We have five adults planning a cruise for this May. According to the research I have done a balcony room is a must have for Alaska. In addition, it seems that HA and Princess are the best.

I am looking at Holland America's cruises and am trying to figure out if I should price all three rooms as balconys or get one regular room and two balconys as the additional person could enjoy views from one of the other two rooms.

Any advice? I have never been on a cruise and we are taking my in-laws who are coming from overseas and I would love for them to have a fantastic time.

I would probably get 2 balcony rooms and an inside.

I agree, HAL and Princess are both good!

You will love Alaska!

I can't speak for HA...we've only been on Princess to Alaska. In general, HA and Princess offer the same amenities on Alaska cruises and cruise-tours...food, service, elegance is about the same. We sail Princess because we found balcony cabins tend to be less expensive on Princess. The Princess Sun-class ships that go to Alaska tend to be begger than HA ships. So if you prefer a smaller ship, go with HA.

On one trip, my wife's sister was in an inside cabin across the hall from our balcony cabin...a much better value. You can also get connecting balcony cabins if you want.

Enjoy!

Thank you both!! I never even thought about getting an inside for the third room (which is a much better price). Jim--getting them on the same floor is a GREAT idea!!! Thank you sooo much!

I would definately compare several ships and go with the best price. The last several years have seen big discounts on late booked May sailings- but may not be an option for you. Do however plan on being out on deck at times, especially on your glacier viewing day- nothing beats full front views. Another consideration- is this a round trip or one way cruise??? If a one way and adding on Denali Park- plan an arrival for the very end of May with June 1 ideal. If wildlife viewing is a priority- you want the park road open far enough into the park

I cruised to Alaska in June (2000) and found it to be chilly, so be prepared to put on layers in May! It is a very lovely scenic cruise! I (we) had a balcony on a Princess ship (Regal) and enjoyed it a lot. Some of our travel mates came to our cabin to enjoy it with us, although the balconies are quite small.

I am a frequent cruiser and found the Alaska experience to be very unique. I usually think of warm cruising days at sea spent by the pool, soaking up the sun, or sitting in the shade with a good book. It was a different feeling to bundle up by the pool... and look at some of the most spectacular scenery anywhere instead of my nose in a book! Enjoy your cruise. Alaska is wonderful!

A balcony cabin would be nice, but we spent all of our time on deck. The views are so spectacular, and we didn't want to miss anything----especially in Glacier Bay. We bundled up, but they also had blankets on all the chaises, and then came around with hot soups and hot drinks all day. (We were on Holland America) Then when in port we took the excursions, so weren't onboard then, Have a great time, take layers (fleece vests and jackets are so great under waterproof jackets), and don't forget your binoculars. We loved the float plane to the Mishy Fiords.

Oops! Meant Misty Fiords!

Chicgeek--did you have a room with a balcony? I am now thinking that maybe we should just put my in-laws in a balcony room and the rest of us in regular outside rooms (the cost is about double per person for the balcony room). Our numbers have now bumped up to eight adults so the cost would be noteable.

BudgetQueen--that is a great idea! We are going one way so I will look into it!

When we took a HAL Alaska cruise, we did as is being suggested: two couples chose balcony, two chose inside. Guess which one I had. I was embarassed to be always knocking on my brother's stateroom door to look out his balcony. Next time I'd pony up for the balcony myself. (And I did just than for our subsequent Carib cruise - and loved it.) Nothing like falling asleep in your bed with a view of the gorgeous Alaska coastline going by your door!

My name says it all. I always go cheap inside cabins- but I spend all my time out on deck. Frequently the only one. But going for less than $500 is significant and allows me the ability to spend a month in Alaska every year with 2 trips. Never mind my 4+ trips/ year elsewhere. I am so fortunate to have my job!!!!

If price is a big concern, and you have a big group, then put the in-laws in a balcony room and the rest of you in inside rooms. I was in a balcony room on an Alaska cruise and love it. But it was also very expensive. I don't think it was worth it for an outside room when you can't go outside like the balcony. So save the money and book it inside and spend most of your time up on the open deck. I heard a lot of good things about HAL. Enjoy

Thank you all who responded. We decided to go with two "S" suite rooms and one inside (our group size climbed to nine including one 13 year-old). The budget is shot at this point but since none of us have been on a cruise and as my in-laws are coming from the HOT Philippines, this will be their one time to see GLACIERS we figured this will be a once in a lifetime trip. Again, all the responses and the other threads have been such a great help!!!! Thank you all!!!