Splurge on Balcony for Italy port-intensive cruise for inside stateroom cruisers?

My wife and I have always booked inside staterooms--we value port intensive cruises and so are more interested in getting off ship and seeing the sights / (ancient) sites. But on the Jade Venice / Greek Islands 7 night itinerary, having a Balcony was just amazing! From arriving / departing Venice, to seeing the coastline near Corfu, to seeing as we pulled into Santorini, etc. It was stunning. But we'd booked in inside stateroom and got a call a week before sail date to upgrade to a Balcony for USD $300 or less. So glad I accepted the upgrade. Worth every penny on that particular itinerary.

However, would paying for a Balcony up front, as far as view-value-per-dollar go, be a should or Must do for a cruise on the Norwegian Epic with the following ports? Compared with the Jade Venice itinerary I described. Ports for this cruise are:

(Rome to Rome; not sure of order)

* Rome

* Naples

* Livorno

* Cannes

* Barcelona

* Mallorca

* Rome

Also, which side of the ship, in general, would be best for the views if we splurge up front for a Balcony vs. Inside Stateroom?

I'm a frugal person and prefer traveling more often than going after luxury. But having the balcony on the Venice cruise blew my mind. How would the Epic ports above rate for views vs. the Venice one? Would it be as gorgeous? I'd have to rate the Venice cruise port views as a 10 on a 1 to 10 scale.

Again, getting a Balcony, or wanting one, is the rare case for us. The views in port would have to be really compelling to justify the cost for us. We don't book Balcony cabins just for the sake of it. Perfectly content in the bowels of the ship in an inside stateroom most of the time--the lower cost allows us to travel more frequently because the cost is significantly lower.

None of those ports (haven't been to Cannes) are particularly spectacular, so given your point of view, I can see not getting a balcony.

We always go for a balcony for that extra outside private space and enjoy seeing all the activity dockside.

However ports like Civitiveccia[Rome] and Livorno are industrial ports away from the main attractions of Rome and Florence so you wont get those spectacular views you did on the Greek islands out of Venice

Rome and Livorno are industrial ports. in Naples you are right in town, but the sail-in isn't spectacular. Same with Barcelona. I can't answer for the last two ports.

I'm with you -- if I can get a balcony for a reasonable deal or upgrade, I would enjoy it, but I don't spend much time there on a port intensive cruise and I don't consider it a must.

I'm always amazed how some people say they wouldn't cruise without one. Really? They'd skip all the sights of the Mediterranean just because they couldn't have a balcony?? :confused: Difficult for me to understand....

I'm of your mindset, and given those ports.....NO. Spend the money on touring with Rome in Limo in Rome, Naples....start a group on your roll call....easy to do...posts on Cruise Critic number over 3000 for RIL! In Naples, do the Amalfi Coast and lunch at La Tagliata!

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Rome and Livorno are industrial ports. in Naples you are right in town, but the sail-in isn't spectacular. Same with Barcelona. I can't answer for the last two ports.

 

I'm with you -- if I can get a balcony for a reasonable deal or upgrade, I would enjoy it, but I don't spend much time there on a port intensive cruise and I don't consider it a must.

 

I'm always amazed how some people say they wouldn't cruise without one. Really? They'd skip all the sights of the Mediterranean just because they couldn't have a balcony?? :confused: Difficult for me to understand....

Thanks so much to all! CruiseMom, you definitely Sealed the Deal for me on this one / trimmed the decision tree: will book an inside stateroom.

Now the only choice left--my flights. Do I spend two nights in Istanbul and two nights in Rome / Naples area pre-cruise? Or do I spend four lights pre-cruise in the Rome / Naples / Sorrento area?

Never been to Istanbul--and have researched this before and know it would be fantastic. But if I had more time around Naples / Sorrento / Rome pre-cruise, I might be able to narrow-down what I'd want to see on the Naples port day. Might even have time pre-cruise to do Florence properly.

CruiseMom, you're the expect here in all things re: ruins / antiquities? Which option do you think would be best? The two nights in Istanbul and two nights in the Rome area or four nights around Rome pre-cruise with no Istanbul at all.

I've been trying not to watch the news lately with all the chaos going on in the Middle East. Might going to Istanbul be dangerous? This cruise would be in May of 2015.

Post-cruise, will be making my way up to Paris to visit a friend and go Chateaux hopping in the Loire. Could fly direct Rome to Paris or do a train and see things along the way to Paris.

Thanks so much to all! CruiseMom, you definitely Sealed the Deal for me on this one / trimmed the decision tree: will book an inside stateroom.

 

Now the only choice left--my flights. Do I spend two nights in Istanbul and two nights in Rome / Naples area pre-cruise? Or do I spend four lights pre-cruise in the Rome / Naples / Sorrento area?

 

Never been to Istanbul--and have researched this before and know it would be fantastic. But if I had more time around Naples / Sorrento / Rome pre-cruise, I might be able to narrow-down what I'd want to see on the Naples port day. Might even have time pre-cruise to do Florence properly.

 

CruiseMom, you're the expect here in all things re: ruins / antiquities? Which option do you think would be best? The two nights in Istanbul and two nights in the Rome area or four nights around Rome pre-cruise with no Istanbul at all.

 

I've been trying not to watch the news lately with all the chaos going on in the Middle East. Might going to Istanbul be dangerous? This cruise would be in May of 2015.

 

Post-cruise, will be making my way up to Paris to visit a friend and go Chateaux hopping in the Loire. Could fly direct Rome to Paris or do a train and see things along the way to Paris.

Istanbul is a wonderful city but why would you include it pre or post on a Western Med itinerary? Are you looking at flying Turkish Air?

Istanbul is a wonderful city but why would you include it pre or post on a Western Med itinerary? Are you looking at flying Turkish Air?

Because United gives me one free stopover and one free open jaws option on the award travel ticket using its partner airlines.

Now the only choice left--my flights. Do I spend two nights in Istanbul and two nights in Rome / Naples area pre-cruise? Or do I spend four lights pre-cruise in the Rome / Naples / Sorrento area?

 

Never been to Istanbul--and have researched this before and know it would be fantastic. But if I had more time around Naples / Sorrento / Rome pre-cruise, I might be able to narrow-down what I'd want to see on the Naples port day. Might even have time pre-cruise to do Florence properly.

 

CruiseMom, you're the expect here in all things re: ruins / antiquities? Which option do you think would be best? The two nights in Istanbul and two nights in the Rome area or four nights around Rome pre-cruise with no Istanbul at all.

 

I've been trying not to watch the news lately with all the chaos going on in the Middle East. Might going to Istanbul be dangerous? This cruise would be in May of 2015.

 

Post-cruise, will be making my way up to Paris to visit a friend and go Chateaux hopping in the Loire. Could fly direct Rome to Paris or do a train and see things along the way to Paris.

First, let me say that I find Istanbul a fascinating city (one of my favorites) and in no way do I think it is unsafe. I'll be staying there two nights (my 5th visit there) before my upcoming Med cruise next month.

HOWEVER, I am a big fan of maximizing time and location while in Europe. I think it makes a lot more sense to spend the time you have in the Rome/Naples area than trying to cram in a couple of days in Istanbul.

Especially if your interest is in antiquities, there is much to see in Rome and around Naples -- much more around Naples than many day trippers realize. For instance, visiting the ancient amphitheatres at Capua (site of the infamous slave revolt led by Spartacus) and the amphitheatre at Pozzuoli is infinitely rewarding. The understructures of the Pozzuoli amphitheatre are the best I've ever seen (and there's not any rigamarole about needing special tickets/tour to see them, it's part of your regular admission.....)

In Istanbul, one has to work rather hard to find its Roman/early Byzantine roots. The Turkish sites are very interesting and picturesque in and of themselves, but for true lovers of the antique, you quickly get to smaller things after seeing Haghia Sophia and the Archaeological Museum (of which a good portion is currently closed for restoration).

Thanks CruiseMom. Took your recommendation and will do 4 days pre-cruise in the Rome/Naples area. Then four nights post-cruise out of Paris. Just booked flights. Will book actual cruise hopefully later today. Thanks again for the help--much appreciated. Istanbul can wait.

First, let me say that I find Istanbul a fascinating city (one of my favorites) and in no way do I think it is unsafe. I'll be staying there two nights (my 5th visit there) before my upcoming Med cruise next month.

 

HOWEVER, I am a big fan of maximizing time and location while in Europe. I think it makes a lot more sense to spend the time you have in the Rome/Naples area than trying to cram in a couple of days in Istanbul.

 

Especially if your interest is in antiquities, there is much to see in Rome and around Naples -- much more around Naples than many day trippers realize. For instance, visiting the ancient amphitheatres at Capua (site of the infamous slave revolt led by Spartacus) and the amphitheatre at Pozzuoli is infinitely rewarding. The understructures of the Pozzuoli amphitheatre are the best I've ever seen (and there's not any rigamarole about needing special tickets/tour to see them, it's part of your regular admission.....)

 

In Istanbul, one has to work rather hard to find its Roman/early Byzantine roots. The Turkish sites are very interesting and picturesque in and of themselves, but for true lovers of the antique, you quickly get to smaller things after seeing Haghia Sophia and the Archaeological Museum (of which a good portion is currently closed for restoration).

If you can afford it - go for it.

We had an ocean view cabin our very first cruise. It was all new and exciting so we were happy campers.

We then moved up to balconies…… oh how we love sitting out at night watching the moon or stars and the dark ocean go by. During the day on sea days seeing the dolphins (straits of Messina) or flying fish etc…… We love getting up early (need to anyway in port) and watching the ship come into port, tying up etc…..

We have since had 2 Celebrity suites (big ones !) so now I am really spoiled. But on a cruise with my dd we had another ocean view. Boy was it a let down.

I guess I may be the minority here but if you can afford it - do it. If it is a long stretch and it means something else suffers - don't.

But I will end by saying - there is a saying that goes "once you have had a balcony its hard going back ! "

 

But I will end by saying - there is a saying that goes "once you have had a balcony its hard going back ! "

As usual, I am apparently the exception. :D I've traveled in oceanview, balcony, deluxe balcony, mini-suite -- and I have no problem going back to an inside cabin.

At Christmas on Silhouette we had a concierge class balcony in the Caribbean and rarely used it. And I utilize a balcony even less in the Med. But then, I prefer to be out and about when onboard ship and not in my cabin.

As usual, I am apparently the exception. :D I've traveled in oceanview, balcony, deluxe balcony, mini-suite -- and I have no problem going back to an inside cabin.

 

At Christmas on Silhouette we had a concierge class balcony in the Caribbean and rarely used it. And I utilize a balcony even less in the Med. But then, I prefer to be out and about when onboard ship and not in my cabin.

Thanks TexanCruzer and CruiseMom. To each his or her own, I say. Like you CM, don't think it'll be an issue returning to an interior stateroom. In fact, I'm now happily booked in one for May of 2015 thanks to everyone's help.

Doing 4 nights pre-cruise, flying into Rome. Then flying to Paris on disembarkation day, spending 4 days post-cruise around Paris before flying home. May do a day or overnight trip on the Eurostar train to London since neither my wife or I have ever been to England. Technically I've been to the UK (Northern Ireland / Co. Antrim coast--gorgeous), but not to England.

Same here. We've decided that itinerary is the most important thing.

Last cruise we booked a guarantee inside, we were assigned a balcony, then offered a Penthouse suite for a nominal amount which we did take. Next cruise...we're backed in the inside.

OP good move to stick with Rome Naples...Istanbul isn't one of the better airports to add a stopover in....it's pretty far from town and no easy mass transportation options.

I'm just learning about the stopover options with the United miles....it is interesting!:)

Same here. We've decided that itinerary is the most important thing.

 

Last cruise we booked a guarantee inside, we were assigned a balcony, then offered a Penthouse suite for a nominal amount which we did take. Next cruise...we're backed in the inside.

 

OP good move to stick with Rome Naples...Istanbul isn't one of the better airports to add a stopover in....it's pretty far from town and no easy mass transportation options.

 

I'm just learning about the stopover options with the United miles....it is interesting!:)

Thanks Buggins. That was in the back of my mind about Istanbul--not knowing how far away it was from town and what getting there and back would be like. Makes me feel even better about my decision.

About United miles, I thought they'd actually done away with allowing both one free stopover and one open jaw--thought it had switched from a choice to one or the other. But evidently you can still have both. :-)

We've been on a couple of Med cruises. Our history is that we spend very few daylight hours in the cabin on port intensive cruises. We did have a balcony due to an upgrade. Other than hanging out on an overnight in Venice we did not use it much. I took some pictures of Venice but could have gotten the same pics elsewhere on the ship.

We've been on a couple of Med cruises. Our history is that we spend very few daylight hours in the cabin on port intensive cruises. We did have a balcony due to an upgrade. Other than hanging out on an overnight in Venice we did not use it much. I took some pictures of Venice but could have gotten the same pics elsewhere on the ship.

There's only one Sea Day out of my 7 day cruise, so like you, I expect to be active and off-ship for most of each day. Love the port-intensive itineraries. It's really what attracted me to cruising as a way to travel vs. years of independent overland travel.

There's only one Sea Day out of my 7 day cruise, so like you, I expect to be active and off-ship for most of each day. Love the port-intensive itineraries. It's really what attracted me to cruising as a way to travel vs. years of independent overland travel.

Its funny how different people think differently about stuff…….

we too are port intensive travelers. I don't really care for sea days (altho one or two during a port intensive cruise does give you a chance to "catch your breath"). I could never ever do a transatlantic - I'd go bonkers. When we step foot off the ship each day we go-go-go……

and that, is exactly why we like to have a balcony cabin (among other reasons like I would be claustrophobic with no window).

We have now done enough cruises that we really don't go to any of the shows, we don't head to any bingo or other games or art auctions etc….. since we have been there-done that.

We usually like to get back on the ship, freshen up and head to dinner, hit the casino for a bit and then have a nightcap at the martini bar and then go to our cabin. We usually sit out on the balcony and relax. Yes its dark but I love to see the moon or the ships lights on the water, watch other ships pass by in the distance, feel the breeze and enjoy the quiet. Its my precursor to going to sleep. Much better than watching t.v. or reading a book for me.

In the mornings I always wake up as the ship is coming into port. Don't know why but I feel the ship slowing down and maneuvering into dock. I always watch the process even on mornings where it is barely light. We usually order room service for breakfast, dress and get off the ship shortly after the all clear (we don't run to get off first - altho we have been first off before) but usually wait for the "mad dash" and leave about 15 minutes later. This is always before the ships tours clog everything up.

anyway, I still stand by the statement: if you can afford it WITHOUT SACRAFICING something else - why not ?

ps; I forgot - don't know how many pictures we have of me asleep on the balcony on a sea day….. talk about re-charge !

 

anyway, I still stand by the statement: if you can afford it WITHOUT SACRAFICING something else - why not ?

 

Well, I wouldn't turn it down if it was free. :D

But the dollar value I'd put on it would be pretty low. Not many people travel with an unlimited budget. Even if an upgrade only cost me a few hundred dollars, I can think of any number of things I'd rather spend that $200 on. That's why we're all different.

I don't know why, but I really like a nice hotel in a central location when I'm on land. (Although I'd rather have a less deluxe place in a good location than a great hotel in a poor location). However when at sea, my cabin matters little.

Maybe it's because I started cruising many years ago when balcony cabins were extremely rare. I became used to spending time around the ship rather than in my cabin....

There's only one Sea Day out of my 7 day cruise, so like you, I expect to be active and off-ship for most of each day. Love the port-intensive itineraries. It's really what attracted me to cruising as a way to travel vs. years of independent overland travel.

As our children have gotten older we have moved to the post intensive cruises. One less sea day is like getting an extra day free because it is another place to visit.

I have timed the amount of time I spend on my balcony on my prior cruises, and it adds up to only a few hours per cruise so I would rather spend my money elsewhere.

That being said, the sailaway from Venice is wonderful, the sail into Valletta, Malta is stupendous and the sail up the Amalfi Coast also is fabulous. Be sure to get a cabin on the starboard side for any of these.

I didn't use my balcony for the Venice Sailaway, On Ruby Princess there was a spot above the bridge that let us see both sides and straight ahead. The balcony would have limited our view,

Yes, when we sailed into Venice, the best spot by far was on an upper deck at the front of the ship. I'm not an early riser, but I got up early in order to have a good spot at the rail. Well worth it.... :)

When we sailed into Venice it was drizzling, a bit foggy and not a really nice VERY EARLY morning…….. we stayed on our balcony in our big fluffy robes and watched (and videoed) the sail-in. We were on the side that sailed right past St. Marks

Its funny how different people think differently about stuff…….

 

we too are port intensive travelers. I don't really care for sea days (altho one or two during a port intensive cruise does give you a chance to "catch your breath"). I could never ever do a transatlantic - I'd go bonkers. When we step foot off the ship each day we go-go-go……

 

and that, is exactly why we like to have a balcony cabin (among other reasons like I would be claustrophobic with no window).

 

We have now done enough cruises that we really don't go to any of the shows, we don't head to any bingo or other games or art auctions etc….. since we have been there-done that.

 

We usually like to get back on the ship, freshen up and head to dinner, hit the casino for a bit and then have a nightcap at the martini bar and then go to our cabin. We usually sit out on the balcony and relax. Yes its dark but I love to see the moon or the ships lights on the water, watch other ships pass by in the distance, feel the breeze and enjoy the quiet. Its my precursor to going to sleep. Much better than watching t.v. or reading a book for me.

 

In the mornings I always wake up as the ship is coming into port. Don't know why but I feel the ship slowing down and maneuvering into dock. I always watch the process even on mornings where it is barely light. We usually order room service for breakfast, dress and get off the ship shortly after the all clear (we don't run to get off first - altho we have been first off before) but usually wait for the "mad dash" and leave about 15 minutes later. This is always before the ships tours clog everything up.

 

anyway, I still stand by the statement: if you can afford it WITHOUT SACRAFICING something else - why not ?

 

ps; I forgot - don't know how many pictures we have of me asleep on the balcony on a sea day….. talk about re-charge !

Our feelings exactly! Love, love, love that balcony. So nice to come back to the room after a long day of touring ashore and relax on the balcony with a glass of wine before dinner. That's part of cruising for us.

We did a one day cruise out of Seattle a few years back and decided to book an inside cabin just to try it out (and see if we would feel claustrophobic). We figured for one night this would be the perfect opportunity to try it out since we had only cruised in balcony cabins. Well, wouldn't you know, we were upgraded at the very last minute to a balcony cabin. Wouldn't have happened if we hadn't really wanted to try out an inside cabin.

DH retires next year so we may start cutting corners when we cruise.........but I hope we don't have to.;)