Baltic/Scandinavia: Is a balcony cabin necessary? - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

jstducky · 10-20-2005, 02:13 PM

Is it absolutely necessary to have a balcony cabin? Are you sailing along the shore line the majority of the time?

If it is a necesscity, what side of the ship is best, port or starboard?

JodiBB · 10-20-2005, 02:32 PM

OH Yes!!!!! Definitely necessary!! It doesn't matter which side as usually you're getting views from both sides!!! We were on starboard and the nice aspect was that in Oslo, we parked right up against the Akerhaus Fortress and had a GREAT view of it...

However, as we leave the ports, the ship turns around and then the port side will get the same beautiful views as we did pulling in!!!

jstducky · 10-20-2005, 03:30 PM

Couldn't you get the same experience just getting outside on deck without having to pay the money for the balcony? Its such a port intensive cruise, i feel like I wouldn't use a balcony all that much. No?

JodiBB · 10-20-2005, 04:00 PM

We used our balcony a lot...in the mornings as we were pulling into port (which many times was before my shower cuz it was so early!!!)...or during the days when went up to the room for a nap or rest...Dh would fall asleep and I would sit out on the balcony and read.

You're right...you could just go up to the sports deck on the Jewel, but we liked having the balcony. If you're NOT going to get one, at least get an outside cabin!!!

jstducky · 10-20-2005, 04:04 PM

We always get at least an outside. I couldnt stand an inside. I guess I gotta see what the price difference between the 2 categories is...

JodiBB · 10-20-2005, 04:17 PM

If you can afford it, then I would take the upgrade...It is expensive, I'll tell ya, but for 12 days, it's SO worth it!!!

FlRic · 10-21-2005, 09:02 PM

We went on the Royal Princess for our Baltic cruise. There are no inside cabins but we did have an obstructed view (not bad-basically the prow of a lifeboat, we could see around and under quite well). We spent most of our scenic viewing out on deck because there was so much to see. Indeed, sailing thru the Archepeglio (bad spelling) entering Stockholm as well as leaving thru the same route is breathtaking. Unless you are going to spend lots of time in the cabin, I don't think that particular itinerary NEEDS a balcony. Don't get me wrong, I like balconies too.....

jstducky · 10-24-2005, 01:26 PM

Interesting point of view. I guess in the end it will come down to price for me and what I can afford! Thanks for your opinion!

Texashorselady · 11-02-2005, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jstducky

Interesting point of view. I guess in the end it will come down to price for me and what I can afford! Thanks for your opinion!

We booked late for our Baltic trip and all the balconies were sold out, so we just had the window. We wished we had planned better and gotten the balcony...it would have been nice...but we probably felt this way maily because this was our only cruise without a balcony and I guess we are spoiled!! To be honest, though, unlike someplace like Hawaii or Tahiti, this was one of those trips were most of the "wow" stuff is after you get off the ship and away from the ports. I agree, coming into Stockholm was super spectacular...don't miss it...but it can be enjoyed from an upper deck if you don't get the balcony.

jstducky · 11-02-2005, 02:30 PM

Thanks for the input THL. Glad to know that I can save a little money and get an oceanview