Paul Therault

<BR>Is it worth the extra money? Depends on the individual. Do you like to book a room at a resort with an ocean view balcony or a room in the back of the hotel looking out at the parking lot? Would you like to order room service and a drink and sit out on your quiet balcony just listening to the waves. Would you like to light a candle and have a romantic interlude? Would you like to sit out in your P.J.'s or a robe because you do not wish to get dressed and go up on deck. Would you like to sit on your balcony in the rain? Would you like to sit out in the sun because you gained too much weight on the ship and are now too embarassed to go up on deck in your bating suit? <BR> <BR>If you answered yes to 1/2 of these questions .... book a balcony and hang the extra money. <BR> <BR>Only one negative, poor me, I now am spoiled and I am forced to pay the extra money for a wonderful balcony no matter how small it is. <BR> <BR>Happy cruising. <BR> <BR>Paul

janis

I booked a cruise in January 1 week before it sailed and the cruise line (Carnival Destiny) had top deck cabins with balconies at the price of inside bottom deck cabins. If you can stand the suspense I definately recommend booking last minute. <BR>In answer to your question a balcony is very much worth the extra money. My husband and I spent a great deal of time out there, day and night. Imagine having breakfast served to your cabin and drinking your coffee while watching the ocean roll past. Or getting up in the middle of the night and watching the islands roll by. Or just being alone, away from the crowds. <BR> <BR>Never again will I cruise without a cabin.

Peter

What rate do you pay if you do sail without a cabin?

Nancy

We just came back from the Infinity in Alaska, where we had a balcony!!! Ever since my husband got his 13 Category upgrade from obstructed outside to a balcony on the Grand Princess,we can't go back!!! We just booked the new NCL Sun 12/15/01 with a balcony guarantee for $788/person for W.Caribbean including Belize,Roatan,Cozumel and Grand Cayman--great itinerary!!! Balcony,no mater how bad the weather is always worth it!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dave

We took the Norwegian Sun on a Christmas cruise this year. The balcony was great for us, as we have dive gear and it was a good place to dry/store stuff. We would have been really cramped without the balcony. We went out there every day to see the ports, get some fresh air, etc. The sun is almost all balconies, so seemed like a good investment.

deb

We had a balcony on the Grand Princess and loved it. We used it when we came in and out of ports, to read, have breakfast, check the weather. But what we really loved about it was leaving it open at night and falling asleep to the sound of the ocean. Had a hard time sleeping when we came home! Go for it!

NigelWaring

We had a balcony a few weeks ago on Sun Princess visiting the Pacific Islands. Most of the time we could not use the balcony because of the smell of cigarette smoke from nearby cabins. In future, except for Alaska, we'll just get a nice big cabin.

We also went on a riverboat cruise, they don't have balconies as such but you can turn the air-con off and open the ranch sliders wide, seemed better than a balcony to us.

Jed

I wonder if the OP has left yet on her voyage.

norrisken

We also had the issue with cigarette smoke when we did our first and only balcony. That and the folks next to us constantly slammed the door when they went in and out. I think they spent the majority of the cruise fighting.

fosterag

Yes!Yes!Yes! On all of our cruises we have had balconies except two. One was a window (ok) the other an inside cabin which was miserable. Little and ac didn't work well. Now we always go with balconies.

Trixietx

For us a balcony is essential. I have talked to many people on cruises that get the cheapest cabin because they are never in them. I don't think I could stay in an inside cabin. I am an outdoor person and I have to have a little air.
As to booking in advance. Year before last I booked an Alaska cruise 8 days before the cruise and we had a Jr. suite. On Jan. 4th. we are cruising out of Valparasio, Chile in the Owners suite and I booked this cruise on Dec. 12, 2008. It is not that there is an advantage to booking last minute but we don't know sometimes until last minute when and if we can go. I have never booked more than two months in advance. Other than when we were in Alaska we booked a cruise for the next year for our son and his wife.
If you have never been to Alaska it is a must see.

pat

This thread is nine years old! But yes, a balcony is worth it.