We’ve discussed in the past whether or not cruising in a balcony stateroom was really worth it. The answer to that question is all chalked up to personal preference; however, if cruising in a balcony is an option for you, you should definitely try it out.

Next. Okay, now that you’ve decided to experience a balcony stateroom - is there such a thing as a bad balcony? I personally feel as though no balcony is a ‘bad’ balcony, you are guaranteed natural light and fresh air, but there are a few types to be wary of to ensure you’re getting the best balcony for your buck.

Obstructed Views

A fully or partially obstructed view balcony is a cabin that has some sort of obstruction blocking your view - and the particular item in your way varies by ship and category. It is usually a lifeboat located above, below or directly in front of your cabin. It can also be from a protruding upper deck overhang that can be imposing and limit any sunlight.

Obstructed view balconies will be less expensive, and may be assigned to guests booked in a Balcony Guarantee. Modern cruise ships have found ways to minimize the frequency of staterooms with obstructions but for those that remain, the cruise lines try to be diligent with their obstruction estimations and descriptions to limit disappointments onboard.

You can sometimes get lucky, but most of the time if the description states ‘fully obstructed’ there will be a 100% obstruction and no view. Your travel agent is able to determine if there is any obstruction to your balcony and if so, approximately how much you will or will not be able to see.

Forward-Facing Balconies

Within the past decade there has been a substantial increase in the number of balcony cabins integrated into cruise ship design, even older ships are retrofitted with additional balconies. Balcony cabins, especially in scenic locations, for obvious reasons are becoming extremely popular.

As the number of balconies increase, cruise lines are adding more categories and creating new private verandahs in new locations throughout the ship. Enter forward facing balconies.

Forward balconies and suites can at times be less expensive and much larger, depending on the ship and sail date, making them more desirable than standard or aft balconies. And if you prefer to see where you’re going versus where you’ve been, a forward facing balcony might be right fit for you.

Do be mindful of a few disadvantages. These balconies may not have the open feel - they will not have the floor-to-ceiling windows and can be unusable for lengths of time during bad weather. Forward balconies are also, well, at the front of the ship so you will feel more motion as the ship cruises through the water.

Aft-Facing Balconies

An increasingly popular cruising trend and not-so-well-kept-anymore secret are aft facing balconies. These staterooms are located at the very rear of the ship and offer stunning panoramic 180 degree views of the ship’s wake.

Aft balconies tend to fill very quickly for numerous reasons - typically priced the same as standard balconies and suites (for now), incomparable views, more sheltered with less wind, quieter and larger in size (some even wraparound creating enviable aft-corner balconies).

If they’re so great, why are they on this list? While most passengers thoroughly enjoy aft balconies, some consider them to have a few drawbacks. Everything is, after all, up to personal preference!

As with any cabin, it depends on the particular ship, but aft balconies are on the back of the ship so they will be a little further away from elevators (on the bright side, less foot traffic). Cabins towards the rear of the ship will feel more motion than centrally located cabins, but less than forward cabins.

To assist the ship when docking, there are thrusters on each side of the ship near the front and rear. During maneuvers in and out of port, a slight vibration can be felt but it doesn’t last very long. Some aft facing balconies will have both a covered and exposed section, and sometimes the exposed area is open to viewing from public decks above.

Cove Balconies

Lines like Carnival and Disney Cruise Line feature a balcony category known as Cove Balconies (Carnival Dream-class) or Navigator’s Verandah (Disney). These semi-enclosed balconies are more affordable and situated close to the waterline, offering spectacular ocean views.

These staterooms are partially obstructed as the balconies are carved into the steel hull of the ship unlike standard balconies that protrude from the side of the ship and have glass rails. But located a mere 30-40 feet from the ocean, is it is the closest you can get to the sea. Positioned on the lower decks, cove or navigator’s balconies are more private and feel less motion than higher passenger decks.

A close up view of the ship’s wake and sea foam is thrilling, but in rough seas the spray can make your balcony incapable of being used. Cove Balconies are different from standard balconies so you should be aware of its pros and cons before you confirm your reservation.

French Balconies

French Balconies are found on everything from mega cruise ships to smaller river cruise ships. These balconies are not actually balconies at all; they are however, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open to a railing. If there is a deck it is very narrow, but most times there is just a railing and no platform to step out onto.

French Balconies are reasonably priced and you are able to open the doors to let in fresh air plus take great pictures of each port, but unfortunately no sunbathing or lounging.

Other balconies to be wary of:

• Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy’s Infamous Cabins #5188 and #5688 - these corner aft balconies are priced the same as standard balconies but the verandahs are much smaller and oddly shaped.
• Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas' Boardwalk and Central Park View Balconies - these cabins look over the Boardwalk Neighborhood in the rear of the ship and Central Park located mid-ship. These staterooms create a unique perspective - and lots of fun people watching - just don’t expect an ocean view.
• Exposed Balconies - the design of some cruise ships like Princess Cruises’ Grand-class features tiered decks, allowing higher public decks and balcony staterooms a view of your balcony below. Most guests don’t feel ‘exposed’ or seem to mind, but others that do have creative ideas of fabricating privacy such as putting up beach umbrellas or beach towels.

All ships have individual designs and are affected by seas in different ways depending on a lot of factors. Again, there are no ‘bad’ balconies, just different from the standard idea of a balcony found across the industry.

If you have concerns, speak with your iCruise.com cruise specialist [800-427-8473] and research your room and its measurements. Think about what is most important to you on vacation and consider the cost differentials between cabin types.

Download our free iCruise.com Cruise Finder mobile app to be a touch away from 220+ ships and their respective staterooms photos and categories.

Have you ever sailed in a ‘bad’ or balcony that was a little different? Tell us your story in the comments below!

About Alara Shannon, Cruise & Travel Writer

Alara has traveled extensively since an early age. After the birth of her daughter, when an opportunity for a career in cruise travel presented itself, Alara decided to re-enter the workforce. She hopped on board with one of the largest cruise agencies and excelled in both cruise sales and customer service. This led to the chance to dive headfirst into the Internet Marketing world; taking on the roles of resident Bloggess, custom content creator and social media expert. Beyond a love of anything travel related, her life revolves around her family of four (husband + 2 little ones), writing, playing piano, coffee, recycling, and crafting (well, attempting to craft). Her dream destination? New Zealand!