Many cruisers consider a balcony cabin the best way to experience all Alaska has to offer. It is a chance to spend time alone in your own private space, taking in nature’s tranquility and the stunning views of the Alaska landscape.
Some lucky passengers in balcony cabins have spotted whales swimming nearby or have front-row views of epic glaciers and pristine waterfalls nestled among the region’s famous fjords. These can't-miss sights are the main reasons why a cruise to The Last Frontier is so appealing.
Is the extra cost for a balcony cabin worth it though? The added space definitely comes at a cost, sometimes hundreds, even thousands of dollars. A significant splurge for many, especially in peak Alaska cruise season when prices are at their highest. There are definitely some pros and cons to consider when booking a balcony cabin, including price, the weather, and itinerary.
Here is what you need to know to figure out if a balcony cabin is worth the extra cost on your Alaska cruise.
Balcony cabins offer some of the best views on an Alaska cruise
One of the biggest reasons to splurge on a balcony cabin is the ability to take in those stunning Alaska views in your own cabin. After all, a cruise to Alaska is all about the scenery – massive glaciers, rugged mountains, and incredible wildlife. It makes sense that cruisers want to have the best opportunities to take in these majestic views, especially in their cabin, lounging in a chair and sipping on some hot coffee.
For some, a balcony is the only option. A windowless cabin can feel slightly claustrophobic, and without the sun, there is no sense of time. With a balcony stateroom, cruisers can relax in a tranquil space away from the crowds. Some lucky cruisers may even see some of the local wildlife or catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights while patiently waiting in the comfort of their own balcony.
Also, balcony cabins can be more spacious than some other cabin types – but not as expensive as suites. As the most common cabin type on a cruise ship, there is a lot of choice on different decks in the front, middle, or back - great for those who like to choose certain locations on a ship. Mid-ship locations can be especially beneficial to minimize the impact of movement, which can be an issue for some cruises.
Cost – Balcony cabins are more expensive than interior and oceanview staterooms
One of the primary deciding factors in booking a cabin is cost. A balcony stateroom is a more expensive option than an interior or oceanview stateroom. In peak months like July and August, this can translate to thousands of dollars in price difference.
How much exactly depends on when you cruise and the itinerary. Booking a cheaper option – like an inside cabin can provide a lot of extra savings. Money that can go toward excursions or bucket list activities like whale watching, a helicopter tour or dog sledding, or even another cruise.
Although more expensive, balcony cabins can offer more square footage, especially with the added outside living space. This can be a nice perk, especially for families of 4 or cruisers who don’t want to feel cramped and don’t want to book two cabins. Some people feel like the premium price tag of a balcony cabin is worth it to have a private space to relax and take in the scenery. After all, the coastal seascape is one of the primary reasons to cruise to Alaska.
Weather conditions and sunshine
But how much time will you spend on your balcony on an Alaska cruise? Weather conditions can certainly play a role in how much time you can spend outside without getting cold or wet.
Temperatures can vary significantly on an Alaska cruise, and when you cruise can make a huge difference. Although Alaska cruise season runs from May to September, it is still much colder than your typical Caribbean vacation. A lot of the weather can be in the 50s and 60s, even lower in the early morning and later in the evening. Not everyone wants to sit on their balcony in some of these cooler temperatures or rain. For one-way cruises that sail farther north across the Gulf of Alaska, it can be even cooler.
The warmest months in Alaska are July and August, but these times also correspond to the highest prices of the cruise season. So for those cruisers who really want a balcony and nice weather to enjoy,they will need to pay up. For those who are more flexible, shoulder season - May or September- is the best time to get some of the best prices on a balcony cabin.
Lastly, while we all crave nice weather and sunshine on a cruise, there is an odd issue with cruising to Alaska - there can be too much sunlight. As you sail to northern latitudes, especially close to the summer equinox in the month of June, many locations can see up to 20 hours of sunlight. While this sounds fantastic, it can mean your cabin is bright all day long, which can make it hard to sleep or definitely throw off your sleeping patterns.
Itinerary and number of sea days
Another consideration in determining whether a balcony cabin is worth it is the type of itinerary. A longer itinerary, especially 7 or more days, may provide more opportunities to enjoy the outdoor space. A 10 or 14-day cruise in an inside cabin may be too dark for many cruisers, making a balcony cabin the best option.
A port-intensive itinerary, full of days on excursions, may not offer a lot of opportunity to spend time on the balcony. Trying to squeeze in outdoor time can be hard. Breakfast, may be a tad chilly, as the sun still needs time to warm up the environment. Similarly, later in the evening may be too cool, meaning fewer hours to enjoy the added real estate.
A shorter itinerary, such as a 5-day sampler may have limited time to enjoy a balcony and may not make it worth the extra price. But if you can find a great deal on 4 or 5-day cruise, it may be a good alternative. With a lower cost, and shorter time frame, it can be an opportune time to try a balcony cabin , to see if it is in fact good value, or not really necessary on an Alaska cruise.
