Are all Balcony cabins the same or are some special?

So are all Balcony cabins the same or do some have that little bit extra that make them special so you want to book that cabin?

What about the Hump, twin or sweet 16? No, this is not risqué or anything to do with camels but nicknames and marketing speak for cruising's less common, but well-loved balcony cabins. So let me explain a bit and also add a few more to this little list.

The Hump

Can be found on many modern cruise ships that have undulating superstructures. The "wave" running port and starboard creates variation in balcony sizes, so those cruisers in the know can book a cabin that falls within a certain category, but has bonus balcony space.

 

The Twin

Found on some of the new Europe-based riverboats with AMAwaterways and Viking. Due to the constraints of the locks they tend to have balconies -- basically a glass door that opens to a railing. The newer ships have seen "Twin Balcony," which couples a French balcony with a demi-version of the real thing.

The Sweet Sixteen

Now this is a new one to me, some Celebrity aficionado’s know about the "Sweet Sixteen," eight port and eight starboard balcony cabins found on the Millennium-class ships. Though the balconies are much larger than the average, the Sweet Sixteen are priced as Category 2C cabins, the cheapest balcony cabins on ship.

And what about some of the others options:

The Aft

There are countless aft facing cabins on most ships, on some thee come at a premium on others they may have a restricted view. I have a great time in a Sunset Vista cabin on Celebrity Equinox with some stunning views.

The Exposed

On Princess' Grand-class ships and P&O's Azura & Ventura because part of the ship's superstructure the larger Mini Suite cabins or Superior Deluxe cabins are a little and have a slightly larger balcony. But you do get something else, because of the stepping of the decks you are overlooked from above! Picture taken on Ventura 

The Show Stopper

What about those AquaTheatre Suites on Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, from the balcony, you have front row seats to watch gymnasts flipping around on trampolines, and high divers floating and twisting down from great heights.

This comes with a hefty price though, so why not watch from your balcony on the ship berthed next door as my photo shows!

These are only a couple of options I am sure that you have ideas of others out there, why not let me know.