 difference between an inside and a balcony. Plus it is the British Isles in early May. Not known for being warm. So we thought we would save the $ and put it toward shore excursions.
Love a balcony for all the reasons you stated! Really sleep well at night with the door open, although the cruise line says keep it closed. I’ve never gotten called out on it though. Fantastic channel! Appreciate all the effort you put into it. About to go on our sixth trip, and just came across your channel looking for new tips. ALOT here! Thank you!
Trust me. Balconies are not quiet places to retreat to. On a recent cruise the people in the next cabin sat out on their balcony, with the sliding door open and their television blaring so they could hear the news. This was for hours at a time. Prior to that, the balconies below us were occupied by friends who sat out on their respective balconies and yelled at one another to converse. Buyer beware.
Did you confront, politely of course, any of these nearby noisemakers? Lots of times folks forget their civilized manners as they immerse themselves in their little own world. They forget others exist. Many times it is not intentional Pick a cruise line that caters to older, more mature cruisers who have, themselves, likely experienced such noisy neighbors before. Such folks understand the issue and are more polite.
Did a balcony twice on a river cruise in Europe. Great, but in ocean cruising the ocean view worked. Another great review. Hope you don’t run out of ideas.
Thanks as always for watching and commenting. I have a long list off things want to cover so hopefully will keep me busy.....
We have found that if we are doing an itinerary for the second or third time we are less likely to book a balcony cabin. Thanks again Gary for some good tips.
Great point!
I really love that picture of a vessel's bow behind you on the wall!
All good reasons to me and I definitely choose to travel this way when I can afford it thank you
My first cruise in 1994 we were on the Big Red One and had an inside room. The next time I cruised it was with a balcony. I’m only doing balcony, balcony suites, or a loft for future cruises.
I am a balcony fan too :-) Though on trips where my better half not coming it can be crazy expensive on some lines to pay the single occupancy surcharge... but on many I do as I love a balcony so much....
I think it depends where you are going. For example its worth it in Alaska because you have several days at sea and the weather is cooler and possibly wet. So it is much better to be able to go on to your own balcony to take photographs.
However I think it is less important in the Caribbean or other places with warm weather where you have very few sea days and spend most of your time doing things around the ship. I find on these types of cruises I find I don't spend all that much time in the cabin so I would not be against doing an inside cabin.
I started typing this at the beginning of the video. I basically agree with you LOL
Reason #8 is sure applicable now, particularly for those poor people stuck on the Diamond Princess! In fact, this has convinced me to go for balconies from here on out, even though I've thoroughly enjoyed inside, oceanview and balcony cabins in the past!
Agree
Pulling into Venice is breathtaking. A starboard balcony is perfect to take in the fantastic views.
Been there, done that, you're RIGHT!!!
We love watching your videos.
Our very first cruise was a gift and we had a 3 day cruise and a inside cabin. It was nice but I felt very claustrophobic and was uncomfortable. We waited a very long time before cruising again, 10 years, and I don't know why as we loved it very much. So our next cruise we booked a inside cabin again but got very lucky and booked a inside cabin but when we arrived to check in we were able to upgrade to a balcony and we were placed midship and it was the perfect spot.
We always book now a balcony and I love waking up early and watching cruising into port and catching those great pictures.
Another great reason for having a balcony was that the pool becomes very crowded and I walked around trying to find a deck chair to sit on and it was so frustrating and I thought heck 'why and I trying to a chair when I have my own private space on my balcony.' So I grab snacks and drinks and we had had our music on low and had a great time. And like you said, God help us if we are quarantined on a ship. At least you have a balcony if you can't leave your cabin. We may not be able to cruise every year so we can save up for that balcony cabin but it is so worth every penny.
So funny that you wrote about quarantining in a balcony cabin. On my last cruise in March 2020 (just as covid broke out), I had the chicken pox and was quarantined for our entire trip. Thankfully, we had booked a balcony cabin and it made the quarantine less oppressive. Actually, between the room service, the crew (amazing and attentive), in room movies , cocktails and balcony, I had one of the most relaxing vacation/cruise ever. After seeing what happened to those cruise ships with covid, I vowed never to book less than a balcony. I would not have been very happy stuck in a room where I couldn't get fresh air.
I love the late nights on the balcony watching the stars, and I swear I see other things moving up there. Very romantic watching the stars with your partner.
As a nurse I appreciate the effort you made to sell a balcony cabin for the passengers with Noro virus.That balcony is going to make all the vomiting and diarrhea worth it. Lol!!
Yeah and that will add to the sea salt from spray all over your hands, cloths, shoes and cabin.
I feel like your videos are giving me a degree in cruising! Well done.
I stairstepped my way up. My first cruise was an inside cabin. My next couple were ocean view. My most recent was a balcony. I can't go backwards now. #Balcony4Life
Yeah that's what I tell people. Once you start cruising with a balcony, you will never want to cruise without one.
Where do you smoke in inside cabin
How about them cowboys
@@michellehazlett9256 most cruises prohibit smoking anywhere in cwbins. There are generally dedicated smoking areas on the ship.
Love to hear what you think and what type of cabin you prefer when cruising and if any of these convinced you to cruise in a balcony...
Tips For Travellers Thank you planning a Cruise to Cuba. Many moons ago I experienced motion sickness which deterred me from cruising. It's been 30+ years I'll be making the step...I appreciate your through explanations
Awesome to hear. Thanks. When are you cruising to Cuba? I am going in November next year there and so excited...
We just did a Cunard New York-Quebec cruise - it was nice having a sheltered balcony on the QM2 - even in gale force winds up on the promenade deck, we could still sit outside on our Deck 4 balcony with coffee! Another strange reason for having a balcony - it’s much faster and easier to dry one’s swimsuit out there, rather than having that chlorine smell inside the cabin, or having to go to the launderettes...
Of course, the balcony. Yes, it was very convincing, indeed!
Tips For Travellers I have enjoyed every one of your videos that I watched so far; they are very informative and very well done! In two days I’ll be going on my very first cruise!😃 I wanted a balcony cabin but they were all booked.😞
I agree with it being worth the extra money, if you can pull it off. It’s amazingly peaceful.
These are all great reasons that fall in line with why I prefer a balcony (except the sea sickness one as I don’t suffer). Another great video - thanks!👌🏾
Another great tip. Took 2 cruises inside, then did a balcony. Once you do, you can never go back! I love the place to relax. Though I agree with skipping it in a cold area. And I love the Norovirus reason!!
Omg! How did you get the Noro?? Love your videos and told all fellow cruisers not to miss them. Keep up the exemplary work!
Thanks. Great to hear you enjoyed it and found it helpful..and enjoyed the out there reason....
Especially, for an Alaska Cruise, in the summer. It's light outside A LOT longer and you can see the coast line as it passes by, for a lot longer (Port side going...Starboard side coming back)
I'm getting a unobstructed balcony cabin on my first cruise no ifs, ands, or buts. There won't be anything to see but endless miles of ocean, but I love to look out at the sea and I want my own, private, space to get fresh air and sunlight.
Tony Hinojosa Agree with you. Hubby & I having first cruise balcony room - it’s a 3 day comedy cruise. I’m here checking the pros & cons in cruising
Booked a balcony cabin for my cruise through Alaska next June and I am so excited! We’ve upgraded each year and it’s been great seeing the difference in rooms, but this will be my first balcony cabin experience. 😆
I am sure you will be very happy you did for Alaska. It is hard to go back from a balcony once cruised in one...
Booked a balcony room for our first cruise. I love to watch the sea.
I loved the balcony cabin we got on the last cruise, because I could go outside and sit while my wife was still sleeping.
We just change our inside cabin, our normal selection, to a balcony. We laughed at your last item, if you get sick. My wife had Norovirus and spent three days in the cabin several cruise ago. With all the concern about the global pandemic currently going on, we decided that having an balcony, as the just in case option.
I like a balcony when cruising but the best place to view the scenery is on deck as you have a 360 degree view always & if i felt seasick i would go to the bathroom not the balcony this guy seems to be like a hermit when cruising i love going on deck & socializing people are so friendly also been in an inside cabin & was great value for your money put it this way if i were to go on 3 cruises with a balcony i could go on several cruises at the same price in an inside cabin fantastic do not dismiss an inside cabin.
After 26 years in the Navy, with more than 14 on ships I was used to an interior berthing space. Now retired and taking cruises with my wife who is claustrophobic, a balcony is the only way we go.
Those suites are gorgeous in your video!
Traveling as a family, my sister and I shared an inside cabin, and our parents had a balcony cabin directly across the hallway. We congregated in the balcony cabin. We shared the larger bathroom of the balcony cabin- it had a bathtub. There was a larger television. There was a larger sofa. We could be together for a meal. We could retreat to the inside cabin for a nap, for time alone. It worked out so well.
Do not bank on always having a bathtub in every balcony cabin, depends on the category.
@@chriswilliams6568 so many things to know about cruising. The more you go, the more you know what questions to ask, and the more you know the possibilities.
Good point about the Norovirus. Never thought of that one.
I am glad I found you site. Just basic and real. I love the photography . I am going on my first cruise and watched other sites but find the presenter tacky and hard to watch
First time cruise in December and we have a balcony. You made some good points to think about. Like the content of your videos.
Thanks for watching. Great to hear you enjoy and find my videos helpful. Hope you have a great first cruise and love the balcony!
I'm going in Dec too, Carnival Vista
Cindy Wisdom carnival pride is the ship I’ll be on.🚢
If you get upgraded to a balcony cabin, watch out that it is not in a bad location.
I had a balcony cabin on a Caribbean cruise but it was always too muggy and humid to sit out there. I don't mind the inside cabins, particularly because of the price!
You can also sleep on the balcony which is great if your travelling companion is a snorer...though this would have to be in a tropical climate and not someplace cold. Likewise you can also rig a washing line to dry bathers, towels, clothes.
when i went carnival. we got a cheap balcony as long as we didnt care where it was. it was only slightly obstructed (Lifeboat) so not that bad really on the 5lvl port side in the middle. $1190 AUD for 11 days pp/twin shre
It helps with seasickness as well to be able to see the horizon all the time.
yes I've had influenza on the ship...........yes, I could sit on the balcony while I was in isolation for 2 days
I agree with reason number 6. If you want to be outside and don't have a balcony, you will likely be in a fairly crowded area.
When we first started cruising I always went with interior cabins, thinking We would be spending most of our time on deck, and we did so it wasn't an issue.
Finally I decided to try a balcony cabin on one cruise and OMG did it make a huge difference. It was an extended balcony on the stern, and was like having our own private vacation and we only ever went up onto the main deck to go to other parts of the ship, otherwise we were kicked back on our balcony.