Cruise Ship Deck PlansHow to read a deck plan — and pick the cabin location that suits you
White cruise ship at sea seen from the side

Choosing the Right Balcony Cabin

Aft, corner, obstructed or overlooked — what the deck plan tells you before you pay.

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A balcony can be the best part of a cruise — or a pricey disappointment if it looks onto a lifeboat. The deck plan shows most of what you need to know, as long as you know where to look.

Balcony Variations to Look For

Standard side balcony

The most common type: a balcony along the side of the ship, often with a partition between neighbors.

Aft-facing balcony

Looks over the wake. Often larger and more sheltered; may feel some vibration.

Corner (aft-wrap) balcony

Wraps around the stern corner for two views. Usually the largest non-suite balconies, and in demand.

Hump or extended balcony

Some ships have sections that bulge outward, giving larger balconies with forward or aft views along the hull.

Obstructed balcony

Partly blocked by lifeboats or structure. Can be a bargain if you mainly want fresh air.

Overlooked balcony

Lower balconies under public decks or stepped balconies may be visible from above.

How to Check a Balcony on the Plan

  1. Find the cabin and check the balcony depth if the plan or stateroom page shows it. Some balconies are notably deeper than others in the same category.
  2. Look at the deck below for lifeboats or tenders drawn alongside; on many ships they sit just under the first balcony decks.
  3. Look at the deck above: is there a public deck or overhang that could see down onto you or shade your balcony?
  4. For aft cabins, check for stepped balconies that the cabins above can see into.
  5. Note which side faces the coast on your itinerary, if you are sailing a scenic route such as a coastline or fjords.
Cruise ships at a port seen from above, with rows of balconies
From above you can see how balcony decks sit over lifeboats and under public decks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “obstructed view” mean?

Something outside — usually a lifeboat, tender or part of the ship’s structure — blocks part or most of the view. Lines sometimes sell these as a separate, lower-priced category. The degree of obstruction varies a lot, so ask before you book.

Are aft-facing balconies windy?

Generally they are more sheltered than forward-facing ones, because the ship itself blocks the wind when it is underway. They can, however, catch some funnel smoke or engine vibration on certain ships.

Can people see onto my balcony?

Sometimes. Balconies that are stepped (terraced) at the back of the ship, or lower balconies below public decks, can be overlooked from above. Look at the deck plan and side views for the decks above yours.

Is a Balcony Worth It?

It depends on the cruise. On a short warm-weather cruise with busy port days, many people barely use the balcony. On scenic itineraries, longer voyages and cruises with many sea days, a balcony gives you private outdoor space and fresh air whenever you like. If the price gap is large, an oceanview cabin in a great location is a sensible compromise. If you are hoping for a balcony without paying full price, read how cruise upgrades really work — and remember upgrades are never guaranteed.

Find Me a Balcony With a Clear View

Tell us the ship and date. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will check balcony locations for obstructions and quote the best options free.

Help Me Pick My Cabin