Normally, I wouldn't think of spending extra to have a balcony as I wouldn't plan on being the cabin much anyway, but I'm wondering if it's worth it for Alaska?

I've read most Alaska cruise sellers say it's definitely worth it, but I've read other places it's not worth it.

I would think the best view on cruising days is up top where you get a much broader view. My concern is that the upper decks will be piled high with people - I'm a short person so this can be problematic if I don't have a rail spot.

I guess my questions:

1. Are the upper decks 3 or 4 deep with people while cruising Glacier Bay, College Fjord, etc?

2. Are there good covered spots on the decks if it's a rainy day (I guess this depends on ship though.)

3. For those who have cruised Alaska before, what are your thoughts on was the balcony worth it or did you miss the balcony if you didn't splurge for it?

One of the cruises I'm considering has only one full day doing scenic cruising, another has 3. I would think if I choose the one with only 1 day it's not worth it, but the more days at sea, the better value it is?

It is definitely worth it. On our Alaska cruise last week the upper decks did have people stacked up at the best places for photos. There were no places to get out of the drizzle. We had a balcony and I spent most of the time on it, sitting in a chair, drinking hot chocolate, and got better views than could be had on the open decks. The ship rotated from side-to-side so everyone got a chance to see the same things. Alaska is one itinerary where splurging on the cabin is the way to go.

Thanks, Dave.

That's my thought - that this might be the place to splurge a little.

Can I ask what cruise itenerary you went on last week? What were your favorite excursions?

Ours was round trip from Seattle on the Rhapsody Of The Seas - Juneau, Skagway, Endicott Fjord and up close with Dawes Glacier, cruising the inside passage, Prince Rupert BC (ho hum), and then back to Seattle.

The train ride in Skagway was the best excursion. The scenery is truly memorable.

"The" thing to do as far as an Alaska cruise is a southern run from Seward or Whittier to Vancouver or Seattle.

Why southern over northern as far as "the" thing to do?

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Why southern over northern as far as "the" thing to do?

One reason is the flight(s) home will be shorter. Ending a cruise up north and having to fly home from Anchorage is a long ending to a cruise. Flying up there on the front end will be tempered by the anticipation of the cruise. It is around 1400 miles from Seattle to Anchorage - or around 3.5 flight hours. Plus for me the flights home from Anchorage have terrible times - late night or early morning as in 1am. That means a long wait for a long flight.

Yep, most flights departing Hawaii or Alaska will be red eye flights. All the attractive fares will be. Plan your trip to these destinations accordingly.

Cheers, Neil

Hi wwide!

Having just returned from our Alaska cruise a few weeks ago, I would definitely agree with Dave--a balcony is worth the extra money. It's awesome to wake up in the morning, open your drapes, and see mountains and glaciers. What a way to start the day!

Another plus is that if you get cold, it's easy to go back into your room, warm up, and go back outside without missing any sites.

If you are ever going to splurge on a cabin, this is the time!

Nadine

We cruised Alaska in early May and totally agree with the previous posters, a balcony if you can afford it is the way to go. Since the weather was cool we brought up blankets from the pool area.

I also agree with Dave's excursion advice. The White Pass Railroad was great. Our excursion took the bus into the Yukon and returned on the train. Our bus passed a bear and we saw mountain goats on the mountain top. Our stop at Emerald Lake was beautiful. The scenery from the train was also great. We were able to get a seat at the back of our train car, so we could go in and out on the platform easily.

We cruised from Seward to Vanouver last summer and had an inside room-no balcony.Never had a minute when we regretted it.

Not only did we save $, but it made us explore the boat more and realize that being on the bow, with the ship's naturalist, was the absolute best place to view marine life, glaciers, birds, bears etc. Friends that had a balcony said that you tend to miss a lot if you are just sitting on your balcony.

We were lucky - paid for inside and got upgraded to a balcony - we used the balcony a lot, getting wool blankets from the pool area, but some people never did use it, finding it too cold in May. Twice we ordered breakfast from room service and sat on the balcony, that included the day sailing into Glacier Bay listening to the naturalist on the TV. Then we spent the afternoon on deck as we sailed out again. We also sat out every evening bfore bed having drink, or two. Evenings are very long in Alaska in May, June & July. If you only choose one trip to splurge for a balcony, I would pick this one.

I have a nice memory of last August sitting on my balcony in Ketchikan. The sun shining, relaxing with my feet up, looking at beautiful scenery, and watching float planes take off and land. For many people Alaska is a once in a lifetime trip. They probably worked hard and saved for this trip for a long time. For that, people should reward themselves in the way that makes them feel good. Be it splurging on a balcony, a spa treatment, or exotic shore excursions. Do what makes you feel the happiest and creates lifetime memories. One never know what tomorrow brings.

I liked the balcony experience because I felt it was a more personal interaction with the surroundings, and not like I was a member of a crowd. We were fortunate to have the balcony directly behind the port bridge wing. A man was out there and he started talking to me and pointing out mountain goats and other things. Not sure who he was other than he was not a crew member. Perhaps the guide or a pilot. Anyway, it was a nice encounter as he guided me to looking at specifics with my binoculars.

But to each his own. I'm sure those in the non-balcony cabins had a great cruise too. Four of them ate dinner with us each night and they were having a great cruise.

I admit it I like a balcony. However, I'm more than frugal, I'm cheap. I'd have an inside cabin for every sailing if my wife didn't have a say in the matter. I guess it would depend on what my budget was when I made the decision to book. Alaska would be the place, if you were ever going to spring for the difference to go ahead and do it.

I have a Star Princess 2009 sailing I've put a hold on twice but keep looking also at the Rhapsody of the Seas again after Dave's recent experience. I'm not usually indecisive about cruises but I intend to do an Alaska cruise and make up my mind. I may flip a coin.

Cheers, Neil

It is a cruise that is so very scenic along the inside passage way, you can see so many beautiful sites, it is not like you are at sea all day. I agree if at any time you were thinking of a balcony this it it! Then you get spoiled and have to have one every time !! We love being able to sit on our own private balcony, it is very special!

Once again, thank you all for your thoughtful replies. Sounds like everyone highly recommends the balcony for various reasons on this itinerary.

Although I do take to heart mickeyd's comments - even if we go with the balcony, we will be sure to spend time out on deck as well to be sure we don't miss a lot - that is the last thing we want to do.

Mickeyd - did you find the bow crowded during scenic cruising or did most passengers tend to spend time in other areas. As I think I mentioned in a previous post, I'm a short one so if someone is standing in front of me, I'm not seeing anything (unfortunately.)

Jill - Congrats on the upgrade. As a frequent traveler for business, I'm used to paying for the cheapest room in hotels and getting upgraded to some much nicer rooms. Unfortunately, I have no cruise line status. Is that how you got your upgrade or do you have a secret strategy I should consider?

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Mickeyd - did you find the bow crowded during scenic cruising or did most passengers tend to spend time in other areas. As I think I mentioned in a previous post, I'm a short one so if someone is standing in front of me, I'm not seeing anything (unfortunately.)

When going thru Glacier Bay there was about 100 or so, but at other times only a few dozen. There was plenty of room for folks of all heights to get great views. I am 6'2" so I did not have any issues there, but most folks are very considerate and understand that short folks should be able to get a good look too. Besides, folks are always changing positions, walking around, checking bith port and starbord sides.