Selecting a cabin while planning a cruise is as important as choosing a ship. You begin to think about the ocean views, fresh air, and peaceful mornings with the smooth sea to watch. Then suddenly the cheaper one titled obstructed view cruise catches your eye, and you hesitate. Is it a bargain or a letdown that is just going to happen?
Obstructed view cabins are one of the most misinterpreted elements of cruise booking. By some, these cabins are called the best and are booked each time. Others declare it will not happen again. The reality is somewhere in between.
This guide explains everything in simple terms. You will discover what obstructed view really means on a cruise ship, how terrible it can be, and when it is worth booking and when it is not. At the end of this, you will determine whether the obstructed ocean view balcony is your type of travel or not.
What Is an Obstructed View Cruise Cabin?
An obstructed view cruise cabin is a stateroom whose external view is fully or partly blocked by something from the ship. This could be a lifeboat, metal railing, structural beam, or crew use equipment.
Some of the main types are:
- Obstructed ocean view: A window cabin where the glass looks out at the sea, but something is blocking part of it.
- Obstructed balcony view: A case of a balcony where the view is only obstructed by the person sitting or standing.
- Partially obstructed view on a cruise ship: The view is affected just a bit.
- Obstructed view: Visible Ocean view reduced to almost nothing.
The question arises, what is meant by an obstructed view of balcony on a cruise liner? It can be defined as a balcony which is not completely open to the sea view and where one may view a lifeboat instead of water.
What causes an Obstructed View on a Cruise Ship?
Obstructions are the result of the ship’s design and safety requirements. The most common ones include:
- The main reason for lifeboats: They are generally installed in the vicinity of specific decks.
- Tender platforms: A necessity when the ship is offshore.
- Metal beams or dividers: Reinforcing structures.
- Hollow railings or solid balcony walls: Usually present in older vessels.
- Crew equipment: Winches, cranes, or storage areas.
There is a variation in the way cruise lines treat such issues. For instance, the Disney Cruise Line often very clearly indicates these in-room standards as obstructed view verandah Disney cruise, while others may just mention “partial view.”
Where Are Obstructed View Cabins Located?
Obstructed view cabins are mainly placed on lower decks, decently decks 5 to 8, according to the ship. These are often the decks where lifeboats are kept.
Their most common locations are:
- Below the main promenade deck
- At the fore or aft of the vessel
- Adjacent to the areas for boarding
- Cabins midship with lifeboats directly out
Balcony cabins with obstructions may still have a higher location, but there is steel instead of glass railings. This is the situation with some of the Royal Caribbean ships where in an obstructed view balcony Royal Caribbean style you might see a solid steel wall instead of a glass railing.
Can You Get an Upgrade from an Obstructed View Cabin?
Yes, but sometimes it happens, and it is never a sure thing. In most cases, upgrades are given in the following scenarios:
- The ship is at less than full capacity
- You are marking a significant event
- You place a bid for an upgrade through the cruise line system
- You have loyalty with the cruise line
Even so, most passengers intentionally book an obstructed view room with the expectation of a free upgrade. From time to time, this works, but it should always be assumed that you will be in the cabin you reserved. Carnival Cruise Line and Princess Cruises are among the cruise lines that sometimes offer free upgrades, but there is no guarantee.
How to Find Out If You’ve Booked an Obstructed View Cabin?
This step is crucial and in fact, this is where many get surprised. Here is what you need to do to check:
- Go through the cabin description thoroughly: Be on the lookout for the terms "obstructed," "partial" or "limited view."
- Check the deck plans: Find your cabin number on the deck plan of the ship. Look out for lifeboat symbols.
- Use your cabin number in an online search: A lot of cruise lovers upload images and share their experiences of rooms.
- Reach out to the cruise company or your travel contractor: Then be sure to check with them on the obstructed view rate for that specific stateroom.
This is particularly beneficial for Holland America Line, where an obstructed verandah might still provide a good side view depending on the angle.
Reasons to Book an Obstructed View Cabin
The name implies that these cabins will not be a good choice, but there are actually lots of good reasons to book one.
- Lower Price: This is the main reason. Obstructed view cabins can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars less than full view cabins. If a balcony without a high price is your choice, the obstructed balcony view can be a wise decision.
- Same Cabin Size: Most obstructed view cabins are the same size as regular ones. So, you are not losing space, simply part of the view.
- Great Budget Travelers: If you spend most of your time exploring the ship or ports, the view doesn't matter that much. Many travelers say, 'I just slept there.'
- Natural Light Still Comes In: Even with a partially obstructed view of cruise ship cabins, sunlight can come in making it better than an inside cabin.
- Quiet Location: Lower decks are usually quieter and less crowded. That can lead to better sleep.
Some families might even prefer obstructed view verandah Disney cruise cabins because they get fresh air without paying premium prices.
Reasons to Skip an Obstructed View Cabin
They are not for everybody.
- View Matters to You: The blocked view can be very disappointing if ocean watching is part of the joy.
- Some Obstructions Are Worse Than Others: It can feel like being shut in if there is a fully blocked lifeboat right outside your window. People often ask, what is a fully obstructed view on a cruise ship? It is when you can hardly see any water at all.
- Photography Can Be Tricky: Lifeboats and beams can ruin your sunrise and sunset photos.
- Balcony Use Feels Limited: Sometimes in obstructed balcony view cabins you may feel less private or that you are being boxed in.
- Resale Regret: If you later wish you had booked a better view, the upgrades can be expensive.
This is a very common thing with either a princess cruise obstructed view balcony or a carnival cruise balcony room obstructed.
Tips on Booking an Obstructed View Cabin
Booking smart is a reason for having a good time.
- Know the Type of Obstruction: Obstructions are not all of the same kind. It is better to have a partial lifeboat than a solid wall.
- Look for Side Angles: Some cabins are blocked straight but clear on the side. These are hidden gems.
- Read Recent Reviews: Ships get an image overhaul. A cabin that was bad five years ago may have gone through the opposite now.
- Choose Balcony Over Window: If the budget permits, an obstructed ocean view balcony is still your source of fresh air.
- Check Specific Ship Classes: Cruisers come up with tricks for dealing with worse obstructions than others. For instance, old cruises have a greater chance of blockage.
This is crucial when reserving such as the carnival cruise junior suite obstructed view or a virgin voyage obstructed view cabin, as the layouts differ enormously.
Is an Obstructed View Cabin Worth Booking Again?
Fortune favors the travelers who say yes. If you afford:
- Cutting down on the cost
- Having a balcony for a lesser price
- Getting allowance for excursions or dining
- Balcony Use Feels Limited: Sometimes in obstructed balcony view cabins you may feel less private or that you are being boxed in.
Then, it is repeat winning for you if you go for an obstructed view in cruise ship cabins.
If you are a newbie or celebrating a big occasion, you might want a clear view just to compare. Afterwards, most people readily go down to class. It usually depends on expectations. People who know what they are in for are generally pleased. The ones who hope for a full ocean view, however, feel disappointed.
Conclusion
Cruise cabins with obstructed views are not a deception or a blunder. They are merely a compromise. You get a lower price, but at the same time, you lose part of the view. For a lot of travelers, particularly those who adore bargains, an obstructed balcony view is one of the ship's best offers. For others, the full sea view is worth every single extra dollar. If you know your cabin, know the obstruction, and have the right expectations, then booking an obstructed view of cruise can be a wise and pleasant choice. The ocean is still present. You may just have to lean a bit to catch a glimpse of it.
FAQs About Obstructed View Cruise Cabins
Also Check: What Kind of Cruise Travel Insurance Do You Need?
