@Iris1974
If you pick almost any cabin - but a Concierge (not including the 2 Bedroom), it is a better situation for the person who does not sleep in the big bed.
The mattress in the flip-forward sofa bed is a mattress, just a twin one. Which works for those not overly tall (> 6 something). But no metal bar, like a sofa bed. The sofa bottom & cushions and back cushions are all providing an even support base. My sister is willing to sleep there, leaving me the soft bed (she normally gets the “adult” bedroom when we travel together.)
Our first AK cruise was in a sideways interior on Deck 5 Forward. We sailed those cabins again last April (my 19th
Disney cruise). I have no single cabin category that is a Must. I base it on cost, location, availability. Cost probably plays into it the most; you have to take into account airfare, hotels, and excursions, too. Verandah? Can be nice, but there is plenty of space on a ship where you can see outside. I view cabins as places to sleep, shower, and dress. I spend little waking time in the room. Ship activities, dining, time in ports and on deck take up most of my awake time.
I haven‘t done a New England or Canada cruise; that sounds wonderful. October for that should offer fall leaf colors.
Mid-to-late May in Alaska can be a nice early season cruise. The tours have started, but the crowds are not high. I have been as early as May 15. Also May 28, Late June, mid July and early September. I just have avoided anything earlier or much later than mid September, so as not to miss adventures.
I hope you have as much fun planning (and then experiencing) your cruise(s) as I have hearing about your upcoming fun birthday. (My sister and I were talking over lunch about mine in 2026 - already! With ones before that, too. But hoping to make a milestone - aren’t they all, really - birthday even a bigger deal. She’s a Christmastime birthday. Never a cruise in her day. Too expensive.)