Veranda for Alaska?

Hi: We are going on our first Alaska cruise in May of 2013...At that time of year in Alaska, is it wise to pay the extra amount for a veranda cabin or will it be too cold to enjoy sitting out on it? Or should we save the money and go with an "ocean view" porthole type cabin? Thanks for the help...

Steve in Kansas

Don't know which ship you are thinking about....but a balcony is a must for us...and we leave again in 16 days! Just take your hat, gloves, and scarf....would suggest a balcony BEHIND THE HUMP or midship due to wind coming off the front. If your ship has a Hump it will block the wind....or aft is better for us....which ship?

Lou

Lou: Thanks for the quick reply...Will be going on the Oosterdam in May of 2013...Advice is appreciated!...

Steve

You may not want to spend hours out there, just sitting, but if you happen to be passing something of interest, it sure beats leaving the cabin to trek to an open deck! Windows/portholes really don't provide much more than natural light....viewing isn't great thru a window.

yes....and make it an aft....you will have a 180degree view the entire time. it doesn;t get dark until late....always something to see...weather could great or not....you will be comfy on the balcony and won't miss anything.

Sorry don't know anything about the Oosterdam. We are Royal people so know all those pretty well. But yes opt for Balcony.

Lou

It really is a personal decision and it comes down to your budget.

We have taken six Alaska Cruises including two the last year.

Most of our time enjoying views have come from the open deck even though we have enjoyed a verandah on each cruise. You will get the best views from the open deck because you can more around easily to see views from all sides of the ship and get a much more panoramic view.

If budget is not an issue I would get the verandah but if the budget is tight then save the money to use on tours.

Keith

For an Alaska cruise that is the place you want to splurge on a balcony.

With other cruises you are so far from land a balcony to view scenery is worthless

but with Alaska- that is something totally different.

I also agree that a cabin on the back of the ship- the ones that run along that back NOT the side) will be the best ones for viewing-- you will NEVER be on the wrong side if you are looking at something.

With a window cabin-- you will have to get yourself up to the top deck and stand with the masses and hope for a glimpse of whatever..

a balcony makes it more personable

For an Alaska cruise that is the place you want to splurge on a balcony.

With other cruises you are so far from land a balcony to view scenery is worthless

but with Alaska- that is something totally different.

I also agree that a cabin on the back of the ship- the ones that run along that back NOT the side) will be the best ones for viewing-- you will NEVER be on the wrong side if you are looking at something.

With a window cabin-- you will have to get yourself up to the top deck and stand with the masses and hope for a glimpse of whatever..

a balcony makes it more personable

If you don't have a balcony, you will find that the open deck can get very crowded with all of the people from the inside and oceanview cabins. And when they see whales, you may not! We always make sure that our friends or family have at least one cabin on the opposite side of the ship from us. That way if the naturalist calls out whales on the other side, we just go over there. Last July we had one of the extra large balconies and everyone came to sit with us and watch the whales and the scenery and the seals and the icebergs! It was perfect. Remember that when the ship goes IN to see the glacier it will turn around and come OUT so you will see both sides of the fjord from your balcony! Make sure you have a camera with a good zoom and some binoculars. We just dressed warm, got some wine or hot chocolate and cuddled with a blanket in our deck chair. We could not tear ourselves away from the views!

I loved having the balcony. Yes, we spent more time on the open decks (and even found some that were less crowded). But there were many times that we were in our cabin, and just walked out to see the view. While my DH was in the shower, I was on the balcony and vice versa. We saw whales and sea lions, or just enjoyed looking out while getting dressed. Waking up to the view was phenomenal.