Do You Need a Balcony on an Alaska Cruise?

If you ask me whether I recommend a balcony for an Alaska cruise, my answer is yes. If it fits your budget and it’s something you want, Alaska is one place where I would absolutely consider it.

We used our balcony a lot in Alaska. Of the places we’ve cruised, Alaska and Iceland are probably where we’ve used it the most.

But I want to be just as clear about something else: if you choose an oceanview or an interior cabin, go anyway.

You can have a wonderful Alaska cruise without a balcony. You’ll still have places on the ship to enjoy the views, and your cabin choice doesn’t take away the destination you came to experience.

Why I recommend a balcony in Alaska

For me, the biggest benefit is having the scenery right there, with the option to step outside whenever you want.

You don’t have to leave your room and head to a public deck every time you want a look. You have your own outdoor space, whether you use it for a few minutes at a time or settle in for a while.

That convenience matters to me on a trip where looking out at the scenery is part of the experience. And based on how much we used ours, a balcony in Alaska was something we appreciated throughout the cruise.

It’s why I’m comfortable recommending one. We actually used it.

What if you choose an interior cabin?

Then go to Alaska.

Really. I wouldn’t want someone to think a balcony is the price of admission for enjoying this trip.

People choose cabins for all kinds of reasons. Some like having a private outdoor space. Others expect to spend most of their time around the ship. Some would rather put more of their vacation spending toward excursions, extra nights before or after the cruise, or another trip altogether.

And some simply prefer an interior cabin. You don’t need to justify that choice.

The important thing is understanding what you’re choosing and planning around it. With an interior cabin, you’ll head out to the ship’s public areas when you want to enjoy the scenery.

Look at the ship’s viewing spaces, too

Whatever cabin you book, take a look at the ship itself.

Open decks and public lounges can give you other places to enjoy the scenery. Some ships have especially spacious indoor observation areas with large windows; the layout and options vary by ship.

For example, Norwegian describes an indoor Observation Lounge and an outdoor promenade called The Waterfront on selected ships. Those are the kinds of spaces worth checking when comparing your choices.

If you choose an interior cabin, I’d make finding those viewing areas part of getting familiar with the ship. If you book a balcony, explore them anyway. Your own balcony is one place to enjoy Alaska, and you may want to see the views from other parts of the ship as well.

Choose the cabin that fits your trip

When we talk about your Alaska cruise, I’ll tell you why I liked having a balcony. Then we’ll talk about what matters to you.

Will you enjoy having a private place to step outside? Do you like spending time in your room, or are you usually out exploring the ship? Would you prefer to use the difference in price for something else?

Those answers help us choose a cabin you’ll feel good about.

An oceanview may appeal to you if you want a window without a private balcony. An interior may suit you perfectly if you’re happy to enjoy your views from the public spaces. We’ll look at the actual ship, cabin details, and pricing together.

My recommendation is simple: for Alaska, I loved having a balcony, and I would recommend considering one.

But if you choose another cabin, I’ll be just as excited to help you plan.

Go see Alaska. There will be plenty to see beyond your stateroom.

Want help thinking through the ship and cabin? Start with my Alaska Cruise Planning page.

Come sit with me and let’s visit. We’ll find the Alaska cruise that fits you.