The Balcony Aft stateroom occupies the stern section of Deck 2 on Celebrity’s river cruise ships, offering private balconies with a unique backward-facing perspective as the ship sails. With 14 cabins per ship — the largest single category on board — Balcony Aft staterooms represent the best value for a balcony cabin on a Celebrity river cruise.
Cabin Numbers and Location
Balcony Aft staterooms are on Deck 2 (Vista Deck) in the stern section: 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, and 234. On the interactive deck plan, they’re shown in light blue (#27AAE1). This is the most common cabin category on the ship. Odd numbers are port side; even numbers are starboard. The Restaurant is located at the stern end of Deck 2, making it the nearest venue.
Stateroom Size and Layout
Each cabin measures approximately 170–190 square feet with a king-size bed (convertible to twins), sitting area, writing desk, full bathroom, flat-screen TV, and a private balcony with seating. The layout and size are identical to the Balcony Forward staterooms — the only difference is the aft position on the ship.
The Aft Position Advantage
Being at the stern of the ship has a unique benefit on river cruises: you get to watch the scenery unfold behind the ship as it moves forward. While forward-facing cabins show you what’s coming, aft cabins let you take in the full scene as it slowly recedes — castles, bridges, and riverside villages framed perfectly. Some travelers actually prefer this perspective, especially for photography. The aft position also tends to be slightly quieter since foot traffic flows primarily forward toward the lounges.
What’s Included
Standard stateroom amenities apply: complimentary stocked minibar, premium bedding and linens, twice-daily housekeeping, flat-screen TV, and all the Celebrity river cruise inclusions (daily excursions, dining, select beverages, WiFi). Butler service is not included in this stateroom category.
Best Cabin Picks
Cabins 221–226 are closer to midship and slightly quieter. 227–234 are further aft, closest to the Restaurant, which is convenient for dining but may have slightly more engine awareness. For the best balance, 223 or 224 offer a midship-aft position with good proximity to both the corridor center and the Restaurant.
How It Compares
The Balcony Aft is the same stateroom as the Balcony Forward in terms of size and amenities — the difference is location and typically a slightly lower price due to the aft position. It’s a step above the River View staterooms on Deck 1 (no balcony, waterline level) and a step below the Infinite Balcony cabins (retractable glass wall).
Book Your Balcony Aft Cabin
With 14 cabins per ship, this is the easiest balcony category to book, but it’s also the first to sell because of the value pricing. Our advisors at Pixie Vacations can help you secure the best cabin number. Call 678-815-1584 or search cruises online — no booking fees.