The first time I cruised, at 16 years of age, I booked an inside cabin. It was for my high school senior trip, and they didn’t give us much choice. HA. The next two times, for my honeymoon and a quick “get-away-from-it-all” trip a couple of years later – both to Bermuda – my husband and I booked ocean view. Not a bad upgrade. Then our niece invited us on a wedding cruise! The difference in price between an ocean view and a balcony was literally only $200-300. So we booked a balcony. We are now are obsessed…and completely spoiled.
Every cruise since then has been a balcony cabin. I had a twinge of regret after booking our most recent cruise (which leave for in 48 days!!!) because it is port-intensive and we won’t have as much opportunity to enjoy our balcony. But we DO have two sea days, and ELEVEN evenings on board, so I suspect we still might utilize it quite a bit. Particularly on the night of embarkation, as that is our 15th wedding anniversary and I’ll just bet we’ll be sipping some champagne out there!
My point? I love hanging out on a cruise cabin balcony! It can be so peaceful. We’re introverts, so when everything is feeling just a little too people-y, we have our very own private, quiet place to escape to. Not to mention breathtaking views and front row seats to spectacular sunsets.
5 Things that Enhance the Balcony Experience
A Real Beverage Vessel
Since I’ve hit my 50s, I’m not a big drinker. Except on vacation. But coffee? I enjoy a caffeinated beverage…Every. Single. Day. Sometimes twice a day. Those tiny ship cups are a joke. This Boozin’ & Cruisin’ Thermal Tumbler is just as awesome for mojitos/faux-jitos as it is for your favorite hot or iced coffee.
A Quality Hoodie
Morning air can get quite chilly at sea or in certain ports. This hoodie will keep you cozy and warm on your balcony, as well as while you’re on off-balcony strolls on the ship or enjoying an excursion in cooler climates (great for layering!). The design is on the back so people see it while you’re leaning at the rail or standing in queue at a castle or dolphin watch.
Binoculars
Not much good in the middle of the ocean, unless you’re interested in spotting other ships at night. But as you come closer to shore, they’ll serve you well to see your destination(s) from a different perspective. For a cruise balcony, 8×42 or 10×42 binoculars offer the best balance of magnification, light gathering, and steadiness. For an Alaska cruise, 10×42 is ideal for the distant wildlife while 8x will provide a more stable image. We like these for their portability and affordability.
Towel Clips
Because the sea breeze is real. LOL! Whether fun or practical is your style, there’s a set of towel clips out there for you. Check out these cute flamingos or these simple compact ones.
Perpetual Away Message
Picture this: A magnetic whiteboard on your cabin door that reads, “We are NOT anti-social, we just REALLY like our balcony.” Explain why you aren’t answering the door without ever leaving your balcony. Cruise friends can leave a message for when you finally emerge from your balcony cabin.