Princess Cruises’ Sky Princess launches in just over two weeks – and it’s proud boast is the biggest balconies at sea.

To some, balconies are a luxury. To others, they are a necessity. How big do they have to be? The bigger the better, a Cruise Passenger survey shows.

The Sky Suites on Sky Princess will have a sprawling 1,012 sq ft monolith wrapping around the suite and offering a 270-degree panorama view.

But there are other strong contenders from lines with suites that have multiple balconies, offering even more space. There are also balconies with private gardens that take up more than half of the total suite space.

And balconies in the same suite class can also differ from ship to ship, so make sure to check out the room layout and dimensions before booking if you like to spend a lot of time outdoors.

Princess Cruises – Sky Suite

The Sky Princess introduces the Sky Suite which features the largest continuous balconies at sea, measuring 1,012 sq ft (starboard side Sky Suite) and 947 sq ft (port side Sky Suite). The balcony will take up just over half of the total suite area of approximately 1,873 sq ft.

It provides 270-degree panorama view and a private vantage point of the Ship’s Movie Under the Stars screen. Guests can also use the Deluxe telescope for Discovery Stargazing at SEA.

It is also the ultimate space for entertaining, with luxury balcony furniture including a dining table for four, large day bed, loungers and exterior bar with mini fridge and TV at private patio. Guests will also get to enjoy the balcony with complimentary Ultimate Balcony Breakfast and Dinner.

NCL the Haven – 3 Bedroom Garden Villa

The balcony in this villa makes up more than 65 per cent of the total suite space with the size of 4455 sq ft. This one takes the top spot for space but it doesn’t quite offer the same wraparound glass windows of Princess Cruises’ Sky Suites. The sprawling outdoor area features a private garden with hot tub, an outdoor dining area and terrace. Garden Villas are available on Norwegian Gem, Pearl, Jade, Dawn, Star, and Jewel.

Seven Seas Cruises – Regent Suite

The Regent Suite on the Seven Seas Explorer 1416 sq ft (131.6 sq metre) and Splendor has a 1291 sq ft (120 sq metre) veranda which offers 270-degree views over the ship’s bow. The Splendor also features a custom-made Treesse minipool spa on the front balcony.

The balcony makes up just under a third of the total suite area of 4,443 sq ft on the Explorer and Splendor.

Seabourn – Signature Suite

The Signature Suite on the Seabourn Encore and Ovation has the fleet’s largest balconies. They come up to 960 sq ft and guests can request in-suite dining and champagne services to enjoy on the balcony. The Signature Suite balconies on other Seabourn ships in the fleet start at 495 sq ft. In the second largest balcony categories, the Wintergarden and Grand Wintergarden Suite have a glass enclosed solarium with tub and day bed on each balcony.

Royal Caribbean – Royal Loft Suite

The largest balcony on Royal Caribbean is found in the Royal Loft Suite on Symphony of the Seas. The balcony comes in at 843 sq ft and features a sitting area, bar area, private dining area and whirlpool. The AquaTheatre Suite with Large Balcony comes in second at 772 sq ft and it offers the best seat in the house during AquaTheater performace as well. You can watch it right from your veranda and even have dinner as it happens.

Special mention goes to the Ultimate Family Suite balcony which is 212 sq ft on Symphony and 462 sq ft on Spectrum. Though smaller, the line managed to fit the veranda with a ping pong table (that converts for dining), climbing maze, full-size whirlpool and lounge furniture.

Oceania Cruises – Owner’s Suite

The largest balcony on Oceania Cruises is found in the Owner’s Suite, offering 665 sq ft of space, nearly a third of the total area of the suite. The balcony includes a jetted hot tub with TV (a filter allows passengers to watch without squinting through sun glare), two wicker chairs, a small table and one lounge chair.

Viking Ocean Cruises – Explorer Suite

On Viking Ocean Cruises, the suite with the largest balconies is also not found in the largest suite, the Owner’s Suite, but in Explorer Suite. The balcony in the Explorer Suite comes up to 560 sq ft. Guests can relax on the luxe loungers or have their meals on the balcony using the al fresco dining table. The veranda in the Owner’s suite is a modest 156 sq ft in comparison but it is fitted with a private Nordic dry sauna. The dry sauna is glass encased and you can enjoy ocean views while relaxing in there.

Carnival Australia

The line’s largest balconies can be found on the soon arriving Carnival Splendor. The Captain’s Suite will have balconies measuring 260 sq ft. Guests can enjoy the 24-hour room service that Carnival offers and sit with their favourite snacks or beverage and gaze out at the ocean.

Silversea

The Owner’s Suite on the Silver Whisper and Shadow has the fleet’s largest balconies, measuring 220 sq ft. The teak veranda is fitted with patio furniture and floor to ceiling glass windows. The balcony also connects the one of the bedroom and living area.

Crystal – Crystal Penthouse Suite

The Crystal Penthouse Suite offers 189 sq ft of space that is furnished with sun loungers, small table and chairs to relax and have tea and snacks. The veranda also connects the living and bedroom.