Neighbourhood Balcony Staterooms - A Room with a View

06 December, 2019 Neighbourhood Balcony, Oasis of the Seas

Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class ships are designed with a unique ‘neighbourhood’ concept. Exclusively on Allure, Harmony, Oasis and Symphony of the Seas, guests will find seven districts that are themed to suit different traveller interests. These include the leafy grounds of Central Park, the seaside pier inspired Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, the Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Centre, Entertainment Place, and the Youth Zone.

While most of these neighbourhoods are dedicated solely to activities and experiences in line with their themes, two offer balcony staterooms overlooking them to truly immerse passengers in the atmosphere. These neighbourhood balcony staterooms face inward offering views over either Central Park or the Boardwalk, rather than the ocean.

Neighbourhood Balconies Overlooking Central Park, Oasis of the Seas

Benefits of a Neighbourhood Balcony Stateroom

If you are looking for a space to breathe in the fresh air and enjoy some natural light without leaving the comfort of your stateroom, then having access to a private balcony will make all the difference to your cruising experience. However, sometimes upgrading to an ocean view balcony stateroom can come with a considerable price tag. Neighbourhood balcony staterooms tend to be slightly cheaper than ocean facing ones, so opting for one of these can make cruising with a balcony very reasonable.

Staying in a Central Park or Boardwalk balcony stateroom also allows you to soak up the atmosphere of each of these neighbourhoods in a whole new way. Central Park offers a green oasis with a lush garden while the Boardwalk neighbourhood, toward the aft of the ship, reflects a charming seaside promenade on the English coast, complete with a carousel, dining venues and the AquaTheater stage.

As well as an appealing price tag and the ambiance offered by these areas, guests staying in neighbourhood balcony staterooms also have access to added perks that may include a complimentary lunch for two at Giovanni's Table and a bottle of red wine in your stateroom for Central Park guests – as well as a private casino gaming lesson with an onboard guest.

Boardwalk balcony stateroom guests can enjoy a complimentary meal for four at Johnny Rockets, a complimentary Royal Refreshment Soda Package for two guests and an exclusive rock climbing wall experience for the entire family.

Neighbourhood Balcony Staterooms Overlooking the Action on Harmony of the Seas

Choosing your Neighbourhood Balcony Stateroom

A common concern of travellers considering a neighbourhood balcony stateroom is the level of noise they will be exposed to drifting up from the neighbourhood below or from shows and fellow cruisers. Royal Caribbean guide that the ambient noise is only minor and doesn’t penetrate the staterooms. However, the level of audible noise will vary depending on where your stateroom is located and what is happening on board, and some guests are more sensitive to ambient noise than others.

If this is a concern but you are looking to stay in a neighbourhood balcony stateroom, then perhaps Central Park is the way to go as it is a bit quieter. The Boardwalk hosts shows at the AquaTheater and both because of this, as well as the extra foot traffic in this area, you’re likely to notice more noise staying along the Boardwalk.

If the deck you are cruising on is important to you, Central Park balcony rooms are located on decks 10 through 14 while Boardwalk balcony rooms reside on decks eight through 14. The view of the neighbourhoods is the biggest difference between Central Park and Boardwalk balcony staterooms, but if your view is the most important thing to you, then it is worth noting that some Boardwalk balcony staterooms also offer partial or full views of the AquaTheater. Therefore, depending on where yours is located, you might get to take in some shows from your private balcony.

You can also catch some ocean views from many Boardwalk balcony staterooms when you look towards the aft of the ship, so this can also be a happy medium between the atmospheric inside of the ship and the tranquil ocean outside.

Neighbourhood Balcony Staterooms Overlooking The Boardwalk, Allure of the Seas

As far as views go, it is also worth noting that as your neighbourhood stateroom balcony is facing into the interior of the ship, you will also be able to see the balconies (and possibly into the staterooms) across from your balcony and visa versa. This may not be a problem for inner city apartment dwellers, but it is certainly a consideration for your holiday. If you want more privacy, then an ocean facing balcony stateroom is the more suitable option for you.

When you are planning your cruise, if your mind’s eye pictures sweeping ocean views, the sea breeze in your hair, and being lulled to sleep by the sound of the ocean, then a neighbourhood balcony stateroom will not deliver your dream. However, if you are looking for a great value option to have some fresh air and immerse yourself in the atmosphere on board (as well as some of the best people watching the ship has to offer), then a neighbourhood balcony stateroom is a great option for your next cruising holiday.