Hi Peter:

I had grave doubts about this balcony myself and felt it would take away from the cabin size that is already small. However, I was pleasantly surprised. The cabin is still just fine and so well designed it works great. The cabin with balcony is 200 sq.ft so it is bigger to start with as most ships are in the 150 - 170 range.

Not having done this yet I am no expert but I think the times that this balcony would be great is when you are sailing and the sundeck is closed. It would give the option to sit outside and enjoy the passing scenery.

I do agree that parked the balcony is really of no use. Although I did sit on the balcony of a cabin and have a glass of wine looking at across the river at the Parliment buildings and it was really delightful. Probably an odd situation when the ship was not parked next to another ship.

I also agree on being on the higher deck. Those lower decks with those high windows or portholes feel confining. You cannot "look out" as they are so high up but they do let in light of course. Interestingly enough Scenic has the largest window in these cabins although still really high on the wall. The windows have a "shelf" that is about 12" deep that none of the other ships have. Sure would be handy to store things there.

Avalon: I would love to hear your opinion of Avalon as opposed to Uniworld. Either by email or posting here.