Should I keep my aft facing balcony for our Alaskan cruise?

[Kfrech]

We are sailing on HAL’s Koningsdam via Vancouver through the inside passage in June. I’m concerned about shimmy and movement in this cabin location. Should I consider switching cabins?

[CruiserBruce]

The seas can be rough any time, anywhere. No one can predict  what you might experience on your cruise. If you have issues with sea sickness, you must be prepared every day you are on a ship. 

[Coral]

While I like aft cabins normally, I don't book them in Alaska. I prefer to be on deck and being able to move around for the best views.

 

So yes, I would switch cabins.

[d9704011]

If you are concerned about shimmy (vibration) and movement you’d likely be better off in a cabin in an area slightly forward of midship.

[CILCIANRQTS]

 Frequently you can view bears and other wildlife on the shore, which is harder with an aft cabin. Also, when you’re up-close to glaciers, the captain will turn the ship so each side can view and film the glaciers calving. Aft cabin would have a poor angle for this.

[Kfrech]

4185 and 4187 are both available for our Alaskan cruise. I've read other threads where folks talk about larger balconies on deck 4 of the Koningsdam, with coverage provided from deck 5. Can anyone verify this for me?

[Canuker]

Given that wildlife (land, sea, air) is a factor for viewing on an Alaska cruise, the best place to see it is at the bow, before it's had too much time to flee from that big floating monster.
Fortunately several cruise ships open up a bow deck for this purpose, when cruising in/near a glacier park.
 

[SRQbeachgirl]

We have an aft cabin booked for May, but I fully intend to spend some time up on deck, especially on glacier day. But we booked an aft because I've read so many posts saying the aft balconies tend to be a little warmer, less windy, and you can see the scenery that's on both sides of the ship...granted, as the ship is sailing away.

 

Our aft cabin is also close to elevators where we can get quick access to the Lido deck with open views (not to mention food and hot chocolate!). 

 

Last, I do like spending time on the balcony and would rather sit out there late into the evening enjoying wine (while wrapped in a blanket) watching that beautiful trail of water than seeing shows or losing money in the casino.

[CruiserBruce]

2 hours ago, Kfrech said:

4185 and 4187 are both available for our Alaskan cruise. I've read other threads where folks talk about larger balconies on deck 4 of the Koningsdam, with coverage provided from deck 5. Can anyone verify this for me?

Those are still aft cabins, they just aren't stern cabins. Thought you were thinking about getting away from aft cabins? Those aren't probably far enough from the stern to rule out your concerns.

 

By the way, we stayed in 7188, stern, for 3 weeks. Never had any problems with any movement of any type.

[Kfrech]

This is sort of my feeling as well. There will be times when we want to enjoy the peacefulness; we are not gamblers and could live without the shows.

 

I guess I’m just looking for the best overall balcony experience. 

[Kfrech]

4 minutes ago, CruiserBruce said:

Those are still aft cabins, they just aren't stern cabins. Thought you were thinking about getting away from aft cabins? Those aren't probably far enough from the stern to rule out your concerns.

 

By the way, we stayed in 7188, stern, for 3 weeks. Never had any problems with any movement of any type.

I was strictly going by what cabins are still available on the 4th deck.