What is the difference between a cove balcony and a regular balcony on a cruise ship?

The biggest difference between the 2 balcony types is that a cove is enclosed by steel and has a smaller opening than a regular balcony. It also has more solid walls between you and your neighbor.



A cove balcony is a unique stateroom category found on lower decks (usually Deck 2), characterized by being built directly into the ship's steel hull rather than having a glass railing. Because they are much closer to the waterline, they provide a dramatic, "front-row" view of the ocean spray and the sound of waves, offering a sense of privacy as the solid hull walls prevent neighbors from seeing into your space. In contrast, a regular balcony is typically located on higher decks and features a transparent glass or mesh railing, allowing for panoramic views even while seated. While regular balconies offer more sunlight and a classic "open-air" feel, they are often less private and more exposed to wind. Cove balconies are also equipped with heavy watertight "storm doors" that the crew can close during exceptionally rough seas for safety, temporarily turning the room into an ocean-view cabin. Travelers often choose cove balconies for their unique perspective and lower price point, while sun-seekers usually prefer the unobstructed, sun-drenched experience of a standard upper-deck balcony.

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A balcony room will also give you more space, both inside and outside. Balcony rooms are larger in terms of square footage, and the balcony adds even more space to enjoy. Cruise ship cabins are traditionally smaller than hotel rooms, so every square foot counts.

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There's almost nothing more dangerous than standing or climbing on cruise balcony railings. Unfortunately, there have been cases of people falling overboard into the ocean or even the ship ship dock with disastrous outcomes.

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Balcony cabins cost more than ocean-view cabins or windowless inside cabins. But they can be worth the splurge if you're the kind of person who likes a private place to be outdoors during a vacation.

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Technically, you can..... but the cruise line will discourage it for obvious reasons (if the A/C or heat is running, you get the idea). If you leave the door open, your cabin steward will keep shutting it. We turn our air off this time of year while cruising, and do sleep with the door open.

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In order to keep the air conditioning working inside the cabin you do have to keep the balcony door closed on the majority of cruise lines. This is one of the reasons that many people do sleep on the balcony because in theory you can't lay in bed and keep the door balcony open.

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What is the most expensive cabin on a cruise ship? On the opposite end of the price spectrum, multiroom suites tend to be the most expensive rooms on board, Hess said. They can measure thousands of square feet, often with spacious balconies. They also typically come with a range of perks.

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The best cruise cabin to book would be near ocean level at the ship's center, known as mid-ship. While ocean-level rooms aren't considered the most luxurious options, the closer you get to water-level, the less rocking you'll feel on the ship.

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The number corresponds to the type of stateroom (inside, oceanview, verandah) and typically the higher the number the more economical the stateroom is. The letter that follows it (A-E) corresponds to the location on the ship and typically the higher decks have either an A or a B, but that is not always the case.

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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.

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