We have made plans to go on an Alaskan Cruise in Sept. 2008. We will be on the Volendam. On which side of the ship should we books rooms for a southbound cruise. Is it important to book a room with a balcony for a cruise the middle of September,as I felt we would not be spending much time in our room and that it would be very cold also. This is our first crusie and we are open to any suggestions. I have read many favorable reviews of the Voendam on Cruise Critics. Thank you for your help.

It depends when in Sept you are going. Up until the first week, is usually ok for weather, but after that it is the worse potential for weather of the entire season. Also dusk by 7pm can impact a lot of sightseeing and scenic cruisings.

IF you are sailing Glacer Bay/College Fjords AND only want this viewing from your cabin, you need a port side cabin. Otherwise, it doesn't matter what side you are on. Both will have some scenery during the trip.

Thank you Budget Queen. We will be cruising September 14th from Fairbanks.
We will be sailing Glacier Bay / College Fjords. From reading posts you are so helpful with trips to Alaska.

Be well prepared in your attire, you are going in the worse potential Alaska weather for your cruise. Interior Alaska is definately not a problem, Inside Passage is.

With you being so far out, I highly recommend a northbound cruise in this timeframe. It is benefical to be in Fairbanks, later, due to potential northern lights. If you have the opportunity, don't miss this.

It sounds like you may be looking at a cruisetour- you can definately see twice as much for half the cost going on your own. Very easy to plan, so you might want to at least look into it. Bottom line- do your homework and know EXACTLY everything you are purchasing in a cruisetour, most people DO NOT.

We just returned from a cruise to alaska two weeks ago, and had great weather the second week of sept, but everyone told us it was unusual.