What Is A Veranda On A Cruise Ship (Know Before You GO)
If you’re comparing cruise ship’s or booking with a different company, you may have noticed some name discrepancies.
You would think all cruise ships have the same cabin and deck names, right?!
Shockingly, they don’t. So if you’re looking for a nice balcony cabin on Celebrity cruises and seeing ‘veranda’ everywhere, it’s only natural to wonder…
What Is A Veranda On A Cruise Ship?
A veranda is simply a balcony. The terms ‘veranda’ and ‘balcony’ are used interchangeably and vary simply by the cruise line’s preference.
A veranda on a cruise ship is a private balcony attached to a passenger’s cabin, allowing for an exclusive outdoor space to enjoy sea views and fresh air. Verandas range in size from small areas with seating for two to larger spaces on suites, with some designed for use only when the ship is docked because of high winds at sea.
Standard veranda staterooms might offer a cozy arrangement just enough for a pair of chairs and a small table. Suites on these ships may have more expansive verandas, and some are even large enough to wrap around the back of the ship, providing sweeping views of the sea and surroundings.
Types Of Verandas On A Cruise Ship
There are a couple of different styles of verandas available on a cruise ship.
Each veranda type offers a different cruise experience, catering to a range of budgets and preferences, and is designed to enhance the passenger’s connection with the ocean and their destinations.
Here are some of the types of veranda’s you may find on your next cruise ship:
Standard Verandas: These are the quintessential balconies attached to many ocean cruise cabins, sized for a small table and a couple of chairs, allowing guests to enjoy private outdoor time with views of the ocean or port. Guard rails and privacy walls ensure your safety and seclusion, allowing you to relax in peace.
French Balconies: Especially popular on river cruises, French balconies offer the ambiance of a veranda through sliding doors that open to a railing, providing the illusion of outdoor space without an actual platform to step onto.
Aft-Facing Verandas: Located at the stern of the ship, these balconies offer expansive views of the ship’s wake. They’re often larger and more desirable due to the unique perspective and quieter experience away from the bustle of port-side activities.
Wraparound Verandas: These are typically associated with higher-tier suites and encompass the corner of the ship’s structure, offering panoramic views and ample space for lounging, and sometimes dining, as they extend along the side of the ship.
Concierge or Spa Verandas: Tied to more luxurious accommodations, these verandas come with premium amenities, like upscale furniture or private hot tubs, and may include concierge services or exclusive access to the ship’s spa facilities.
Obstructed View Verandas: These verandas come with a discounted price due to partial views obstructed by lifeboats or other ship structures, yet they still provide outdoor space and fresh air.
Extended Verandas: Larger than standard options, these balconies provide extra room for additional furniture or space for passengers to entertain guests in a more spacious outdoor setting.
Family Veranda – Are you cruising with your loved ones? A family veranda offers a more spacious area to accommodate multiple passengers, providing a comfortable setting to create lasting memories with your family. This type of veranda typically features additional seating options, such as a small sofa or a couple of extra chairs.
Some cruise lines, like Celebrity Cruises, use the term “veranda” for their outdoor seating areas, making it easy to identify these spaces.
Regardless of the type you choose, a veranda on a cruise ship serves as an idyllic spot to relax, take in scenic views, and make the most of your vacation.
Is A Balcony On A Cruise Ship Worth It?
A balcony on a cruise is worth it if you value tranquility and enjoy private, panoramic views. If you’re the type of traveler who’s never in your cabin and likes to be out-and-about, spending the extra money on a private veranda may not be worth it for you.
If you get overwhelmed by crowded spaces and need some ‘alone time’ with a view, then a cruise ship balcony is definitely worth the extra money.
Some large cruise ships can feel very crowded, making a veranda the perfect escape.
On the other hand, I know plenty of people who don’t want to spend a moment of their vacation in their cabin, even if that’s in a private balcony.
So it all comes down to a matter of personal preference, budget, and the type of cruise experience you seek.
Veranda vs. Balcony on a Cruise Ship
Veranda’s and Balconies are synonymous on cruise ships, it’s just a different name for the same space. Some cruise ships prefer to use the term ‘balcony cabins’ and some use ‘veranda cabins.’
It comes down to the individual cruise line. For example, Royal Caribbean uses ‘balcony’ but Disney cruise lines uses ‘Verandah’ (they add an ‘h’ to veranda, as some cruise lines do as well.)
Benefits of a Veranda on a Cruise Ship
One of the most notable benefits is the ability to step outside and enjoy fresh air, panoramic views, and breathtaking sunrises or sunsets right from your cabin.
Your private outdoor space gives you a sense of freedom, as you don’t need to share the area with other passengers. This can be a great way to escape the crowds and enhance your cruise experience.
In addition to the visual appeal, the presence of a veranda significantly improves the comfort and convenience of your cabin.
You get to enjoy the sea breeze and natural light, creating an ambiance of serenity and relaxation in your stateroom.
Plus, your personal outdoor space gives you the chance to unwind and recharge without necessarily leaving your cabin.
Opting for a veranda cabin might also save you money over time. While it may come with a higher initial cost compared to an inside cabin, the value of the ambiance, privacy, and ocean views can outweigh the extra expense.
Plus, if you plan on spending most of your time enjoying your surroundings onboard, a veranda cabin may be well worth the investment.
Also, a veranda cabin offers a unique level of privacy compared to other cabin types on a cruise ship.
While communal spaces and public decks are available for everyone to appreciate the scenery, a veranda allows you to enjoy these views without the intrusion of strangers.
This means you can relax, dine, or sunbathe in peace and quiet, making your cruise living area feel more like a personal sanctuary.
Potential Drawbacks of a Veranda
While verandas on a cruise ship can offer stunning views and a private outdoor space, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider.
One issue you might encounter is limited space. Cruise ship cabins are already compact, and adding a veranda can sometimes compromise valuable interior square footage.
If you’re traveling with a larger party, you may find the extra space needed for a veranda doesn’t justify the trade-off in interior room size.
Another potential downside is that many cruisers find themselves prone to motion sickness. If your cabin comes with a veranda, you’ll likely be higher up and further out from the ship’s center, placing you in an area with more motion.
Though the fresh air and ocean views might be enticing, it could subsequently exacerbate your feelings of nausea, especially during rough seas or strong winds.
Privacy might also be a concern for some. While you might expect a private balcony to be a sanctuary from other passengers, the reality can sometimes be quite different.
Neighboring verandas are often in close proximity, and the partitions between them may not offer complete seclusion.
In some instances, noise from adjacent cabins might even carry over, detracting from the serene atmosphere you were hoping for.
Lastly, the price difference between a standard cabin and one with a veranda can be significant. Upgrading to a cabin with a veranda may strain your travel budget, especially if you’re planning a lengthy trip.
Though a veranda can be a luxurious addition to your cruise experience, you’ll want to weigh the added cost against how much you realistically expect to use the space.
If you think most of your time will be spent enjoying onboard amenities and exploring ports, it might not be worth the additional expense.
Choosing The Right Veranda
When selecting a veranda on a cruise ship, you should consider several factors to ensure that you’ll have the best experience possible.
Think about the location of the veranda on the ship. Ideally, you want a cabin with a veranda that offers stunning views, whether it’s the ocean or the surrounding scenery.
To ensure a more peaceful and private experience, try to find a veranda away from common areas and noisy activities.
In addition to location, consider the size and layout of the veranda. You’ll want enough space to comfortably sit, relax, and enjoy the sea air.
Some cruise lines offer cabins with significantly larger verandas, which can provide additional space for reclining chairs or even a small dining area.
Be sure to check the dimensions and furniture included on the veranda before making your decision.
When it comes to amenities, assess whether the added features are worth the extra cost. For instance, some verandas may come with exclusive access to certain facilities or include additional services such as room service.
Weigh the benefits of these extra perks against the increased price you’ll be paying for your cabin with a veranda.
Also, don’t forget to research the specific cruise line and ship. Each cruise line may have a unique naming convention for their cabins with verandas, which can impact what is included, as well as any potential restrictions.
What one ship considers a ‘veranda stateroom’ can be completely different from another ship.
Safety Considerations for a Cruise Ship Veranda
When you’re enjoying your cruise ship veranda, it’s essential to keep some safety considerations in mind.
The most important rule of all, never leave children unattended on the veranda. Although there are guard rails and walls designed to maintain your privacy and keep you secure, accidents can still happen.
Taking sensible precautions, like ensuring you lock the veranda door when not in use, is also necessary. This helps prevent accidental falls or any unauthorized access to your cabin.
In addition, making sure that your belongings are secure while on the veranda is essential. The open air exposure can cause items to blow away or get damaged by the elements.
It’s best to keep valuable items and personal belongings inside the cabin when not in use.
Never lean over or sit on the guard rails. They are there for your safety and protection from falls. Always use the provided furniture for seating and relaxation.
Feel free to rearrange the table and chairs to your liking, but ensure there’s enough space to move around without hazards.
Also, it’s important to be mindful of others’ privacy on neighboring verandas. While enjoying the beautiful views and fresh air, remember to keep your noise levels reasonable and respect the personal space of other passengers. This helps maintain a comfortable and friendly atmosphere for everyone aboard.
What is an Infinite Veranda Cabin?
An Infinite Veranda Cabin is a relatively new concept in cruise ship design, introduced by Celebrity Cruises. It’s designed to give guests a more spacious room by incorporating the balcony into the main cabin area.
The main feature of an Infinite Veranda is a set of bi-fold doors or windows that can be closed to create a traditional balcony space or opened to extend the living area of the cabin, making the entire room a balcony when the top half of the window is opened.
This design allows passengers to enjoy open-air views and fresh sea breezes with the touch of a button, without stepping onto a separate outdoor balcony.
The idea is to blend the indoor and outdoor experiences seamlessly. These cabins often come with additional high-tech amenities, providing an innovative and modern cruise experience.
Which Cruise Lines Use The Word Veranda?
Several ocean cruise lines prefer to use the term ‘Veranda’ for their balcony rooms. These include Celebrity Cruises and Oceania Cruises.
Disney Cruise Line and Holland America Line also use this term but add an ‘h’ at the end, spelling it ‘Verandah’.
Additionally, Seabourn and Silversea offer upscale accommodations called ‘Veranda Suites’. Virgin Voyages takes a different approach, naming their balcony rooms ‘Terrace’ instead.
Are Balconies On Cruise Ships Private?
Yes and no. Balconies on cruise ships are private in the sense that they are accessible only to the passengers staying in that particular cabin.
They are designed to provide a personal outdoor space where you can enjoy views and fresh air without sharing the area with other passengers who are not part of your traveling party.
However, the level of privacy can vary.
Some balcony dividers may not extend all the way to the ceiling or floor, and depending on the ship’s design, people on nearby or above balconies might be able to see into your balcony area to some extent.
On top of this, balconies located on higher decks might be visible from certain vantage points on the ship, such as from public deck areas above.
Are Standard Balcony Cabins Better than Infinite Varandas?
When comparing standard balcony cabins with Infinite Verandas, the decision rests on personal preference and the desired cruise experience.
Standard balcony cabins offer a traditional separation between the interior living space and the exterior ocean vistas, affording a private outdoor area that is distinctly separate from the cabin.
This conventional design is favored for its clear demarcation of space and the ability to enjoy the open air in seclusion.
In contrast, Infinite Verandas present a modern innovation in cruise ship cabin design, integrating the balcony with the indoor space.
With retractable windows, these cabins provide a flexible area that can be adjusted according to preference, creating a larger, more fluid living environment.
However, this design might compromise privacy to some extent and alters the conventional balcony experience.
