Cruise Guests Lose Balcony Access Unexpectedly for...

If there’s one factor I’ve realized all through my years of cruising, it’s to at all times count on the surprising and be able to roll with the punches. For instance, it’s not unusual for itineraries to alter on the final minute due to inclement weather.

However what some passengers could not understand – particularly if they’re newer to cruising – is that reserving a stateroom with a private balcony doesn’t at all times assure balcony entry in the course of the crusing.

Certainly, one such visitor took to Reddit to ask if it was regular to lose entry in order that the crew members may full upkeep duties.

“We obtained a discover yesterday saying our blinds have to be closed and our balcony is off limits till they full routine upkeep. I don’t know the way lengthy it should take but, however a girl just a few cabins down stated hers was out of bounds for 3 days for portray, so I’m anticipating the identical,” the cruiser wrote with out specifying the ship or cruise line.

In a later replace, the visitor confirmed that they solely misplaced entry for in the future – not three like their fellow passenger – however nonetheless wished to know if this follow was commonplace.

“We misplaced entry at 6pm final night time, and it’s going to be out of bounds till 6pm tonight… I’m not upset about it, simply curious what the established order was. I used to be a bit nervous that it could be for longer since my neighbour misplaced hers for 3 days this sail, however visitor providers stated I’d have entry once more this night,” reads the replace.

Within the feedback part, the bulk confirmed that they’d related experiences the place they too misplaced balcony entry – however that it often solely lasted for a pair hours and was whereas the ship was in port, when visitors would almost definitely be off the ship anyway.

That stated, there could possibly be conditions – or even emergencies – the place the crew must conduct upkeep that may’t watch for a port name or turnaround day.

However regardless of the explanation, dropping balcony entry – and/or not seeing the anticipated view from one’s balcony – is usually a sizzling button subject with cruisers.

Final yr, for instance, one cruiser made headlines for complaining that the safety railing on their balcony obstructed their view onboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas.

Much more just lately, a Norwegian Cruise Line visitor sparked debate – and even obtained compensation – after her view was blocked by maintenance equipment whereas crusing by a slim portion of the Panama Canal.

Why Balcony Entry Isn’t a Given

There are various causes for why crew members may must briefly forbid balcony use – however on this case, the cruiser confirmed that it was on account of portray of their unique query and within the feedback part.

“I wasn’t anticipating to lose entry for my balcony for a full 24 hours, and the girl just a few cabins down misplaced hers for 3 days due to grinding and portray,” they wrote to a different cruise fan.

Some may marvel why the cruise line couldn’t simply watch for the subsequent go to to dry dock to color, however most ships truly have to be painted rather more usually to forestall rust and corrosion and preserve the ship’s desired look.

Finishing the work at sea permits the cruise line to take care of the ship with much less delays and infrequently decrease prices. 

Learn Additionally: How Do Cruise Ships Float?

Extra generally, cruise visitors could obtain related notices to shut their blinds and keep off their balconies in order that the crew members can wash the home windows – which retains the ship clear, ensures visitors get to maintain their clear view, and prevents salt harm.

Though, typically visitors don’t get the memo in time both – resulting in some awkward conditions.

One lady shared her household’s embarrassing story: “Do you know that they don’t even want to enter your room to go on the balconies? My husband came upon after he took a bathe noon and went into our bed room to dress and loans behold there was our each day room cleaner outdoors on the balcony washing the home windows!”

That is why most manufacturers, akin to Carnival Cruise Line, now notify visitors of the cleanings prematurely utilizing an environmentally friendly door hanger system – which was carried out in summer time of 2024.

Home windows usually have to be washed at the very least as soon as throughout each crusing – with some cruise traces endeavor the duty extra usually. This usually must happen mid-voyage because of the frequency this chore is required and easily not having sufficient time on turnaround days.