Balcony Stateroom: Benefits, Views & What To Expect

If you’ve decided to go on a cruise for your next vacation, one of the first choices you’ll need to make is what type of stateroom to reserve. Generally, there are four main categories of staterooms: interior, ocean-view, balcony and suite, each offering a unique experience.

Accommodations with balconies, including suites, tend to be more lush and spacious, as balconies offer enviable views and a private place to sit outside. Here’s a round-up of what you can expect when you book a balcony stateroom with Royal Caribbean.

Key Takeaways: What To Expect in a Balcony Stateroom With Royal Caribbean

●  Photography moments: Capture awe-inspiring, postcard-perfect views of destinations like Santorini right from your private balcony.

●  Exceptional views: Enjoy a front-row seat to magnificent sights and wildlife, like floating glaciers and whales — even in cooler destinations.

●  Space to stretch out: Families and large groups gain an extra outdoor area for relaxing, reading or snacking during sea days.

●  Fresh air and stability: Focus on the horizon line from a midship balcony to minimize motion sickness while enjoying fresh ocean air.

●  Privacy and quiet moments: Find peaceful solitude away from crowds by relaxing in your very own private outdoor getaway on the ship.

●  Visibility of the ship: Choose an interior-facing balcony on Oasis Class ships to people-watch and enjoy the exciting onboard sights and sounds.

●  Start planning your cruise and select the perfect stateroom for your holiday.

1. Plenty of Photography Moments

The views from your Royal Caribbean balcony stateroom can leave you feeling like you’re sailing through a breathtaking postcard, with each vista more awe-inspiring than the last. If you’re sailing through Santorini, Greece, for example, you can see crystal blue water dance on black sand beaches, just below adorable whitewashed houses dotting the cliffs above — and that’s just over your morning coffee.

Starry night skies and exotic cocktails with sunset views take on a whole new meaning when you’re soaking them up from your private balcony. They also make great additions to your Instagram feed.

2. Exceptional Views

Some travelers think balconies are best reserved for warm-weather destinations, but with more coastline than all 50 states combined, cooler destinations like Alaska offer sights you’re unlikely to see anywhere else.

From your stateroom balcony, you get a front-row seat to watch the majestic tidewater glaciers float by and observe the Land of the Last Frontier’s wildlife, including humpback whales and the largest concentration of bald eagles in the world.

3. Space To Stretch Out

Especially on longer cruises, families and large groups might desire more space. Having your own outdoor area for reading or relaxing while the kids nap inside, or having an additional spot for snacking or playing games, feels especially decadent during your days at sea and at port.

Some ships have specially designed balcony staterooms to accommodate larger groups, too. For instance, the Quantum of the Seas® four-bed balcony stateroom offers plenty of space to stretch out, unwind and take some time out together during a cruise vacation.

4. Fresh Air and Stability

A midship stateroom is the best location for anyone who prefers not to feel the ocean’s movement when cruising — and there are plenty of midship balcony staterooms to pick from.

Sitting on your balcony enables you to consistently focus on the horizon line, which tends to keep what you see in sync with the ship’s movement, minimizing any feelings of motion. Without a doubt, the fresh air helps, too.

5. Privacy and Quiet Moments

While many of today’s cruise ships are large enough to accommodate thousands of guests without making anyone feel crowded, there aren’t many places where you can find solitude in your very own space. When you feel the need to get away from it all — especially on vacation — a balcony makes for an ideal private getaway within your getaway. If this sounds like you, opt for an exterior balcony stateroom that faces the horizon.

6. Visibility of the Ship

Royal Caribbean has pioneered a new category of stateroom onboard their Oasis class ships: balcony cabins that overlook the ship’s exciting interiors. These rooms can have a “Boardwalk View” or a “Central Park View,” and give guests the option of being outside of their cabins while people watching and enjoying the sights and sounds onboard the ship at any given moment.

Enjoy Space, Solitude and Scenery on Your Next Sailing

As you plan your stateroom for your next cruise, consider the destination, the duration and what kind of experience you’d like to have on board. If a hyper-relaxing experience is on the cards — or you’re visiting some of the world’s most picturesque destinations — a balcony stateroom can provide stunning views and extra space to complement your trip.

Explore cruises and lock in your ideal balcony stateroom for your next sailing.