There’s something quietly brilliant about having your own balcony at sea. Whether it’s a place to catch your breath after a busy port day, a front-row seat to sunrise with a coffee in hand, or simply somewhere to air out your brain with the breeze – once you’ve had one, it’s hard to go back!
But not all balcony cabins are built the same and they are far from equal. Some are made for families, others are clever with the space, and a few are just plain unusual (in a good way).
You’ll find no Suites here. This is all about proper balcony cabins, each with its own edge. Some are roomy, others are quirky, and a couple will definitely raise some eyebrows…
Best Modern Balcony: Edge‑Class Infinite Veranda (Celebrity Cruises)
Celebrity’s Infinite Veranda cabins are a bit of a game-changer. Instead of the usual sliding doors that separate the room from the balcony, the entire outer wall is a floor-to-ceiling window that lowers at the touch of a button.
That means more usable space inside the cabin – and a breeze-on-demand setup that works surprisingly well.
These cabins feel sleek and contemporary, with a clean, boutique‑hotel vibe. You can close off the veranda with folding glass doors if you want a more traditional layout, or leave it open and let the whole room flow into the view.
It’s not quite the same as stepping out onto a traditional balcony, but for modern cruisers who value flexibility and fresh air, it’s hard to beat.
That said, if you’re someone who loves the feeling of being fully outside – feet up, sea breeze in your face, drink on the table – this style might feel a touch enclosed. But for anyone wanting extra elbow room and a sense of innovation, it’s a solid win.
Read more: Best & Worst Cabins on Celebrity Cruises Ships
Best Family Balcony: Surfside View Balcony(Royal Caribbean)
Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class ships are essentially floating theme parks, so it makes sense that they’ve designed balcony cabins with families in mind.
The Surfside View Balcony cabins overlook the family-dedicated Surfside neighbourhood – an area packed with splash zones, sweet shops and kid-friendly fun.
The Surfside Family Suites are more spacious while Surfside View Balcony rooms do tend to have a little bit of a typical layout, but their location – right next to the Neighborhood – is the stuff children dream of.
The view might not be the ocean, but kids are often more interested in seeing the splash area below than the horizon anyway. For families who want balcony access without sacrificing layout, this setup is a thoughtful (and surprisingly rare) option.
Read more: The Best & Worst Cabins For Families On Royal Caribbean Ships
Best Big Family Balcony: Deluxe Family Oceanview with Verandah (Disney Cruise Line)
If you’re cruising with kids in tow – and lots of them – Disney’s Deluxe Family Verandah cabins are about as well-designed as you’ll find without paying suite prices. These rooms sleep up to five, with a combo of queen bed, sofa bed, and pull-down bunks hidden away until bedtime.
But what really makes them work is the layout. The split bathroom (with tub!) lets kids get ready while someone else brushes their teeth next door.
A privacy curtain separates the main bed from the sitting area, which goes a long way during early bedtimes or Netflix wind‑downs.
It’s not the biggest balcony at sea, but it’s perfectly sized for watching sailaway while the kids nap inside. For sheer liveability, especially on longer cruises, Disney gets this exactly right. Which isn’t a surprise – Disney just gets families.
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Best Obstructed Balcony : Prima-Class Obstructed Balcony (Norwegian Cruise Line)
Obstructed balconies aren’t usually a cause for excitement, but Norwegian Cruise Line accidentally created a bit of a cult hit with some of theirs.
On newer ships Norwegian Prima and Viva, a handful of balcony cabins are positioned right beside the towering water slides – meaning instead of an undisturbed view of the ocean, you’ve got a loop of blue plastic swooping past your eyeline.
Now, that might not sound appealing to everyone. If you’re after peace and quiet, or unspoilt views, this is a firm “nope.” But for kids and thrill‑seekers, there’s a weird charm in watching riders zoom past or listening to the occasional splash from below.
These cabins are often priced lower due to the obstruction, so they can be a savvy way to get a balcony for less – if you’re not fussed about having the perfect Instagram sunset shot. Just pack some earplugs and treat the slide like your balcony’s unexpected entertainment.
Read more: 16 Norwegian Cruise Line Cabins To Avoid
Best Enclosed Balcony: Cove Balcony (Carnival)
Not all balconies are breezy and open-air. Carnival’s Cove Balconies are tucked low on the ship, closer to the waterline, and have a solid steel bottom half with an enclosed design. It’s a bit like having your own hideaway – with a touch of sea spray, shade and a slightly secretive feel.
These balconies aren’t about big views or wide-open sunbathing space. Instead, they’re ideal for those who want a bit more privacy and don’t mind trading in sunlight for shelter. They’re also a smart choice on routes with rougher seas – less wind, less splash, more comfort.
And because they’re closer to the water, you’ll actually hear the waves more clearly – a surprisingly soothing soundtrack if you’re the kind of cruiser who likes a morning coffee in peace.
Read more: What Is A Cove Balcony On A Carnival Cruise (And Are They Worth Booking)?
Best Traditional Balcony: Verandah Stateroom (Holland America Line)
There’s something to be said for a balcony cabin that just… gets everything right.
No gimmicks, no design experiments, no trade-offs – just a roomy veranda, good furniture, a proper bathtub (yes, even in standard cabins), and a plush bed you’ll actually want to climb into.
That’s what Holland America delivers in its Verandah Staterooms. The décor might lean classic rather than flashy, but the attention to comfort is spot-on.
You’ll find ample storage, soft-close drawers, and a balcony that’s wide enough to stretch your legs and still have space for a breakfast tray.
For those who like their cruising experience smooth, restful and grown-up, this is a reliable, unshowy option. It won’t trend on TikTok – but it’ll be the cabin you want to come back to after a long port day.
Read more: Holland America Line Review
Best Balcony for Lazy Days: Sea Terrace with Hammock (Virgin Voyages)
Virgin’s Sea Terrace cabins are designed for kicking back. The décor is smart but playful, the lighting is adjustable, and the standout feature – no question – is the red woven hammock on the balcony.
These hammocks aren’t a gimmick. They’re large, supportive and ridiculously comfortable. Once you figure out how to clamber in and out (it gets easier), it becomes the spot you’ll return to again and again – book in hand, breeze on your face, cocktail balanced nearby.
Everything in these cabins leans toward laid-back. There’s no main dining room stress, no fixed schedules, and no kids – Virgin is adults-only. So, if your ideal balcony day involves lounging rather than sightseeing, this is your happy place.
Best Aft Balcony: Premium Deluxe Balcony (Princess Cruises)
There’s just something about the view from the back of a ship. The wake stretching into the distance, the quiet hum of the engines, the total sense of being ‘away from it all’. That’s what makes aft-facing balconies on Princess ships such a gem – especially the Premium Deluxe ones.
These cabins offer more space both inside and out, and the aft location means you’re mostly free from foot traffic or loud neighbours. The views are constantly changing, especially on island‑hopping itineraries where departures are just as stunning as arrivals.
Bear in mind: you might feel a little more movement back here, especially on choppier routes. But if you’re not prone to seasickness, this is one of the most peaceful, scenic spots on board.
Best Balcony for Solo Travellers: Studio Balcony (MSC Cruises)
Solo cruisers usually get the short straw when it comes to balcony cabins – pay double the price and deal with it – but MSC offers something rare: actual studio cabins with balconies on several of their ships (specifically Bellissima, Euribia, Grandiosa, Meraviglia and Virtuosa).
That said, they come with a few caveats. The beds are often sofa beds, and occasionally bunks or wall-mounted fold-downs. You might not get a full-size double, and the connecting doors (many of these rooms are next to larger family cabins) can mean a bit of extra noise.
Still, for solo travellers wanting their own slice of sea air without paying double occupancy rates, it’s a decent deal – and the balcony gives these small cabins a huge lift in terms of feel.
Just pack earplugs, and manage your expectations around bed size. You’re here for the horizon, not hotel-level luxury.
Read more: MSC Cruises Cabins to Avoid
Controversial Balcony Cabins
There are some Balcony Cabins on cruise ships that really split opinion – some people think they’re nifty but others would rather book an Inside Cabin even if it were the same cost!
Promenade Balcony (P&O Cruises)
On the newest P&O Cruises ships Iona and Arvia, there are Promenade Balcony Cabins that are particularly divisive. These cabins have a balcony that extends onto the promenade deck rather than being at the edge of the ship.
This mean you can have someone literally walking right past the end of your balcony – hardly ideal if you want privacy.
Some cruisers love the vibe and people-watching potential. Others feel it’s more like being on display in a zoo than having your own private sanctuary. A balcony in name, yes – but not quite in spirit.
Read more: P&O Iona Cabins To Avoid
Obstructed Balcony Cabins with Lifeboats – Various
Found across multiple lines and ships, these balconies have all the right features… except the view. Lifeboats sit directly below or partially across your eyeline, limiting what you can actually see when seated.
On the upside, they’re often cheaper than standard balconies, and if you’re not too fussed about the view (or plan to spend most time on deck), they can be a decent compromise. Just don’t expect those sweeping sea vistas from your deck chair.
I’ve stayed in several obstructed view cabins – some were great and some weren’t so great. So if you want to choose this cabin type, then it really pays to do your research so you know what to expect.
Overlooked Balcony Cabins – Various
It’s always a good idea to check not just the deck plans for your cruise ship, but some photos too – that’ll help you see if the higher decks on the ship are level with those below, or if they are more sunk back into the ship.
Because if they are, that means guests on the higher decks can stand on the edge of their Balcony and look down directly into the balconies below – again, not exactly what you want from a private space, right?
It’s a good idea to check and make sure you’re comfortable with who’ll be able to see your balcony if you don’t want to be on show while you relax.
Tips for Choosing a Balcony Cabin
A good balcony can absolutely make a cruise. But a poorly placed one? That can be an expensive regret. Here are a few quick tips to help you pick the right one – without relying entirely on luck.
Avoid Guarantee Where Possible
A ‘guarantee’ cabin means the cruise line picks your room for you.
You’ll usually get the category you booked – or on rare occasions, a better one – but you won’t know the location until much later.
It’s fine if you’re not fussy and want to roll the dice, but it can land you with an obstructed view, noisy neighbours, or the dreaded cabin under the nightclub.
Use the Deck Plans
Deck plans are your friend. Check what’s above, below and beside your cabin. Avoid being directly under the pool deck (scraping sun loungers at 6am) or over the theatre (evening noise). Cabins near lifts can be noisy, too – especially the late-night kind.
But also, look for protrusions from the ship that could score you a slightly bigger balcony, without costing anything extra compared to the rest of the ship.
Check YouTube, Social Media and Forums
Search your exact cabin number online – you’ll be amazed how many people film walk-throughs or post reviews.
Cruise forums and Facebook groups are packed with people sharing tips, photos and layout quirks. One five-minute video can tell you more than any brochure.
Avoid Connecting Cabins If You’re Not Using Them
Cabins with connecting doors can be noisier, as they often have thinner internal walls. Fine if you’re booking both as a family – but not ideal if you value quiet mornings.
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Final Word
A balcony cabin is more than a view – it’s a mood. And depending on how you like to cruise, the right one can make your trip feel twice as relaxing, or twice as fun. Whether you’re flying solo, squeezing in the whole family, or just looking for somewhere to hide with a paperback and a breeze, there’s something out there with your name on it.
However don’t assume that a Balcony Cabin is always the best option. You might find that you can get two cruises in an Inside Cabin for the same price as a Balcony on some ships and itineraries.
And what’s better than a cruise? Two cruises.
Everyone has their own preferences and some people would never go for an Interior – if that’s you, then there are plenty of amazing Balcony options available.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
