Hi, my husband and I are planning a cruise for our 10th anniversary in October upon the "Explorer of the seas" to Bermuda. This will be our first cruise ever! For most of our friends money is no object. I just want to know is it worth the extra $1000 (for 2) to get the balcony room? Or do you think that you arent in your room much and we would be fine with the smaller interior cabin? Do people really use there balcony's much? Thanks, Wendy
Congratulations on your upcoming 10th anniversary! A cruise to Bermuda is a wonderful way to celebrate.
As for the balcony vs inside room, you've hit the issues on the head that are deciding factors. Unfortunately, you're the only ones who can make that decision.
The third choice is to save some money and get an ocean view room, with a window but no balcony.
Some people use their balcony frequently, sitting out there in the morning before breakfast, in the evening before dinner or at night before going to sleep. It's peaceful, quiet and private. Some folks don't mind an inside cabin and like the idea of using the saved money on shore excursions, in the casino, or saving it for the next cruise. You'll hear as many opinions about inside vs ocean view vs balcony as there are cruisers.
For the Explorer's Bermuda itinerary, you can think of the incremental cost as $100 per person per night. Is it worth it to you? Only you can decide.
There is one other consideration to be thought of, motion sickness. My wife really enjoys the fresh air on the balcony. She feels that it helps her with the motion. Our first cruise we had an inside stateroom and she did not enjoy the cruise as much as she should have. Now that we get the balcony, she can get the fresh air and not feel so much discomfort from the motion.
Also, with the inside stateroom you never know what time it is. When the lights are out you get no moonligh or sunlight, it is just dark.
From our perspective the money is well spent on a balcony room.
I'd have to agree with Sandy-only you can decide if the extra money is worth the balcony. We would not have an interior cabin simply because we enjoy the fresh air, the views from the balcony, and even having the sliding door open while sleeping. If you can swing the cost, my suggestion would be go for the balcony-you will NOT be sorry.
As an aside, even if you have mild sea-sickness problems, go for a cabin in the middle of the ship. The motion is minimal, and even the view doesn't move as much.
Good Luck and Enjoy-you'll be hooked like the rest of us here!
I certainly understand where you are coming from. My problem with a inside is I can't tell if it's daylight or dark outside . So, I agree with either a oceanview or a balcony. We love the balconies for many of the reasons the others have mentioned. Good luck with your decision and have a wonderful cruise.
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Upcoming Cruises:
Celebrity Eclipse March 5, 2011
Serenade of the Seas Oct 23, 2011
On My first cruise I had a cabin with balcony and on my second cruise took an interior cabin so here is what I think
1. Balcony cabins are bigger and you can enjoy romantic views from it during almost any time of the day and congrats on your aniversary.
2. Balcony cabins are better for photo oportunities since you can see the island when you arrive and when you leave.
3. Also a lot of people think you will not be a your cabin most of the time, believe me even if you are a party people you will pass a considerable time on your cabin, sleeping, taking a bath and even sometimes is better to grab a little food and dine alone on your cabin...so balcony is a way better option for me.
I will never take an interior cabin again, the one I got on the AOS was an interior cabin with promenade view and did not enjoy it like I had enjoyed a balcony cabin...
Now for the other side of the coin - - - we usually book an inside cabin. The difference in price can cover airfare or excursions or souvenirs or whatever. The lack of daylight is another factor for us - - - we tend to get up with the light - no light, we will sleep in on our vacation - What a concept!. We have, however, booked a balcony for our next cruise. Our opinions may change after that - -
PS - - I forgot to mention, on the cruise in which we did have an outside cabin - I don't remember ever really looking out of it... I just remember the room being brighter when we were there in the daytime.
I have booked both. Yes you don't spend much time in your room if you have an inside, put a chair in your closet at home and see how mush time you spend there. I always try for at least an outside.
Balcony!!!! i have never not had a balcony and would go less and be able to have the balcony when i went. i just got back yesterday from a cruise and we used the balcony to have breakfast which is really nice when you are arriving in a port. we sat out there some during the day and then at night while one of us was showering the other would enjoy the balcony. also at night before we went to bed, it was nice to take one last look. also, it does make the cabin seem much larger.
. So, I agree with either a oceanview or a balcony. We love the balconies for many of the reasons the others have mentioned. Good luck with your decision and have a wonderful cruise.
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