Alaska Cruise, inside cabin, or do I spring for a view?

Personally, I would go for the inside cabin, we are going on an Alaskan cruise in July and have booked an inside cabin because as you say, you only use the cabin to wash and sleep.

If you pay the extra for an outside or balcony cabin you have a 50/50 chance of seeing the view, if you are on the wrong side you will need to go on deck or to a lounge to see the view anyway.

The money you save can be used for the excursions.

whatever you choose, enjoy your cruise.

Have a look at http://www.cruisecritic.com/ for advise from travellers who have been on the same ship.

I book inside cabins most of the time I rather go on more cruises inside - then less cruises outside. I have had outside and it was nice to be able to put clothes away and get cabin set for the week and still be able to see the ship leave the port. That was nice so if the price was close go for it, or if money is no object then go for it. A scenic cruise like Alaska, yea go ahead and book the outside. Caribbean - not so much But when I am lucky enough to be on a cruise and we like to go often I am happy where ever. You will only be able to book 3 people in a cabin that allows 3 or more - period. It is a little bigger cabin and that equals more closet space- Yeah! The pull down bed my son likes it. He has been cruising since he was 8 and now is 14 sometimes you can book a cabin that will have a small sofa that will have a pull out bed. We had our niece with us once and she had her own cabin but stayed with us in this extra bed. I think they liked the pull down better. Yes book as close to the middle of the ship as you can. Our last cruise we were in the back, that is all they had available and it was ok we did run into some rough seas and felt it but I just tried to go to sleep as fast as I could. You will have a great time where ever you are enjoy!

I did an Alaska cruise a few years ago and in my opinion you will enjoy your cruise much better with a balcony, or at least an outside cabin. Those people who tell you that you will not spend time in your cabin are partly wrong. Yes, if you have an inside cabin you will probably not spend AS MUCH time there as you will if you have a better cabin. BUT, if you have a balcony or outside cabin you WILL spend more time there because you can see the sights from your cabin. You can lay in bed and see the sights go by on some occasions. Yes you can see sights from public areas on deck. But there will be times when you do not want to get dressed and bundled up just to go see sights. I found that there were many times when I could slip on a jacket (but not really get dressed) and go on the balcony to see sights which I would have totally missed with an inside cabin.

The Alaska cruise season is Mid-May through mid-September. Its a little cheaper to go in May and September; cost a little more in June, July and August. Its also best (you get a better price) if you book real early (like about now). So I suggest that you book early in a balcony cabin for May or Sept and you will pay about the same as booking an inside later and during mid season/summer.

You are right. You are not in your cabin but, to sleep, shower & change. There is so much to see that a cabin with a window or balcony you only get to see one side. The Whales are all over & you never know when you will see one plus, the Bald Eagles, Seals & possible Bears & the Scenery. Also do not buy your souveniers on the ship. Example t-shirt $15.00 in port $5.00 visit Alaska Shirt.com. Also Walmart sells a great pocket size bincolars for $10.00 that work great & weigh less than 1 pound. In Ketchikan at end of pier Salmon Mall has many stores & great prices. Take a good cameraEnjoy.

Usually, I'd say stay in an inside cabin and use the money you save for other things on the cruise. But some cruisers say it's well worth the money to get a balcony [not the same as an "outside" cabin] cabin on an Alaska cruise because the cruising itself is a highlight. Of course, you have to get your balcony or outside cabin on the "right" side of the ship to see the glaciers, etc.

Go to CruiseCritic.com, click on "Boards", then "Cabin Selection Tips" or "Ports of Call" boards.

omg balcony! NEED a balcony. I went on a cruise a couple months ago, and the balcony suite is worth every penny!.... you don't even know what the weather is like if you have an inside cabin, or a view!.. have fun!

we are doing our first alaskian cruise and we are going to splurge and get a balcony. we usually get an inside room but this will probably be the only time there so make the most of it. plus we have two kids and are going with the inlaws so it will be nice to have the privacy. my cousin and his wife did a balcony and they said it was worth splurging

royal caribbean has good rates on blaconies

My 5 cent advise, take an outside Cabin.You will love to sit on your own Balcony and see the beautiful Nature slowly passing by, instead of sharing this on Deck with all the other People!

Have Fun, you will love it!

You can save the money and enjoy the views from the deck, it will be colder than your room thats for sure, so if you dont mind that I see no reason to spend the extra money. Check http://www.wiitravel.com/ for good rates, click on "book travel" you can then search on the times you want to go. Have fun.

this page maybe can help you:

http://www.ffjq.com/Alaska-cruise