Is an Alaska Cruise Balcony Worth It? Insider Tips & Cabin

When one plans an Alaska cruise, probably one of the foremost decisions is if one needs a balcony cabin. Is a balcony worthy on an Alaskan cruise? Would that extra privilege of a balcony room Alaska cruise be sufficient to demand the higher cost? This article will consider first what the extra privileges are that you derive from a balcony versus an inside or lower-grade cabin. It would allow you to decide if you want to treat yourself to that Alaska cruise balcony.

Why Take a Balcony Cabin for an Alaska Cruise?

Whatever be the occasion to take one for an Alaska cruise balcony cabin? Here are five good reasons :

A Perfect Place to Get Breathtaking Views

Photo Courtesy: Celebrity Cruises

Alaska is renowned for its glaciers, rugged coastlines, towering snow-capped mountains, fjords, and remote dramatic views. Balcony cabins give passengers a private viewpoint for their own use over this ever-changing canvas of nature. Rather than rushing to the common deck for a few glimpses, passengers can step away anytime and enjoy the scenery.

Early Encounters with Wildlife

Photo Courtesy: Azamara

Whales, bears, bald eagles, and other wildlife are all part of an Alaska day. Suppose from your balcony you see a humpback whale blowing water or see some eagles fly across. In that case, you can walk out without hassle and connect with nature in a quiet intimate moment.

Dining In Private with a View

Photo Courtesy: Royal Caribbean

Balcony cabins allow for private dining experiences. Picture sipping coffee while wrapped in a sweater and enjoying the dawning time of the Inside Passage from your balcony. Or perhaps having dinner in pajamas, with the sunset framed by a glacier. Times like these become unforgettable.

Glacier Viewing with a View

Photo Courtesy: Azamara

The cruise itinerary includes iconic glacier sightseeing such as Tracy Arm, Glacier Bay National Park, and Hubbard Glacier, or passing through the Inside Passage. These are usually the highest-rated parts of the cruise. Having a balcony means you won’t need to jostle for a spot; you have your front-row seat.

Magnificent Sunrise & Sunset Views

Photo Courtesy: Royal Caribbean

Alaska's summer skies are special. Long days. And beautiful light is unique at the time of sunrise and sunset. A balcony offers an opportunity to savor such moments without interruptions, irrespective of whenever it actually occurs, rather than racing out to a view-deck that could be filled with people.

Inside Cabin vs Balcony - What Do You Give Up?

Are you choosing the inside cabin instead of a balcony? Good, because here's what you are not allowed:

• No private outdoor space: Less spontaneity; if something amazing happens (say an animal or a glacier), you will first have to get up on the deck, find a place, and maybe even miss it altogether.
• Less light and views even when docked or near scenic points.
• Less privacy during Dawn coffee or Sunset cocktails.

All other things being equal, balcony cabins cost more. Whether that Alaska cruise balcony room is worth the price or not will depend much on your tolerances, budget, and your particular cruise and its activities (number of days, number of glacier sightings, time of year, etc).

Should You Ask Yourself Whether You Need a Balcony?

Simply said, there is no need to have a balcony on an Alaska cruise for you to enjoy it, but many travelers feel the balcony adds a lot. Here are some factors that might influence your decision:

If the cruise offers plenty of opportunities to watch glaciers, or if it is the time of the year having extended daylight hours (during summer solstice, for example), a balcony will feel more "worth it." For the other end of the spectrum, there are travelers who will really be concerned about the economy and will be on board especially for the onboard amenities, thereby an inside cabin will do.

Bottom Line: Is It Worth Getting a Balcony on an Alaskan Cruise?

For many, yes the Alaska cruise balcony would be worth the extra price, especially if;

• You value privacy and comfort.
• You love wildlife and want the chance to observe it from your own space.
• You tend to like scenic views frequently and casually, be it of sunrise, sunsets, or glaciers.
• Maximum liberty and convenience are the greatest concerns.

If money does not allow it, then the inside cabin is not a bad choice, and you can still go through a large chunk of the Alaska cruise experiences. But, in general, a balcony compared to an inside cabin often tends to magnify the Alaska cruise-It puts the setting of the experience more downsized and more intimate.