Carnival Cruise - Alaska without balcony

[mrdood]

Looking to do an inside passage, would like opinions from those that have cruised, if you did not have your own balcony, how did you take in the scenery effectively? Were there certain spots that were planned to be like Glacier Bay where everyone just went out on deck?

 

Additional thoughts?

[L2J]

Additional thoughts?

 

Never cruised AK and have no desire too. I'm from there and it's one of the most beautiful places on earth.

 

Get the balcony.

[BrendaB1]

I did Alaska on Princess with an inside cabin. We went outside on the highest deck when cruising the glaciers to get the full effect. It was awesome....and cold. :D The front of the ship was domed with lots of windows for veiwing but it wasn't as nice as being outside hearing the ice break.

 

Since the ships can only go in so far.......standing up top while the ship turns around surrounded by glaciers was breathtaking.

[Mugga]

If you can only afford to do a balcony once in your life, this shoud be the one.

There is non-stop scenery of Nature at it's most beautiful.

If you absolutly cannot afford the balcony, you will still have beautiful views but you will spend most of your cruise on deck.

I always spend a lot of time in the casino on cruises but when I looked out the window and saw what what I was missing, I limited my casino time to the evening.

[cwestbrook]

I agree this is one time to splurge on a balcony. There is constant scenery and it is awesome to be able to sit on your balcony and watch it all go by. It's pretty cold outside while the ship is moving so you can't stay out on the open decks too long. While the balcony is chilly too, you have a windbreak with the divider between balconies so it's more tolerable. I spent a lot of time out there.

 

For any cruise that's just out in open waters, a balcony wouldn't be needed for scenery.

[LHP]

Looking to do an inside passage, would like opinions from those that have cruised, if you did not have your own balcony, how did you take in the scenery effectively? Were there certain spots that were planned to be like Glacier Bay where everyone just went out on deck?

 

Additional thoughts?

 

 

We had a balcony and ended up on the deck (trying to remember exactly where) when we got the end of the College Fjords where we were going to watch the glacier do its thing. I believe we were at the back of the ship.

[2Ports]

Having cruised with and w/o a balcony, as well as to Alaska, I would have to say if you can only splurge once, DON'T do it in AK. You'll get way more use out of a balcony in a warmer climate, while the viewing is as good or, imo, better, from the public decks. Plus, if the weather is less than perfect up there, you get nothing out of the balcony. Save the $$ for Hawaii or Panama!

 

BTW: Did you do a search on this topic before you posted? Did you check the Ports of Call Boards?

[Avril]

We went to Alaska in 2003 on the Radiance of the Seas. Our cabin was an Oceanview on the lowest deck. We had a wonderful time. We just went on deck or to one of the lounges to enjoy the view. For the glacier, everyone was on deck anyway. Now, we love having a balcony and won't sail without one but in Alaska it's not nessasary. We didn't spend a lot of time in out cabin anyway so it didn't really matter.

 

Enjoy your cruise. It's an experiance you'll never forget. Just a thought, when you go to Skagway, go on the White Pass and Yukon Route railway. It is absolutly magnificent!!!!

[wwakla]

BTW: Did you do a search on this topic before you posted? Did you check the Ports of Call Boards?

 

 

YOUCH!:eek:

[Vanessa L]

BTW: Did you do a search on this topic before you posted? Did you check the Ports of Call Boards?

 

Touche`

 

:rolleyes:

[luv2cruz44]

Nick,

 

We did the Alaska cruise in May of 2003 and had a balcony. As a result of feeling the balcony was wasted on an Alaska cruise, we booked an OV cabin for our recent fall colors cruise. In our opinion, it was too cold to be out there while we were sailing and we prefered being in the buffet by windows where we could look out the windows. During our day in Glacier Bay. you could hear the naturalist better on the top deck and, since he was pointing out things on both side of the ship, you would have missed half the descriptions had you been on your balcony. We were lucky that the sun was shining that day so it was very pleasant to be on the top deck. As to the White Pass railroad trip , it is the excursion to take unless, of course, you choose to rent a car and see much of the same terrain that way. The advantage to renting the car is that you can see much more of the Yukon Territory.

 

By the way, I don't think the ports of call board would address the benefits or disadvantages of a balcony cabin?

[bonniemari]

We had a balcony on our Alaskian cruise and to be honest we didn't use it that much. Except when we were at Glacier Bay. Too cold for me.

 

I say save your money and go up on deck and watch.

 

Now Hawaii-that's a balcony must. I spent more time on by balcony on our Hawaiian cruises than I have on any cruise.

[CVL105]

We had an inside room on our Alaskan cruise, but also have only had an inside room on all cruises. But the main decks were just fine for viewing. We also had the advantage of having a table at dinner right next to the window. There's just something about eating fabulous food and watching whales at the same time! :D

 

As I read others comments, I must agree that if you're going to splurge on a balcony, save it for warm weather. (Or save the money and buy more drinks!;) ) Either way, enjoy, as Alaska is gorgeous!!!

[Brneyznfl]

I think I'm going to be in the minority. Went to Alaska in May and had a balcony..LOVED IT! We actually spent quite a bit of time out there viewing the scenery. Sure it was cold but we were prepared with warm clothing. Actually, believe it or not, our first sea day was so warm, we were sunbathing on the balcony LOL. (After that it was cold) Now I loved Alaska so much and if I couldn't afford a balcony and had to get inside, I'd still go. No doubt about that. It's still worth it and I'm sure you won't have a problem finding a place on deck. It was by far the best cruise I've ever taken. You will not be dissapointed!

[jrmende63]

Nick,

I went to Alaska this Past May on the Carnival Spirit. We had a balcony and it was worth every penny. We saw tons of wildlife from our balcony and spent lots of time out there. Yes we bundled up to go out on the balcony, but it was worth it! If I have a chance to get another balc in AK, I certainly will, But if I can't afford the balc at the time, I would still go ...even if I had an inside cabin. I liked being out on the decks too, but the balcony was our own piece of heaven!

Julie

[djacobson]

Nick,

I went to Alaska this Past May on the Carnival Spirit. We had a balcony and it was worth every penny. We saw tons of wildlife from our balcony and spent lots of time out there. Yes we bundled up to go out on the balcony, but it was worth it! If I have a chance to get another balc in AK, I certainly will, But if I can't afford the balc at the time, I would still go ...even if I had an inside cabin. I liked being out on the decks too, but the balcony was our own piece of heaven!

Julie

 

Nick- I was on the same cruise and because I travel solo, had an inside cabin. I found lots of places on the decks to watch the scenery. Most of the time there weren't many people out on the decks (apparently they watching from their balconies).

 

Although I have never had a balcony cabin, I would agree with the other posters that for this cruise especially the balcony is the way to go, if you're traveling with family and if it's within your budget.

 

QJ- hope you and DH have a great time in Nassau! If you have the time, I would recommend Ardastra Gardens, the forts around the water tower, the pirate museum and of course, Atlantis (see the Digs at night when it's free)... :D

[DASA]

DOOD you can go up to deck 9 up front of ship and have some spectacular views as you cruise the passage and other sights.

 

The balcony is nice but not neccessary. And if you can get a table for evening meals it's also a great place for watching as you cruise by.

 

Alaska to me is a must do cruise and will be doing again in about 4 to 6 years. Spirit is a very nice ship with very nice personnel.

[Mugga]

You didn't say when you were planning to crusie Alaska.

We went the end of July.

The only time it was cold was when we were actually at the College Fjord.

The rest of the time it was in the 70's.

It is true you will enjoy this cruise no matter what cabin you decide on and everyone will give you a different opinion.

:D Make your decision on what you can afford and no matter what that is you will love this cruise and the Spirit.

[jrmende63]

QJ- hope you and DH have a great time in Nassau! If you have the time, I would recommend Ardastra Gardens, the forts around the water tower, the pirate museum and of course, Atlantis (see the Digs at night when it's free)... :D

KD!!! DH can't go so it is my sister and I. Thanks for recommendations...we are going Stingray swimming but may get back off ship in evening!

QJ:p

Nick, sorry to hijack your thread!:o

[jrmende63]

Alaska to me is a must do cruise and will be doing again in about 4 to 6 years. Spirit is a very nice ship with very nice personnel.

I agree DASA!

[dustyroad]

i have been to alaska twice and love it so much i am going to go back within the next 2 yrs. the first time i had an inside cabin and it worked out great. it was quiet, wonderful to sleep in because it was so dark and i didnt spend much time in it.

 

the second time i was upgraded to a balcony ( my first ) and all i can say is it was awesome. i will never go to alaska again without a balcony. there is nothing like setting out there watching the glaciers going by, and smelling/hearing the waves as you sail along or having your morning coffee setting and watching the gorgeous sights go by. for this itiniary i will definetely go with a balcony every time.

[breenw]

I think having a balcony for Alaska depends on what time of year you are cruising. From reading the above posts, it sounds like most of the people recommending a balcony were the ones who sailed in May-July. Those who cruised later in the season (Sept.) recommend not spending the money. We just returned this September from our Alaska cruise and we hardly used our balcony. We booked 8088 on the Radiance due to its oversized balcony and we probably used it for 2 hours the whole trip. The only time we actually used it was when our whole party came to our cabin to view the Hubbard Glacier. Next time, I would probably just book an outside cabin unless we are able to go when the weather is warmer.

[jkfreeman33]

Just did Alaska with Princess this past September. We had a balcony and I was very happy when on the first morning (6AM - (AM) we were in Collage Fiorji. I was in my jammies on the balcony watching it. Didn't have to get up, shower, get dressed and go up on the deck to see.

If you can't get a balcony, get up early and go up on deck. If a balcony is available, go for it, you won't be sorry!!

[mrdood]

We have had a balcony before, DW loves inside rooms, I have never had one, but probably would not care, we can afford to get a balcony, but we have a lot of other irons in the fire for next year like a major land trip to Russia etc and I would like to be able to cruise more than once next year. Our goal was to do 4 cruises this year, we only got three :) , but there is a significant price difference for inside versus not. We are planning on August and planning on a bunch of rooms for family that will want the lowest cost, so part of my question was to help them decide.

 

Thanks all for your input! I especially loved the snarky comments:p , and yes I did search and no, the port of call forum was not appropriate - the cabin selection forum would have been though. Not even sure we will be on Carnival or not yet...

 

Thanks again - and keep up the sarcasm:cool:

[JulieMcCoy]

I have not cruised Alaska before but am researching for a future trip. One point someone brought up on a different thread was that nights are very short in Alaska during cruising season, so an inside cabin might be good for being able to get to sleep.