I cruised in 2 different balcony cabins and one was disappointing

I stayed in a traditional cruise ship balcony and an infinite balcony with a suite on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas to compare which option was better.

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[carlosescobar]

11:53 … “It’s really a window” … that is why I love Matt!! Sure he loves RC and that’s why we are on his channel but he is also HONEST with us. Thanks so much for all you do!!!

[BrianAlt]

I totally agree with this assessment. I LOVE having a regular balcony. I won't avoid an infinite veranda when it makes sense to book one, but I would absolutely prefer a regular balcony where I can sit outside and look over the railing.

[uncledave]

The infinite balcony is not a balcony in my opinion. It is just opening a large window.

[mercyrodriguez]

I still love the regular balcony, I love to sit in the warmer weather and listen to the ocean waves while reading a book!

[shamas.]

Your analogy of an infinite balcony is like rolling down a window in a car is spot on. We had one on the Edge and we didn't like it. Also can't sneak out while husband is still in bed. But I feel for you having to stay in a suite for "research" - I can't imagine how much those suites are on the Icon.

[daloveofcruising]

I love a regular balcony. I spend plenty of time on it every cruise we take. I love to just sit and listen to the water. Most times I end up taking a nap and enjoying the breeze and quiet. BALCONY LIFE BABY!!!

[javapick]

I will always prefer a traditional balcony. I spend a LOT of time out there, reading and napping, enjoying the breeze. Also, I think it was Emma who said that the infinite balconies are often locked and you can't open it . . . due to weather or what have you. So there goes your balcony altogether.
We always book a suite. We only vacation/cruise once every three or four years because of that, with the cost and all. But we want our vacation to be as stress free and un-annoying as possible. The thing we like the most about having a suite is the priority embarkation/disembarkation/tenders, and the absolutely seamless disembarkation at the end of the cruise. Last April, we were on Navigator. My husband and I were in a suite, and the two pairs of friends we were traveling with were in regular rooms. They were herded like cattle and had to wait in corridors with thousands of others, packed in for an hour trying to get off of the ship. That is THE WORST way I can think of ending a vacation and killing any kind of good feels I had just experienced. That alone is why we will save up and cruise less frequently, just so we can have that much of a better experience. Not to mention all of the concierge perks, like having the concierge book meals, shows, and excursions for us.

[lsantos]

I have booked an Infinite Veranda on Celebrity Edge for an Alaskan cruise. Im excited as i get to have that floor to ceiling view without having the cold. For caribbean, i think traditional would be the way to go.

[ShaneEubanks]

Matt, thank you so much for the honest review! I know it would be easy to be biased and not “bite the hand that feeds you“ by only saying nice things, but your honest feedback on things like this helps us all to make the best decisions.

I’ve wondered about the infinite balconies and you nailed my questions about it.

We’ll be sticking with the traditional balcony.

Thanks a ton!

[tammyalbert]

I’d love the seating near the infinite balcony! We never spent much time out in the balcony. When I do go out onto the balcony I feel separated from everyone in the room so the infinite balcony would allow the fresh breeze but still be a part of the room. I’d eat there everyday!

[MagnoliaHoosier]

It’s nice they are FINALLY taking a page from Disney with the split bath, toilet with sinks in both! Even if it’s just two people, it’s very nice.
AND, I prefer the seating closer to the window/balcony.

[Skittl]

It would make a lot more sense if the infinite balcony was sold as an upgraded ocean view (like a "ocean breeze cabin") rather than as a type of balcony. It's a great feature, but it is not a balcony.

[isntitlovely]

Thank you - I cancelled my Royal Up for the Infinite and will be happy with my ocean balcony. I get hot and if I have a warm room - forget it! Thank you for your honest assessments! :)

[SinisterMD]

I don't think I can cruise without a balcony. That's my happy place.

[cnik]

We have the infinite balcony booked for Icon this spring, and I think I'll love it. If I want to be outside, I'll find someplace on deck. In my cabin, I just need natural light and a view outside. And the extra living space will be awesome.

[aquagamer]

2:38 It’s crazy how I was wondering this right before you said it, good to know 💕💕

[ralphnappe]

We ❤ having the VIP treatment on a cruise. The Grand suite is worth the splurg once in a while. We work hard so it's great to be pampered with a concierge.

[brian]

I can see where the infinite balcony wouldn't be the best idea for the summer month cruises. You'd probably never want to open the window because of losing the AC in the room. I guess having the increased interior space would be nice but I too like a traditional balcony.

[trbstang]

We've had a traditional balcony on our last two cruises, and it's something we do enjoy, but didn't really use it that much. We got great deals on them, but we will probably try just an oceanview cabin next time. If the infinite balcony was priced between an oceanview and a true balcony, that would be a good option IMO.

[biffhenderson]

Left my balcony door open and the light on in my cabin while I showered. When I returned into the room, there were insects everywhere. Insects that I have never seen before. Perhaps from Jurassic Park! I spent an hour chasing them back out. Lesson learned. Door/Window = Closed at night.