done both only one on balcony the last inside cabin when my wife and i went on deck with our towels a thunder storm if we had put the cc tv on we would have seen the weather we still laugh about it we like to go to our cabin about 5 o clock shower then sit and read on our balcony with drinks and watch the sun set over a island nothing better

We've just returned from a great cruise on Oceana. We had an inside cabin, which was just fine, but when we did get a glimpse into the balconied cabins, they looked fabulous. Not sure if we'd be able to justify the cost, but if its within your budget, then absolutely go for one as they look a real treat.

We would never cruise without a balcony - I know we are very lucky to be able to afford it. We spend lots of time out on our balcony. We both love being out there for breakfast when we are going on an early trip - we have room service breakfast on those occasions. On a sea day we enjoy reading out there, popping inside for the occasional drink! Nothing beats the sailaway standing out there with a drink in hand watching the sun go down in the Caribbean. We do not enjoy being on loungers round the pool, we prefer our own space. We are very sociable people and enjoy traditional dining on a table of 8 but during the day we love being out on the balcony when we are not doing other things on the ship.

Balcony or no balcony?? Sunrise - sunset - port arrivals - port departures - starry nights - glass of champagne - relaxing before dinner - watching the dophins - reading in peace.......... Once we had a balcony we felt you can never go back - its got to be the best!

For those early mornings watching the sun rise on the horizon, lazy afternoons with a good book, your first glass of wine in hand as you are getting ready for dinner, those last moments breathing in the fresh air before you go to bed, sleeping with the balcony door open so you can let the sound of the sea lull you off to sleep..................no - I can't think of any reason to have this instead of an inside cupboard!

Strange that you paid for a Balcony & now seem to have regrets. Most people do the opposite, pay for an Inside & wish they'de booked a Balcony. I think the balcony comes into it's own when sailing in & out of the Caribbean Islands & such like, but as for a trip around the Med, I too am quite happy with an Inside.

We always have a balcony for following reasons and times: (1) Sailaways (2) early morning sunrise, with coffee (3) sunsets before dinner you could do this on deck, but there is a sense of privacy and feeling special! I actually do my early morning stretches here and my wife likes sitting and reading on the balcony...