After more than 50 cruises, the writer says balcony rooms often cost extra for little return, citing cramped seating, unwanted light, smoke and noise from nearby balconies, and “wind tunnel” drafts when doors are left open. Instead, they recommend booking a st
After more than 50 cruises, the choice is still the same: I don’t buy a balcony room when I can help it.
I know it’s a divisive opinion. But to me, the extra money rarely matches what you actually get. The balcony setup sounds generous on paper. yet the seating often isn’t as roomy as the lounge chairs elsewhere on the ship. If your party is larger than two people. you probably won’t have enough space for everyone to comfortably enjoy it together.
Space issues are only part of the problem. Even when you’ve paid for “fresh air,” a balcony can bring their own headaches. A significant amount of light can intrude into your room in the morning. Then there are the sensory surprises—cigarette smoke and noise from surrounding balconies that can feel hard to escape.
Even using the balcony door for a sea breeze can turn into a disappointment. Leaving the door open doesn’t just invite air in—it can create a wind tunnel effect in your stateroom, making the comfort you expected feel unstable.
To me, the higher cost of these accommodations doesn’t add up. If you want to spend less without giving up the view. I’d rather book a stateroom with a sizable porthole. That kind of room still delivers the sightseeing you need, with a lot more privacy. And when a ship has so much to explore. it makes more sense to get out of your room and actually enjoy everything the cruise offers—rather than paying extra to sit in a space that often feels too small. too bright. and too exposed.
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Port hole rooms are way better, fight me.
Wait so the balcony door left open makes a “wind tunnel”?? I mean I’ve never noticed that on my cruise but maybe we got lucky. Also the smoke part is wild, like why are people smoking right there.
Idk I feel like balcony rooms are the whole point though. Like if you’re paying for a cruise you might as well sit outside. But cramped seating?? Sounds like they were in some cheap balcony category. Plus fresh air is fresh air, even if it’s windy. I think porthole rooms sound depressing unless you’re trying to save money.
I saw this and honestly I’m like… are portholes even legal now lol. Also I thought balconies were quieter? Like you’re OUTSIDE so how would it be more noise than inside. The article keeps saying “unwanted light” too, like just close the curtains? Seems like people don’t know how cruise rooms work. But I will say smoke on balconies is gross if true.