9 Pros & Cons of an Aft Balcony Cabin

When booking a cruise, choosing the right stateroom can greatly impact your overall experience, especially if you choose a balcony cabin.

View from an aft balcony cabin on a cruise ship, featuring two deck chairs and a small table on a wooden floor. The glass railing provides an unobstructed view of the ocean and distant shoreline, with buildings and a runway visible under the clear blue sky.

Whether you’re letting the cruise line pick one for you or selecting a specific cabin, there are a few factors to think about:

What type of cabin category best fits your needs and budget?
Where on the ship would you prefer to be located?
Will you spend most of your time in the cabin enjoying the view, or will it mainly be for sleeping and showering?

While we’ve covered many stateroom options, today we’re diving into the specifics of aft-facing balcony cabins. These cabins are located at the back of the ship and offer unique advantages and potential drawbacks.

Read More: How to Pick the Best Cruise Cabin

Let’s explore the pros and cons to help you decide if an aft-facing balcony is the right choice for your next cruise.

Pro: Unmatched Views from an Aft Balcony

View from a boat looking out at the water, showing the wake trailing behind. Two people are sitting on the deck railing at the bottom left corner, observing the water as the boat moves forward.

Aft-facing balconies are highly sought after for their spectacular views of the ship’s wake and the open sea. There’s a certain tranquility in watching the wake stretch out to the horizon.

The unique perspective you get from an aft balcony cabin, especially during sunrise or sunset, is difficult to replicate from other areas of the ship.

Con: Potential View Obstructions on Cruise Ships

Two people lean against a railing on a ferry, enjoying a virtual cruise while gazing at the water. In the background, houses and green expanses of land are visible, along with a small bridge and a boat gliding by. The sky is clear and blue, completing this serene scene.

While aft-facing balconies generally offer amazing views, it’s wise to research the specific cabin before booking. On some ships, certain structures, like flagpoles or support beams, can partially block your view.

For example, some Royal Caribbean ships have aft balconies set back and surrounded by structural elements, reducing the panoramic effect.

Checking deck plans and guest reviews can help ensure you select a cabin with the best vantage point.

Pro: Larger Balcony Space on Aft-Facing Cabins

An outdoor deck with wicker furniture invites relaxation, featuring chairs adorned with orange and white cushions, a round table, and a sofa overlooking a calm body of water at sunset. Much like Carnival, the horizon is alive with color as the sun sets in a Mardi Gras palette of golden reflections.

The size is one of the most significant benefits of choosing an aft balcony. Typically, these balconies are more spacious than their port and starboard counterparts, allowing for more seating and relaxing rooms.

For instance, ships like Norwegian Breakaway and Carnival Sunshine offer aft balconies that are considerably larger than standard ones. Before booking, compare deck layouts to find the ships and specific decks with the largest aft-facing balconies.

Con: Possible Vibrations in Aft Balcony Cabins

View from an aft balcony cabin overlooking a calm body of water on a cloudy day. Two chairs and a small table are placed on the deck. A distant shoreline with buildings and trees is visible across the water, offering both pros and cons for cruising enthusiasts seeking serenity.

Since the ship’s propellers are at the back, vibrations are more noticeable in aft balcony cabins. The extent of vibrations depends on the ship’s speed, sea conditions, and the number of decks your cabin is located above the waterline.

While some guests find the gentle vibrations soothing, they can be startling during maneuvers like reversing out of port.

Pro: Relaxing Wake Sounds from Aft-Facing Balconies

The sound of the wake from an aft balcony differs from what you experience on other parts of the ship. Unlike waves crashing on the port and starboard sides, the wake at the ship’s rear creates a smoother, more continuous sound.

This soothing background noise adds to the peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for an afternoon nap or an evening of relaxation.

Con: Noise from Above

View of a large cruise ship from below, showcasing multiple balcony cabins with glass panels. The ship's exterior is painted white and features wooden accents. A thatched roof structure is partially visible in the foreground, with a clear blue sky above.

Not all aft balconies are created equal. The location of your cabin can significantly affect your experience, especially if it’s situated beneath a high-traffic area such as a pool deck, theater, or nightclub.

For example, on Norwegian Breakaway, the Spice H20 party deck sits above the aft cabins, which can lead to noise from late-night events or early-morning activities. Always check the ship’s deck plan before booking to avoid any disturbances.

Pro: Potential for a Great Deal on an Aft Balcony Cabin

The room offers a captivating view with a large window and sliding door opening to a balcony. Outside, a small table and blue chair invite relaxation. The partially drawn curtain reveals a distant dock with the Carnival Sunrise ship, inviting dreams of a virtual cruise or fun day at sea.

Aft-facing balcony cabins can occasionally be priced similarly to standard balconies despite their larger size and better views.

With some research and flexibility in your travel dates, you might find an aft balcony at a comparable rate to a standard port or starboard balcony cabin.

However, remember that demand for these cabins is often high so that prices may fluctuate based on popularity.

Pro/Con: Aft-facing balconies Often Get More Sun Exposure

View from the aft balcony cabin of a cruise ship shows its wake trailing across the vast blue ocean. The upper deck features several seating areas with white chairs and brown umbrellas. There's a clear horizon under the sunny sky, highlighting the pros of an upgrade to this view.

Due to the design of many ships, aft-facing balconies can receive more direct sunlight than other balcony types. This can be a perk for those who love sunbathing, but it also means the balcony may get hot, especially during midday.

Additionally, balconies above yours may offer a view down onto your space, affecting your privacy. It’s worth considering if you prefer a shaded area or don’t mind the extra sun.

Pro/Con: More Walking Required for Aft Balcony Guests

Booking an aft balcony cabin usually means more walking to public areas like dining rooms, pools, or entertainment venues.

While some view this as a great way to stay active, it can be a drawback if you have mobility concerns or simply want to minimize walking.

Since most ships lack aft elevators, ensure you’re comfortable with the distance from your cabin to the ship’s main amenities.

Choosing the right stateroom is a vital part of planning your cruise. An aft-facing balcony cabin offers many perks, such as stunning views and spacious outdoor areas, but also comes with potential drawbacks like vibrations and increased walking distance.

Aft Balcony FAQs

Are aft balcony cabins more expensive than standard balconies?

While aft balcony cabins can be more expensive due to their popularity, they are sometimes available at similar rates to standard balcony cabins, especially during promotions or on ships with many balcony options.

Do aft-facing balconies experience more motion than other cabins?

Yes, aft-facing cabins can experience more vibrations and motion because they are closer to the ship’s propulsion system. The amount of motion can vary depending on the ship’s speed, sea conditions, and your cabin’s location on the ship.

What are the best cruise ships for aft balcony cabins?

Some ships known for spacious aft balcony cabins include Norwegian Breakaway, Carnival Miracle, and Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas. Checking online reviews and deck plans can help you choose the best ship for your preferences.

Is it worth booking an aft balcony cabin?

If you value expansive views and extra balcony space and don’t mind occasional vibrations or longer walks, an aft balcony cabin can be a great choice. The tranquil atmosphere and unique vantage point make it a favorite among many cruisers.

Richard Simms

Richard is a staff writer and weekly news contributor. Despite his love for food, water, and casinos, it took him surprisingly long to discover the joys of cruising. Richard writes a variety of features and editorials for Cruise Radio.