We have cruised twice and we have two young children. Both times we had a verandah and I used it often as the kids napped and frankly went to bed reasonably early. We had coffee out there in the morning and I could read a book out there while the kids napped. Both cruises I had at least one child asleep during the sailaway party, so I sat out on the verandah as we left Port Canaveral. I was sad to miss the party, but it was nice to have an outdoor spot to enjoy the day. I guess if you are just adults or traveling with older children and don't plan to spend much time in the room it wouldn't matter much, but I enjoyed the private outdoor space very much and it was worth the extra cost for our needs.