So is the balcony in Alaska a must?

[Querkyquilter]

KMom,

June 2010 we found plenty of places to enjoy all Alaskia has to offer. The best spot is the aft by the adult pool. It had comfy chairs and waiters to bring us hot beverages. If you hear what appears to be thunder it might be a glacier calving. Bundling up and smelling the fresh air was all part of the experience. We easily heard the naturalist through the ship's speakers.

It doesn't matter what side of the ship you are on, the captain will turn her.

[vbmom87]

And what happened to the OP after he/she posted the question?

[Ohio-C-Luver]

We had heard the balcony was a must, so we made sure we booked on for this last Sept. We had excellent weather but like others have said, you are usually at the buffet, or one of the outdoor decks. We did see some whales from our balcony, but the close ones were always off the bow, or aft in the ships wake, the whales, dolphins and dall porpoises! For us the balcony was a huge waste of money, and for next year we booked an inside and saved the money for excursions! We had wonderful excursions and weather this last Sept 10 on the Radiance, and so are hoping for the same on the Infinity! :)

 

Best of luck with you decision!

[Budget Queen]

Isn't it great there are cabin options for everyone?? :) There is no "must" or a single choice that is going to fit everyone.

 

For clarification- the ONLY time it is "crowded" out on deck, is going to be your single glacier sailing day. Otherwise the decks are "empty". And with those "crowds" on the glacier day, it comes and goes. You can still count on many unprepared people with their attire, and many who, only stay out for less than an hour and move on. The die hards can be a big advantage with all the extra eyes pointing out wildlife etc. :) Some ship naturalists are out, park rangers. My trip this year- I got "friendly" with the Park Service "counter" in Glacier Bay, at the bow of the ship, and had an excellent adventure day with all the highlights of his expertise. :)

 

So there can be benefits for even us cheap, inside cabin people. :) I do any tour I want, which always included flightseeing, along with wildlife tours. MANY people greatly enjoy their balconies!!! We all have to decide what WE like. :)

[Snookum]

Balcony for us a must. Even the newspaper in our city a few years ago advertised balcony a must if you go to Alaska. We stay out there the whole time we are at Hubbard Glacier with hot chocolate and can jump in room and get warm and back out again. When ship turns we often go to top deck to see the glacier from up there as well. All during cruise we are in and out of balcony and it's really fun if your balcony faces port when you dock and you can sit on balcony people watching with a nice drink of choice at hand. It also just feels more roomy and like you are a part of it when you have the drapes drawn and always see the passing scenery. We have been blessed with good weather all three of our previous trips to Alaska and going again this August and have a balcony.;) Enjoy this wonderful place!

[BaileyandBella]

We love the outdoor viewing on the Princess promenade decks. There are very comfy deck chairs positioned all down both the Port and Starboard sides of the deck.

 

How were the crowds for glacier viewing?

[manoftheworld]

i think a balcony is not worthy as you can enjoy the view on board the ship. i 'd better save the money for land excursion. i only go for the cabin to sleep. i

'd better sleep in a two star hotel and spend my money touring around the city. anyway best of luck