If you’re like me and love Royal Caribbean’s incredible Oasis-class ships, you know they’re not just cruise ships—they’re huge floating cities filled with thrilling attractions, world-class entertainment, and stunning neighborhoods unlike anything else at sea.
So, when I finally had the chance to board the Symphony of the Seas—at that time the last of the first five Oasis-class ships I hadn’t yet sailed on—I was beyond excited.
This time, even though I felt a bit hesitant, I thought it was time to try something new and ended up booking a Central Park View Balcony Cabin.
It was a completely different type of cruise, and in this post, I’ll share what it’s really like to travel in one of those cabins, along with the pros and cons, and whether I’d choose this cabin again.
What is a Central Park View Balcony Cabin?
Located on decks 10 through 14, these balcony staterooms face the Central Park neighborhood, a peaceful open-air green space filled with real plants, trees, walking paths, upscale restaurants like 150 Central Park, Chops Grille, and Jamie’s Italian and even live music in the evenings.
The concept is brilliant. Instead of looking out at the ocean, you’re overlooking a lush garden atmosphere, surrounded by glass balconies and the soft sounds of birds (yes, even if they’re pre-recorded).
Cabins like mine—Stateroom 10189 on Deck 10—feel modern and functional. You get a spacious bed (convertible to twin or queen), a sofa, ample closet space, drawers, a desk, and a bathroom with a glass-door shower (no dreaded plastic curtain!). The balcony has two chairs and a small table—perfect for coffee, reading, or editing videos, like I often did during this voyage.
How I Ended Up in This Cabin: My Booking Story
Initially, I booked one of the cheapest interior cabins to save money, as this cruise on the Symphony of the Seas happened in the middle of a lengthy European adventure that spanned six months, during which I explored many countries in the region by sea, land, and air.
However, about a month before the sailing, I received an email from Royal Caribbean inviting me to try my luck and bid on a cabin upgrade.
I was intrigued, especially to learn that any extra bid amount would only be charged if I won the bid. I decided to try, and I bid the lowest possible amount on a few different cabin options. Because of that, I was sure that I had little to no hope of being awarded an upgrade and didn’t think much about it.
However, a week before boarding, I was surprised to find out that I had been upgraded to a Central Park View cabin for the cruise, and it ended up costing much less than if I had originally selected this cabin.
The only caveat is that, although the passenger will receive the type of cabin awarded, they cannot choose the cabin’s location, as the company will assign cabins based on onboard availability.
If you’re sailing with Royal Caribbean, I recommend checking out the Royal Up program page on their website before your sailing and giving it a try.
Trust me, bidding for an upgrade can definitely be worthwhile.
Pros of Central Park View Cabins
1. Peaceful Atmosphere
Central Park is one of the most peaceful and relaxing spots on the ship. You’ll hear gentle sounds of birds, instrumental music, or live performances in the evenings—nothing too loud or disruptive.
2. Unique Vibe
There’s something surreal about sipping coffee or having breakfast on your balcony while overlooking a mini rainforest in the middle of the ocean. It doesn’t feel like you’re on a ship—it feels like a luxury hotel garden.
3. Lower Price
These internal-view cabins are often cheaper than ocean-facing balcony rooms but still give you a private outdoor space. For budget-conscious cruisers who still want that balcony feel, this is a great option.
4. Great Location
Being in Central Park places you near restaurants and lounges in the neighborhood on Deck 8, which is at the heart of the park and provides easy access to popular areas on board, such as the Royal Promenade on decks 5 and 6, the Pools Deck on 15, and the Windjammer, the ship’s buffet on Deck 16!
5. People-Watching Perks
If you enjoy being around energy and activity, this view allows you to see people walking below, talking, or enjoying the restaurants and green spaces. It’s ideal for those who want to feel connected to the ship’s vibe.
Cons of Central Park View Cabins
1. Limited Privacy
Unlike ocean-facing balconies, you can see other cabins directly across from you, and they can see you too. So yes, you should keep your curtains closed while changing or showering to prevent any awkward surprises!
2. No Ocean View
If you love watching waves or spotting dolphins from your balcony, this isn’t the right cabin for you. Even though you won’t see the sea from your room, you can always head to other decks onboard for stunning sea views.
3. Occasional Noise
While Central Park is generally a more relaxed and calm area, mainly featuring soft music and the occasional jazz-style live session at night, the pool deck above can be quite noisy at certain times of day and sometimes filters in noise, especially if your balcony door is open.
4. Limited Power Outlets by the Bed in some older ships
There’s only one power outlet near the bed in this cabin, and no USB ports are available in that area. This can be inconvenient if you have multiple devices, or especially if you share the cabin, as only one person will have direct access to the power outlet at night to charge phones and smartwatches.
Because of situations like this, I always travel with A CRUISE-SAFE ADAPTER CUBE that has plenty of extra USB ports to power all your gadgets and works with outlets in most countries and cruise ships — it’s a must-have for any cruiser or traveler!
What About Boardwalk View Cabins?
Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships also feature Boardwalk View Balcony Cabins, which overlook the lively and colorful Boardwalk neighborhood. These cabins are closer and often offer excellent views of the Aqua Theater and its shows at the back of the vessel, of the exit of the Ultimate Abyss—a pair of slides that start at deck 16 and end at the boardwalk (deck 6)—and even of a full-sized working carousel in the middle of the neighborhood.
The Boardwalk is a lively area with plenty of entertainment and attractions, but it also has more noise and less greenery. So if you’re deciding between a Central Park or Boardwalk View cabin, ask yourself: Do you prefer a peaceful garden vibe or a fun, amusement-park atmosphere?
Feel free to check out my full video about the Stateroom 10189 onboard the stunning Symphony of the Seas below!
Final Thoughts
I didn’t expect to enjoy this cabin as much as I did—but I really did. It felt cozy, distinctive, and refreshing. If you’re the kind of traveler who doesn’t need a sea view and prefers being surrounded by elegant design, greenery, and gentle sounds, the Central Park View Balcony Cabin is an excellent choice.
Just remember the privacy trade-off and occasional noise. For me, it was a great value upgrade—and I’m glad I tried it. Would I book it again? Yes, especially if I get a good deal once more!
Have you ever stayed in a Central Park or Boardwalk cabin? Share your experience in the comments—I’d love to hear about your experience and your thoughts!
