Private balconies give passengers a front-row seat to soak up the mesmerizing ocean views while on their cruise. Who wouldn't wake up to wake up to the gentle sound of waves or a new port of call? As such, balcony cabins are among the most popular staterooms on any cruise ship.
Cruise lines understand the demand for these cabins and have started constructing new ships with more balcony staterooms than ever before. Some ships even feature interior-facing balconies, so you can enjoy the benefits of having your own outdoor space for less.
Considering booking a balcony cabin for your upcoming cruise vacation? Here's everything you need to know about cruise ship balcony rooms.
Amenities
Balcony cabins usually come equipped with comfortable bedding, a seating area, an ensuite bathroom, and modern amenities like a television, outlets, and a mini-fridge. The balcony area features a small table along with seating, typically two chairs.
While arguably more spacious than inside cabins, balcony staterooms aren't as large as standard hotel rooms. The average square footage generally ranges from 150 to 250 square feet, including the living area and the balcony. Since sizes vary by cruise line and ship, it's smart to check the ship's stateroom dimensions for exact measurements before booking.
Certain types of balcony cabins may stray from the traditional cookie-cutter design, offering additional space and unique layouts. Aft balconies, for example, provide stunning views of the ship's wake and often feature larger outdoor spaces to help accommodate the ship’s superstructure.
Read more: Best rooms on a cruise ship: Deck, location, & category
Different types of balcony rooms
Traditional balcony cabins are found on the port and starboard sides of the ship.
On some older vessels, the balcony may have been built into the ship's superstructure, while newer ones feature balconies that extend outward. They're the most common type of cruise ship balcony; however, aft balcony cabins are also popular since their unique layout allows for expansive balcony space.
Regardless of the design, passengers have the opportunity to enjoy unobstructed ocean views and fresh sea air.
Enter Royal Caribbean's Oasis and Icon Class. When Oasis of the Seas debuted in 2009, it was the first to feature interior-facing balcony rooms. Overlooking the ship's Central Park and Boardwalk neighborhoods, these cabins offer passengers a unique way to enjoy private outdoor space for less than a traditional balcony.
It's a concept they stuck with when designing Icon of the Seas, where passengers can choose from standard ocean-view balconies or one facing the Central Park or Surfside neighborhoods.
MSC Cruises caught wind of the innovative design and followed suit, debuting interior-facing balcony staterooms on MSC World Europa.
However, if you aren't willing to give up an ocean view, consider booking an obstructed-view cabin. While you won't get the full panoramic view of the ocean, obstructed-view balcony staterooms provide a private balcony experience for less. These cabins have partial views of the sea that may be blocked by lifeboats or other ship structures, such as support beams or overhangs.
Carnival also offers a unique kind of ocean-view balcony on some of their newer ships. Dubbed "cove balconies," these staterooms are found beneath the lifeboats and offer unobstructed views of the ocean. Since they're located closer to the water, the balconies are built into the ship's superstructure, meaning they are more private than the traditional balconies on higher decks.
The most budget-conscious travelers who want an exterior view but want to pinch every penny possible will appreciate Royal Caribbean's Virtual Balcony Staterooms. First launched on Quantum of the Seas, they've been added to most (but not all) new builds, as well as a few older ships in the fleet, including Navigator of the Seas and Explorer of the Seas.
These cabins are standard interior rooms with an 80" 4K LED screen that broadcasts a live feed straight to your cabin, brightening an otherwise pitch-black space.
Though you cannot step outside, they let passengers get a glimpse of the exterior's conditions from the comfort of their stateroom. For instance, if you are resting for a long excursion and want to know when the ship starts to depart from port, you can easily check to know when you need to head outside for epic sailaway views.
Location
When choosing a balcony cabin, it's essential to consider the location onboard. Midship staterooms generally provide a smoother ride, as cabins in the front (forward) and back (aft) of the ship tend to feel more of the motion. However, they can be more expensive.
For example, if you were looking to book a cruise onboard Symphony of the Seas in November 2025, you could reserve a balcony stateroom for $1,541 per person, but if you want to be located in the middle of the ship, the fare increases by $80.
If you're considering paying extra for a midship cabin, it's also worth thinking about the proximity to key venues. Staterooms in the middle of the ship are the halfway point to venues in the front and back. This makes them convenient for accessing restaurants, the theater, and more without having to navigate the entire ship.
Of course, you only have the luxury of choosing your balcony stateroom's location if you're choosing a traditional balcony. Those sailing in aft balconies will have a limited selection of cabins to choose from at the back of the ship. Similarly, Central Park balconies are concentrated in the middle of the vessel. The more unique the balcony is, the fewer choices you'll have.
If you want to have a say in your cabin's location, you'll want to avoid guaranteed fares. In exchange for a cheaper cruise, you won't be able to choose your specific stateroom. Instead, you will be randomly assigned one by the cruise line closer to your departure date. While the idea of a cheaper fare might sound appealing, you risk being assigned a cabin in an unfavorable location.
Capacity
Most cruise ship cabins are capable of accommodating two passengers. However, between sofa and pullman beds, some have the capacity for three, four, five, or even six guests! Royal Caribbean's Ultra Spacious Balcony Rooms, for example, can accommodate six cruisers. With the room for extra guests comes more square footage. These cabins measure around 270 square feet with a balcony over 100 square feet.
If booking a stateroom with a larger occupancy isn't available, cruise ships have adjoining cabins, which are a great choice for families traveling together because they allow for privacy while keeping everyone close. Plus, who doesn't want two bathrooms on a cruise?!
By booking two balcony rooms side-by-side, you might be able to have more outside space, too. Some cruise ships let passengers open the divider between the cabins when they're booked together.
Why choose a balcony cabin?
Access to fresh air
From the lido deck to the promenade deck, there are plenty of spaces for you to take in fresh ocean air while onboard. However, with a balcony cabin, you can open the door and step outside whenever you'd like—even at 2:00am in your pajamas!
Additionally, since it's more secluded than the top deck, it's easier to relax and enjoy the tranquility of being at sea. Fresh air is also a great remedy for seasickness. If you start to feel ill, simply walk outside and stare off into the horizon.
Al fresco dining
One of my favorite parts about staying in a balcony cabin is eating breakfast outside! The night before, I'll fill out my room service order, selecting my favorite breakfast items like fruit, pastries, and coffee.
The next day, I'll awaken to a crew member delivering my order, placing it outside on the balcony, and ensuring everything is correct. Enjoying breakfast al fresco on the verandah and watching the ocean gently ripple as the ship glides through the water is one of the most unique experiences onboard a cruise.
You're not limited to just breakfast. Room service can be delivered throughout the day, though most lines charge outside the continental breakfast. That said, nothing is stopping you from visiting the buffet and bringing lunch back!
The views
The views are perhaps the biggest advantage of booking a balcony cabin on a cruise—especially on a scenic cruise to Alaska or Norway. In fact, some may argue the views are what make those cruises so enjoyable.
While watching the seemingly endless ocean in The Caribbean is stunning in its own right, there's something even more special about sipping a cup of coffee while sailing through Alaska's majestic fjords, taking in the sights of towering glaciers.
More living space
Because cruise cabins are smaller than land-based hotels, every square foot counts. As such, balcony staterooms are a great option for those seeking some of the largest cabins onboard.
For example, a balcony stateroom on Symphony of the Seas measures around 182 square feet, with an extra 52 square feet outside on the balcony. In comparison, most interior cabins onboard come in at around 149 square feet.
Similarly, inside staterooms on Carnival Jubilee measure 158 square feet, whereas balcony cabins (including the balcony) are 249.
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 had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer.
