Would a Balcony Cruise ship cabin on the rear end(facing aft)be a better cabin than the side?

Question

They are sometimes called the "fantail", I am booking on the Norwegian Jewel. The travel agent says they are desirable.

They are part of the highest level of balcony cabin. I know the folklore is be in the middle of a cruise ship, but with stabilizers, and the view of the wake, sheilded from the wind, and large suites adjacent, Im tempted.

Answer 1

We have had several suites on the back of the ship, on Royal Caribbean, and Princess.  They are WONDERFUL.  

It is quiet- you do not hear any stabilizers or engines.  The view of the wake is amazing - and yes - you are shielded from the wind.  The balconies are normally twice the size also.  GO FOR IT!  You will not regret it.

Answer 2

The advantage to the aft balconies is as you said the size. The view is also amazing. However, if you are prone to seasickness a cabin amidship is very favorable. Imagine that you are viewing a seesaw. The least amount of movement is in the middle. So this is not folklore. Its true. I need to be in the middle. But do not have any trouble there at all.

Answer 3

Aft balcony cabins seem to be prime real estate aboard any ship!  If you have the chance to stay in one, as long as you dont have any seasickness worries, I would say go for it!!

I've personally never stayed in an aft cabin, but someday I want to!!

Answer 4

You have it right.  Mid ship has less movement and more air circulation.  There is very little wind at the back, and the view over the wake is great ...

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b103/Z...

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b103/Z...

Also the cabins tend to be quiet because there is not much foot traffic that far back and the balconies are usually bigger because of the slope of the rear of the ship.

However, there are some down sides.  Being at the end of the ship means more walking.  Also if the ship is pitching (up and down movement) you will feel it more on the back.  Because of the slope of the back of the ship the balcony has less shade.  Again, because of the slope of the rear, there is a little less privacy (people from above can look down on you).  The soot from the funnel can settle on the balcony ...

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b103/Z...

Answer 5

We had a cabin in the middle with a  "deck" but found our view very restricted by a life boat ...so I think I would have preferred the rear cabin.

Also our "deck" did not exist as the rail of the deck was flush with the cabin wall - to make room for the lifeboat - so we felt ripped off and next time would be more careful with the booking.

The idea of a large deck at the rear appeals..as you say..out of the wind... and with a large suite too. Enjoy :-)

Answer 6

i would be tempted too.   if you trust your TA then go for it.

The view would be incredible.

have a great cruise.

cruiseclues.com

Answer 7

I don't know about the side balconies, but I went on a cruise in May and we were in an aft balcony room. We were on the highest stateroom deck right under the pool deck; and if I had it to do all over again I would stay in the aft balcony again but I would choose a different deck. We heard them setting out and sliding chairs around at 6:30 am every morning. It became extremely annoying. Loved the balcony though....although as everyone else has said there isn't much breeze back there and gets pretty hot when the sun is out. Definitely check the ships deck plan and see what is right above your room. Oh, and it was a long walk if you needed to be at the front of the ship. Didn't bother us much...worked off some of that food we ate! Have fun!