My family and I are taking our first cruise ever to Alaska at the beginning of August. We have heard conflicting reports from two travel agents--one says that a balcony cabin adds a lot to the experience. The other tells us to save our money on that and use it for shore excursions--that it's too cold to sit outside and that the place we'll want to be is the 360 observation deck.

Does anyone out there with experience in Alaska cruises have any insight for us?

Definitely do a balcony!! We did and I didn't regret it at all. No, you won't sit out there in your bathing suit like you might in the Caribbean, but we were able to get some great early morning pictures from our balcony and we did sit out there quite a bit, especially while we were doing the long crossing from College Fjord to Glacier Bay. I will never cruise without a balcony if I ever have a choice. They are right that when you are actually next to the glaciers you will want to be up on deck so you can see both sides, but there will be many opportunities for relaxing on your own deck and it does add to the experience.

A great deal can depend on when you go, later August can be a lot colder than early. But few people regret getting a balcony in Alaska. My take would be - if the added cost prohibits you from some desired tours, then I would opt for the tours.

Alaska and the Med are two places I would not go without a balcony. It is well worth the extra money.

SHore excursions are expensive but are a large part of the experience. I booked them on my own on all of my Alaska sailings and saved a lot of money.

I agree if getting the balcony will not allow you to also take the excursions you want, then to forego the balcony.

If you are able to do both, then get the balcony. The scenery is beautiful, and the ability to sit quietly on your balcony and watch the scenery go by sounds wonderful. Yes, you can do the observation deck too - but at times is crowded and people jostle for prime viewing/picture taking space.

I didn't do the balcony when we sailed (I figured I could make do with the observation deck too) - but with all the time I sat in the various lounges just watching the scenery go by, I wish I had.