Cruise ship balcony cabins are among the most popular accommodations. These staterooms offer a private verandah that makes it easy to enjoy ocean views and fresh air from the comfort of your cabin.
However, not all balconies were created equally. Some have more outdoor space, while others were better designed for larger families. There are even some balconies that don't have a separate outdoor verandah!
Before booking, it's important to know what type of balcony cabin you want. Understanding the difference between a cove balcony, an aft-facing balcony, and an infinite verandah is important in ensuring you aren't disappointed.
Here are 9 of the best cruise ship balcony cabins to book for your next voyage — and one to avoid.
Aft-facing balcony
Aft-facing balconies are at the back of the ship and are usually more spacious than regular balcony staterooms.
Oftentimes, they're elongated and stray from the standard cookie-cutter design of other cabins. As such, they typically feature extra-large balconies, making them ideal for cruisers who want more private outdoor space.
Additionally, their location means they overlook the ship's wake, or the trail of white, frothy water the vessel churns up as it sails. This view is often considered one of the most picturesque at sea.
Family balcony
Although cruises are family-friendly vacations, many cruise cabins aren't necessarily designed for larger families.
Even if you can squeeze four passengers into a single cabin, it can feel cramped. Instead of immediately thinking you must book two staterooms or a fancy suite, see if your ship has any family balconies available. These rooms typically sleep more than four guests. Some even have an extra bathroom!
For example, Disney Cruise Line's Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Veranda can accommodate five passengers. There's also a split bathroom, with a sink and shower-tub combo in one room and a separate toilet and sink in the other. They're also outfitted with childproof balcony locks and a privacy curtain, so you can create separate sleeping areas in one stateroom.
Carnival has family-friendly balcony cabins, too. The dedicated Family Harbor staterooms give families access to the Family Harbor Lounge, where you can enjoy snacks, games, and a concierge. Not only that, but Family Harbor cabins also come with one free night of Carnival's late-night babysitting, so parents can enjoy a much-needed night out (or in!).
Finally, select Royal Caribbean ships have Family Oceanview and Family Infinite Verandah cabins. These oversized rooms are designed with families in mind and feature more square footage, extra beds, and sometimes an additional half bathroom.
Infinite balconies
Speaking of infinite verandahs, these cabins represent the next generation of cruise ship balcony design. They're found on Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, and MSC ships. However, some smaller river ships have them, too.
On a sunny day, there's nothing better than relaxing on your private balcony. However, they're pretty much wasted space in inclement weather. Infinite verandahs, on the other hand, can be enjoyed rain or shine.
Because the balcony area is enclosed, you essentially have a larger stateroom. You can lower the top half of the floor-to-ceiling window to create the "balcony," but you can also keep it closed and watch the scenery in a climate-controlled space.
Read more: I spent $5,000 for an infinite veranda cabin on Celebrity's newest ship
Hump balconies
Hump balconies get their name because of their location. These staterooms are located along the outward curves, or humps, of a cruise ship. As such, they're usually located midship as opposed to forward or aft.
Unfortunately, these large balcony staterooms aren't as easy to find as aft balconies, and they're not on every ship. In some cases, such as those in Royal Caribbean's Radiance Class, they aren't straight along the edges. Because the ship's superstructure bulges outward, the extra-large balconies are designed to accommodate the curve or angle.
If you aren't sure whether the cabin you're eyeing is a hump balcony or not, take a look at the ship's deck plan; they often appear where the ship's outline slightly juts out. However, you can also ask other cruisers on message boards or work with a travel agent.
Cove balconies
Cove balconies are primarily found aboard Carnival's fleet, although Princess Cruises' newer ships, Sun Princess and Star Princess, also have them. They're best suited for cruisers who prioritize privacy but also want to be close to the waterline.
Because these staterooms are on the lower decks (as low as Deck 2 on some ships), the balconies are fully enclosed by the ship's steel structure with a large cut-out open to feel the sea breeze. As such, your neighbors can't peek around and spy on you from their balconies.
Plus, because they're closer to the water, you have a chance to feel the sea splash or scan the horizon for dolphins.
Corner wrap balconies
Some of the best cruise ship balcony cabins are found on the corners of the vessel. Because of their location, they, like aft balconies, have some of the most desirable views onboard.
These are like the coveted corner office, with windows facing multiple directions. Corner wrap balconies are often found at the aft corners, meaning the panoramic views stretch alongside the ship and the back of the vessel.
Many cruise lines have begun placing some of their best suites in these prime corner locations. For example, Royal Caribbean's AquaTheater suites overlook the ship’s wake and the AquaTheater, so you have the best seat in the house for the high-diving shows.
Carnival Jubilee, Celebration, and Mardi Gras also have Excel Aft Corner Suites that come with perks like priority boarding, guaranteed reservations in the specialty restaurants, complimentary laundry, and more.
Spa balconies
Spa balconies are for cruisers who want a relaxing retreat. The balconies themselves are typically the same as standard balconies, but the interior living space is designed to boost wellness and tranquility.
As their name suggests, spa balcony cabins are often located close to the spa, with the décor focusing on neutral tones and nature-inspired accents. In some cases, the bathrooms may feature rain showers or massaging jets, as well as spa-brand toiletries.
Perks vary. However, they may include a pillow menu, complimentary thermal suite access, a yoga mat, and more.
Midship balconies
Generally speaking, midship staterooms are best for cruisers who get easily seasick. Since ships sway from side to side while sailing through open water, the middle of the ship serves as an "equilibrium" point.
As such, they're less likely to feel movement than staterooms at the forward (front) or aft (back) of the ship. This can make a huge difference for sensitive travelers, as nobody wants to feel ill while on vacation.
Additionally, midship balconies are often conveniently located near elevator decks, so you won't have to spend as much time walking the long hallways to reach your stateroom.
Mega suites
Finally, if money is no object, you can't go wrong with a suite. Some have balconies larger than the living area! Amenities range from private hot tubs to padded lounge chairs, a small climbing wall, and so much more.
In addition to more living space, many suites come with swanky perks that will make your cruise experience even better — think priority boarding, suite-only restaurants, and private butlers.
Of course, amenities vary based on which line you're sailing, as well as the specific suite you're booking. Royal Caribbean's Royal Suite Class, for example, has different benefits than suites aboard older vessels, like Vision of the Seas.
Avoid guarantee cruise cabins
An easy way to save money on your cruise fare is to book a guarantee (or GTY) stateroom. Instead of selecting your specific cabin, you let the cruise line assign your stateroom at random. Although they can be smart for budget travelers, there are a few risks you should be aware of.
First, a guarantee stateroom, as the name implies, guarantees you a room on the ship within your chosen category. This means that if you book a balcony cabin, you won't be assigned a tiny windowless room. However, you also won’t have any control over where that balcony cabin is located.
It could be at the very front or back of the ship, which typically feels more motion. They can also be near noisy public venues like the theater, nightclub, or casino.
Moreover, on larger ships, like Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class, it's important to know whether you chose an ocean view or a neighborhood balcony. The latter cabins don't overlook the ocean. Instead, they face the interior of the ship.
Read more: What does stateroom guarantee (GTY) mean, and are they worth the risk?
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she traveled frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas during her freshman year of high school. Having sailed on over 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Margaritaville at Sea, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
