My family and I cruised LA to Canada on the Mariner (RCL) in 2009 and the Carribean with Carnival in 2010. We had balcony rooms for both trips and while they were both enjoyable trips they were also very expensive because we live in Sydney (Aus) so we had flight and motel costs to tack on the overall bill.
When we decided to book a 2012 Christmas cruise departing Sydney on the Radiance (RCL)we decided to upgrade to a Grand Suite and we will never cruise any other way in the future. The whole 'suite' experience starts at the embarkation hall where you have an express lane, you are issued your gold seapass and walking around the inside of the ship within five minutes.
We read reviews beforehand concerning the balcony in Suite 1060 and without comparing it to others - it is definately big. There are no noise issues, there are no privacy issues, it is a great cabin with a big balcony. Our suite attendant was truly wonderful and was always smiling and helpful. There was plenty of hanging space, a real bath and comfy lounge. We had a lovely family dinner on the balcony one night and it is simply a great spot to read or relax.
Suite 1060 on Radiance of the Seas is perhaps as good as they get before you pay for an owners or royal suite. It is roomy, has a bar & good storage, the lounge is comfortable, bathroom excellent but the winner is the balcony. It is big. We had a family dinner (4 people) out there and could have invited probably 4 more. If the right cruise comes along again, we would have no hesitation in rebooking it. The attendants on Deck 10 all have plenty of experience and I guess they get to attend to the Suites because of previous ratings, well it makes sense because ours was magnificent.