The crew are almost always absolute heroes, I'm with you on the "don't make extra work for them" front

In case you are still wondering, that mystery step in the shower serves two purposes…you can prop up your leg to make shaving it easier, and also for those of us that are larger in size, being able to prop up a leg helps wash all the nooks and crannies way easier!

On my first cruise, I had a balcony. Inside passage to Alaska. When we were standing on the deck in the rain, I realized that we were directly above our cabin. We went back to the cabin, took off our rain coats, ordered a pot of coffee and a plate of cookies and enjoyed the view from our balcony.

I had one cruise without a balcony. NEVER again. I love being able to sit out and enjoy the views in privacy. The cost is totally worth it.

I'm definitely "Team Balcony" on this. Not so much that I actually sit on the balcony for extended periods of time (that is an option on some cruises, but not the primary reason). For me, it's like having windows in your house. It's more about enjoying the ability to open a window and get some natural light and fresh air (if it's not too cold).

I can't imagine going on a cruise and not having a balcony to be honest, love having the door open listening to the sea and seeing the outside world.

For me there is one essential reason to get an outside room, seasickness. I have found that looking at a fixed point like a cloud or the horizon is the best way to suppress seasickness.

For me, this year has totally changed my thoughts on cabin types. One thing I genuinely wouldn't have thought about before was the outside scenery. For example, I'd ALWAYS book an inside cabin regardless of any other thoughts, usually due to high solo fees. However, I've done both Norway and Alaska this summer, and now I'll always think about the morning/evening views when cruising. I did find it pretty annoying in Alaska to wake up and wonder what it looked like outside, but not know (other than the TV) until I was showered, dressed and ready to go for breakfast. At the end of the day, there were a few nights I didn't want to go and get ready for dinner as the views were so good, and I couldn't see them from my inside cabin! First world problems I know, but hey!

I am most definitely a balcony cruiser. I love to set out on the balcony early in the morning and late at night and just list to the sound of the waves. The view of a sunset on the water can't be beat in my opinion

We like the inside cabins because we only use them for sleeping. However....when the pandemic hit and we heard of the people stuck in their rooms on cruise ships I decided that an outside cabin would be in my future. Great vlog!

Team Balcony for Life!! I'm a very private person and love having my own private balcony to enjoy the scenery, take tea or meals, and best part is watching coming into/going out of port, I love to be portside!

I think having a balcony when there is an amazing view, such as Norway, is an excellent idea.

Team Balcony. The thought of being locked down for weeks in an inside cabin……….. My MIL only goes inside. I’ve cruised with her. Her reason? “You’re never in your cabin!” And she doesn’t! But my husband and I DO spend time in our cabin. We always room service breakfast. We enjoy the sea breeze at night. We like just the air! And if we’re on Princess, we do enjoy the nostalgia with a couple of episodes The Love Boat! We also prefer as forward as we can get. One, we need the exercise! But we also like the extra movement. We sleep like babies being rocked!

After years in the Coast Guard sleeping in three high racks below the waterline I've had my fill of inside cabins! When I saw RCL's Sky Loft suites it was love at first sight! Yes it's expensive but I'd rather cruise less and cruise better! Love yourattitude

I’m wondering why no one is mentioning ocean view. If you need natural light to wake up properly, an inside cabin, even when you have one of those natural daylight lamps, just isn’t the same and it can throw off your biorhythms enough that you’re out of sorts the entire trip which is a bigger waste to me than springing for a balcony. But then again, a balcony isn’t the only solution, ocean views do it too. I’ve heard of complaints that the portholes are too small and on lower decks they can get covered in salt residue from the ocean but as long as the light coming from the porthole is sufficient, that can be enough.

Cheap luggage tag trick: after folding it up as directed, put a piece of clear packing tape over the outside, and staple through the whole affair.

One thing that worries me about balcony cabins on Royal Caribbean is that a number of them are "interior balconies", which overlook the Promedade (or Esplanade, depending on which ship you're on). So your balcony will be over the mall of the ship and you'll be able to see across into the balconies of other cabins. And, if their drapes are open, you'll be able to see into their rooms.

I always enjoy your videos, Emma! I’m totally team re-use your towels. I tell my hubby and kids that if the towel needs to be washed after drying you after a shower, then you need to get back in the shower and clean yourself better! The staff (at home-me) do not need that extra work. Thank you for your thorough and informative video as usual! Also I’ve never tried a balcony room, but maybe next year…. 😁

That mystery bar in the corner of the shower is for you to prop up your leg when you need to shave

That looks so beautiful!

So glad you did this video. We always face a dilemma when we book cruises. A general rule of thumb we use is if the balcony cabin is 25% or less priced more than the interior, we will upgrade. As Canadians, we face a double-whammy of an unfavourable exchange rate, currently at $1.30 Canadian for every US greenback. So cost is a huge factor. You also have to see what other amenities you would prefer, be it a dining package, WiFi, beverage.....if I could have a beverage package minus a balcony room, I take the beverage. Simple as that.

I love having a private bolthole away from the maddening crowds. Most times I’m not comfortable being around a mass of people and the idea of fighting for space on a railing to admire the view is enough to set me into a meltdown. I really love a balcony. But my cruise-after-next is a solo oceanview on Resilient Lady and I’m kinda regretting that. Just got to figure out how the upgrade bidding works and whether it would be worth it.

thanks for all the tips really useful ❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

I love the collaborating. Nice to discover your channel

great information, concise and very informative.....also love your outfits... !!!

I booked an inside cabin for my next cruise (in September). I think my favorite cabin was the inside cabin I had on Celebrity Edge (in 2019). It was bright and well laid out. In between and I had a balcony on Freedom of the Seas (in April) and while it was nice, I had obnoxious neighbors- a woman (assuming she was the mother) who yelled a lot and screaming kids. Maybe it was coincidental, but any time I went out on the balcony, they were out there too. So, I was very happy to just get an inside this time, which looks to be in a great location. I truly do not spend much awake time in the cabin except to rest a few minutes. I don't even like the idea of eating in my cabin. I prefer to go to the buffet or other fast restaurants for breakfast, and I wouldn't want to eat lunch or dinner in my cabin when I have much nicer food in the MDR, etc. - So many of your KZfaq colleagues say that people should always pick a balcony, but I don't agree. It totally depends on how people spend time in their cabins. Thank you for your informative videos.

Since we live only 3 hours away from the Anthem’s USA homeport of Cape Liberty in NJ, we have sailed her several times. We have been in an oceanview on Deck 3, a sideways balcony cabin (these are interesting and there are only a few in the middle of the ship) on Deck 6, a partially obstructed view balcony (over the smoking hut-eww, wouldn’t do that again), and a regular balcony on a higher deck. We always choose balconies now because we sail mostly in the winter to the Caribbean. Our reasons are the same as the other balcony-loving posters. Since fresh air is one of our priorities, I have learned to never book a cabin on the same side as the smoking areas top-deck. No matter how far away your cabin is, it seems the smoke drifts downward, and especially when docked in port. We also like aft balconies for the 180 degree view and watching the wake while out at sea. Every other day we do a total fresh air exchange by opening our doors for two minutes. First fasten down any papers and such that blow around. Then open the balcony door. Stand by your cabin door and hold it open about halfway. The whoosh of air will clear out any cabin odors or staleness. Can’t do that with an inside or oceanview cabin. BTW, people with cabins on Deck 6 near the aft of the ship on the Anthem have a shortcut to get to 270. 🤫😉

You get more and more professional in every one of your vlogs. Been watching you for ages and absolutely love your work Emma!!! We set sail in 6 days on the Coral Princess and after watching this video I'm even more appreciative of the 470sqft were about to enjoy. Looking forward to being at sea at Christmas and New Years Eve, so in case I don't watch your next vlog, it's a very Merry Christmas and a joyful, Happy New Year

I just used your socket finder on your website. That was very helpful, thank you!

Loved this video Emma, as usual.

I was in the Caribbean in January on Britannia on my own and had a balcony. It was like an extra room where I could read and relax in the sunshine. I had a window cabin in Norway, but you really need to be on one of the top decks during a fjord sail in or out. Best cruise in the fjords was in a 4m kayak a few years back. That was awesome (though possibly not something for your channel). My son is currently singing on Arcadia, so I need to get on that one now ☺️

Emma, I look forward to, and totally enjoy your British-ism word comparisons in each video. Great videos!

Emma, I am so glad I listened to your advice on an inside cabin. I just got back from Alaska this morning. It was a wonderful cruise. I spent most of my time on deck. It was fantastic to have a panorama view of the fjords, glaciers, and endless mountains. We saw orcas and humpbacks whales splashing all around us. I would have missed so much If I had booked a balcony. Thank you for your advice! I just booked my next Alaskan cruise on Royal Caribbean out of Seward, AK to Vancouver, B.C. Canada. I can't wait!

I love your videos, but I’m definitely Team balcony! Keep up the great work.

Wonderful video. Glad you are getting some rain and(hopefully) some relief from the heat. I am on team balcony. We booked a balcony many years ago on a family reunion trip to Alaska and have loved sitting outside enjoying the view. We always try to get a balcony facing the shore side of the ship. Have fun on your next cruise; greatly enjoy the information shared.

I'm definitely team balcony. My husband likes to have a little nap in the afternoon, so i enjoy sitting on the balcony reading a book. Plus we are not real party people so tend to do sail away from balcony.

We agree with your comments concerning the washing of towels. We have always thought that if you do a proper job of taking a shower, the towel won't be dirty when you are done drying off. We just make sure they get a proper dry when done.

Great coverage. Loved the towel pet art and you wear your love for cookies well.

Yes I agree. On some sailings, an outside cabin is really good, but its also a question of 'addiction'. I am in 'insider' myself, but when I have paid for an outside (or being upgraded) its been SOOO hard to go back to inside for the following sailing. However, as soon as I am in the inside again, its all fine... but outside cabins ARE addictive!!!

I loved you smile when on the balcony as you were truly enjoying yourself. Great video. Thanks for taking us along. When in the UK I won’t use the term faucet now as it’s a tap.

I think you make a lot of good points Emma. I get why you budget and use the inside cabins as you travel as your job. We cruise once or twice a year and always book a balcony cabin because it's our vacation and we want to enjoy everything including the view and balcony. My favorite thing to do on our cruises is have my morning coffee delivered and sit on the balcony and relax while watching the sea go by. That alone makes it worth it for me.

a balcony in Alaska is also very nice to have. I sat out there in the middle of the night as we cruised down the inside passage. Amazing views.

Wow, Thanks Emma for great info that I did not know and I’m booked on Anthem! Didn’t know that out of 2091 cabins, 1565 are balcony cabins, including 129 suites, just 148 Oceanview cabins leaving 378 inside cabins. Have been helping a friend research and book a balcony on my fall 2023 transatlantic cruise and didn’t realize this! Might have a shot with a decent bid on winning a “Royal up” to a balcony!

I agree with you Emma! We have had lovely cruises in interior cabins, and for the money savings this is definitely worth it for us. But the luxury of getting up and stepping outside on the balcony is also a fantastic way to enjoy a cruise. We are not of the opinion that once you go to a balcony cabin you never can go back to an interior - in fact, for us there are so many perks for that interior cabin. Thanks for your wonderful content!

That room looks fantastic

I believe the “mysterious step” is the shave bar

Thanks Emma - great show. We just finished 19 nights on the Apex in a Deluxe Interior and it was lovely. Plenty of room and slept like babies. When I say we sail in interiors folks think we are crazy but it lets me do B2B without much increase over 7 days in a veranda. Looking forward to TA on Anthem in the spring and have a balcony for that one.

wow. fabulous video. I definitely need to go on a cruise around Norway (and on a Royal Caribbean ship, which looks to be really nice!). yeah, I am a balcony, all the way, type person because I just like waking up in the morning and seeing what is going on outside.

I just got home for a 16 day Norwegian cruise. I really loved our balcony, and I usually choose interior rooms. I've also had one trip with a cabin with an adjourning room, and it was a problem. I love your channel.

Thanks, enjoy your content and reviews.

I'm binge watching your videos..... so addicting

I agree with you. Take care of the crew while they take care of you.

Beautiful scenery in Norway! Definitely worth having a balcony. I enjoy having a balcony. It is nice to watch the scenery or sunbathe if it is warm or just listen to the ocean.

Norwegian here, and glad you liked our nature and I know many others do too. We are used to both the light summers and dark winters. I live in the south so I don’t have either total daylight or total darkness as a part of my year (I don’t know how to say it in English here, I am sorry for that), but we do have a few hours of light in the winter and a few hours of darkness in the summer, but not much though. Thank you for sharing, love from Johanne, Norway 🇳🇴

Great video Emma, thank you, on Anthem next year!

I just love watching your videos! It's like taking the trip with you. I can't believe your videos are converting me to the idea of cruising! It looks like a blast. (Also, I love when you include shots of your outfits, some really cute dresses!)

Hi Emma! Love your vlogs. I was on Anthem of the Seas 3 times in 2019 out of Cape Liberty, NJ. There were NO kettles in any of my rooms. I had 1 virtual balcony, one regular balcony & 1 junior suite. Thank you for your entertainment.

I just recently found the tips for travellers channel on youtube, and its been really informative. You and him are definitely the best cruise channels on youtube!

I've only been on 2 cruises, but we both enjoyed watching the ships coming in/out of the ports or just sitting out there and reading in our downtime.

Just want to let you know that I think your videos are probably the best of all that I follow. I have only been on a few cruises and don't really need so much info but you are very entertaining to watch. Your voice and diction are a pleasure and the visuals are very helpful to make your point. The research is outstanding! I love the "British isms" Also your outlook seems so natural and 'real'... keep up the good work!! 😊

Thanks, another informative video. And I like your new shorter haircut!

Always booked an inside cabin apart from the Fjords this year on Iona... the whole appeal of Norway to me is the scenery so for me, a balcony was a must! Gone back to my happy place of an inside cabin ready for Azura in December!!

The plastic luggage tag holders are awesome. Mine have a splash of colour on the top and it helps the bags stand out a bit more. Plus the wire reusable loop means it isn’t going to be accidentally torn off either. And, of course, you don’t need to worry about staples.

Any cabin that lets one cruise more is good. Inside, oceanview, balcony, suite.

I absolutely agree with your comment about making life easier for the cruise ship staff. Such a kind, thoughtful comment and that says so much about You 😊

I like the bed near the balcony. I always do balconies and the desk and chair/couch is always by the balcony on the ships I've been on. Great video!

I always enjoy your voyages. As much as going on one myself, actually more.

totally agree Emma on the towel front. I wonder how many of those people who commented, wash their own towels at home after just one use? Talk about wasteful!!

Great review and thank you. I have debated same. I too do t mind inside but some places yes warrant it! Thanks

I have a 7 Day Western Caribbean cruise booked for this coming December on the new Norwegian Prima. Wound up booking a singles Studio Cabin and the price was awesome, about $2300 including RT airfare. I was thinking of upgrading to a Balcony, but decided to stick with the Studio to see how much I enjoy it. If it goes well, then i'll go with the Studio's going forward to keep the cost down and be able to do perhaps TWO cruises per year. BTW, you convinced me to try out the Studio cabins when I watched several of your videos talking about it. Thanks Emma!

Good video Emma, I'm just back from a cruise on Ventura with my children, I booked two inside cabins, I like balconies but the extra cost as you say can be prohibitive. I was happy on the inside but I did oversleep a lot ! Just one small point on plug sockets, on P&O all sockets are UK 3 pin.

Emma. It’s been a minute but I’m here. Was cruising myself. Lots of summer gatherings etc. I follow Sir Gary as well and he does NOT like connecting cabins😂. The views from this ship is breathtaking. Great tips as usual. Thanks for sharing and see you next video.

I’m personally Team Balcony. There’s something really nice about being able to sit out and watch as you sail in and out of ports, especially on cruises like this Norwegian one. My family also quite like them because you can put your swimming costume out to dry on the balcony. On the one cruise we did, 2 of us were in an indoor cabin and we were in a balcony cabin and they would put their swimming costumes out on our balcony to dry because it was convenient. It was also quite good for when we were younger as quite a few family rooms, at least on P&O, are balcony’s. But I can definitely understand choosing an indoor cabin if you’re trying to cruise on a budget.

Nice review thanks and a really good point that the balcony is worth it for the scenery. I'm a bit disappointed that mini Hudson was missing from the video. I'm sure he would have loved having a snooze on the balcony. 😴😸

Where did you get the llama jumper/dress? It’s so cute!

I had a balcony on an Alaskan cruise and loved it. I have always done inside rooms in the southern routes.

Great vlog as always! An outside cabin is a must when in Norway. An inside cabin is like going on a date wearing a blind fold….

Excellent, once again.

I’m always waiting for more videos!

I think that metal bin below the vanity is for your curling iron :)

A balcony is a must cruising Alaska. Sitting there watching the landscape and realizing that those mountains have never had people set foot on them. It was life changing.

We loved our balcony suite in the Caribbean. Porpoises playing in the bow wake, flying fish flying along us. It made the sea days especially nice. But we don't cruise as often as you, so these little things tickled us. They might be 'old hat' to others.

Really enjoyed the video - we have not cruised with Royal Caribbean yet and liked the look of the cabin. Are you going to do a vlog review of the ship and your trip? X

For a cruise in Norway, I can appreciate the benefits for enjoying the fjords easily from the comfort of your cabin, even in your jammies 😆 When I cruised in Alaska, however, I was glad to have had an inside cabin mainly for ease of sleeping since I was able to have total darkness on demand 24/7. Also, passengers with cabin decks were rather loud playing music while in the glacier areas and having video chats with friends and family back home. This was against policy, of course, but so many passengers ignored it. My ship allowed special access to the front bow normally accessible only to crew for viewing the glacier bays. It was absolutely amazing yet very few of the passengers took advantage of it or quickly left the area after a short look. It was brilliant. If I had booked a cabin with a deck, I doubt I would have had the same experience. So I'm definitely a Team Inside member.

All good points. For our first cruise together (Nav of the Seas, 4 day LA/Ensenada/Catalina) I went for a balcony cabin. Serving in the Coast Guard I fell in love with the water at night, and wanted my wife to get the chance of seeing and feeling it right outside.

I'm about to go on my first cruise in June, to see the Norway fjords. We booked a balcony in order to not miss any views. You've confirmed that it's worth the extra money. I can't wait to learn more about your travels with inside cabins in light of your seasickness. I'm prone to that also. And I'm as budget oriented as you are.

Love your taste in art, I could not agree more.

love the towel monsters lol

anthem goes out of my home port of NJ and I love that they have the kettles in the cabins. i get to grab some tea bags from the station and have tea every night before bed. i love all of the storage on Anthem as well.

Going on Anthem next. So appreciate your humor and authenticity. I really appreciate you. Thank you.

I agreed with your comment about towels and not getting them changed. I've found that the room steward of usually does whet ever line. They provide a face cloth and you find that has been replaced along with a used hand towel and bath towel every evening. I wouldn't change these during a week at home but for all cruise lines say it seems most change used towels and face clothes everyday.

Hello dear Emma, I have never been on a cruise but, if one day I will, the option of a balcony room on a cruise in the north of Europe during the Summer it will certainly appeal to me, just for the fact of the night light!!!! It is amazing as you still look so alike of that beautiful little 11 years old girl ahahah!!! You are always very nice, good job!

We've been on many cruises -Mexico, Alaska, Caribbean, Europe. We usually have ocean view (twice we've done balcony). Typically I don't think it's worth the extra cost for a balcony but for a cruise of Norway, I'll definitely book a balcony. Thanks for the video.

It really depends. I know on MSC some of the balconies can be partial views; and small so it really depends on the upgrade you are selecting. I generally stay in Inside Staterooms but I also like Oceanviews.

Hi Emma. Another great informative video! Hope to catch your live sailaway on Thursday on the Emerald. We were on her in March for a 14 night Caribbean adventure, our restart. Had a great time and great weather. Be well and have a fantastic voyage on your cruise! Bruce and Gwen from across the pond in Jersey . 🌞👍

Love you being in my beautiful country! I have just booked my first non-ferry cruise. It's in just 19 days, and will be 10 days on MSC Grandiosa from Copenhagen to Barcelona. It will go to Southampton as it's first stop on the 13th, so if you can recommend something to do there between 9am and 9pm, I appreciate it

Hi Emma, I just love your videos! Thank you for sharing your adventures with us and all the great tips. I thought of another Britishism, you guys say "lift" I think and we say "elevator"! Enjoy your next cruise!

I just found your channel and immediately subscribed when you talked about the storage space and not washing the towels daily. You are a woman after my own heart. P.S. TIL Brits call them taps, not faucets.

I agree with you about balcony only in certain situations. We did a balcony for Alaska, and I don’t think I could do interior there. But for any regular Caribbean? I’m totally cool with interior. I’d definitely be on balcony for somewhere like Norway!

You’ve cracked the code to getting me to binge watch videos, once I start one of your videos I have to see it to the end, they’re very good!