The difference in price between a balcony and an interior can be very dramatic. But it's also important to note that even though an ocean view should cost more than an interior, there are times ...

I stayed in one of the Symphony of the Seas' ocean-view balcony rooms with my husband and daughter. It provided ample storage space despite being just 182 square feet with a 50-square-foot balcony.

After my first cruise in a cabin with only a window, I knew I'd be upgrading to a room with a balcony for my next voyage. Inside the author's state room on her first (left) and second (right) cruise.

Need for Outside View: Cruise Ship Balcony Room Cruise ships are often pretty big, but cruise ship staterooms aren’t. For some people, that can be a big issue.

Closer to the middle of the spectrum is the 198-square-foot "Superior Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony" ($1,003/person for a 7-day trip), which sleeps up to four people and offers a sitting area ...

More: Add at least $70 to upgrade to a deluxe inside stateroom, at least $110 for a superior ocean-view stateroom, and at least $270 for a balcony stateroom. All prices are per person.