A calming view during cruising is a highly tempting thing, but choosing the right cabin is daunting. So, if you’re not sure about aft facing balcony cabins, this blog has some convincing facts for you.
The aft-facing balcony offers a calm and unique view from the back of the ship. This is the perfect and highly desired spot for travelers to unwind by seeing the sunset and water moving. This spot is also less noisy and ideal for occasions that call for tranquility on the ship.
Therefore, choosing the aft facing balcony cabin seems an opportunity to enjoy the calmness and beauty of the ocean. If you’re planning your next adventure on the cruise and not sure whether you should choose this aft facing cabin or not, worry not.
If you are wondering what is aft facing on a cruise ship? If yes, here is an ultimate guide that will explain to you all the pros and cons of choosing an aft balcony on the cruise. Read on to explore this guide in detail:
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Having a spot where you can enjoy the best of nature view without any noise and disturbance is no less than fortunate. This is one of the reasons why travelers demand a cabin on a cruise that comes with a balcony.
The aft facing balcony offers a unique perspective to the travelers, which isn’t easy to replicate from other areas of the ship.
Read more: An Ultimate Guide on What to Wear on an Alaskan Cruise – 2025
By considering all the pros and cons of getting a specific balcony cabin on the cruise, you can make the right decision for yourself and make the most out of it.
What Is an Aft-Facing Balcony?
If you’re new to an aft facing balcony and not sure what is aft facing balcony, an aft facing balcony is a special kind of balcony located at the back of the cruise. This is the reason why it is called “Aft.” This part of the ship is like having your own private outdoor space that allows you to unwind with a perfect view of the open sea trailing behind.
Another exciting fact about the aft facing balcony is that it offers more space and a better view than any other standard balcony.
This is the spot where you can feel the ocean breeze hitting you while you’re watching the waves as the ship moves forward. Booking these balconies for your cruising adventure will offer you a unique and more peaceful experience that you can live to the full.
On the aft facing balcony, you can perfectly enjoy the sunsets, sunrise, and the soothing sound of moving water. All of these factors collectively offer a calm and more relaxing feel to travelers. In other words, this is reviewed as a little haven to give you unforgettable memories.
Should You Consider Booking an Aft Balcony Cabin?
If you don’t know what is the aft of a ship, it is better to explore the cabins before booking your spot. On a cruise, some people prefer booking a balcony cabin, especially for the peaceful view. At the same time, others might choose mid-ship or any other location.
Depending on your preference and love for the view, you can make bookings for the aft balcony cabin in your cruise.
Moreover, you can review the pros and cons to decide whether it is worth your investment or not.
Type of balconies on Carnival Cruise
There is a wide range of balconies on the carnival cruise offering different views of the ocean. Each of the Carnival’s ship classes has a different selection of cabins and balconies, and you can choose the best one for yourself.
For example, the best one that a carnival cruise can offer to you is the extended balcony, which offers additional balcony square footage to the guest. Moreover, there is an aft-view extended balcony, a premium balcony, and a forward-view extended balcony.
To help you explore the best options, here are the top types of aft balcony carnival explained below:
1: Extended Balcony on a Carnival Cruise
The carnival cruise has more oversized balconies than standard balcony staterooms. These are called extended balconies because of the space they offer to travelers to explore the sea.
This is one of the reasons why travelers on the carnival prefer the carnival aft view extended balcony for their adventure to have a more peaceful, spacious, and calm cabin.
2: Premium Balcony
The premium balcony is another of the largest staterooms on the carnival cruise. If you’re looking for a splurge, these premium balconies will cost you more money but come with more space and a better view.
3: Havana Premium Vista Balcony
A Havana balcony on a carnival cruise is the themed cabin, which is located around the ship’s lively Havana bar. If you’re planning to have the view along with access to the Havana pool with two more oversized hot tubs, this premium Vista balcony is the ideal room for you to book for the cruising adventure.
This way, you can not only enjoy the view but also have easy access to the bar whenever you need an exclusive drink.
Type of Balcony Cabin in Royal Princess
The Royal Princess cruise has a variety of cabins and balconies, from standard to deluxe balconies. However, what this cruise doesn’t have is the overview cabins. These are missing from the interior.
Therefore, the guest prefers booking the deluxe balcony cabin on the Royal Princess cruise. So, if you’re looking for aft facing, there is a royal princess aft balcony cabin with different sizes of suits that you can consider according to your needs.
5 Benefits of Aft-Facing Balcony
Now, as you have explored what does aft facing balcony mean, and why it is in demand, now you can dig deeper to learn about the best benefits of choosing the aft facing balcony for the cruise adventure.
Let’s read on:
1: Aft-Facing Cabin Are Generally Larger
It’s structurally beautiful that the balconies that face the stern of the ship are often larger than those that face the ship’s port to make the vessels connected.
Therefore, on many cruise ships, the balcony with an aft facing cabin is twice as large as the balconies on the ship’s sides. When there is more space, the cruise company will install additional furniture, such as dining tables and lounge chairs.
So, if you’re planning to stay with your family or friends, this will help you to get an additional sitting and relaxing area.
2: Aft-Facing Cabin Offer the Great View
It is always a sight that never ceases to amaze when one looks across the wake produced by the enormous engines. When nothing is visible on the horizon behind the ship, the view will look more soothing and restful.
This way, cruise balcony view offers a breathtaking sight as you leave the port and watch your departure port getting smaller. There is nothing more amazing than sitting or standing around the balcony at night with the scent of the ocean and breeze and the sight of the wake sparkling in the moonlight.
If you want to experience this view, an aft facing cabin is the right choice for you.
3: Aft-Facing Have More Privacy
One of the most significant benefits of considering an aft-facing cabin is having increased privacy because they are located near the ship’s stern. This is an area that is not open to the general public. This means there will be less crowding and foot traffic.
So, if you thrive on peace and more privacy on the cruise, consider an aft-facing balcony as the best option to feel secluded.
4: Aft-Facing Cabins May Be Quieter
Aft-facing rooms are typically quieter than forward-facing cabinets on the cruise. The reason is that these are far from areas of the ship that are frequented by large groups of passengers, such as dining areas and elevators.
It is possible that you might hear the sound of the thrum of the engines, but this is not an obtrusive sound that might cause more inconvenience to you. Moreover, some passengers considered the sound of the ship’s wake more calming than the background noise.
This encourages them to sit out late at night when the dark, starry sky starts to complement the sound of the ocean.
5: Aft Facing Cabin Provides Effective Shading
Depending on the direction of the ship pointed and the latitude you are traveling through, there will be a chance that you will get effective shade if the sun beams towards the ship’s bow.
However, if the situation is reversed, the aft-facing cabins can quickly overheat, which is not good for travelers.
5 Cons of Aft-Facing Cabins
Along with some effective benefits of aft-facing cabins, there are a few drawbacks to having a cabin that faces the rear of the boat. This can be a deciding factor for many travelers, depending on the specifics of your cruise trip.
Therefore, here is a list of cons that you should consider before booking the aft facing cabin:
1: Aft-Facing Cabins Can Be Hotter
Because of the location of aft-facing cabins in the ship’s stern, the heat generated by the ship is divided at the ship’s bow and flows down the side of the ship.
This heated air doesn’t rejoin until farther aft. This generates a miniature low-pressure area, which leads to causing more heat to the cabins.
2: Aft-Facing Cabin Experience Cause More Machinery Noise
Some travelers think that there will be less noise and more calmness around the aft facing balcony. But what they miss out on is that it is located at the stern of the vessel. When the ship is moving forward, this will not be a problem for the guest.
However, if the ship is near port or leaving, the noise will be greater as the volume increases. This can be disturbing for many guests. But it will last a short span of time.
3: Aft-Facing Cabin Are Affected By Sea Motion
When the sea is stormy, a ship’s rear and forward-facing cabins will shake more than usual. If you’re prone to motion sickness, you won’t be able to perform well on the aft balcony.
Moreover, consider reserving a cabin near the ship’s center if you have experienced any seasickness on the cruise. The motion of the ships is less obvious in the midsection of the ship. Therefore, to stay on the edge, you have to mentally prepare yourself for this.
4: Aft-Facing Cabin Cause More Vibration
It’s an undeniable fact that the vibration coming from being over the engines and screws is stronger than the other parts of the ship. You can even feel this vibration more strongly if the aft is facing the cabin than in different parts of the vessel.
Cabins that face the rear of the aircraft are located away from the passenger circulation areas and are quieter in terms of the noise caused by both people and entertainment sections.
However, the ship’s screws are located just below you. Therefore, the vibration will be part of your journey to ensure the ship is moving properly.
5: Aft-Facing Cabin Involve More Walking
One of the main disadvantages of choosing an aft facing cabin for your adventure is experiencing more foot traffic on board. On most ships, aft-facing cabins are always located at the end of a passageway. This eliminates the onboard convenience, such as elevators and other passenger areas.
Moreover, you will have to make a very long trek to your accommodation each and every day when you are cruising. This will take more time and demand you to walk more.
So, if mobility is a concern for you, the aft facing cabin is not the right choice for the sea adventure.
How You Should Find the Aft-Facing Cabin with the Best View
The aft-facing cabin is one of the tempting spots on the cruise; many people consider choosing an aft-facing stateroom, which has the potential to be one of the most expensive on the ship.
The view of the sea can be seen from another cabin as well, such as having poles or another piece of equipment. Therefore, it is crucial for you to ensure that you are getting a separate balcony with your chosen cabin for aft facing area.
Aft Cabin Vs Forward: Which Is The Right One For The Cruise?
Most cruise balconies are designed on the top or around the starboard sides. However, the forward and aft are designed at the back or even on the stern of a cruise ship.
These are often the larger decks to offer you more. At the same time, both have their own perks and cons. But if you want to compare aft vs forward facing balcony, here are some facts that you can consider:
So, if you’re having second thoughts on is forward or aft better on a cruise ship, you will be surprised to know that to enjoy a unique view by saving some cash, a forward cabin will be the best option for you. It is also a great choice for many travelers who are on a smaller budget and want more peace around.
However, if you’re interested in the allure of craft cabins and have dreamed of watching the ship’s wake, an aft view extended balcony will be the right match for you. This way, you can have the best view and more space to have a calm view of the ocean. But, you have to prepare yourself for the little vibration in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. 1 What Is an Aft-Facing Balcony on a Cruise Ship?
An aft on a cruise ship is usually a cabin or balcony located at the back side of the cruise ship. It offers passengers a unique view of the ocean and surroundings for a calm and restful view.
Q.2 Are Aft-Facing Balcony Good Investments for Cruise Adventures?
Yes, the aft facing balconies tend to be quieter and less crowded during the whole cruise. This provides a peaceful and serene sense of relaxation. The atmosphere around the aft face is one of the most tempting things that many travelers love to explore.
Q.3 How Can Having an Aft-Facing Enhance Your Cruise Experience?
When you have an aft-facing balcony for the adventure, it will allow you to connect with nature more and enjoy the soothing sounds and sights of the ocean in a private setting.
This will enhance your cruise experience and make it more memorable.
Final Words:
An aft facing balcony on a cruise ship is more than a place to sit and enjoy. In fact, it is a doorway to some of the most beautiful times and views of the ocean that you can replicate anywhere else.
The panoramic views and serene atmosphere offer a chance to connect with the beauty of the ocean in a truly personal and exclusive way. So, whether it’s a gentle rocking of the ship or a stunning sunset, this spot should be your preference for the trip.
By booking a balcony, you can unlock the touch of magic to your cruise experience by embracing the sense of tranquility.
