Forward Balcony Cabins for Alaska on Diamond Princess

[harlowinct]

We've got some of the cabins toward the very front of the boat, portside and Aloha deck, for our Alaska cruise August 11-18. I just read on another forum that we may not be able to use our balconies very much due to high wind and very cold temps on glacier days. Is this true for the Diamond Princess?

My MIL, who is treating 16 of us for this trip, will probably spend quite a bit of time on her balcony since she doesn't have much stamina anymore. We got balconies hoping she wouldn't be cabin-bound for the cruise while the rest of us will be on excursions.

I so hope it won't be as bad as I've been reading! I want to be able to use binoculars and my DSLR camera with tripod on our balcony!

[akeasley]

I was just on the Star Princess three weeks ago in Alaska and we (mom & I) had a mini suite with balcony. We found that we didn't use the balcony very much except for when we were in the Tracy Fjord. The weather wasn't too bad, it just seemed that everyone went onto decks 14 and 15 to see everything, more of a big picture view instead of just being on one side. If your MIL isn't going to do the shore excursions than she'll probably appreciate having a place to sit outside with easy access in case she wants to come in for a nap or watch tv. Just my two cents...

[caribill]

Originally Posted by harlowinct

We've got some of the cabins toward the very front of the boat, portside and Aloha deck, for our Alaska cruise August 11-18. I just read on another forum that we may not be able to use our balconies very much due to high wind and very cold temps on glacier days. Is this true for the Diamond Princess?

The balcony is on the side of the ship, not facing forward where wind could be a bigger problem when the ship is moving forward.

Being on the side of the ship, it will be no more windy or cold than any other balcony on that side of the ship.

[WendyG]

I was on the Diamond last month in D200. Not a problem with wind at all! Was out on the balcony most of the time! And don't forget, they kind of "park" at the glaciers.
Of course we had the best weather too, sunshine and mid 60's.

[cruisequeen4ever]

I used to be one who didn't feel the need for a balcony on an Alaskan cruise, BUT when we got an unbeatable deal on one earlier this month, we jumped at the opportunity. It was FABULOUS! We were more midship but still fairly close to the forward section. We hardly had any wind, and the views were spectacular, so spectacular that we did all of our scenic viewing from the privacy of our own balcony, replete with room service! Enjoy; you will LOVE the balcony!

[IECalCruiser]

Originally Posted by harlowinct

We've got some of the cabins toward the very front of the boat, portside and Aloha deck, for our Alaska cruise August 11-18. I just read on another forum that we may not be able to use our balconies very much due to high wind and very cold temps on glacier days. Is this true for the Diamond Princess?

My MIL, who is treating 16 of us for this trip, will probably spend quite a bit of time on her balcony since she doesn't have much stamina anymore. We got balconies hoping she wouldn't be cabin-bound for the cruise while the rest of us will be on excursions.

I so hope it won't be as bad as I've been reading! I want to be able to use binoculars and my DSLR camera with tripod on our balcony!

There should not be wind problems with your balcony. The problem was with balconies B101-B105 and C101-C105 which have since been downgraded to Cat CC Oceanview Deluxe cabins. Temperature can vary significantly. Just make certain that your MIL packs layers to add or subtract to keep warm in any temperature. She can also go back into the cabin for a while to warm up as needed. We spent much of our time viewing from our balcony in Glacier Bay and did just that from time to time to warm up.