This may be a divisive opinion, but I don’t think balcony rooms are worth the extra money.
I’ve found that balcony seating is rarely as spacious as the lounge chairs elsewhere on the ship. If your party is larger than two people, you probably won’t have enough room for everyone to comfortably enjoy the space together.
However, lack of space is just one of my gripes with balcony staterooms.
A significant amount of light can intrude into your room in the morning, and at times, cigarette smoke and noise from surrounding balconies can feel inescapable. Plus, leaving the balcony door open for a sea breeze can just lead to a wind tunnel in your stateroom.
To me, the higher cost of these accommodations doesn’t seem worth it. Save your money and book a stateroom with a sizable porthole instead. This accommodation offers all the sightseeing you need, with a lot more privacy.
Besides, when a ship has so much to explore, it’s best to get out of your room and enjoy everything your cruise has to offer.