Should I spring for the balcony on the cruise?

[starryfish]

I have gone on several cruises before and have had a variety of rooms (inside, oceanview, balcony and suite)

This is an 8 day cruise out of Florida on Carnival Conquest. Its $574 for a 4J which is an inside room at the front of the ship (deck 6 or 7) and has a window but its "obstructed view" because there is a public balcony out in front (that noone knows about or goes on it except the couple rooms right there). OR should I spring for a balcony at $859 a person. So basically $600 more for a balcony, but balcony room is bigger too.

Would you spring for the balcony? 

[Deleted]

I would. I've only been on 3 cruises, but I think having a balcony makes a huge difference.

[GilliC]

How many sea days? How much time do you typically spend in the cabin?

Personally, I don't think I would, because that's more than 50% extra, and you could almost pay for another cruise with the money you'd save. But I'd rather go more often than splurge on a single trip. And I don't really mind having a basic cabin.

[starryfish]

Jan 29, 2015 14:49:21 GMT -5 GilliC said:

How many sea days? How much time do you typically spend in the cabin?

Personally, I don't think I would, because that's more than 50% extra, and you could almost pay for another cruise with the money you'd save. But I'd rather go more often than splurge on a single trip. And I don't really mind having a basic cabin.

3 days at sea. I like to read outside or inside the cabin.


I normally don't splurge on it if it's a lot of $ difference, but we might be celebrating something so that's why I might want to splurge

[gt7301b]

I would

[dorothyinAus]

I've never paid for balcony cabins on my cruises, only ever received them as "upgrades." And frankly, I don't find them worth the extra money. I don't like to lie in deck chairs, and I'm not too big on just sitting to watch the water go by. I prefer to watch the comings and goings on the dock and if the balcony is on the wrong side of the ship it's useless to me.

I'm much happier with an outside/ocean view cabin on one of the lower decks than I am with balconies. I've not had an interior cabin, but I would look into a cabin with an unobstructed view rather than a balcony.

[bonnie]

I'd save the $600 and go on amazing excursions!

[GilliC]

Jan 29, 2015 21:52:00 GMT -5 bonnie said:

I'd save the $600 and go on amazing excursions!

And feel no guilt when ordering all the drinks I want!  :drink:

[littlemisssunshine]

I would not pay the much extra. I've had balconies several times (when my in laws were paying my way) and never used them much. I might have sat outside a couple of hours the entire 7 day cruise. I enjoyed having a window for natural light, so I might spring for a oceanview room but that's it.

I would however put that money towards awesome excursions and drinks.

[digitaldiva16]

I think I'd go for the room with the "obstructed window" and splurge elsewhere. You still have balcony access if you want and while you may not have it all to yourself, it sounds like it's still fairly private.

[Whitecaps]

I was going to say yes until I saw it was $600 MORE. Good heavens. I would not personally do that.

[starryfish]

Thanks all! I booked the cheaper room and am happy!!!