What is a sail away balcony on NCL?

A Sail Away Balcony stateroom guarantees a Balcony stateroom or better! Please note that the view from your balcony may be fully obstructed or partially obstructed. Your stateroom may be on any deck and assigned up to one day prior to embarkation.



A "Sail Away Balcony" (category BX or RZ) on Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is a "guarantee" cabin category designed for budget-conscious travelers who want the luxury of a private balcony at the lowest possible price point. When you book a Sail Away rate in 2026, you are guaranteed a balcony stateroom or better, but you cannot choose your specific cabin location or deck. NCL's automated system assigns your room number shortly before sailing based on remaining inventory. The trade-off for the lower fare is that your balcony might have a fully or partially obstructed view (such as a lifeboat in front of the glass) or be located in a noisy area near elevators or under the pool deck. Additionally, Sail Away fares are typically "no-frills," meaning they often exclude popular "More at Sea" perks like free Wi-Fi, open bar, or specialty dining packages that are bundled with higher-tier balcony bookings.

People Also Ask

A Sail Away Balcony is always a Guarantee and does NOT include 3 of the Free-at-Sea Perks (beverage package, dining package, internet minutes). It does include $50 of shore excursions per day. A Balcony Guarantee would include all 4 of the Free-at-Sea perks.

MORE DETAILS

When sailing with Norwegian Cruise Line there are two ways to book: Sail Away Rate: This is the basic cruise package, usually less expensive. This includes your cruise, basic meals, and no extra perks.

MORE DETAILS

Up to four guests can stay in these Club Balcony Suites that include two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed, with some featuring additional bedding to accommodate one or two more, plus a balcony to marvel at the ever-changing views.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Staterooms on the Lower Decks The noisiest staterooms at sea located on the lower decks should be avoided when possible.

MORE DETAILS

Ah, sailaway! Even if you've been onboard for hours, sailaway is the official start to a cruise vacation. The lines are pulled in, the ship's horn blasts, and you can feel your excitement grow as the vessel glides away from the pier and starts to pick up steam. It might be one of the best moments of the entire trip.

MORE DETAILS

One of the biggest differences between the balcony and the club balcony suite, in regards to the room, is the size of the bathroom. The club balcony suite has two sinks and a larger shower, as seen in the photo below.

MORE DETAILS

Yes, you can choose not to pay your gratuities automatically. All you need to do, when making your booking, is request to pay on-board. Then when the gratuities are added to your on-board account, you can visit Guest Services during your voyage and request to pay cash gratuities instead.

MORE DETAILS

sail away vi + adv. (boat or ship: depart)

MORE DETAILS

7 Reasons to Book a Cruise Balcony Cabin
  • Fresh Air. ...
  • Scenery. ...
  • Privacy ... ...
  • Wake-up Calls and Post-Shower Cooldowns. ...
  • Outdoor Dining and Morning Coffee. ...
  • Keeping the Peace With Your Cabinmate. ...
  • Port Arrival and Sailaway.


MORE DETAILS

Standard balcony cabins have queen/twin beds and a sofa bed and the cabin sleeps up to 3 ppl. Family Balcony cabins are standard balcony cabins with a pullman bed from the ceiling. 4 ppl. Large balcony cabins ... they are standard cabins (slleping up to 3) with larger balcony.

MORE DETAILS

While the Balcony rooms offer a pleasant and comfortable stay, they typically come with standard cruise amenities without any exclusive perks. Club Balcony Suite: Replacing the previous Mini-Suite category, the Club Balcony Suites on Norwegian Cruise Line offer a more luxurious experience for guests.

MORE DETAILS

Norwegian Cruise Line's Premium Beverage Package is included with your Free at Sea perks. This package includes a variety of spirits, cocktails, wines by the glass and bottled or draft beer up to and including $15 USD and unlimited fountain soda and juices at all bars, lounges, restaurants and Great Stirrup Cay.

MORE DETAILS

Entertainment & Activities One of the best parts about cruising is the amazing entertainment and fun activities. On a Norwegian cruise, you'll have some of the best entertainment at sea and some really enjoyable activities. Norwegian has broadway style musicals, and the best part is that there is no additional cost!

MORE DETAILS

From start to finish, the process usually takes about two to three hours, depending on the size of the ship.

MORE DETAILS

Most cruise lines have port agents stationed in the port area to assist if your ship has left without you. In cases when cruisers are late returning to the vessel, the ship's crew will often remove the passengers' essential items -- passports, cell phones and medication -- from the ship to leave with the port agents.

MORE DETAILS

Lower decks It's a smart idea to select a stateroom below the waterline in addition to a mid-ship stateroom, which is typically distributed over multiple floors. This is due to the fact that this section of the ship, which is also its lowest and most central, is the most stable in choppy seas.

MORE DETAILS

Go online and create a mock booking Before your cruise departs, you can head online and recreate your booking. This will tell you whether certain cabin categories are sold out, as well as a rough estimate of how many rooms are available within each.

MORE DETAILS