Ainslee wants to know if it’s worth upgrading her cruise ship cabin to a balcony suite. In Travel SOS, Leon offers some convincing reasons to fork out the extra dough for a room with a view.
Q.Ainslee
I am about to book my first cruise and I’m wondering if it’s worth shelling out the extra money for a balcony suite instead of a standard twin cabin. I’m going on an 11-night cruise, so I’m worried it might be pricey, but I also want to make sure I enjoy myself. Any advice?
A. The first thing I’ll say is: definitely worth the upgrade. Why? Well, the short story is that you’ll not regret having the extra space – especially having your own private outdoor area.
Think about it: you can dine al fresco, tan solo when the sun is on the right side of the ship, read a book on your own deckchair, watch the sun set at night and basically wake up, walk out to your private balcony and stretch your arms out to a new day every morning. Sounds good, right?
Ships can be pretty hectic, too, and there’s no better place for some ‘you time’ than on your own private balcony. And a private open space with fresh air is great for combatting seasickness, if you do fall ill.
Have I sold you on the upgrade? I should get a commission! (Ed’s note: I don’t).
The good news is that the upgrades are often not that much more expensive than standard cabins. This is because there are usually as many, if not more, cabins with balconies than without. Also, keep an eye out on cruising websites and third-party deal sites for special offers and free upgrades. I can say though, if you see these deals, snap one up, because they typically sell out quickly.
So yes, my recommendation would be to upgrade to a balcony. You won’t regret having the extra space and privacy and if you don’t manage to snag one for free, then the extra outlay will be well worth it.
When was the last time you cruised? Did you have a balcony room? Have you ever cruised without one? How was your experience?
Related articles:
Don’t book these cruise ship cabins
Five benefits of booking a balcony
Book a cruise to match your budget
