Do we need a balcony? (Alaska Cruise)

[Pooh2]

We booked our first cruise for next May. We really wanted to do Alaska with a veranda so rather than downgrade our room, we moved our date to May when it was $1,000 cheaper than the date we initially wanted in June. We did save a little more by going with the white wall veranda rather than the plexiglass veranda. Still worried we might regret that!
Have a wonderful cruise no matter which room you choose!

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

Heather: Slightly off topic, but I'm hoping you can help us with cabin choice for our Norway cruise next year. We are booked in a 7A, traditional Navigators verandah for the 7 night cruise. On our Med cruise last year, we lucked into one of the few 7A, secret verandah with obstruction.

I'm thinking of upgrading to a standard verandah, but some have said the Navigator's verandah is nice for cold weather cruising. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance. -- Suzanne

Hi Suzanne You are in for a treat for sure!

I've stayed in both the true 7A and "secret Navigators". I specifically picked the true 7A for Alaska to give us shelter/protection and it was worthwhile for sure but honestly I wouldn't say it was really freezing on our sailing. As you know, you definitely need to stand up to really see so I'd likely chose a secret verandah for better views if I had a choice. I'm not sure what the price difference is from your 7A to the next verandah? It is pretty substantial? If so, I'd just keep the 7A but that's just me. We weren't really cold for our sailing, except in Iceland leaving for the Frozen Deck Party (how ironic I know) and we were up on deck and it was very cold and also very windy. I think you'd love the 7A for Norway We were on the open decks for a lot of our sailing and again, never really felt cold. It was windy more than anything (Scotland especially) but no regrets.

Have a blast!
Heather

 

[jahber]

Here's a reason I was glad I didn't have a verandah: the fog horn. Oh. My. Goodness. It is LOUD! How do I know this? I was up on the pool deck one early morning and happened to be standing in front of it. But it was loud everywhere outside. And it was so foggy that you couldn't have seen anything from a verandah anyway. So, really, anyone can argue for or against a verandah ad nauseum. What you need to do is figure out YOUR priorities. Ours was price. We sailed for about $2500 for the four of us in an inside two years ago. That was how we got to sail Alaska and no one can tell me that saving up an extra two years to make up the price difference between inside and verandah would have been worth it. Especially since the money we saved allowed us to go on two more cruises in the mean time! Priorities.

 

[southerngirl528]

So, really, anyone can argue for or against a verandah ad nauseum. What you need to do is figure out YOUR priorities. Ours was price.

And I think THAT sums it up, Lemonpan! There's some great input here but truthfully the vast majority of it is simply opinions, including my own post. I HAVE been to Alaska on a Disney Cruise. It was a rare occasion that I was not in a verandah. We still had a fabulous time. If you want and can afford a verandah, go for it! If you can't really afford the extra $$$, then book what you can afford and you will still have a fabulous time!

 

[wombat_5606]

To be honest, I started looking at other non-Disney cruise lines. They are SO much cheaper!

Unless you are traveling with children that you want entertained by the Disney staff, I would look at other cruise lines. HAL and Princess are Alaska experts and they offer things on their itineraries that Disney can't.

 

[Pens Fan]

We had a verandah in Alaska and loved it - spent literally hours on it. We take thousands of pictures on vacation so having a piece of plexiglass between us and the view is not an option. We were either up on deck, when the view warranted that, or on the balcony taking photos all cruise long. I'll just second a couple of things others have said - First, darkness is NOT an issue. Like Heather, we were on the Iceland / Norway cruise and had no problem keeping the cabin dark even though the sun was up for most of the night, nor was it an issue in Alaska. The curtains are very heavy and do a great job of blocking out the light. Second, I really don't get the "balcony is cold" issue, unless you are trying to avoid being outside all together. A balcony is at least somewhat protected (not much, but at least more so than being on an open deck) and you can be inside in a couple of steps to warm up as needed, then head right back out.

All that being said, it comes down to finances - pure and simple. If you've never been on an Alaska cruise you may experience some sticker shock when you see the price of excursions - hint: look outside of DCL for better pricing. As beautiful as the scenery is from the ship, you really need to get off and explore to fully appreciate Alaska. Get out of the port towns and into the beauty that is Alaska. But prepared to fork over some $$$$ to do so. If I had to choose between having a balcony and taking a float plane or helicopter (for example) excursion, I'd forgo the balcony. If you can do both comfortably, then go for the balcony.

Others have recommended sailing another line. I will have to admit the next time we cruise Alaska it will be on a ship that goes through Glacier Bay and runs the one-way itineraries that allow for adding a land based Alaska adventure as well. That means jumping ship from Disney. But I don't regret for one second that we sailed DCL in Alaska when we did. Our son was 14 and still very much into the Disney aspect of the trip at that point in time. Tracy Arm is magnificent and even thought DH and I had gone through it before on a small boat day tour many years ago, it was one of the highlights of the trip. If you think this will be a one and done for Alaska, maybe another cruise line should be considered. But once you see it, I'll bet you'll want to come back. Our next Alaska trip (not yet booked, so many places to go!!) will be our third.

Whatever you decide, you will have an amazing trip! Have fun!

 

[bcwife76]

We're doing Alaska on DCL in August 2016, without a balcony. We're Canadian and our $ is really sucking right now, so the price you see - add 30% to it!! Thus why we are again choosing an inside cabin (deluxe this time instead of standard LOL) We plan on being outside on decks 4, 9 & 10 a lot during this cruise which suits me fine, my fave place to be is deck 4 on a deck chair

 

[jahber]

Just for the record, we WERE cold. But as I said, we are from Florida. We sailed in early September and I had to buy special clothes (i.e. "winter" clothes) for the trip. That included pants and long sleeved-shirts and coats. Coats--we don't own coats! And I don't buy pants for the kids until Black Friday, usually. So we didn't have much in the budget for cold weather gear that we would never use again. We had cheapo gloves and I had a scarf. That's it. So it really, truly was cold for us. I'm not exaggerating. We simply wouldn't have intentionally sat out there, even with blankets. I've been too cold out on a verandah in the Caribbean, for goodness sake. Now, obviously not everyone is from Florida, but my experience is what it is and some people just don't like to be cold. Thus, why I live and always have lived in Fl. Where it is currently 91 degrees--ok, Florida, that's a little warm even for me.

 

[Pens Fan]

Just for the record, we WERE cold. But as I said, we are from Florida. We sailed in early September and I had to buy special clothes (i.e. "winter" clothes) for the trip. That included pants and long sleeved-shirts and coats. Coats--we don't own coats! And I don't buy pants for the kids until Black Friday, usually. So we didn't have much in the budget for cold weather gear that we would never use again. We had cheapo gloves and I had a scarf. That's it. So it really, truly was cold for us. I'm not exaggerating. We simply wouldn't have intentionally sat out there, even with blankets. I've been too cold out on a verandah in the Caribbean, for goodness sake. Now, obviously not everyone is from Florida, but my experience is what it is and some people just don't like to be cold. Thus, why I live and always have lived in Fl. Where it is currently 91 degrees--ok, Florida, that's a little warm even for me.

I believe you are misunderstanding my point. I don't doubt that you were cold. My point is that you would be more protected on a balcony than out on an open deck. And I stand by that point, completely. Our balcony has always been more comfortable than the open deck - whether it was Alaska or Iceland. Now if you want to avoid being outside at all (as my previous point stated) - that's a whole different ball game.

 

[jiminyC_fan]

I agree that it is personal taste and expectations. One's view is just that, their view. We all like and expect something different. Weigh all these comments and in the end choose what is best for you. There isn't one right answer no matter how strong someone's opinion is.

 

[jdb in AZ]

Just for the record, we WERE cold. But as I said, we are from Florida. We sailed in early September and I had to buy special clothes (i.e. "winter" clothes) for the trip. That included pants and long sleeved-shirts and coats. Coats--we don't own coats! And I don't buy pants for the kids until Black Friday, usually. So we didn't have much in the budget for cold weather gear that we would never use again. We had cheapo gloves and I had a scarf. That's it. So it really, truly was cold for us. I'm not exaggerating. We simply wouldn't have intentionally sat out there, even with blankets. I've been too cold out on a verandah in the Caribbean, for goodness sake. Now, obviously not everyone is from Florida, but my experience is what it is and some people just don't like to be cold. Thus, why I live and always have lived in Fl. Where it is currently 91 degrees--ok, Florida, that's a little warm even for me.

My kids didn't have cold weather gear when they were growing up. When they played in the snow they borrowed snow suits and boots from their cousins. DMIL loved garage sales, and picked up some bargain parkas for the rare occasion my "desert rats" needed them. Just sayin you don't have to spend a fortune to be warm on an Alaskan cruise. A ship captain once said, "There's no such thing as cold weather in Alaska, just poorly dressed tourists."

That said, my aunt (another Arizonan) said that Alaska is "colder than a Mother-in-law's kiss." Standing in a crowd at the bow of a ship approaching a glacier is definitely colder than being protected from the wind on a verandah.

 

[jahber]

I believe you are misunderstanding my point. I don't doubt that you were cold. My point is that you would be more protected on a balcony than out on an open deck. And I stand by that point, completely. Our balcony has always been more comfortable than the open deck - whether it was Alaska or Iceland. Now if you want to avoid being outside at all (as my previous point stated) - that's a whole different ball game.

Ok, yes. A balcony is almost certainly less windy and cold than, say, deck 4. But still cold.

My kids didn't have cold weather gear when they were growing up. When they played in the snow they borrowed snow suits and boots from their cousins. DMIL loved garage sales, and picked up some bargain parkas for the rare occasion my "desert rats" needed them. Just sayin you don't have to spend a fortune to be warm on an Alaskan cruise. A ship captain once said, "There's no such thing as cold weather in Alaska, just poorly dressed tourists."

That said, my aunt (another Arizonan) said that Alaska is "colder than a Mother-in-law's kiss." Standing in a crowd at the bow of a ship approaching a glacier is definitely colder than being protected from the wind on a verandah.

If we hadn't booked last minute, we might have had better luck finding deals on winter clothes, sure. But good luck finding parkas in Fl with a couple of week's notice in August. Unless you pay full price for a coat you'll never use again. And we had no one to borrow from because, again, Florida.

But that wasn't my point, anyway. My point was, Alaska was too cold for us to sit out on a verandah. Period. Because we don't like being cold on purpose. That's all. When we watched scenery, we did so from inside or on the protected decks. It was lovely and amazing. On Tracey Arm day we wore all the clothing we could and stayed out as long as we could stand it. I'm not sure why it bothers people that we were cold. It's not like I'm making that part up. I'm not even complaining about it. I'm glad we got to go, even though it was cold!

 

[SuzanneSLO]

Hi Suzanne You are in for a treat for sure!

I've stayed in both the true 7A and "secret Navigators". I specifically picked the true 7A for Alaska to give us shelter/protection and it was worthwhile for sure but honestly I wouldn't say it was really freezing on our sailing. As you know, you definitely need to stand up to really see so I'd likely chose a secret verandah for better views if I had a choice. I'm not sure what the price difference is from your 7A to the next verandah? It is pretty substantial? If so, I'd just keep the 7A but that's just me. We weren't really cold for our sailing, except in Iceland leaving for the Frozen Deck Party (how ironic I know) and we were up on deck and it was very cold and also very windy. I think you'd love the 7A for Norway We were on the open decks for a lot of our sailing and again, never really felt cold. It was windy more than anything (Scotland especially) but no regrets.

Have a blast!
Heather

Heather: Thank you for thoughtful reply. It is only $400 to upgrade to a 5A, which is not much in the grand scheme of things. We were fine with the "Secret" verandah with an obstructed view, but have never had a true 7A. I've noticed other categories of balconies are starting to sell out, so I guess I need to make a decision, or live with my current decision. -- Suzanne

 

[swooshbear]

We have done Alaska twice, both times with an inside stateroom. A verandah would be nice but definitely not necessary. I actually preferred sitting just outside of the Cove Cafe or on Deck 4 to enjoy the scenery. On Tracy Arm day, Deck 4 was not as crowded as the top deck and you are slightly closer to the ice.

Another factor is weather. Alaska weather is so unpredictable. We have had good luck on our cruises, no rain at all on our last cruise. But we heard the week before had 7 days of rain and no sun, that would be a bummer if we had a verandah on that cruise.

 

[jiminyC_fan]

Ok, yes. A balcony is almost certainly less windy and cold than, say, deck 4. But still cold.


If we hadn't booked last minute, we might have had better luck finding deals on winter clothes, sure. But good luck finding parkas in Fl with a couple of week's notice in August. Unless you pay full price for a coat you'll never use again. And we had no one to borrow from because, again, Florida.

But that wasn't my point, anyway. My point was, Alaska was too cold for us to sit out on a verandah. Period. Because we don't like being cold on purpose. That's all. When we watched scenery, we did so from inside or on the protected decks. It was lovely and amazing. On Tracey Arm day we wore all the clothing we could and stayed out as long as we could stand it. I'm not sure why it bothers people that we were cold. It's not like I'm making that part up. I'm not even complaining about it. I'm glad we got to go, even though it was cold!

I totally understand what you are saying. It is not your fault that you booked a last minute cruise and couldn't find winter gear. You made do with what you had. Not a crime. What is cold for one person isn't cold for another. Everyone's temperature threshold is different. Hence, the veranda issue is DEFINITELY a personal decision. There isn't a right or wrong way to cruise to Alaska. I find it odd that some are even taking it personal if someone doesn't see the veranda way.

Good luck with your decision OP. No matter what you will have an awesome time. Alaska is addicting!

 

[Ofinn]

Just for the record, we WERE cold. But as I said, we are from Florida. We sailed in early September and I had to buy special clothes (i.e. "winter" clothes) for the trip. That included pants and long sleeved-shirts and coats. Coats--we don't own coats! And I don't buy pants for the kids until Black Friday, usually. So we didn't have much in the budget for cold weather gear that we would never use again. We had cheapo gloves and I had a scarf. That's it. So it really, truly was cold for us. I'm not exaggerating. We simply wouldn't have intentionally sat out there, even with blankets. I've been too cold out on a verandah in the Caribbean, for goodness sake. Now, obviously not everyone is from Florida, but my experience is what it is and some people just don't like to be cold. Thus, why I live and always have lived in Fl. Where it is currently 91 degrees--ok, Florida, that's a little warm even for me.

I get it. I live in the desert now and anything below 75 is cold to me. Luckily I used to ski a lot so I still have my northface jacket. I will need to buy my kids clothes. The only long pants they have are their dress pants for formal nights on cruises.

 

[dmask]

We did have a balcony - would I do it again, probably not. While we did not cruise on Disney (Princess, due to the itinerary) most of the time we were out on the open decks and there was plenty of space for all. We pretty much ate exclusively at the buffet, did not want to miss the beautiful scenery and wildlife sightings.

 

[mmmears]

We had a balcony room when we cruised to Alaska on DCL. Would I book that room again? Absolutely! It's pricey, but we spent lots of time on the balcony, and also spent time in the room looking through the big glass doors. There is something to see pretty much any time of day on that cruise. It comes down to personal choice, however, so it is really up to you and what you feel comfortable booking.

 

[xlxo]

My thoughts...

• best use of a balcony is for the half day going in and out of Tracy Arm. The upper decks can get crowded and a private balcony means you don't need to worry about chair hoarders.
• I prefer to save my money and get a climate controlled Deck 2 oceanview. The over sized windows are great. I found balconies can get cold/windy in Alaska.
• kids will be snorting high on pixie dust..... what balcony?

 

[lemonpan]

These are all such helpful replies! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer. Right now I'm in the planning phase. If the price is right, I think we will go for a balcony room. If not, I won't stress about it! It sounds like a cruise to Alaska is lovely, whether you have a balcony room or not.

Thanks again for the help!