I was preparing to book a cruise to Alaska on the NCL Sky until I read more about the cabins. The standard balcony cabins sound way too tiny and the bathrooms don't have a bathtub (my preference). Will we need to book a mini-suite on the Sky or somthing to get over 200 sq.ft with a balcony and tub (guess I also want a bathrobe while I'm at it)? Maybe cost wise, we'd be better off getting a standard cabin with a balcony,(including decent sq.ft., tub, robe for less than we'd pay on the Sky to get a suite. On the NCL home page they don't even mention the sq.ft of the cabins but everything I read sounds like they're way too small (sounds like a prison cell). Should we consider the NCL Sun (is this any better) or just go with a different cruiseline all together? I did like the fact of sailing in and out of Seattle because the airfare is much better. I know some say the cabin isn't important, unfortunately....for me the cabin, ammentities and bathroom are important. Do standard balcony cabins on the Sky even include a bathrobe? (sounds silly to many I'm sure but I've gotten spoiled on other cruises and like packing light. The casual dress/no formal night on the Sky is VERY appealing to me....am I trying to get too much? Appreciate help from you experienced Fodorites. Thank you.

Truthfully, I would drop NCL. Princess has a much better reputation as a cruiseline and also in Alaska.<BR><BR>Look at Star Princess out of Seattle and a minisuite. You will get a bathtub with this. Rooms are 323 square feet. Princess provides robes upon request.<BR><BR>There are 2 formal nights and 5 smart casual. There are places on the Star where you can eat and you do not have to dress up on formal nights.

For what you'll pay for a minisuite in NCL you can probably get a &quot;standard&quot; cabin in the Radisson Navigator or Mariner. The cabins in these ships( even the ones w/o balcony) are around 300sq feet, have a separate shower and bathtub, marble bathrooms and walk in closet! Wine is included with dinner and they have free bar setup in your cabin. All soft drinks, mineral water is free throughout the trip. It's a very classy experience but it's not snobish. Check it out

Hi Candy,<BR><BR>Not knocking the Inside Passage Alaskan esperience, you will certainly have a better overview of Alaska if you do not sail round trip but take the Northbound or Southbound cruise of the other cruise lines. It will cost you a bit more.<BR><BR>Paul

After cruising on RCI's Radiance with a fairly roomy cabin, I say look into RCI also.