So you want to book a balcony cabin on your next cruise... but you're not sure which one. Looking at the deck plans, you might wonder about the differences between an aft balcony versus a balcony cabin. Forgetting all the upgraded categories (like family balconies or spa balconies), let's take a look at the two main types of balcony cabins and explore what you get with an aft balcony versus a standard balcony room.
Similarities Between Aft and Regular Balcony Cabins
An aft wrap balcony onboard Carnival Legend. (photo: EMc&DrS/Cruise Critic member)
The basics of a balcony cabin are the same, whether your cruise room is located midship or aft. All have twin beds convertible to queen- or king-sized beds, a desk/vanity combo, closets and drawers for storage and some sort of sitting area, either with a chair or sofa. They have ensuite bathrooms, typically shower-only but occasionally with bathtubs. The private balconies are furnished with chairs and small tables for drinks, so passengers can enjoy ocean views and breezes while they read, chat or enjoy a snack. Balcony railings are at least 42 inches high; some balconies are covered (with the balcony or deck above as the roof), while others are stepped out and open to the air (and less private).
Balcony cabins are popular room choices, especially in warm-weather or scenic-cruising destinations. They are typically priced higher than interior or windowed cabins and cheaper than suites. Balcony rooms around the ship can be assigned to special classes, such as spa cabins or concierge-level cabins.
Differences Between Regular and Aft Balconies
A standard balcony cabin onboard Norwegian's Pride of America (photo: Cruise Critic)
The main difference between aft balconies and regular balcony cabins is location; aft balconies are located at the very back of the ship, with only a handful per deck, while regular balcony cabins line both sides of the ship. While individual cabin specs vary by ship, in general, the aft-facing balconies are deeper and sometimes wider than the regular balconies. This means that aft balconies may have extra or upgraded furnishings, such as additional chairs or loungers versus upright chairs. Sometimes the interior portion of the cabin is the same in both categories; other times, aft balcony cabins are larger or irregularly shaped. Some might have support poles inside the rooms.
Due to their location, aft balconies can be less breezy and, therefore, hotter than regular balconies as the ship's structure blocks the wind. The view from an aft balcony is of the ship's wake; the view from side balconies is better for viewing the port (and late-returning pier runners). Aft cabins can feel more movement from the ship's thrusters; this is true whether your balcony looks aft or faces to the side at the back end of the ship. Aft balcony rooms are a long walk from elevators and public areas compared to midship cabins, but they're also quieter with limited hallway noise.
Compared to standard balcony cabins, aft balconies are often more expensive. On some ships, many of the aft rooms, especially the corner cabins, are suites.
Aft Balcony vs. Balcony Cabin: Bottom Line
Standard balcony onboard Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas. (photo: Cruise Critic)
Whether you prefer an aft balcony versus a regular balcony cabin comes down to individual taste. Choose an aft balcony if you have a bit more vacation budget to spend and are looking for a larger verandah with wake views. These cabins are not ideal for travelers with mobility issues or those easily bothered by engine vibration. Choose a standard balcony if you're looking for a cruise room with private outdoor space and easy access to fresh air but don't need anything special or fancy. Cruise travelers with mobility issues and who are prone to seasickness should choose a midship balcony for the smoothest ride and minimal walking from the elevator banks.
FAQs
The main difference between aft balconies and regular balcony cabins is location; aft balconies are located at the very back of the ship, with only a handful per deck, while regular balcony cabins line both sides of the ship.
Is an aft facing balcony better? ›
Fans of aft balcony cabins love the expansive, uninterrupted ocean views over the ship's wake. You're also likely to score significantly more space in your cruise's aft cabins than standard balcony cabins along the port and starboard sides of the ship.
Is it better to be for or aft on a cruise ship? ›
The forward is subject to the most movement out of anywhere on a ship. And the higher the deck, the more pronounced that rolling and swaying motion tends to feel. Movement at the aft is a bit less drastic than the forward, but still isn't the most stable place for those who are prone to seasickness.
What are the best balcony rooms on a cruise ship? ›
If you're after views, the best room on a cruise ship will be a balcony cabin at the ship's rear end. Aft balcony accommodations at the ship's corners are also the largest and often give more outside area than conventional balcony cabins, allowing you to enjoy both the beautiful views and the extra space.
What does aft cabin mean? ›
Aft is the rear end or back of the yacht/ ship or boat. So an Aft cabin is the cabin at the back of the boat. It can be above or below decks (The floor level of the boat) depending on the style. Hope this helps.
What deck is best for balcony on a cruise ship? ›
As balconies tend to be offered on higher decks, you'll want to select the lowest deck that you can. On select Carnival ships, for instance, you may opt for a cove balcony versus a standard balcony.
Which type of balcony is best? ›
Cantilevered Balconies
Unlike hung balconies, these types of balcony structures are constructed in a way protrudes from the face of the building without any support. Instead, they are fixed to the building and weight is supported by cantilevering the structure off the wall.
What floor of a cruise ship is best? ›
The most stable part of the ship is its lowest point of gravity, so on a lower deck, at the center. You'd feel a lot less motion here than, say, in a stateroom on the upper decks a long way forward or aft (towards the back of the ship).
What is the best cabin position on a cruise ship? ›
The lower and more central you are in a ship, the less roll and sway you will feel. Even if you choose a balcony room, choose a low level and a room closest to the ship's center. The higher decks and cabins at the front (forward) or back (aft) of the ship will rock and roll the most.
What section of a cruise ship is best? ›
Midship cabins
The big allure of a midship cabin is its stability. You won't feel the rocking of the sea in a midship cabin nearly as much as you will in a cabin toward the front or back of a vessel. This is because ships are like teeter-totters. They pitch forward and back around a central axis that barely moves.
The best views
Balcony cabins don't just offer you access to an outdoor space. They typically also offer you a great view of the outdoors from inside your cabin. This is because the doors leading to balconies in balcony cabins usually are made almost entirely of glass running from floor to ceiling.
Where are the best and worst cabins on a cruise ship? ›
Here are what I consider to be the best and worst staterooms to book on a cruise.
- BEST ROOMS TO BOOK ON A CRUISE.
- Ocean-level cabins.
- Studio rooms.
- Port or starboard staterooms.
- Cabins close to popular attractions.
- Rooms by elevators.
- WORST ROOMS TO BOOK ON A CRUISE.
- Staterooms directly above or below busy areas.
Even on smaller, more luxurious ships that don't feel crowded, a balcony is desirable; if the weather is such that you can spend a lot of time on your balcony, it's like having an additional room.
What is the best room on a cruise ship for motion sickness? ›
To reduce motion sickness, choose a stateroom in the middle of the ship on a lower deck. You will feel any sway of the ship less in this section. Although it may seem counterintuitive, if you're worried about seasickness on a cruise, book a stateroom with a window or a veranda.
What does main deck aft mean? ›
The aft – Also known as the afterdeck – is at the rear of the boat, also called the stern. The poop deck is the aft-most, highest deck. In sailing ships it often forms the roof of a cabin in the stern.
Is the front or back of a cruise ship better for motion sickness? ›
The middle of the ship and not too high is your safest bet. A mid-ship stateroom with a balcony for quick access to fresh air may be ideal. If not available, consider a room that is either lower or closer to the back, as the front of the ship tends to experience the most movement.
What is the best way for a balcony to face? ›
The orientation of a balcony is the most vital factor. If it faces north, it will never get direct sunlight, and will be a much less desirable place to sit out on. If it faces east, it will be lovely in the morning, and if it faces west, you will get all the evening sun.
Are aft balconies more expensive? ›
Compared to standard balcony cabins, aft balconies are often more expensive. On some ships, many of the aft rooms, especially the corner cabins, are suites.
Are cabins at the back of a cruise ship good? ›
Aft of the ship
The back of the ship tends to be considered the next best cabin position after midships. Whilst the front of the ship gets the most movement the back also does get some. Whilst it's nowhere near as bad as the front of the ship, you may still notice some movement in rough seas.
