Infinite Balcony vs. Traditional Balcony: What Royal Caribbean Isn’t Telling You (And How to Choose the Right One)
When it comes to planning a cruise, your cabin choice can quietly make or break your entire experience. It’s one of the most overlooked yet high-impact decisions travelers make—and if you're cruising with Royal Caribbean, the choice just got a lot more complex.
That’s because Royal Caribbean has introduced a bold, new cabin concept on their Icon-class and Star-class ships: the Infinite Balcony. It’s sleek. It’s innovative. And yes—it’s causing quite a stir.
As a professional travel advisor and Royal Caribbean specialist, I help clients cut through the hype to find the cabin that fits their lifestyle, travel goals, and comfort needs. So, let’s break down what you really need to know about Infinite Balconies, how they stack up against Traditional Balconies, and how to decide which one is right for you.
What Is an Infinite Balcony Cabin?
First introduced by Celebrity Cruises and now adopted by Royal Caribbean on ships like Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas, the Infinite Balcony transforms part of your indoor cabin into an “outdoor” space with the press of a button.
Here’s how it works:
- Instead of a physical balcony with sliding doors, you have floor-to-ceiling windows that can be lowered halfway to let in the ocean air.
- The window area is technically part of your room, not a separate space.
- A set of bi-fold glass doors can be closed to create a pseudo-balcony space—or left open for a more open-concept feel.
It’s modern and clever—but is it better?
How Is It Different from a Traditional Balcony?
Let’s compare the Infinite Balcony to what cruisers have known and loved for years.
Traditional Balcony:
- Fully enclosed outdoor space with railing
- Step outside without affecting indoor A/C or heating
- Hear ocean sounds, feel breezes, and enjoy open sky
- Perfect for morning coffee, reading, or private sunsets
Infinite Balcony:
- Indoor space with a drop-down window
- AC or heating shuts off when the window opens
- No true outdoor experience—just the feel of it
- More interior space, ideal for colder climates or privacy
For some cruisers, this feels like a modern marvel. For others, it’s a fancy ocean-view room with a window that opens.
Pros of the Infinite Balcony
- Increased Living Space: Since the balcony area is integrated into your cabin, it offers a more spacious feel.
- Better for Families: The expanded room works well for small families needing extra space or bunk beds.
- Weather-Friendly: No stepping outside into rain or wind—you get the view and air without leaving the cabin.
- Modern Aesthetic: Sleek, tech-enabled design with clean lines and smart features.
Cons of the Infinite Balcony
- No Outdoor Escape: There’s no place to step out. You can’t fully immerse yourself in the sea air.
- A/C Shutdown: Once the window is open, the air conditioning turns off—creating heat and humidity in warm climates.
- Less Ocean Ambiance: Without a railing or the sound of waves, it lacks that “at sea” feeling many cruisers crave.
- Privacy Limitations: Inward-facing Infinite Balconies (like those in Central Park) require drawn curtains—blocking the whole view.
What Are Cruisers Saying?
The feedback is a mix of enthusiastic praise and disappointed reviews:
🗣️ “We loved how spacious it felt—we had room to move even with two kids!”
🗣️ “It got hot and sticky fast. We missed the breeze and the sounds of the sea.”
🗣️ “Felt like an expensive Ocean View cabin, not a real balcony.”
That’s why it’s so important to work with a cruise specialist—someone who can guide you based on what you value most in your vacation experience. “That’s why I like to sit down with my clients as soon as they let me know that they are interested in a vacation. When we start talking about their cruise I want to know exactly what they want from their experience, so I can make sure that the suggestions that I’m making are the best for them. The cheapest isn’t always the best and could turn out to be a total disaster. It’s always about getting the best vacation value for each client. It’s like “matchmaking” each client to their own vacation.” - Tina Moczynski, Cruise Specialist, Shores And More Travel.
Who Should Book an Infinite Balcony?
✅ Great for:
- Families with small children (safe, enclosed)
- Travelers who value extra room
- Those cruising in cooler months or climates
- Guests with accessibility needs or mobility concerns
🚫 Not ideal for:
- Ocean-lovers who crave breeze, sound, and sea immersion
- Warm-weather cruisers who want climate control 24/7
- Light sleepers bothered by humidity or cabin warmth
My Professional Recommendation
The Infinite Balcony is a smart option for some, but not all. It’s all about matching the right cabin to your cruising style.
As a travel advisor who specializes in Royal Caribbean sailings, I help my clients avoid costly mistakes by reviewing ship layouts, cabin locations, and room types—before they book. Whether you want the ultimate view, the quietest deck, or the most family-friendly layout, I’ll guide you every step of the way.
Ready to Choose the Right Cabin for Your Cruise?
Whether you’re eyeing the Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas, or any Royal Caribbean ship, let’s make sure you’re not just booking a cabin—you’re booking the right experience.
Contact me today to start planning your next adventure!
Not quite ready to plan? Join my Live It List Club -- you’ll receive travel tips, destination inspiration, and exclusive content—delivered straight to your inbox.