our very first cruise was a 14 day Mediterranean cruise which we did inside. I loved it but DW said no more only till we retire...Well she's retiring July 2025 and guess what? Balcony, and BTW all our cruises since then have been Balconies. If walking and stair climbing is not an issue I would do the 14 day, because you never know about coming back to ALASKA. good luck and enjoy either choice, which is going to be great. IT'S YOURS!!!!!