What is the difference between the cabin categories on balcony rooms?

Question

I reserved the cheapest balcony cabin on a Royal Caribbean ship. (Category E2) They have upgrades from E1, D3, D2, D1 (D1 being the most expensive.) Am I going to have an obstructed view? Should I upgrade? I can't figure out why my room was cheaper than the others.

Answer 1

You can determine whether your cabin has an obstructed view by going to the Royal Caribbean cruise line web site and clicking on PLAN YOUR CRUISE, then click on SHIPS, and then select the ship that you will cruise on.  Then click on the link on the page that shows the DECK PLANS.  You will see on the left side of the page a legend that shows which cabin are for handicapped, or 3 people, or is connecting with the next cabin.  If any cabins have an obstructed view it will show on the deck plan.

So then find your cabin on the deck plan to see if there are any obstructions.

The difference between the balcony cabins are size and location.  Higher category cabins are generally on a higher floor and in a better location and they will also be slightly larger by, for example, 20 to 30 square feet.  And that difference can mean that the cabin has a full sofa instead of a  love seat, or it has  a bathroom that is a foot larger.  And you will notice the difference because you will find that its easier to get around things in the cabin.

On RC's web site the square footage of cabins is listed on the deck plan.  I have been on many RC cruises and I generally pick the lowest priced balcony cabin as high up as I can get it for the price.  On our last RC cruise last month I did upgrade to the highest cat balcony cabin and I did notice the difference.  But its not something that I would do every cruise.

If you are still concerned you can call your travel agent or RC at the number on their web site (you will need your reservation # for them to help you) and ask if there is an obstruction and if you are concerned ask to change cabins; I have done that too.

Answer 2

Your cabin may also have been cheaper because of when you booked it.

Booking in advance will save you on the cruise fare.