A balcony cabin on a cruise seems like the ultimate upgrade. Picture yourself sipping coffee while the ship glides into port, or enjoying a private sunset with nothing but ocean in view. It sounds amazing, right? But here’s the catch: most cruisers don’t actually use their balcony enough to justify the price. Between the high cost, unpredictable weather, and better views available from public decks, many passengers walk away feeling like they wasted their money.
Are Balcony Cabins Worth It?
The honest answer is it depends. If you’re the type of traveler who enjoys relaxing in your cabin for hours, reading on the balcony, or simply soaking in the view, then a balcony cabin on a cruise may feel like a luxury worth paying for.
But if you’re like most cruisers, you’ll spend your days at the pool, exploring ports, eating at specialty restaurants, or enjoying entertainment. That leaves very little time to actually use the balcony. For many, the smarter choice is putting that extra cash toward a future cruise, a shore excursion, or even a drinks package instead of paying for private space that often goes unused.
Table of Contents
Reason 1: The Big Price Tag
The biggest drawback of booking a balcony cabin on a cruise is simple: it costs a lot more. Depending on the ship and itinerary, the price difference between an inside cabin and a balcony can be hundreds, even thousands of dollars.
Now think about what else you could do with that money. That extra cost might cover a future cruise, a drinks package, or a bucket-list shore excursion. Unless you plan to spend hours on your balcony every day, paying such a steep premium often doesn’t make sense.
Reason 2: You’ll Hardly Use It
It’s easy to imagine spending hours lounging on your balcony, but reality often looks very different. Most cruisers are too busy enjoying shore excursions, shows, dining, pool time, and exploring the ship to spend much time in their cabin.
Sure, you might step outside for a quick photo or to watch sailaway, but then you’re off to the real action. Those chairs end up sitting empty far more than they’re used. For many passengers, the balcony becomes one of the most expensive parts of the cruise that hardly gets enjoyed.
Reason 3: Weather Can Ruin the Experience
A balcony cabin on a cruise only feels like a good investment if the weather cooperates. Sailing the Caribbean in July? You’ll probably enjoy sunny days and warm nights on your balcony. But if you’re headed to Northern Europe, Alaska, or the Baltics, you could end up with cold winds, rain, or fog that keeps you inside.
Even in warmer regions, sudden storms or high humidity can make sitting outside uncomfortable. Spending big money for a space you can’t use because of weather is one of the most frustrating parts of booking a balcony cabin.
Reason 4: Public Spaces Offer the Same Views
One of the biggest arguments against booking a balcony cabin on a cruise is that the best views are already free. The pool deck, observation lounges, and promenade areas all offer wide-open ocean scenery without costing you a dime.
In fact, some of the most breathtaking moments — like sailing into Alaska’s glaciers or leaving New York Harbor — are often better enjoyed from public spaces, where you can see in every direction instead of just from one side of the ship. Why pay thousands more when the same view is available steps away?
Reason 5: Better Sleep in Interior Cabins
If you’re like me, you care a lot about the quality of your sleep. Many cruisers are surprised to learn that interior cabins often provide the best sleep on the ship. With no windows or natural light, the cabin stays completely dark no matter the time of day. That means no early morning sun waking you up before you’re ready.
If you’re sensitive to light or noise, an inside cabin can feel like your own private sleep cave. Plenty of seasoned cruisers actually prefer it for this reason alone. Compare that to paying extra for a balcony, where outside light and noise can interrupt your rest — not exactly the luxury you were hoping for.
Reason 6: Itinerary Matters More Than Your Cabin
When deciding on a balcony cabin on a cruise, your itinerary makes a huge difference. On scenic routes like Alaska or the Norwegian Fjords, a balcony might feel worthwhile because the views are part of the experience. But on many itineraries, especially those heavy with sea days or stops at industrial ports, you’ll hardly use it.
Most cruisers find that where the ship is going matters far more than where they sleep. If your sailing is packed with exciting ports and activities, chances are you’ll be off the ship or exploring public spaces — not sitting on your balcony.
Reason 7: Oceanview or Obstructed Cabins Save Cash
If you want natural light and a view without paying balcony prices, oceanview or obstructed-view cabins are smart alternatives. These cabins are often hundreds of dollars cheaper while still giving you a window to the outside world.
On some ships, obstructed-view balconies cost less because lifeboats or equipment partially block the scenery. But you still get fresh air and a private space for a fraction of the price. For budget-conscious cruisers, these cabins are the perfect middle ground between an inside room and a pricey balcony.
If you’re curious about how different cabin types stack up on various ships, check out our Royal Caribbean cabins guide for a full breakdown of layouts, sizes, and which ones offer the best value.
Reason 8: More Cruises > One Balcony Splurge
For the price of a single balcony cabin on a cruise, you could often book two inside cabins or even an inside plus a shorter getaway cruise. Think about it: would you rather have one balcony sailing or double the vacations?
Most seasoned cruisers agree that more cruise memories beat a few extra square feet of balcony space. By skipping the splurge, you’ll stretch your budget further and enjoy more time at sea — which is what cruising is all about.
Jim’s Take: Why I Usually Skip the Balcony
I’ve cruised in every type of cabin, and while a balcony cabin on a cruise can be nice, it’s rarely a must-have for me. I find that I sleep better in an inside cabin, save a lot of money, and still get the same jaw-dropping views from public spaces around the ship.
For me, cruising is about experiences over square footage. I’d rather use that extra money on excursions, specialty dining, or even another cruise altogether. If you’re debating whether the balcony is worth it, ask yourself how much time you’ll really spend in the cabin. Chances are, the smarter choice is saving the cash and cruising more often.
