princess cruise line balcony room

Front Row Seat for Beautiful Scenery

This impressive stateroom offers the added indulgence of a balcony and gives you more space than a standard stateroom. Enjoy your own private outdoor space with a table, two chairs, and a relaxing view of the inspiring scenery surrounding you, whether a beautiful sunset over the ocean or a new city to explore. It’s also perfect to enjoy cocktails before dinner or a leisurely breakfast.

• Approx. 214 to 222 sq. ft., including balcony
• Balcony with 2 chairs and table
• Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors
• Comfortable queen or two twin beds ▲
• Refrigerator.
• Flat-panel television
• Private bathroom with shower
• 100% cotton, high-thread count linens
• Spacious closet
• Desk with chair
• Hair dryer & bathroom amenities
• Digital security safe

▲3rd/4th berths available in select cabins.

Photos, floor plan diagrams, and amenities represent typical arrangements and may vary by ship. Certain stateroom categories may vary in size and configuration by ship. Square footage varies based on stateroom category and deck location.

The best cruise ship balcony cabins for your vacation at sea

Balcony cabins are popular accommodations on cruise ships, affording the luxury of an outdoor space where you can take in the sea breezes, read a book, have breakfast or a drink and stare at the waves without distraction.

These spaces vary widely in size, so it pays to study your ship's deck plan before booking. Affordable balcony cabins might come with a veranda so small your knees rub against the railing as you sit in one of two deck chairs flanking a small cocktail table. The most expensive suites, on the other hand, can have balconies as large as half a tennis court, equipped with cushy loungers, a big table for outdoor dining and even a private hot tub or plunge pool.

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With all balcony cabins, you can just throw on your bathrobe to catch views of wildlife or of your ship pulling into port. Keep in mind when you step outside that your balcony might not be entirely private — your neighbors might be able to see you (as will the ship's security team via hidden cameras).

Here are our picks for the best balcony cabins at sea.

Cove balcony cabins on Carnival Cruise Line

On select Carnival Cruise Line ships, such as Carnival Vista and Carnival Magic, you'll find special Deck 2 Cove balcony cabins that are built into the steel hull of the ship, close to the waterline and near the ship's lifeboats.

These accommodations afford a unique view of the sea since you aren't on a typical balcony that hangs off the ship, but in a cutout in the ship's superstructure. You'll have more privacy than with typical balcony cabins, since no one can see you from above or the side — but that's not the main draw.

The thrill here is sitting in a deck chair and watching the waves and spray splashing up from only 20 to 25 feet below. Call it a free show. Just be aware that you can't use your balcony in rough seas when a watertight door seals off the space from the roiling water. Also, given the close-up view of rolling waves, these cabins are not appropriate for those who suffer from seasickness.

Cove cabins are limited in number and popular, so you'll need to snag one well in advance of your sailing.

Related: 6 reasons you'll want to book a balcony cabin on your next cruise

Infinite Veranda cabins on Celebrity Cruises

On its Edge-class ships, Celebrity Cruises sought to redefine the concept of a "balcony." Instead of creating private outdoor spaces that hang off the ship, the cruise line cleverly designed a way to bring the outside space in.

At the push of a button, the top half of a floor-to-ceiling wall of glass in your cabin slides down like a car window to let in the fresh ocean air. If you want, you can close off the section of your room closest to the window by sliding shut a pair of folding doors. Once that is done, you have a cozy spot with two chairs and a cocktail table where you can admire the sea or enjoy your morning coffee — even if your cabinmate is still sleeping.

If the weather turns rainy or chilly, roll that window back up, and you can still enjoy the sitting area as an indoor portion of your cabin.

With no space wasted for a traditional balcony, the other benefit of this setup is expanded indoor space. These cabins are 23 percent larger than on the line's Solstice-class ships, including bigger bathrooms.

Sister cruise line Royal Caribbean has introduced these cabins on its newest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas , and other ocean lines such as Atlas Ocean Voyages have begun to copy the idea , too. The concept first began popping up about a decade ago on river cruise ships, where it was pioneered by Avalon Waterways.

Super Studio balcony cabins on Royal Caribbean

Single cruisers have a tough choice. They can choose an inside or windowed cabin designed and priced for solo guests — but to enjoy balcony accommodations, they typically must pay a supplement (as much as 100% of the cruise fare) to reserve a veranda cabin designed for two people to share.

Related: These 8 cabins are great for travelers cruising alone

Royal Caribbean sought to level the playing field on its Quantum Class ships by creating Super Studio balcony cabins. On Quantum, Anthem, Ovation, Spectrum and Odyssey of the Seas, these solo cabins are designed and priced for one, with up to 199 square feet of interior space and a 55-foot balcony that's large enough for two chairs and a small table.

There are only a dozen of these cabins per ship, so you'll want to book as early as possible to snag one.

Rear-facing cabins on any cruise line

On any ship, rear-facing balcony cabins are coveted spaces. They deliver mesmerizing views as your ship pulls out of ports of call, and their balconies tend to be larger than those on the sides of the ship. Many people book them for a feeling of privacy and to enjoy peaceful moments gazing out at the ship's wake. Corner cabins are a particular bonus, delivering long, wraparound outdoor spaces.

On the newest ships of lines such as MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line , you'll find suites occupying the corners, but other ships have more affordable balcony cabins in this location. Be aware when booking rear-facing balconies that your space might not have much shade and that you will feel more movement than you would in a cabin in the middle of the ship. These beloved cabins are not necessarily the best for those who get seasick.

Related: What not to do on a cruise balcony

AquaTheater Suites on Royal Caribbean

On Royal Caribbean's enormous Oasis Class ships , these one- and two-bedroom suites overlook the back of the ship with the bonus of views of the AquaTheater. You can sit in your lounge chair and privately watch thrilling high-diving shows, complete with dancers, acrobats, dancing fountains and performers jumping off 30-foot platforms into the deepest pools at sea. There are no tickets needed and no jockeying for seats with your shipmates.

The largest suites sleep up to eight and wrap around the side of the ship with 772 square feet of outdoor space. You can hold a party at your outdoor bar or sit down to an alfresco, room-service dinner.

Sky Suites on Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises ' latest ships — Sky Princess, Enchanted Princess and Discovery Princess — break the record for largest cruise ship balconies of any cabin on any cruise ship, according to the line.

The fancy Sky Suites, centrally located on a top deck, have huge, wraparound terraces that overlook the sea and the ship's sports deck. The 1,012-square-foot balcony features lounging areas, a dry bar, an alfresco dining setup and even a TV alcove.

The suites come with many perks, the coolest of which is a private viewing of what's playing on your ship's giant Movies Under the Stars screen. You even get to request a movie showing of your choice.

Sea Terraces on Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages likes to do things more playfully than other lines, and its balcony cabins are in keeping with that philosophy. Book a Sea Terrace on the line's Scarlet Lady , Resilient Lady or Valiant Lady and you'll get a balcony equipped with chairs and a small table plus a hammock swing attached to the ceiling. Embrace your inner kid and swing to your heart's content while you enjoy fresh air and sea views.

Other unique quirks of Virgin Voyages' Sea Terrace cabins are mood lighting and full-size beds that turn into sofas by day.

Related: First impressions of Scarlet Lady, the first-ever Virgin Voyages vessel

Excel Presidential Suites on Carnival Cruise Line

On Carnival's Mardi Gras , Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee , these big suites for big spenders afford the same forward-facing views as the captain, with plenty of room to entertain your nearest and dearest both indoors and outside.

The largest balconies in the Carnival fleet at 645 square feet, these come with double sunbeds and loungers, a dining table for meals outdoors and a private soaking pool plus an outdoor shower.

Book one of these suites and you also have unlimited access to Loft 19, a lounging area equipped with cushy loungers and cabanas that is reserved for suite guests.

Slightly more affordable are the ships' 12 Carnival Excel Corner Suites, with the "wow" of private, open-air hot tubs on wraparound balconies.

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• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

I sailed on one of Princess Cruise's biggest ships. Look inside my 233-square-foot deluxe balcony room with 2 closets and a tiny bathroom.

• I stayed in a deluxe balcony stateroom during my 11-day cruise  aboard the Sky Princess.
• My 233-square-foot room had two closets, a queen-sized bed, a sofa, and a private veranda.
• The exceptional service made me feel like I was staying in a concierge-level accommodation.

When I booked my 11-day voyage on the Sky Princess, I knew I wanted my own balcony.

I used a cruise credit to book my 11-day voyage through the Caribbean aboard the Sky Princess, a 3,560-guest ship  that joined Princess Cruise's fleet in 2019.

I wanted to ring in the new year on the water, but I also wanted to be able to relax in a private outdoor space  away from crowded pool decks. 

I opted for a 233-square-foot deluxe balcony stateroom and paid extra to choose its location.

I paid an extra $100 to choose my own cabin location , and it was well worth the money.

I selected stateroom M201, which faced forward on the ship's right side, also known as the starboard, near the front of the vessel. I didn't hear any noise the entire time , not even from neighboring guests or the captain's daily announcements.

A touch screen outside of my door informed the cabin stewards when I was in my room , so there was never intrusive knocking when I was inside. Also, the keypad used technology to automatically unlock the cabin door as soon as I approached it.

My room's main hallway had just enough room for one person.

To the right of the entrance, the stateroom had a generously sized closet and a slim wardrobe.

To the left, there was a full-length mirror. 

The main area had a queen-sized bed flanked by nightstands.

Each nightstand had two large drawers and one shelf. The drawers were spacious enough to store extra clothing, but I kept mine empty.

The bed was very comfortable, which made my stay extra enjoyable.

I slept on an exceptionally thick mattress with four king-sized pillows and linen sheets. 

A TV was mounted on the wall at the foot of the bed.

I could watch live satellite television, movies, TV series, or the Bridge Cam , which tracks other Princess Cruises' locations. Alternatively, I could listen to music or audiobooks that were preloaded on the TV.

My room also had a sitting area with a twin-sized sofa bed and an oval-shaped coffee table.

Above the sofa, there was the room's lone piece of art: a photograph of king penguins at Volunteer Point in the Falkland Islands.

I noticed that the ship was filled with similar destination photography that resulted from Princess Cruises' Sea to Sky Princess photo contest .

There was a vanity, a mirror, and a cushioned chair across from the couch

There was a small wet bar with a mini fridge, tray with two glasses, paper cocktail napkins, and bottle opener. I noticed that my room didn't have a wine opener .

Above the mini fridge, I saw a large drawer that contained a blow-dryer .

The covered balcony measured 70 square feet and had plenty of room for two people.

The outside area featured two reclinable chairs and a white plastic table that was large enough to accommodate a plate and a couple of glasses.

The main closet was so massive that my clothing only took up a minor fraction of it.

When I opened it, I found around 40 hangers, including some skirt hangers. There was also a long shelf at the top that stored life vests and a decorative bed runner. 

The second closet didn't have a door, which made the stateroom feel larger.

I was able to easily store my suitcase, carry-on bag, and large purse in the closet area and was relieved I didn't have to stash them under the bed.

I used the space as a dressing area when I emerged from the cramped bathroom. 

I could also take advantage of the shelves in the narrow wardrobe.

Perpendicular to the second closet, a narrow wardrobe featured six shelves, which offered more than enough space for all my clothes. One shelf had a safe that was wide enough to accommodate my 13.6-inch MacBook Air.

I had to climb a stair to enter the bathroom, which had a tiny walk-in shower.

The bathroom's corner shelves provided plenty of space to store my toiletries, but I also could've used the shelf beneath the sink.

The shower was so narrow that the curtain clung to my body when it got wet.

The handheld showerhead wasn't centered, which meant I had to lean on the shower wall to stand beneath the water stream. Because the space was so narrow, the shower curtain frequently clung to my body. 

On the plus side, the shower had a grab bar, a soap shelf, and a shaving pedestal.

The bathroom had full-sized bottles of soap and lotion, plus extra paper products.

The shower had full-sized bottles of shower gel, lotion, and a mixture of shampoo and conditioner. They were nice, but I didn't like the scent.

I ended up buying travel-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner at the duty-free shop.

The service was so reliable that it made me feel like I was in a concierge-level accommodation.

Whenever I left my cabin in the morning, whether it be for an excursion or a coffee, my cabin steward cleaned my entire room and bathroom. They completed this service twice per day.

Housekeeping didn't leave any animal-shaped towels or chocolates at turndown, but they did leave the next day's Princess Patter, a double-sided sheet with all the ship's activities and important announcements.

The service was exceptional and made it feel like I was staying in a concierge-level accommodation . For example, I requested a bucket of ice through the Princess MedallianClass app. After that, my steward kept bringing ice, and I never had to repeat the request.

When I did leave my stateroom, there was so much to see and do.

I hardly had any incentive to stay in my stateroom, as the Sky Princess offered endless activities including jazz shows, ballroom dancing, comedy, and more.

My favorite places on the ship's 19 decks were The Enclave  — the Lotus Spa's thermal suite that features hydrotherapy, steam rooms, and heated beds — and The Sanctuary , an adults-only deck space with cabanas and al fresco massages.

Despite its tiny bathroom, the stateroom had impressive storage, a fantastic bed, and a lovely private balcony.

Even though the shower was very narrow, the rest of the deluxe balcony stateroom's features made up for it.

I loved having my own private balcony to get away from the crowds, and it ended up being the perfect, most peaceful way to welcome in the new year.

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Discovery Princess Balcony Cabin Review

For cruisers comparing cabin options on Princess Cruises' newest ship, we have our Discovery Princess Balcony Cabin Review.

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Deciding which cabin to select for a cruise can be difficult. For our recent sailing on Princess Cruises’ newest ship , we were guests of the cruise line so were assigned a Discovery Princess Balcony Cabin, cabin R241.

Reviewing the deck plans, this starboard side balcony cabin is considered a BB category balcony stateroom, located on Deck 14 (Riviera Deck). This is the same category cabin that we had during our previous cruise to Alaska on Majestic Princess .

For cruisers comparing the different stateroom options on this ship, we have put together our Discovery Princess Balcony Cabin Review.

EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS: Get Deals on Discovery Princess Cruises Now!

Given that we had sailed in a similar cabin on Majestic Princess just last year, we were eager to see how this stateroom on the brand new Discovery Princess compared.

Our cabin was conveniently located nearby the forward bank of elevators. Being on Deck 14, it was just two decks below the Lido Deck. Though, it was quite a hike down to the Atrium area on Decks 5, 6, and 7.

Luckily, we never had too much of an issue securing an elevator.

According to Princess Cruises’ website, this Discovery Princess Balcony cabin measures in at 222 square feet with a 41 square foot balcony. 

One great feature of all staterooms on Princess Cruises is the MedallionClass technology. Your Medallion pendant acts as your key card, unlocking your door for you as you approach the stateroom. This makes entering your room with luggage, or a handful of coffee and breakfast pastries, much easier.

Layout of a Discovery Princess Balcony Cabin

At first glance, we noticed a similar setup to our stateroom on Majestic Princess .

Immediately entering our stateroom, the bathroom and closet were off to the right of the cabin in their own little corner offset from the rest of the room.

Beyond the bathroom and closest was the main cabin area with a queen-sized bed on the right wall (facing forward). There was a small night stand on each side of the bed, each with two drawers for storage and a USB outlet within the lamp.

Across from the bed was the television with on-demand TV.

Continuing past the bed was the desk and a small chest housing the mini-fridge. 

In this Discovery Princess balcony cabin, the desk was immediately beyond the bed on the right wall and abutting essentially right up to the balcony door. The desk was on par with size to comparable megaships. Although, it lacked any above desk shelving. It did have power outlets (2 US and 2 European) and three drawers for storage.

With these being the ONLY outlets in the room and limited space at the desk, we had to get creative for storing and charging all our devices.

Across from the desk was a small cabinet that housed the mini-fridge. It contained a few narrow exterior shelves but not much in terms of additional storage space. Further, there were no additional outlets here.

While exactly like our cabin on Majestic Princess, this is atypical compared to competitor brands that usually offer more of a dresser setup.

Further, there was not a traditional seating area in this Discovery Princess balcony cabin. There was no loveseat or coffee table. Reviewing the Princess Cruises balcony category options, it appears you need to upgrade to a Deluxe Balcony cabin or a mini-suite to get the setup to which we have become accustomed on other lines.

At the far end of the room was the balcony. The balcony features two upright chairs and a small table. In terms of size, it is comparable to most standard cruise ship balconies.

Related Post: Is Princess Plus Worth It?

Inside the Discovery Princess Balcony Cabin

Bathroom/closet area.

The bathroom in the Discovery Princess Balcony Cabin was fairly typical, though a bit smaller than some newer ships from competitor cruise lines.

The bathroom had the toilet positioned between the shower and the vanity area. The shower itself had a curtain and felt a bit small as well. It did feature a narrow, full length shelf at the far end, as well as shampoo and body wash dispensers.

The vanity area contains a few small shelves to the right and some counter space. Overall, there was adequate storage for the week. It also helps that we always bring an over-the-door shoe organizer to store toiletries and other small items.

The closet configuration provided plenty of storage for the two of us on a 7-day cruise. It consisted of a full length clothes bar with plenty of hangers. There was also an additional shelving unit with 5 shelves and the safe.

Main Cabin Area

The Princess Luxury bed in this Discovery Princess Balcony Cabin provided adequate comfort during our trip. We had no issues falling asleep after our long days and nights on the ship. We also appreciated the USB outlets near the bed for charging our phones overnight.

While the desk area had a mirror, adequate counter space, and outlets, it served mostly as my spot to get ready each day.

We did miss the traditional sitting area, as hubby usually uses the sofa and coffee table as his work station. Instead, he utilized the top of the mini-fridge cabinet to store his electronics and needed to share the desk when working. It would have been nice to at least have a few power outlets here.

Further, we missed the additional storage in this section of the stateroom. The desk did have three small drawers, with one housing the hair dryer, but there was no additional dresser.

Lastly, the balcony contained two upright chairs and a small table. There was enough space for the two of us to enjoy the ocean views and sail in and out of ports. It was also a great spot to get some work done in the afternoons.

Overall, it was the average sized balcony that we have come to expect from a contemporary cruise line, maybe just slightly narrower.

BOOK NOW: Exclusive Savings on Discovery Princess Cruises!

Recap of Our Discovery Princess Balcony Cabin Review

This Discovery Princess balcony cabin was very similar to our experiences on Majestic Princess last year. Though, it did have an updated color palette for a more upscale feel. It included very neutral tones, with light woods and soft blue accents.

The location of this cabin was very convenient being right next to a bank of elevators. Yet, it was not noisy as a result.

The overall size of the cabin was on par with other cruise lines minus the sitting area. While we were happy with the closet space, storage and outlets in the main cabin area were a bit lacking for a new cruise ship. The bathroom did feel a bit smaller as well.

With less furniture and less storage space in this main cabin area, it took some creative unpacking to fit all our gear. Still, we did manage to find a way to get things situated in our home away from home for the week.

Have you sailed in a balcony cabin on a Princess cruise ship? What is your preferred cabin category when you cruise? Drop us an anchor below with your review of this stateroom category. 

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DB & The Princess

Welcome Aboard! We are Don and Heidi, the husband and wife travel team behind EatSleepCruise.com. We took our first cruise vacation together 13 years ago and have been hooked ever since. Follow along as we share our travel tips, cruise reviews, information on ports of call, and the latest cruise news to help you plan the ultimate cruise vacation. Are you ready to embark on your journey to “sea the world, one port at a time”?

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Regal Princess Balcony

• 7 - Promenade
• 8 - Emerald
• 9 - Dolphin
• 10 - Caribe
• 14 - Riviera
• 15 - Marina
• 18 - Sports
• Click here for ALL
• Deluxe Balcony
• Ship info and tracking
• Cabin Check
• Obstructed Views

Regal Princess Balcony cabin location, stateroom cabin videos, stateroom cabin pictures, floor plans, diagrams, stateroom features and perks. Cruisedeckplans.com also provides links to actual stateroom cabin pictures and videos on this page. You can see details and floor plans for all of Regal Princess's different stateroom cabin categories on the NEW cabins page.

Sub Categories

   Balcony

   Balcony (Obstructed)

• Balcony with fine patio furniture
• Spacious closet and desk
• In-room safe
• Refrigerator
• 37 inch flat screen tv with movies
• Cable and satellite programing
• Hand-held adjustable massage shower head
• Bathroom sundries.

Floor plans may not represent actual stateroom. Click to zoom.

Deck locations

8 - Emerald  

9 - Dolphin  

10 - Caribe  

11 - Baja  

12 - Aloha  

14 - Riviera  

15 - Marina  

16 - Lido  

Important Info

Regal princess balcony pictures.

Regal Princess Balcony stateroom videos

Scroll over cabin (stateroom) tiles below to click and watch videos. Cruisedeckplans.com shows up to 10 of the most recent videos added to our collection on this page. Be sure to click the link in the section below to see other cabins we have videos for. The date shown is the date video was published. Use this to see decor changes.

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Other categories on regal princess.

Click on a category below to go to that page. Stateroom cabin categories are simply the way that Princess groups the different types of staterooms (cabins). You can see details and floor plans for all of the categories on Regal Princess on this page.

CRUISEDECKPLANS.COM Use the input buttons above to go to the main page for a Cruise Ship or Cruise Line.

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30 Genius Hacks To Upgrade Your Cruise

Posted: February 17, 2024 | Last updated: February 17, 2024

Have a luxury cruise for less

Be stateroom savvy

These days, most cruise lines publish detailed deck plans on their websites, so take time to study them before booking your room. We’re huge fans of Holland America’s color-coded downloadable deck plans, which use symbols to indicate cabin pros and cons, including obstructed views, half-height windows and accessibility. Can’t see a deck plan on the website? Email the cruise line and ask. Cabins with obstructed views can come with hefty discounts and the obstruction could be as little as a dangling line of rigging.

Opt for an older model

Dozens of new cruise ships are launched every year and you’ll almost always pay a premium to bag a cabin on the newest vessel. But don’t be too influenced by hype. Yes, your favorite line’s shiniest ship might have robot butlers, an indoor ski slope and five helipads (we’re slightly exaggerating), but take time to think about which amenities you’ll actually use before splashing the cash. Plus, the newest ships aren’t always the most exciting: Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas launched back in 2008 and serves up glow-in-the-dark laser tag, one of the largest water parks at sea and the Bionic Bar, where drinks are poured by androids.

Board with bubbles

A lot of cruise-goers don’t realise that most cruise lines allow passengers to bring some of their own alcohol onboard, so always research your cruise’s regulations. Just be aware that most lines also stipulate that this alcohol must be consumed in your cabin – if it’s consumed in public areas, corkage fees will be imposed. Celebrity Cruises allows every passenger to bring two bottles of wine onboard on embarkation day and P&O Cruises allows one liter of beer, wine or spirits per person.

Enjoy all-inclusive eating

Most cruise ships have at least two restaurants in which you can dine for free – typically a buffet restaurant and a more formal dining room with an à la carte menu. Additionally there are often pop up-style options, such as the poolside pizza place found on Holland America's Koningsdam. Royal Caribbean ships are known for their wide range of restaurants and a special mention goes to Anthem of the Seas. The liner has seven venues, including Italian, Mediterranean and all-American outlets, at which guests can dine for free.

Seek out a sanctuary

Worried about bagging that poolside sun lounger or nabbing the best spot for the sunset? Give yourself a head start by splashing out on access to exclusive areas of the deck. Perks range from butler service and spa treatments to chilled face towels and poolside cabanas. One of our favorites is Royal Caribbean’s new-for-2022 Suite Neighborhood, which comes with 5-star dining and an infinity plunge pool. Norwegian Cruise Line’s version is The Haven, often referred to as a ship-within-a-ship. Book a Haven cabin and you’ll get butler service, priority disembarkation and access to a private sundeck.

Generally, the cheapest cabins are the ones lowest on the ship, but being nearer sea level isn’t necessarily a bad thing. If you’re on a transatlantic cruise or spending long periods at sea, you’re less likely to be bothered about the view from your balcony. And bear in mind that passengers on upper floors are more likely to experience seasickness, due to the greater range of sideways motion.

Spruce up your cabin

Book a chauffeur

Don’t assume that chauffeur packages come with eye-watering price tags. Work out the cost of parking and gas if you're driving to the port or the fare if you’re booking a cab, then compare it with your chosen cruise line’s chauffeur prices. It's very possible there won’t be much difference, and these services often come with swoon-worthy extras like early embarkation and staff to deal with your luggage.

Join cruise events for free drinks

Regardless of whether you're bothered about meeting the captain or listening to a lecture about your cruise line’s latest destinations, doing so can pay major dividends. Events like the captain’s cocktail hour, art auctions and flash sales at onboard boutiques often come with complimentary drinks and nibbles. Who said there’s no such thing as a free lunch?

Book a speciality restaurant

Speciality dining doesn’t have to break the bank as the extra fees are often minimal. Royal Caribbean, Silversea and Norwegian all have brilliant speciality restaurants for guests willing to fork out a little more, but it's not just the luxury lines that offer a wide range of eateries. On Virgin Voyages you'll have dozens of restaurants to choose from, all included in the basic fare, from the Pink Agave Mexican restaurant to Gunbae, where diners can cook their own steaks at a grill built into every table, and Extra Virgin, a beautiful trattoria with a private dining room.

Embrace room service

Many cruise lines, such as Princess Cruises and Holland America, offer room service at no extra cost. It’s a win-win situation – you start the day with an in-room feast and the cruise line reduces overcrowding in its most popular restaurants. Windstar Cruises is just one example of a line that goes above and beyond for in-cabin dining. There are no extra charges, the service is available 24 hours a day and the menu from flagship restaurant Amphora can be ordered during dinner hours.

Be clever with kids

Thinking of a multi-generational vacation? Save your hard-earned cash by booking cheaper cabins for certain members of your entourage. Kids and teens are much less likely to spend a lot of time in their cabins – let alone on the balcony you forked out for – when there are roller-skating rinks, water slides and go-karting circuits to check out. Often it is possible to book an inside cabin directly across the corridor from your balcony cabin so you can still keep an eye on them while saving money.

Upgrade your alcohol

We love cruise lines that offer complimentary alcoholic drinks, but some tipples will likely be excluded – like Champagne and premium spirits. If you’re partial to particular beverages your line might offer premium packages – Princess Cruises, for example, offers a Princess Premier package which includes a much wider range. Another tip? If you’ve got a weakness for certain wines, save money by buying a bottle rather than a glass and asking your waiter to cork it and keep it behind the bar for you.

Ask your steward

Don’t underestimate the power wielded by your cabin steward. Ask nicely and he or she can transform your cruise, whether it’s by doing the nightly turndown service at your preferred time, providing extra toiletries and a bathrobe or helping you bag your favorite restaurant’s most sought-after table. It's those little extras that can make your vacation feel more lavish.

Shout about your special occasion

Most cruise lines will be more than happy to help passengers mark special occasions, whether it’s with complimentary birthday cakes, bottles of fizz or spa treatments. Email the customer service team well in advance to inform them of any occasions, and we’re not just talking about birthdays and honeymoons. Is it your first time sailing with that particular cruise line or the 10-year anniversary of your first cruise? In a crowded market, cruise lines are keener than ever to stop passengers straying to other operators, and are often only too happy to roll out perks to do so.

Formulate a spa strategy

If you’re planning to log a lot of spa time, book a cruise that offers complimentary access to spa facilities and keep an eye out for onboard spa events, often including skincare masterclasses that focus on certain brands. Yes, these events are often designed to draw you into purchases, but there’s no obligation to buy and therapists typically offer complimentary mini-treatments during these sessions. Another great hack is to book spa treatments during port days – Princess Cruises is one of many lines to offer discounts at these times to encourage passengers to visit outside peak periods.

Search for secret decks

Many modern cruise ships make the Titanic look tiny, and there's often more decks than you know to explore. Sure, deck number nine might be a great spot from which to soak up evening views and deck seven might boast the most sun loungers, but to avoid the crowds the lower decks should certainly be on your radar. They’re usually darker with less lighting, which means they’re great for stargazing sessions, and in rougher seas you’ll feel significantly less motion on decks closer to the waterline.

Choose the perfect pillow

Pillow menus are increasingly common on cruise ships (Disney Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Lines all have them) but don’t be afraid to request a certain type of pillow if you don’t find a menu in your cabin. There will almost always be harder or softer options available, and it’s another reason to stay on good terms with your cabin steward.

Enjoy a midnight snack

You’re on vacation, so normal rules don’t apply. Treat yourself to a midnight feast by ordering your favorite dessert after hours or snacking on those cookies you picked up from the buffet. Love those pillow chocolates your cabin steward dishes out every night? Don’t be afraid to ask for a few extras.

Skip shore excursions...

You're not obliged to sign up for every available shore excursion. Port days are often the best days to chill out onboard: enjoy some downtime in the crowd-free lounges, treat yourself to some stressless retail therapy or do a few laps of the swimming pool. Spending huge amounts of time – and money – dragging yourself around every excursion in the calendar is hardly a one-way ticket to relaxation.

...or arrange your own

On the flipside, don’t be afraid to go it alone. Cruise lines are looking to make money, after all, and you’ll be able to find huge savings by booking your own activities and tours. This applies to almost any type of excursion – even if it’s a simple, self-guided trip on a scenic cable car or train, you’ll almost always pay extra.

Time for tea

Don’t assume you’ll need to fork out a fortune to enjoy a decadent afternoon tea – you’ll often find it's included in the price. Sail on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 and your fare covers daily afternoon teas in the Queens Room or Grills Lounge (we recommend the former, famous for its enormous crystal chandeliers). On Seabourn cruises it's the same and the buffet-style tea sessions come with a mind-boggling range of teas including mandarin, rose and ginger varieties.

Avoid pitch and roll

Nothing will ruin your cruise quicker than a bout of seasickness. If you’re prone to motion-related nausea purchase anti-sickness tablets in advance, or, if you’re caught unawares, ask for some at guest services. You’re less likely to feel the ship’s movement in lower cabins, at the rear of the ship and in the center. Don’t be afraid to ask to change cabins mid-cruise either.

Seek out family-friendly deals

If you’re planning a cruise with younger relatives, there are countless lines that offer promotions which can see kids sail for free (MSC Cruises, Holland America, Norwegian and others), as long as they’re in your cabin, sleeping in either bunk beds or a pull-out bed. These deals can result in huge savings, although bear in mind that younger guests will still incur taxes and port fees.

Remember that bigger isn’t always better

Get more bang for your buck by opting for a cruise on a smaller ship. Fewer passengers means more space at key facilities like the spa, buffet restaurant and poolside, while events often feel more luxurious and intimate. Consider, for instance, the Windstar Cruises alfresco deck barbecue which takes place on every trip. Expect enormous vats of seafood paella and a whole roasted pig, which you can tuck into at tables draped with crisp linens dotted around the deck.

Stay connected

Cruises are perfect for a digital detox, but at some point you'll probably want to send photos to loved ones or check in on the news. If you’re planning to purchase an internet package, we’d advise against buying deals that detail a certain number of megabytes or hours. Ship-based connectivity is improving but it can still be sketchy at sea, and nothing’s worse than watching your allowance drain away while you wait for an email to send. Packages allowing unlimited use for the day or the whole cruise tend to offer the best value for money – typically costing around $12 a day. And if you do opt for a timed package, remember you may have to log off in order to stop the clock. The other option is to buy a data package that allows you to use your phone while in port for a much lower cost than using ship Wi-Fi. 

Shower in the spa

Do drinks-related research

Most cruise lines offer a wide range of drinks packages to cater to every type of passenger, so have a peruse before you pick. Celestyal Cruises, for instance, offer a $29-a-day Platinum All-Inclusive Package containing 101 different cocktails, liqueurs, aperitifs, premium wines, energy drinks and more, a $16-a-day Non-Alcoholic Package which includes pressed juices, milkshakes, smoothies and ice cream and a $10-a-day Kids Refreshing Package offering mocktails, milkshakes, hot cocoa and ice cream. Just don’t blame us when the sugar rush kicks in…

Double check what’s included

Before you choose your cruise or splash out on added extras, always check what’s included as standard – you’ll often get a pleasant surprise. For example, Silversea offers one hour of free internet a day in some cabin categories, while numerous cruise lines (Viking, for one) include excursions in the base fare.

Shop the sales

If you're in the planning stage of your cruise, it’s worth signing up for newsletters that can tip you off about one-off promotions and sales. You can often enjoy added extras without forking out huge sums: notable examples include Norwegian’s regular Free at Sea promotion, Holland America’s seasonal upgrade sales and Princess Cruises' Best Sale Ever event.

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• Princess Cruises

Connecting balconies

By mameeo , January 5, 2018 in Princess Cruises

Recommended Posts

will be on Royal in March with friends. wondering if anyone has had connecting balcony. We have booked on starboard side as none available on port at moment. Are you able to actually go through from balcony to balcony. Some pics look like it’s only a half door. If that’s the case we will change to port side as that’s what we prefer.

Thank you for any info.

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Share on other sites, nukesubsailor.

will be on Royal in March with friends. wondering if anyone has had connecting balcony. We have booked on starboard side as none available on port at moment. Are you able to actually go through from balcony to balcony. Some pics look like it’s only a half door. If that’s the case we will change to port side as that’s what we prefer. Thank you for any info. Cheers

Almost every balcony partition has a full door in it. Just explain to your cabin steward that you and your friends next door would like to have the door unlocked. We have done that multiple times. One time we have five balconies all opened up for a group of friends.

Hmm ok I’ll call princess again. I was told there were only a select few connecting balconies on the Royal.

maybe an inside connecting door, not the balcony door?

Hmm ok I’ll call princess again. I was told there were only a select few connecting balconies on the Royal. Thank you.

Why call again? Very likely the next rep you speak to will again assume you are asking about connecting cabins rather than simply opening the balcony partitions; the term "connecting" (which is technically not part of your question) throwing them off. You have the definitive answer from this thread already.

The only balconies that don't connect would be where there is a fire wall. These would be located where the room numbers change to the next hundred, for instance C254 and C302 are next to each other, but does not have a door to open between them. But C326 and C330 would have a door that could be opened by the steward.

Almost all balconies have a connecting which can be opened which allows passage to the balcony next door. Your cabin steward can open it on request and approval. The door does not provide a full double sized balcony, it just allows access from one balcony to the other. The door is about 24 to 30 inches wide, and most balconies are 4 foot wide.

This is from C215 on the Royal Princess and the balcony door is as wide as the balcony ...

Word of warning...if you are tall be careful...6' 3" husband was careful no bumps 6"4' brother keep on hitting the top until we put up a pirate flag....

LoveBoatLvr

Was on Royal in November. We asked our cabin steward to open the balcony door for us. It was taken care of right away. He closed it once or twice because of strong winds, but otherwise we were able to walk between the balconies, or just have them open for more space. It's not a large door, but it's definitely not a half door.

We also happened to have connecting cabins. There are indeed a limited number of these cabins. if you're traveling with friends, and not children, you'll be fine not having a connecting cabin.

Bon Voyage!

on the star, the door was definitely half the size of the balcony. we ended up closing it because the hook was rusted out so we couldn't keep it open

Was on Royal in November. We asked our cabin steward to open the balcony door for us. It was taken care of right away. He closed it once or twice because of strong winds, but otherwise we were able to walk between the balconies, or just have them open for more space. It's not a large door, but it's definitely not a half door. We also happened to have connecting cabins. There are indeed a limited number of these cabins. if you're traveling with friends, and not children, you'll be fine not having a connecting cabin. Bon Voyage!

I noticed you said you had a connecting cabin on the royal. We have booked connecting cabins on the royal and was wondering if you have any pics of what the cabin looks like as far as the door from cabin to cabin inside the room. I would assume they keep the door open all the time. We will be traveling with 2 kids. Any info would be great..

Many exceptions to this ages-old myth have been posted.

Perhaps it was once true on sun class ships, but it lives on in eternity.

is there anywhere on Princess website (or other sites) that show for sure (without guessing) which cabins on which ships have the "firewall" door where the balcony doors cannot be opened up to each other? (not connecting cabins, just ability to open the balcony door to the balcony next to you.)

There is a note in the cabin info when the balcony door can not be opened.

Perhaps someone has a picture handy, and can post it.

Maybe princess really does read these boards and decided to correct the long standing myth

with actual information.

Note that C312 and C310 do no cross a '100s' boundary.

oh, that's very interesting. thanks guys!

• 3 weeks later...

Just looked, and I don't have any pictures of the cabin (or the door.) But you could easily keep the door open at all times with kids. It's pretty much like a hotel with a door in each cabin that can be locked or opened from either side.

It actually worked out great with friends as well, as we all just knocked when we were ready for dinner, or if we wanted to hang out together.

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