Veranda room, not necessary in Alaska sailings in my opinion

[LoveDaisy]

I guess maybe it was different in Disney as they’re were plenty of space available for viewing and everyone respectful! After the character meets it really was a ghost town

Why would you think people on other cruise lines aren’t respectful? I just don’t like crowds, which is why I choose a room with a veranda. I also choose a cruise line that would allow for more than one day of glacier viewing, unlike DCL.

 

[CampbellzSoup]

Why would you think people on other cruise lines aren’t respectful? I just don’t like crowds, which is why I choose a room with a veranda. I also choose a cruise line that would allow for more than one day of glacier viewing, unlike DCL.

Where did I say other crusie lines they weren’t? Stop trying to make something it’s not when I clearly didn’t say that.

 

[lklgoodman]

We've done 2 Alaskan cruises. First time we had an OV, second time we had a verandah. While a verandah isn't a must have for us on Caribbean cruises I did like it for Alaska. As we entered Juneau we sat on it and watched seaplanes take off. We had nice weather for all of the cruise so we were able to go out on it quite a bit. On glacier day, we sat on our verandah for awhile and went out on the public decks and then went back to our verandah. While it was nice to get the larger view on the public decks, it was also very crowded. I liked being on our verandah because it was lower and made us feel closer to the glaciers/water. We were able to get a verandah and do the excursions we wanted. I definitely wouldn't do an inside. When we had an OV we had the curtains open all the time so we could see outside.

 

[FeliciaB23]

Having a verandah is a must-have for me on every cruise. I certainly take advantage of it, too! Love sitting out there first thing in the morning or late at night just listening to the ocean breeze. Alaska had the BEST views out of every cruise I’ve done and I certainly don’t regret it.

 

[kiford]

We don't always spend a lot of time out on the verandah but we like having the light and the feeling that the room is larger and more open. Maybe you can get that with oceanview but I don't like the locations of those rooms. So an inside cabin is a no-go for us no matter the itinerary and temperature.

 

[anjuan]

I'm in the navigator's verandah camp for Alaska. It's the cheapest of the verandahs and there is a little more protection from the wind. One of my favorite memories on my Alaska cruise was sitting out on the balcony on the last night, the water was like glass and watching the sun set with mountains in the background. It was so peaceful!

 

[lklgoodman]

I'm in the navigator's verandah camp for Alaska. It's the cheapest of the verandahs and there is a little more protection from the wind. One of my favorite memories on my Alaska cruise was sitting out on the balcony on the last night, the water was like glass and watching the sun set with mountains in the background. It was so peaceful!

We have a navigator's booked for next summer on the Magic, a Caribbean cruise. We've had regular verandah cabins and this will be our first navigator's. I'm looking forward to it. My teen daughter has already claimed it as her's though.

 

[dclpluto]

20 out of my 24 cruises 23 on DCL has been in a inside stateroom including DCL very first Alaska cruise. First cruise was in a verandah than I woke up and started saving $$$ or even $$$$ on each and every cruise. Some people will tell you the better the stateroom you have the more time you will spend in your stateroom. Well I don’t go on a cruise to spend extra time in the stateroom. I do the 5 things that starts with the letter S and get dress.

I’m not cheap either at WDW I stay in a 1 bedroom. I love the parks but 10 hours in the park I had enough for the day and so nice to go back to your hotel in a 1 bedroom and not a tiny room. To each their own,people are different. Some people will stay in a suite on a cruise but at WDW they will stay at pop century. Do what you like in your budget.

 

[CampbellzSoup]

20 out of my 24 cruises 23 on DCL has been in a inside stateroom including DCL very first Alaska cruise. First cruise was in a verandah than I woke up and started saving $$$ or even $$$$ on each and every cruise. Some people will tell you the better the stateroom you have the more time you will spend in your stateroom. Well I don’t go on a cruise to spend extra time in the stateroom. I do the 5 things that starts with the letter S and get dress.

I’m not cheap either at WDW I stay in a 1 bedroom. I love the parks but 10 hours in the park I had enough for the day and so nice to go back to your hotel in a 1 bedroom and not a tiny room. To each their own,people are different. Some people will stay in a suite on a cruise but at WDW they will stay at pop century. Do what you like in your budget.

I think you summed up exactly my thoughts as well I feel the same at WDW! Exactly too I have no desire to spend in my stateroom but I love everyone’s opinions on the matter too it’s interesting to see what people value

 

[mmouse37]

We did Alaska on DCL way back in 2011 in the month of August. Our group had about 5 cabins and we all opted for ocean views. We had the best time. We spent a huge amount of time with our friends on the open decks....mainly Deck 4 where we had blankets, comfortable loungers, overhead protection, great views and we set ourselves up near the entrance where we could run through the ship to the other side if something interesting was reported. Minnie came down to visit and we would run up to Deck 9 for our hot cocoa and come back down. We did not feel the need for a verandah as we all wanted to hang out with each other but I totally understand how some need or want to have a verandah. No right or wrong answer!

We are retired now so have much more flexibility in booking a cruise and mainly take advantage of last minute deals about 90 or less days out from a sailing. Many times verandahs are on sale with the VGT rate and we take advantage of that like we just did for Bermuda out of NYC. It was only about $100 more total for a verandah so we opted for it but it is not necessary for us.

I am happy with an O/V.

MJ

 

[bobbiwoz]

Veranda for sure for Alaska! Actually, I would always get a veranda on a cruise.

 

[Calantha]

If we do the Greek isles in two years, I definitely want to get a Verandah. So until then, I’ll be doing oceanviews, except for the cruise next week.

 

[tink1970]

I'm in the verandah camp...I'm fairly claustrophobic though so this plays into it, so it doesn't matter what cruise it is, honestly.

 

[robinb]

I agree that a balcony (or veranda in DCL speak) is not necessary for an Alaska cruise. We had a wonderful balcony on the bow of the Princess Majestic and really enjoyed our view from there. We ended up going on the top deck after a couple of hours and O-M-G the view was so much better from there! We were encircled by the beauty and not just seeing it from 180-degrees off our balcony.

 

[wide awake]

I agree with the OP, a verandah not necessary for Alaska or any cruise for that matter, to us anyway. TBH we don't use it that much. I don't like the room service coffee so not going to sit out there and drink bad coffee and I'd rather drink wine in one of the lounges. We do however always buy two cabins for the three of us. I'd much rather have connecting insides than one verandah.

 

[DCLMP]

I agree not necessary. The cost difference is thousands.

To the people that can’t afford it or don’t want to spend the extra money for a verandah don’t let anyone tell you you can’t enjoy Alaska without one. Do what fits into your budget not someone else’s. You will have a great time in any room.

 

[Jsoenning]

Loved our balcony while on RCL this summer. Still in pj’s enjoying the glacier. Had hot breakfast and chocolate chip cookies with Starbucks based on room.

 

[OKW Lover]

Now, I'm curious to hear your thoughts. For those who have stayed in veranda rooms, do you see it as a vital part of an Alaskan cruise, as some suggest, or are you content with an interior room and the full experience of glacier day on deck nine? Please share your perspective,

I'm a firm believer in veranda rooms no mater what the cruise. We really enjoy sitting on our veranda just watching the ocean or whatever else is out there. For Alaska cruises there is the added advantage of just being able to duck inside if it's a bit cold. Since the ships turn around you'll see the scenery no matter what side you are on.

 

[tvguy]

I've done two Alaska cruises, both times with just a port hole. Second time our friends had a balcony and really didn't use it. All the action on an Alaskan cruise is on the upper decks, where the beauty is all around you.

 

[ScooterScott44]

Totally disagree with the initial question for this thread - there is no right or wrong to having a veranda (or not). It is merely a personal decision on what works best for you and your travel party. The specific ship that you are sailing should/could factor into the decision. We have been on the major lines, except Norwegian, and not all ships public spaces are quite equal. The Quantum class ships with Royal have some great indoor public viewing areas (Two70 and the solarium) that make not having a balcony less risky even in Alaska's possible less than ideal weather.

Personally our family will do balconies/verandas since we like using that space. It is a bonus in my view for Alaska and other cruises since we may be relaxing in the cabin and want to look out at the sights and nature. Sometimes just having a cup of coffee and relaxing as the trees and mountain go past is a great way to spend the time.

We enjoyed the chance both in Alaska and the Panama canal to fully use the veranda. The other thing that made it more valuable in my mind with those cruises is the time. The transit of the canal and/or sailing up the fjord/arm to the glaciers or town can take quite a while. Having a veranda allows us to go out on the public deck if desired, but still see the sites if we head back or just stay in the room.