opinions needed on balcony cabins for Europe

[bye-seaya]

I need your experienced opinions on whether or not a balcony cabin for a European/Greek Islands cruise that is port intensive worth the $?

We usually cruise in the Caribbean and book CC level which is a cabin with a deck.

We always enjoy sitting on our balcony early in the morning, taking in the port's view. But I am wondering if the European ports are picturesque or, are they more industrial looking and perhaps not worth spending extra dollars on having a view of them?

The ports are: Departing from Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Naples, Italy; Valletta, Malta; Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Mykonos, Greece; Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey; Rhodes, Greece; Santorini, Greece; Chania (Souda),Crete, Greece; Venice, Italy.

Thank you in advance for your thoughts!

[C 2 C]

There are some nice deals out there right now.

Once you get used to a balcony it is hard to go pick another cabin type.

However if the upcharge is too much think how many more excursions you could enjoy. I would not book a CC though.

[FortyNinerLiz]

I need your experienced opinions on whether or not a balcony cabin for a European/Greek Islands cruise that is port intensive worth the $?

We usually cruise in the Caribbean and book CC level which is a cabin with a deck.

We always enjoy sitting on our balcony early in the morning, taking in the port's view. But I am wondering if the European ports are picturesque or, are they more industrial looking and perhaps not worth spending extra dollars on having a view of them?

The ports are: Departing from Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Naples, Italy; Valletta, Malta; Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Mykonos, Greece; Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey; Rhodes, Greece; Santorini, Greece; Chania (Souda),Crete, Greece; Venice, Italy.

Thank you in advance for your thoughts!

My answer would be yes. We just completed the Silhouette BtoB Trans and then Med with your schedule as our second part. We needed the balcony just to get some quiet at the end of a very busy day, everyday!!! We would get back from tours and relax on our deck. Then we would go to the Elite gathering and dinner and then go back and sit on our deck (unless it was a Celebrity big show in the theater). You need to relax after tours and leaving ports. Just our thoughts.....

[TexasHorseLady]

I need your experienced opinions on whether or not a balcony cabin for a European/Greek Islands cruise that is port intensive worth the $?

We usually cruise in the Caribbean and book CC level which is a cabin with a deck.

We always enjoy sitting on our balcony early in the morning, taking in the port's view. But I am wondering if the European ports are picturesque or, are they more industrial looking and perhaps not worth spending extra dollars on having a view of them?

The ports are: Departing from Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Naples, Italy; Valletta, Malta; Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Mykonos, Greece; Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey; Rhodes, Greece; Santorini, Greece; Chania (Souda),Crete, Greece; Venice, Italy.

Thank you in advance for your thoughts!

 

One of my favorite things about cruising - and some of my most vivid memories of past European cruises - are of early mornings sipping a cup of tea in my comfies (sweat suit or pajamas) on my own balcony, with my hair all a mess and no makeup yet...just me and the morning (husband still asleep)...feet up on the rail...watching as a port approaches to see what exotic and exciting scenery we will be treated to this day. It's a truly magical moment! I would not bother with a balcony in some parts of the world, if trying to pinch pennies. But in GREECE and ITALY?? Venice? Santorini? Not just yeah but hell yeah I would want that balcony for that trip!

[bye-seaya]

My answer would be yes. We just completed the Silhouette BtoB Trans and then Med with your schedule as our second part. We needed the balcony just to get some quiet at the end of a very busy day, everyday!!! We would get back from tours and relax on our deck. Then we would go to the Elite gathering and dinner and then go back and sit on our deck (unless it was a Celebrity big show in the theater). You need to relax after tours and leaving ports. Just our thoughts.....

Thank you! These are great thoughts! It is hard to even think about not having a balcony. And good point about the quiet down time - which would be much needed. Thanks again!

[bye-seaya]

One of my favorite things about cruising - and some of my most vivid memories of past European cruises - are of early mornings sipping a cup of tea in my comfies (sweat suit or pajamas) on my own balcony, with my hair all a mess and no makeup yet...just me and the morning (husband still asleep)...feet up on the rail...watching as a port approaches to see what exotic and exciting scenery we will be treated to this day. It's a truly magical moment! I would not bother with a balcony in some parts of the world, if trying to pinch pennies. But in GREECE and ITALY?? Venice? Santorini? Not just yeah but hell yeah I would want that balcony for that trip!

LOL! Great advice ....hell yeah convinced me. Balcony it is! :D

[Essiesmom]

I just did 24 days in an inside in the Med. I could not afford a balcony, but we only had four sea days and our past use of balconies did not justify the expense, even if I had the cash. Going to do the Med again next year, and it will likely not be a balcony then, either. EM

[Somonica]

mmmm...

 

how about this? ;)

 

[Bruin Steve]

I need your experienced opinions on whether or not a balcony cabin for a European/Greek Islands cruise that is port intensive worth the $?

We usually cruise in the Caribbean and book CC level which is a cabin with a deck.

We always enjoy sitting on our balcony early in the morning, taking in the port's view. But I am wondering if the European ports are picturesque or, are they more industrial looking and perhaps not worth spending extra dollars on having a view of them?

The ports are: Departing from Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Naples, Italy; Valletta, Malta; Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Mykonos, Greece; Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey; Rhodes, Greece; Santorini, Greece; Chania (Souda),Crete, Greece; Venice, Italy.

Thank you in advance for your thoughts!

 

First of all, your ports are a mixed bag...

Some are "industrial"...like Rome, Venice, Naples...

Some are incredible--Malta!! Santorini (which is a tender port, but you anchor inside the caldera), Rhodes...

But even some where the port area itself is nothing much, the sail in and out can be incredible (Venice)

 

Of course, the trade off is that, rather than sitting out on your own balcony, you learn to enjoy them from the ship's public areas...

 

It's merely a change in lifestyle...

Some people are very accustomed to getting a lot of use from their balconies...Others have adapted to an "inside cabin lifestyle"--where you only use your cabin to sleep, use the bathroom and change clothes...

 

I have done both...I really prefer a balocony, or, even better, a suite, but each booking I make a value judgment as to whether or not the incremental difference between the price for one category to the next is worth it or not to me.... I do like the extra space and the extra light of the large glass door, but I also appreciate the need to hold to a budget...and, yes, a lot has to do with the itinerary...the greater the number of at sea days, the more I value the balcony...

 

But, if it makes great sense for me to take an inside, I don't have a problem with that...I just adjust what I do on the ship...I use the top deck as MY balcony...I drink my coffee in a lounge...I have drinks in a bar... On at sea days, I hang out around the ship...

 

You just have to decide for yourself how adaptable you are...and what the price differential is worth to you...

 

Good luck...

[johnb0529]

I need your experienced opinions on whether or not a balcony cabin for a European/Greek Islands cruise that is port intensive worth the $?

 

I cannot imagine a Med Cruise without a Balcony. Some of the ports are simply amazing and nothing better than sitting on your balcony, eating breakfast while arriving into port, except maybe sitting on the balcony with a glass of while while sailing out of port, after a day of sightseeing!

[nikel]

One of my favorite things about cruising - and some of my most vivid memories of past European cruises - are of early mornings sipping a cup of tea in my comfies (sweat suit or pajamas) on my own balcony, with my hair all a mess and no makeup yet...just me and the morning (husband still asleep)...feet up on the rail...watching as a port approaches to see what exotic and exciting scenery we will be treated to this day. It's a truly magical moment! I would not bother with a balcony in some parts of the world, if trying to pinch pennies. But in GREECE and ITALY?? Venice? Santorini? Not just yeah but hell yeah I would want that balcony for that trip!

 

 

My sentiments exactly....Only Rome, Naples and Athens are not necessary, the rest OMG - breathtakingviews. Rather have my balcony than a specialty restaurant....that you can get anywhere you live, but a view of the Med, unless you live there not a chance to have it at home

[Tropic]

If you go with balcony's in the Carribbean you'll enjoy then in the Aegean and many of the Med's ports. So go for it... on Celebrity we often use the Solarium as our "watching" spot, but our last cruise on the Constellation we went with balcony's... we got a great last minute price for the Istanbul/Agean cruise and jumped at the pricing and got our money's worth. You'll like all those places though that sound like some sort of back to back with all those ports.

[benjoon]

Balcony!! Yes no question there.

 

We enjoyed the arrival into a new port. Being able to catch the perfect sunrise or sunset. Watching dolphins in the ships wake. Watching the people arriving back to the ship late with the applause from other balconies.

 

Our first cruise was an inside stateroom. Then we had a balcony. We will never go back to an inside. We have had suites the last 2 cruises. Next year we have booked two CC cabins as our daughter is getting to that stage that she spends ages in the bathroom.

[Petoonya]

(HI BRUIN STEVE!! Nice to see you.)

 

Hello Bye-Seaya,

 

We're booked on the same itinerary for next April, 2013.

This will be our fifth Med cruise. The previous sailings were half

insides and half balconies. But find we never use the balcony other than

to see if it's bright or dark outside. The cruises have been so port-intensive

that we come home back exhausted often not making it to the dining room.

 

On Med itineraries I guess we have the "inside lifestyle".

 

On the other hand, you would NEVER want to miss sail in to Malta, Santorini and

Venice. And because of those ports alone I would recommend having a balcony.

 

Have a fantastic cruise!

[Esprit]

Definitely yes.

 

Don't forget that in Europe the sun sets later than in the Caribbean

[Mr. Click]

We did the Med on the Equinox last summer and we LOVED having our balcony. A great place for quiet breakfasts, your own private reading room, great views as you sail long the coast lines. Go for it. You won't regret it

[TexasHorseLady]

Malta from my balcony.

[TLCOhio]

I need your experienced opinions on whether or not a balcony cabin for a European/Greek Islands cruise that is port intensive worth the $? We usually cruise in the Caribbean and book CC level which is a cabin with a deck. We always enjoy sitting on our balcony early in the morning, taking in the port's view. But I am wondering if the European ports are picturesque or, are they more industrial looking and perhaps not worth spending extra dollars on having a view of them? The ports are: Departing from Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Naples, Italy; Valletta, Malta; Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Mykonos, Greece; Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey; Rhodes, Greece; Santorini, Greece; Chania (Souda),Crete, Greece; Venice, Italy. Thank you in advance for your thoughts!

 

Your list of potential port stops looks super great. That's a very nice and varied mix of great places to visit and experience. We have been in most all of these places and there is so much to see and do in most of these locations. The good news, in most cases, with Celebrity is that the price different for window-only view versus balcony is not that large of a cost jump. If you can do a balcony in the Med, it is nice. Not all docking point are scenic and special, but you will use that balcony lots, overall. That's especially true for the Greek Isles. Some ports, especially near the larger cities, are more so-so, but overall, it is a nice plus this additional place to hang-out, relax, etc..

 

Below are a few of my sample visuals to get you excited about what all you can see, do and enjoy in these wonderfully historic and charming places. Don't miss the great sail-in for Venice.

 

Since Venice is one of your key stops, you might look at this earlier posting that I did on the Italy board that shows many options and visual potentials for this city that is so great for "walking around", personally sampling the great history and architecture.

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

 

You can check out my earlier post on “Athens Tips, Suggestions, Examples to Enjoy!” for many details, ideas and interesting visuals on this great city. Lots of ideas here from me and others experienced with Athens.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 84,772 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

 

 

Overlooking Positano along the Amalfi Coast, this is the view as we dined, family-style for lunch, at La Tagliata during our private tour for our small group through RomeInLimo. The views here were super and the sun came out in strong force as we enjoyed our three-course lunch with local wine and drinks. Their website is http://www.latagliata.com.:

 

 

 

As we sailed into Venice, here is a tighter shot of the main square and the crowds that were there around 1 pm on June 14. Love Venice so, so much! Don’t miss this great sail-in and sail-out from the top deck of the ship!:

 

 

 

Here’s a sampling of the narrow, flowered street in Mykonos in the Greek Isles with its many shops. The streets were made so narrow in order to fend off pirate attackers. It is an island with lots of history and legend dating back thousands of years, including connections to ancient Greek mythology. Ionians settled on Mykonos in the early part of the 11th century BC. As Delos developed as a sacred center, Mykonos was under the influences of the different people, including Phoenicians, Macedonians and Athenians. With the rise of Alexander the Great, the fate of Mykonos became a commercial center for agriculture and maritime trade. Mykonos flourished with enormous wealth during Roman occupation during the reign of Augustus Caesar. During the Middle Ages, Mykonos fell under the Venetians and later were victimized by the Saracens and latter the Turks. Starting in the 1950’s, its unique architecture, seclusion and hospitality have made it a haven for the rich and famous.:

 

 

 

This harbor view in Mykonos shows one of the charming windmills. From as early as the 16th century, these are one of the most recognized landmarks of Mykonos. The island is 33 square miles in size and has a population of 9,300, mostly in its main village.:

 

 

 

Looking downhill towards the library and other ruins from when Ephesus, along the Turkish Coast, was Rome's capital of Asia Minor. The history here is real and totally amazing! Ephesus has the famed outdoor theater that hosted Saint Paul preaching, plus rock stars, etc. At this large, 25,000 seat outdoor theater in the 1st century AD, the Apostle Paul did a famed sermon condemning pagan worship. He spent over three years in Ephesus preaching the Gospel.:

 

 

 

Another area for seeing added ruins at Ephesus:

 

[ariawoman]

We always get a verandah. I just like having a private outdoor area to hang out. Else, it makes you feel like you have more real estate since you have the cabin plus the verandah. Sometimes we use it to just get away from eachother for a few minutes LOL. I watched the sunset over the Agean (sp) sea from my verandah last year and it was the most gorgeous thing ever.

 

Go for it!

[sailawayjack]

I need your experienced opinions on whether or not a balcony cabin for a European/Greek Islands cruise that is port intensive worth the $?

We usually cruise in the Caribbean and book CC level which is a cabin with a deck.

We always enjoy sitting on our balcony early in the morning, taking in the port's view. But I am wondering if the European ports are picturesque or, are they more industrial looking and perhaps not worth spending extra dollars on having a view of them?

The ports are: Departing from Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Naples, Italy; Valletta, Malta; Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Mykonos, Greece; Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey; Rhodes, Greece; Santorini, Greece; Chania (Souda),Crete, Greece; Venice, Italy.

Thank you in advance for your thoughts!

 

:cool:I have not been in an inside cabin for the past 7 cruises. I went on a 12 day Med cruise in an inside cabin years ago, and am going back to an inside for my next 12 day baltic next year. Why? My Wife's decision LOL

Actually the reasoning is it stays light at night and sleeping will be better. Euro cruises are very shore extensive and you won't have a lot of time to spend sitting in your cabin enjoying the view. Up early, breafast and out the door. Back late afternoon, shower, hot tub to rest those feet, couple drinks, and off to dinner. I'd take the extra money and spend it on those expensive shore excursion because you may never be back :cool:JACK IS SAILING AGAIN

[grayjay]

I'd take the season into consideration, too. If it is very late in the season, you might not use the balcony as much as in , let's say, May/June with the long and often balmy evenings and beautiful sunrises in the mornings to watch. During our Med cruise in November last year we really didn't use the balcony much - too windy (hump balcony facing forward) and it was really cool and often rainy.

On the other hand I'd like to underline what most of the others have mentioned: some ports like Valletta are breath-taking to watch while enjoying a cup of tea on your own balcony. It's restful to put your feet up and read quietly on sea days without somebody stumbling over your feet in the solarium or having to listen to that incredible muzak everywhere in the buffet area.

My personal choice is a balcony and I try to save money with other issues, if necessary: We don't need the casinos or extended sessions at the bars to enjoy our cruises - I don't mind others doing so, just my choice. Or I book a GTY balcony which is sometimes the same cost as one of the better inside cabins.

[iancal]

We did that cruise last fall...only we departed from Istanbul. We just booked a balcony gty for an early October Adriatic cruise from Rome on Silhouette. The price was too good to miss.

 

We have been to all of your ports, except Malta, by land and by cruise ship. You picked a very good itinerary. We find the weather in the Med is usually just fine through to the end of October.

 

We really enjoy a balcony, notwithstanding port intensive schedules. We like having coffee in the AM on the balcony and wine in the afternoon/pre dinner drinks. And we like to be on the balcony as we arrive or depart-especially some of the Med ports.

 

There has been some very, very good Med cruise pricing over the past two seasons. Particularly on Celebrity.

 

We have found that if you 'hit it right' that the price for a balcony it is often the same as, or very close (within a $100.) of the oceanview pricing). Good luck. If the price is 'right' for you, lock in and then keep an eye out for any price decreases or cabin category upgrade opportunities until final payment is due.

[Shooraq]

We did have a balcony, specifically concierge class, cabin for our Mediterranean cruise. Only reason is because prices dropped around final payment and we upgraded from an inside to balcony for next to nothing. Was the balcony nice? Sure. But we honestly barely used on such a port-intensive trip that had you our on tours at 7 or 8 in the morning and back in late afternoon or early evening. Sadly, the curtains to block out the light barely overlapped, so thank goodness for my sleep mask!

 

Long story short - for a port-intensive cruise, it is not "necessary" to have a balcony. It's a treat, but if you don't need windows, an inside is just fine. Our next 3 out of 4 cruises are in insides and that's fine for us! :D

[BrendaJ]

Since our first Celebrity cruise (on which we booked an inside but they upgraded us to a balcony), we have always booked a balcony. That is, until last year, when we did two 7-day Azamara Med cruises back to back. The difference in price between an outside and a balcony would have been over $3,000 for us. We decided to forgo the balcony in favour of booking some very good private excursions and having nice meals in the ports.

 

Honestly, I didn't miss the balcony at all on that cruise. As much as I like getting up in the morning and seeing where we are, I don't find I spend much time at all on the balcony, and in port, no matter what side of the ship I'm on, I'm always eager to see what I'm missing on the other side. For this reason, we very seldom stay in our cabin long during sail-in or sail-way, because we don't want to miss the views on the other side of the ship.

 

For me, it would depend on the price difference and what else I might do with the money I save if I choose an inside or outside over a balcony.

[Presto2]

There is only one word to sum the answer up ------ YES

 

The views when you are there may not be wonderful but the sailaways - wow ! Can't imagine being in that amazong part of the world and not seeing as much as we can.

 

:D