Alaska Cruise
 

I am looking at an Alaska cruise next August north bound from Vancouver. I can't decide if an ocean view cabin is enough or do I need the outdoor space. Also I am looking at traveling from Steward to Fairbanks on my own. I haven't been to Alaska since 1974 and I know a lot has changed.

If you mean upgrading to a balcony it sure is nice. We loved sitting on the balcony while going thru Tracy Arm. As for extra space balconies are getting smaller so this may not be a deal breaker.

Would you be likely to enjoy a lot time in your room to justify the extra cost or would you be spending that time in other areas of the ship?

If you are likely to go to programs like presentations by the on board naturalist or hanging by the pool or sitting in a deck chair then the ocean view cabin would be enough.

Sometimes as sailing time gets close, upgrades are offered at a reduced price, but that can't be counted on. For Alaska I would look very carefully at where on the ship the rooms I could choose would be located. I like mid ship, not too high to reduce the rock and roll.

I highly recommend a veranda. I remember my 8 year old, daughter waking up saying "whale'!, whale!" and we ordered room service and snuggled up on the veranda and watched the whales breaching and looked for the white dot (bald eagles) in the trees as we ate breakfast on our veranda sailing into port.

I just did a van-mping (van-camping) trip in Alaska, after visiting Crystal Serenity Bon Voyage on her historic Northwest Passage..., Seward, Anchorage, Denali... I can't imagine much has changed since 1974, because there are only main roads to get from each destination and very well maintained. I did love the moose crossing signs and the gas pumps were a bit tricky because you have to lift a lever.

So go for it...it is very easy and such a beautiful scenic drive.

Which cruise line are you taking?

We have always gotten balcony cabins and enjoy them, even when it is too cold to sit outside. We like being able to go out to take photos (spectacular on the Alaska cruises) and as we enter and depart ports. If you can afford it, always get a balcony. If you are going one way North, also get a starboard cabin if you can as you will see more.

It all depends on how much time you spend in your cabin. If you can afford the balcony price, go for it. We have been on a few Alaskan cruise and had both ocean view and balcony cabins. The choice may come down to the price difference and can that money be better spent elsewhere.

With a balcony, you can sit and enjoy the scenic cruising part in the comfort of your our own personal space. With an ocean view (or even inside cabin) what you have to do is get to the public open deck area early and get a good viewing spot, and dress warm. There are plenty of great public viewing area. Depending on what is happening, you may not want to be in your balcony cabin anyway as your cabin maybe facing the wrong side of the view!

Not sure why Seward to only Fairbanks and not beyond. If you are just going from Seward to Fairbanks, I'll just take the train and call it a day. It's cheap, relaxing and doesn't take long.

We always book veranda cabins. There is something soothing about watching the ocean.

But especially in Alaska: there is so much to see, especially heading into ports.

I would take the balcony, we had one right on the back of the ship and it was amazing, when they pulled up to the glacier it was right in front of us. WE tended to find the deck areas very crowded so having our own outside space suited us, we spent a lot of time whale watching from our balcony as well