Across Royal Caribbean's fleet of cruise ships, there are some interesting and unique staterooms that are slightly different than the rest of the staterooms in the same category.

Today we are taking a look at a balcony stateroom on Freedom of the Seas that has a really large balcony.

Photo by Jane Dandrea

Freedom of the Seas stateroom 1400 is technically a category D1 balcony.  If you read the official description of a D1 stateroom, the balcony should be 68 square feet.

Photo by Jane Dandrea

Photo by wovenwonder

As you can tell, this aft balcony is much larger than 68 square feet and has plenty of room for multiple chairs, including lounge chairs.

Booking this stateroom can get you a ton of extra space for nothing extra.  

There is a similar layout for stateroom 1700 as well.  In fact, other Freedom class ships also have the extra large balcony and room as well, so you can book this stateroom on Independence of the Seas or Liberty of the Seas.

Perhaps the only downside to these staterooms is the fact there is support pole in the middle of the cabin. Then again, for all the extra space, the pole can be easily overlooked.

Would you want to book this stateroom? Tell us in the comments!

When someone thinks about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise, odds are they imagine staying in a stateroom that has a large sliding glass door that opens up onto a balcony with a gentle breeze flowing in.  Of course, that is because balcony staterooms have become the idealized way to enjoy a cruise and there is no question that a balcony stateroom offers guests a lot.

We recently looked at the reasons to stay in an inside stateroom but today we are moving on up to a balcony stateroom and listing our top reasons to stay in a room where you can enjoy the outdoors just as much as the indoors!

6. It may not be that much more money

Once upon a time, balcony staterooms were not as common as they are today, and so, prices for balcony staterooms were significantly more than an inside stateroom.

Today, Royal Caribbean is offering more balcony staterooms on its ships than ever before and that means the price difference is generally not as great as it once was.

Odds are you will still pay more for a balcony stateroom compared to an inside or oceanview stateroom, but the cost difference may only be a couple of hundred dollars difference.

It is always worth pricing out a balcony stateroom to see how much more it will cost, because in many cases there is not a large price discrepancy.

5. Some itineraries make a balcony a must

Photo by moknits

The view you get from a balcony stateroom is always impressive but on certain itineraries, past cruisers will tell you a balcony is a must.

Sailings that go to Alaska, the Mediterranean or other scenic destinations mean having a balcony gives you your own private spot to watch glaciers go by or be able to see beautiful ancient architecture.

Having the ability to simply walk out of your stateroom at any time and enjoy the view is an important factor for reserving a balcony stateroom. 

4. Balcony staterooms are bigger

At its core, a balcony stateroom will usually offer more living space than inside or oceanview staterooms.

This means more space to spread out and enjoy the room.  

Instead of doing that "inside stateroom shuffle" to get around people and objects, a balcony stateroom can allow you the space to more casually walk around your stateroom.

In addition, the balcony itself gives you extra square footage of living space to enjoy beyond what you will find inside.

3. Crown and Anchor Society members can get discounts on balcony staterooms

If you are a Platinum or higher member in Royal Caribbean's customer loyalty program known as Crown and Anchor Society, then you can qualify for a balcony discount.

Royal Caribbean offers its repeat customers balcony discounts, with the exact amount depending on your status in the program.

The special rates get you a per stateroom dollars off discount that is open to Platinum, Emerald, Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Crown & Anchor Society members.

The exact discount depends on the length of your cruise, how far in advance you book and your standing in Crown and Anchor Society. 

2. Royal Caribbean balconies are more than the ocean

On Royal Caribbean's Oasis class cruise ships, staying in a balcony can be more than just a view of the ocean.

On these ships, guests can also book balcony staterooms that overlook Central Park, the Boardwalk or the AquaTheater.  

Instead of looking at out the ocean, guests can enjoy the ambiance of these amazingly decorated neighborhoods and get a view that is completely unique to these ships.

These staterooms are perfect for people watching and enjoying a view of what is happening onboard the ship at that moment.

1. Having your own private space outdoors

Most guests that book balcony staterooms over and over again will tell you the reason they do so is to have your own spot outdoors, away from the crowds.

You can have room service bring your meals out there, or perhaps enjoy a nice cup of coffee or tea in the morning and enjoy the sunrise.  

Balconies are also great spots for a nap, reading a book or having the door open to let in the ocean breeze.  These are just some of the experiences that bring balcony cruisers back again and again.

Do you prefer staying in a balcony stateroom? Post your thoughts in the comments!

An iconic area on many Royal Caribbean ships is the Royal Promenade, a boulevard of shops, restaurants and bars.  

In addition, there are staterooms that look down on the Royal Promenade that offer sweeping views of the area so we thought it would be useful to look at what this stateroom does (and does not) include and why you might want to consider booking it for your next cruise.

A look inside a typical Promenade stateroom - Photo by Royal Caribbean

What is a Promenade stateroom?

The Promenade stateroom is a lot like an ocean view stateroom, in that it's a category of stateroom that offers a window and more square footage, compared to a standard inside cabin.  

The attraction of a Promenade stateroom is it offers bowed windows that overlook the Royal Promenade.

The exact size of Promenade stateroom varies depending on the class of ships. Voyager and Freedom class ships Promenade staterooms are 160 square feet, whereas on Oasis class ships they are 193 square feet.

Promenade stateroom windows as seen from the Royal Promenade - Photo by TravnKC

There is also a special category of Promenade staterooms for families called the Promenade Family Stateroom.  It's only available on the Freedom class of Royal Caribbean ships but it offers a more than double the space, with 327 square feet.

Family Promenade Stateroom - Photo by ADPMOM

What are the benefits of booking a Promenade stateroom?

The best part of a Promenade stateroom is the opportunity to watch the activities happening on the Royal Promeande.  From parades, to dance parties to just people watching, there's usually something going on and it's a fun way to scope everything out.

In addition, the bay windows included offer a nice place to sit and a little extra space in your stateroom.  For kids, being able to watch the Royal Promenade anytime from their room gives them entertainment anytime.

They tend to be an excellent value and the couch that is built into the bay window adds more another sitting area and of course, lots to see.

Since the Promenade staterooms surround the Royal Promenade, these rooms are right in mid ship, making the convenient to everywhere.

What are the disadvantages of booking a Promenade stateroom?

Parade going by - Photo by skjoiner

The same bay windows in a Promenade stateroom that let you look down on the activity on the Royal Promenade let everyone in the Promenade see right back into your stateroom.  Not to worry, Royal Caribbean provides two curtains to retain your privacy but for some people the idea is too voyeuristic.

In addition, the rooms can get noisy, especially during the parades.  The first night is usually the noisest due to the parade and cruise kick-off celebrations but it's usually very quiet after that.

Some cabins on the Oasis-class ships have pieces of the ship's structure or store fronts partially blocking the cabin's view. Not enough to ruin the view, but it's noticeable, especially compared to Voyager and Freedom class ships that have no blockage at all.

Read more: How to choose a cruise cabin

Summary

Promenade staterooms on Mariner of the Seas - Photo by Rennett Stowe

Overall, Promenade staterooms offer a fun view that is an unique Royal Caribbean experience.  Promenade staterooms are certainly more interesting than inside or ocean view staterooms and the extra couch in the bay window is a real plus.

The staterooms are conveniently located and for kids, it's a wonderful source of entertainment since they can constantly watch the Royal Promenade activities.  

Like nearly every stateroom category, it's important to note what is above and below your stateroom.  We've heard reports of noise from shops during early or late hours.  Noise bleed isn't unique to the Promenade staterooms but it is worth noting when choosing your exact cabin.

If you're wondering which level of staterooms to choose, it's a very subjective question. The lowest deck offers the closest views but with the most noise (relatively speaking).  The highest deck is a little far from the "action" but it gives you a little more privacy.  Generally speaking the middle and upper deck are the most popular.

Have you stayed in a Promenade stateroom? Do you want to stay in one? Post in the comments below and share your thoughts!

Our newest podcast episode is out to help give you a quick "audio escape" to a Royal Caribbean cruise!

Episode 52 is available for downloading which has a look at the internet options while on your Royal Caribbean cruise.

Matt broadcasted this episode live and invited listeners to call in and share their thoughts on if booking a balcony stateroom is better than an inside stateroom.  Cost versus space and everything inbetween!

Here’s the podcast page for Episode 52. And don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Stitcher or on iTunes!

Take a listen and as always, let us know what you think! Please rate and review the podcast on iTunes and leave your comments below!

Yesterday we started a fun debate about booking a balcony stateroom versus an interior stateroom and today we get to show the other side of that debate with why you should book an interior stateroom.

Big savings

Booking an interior stateroom will save you money on your Royal Caribbean cruise, which is money you can turn around and use on the ship.

Since few of us have unlimited cruise budgets, saving a couple of hundred dollars can make a big difference to if a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation can happen or not.  Moreover, booking an interior stateroom may mean the money saved can pay for the bulk of the cruise's incidental costs.

Depending on the price difference, booking interior cabins can really add up to savings.

Sleep and shower, what else do you need?

Royal Caribbean ships offer so much these days onboard, from rock climbing walls to FlowRiders to the many activities and games offered throughout the day.  So with all that going on, who has time to actually spend in the stateroom?

Many people that opt for interior staterooms will tell you that they spend so little time in their staterooms that it's just not worth it to spend more on a balcony stateroom they just wont fully use.

Best sleep ever?

Have you ever slept in an inside stateroom? When it's time to go to sleep it's pitch black to the point you cannot see your hand in front of your face, whether it's 10pm or 10am.  

For those that like a good night's sleep, inside staterooms offer quiet and darkness no matter the time and it's been among my best nights of sleep.

Rooms with a view without the cost

Sure balcony cabins offer great views but there are inside staterooms that offer unique views themselves.

Virtual balconies, promenade view, Centrl Park view, and Boardwalk view staterooms are all available and they offer a great perspective without the balcony price. 

So which stateroom is right for you? Interior staterooms or balcony staterooms - post your vote in the comments below!

Today we will begin a fun "debate" between the pros and cons of booking a balcony stateroom versus something less expensive, like inside or ocean view staterooms.  We will begin with the argument for balcony staterooms and then tomorrow will post the rebuttal for booking interior staterooms.

The view!

Without a doubt, the best reason to book a balcony stateroom on a Royal Caribbean cruise is for the view you can have anytime you want.  Waking up to the ocean breeze is something that never gets old.

Plus being on a cruise ship, there's always something to see and enjoy, from other ships and islands passing by to the wildlife and even just the sea.  It's a spectacle that when you see it, you know how great a view it is.

Dinner with a breeze

A really fun way to spice up your meals is to eat on your balcony.  Royal Caribbean provides a table in addition to chairs to enjoy whatever food you bring back to the stateroom on the balcony.

In addition, you can order room service and have it set up on your balcony.  Forget breakfast in bed, breakfast on your balcony is where it's at!  

Alternatively you can bring back a cup of coffee, small snack or full meal enjoy with your feet propped up as you watch the ocean go by.

Balcony means more space inside too

As you move up the categories of Royal Caribbean staterooms, balcony staterooms come with more space compared to interior staterooms.  As anyone that has cruised before will tell you, every square foot matters!

When you book a balcony stateroom, you get more inside as well as the space from your balcony.  It all adds up to more room for everyone to manuever in and makes the entire experience less crowded.

Great spot for sail away

When it's time for your cruise to begin or for your Royal Caribbean ship to leave port, nothing beats being outside to see the ship leave.

Having your own balcony stateroom means you get to experience this anytime without worrying about finding a spot.  You will always have a reserved place to enjoy the ship coming in and out of port.

Royal Caribbean balconies are more than the ocean

Of course ocean view balconies are what Royal Caribbean offers most of but did you know that you can also get a balcony that overlooks other places onboard your ship?

On the Oasis-class cruise ships, you can choose between Central Park View or Boardwalk View balcony staterooms.

These unique balcony staterooms offer the outdoor experience but with a completely different take on them. Perfect for people watching as well as enjoying the view of what's happening onboard the ship right now.

Are you convinced yet to book a balcony stateroom?  Share your thoughts about booking a balcony stateroom in the comments below.

So you're about to book a Royal Caribbean cruise and you get to the part where you need to decide which stateroom to book.  Suddenly, you have multiple options for each category of stateroom and you wonder, "what is the difference?".

Four basic categories

There are four basic stateroom categories on any Royal Caribbean cruise ship

• Inside staterooms
• Ocean View Staterooms
• Balcony Staterooms
• Suites

Sounds simple enough but within each of those basic categories are a number of sub-categories to further define what you are booking.  At its very basic level, not all staterooms in one these four basic categories are the same.

Stateroom differences

When you compare sub categories of staterooms, you will need to compare a few different aspects of the stateroom to see what is most important to you.

Square footage

Generally speaking, the most basic differential for any stateroom category to the next is how much square footage the room is.  Usually, the more space a stateroom has, the more expensive the stateroom is. 

When we are talking about square footage, we are also talking about balcony size.  For staterooms that have balconies (balcony and suite categories), the size of your balcony may be just as big a difference as how large the living space is.

Location

Just like real estate, where your stateroom is located can factor into a difference in category (and price).  

The general thought is everyone wants to be mid-ship and high up for the stability and view, respectively.  Being in the middle of the ship means everything is equidistant from you and it's easiest to get everywhere.

Of course, some staterooms may be right in the middle but have outside factors that make it less desirable.  This includes balconies with obstructed views or staterooms above or below restaurants or public areas (noise bleed). 

Capacity

How many people you want to put into one stateroom will also dictate a difference between the rooms.  

Family staterooms offer much more space and capacity than regular staterooms but at a higher total cost.  Suites offer even more space, at an even higher cost than family staterooms.

Amenities

What you get in your stateroom also factors into the different types of rooms to choose from.

Virtual balcony staterooms are a new category of inside staterooms, where you will get a virtual view of the ocean as opposed to other inside staterooms with no such add-on.

Suites differentiate themselves by offering more than one bathroom, Jacuzzi, separate rooms and more.

We have a brand new Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast to share with everyone, so get your downloads going!

Episode 24 is now available for downloading, where we are looking at the categories of Royal Caribbean staterooms.

This week, Matt discusses the categories of Royal Caribbean staterooms, including the differences between the stateroom categories, the good and bad about each, the importance of location, special categories and more.  We also have more listener comments to share with everyone.

Here’s the podcast page for Episode 24.  And don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Stitcher or on iTunes!

Take a listen and as always, let us know what you think! Please rate and review the podcast on iTunes and leave your comments below!