When you're cruising with a family, your stateroom can make a BIG difference.

You're not just looking for somewhere to sleep. You need space for everyone to spread out, storage for all the stuff that somehow multiplies during a vacation, and ideally a layout that doesn't have everyone tripping over each other.

That's why I was so interested in seeing the Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony on Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas.

And after seeing it in person, I can definitely understand why this stateroom is getting attention from families.

But there's one feature I'm still trying to decide how I feel about...

The balcony.

Let's talk about it.

First, What Makes This Stateroom "Family"?

Royal Caribbean designed the Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony specifically with families in mind.

The room features a separate bunk area for the kids, complete with their own beds and TVs. It also has a split bathroom, with the shower and sink separated from the toilet and another sink. That means multiple people can get ready at the same time—which, if you've ever traveled with kids, you know is a BIG deal.

The room can accommodate up to six guests, depending on the specific configuration.

And honestly, that separate kids' space is one of the things that immediately caught my attention.

Instead of putting everyone into one open room with a sofa bed, the kids have a little area that feels like their own space.

That's a win in my book.

The Extra Space Is a Big Deal

The Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony is designed to give families more room to spread out than a standard stateroom.

And when you're traveling with kids, extra space isn't a luxury.

It's survival. 😂

You've got luggage, shoes, swimsuits, backpacks, souvenirs and all the other things that somehow find their way into a cruise cabin.

Having a dedicated bunk area helps keep some of that organized and gives the kids a place to retreat.

The split bathroom is another feature I really appreciate.

One person can be showering while another is brushing their teeth or using the toilet.

Again—family travel win.

And Then There's the Infinite Balcony...

This is where I have mixed feelings.

Royal Caribbean's Infinite Balcony is designed to be flexible. With the push of a button, the balcony area opens up, allowing you to bring in the fresh air and essentially extend the living space. When you close it, you get that additional indoor space.

And I absolutely understand the appeal.

You get those gorgeous floor-to-ceiling views, and having that extra glass makes the room feel more open.

Being able to see the ocean from inside the room is pretty amazing.

But...

I'm still not sure how I feel about giving up the traditional cruise balcony.

And I think that's an important distinction if you're considering this room.

An Infinite Balcony isn't the same experience as stepping through a sliding glass door onto a traditional outdoor balcony.

You don't have that separate outdoor space where you can sit outside, close the door behind you and enjoy the ocean from your own little private area.

Instead, the balcony essentially becomes part of the interior of your stateroom.

For some families, that may be a fantastic trade-off.

For others—especially people who LOVE having a traditional balcony—I think it's something you really need to think about before booking.

I'm still undecided.

And honestly, I think that's okay.

I'd rather tell you that than automatically tell you the Infinite Balcony is better.

So Who Is This Stateroom Best For?

I think the Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony could be a fantastic option for families who prioritize space and functionality.

It's especially worth considering if you:

• Are traveling with multiple children
• Want dedicated sleeping space for the kids
• Appreciate having a split bathroom
• Want more room than a standard balcony stateroom
• Love having large ocean views
• Don't mind trading a traditional outdoor balcony for the Infinite Balcony concept

If you're traveling with a family of four, five or six, I would absolutely want this category on my list of staterooms to compare.

But What If You LOVE Your Traditional Balcony?

This is where I'd want to have a conversation with you before you book.

Because there isn't one "best" stateroom for every family.

If your favorite part of cruising is sitting outside with your coffee in the morning, watching the ocean go by, or having a glass of wine on your private balcony after the kids go to sleep...

The traditional balcony experience may be really important to you.

And that's something I would take into consideration when helping you choose your stateroom.

On the other hand, if you're traveling with several kids and your priority is giving everyone more functional space, the Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony may be a much better fit.

My Take

After seeing the Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony on Star of the Seas, I think Royal Caribbean has created a really interesting option for families.

The separate bunk area, TVs, split bathroom and additional living space are all things I really like.

The Infinite Balcony?

I'm still on the fence.

I love the incredible views and the flexibility of being able to open or close the space.

But I'm not sure I'm ready to say I'd choose it over a traditional balcony for myself.

And that's exactly why I think having someone help you choose your stateroom can be valuable.

Your family's priorities might be completely different from mine.

Maybe you want the extra space.

Maybe you want the traditional balcony.

Maybe you want to be closer to a particular area of the ship.

Or maybe you're trying to figure out whether it's worth upgrading from a standard balcony at all.

That's where I come in.

I can help you compare the stateroom categories, locations and layouts so you aren't just choosing a room based on a pretty picture and a name.

Because when you're spending your hard-earned money on a cruise, the right stateroom matters.

Ready to find the right cruise—and the right stateroom—for your family?

Let's talk about what you're looking for, and I'll help you find the best fit.