7 Days in a Balcony Cabin - Cruising Alaska: Worth It? (2024)

FAQs

Are balcony rooms worth it on an Alaska cruise? ›

On an Alaska cruise, a balcony cabin provides your own private viewing space to take in spectacular scenery, glaciers, wildlife, and more. While this category of staterooms comes with a higher price tag, the benefits offered on an Alaska cruise will make a huge difference and is well worth the investment.

Even on smaller, more luxurious ships that don't feel crowded, a balcony is desirable; if the weather is such that you can spend a lot of time on your balcony, it's like having an additional room.

12–14 Days

Spend more time and you'll not only see more but have more varied experiences. And two full weeks is enough to slip into an “Alaska state of mind.” You'll slow down, relax, and appreciate each experience more, because you won't be worried about rushing to squeeze everything in.

Holland America Line (HAL) — which recently snapped up a 2023 World's Best Award in the large-ship ocean cruise line category — has been cruising Alaska for over 75 years. HAL prides itself on having more permits for Glacier Bay National Park visits than any other cruise line.

Alaska cruises are more scenery-oriented than other cruises.

The breathtaking views and sudden opportunities to spot sea-life make it worth the extra expense to upgrade to a veranda cabin (perhaps just $100 more per person).

If you're after views, the best room on a cruise ship will be a balcony cabin at the ship's rear end. Aft balcony accommodations at the ship's corners are also the largest and often give more outside area than conventional balcony cabins, allowing you to enjoy both the beautiful views and the extra space.

No. Cruise ships have railings — usually about chest height on the average person — on all open deck areas and cabin balconies. They are placed intentionally to ensure passenger safety. The only way you risk a fall is if you're standing on furniture to peer over the side or climbing somewhere you're not supposed to.

On most cruise ships, the most luxurious accommodation is on the upper decks. Here, you'll find a selection of elegant suites, with generous outdoor space, separate living areas, and amenities ranging from all-inclusive drinks to the service of a concierge.

Starting price (per person)

Interior cabins start at $448 per person, while staterooms with a balcony start at $1,698 per person. If you select your own balcony stateroom (instead of letting the cruise line place you), the cost is $1,791 per person.

How many days do you need for an Alaska vacation? The sweet spot for an Alaska vacation is seven to 10 days. If you're traveling on a land tour only, in seven days you can go all the way from Kenai Fjords National Park to Denali National Park with plenty of time for day-long guided excursions along the way.

What is a good price for a 7-day Alaskan cruise? ›

An average budget for a 7-day cruise along Alaska's Inside Passage route, with several shore excursions and additional amenities, is typically between $3,000 and $5,000 per person. We'll provide more details below, as we've experienced such a cruise twice ourselves. We took a 10-day and, later, 7-day cruise.

One nice thing about the Inside Passage is how calm the water is because you're sailing between land masses. If you worry about seasickness, an Inside Passage trip is the best Alaska cruise itinerary versus a sailing where your ship transits rougher, open waters.

Northbound Alaska cruises sail up the coastline through the Inside Passage and along Hubbard Glacier, so your best view of Alaska's scenic landmasses are likely on the starboard side of the ship. Southbound Alaska cruises are the opposite.

The Best Time to Cruise Alaska for Good Weather: Summer (mid-June through August) If you prefer warmer temperatures, ranging from 50° to 70° Fahrenheit, and longer days with up to 22 hours of sunlight, a summer Alaskan cruise might be the perfect choice.

For both cruising and land-based tours, May and September are the “shoulder” seasons in Alaska, with better deals and fewer crowds. Cruise prices during those times may be lower, perhaps by a couple hundred dollars per person. Selected shore and land excursions can also be 20% cheaper.

Northbound Alaska cruises sail up the coastline through the Inside Passage and along Hubbard Glacier, so your best view of Alaska's scenic landmasses are likely on the starboard side of the ship. Southbound Alaska cruises are the opposite.

If you're looking for a room with a view, ocean-view cabins can cost between $100 and $350 per person per day. For those wanting a more luxurious experience, balcony cabins and suites can cost between $200 and $400 per person per day.

The higher the deck, the better and, often, more panoramic the view. Cabins on top decks aren't always the best on the ship, but many suites and specialty cabin categories are typically located on upper decks.