When it comes to cruises, there’s one thing I’m sure of: when I ask someone what their favorite cabin is, they will always answer the balcony one!
But are we sure that this is always true? Are we sure that balcony cabins are always the best choice?
Today I want to write a somewhat divisive article. I have come up with 7 reasons why you should not choose a cabin with a balcony.
I’ve given these reasons a lot of thought, and I believe they’re all valid. Therefore, I encourage you to consider them, maybe they will make you rethink your decision.
The external noise
There is no debate on this point: balcony cabins are often noisier than inside cabins.
This is mostly because of the balcony itself. If you leave the balcony door open and you are on some specific decks, you may hear people chattering or music coming from the pool deck.
Usually, just closing the balcony door solves the problem. They are very soundproof on modern ships although, on some older ships, I’ve come across doors that don’t seal perfectly.
The strong wind
Strong wind is a real problem on big ships. It can be really annoying, especially when the ship is moving.
If you can’t tolerate the wind, or if for medical reasons you need to avoid windy areas, there’s no point in choosing a cabin with a balcony.
If you still like a sea view, you can choose a cabin with a window. I have already told you about the 7 reasons why a window cabin is the best choice on a cruise.
The high price
According to our data, after analyzing about 100 cruises, balcony cabins cost between 50% and 60% more than inside cabins.
This is quite a significant price difference, so I recommend carefully considering your needs before making a decision.
Some passengers immediately aim for balcony cabins, even if they have a very limited budget. By doing so, they will not have much money for other activities or excursions.
In my opinion, it is better to save a little more on the cabin so that you can enjoy all the extra experiences during your vacation.
If you still want a balcony but don’t wanna spend much you could travel during one of the best months to go on a cruise, or you could look at these 20 tips & tricks to save money on a cruise.
The safety for children
Parents traveling with young children may want to avoid the balcony cabin if they fear for their children’s safety.
Let me be clear, there are no particular risks for children in a balcony cabin.
The balcony railing is quite high on all ships, and many cruise ships have special locks for the door that leads outside.
However, if you are a very apprehensive parent and want to enjoy your vacation without worries, then do not choose this type of cabin.
You can still consider an inside one, there are some good reasons why an inside cabin could be the best choice.
The cold
If you are planning a cruise in winter or an itinerary to cold countries, the balcony cabin may not be the best choice.
If it is too cold, you won’t enjoy the outside area of your cabin. You cannot have breakfast on the balcony, and you cannot sit to relax in the fresh air.
I personally recommend the balcony cabin in the summer and when you can enjoy the sunshine. Otherwise, it doesn’t make much sense.
Of course, it still depends on personal preference, but it’s something to consider. You could spend that money on the extras that are really worth adding to your booking.
The little time spent in the cabin
On my cruises, I have met passengers who spent very little time in their cabins.
In particular, a few years ago, I met a couple who would leave the room at 7 a.m. and only return at 6 p.m. to wash up and get ready for dinner.
If you are among these people, and you spend very little time in the cabin, booking one with a balcony might not be worth it
Rather save the money and spend it on something else like the spa or one of the many things to do on the ship.
The light
This last point is quite peculiar, and I think it applies to only a few people.
While reading an online forum, I came across a message from a person saying that he preferred interior cabins because he could only sleep completely in the dark.
When you think about it, this makes sense. Sometimes the curtains in balcony cabins can’t close perfectly and there is always some glimmer of sun that tends to get in.
Consequently, if you can’t stand a sleeping mask, the only way to sleep completely in the dark is by booking an inside cabin. In addition, I recommend you follow these tips for sleeping like a baby on a cruise.
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