Yesterday we started a fun debate about booking a balcony stateroom versus an interior stateroom and today we get to show the other side of that debate with why you should book an interior stateroom.

Big savings

Booking an interior stateroom will save you money on your Royal Caribbean cruise, which is money you can turn around and use on the ship.

Since few of us have unlimited cruise budgets, saving a couple of hundred dollars can make a big difference to if a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation can happen or not.  Moreover, booking an interior stateroom may mean the money saved can pay for the bulk of the cruise's incidental costs.

Depending on the price difference, booking interior cabins can really add up to savings.

Sleep and shower, what else do you need?

Royal Caribbean ships offer so much these days onboard, from rock climbing walls to FlowRiders to the many activities and games offered throughout the day.  So with all that going on, who has time to actually spend in the stateroom?

Many people that opt for interior staterooms will tell you that they spend so little time in their staterooms that it's just not worth it to spend more on a balcony stateroom they just wont fully use.

Best sleep ever?

Have you ever slept in an inside stateroom? When it's time to go to sleep it's pitch black to the point you cannot see your hand in front of your face, whether it's 10pm or 10am.  

For those that like a good night's sleep, inside staterooms offer quiet and darkness no matter the time and it's been among my best nights of sleep.

Rooms with a view without the cost

Sure balcony cabins offer great views but there are inside staterooms that offer unique views themselves.

Virtual balconies, promenade view, Centrl Park view, and Boardwalk view staterooms are all available and they offer a great perspective without the balcony price. 

So which stateroom is right for you? Interior staterooms or balcony staterooms - post your vote in the comments below!

The brand new lifeboats for Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas are on their way to the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany for installation.

The lifeboats were constructed at the Fassmer shipyard in Motz on the Ems.  They are 12.5 meters long and 5.4 meters wide and are being shipped by barge.

Quantum of the Seas will debut in November 2014 and will be the first ship in the brand new Quantum-class of cruise ships for Royal Caribbean.

Today we will begin a fun "debate" between the pros and cons of booking a balcony stateroom versus something less expensive, like inside or ocean view staterooms.  We will begin with the argument for balcony staterooms and then tomorrow will post the rebuttal for booking interior staterooms.

The view!

Without a doubt, the best reason to book a balcony stateroom on a Royal Caribbean cruise is for the view you can have anytime you want.  Waking up to the ocean breeze is something that never gets old.

Plus being on a cruise ship, there's always something to see and enjoy, from other ships and islands passing by to the wildlife and even just the sea.  It's a spectacle that when you see it, you know how great a view it is.

Dinner with a breeze

A really fun way to spice up your meals is to eat on your balcony.  Royal Caribbean provides a table in addition to chairs to enjoy whatever food you bring back to the stateroom on the balcony.

In addition, you can order room service and have it set up on your balcony.  Forget breakfast in bed, breakfast on your balcony is where it's at!  

Alternatively you can bring back a cup of coffee, small snack or full meal enjoy with your feet propped up as you watch the ocean go by.

Balcony means more space inside too

As you move up the categories of Royal Caribbean staterooms, balcony staterooms come with more space compared to interior staterooms.  As anyone that has cruised before will tell you, every square foot matters!

When you book a balcony stateroom, you get more inside as well as the space from your balcony.  It all adds up to more room for everyone to manuever in and makes the entire experience less crowded.

Great spot for sail away

When it's time for your cruise to begin or for your Royal Caribbean ship to leave port, nothing beats being outside to see the ship leave.

Having your own balcony stateroom means you get to experience this anytime without worrying about finding a spot.  You will always have a reserved place to enjoy the ship coming in and out of port.

Royal Caribbean balconies are more than the ocean

Of course ocean view balconies are what Royal Caribbean offers most of but did you know that you can also get a balcony that overlooks other places onboard your ship?

On the Oasis-class cruise ships, you can choose between Central Park View or Boardwalk View balcony staterooms.

These unique balcony staterooms offer the outdoor experience but with a completely different take on them. Perfect for people watching as well as enjoying the view of what's happening onboard the ship right now.

Are you convinced yet to book a balcony stateroom?  Share your thoughts about booking a balcony stateroom in the comments below.

The Port Everglades webcam posted this neat video of Oasis of the Seas leaving Port Everglades earlier today. 

I love these drone videos and this is a great perspective. Enjoy!

Royal Caribbean is inviting its Crown and Anchor Society members to sail aboard an annual traditon of a member cruise. This year the member cruise is a 12-night fall foliage cruise from Quebec City on Serenade of the Seas on September 25, 2015.

The Crown and Anchor member cruise offers members-only events and activities, surprise parties exclusive benefits, and the opportunity to socialize with other Crown & Anchor Society members.

The 2014 members cruise sailed to the Baltics and North Sea recently and for those that like to sail with other Royal Caribbean fans, the member cruise can be a popular choice.

We love to share your Royal Caribbean photos every Friday and give everyone a quick "mental escape" to look at some stunning photos.  We want your photos too, so send us your best Royal Caribbean photos to share with the world.

Leading things off this week is a photo by Michael Poole of Enchantment of the Seas as seen from CocoCay.  Not sure if I wish I was on Enchantment or CocoCay more right now!

Next we have this photo by Greta looking out at her balcony as the sun is rising on Freedom fo the Seas.  If I ever woke up early enough to see sunrise, this would be something great to see.

Here's a photo from Marie Coschigano in St. Maarten of my good friend Leo Brown.  Leo has driven me a few times in St. Maarten and I'm so happy to see others have enjoyed his services too!

Garrett Keating sent me this photo from Explorer of the Seas on his way to Bermuda and because it's well established that I am a sucker for sunset photos, you will understand why I am including this one. Absolutely beautiful photo!

Mike from Autism on the Seas sent in this photo from Freedom of the Seas this week as it was on its way to Jamaica.  Autism on the Seas is such a wonderful organization and this photo is a great shot!

If we didn't include your photo this week, then that means you need to send it in to us for use on a future Friday Photos post.  We want to see your favorite Royal Caribbean cruise photos and you can use this form to send them to us.

If you're going to Royal Caribbean's private island of Labadee and intersted in renting a cabana, here's a guide to what you need to know about renting your own cabana.

How much are the cabanas?

• Nellie's Beach cabanas
  • Over water cabana: $495
  • Beach cabana: $395
• Barefoot Beach cabanas (available to suite guests only)
  • Over the water cabana: $495
  • Hilltop cabana: $395
  • Beach front cabana: $395
  • Standard beach cabana: $295

Who are cabanas good for

The cabanas at Labadee are perfect for someone who is planning on spending the whole day on Labadee and wants to have a a private beach experience.

What's included

• Private ocean view cabana rental for the full day
• Furnished with 2 luxurious resort-style lounge chairs & a sofa
• Four bottles of water (in a cooler)
• Floating beach mats and snorkeling gear.
• Towels for your use during the day
• Barefoot Beach cabanas have a private beach only for cabana rental guests

How to rent the cabanas

Cabanas may be rented online prior to your cruise through Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner section.  

Suite guests get first access to the cabanas but we have seen access for non-suite guests to book cabanas online.  Suite guests may also email their concierge prior to your cruise to reserve one.

You may also go to the Explorations (shore excursions) desk onboard your Royal Caribbean ship and put your name down on a list.  It's best to put your name down as soon as possible for the best chance at getting a cabana.

In regards to the online system, make sure you are only selecting one person in your party when making the reservation online. Don't worry, the rest of your group will be allowed in as the reservation is good for up to 6 people.

What's the difference between Nellie's Beach cabanas and Barefoot Beach cabanas?

Barefoot beach is reserved for suite guests only, where as Nellies is open to everyone.  As a result, the beach is far more crowded (relatively speaking) at Nellie's Beach.

In addition, those at Nellie's Beach will be escorted over to Barefoot Beach for the private lunch buffet. Your cabin attendant will inform you when it is time and walk you over.

Blog reader Tony mentioned a new policy for those that have cabanas at Nellie's Beach. Nellie's Beach cabana rentals do not have access to the private lunch buffet at Bearfoot Beach. If you booked before October of last year you were eligible after that Nellie's Beach cabanas use the regular buffet areas.

Royal Caribbean reported its 2014 second quarter financial results today, and higher European deamand helped second-quarter profit beat estimates and the company raised its outlook for the full year.

Royal Caribbean said it earned $137.7 million, or 62 cents a share, in the quarter, up from $24.7 million, or 11 cents a share, in the same period a year ago.

Royal Caribbean Chief Financial Officer Jason T. Liberty said in a statement, "higher pricing for close-in European sailings propelled us above the top end of our guidance for the quarter.  While the environment in the Caribbean remains promotional, our European itineraries continue to resonate well with strong demand from all markets."

Onboard revenue initiatives continue to deliver positive results with a 3% increase for the quarter. This is the tenth consecutive quarter of onboard revenue growth.

Liberty also commented, "overall business has been solid and our equity investments continue to outperform, allowing us to deliver even better returns to our shareholders."

Hey everyone! Episode 51 of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available for your listening pleasure.

This week, Matt discusses where and when tipping is expected and suggested on a Royal Caribbean cruise.  There's been some changes recently in how Royal Caribbean handles tips as well as more "gray areas" of when it may be expected.

Matt discusses who is most likely to get a tip as well as how automatic tipping has been instituted in certain areas of the cruise experience.

Here’s the podcast page for Episode 51. And don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast via RSS or on iTunes!

Take a listen and as always, let us know what you think! Please rate and review the podcast on iTunes and leave your comments below!

Go behind the scenes at Meyer Werft's cabin factory where Quantum of the Seas staterooms are constructed using a production line. From carpeting to art on the wall, this manufacturing process ensures the highest quality standards throughout.