I would normally not have booked the Spa Balcony since it is just myself and my young daughter, but they were both upgrades, so I took them.

We were in 12026 on the Magic and our next cruise in a few weeks, we will be in 12016 also on the Magic. If you don't feel you will use it as much as think you will, then book whatever cabin type you wish. If you feel that you will take advantage of amenities, then go ahead and book. Would we book another spa cabin? Probably not, because for us it was a one-time thing. We loved the fact that the cabin was 100% smoke-free, we loved the upgraded linens and towels, and even tried the Elemis products to see what they were like. We did not take advantage of the complimentary fitness classes because we were absolutely wiped out daily. We were on Magic last year, and took full advantage of our Spa Balcony daily - we were out there watching the ship pull into port, as well as out of port, every day, we used the thalassotherapy pool, we used the heated recliners, we used the dry sauna, my husband went into the steam rooms - we even used the showers one day just to say that we did. If you're on a port-intenisve itinerary, like in Europe, then the Cloud 9 Spa Cabin is absolutely wonderful for recovery after a long day walking around on cobblestone streets, as well as areas that are not paved really well. Will I really use the facilities (that is really what you are paying extra for)? I do not expect privacy when I am outside or in public areas. The folks on the public decks right above you can see down on your balcony and you can look up and see them too. I did not having any issues with it though. The other poster is right about the balconies not being private.

I used the facilities every day and each evening I used the large showers in the spa area locker room to get ready for dinner while the others took turns bumping elbows in the cabin. The first two people in the room get the use of the above at no additional charge. If you are going to take advantage of the spa.the saunas, steam rooms, heated loungers, thalassotherapy pools, relaxation rooms and the excellent showers in the locker-room area of the spa then yes it is worth the extra cost. It was literally just around the corner from the spa. This is the very most forward room on the 12th deck.

Carnival sunrise cloud 9 spa room