Hello all. My husband and I are considering a cruise to Alaska next summer. We have a few questions. First, which ships will allow us to sit by ourselves for dinner? Second, we are thinking about a balcony stateroom. However the dimensions of the balcony are only 42 sq. ft. Has anyone stayed in this room type? Is that large enough for two adults to sit outside for an extended period of time?

A balcony is an ABSOULTE MUST on an Alaska cruise (they are the ones that book up first). There is plenty of room to sit out there and have a beautiful view!<BR><BR>As for the dining --you can never guarantee a table for 2. You may want to try Norwegian or Princess as they have the &quot;personal choice dining&quot; where you can eat when and where you want. Compared to the other cruise lines where you would sit at the same table, at the same time with the same people every night.<BR>Personal choice is the way to go if you want a better chance at sitting alone.<BR><BR>happy cruising!

WE were on the Sun Princess this past July, and we had Personal Choice Dining. As long as you let the Matre'D know that you want to dine alone, they will seat you at a table for 2. We did that for several nights, without problem. In fact, the Matre'D remembered that we perferred a table for 2 when we arrived at the dining room

Any opinions on northbound vs southbound vs round trip? Also, a travel agent I spoke to thought he could get us a table for two on Celebrity. Was he incorrect?

Do noy know what ship you are referring to that only has 42 sq ft balcony, but there are certainly a lot of suites with balconies on many ships larger than that size. I agree a balcony is a must on an Alaskan cruise. We were on the Amsterdam last September in a suite. Have a lot of great shots off our balcony. We did not go top side for sight seeing -- no need to. And if you book a suite on thatr ship -- and I'm sure others - you would ot have trouble getting a table you like or booking in an alternate restaurant where you can eat without others. But I have to admit we liked (and asked for) a table with others. Always been part of an enjoyable cruise experience to meet others and make new friends.

We saw tables for two on Celebrity's Infinity and sat at a table for two on Holland America's Maasdam. On the Infinity we had a balcony with a jut-out that extended further than most, which was really nice for glacier viewing.

I was at a Hoiday dinner party the other p.m. and some friends were speaking about an Alaskan Cruise. The best prices they found were $7,000 for 2 in the Summer months. Isn't this very pricy?? Is that the norm for the time frame??

Yes, i'ts high - cruises can be had for almost five times less in the summer. Of course, balcany suites or unique ships and itinary will cost more, and may be worth the differece - just depends.

What do you mean &quot;L&quot; 5 times less in the summer? That's the only time you can cruise to Alaska!

I believe this was Royal Caribean line they were referring to and I would assume for that price this was a balcony suite. But still 7,000 seems like an outrageous price to me.

You're right, M and M. That didn't come out quite right! Typos too - lucky not to have attracted the attention of the Fodor spelling police!<BR><BR>Actually,Alaska cruises also run in the spring, and tend to be slightly lower then. I SHOULD have said &quot;even in the summer&quot;. <BR>