Advice please. Expert cruisers is it to cold for a balcony in alaska in early june?

[AmberTeka]

I know you go to see the scenery. I know the seats in the Lido for viewing are taken early.

 

What would YOU do?

 

I would probably book a 7C

 

we have had them on the Legend before and like them.

 

Very quiet on the Upper Deck.

 

what ABOUT the cabins on Deck Four With French Doors?

 

Thank you for any information and /or advice.

[CAnative1]

Cold is pretty subjective (like many things). When I went on my Alaskan cruise, I was walking around the ports in nothing more than jeans, a thermo shirt (for the long sleeves), and a tshirt on top of the thermo. Aside from that, I did have a beanie on. When I would spend time on my balcony, I would be dressed the same, minus the beanie.

 

Then you would see other people covered up with winter coats, pants, etc. These people would look at me like I was crazy.

 

(I sailed in the month of May)

Edited July 21, 2015 by CAnative1

[APDMOM]

On the contrary... (sort of)... It is too cold NOT to have a balcony. We had a balcony for Alaska and are VERY glad we splurged. It was great to be able to go outside to get pictures of whales, sea lions, the glacier, orca whales, etc., and then step back inside to warm up. I would not do Alaska without a balcony... Although it was often warm enough to stay outside, it was very cold around the glacier, and cool at night.

 

Also, the deck 4 french doors would limit your view greatly. Go for the balcony. You will not regret the views...

 

 

 

 

[bkerber]

Beautiful pictures

[K&P Luv2Cruise]

I know you go to see the scenery. I know the seats in the Lido for viewing are taken early.

 

What would YOU do?

 

I would probably book a 7C

 

we have had them on the Legend before and like them.

 

Very quiet on the Upper Deck.

 

what ABOUT the cabins on Deck Four With French Doors?

 

Thank you for any information and /or advice.

 

Love the 4K's (Interior with French Doors) on Deck 4 Main (we have 39 days in 4K's on the Miracle). However, while you do have the doors to open, and some cabins have a view between the lifeboats, if you are going for the scenery and want a balcony to view it, you should choose one of those. Balcony cabins without an obstructed view would probably work best (avoid deck 5 above the lifeboats as you can see "out" just fine, but cannot see "down").

Edited July 21, 2015 by K&P Luv2Cruise

[islandatsea]

Excellent pictures.......thanks for posting them!

[pezhead]

I'll be the dissent and say not worth it. I did last summer without a balcony, it was a much better view sitting up on deck.and seeing everything.

 

And I second cold being relative, I was barely in more than a tank and a lightweight cardigan most days. In port I actually wore sandals more than my trail runners. Did a tour up in Denali where the NYers had on jeans and sweatshirts, the Alaskan guides were in tees, and the group from Arizona had on down jackets and gloves.

 

Sent from my KFTHWI using Tapatalk

[Laurin612]

My family and I had a 9B balcony on the Miracle last August, so I can't speak to the weather in early June, but we are so glad we had a balcony room! We spent a lot of time on our balcony enjoying the scenery and wildlife. I think it is worth the extra money for a balcony regardless of the weather. Just make sure you pack enough warm clothes, hats, etc. if you are a "freezy cat."

 

Also, cold is definitely relative! We actually swam and used the hot tubs--at the same time we saw people lying on deck chairs with winter coats on, covered in blankets!

Edited July 21, 2015 by Laurin612

[Emilycat]

I just love your pictures! It brings back wonderful memories of the cruise to Alaska that my hubby and I went on back in 2000. The glaciers and the whales looked just like that! ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY YOU MUST HAVE A BALCONY! You don't want to go to sleep! You are afraid that you are going to miss the scenery. It is daylight almost 24 hours a day. Take a sweatshirt, a heavy jacket. Dress in layers. You will be good for all temps.

Edited July 21, 2015 by Emilycat

[Budget Queen]

It is colder in Alaska, so if you are thinking of just sitting out for hours, eating etc, BIG differences, you will have to have on, at least a jacket- staying out an extended time, when the ship is moving. Gloves and hat, should be packed. Food and drinks cool off quickly, so not the best idea for big amounts.

 

You are taking the least scenic sailing- 2 days are open ocean, with not a lot to see, (if you are doing the regular run) IF funds are the thinking and the balcony causes you to cut back on touring- think VERY carefully about this choice. Alaska isn't the place to skimp in my opinion. It is not the place to think, walking around in ports is just fine :). If you chose to go to Alaska for particular sights and attractions- then they aren't going to be in the busy, Caribbean ports. :) Ask yourself how often you are going to get to Alaska. Even a yearly trip is infrequent. :)

 

With the regular itinerary- it is FAR superior to transit Tracy Arm with the add on Tracy Arm tour. You are not likely to have anything but a distant partial view of the South Sawyer glacier without it. I find this a "necessary" tour to consider.

[molme]

WE were there in May and only had fleece jackets and we were fine. Did take vest to wear over our jackets, but never got cold enough to use them. The temps were in high 60's and low 70's. We had a balcony cabin and was able to use it for sightseeing, but too cold to eat breakfast out there. Night time temps were in 40's. Would book balcony again if we go back.

[Chief Cruiser]

Our Alaskan cruise was in the last week of May and to us, it was chilly, but nothing a hoodie didn't fix. I normally book an inside and do not splurge for the balcony, been there - done that - and would rather spend the savings on other things. Having said that, I would dare not go to Alaska without booking a balcony - especially if you cruise Glacier Bay or the Inside Passage. We were fortunate enough to do both.

 

I highly recommend a balcony room for this cruise.

 

Happy Sails:)

[sandtfromwv]

Our Alaskan cruise was in the last week of May and to us, it was chilly, but nothing a hoodie didn't fix. I normally book an inside and do not splurge for the balcony, been there - done that - and would rather spend the savings on other things. Having said that, I would dare not go to Alaska without booking a balcony - especially if you cruise Glacier Bay or the Inside Passage. We were fortunate enough to do both.

 

I highly recommend a balcony room for this cruise.

 

Happy Sails:)

 

I agree completely with Chief Cruiser. We normally always do inside cabins, but Alaska is a different story because of the scenery. I tell everyone that I know who is planning to go on an Alaskan cruise that they should splurge on a balcony. We also did a sailing with Glacier Bay and Inside Passage. Amazing views. It's so nice to be able to order coffee from room service and have the balcony to view the scenery and to go in and out of the cabin as you please.

 

We went in June and my sister had to buy a coat while at a port because she was so cold. Even if it's 65 at port, when you are on a windy, moving ship it makes a big difference.

 

We also did a helicopter tour that landed on Norris Glacier. (It was a different cruise line so I don't know if Carnival has that one or not) It was very pricey but I am so glad I splurged on that too. The best excursion I've ever taken.

 

Anyway, if you can swing it financially, I'd vote for a balcony on an Alaskan cruise.

[katiel53]

We have gone to Alaska on 2 cruises and both were the week of Memorial Day. The second cruise it was 85 in Juneau and my husband was ready to kill me because I had him wear long pants as it was cool in the morning. Both cruises we had perfect weather with no rain.

 

To me, Alaska is the ONE place where it is absolutely necessary to have a balcony. The scenery is so beautiful and not being crowded up on deck makes the extra money spent worth every penny. I truly could not imagine not having a balcony for Alaska.

[ncbeachteacher]

Definitely book a balcony cabin, but not an aft balcony. They have no "roof" which means you are exposed to elements. When it rains, which it does a lot, you will not enjoy your balcony. An aft wrap does have a covered area. Any other balcony will have a "roof" covering you.

 

I agree that "cold" is relative. Alaska is a different situation. When we got to Alaska, it was 90 degrees. One of the hottest days of the summer and a record breaker. A few days later, it was in the 50's, raining, and windy. It stayed like that for several days. I found it quite chilly for July.

 

Bring lots of layers and plan on having fluctuating temps. A rain coat is a must. Bring all of that and then you might be blessed with warm weather and no rain or fog! I would not hesitate to wrap up in a blanket on the balcony.

[Cruise life]

We had a balcony on our first Alaska cruise and a 4k on the one we just did in May. I cannot honestly say our first cruise was "better" because we had a balcony. In May, it was very cold on the upper sports decks when sailing, especially in the evenings, but some of the best 360 degree views could be had up there! You can't get a complete view from any balcony location. IF you were disabled, maybe a balcony would afford you a private viewing experience, but there are plenty of locations in public areas to see everything you can possibly see on any cruise. This is one area so many feel is a must splurge, but I must disagree. We do enjoy an OV or the 4k with some air, but we never hang out in our cabin when it's just us. IF you are traveling with a family group, larger suites with balconies are nice for get-togethers, but again this can be accomplished anywhere on the ship.

Edited July 22, 2015 by Cruise life

[rlkubi]

IMO a balcony is a MUST for Alaska. So much to see!

[bingo3]

My very first cruise 18 years ago was to Alaska and knowing no better, we had an inside cabin. If I ever go on an Alaskan cruise again, whihc I am contemplating, I will most definitely have a balcony cabin. We went early June and there were days we were in short sleeves. I would have loved to have been able to watch for wildlife right from my own balcony.....Obviously, you may not be able to stay out there when the ship is under full sail, but while cruising the inside passage or sitting in ports, is will be welcome! :D

[Bunkie103]

I have to go with the group and say the balcony is a necessity for Alaska. There is so much to see you don't want to miss a bit of it. I spent hours while were cruising the Inner Passage out there just watching and listening. It wasn't too cold because the barriers between the cabins tend to keep it warmer. We went on the first sailing in May and never wore our hat or gloves even when we took the White Pass and Yukon Railroad into the Yukon.

[Budget Queen]

I have to go with the group and say the balcony is a necessity for Alaska. There is so much to see you don't want to miss a bit of it. I spent hours while were cruising the Inner Passage out there just watching and listening. It wasn't too cold because the barriers between the cabins tend to keep it warmer. We went on the first sailing in May and never wore our hat or gloves even when we took the White Pass and Yukon Railroad into the Yukon.

 

You did not go into the Yukon on the White Pass RR.

[winddawn]

I know you go to see the scenery. I know the seats in the Lido for viewing are taken early.

 

What would YOU do?

 

I would probably book a 7C

 

we have had them on the Legend before and like them.

 

Very quiet on the Upper Deck.

 

what ABOUT the cabins on Deck Four With French Doors?

 

Thank you for any information and /or advice.

Weather can vary widely in Alaska and is unpredictable. You will also experience micro-climates based on location. Personally I wouldn't even consider cruising to Alaska without a balcony cabin. Pack appropriately to be prepared for varying weather conditions and enjoy the scenery from your own personal space on your balcony (think dressing in layers and take disposable ponchos). Cruising Alaska is all about the scenery and excursions. Enjoy both to the maximum extent possible.

[AmberTeka]

Thank all of you for your advice.

 

I think I lucked out and got the best of both worlds

 

My Carnival PVP recommended a 7A cabin ( and we have had obstructed balconies on the Legend before) and the one we have has a baloney that is very long. Lifeboats are there, but just the tops. You can see looking straight out and in one part, the view is clear. She has cruised in that cabin and recommended it highly.

 

I have worked with her for a while and she has never led me wrong. So I am excited. I also saw pictures on the Web and it is called a Secret Room. Like in really nice cabins that most don't know about. as in that huge balcony. Long balcony is what I should say. Very long. I am pinching myself. I am not usually the one that has good luck. Never win at Bingo. Never win in the casino. So...........woo hoo!

 

 

Our daughter, Son in law and grandchild are going with us, and now we have a balcony for all of us. Or one where we can all sit or stand. My grandchild will be five when we sail, and she is ordinarily a well behaved child. After a while she does get antsy as children do, so...we can look and she can stay in the cabin and watch TV or play with toys.

 

NOW I need to find a cabin for them........and I am trying to find out if any of the 4K cabins on Deck 4, the ones with French Doors have a view of the water. It looks like some should have a view between lifeboats, but I have not found them.

 

thank you all.

Edited July 23, 2015 by AmberTeka

[AmberTeka]

AND thank you for the tips on clothes.

 

We live in Florida and I don't even own a winter coat. I have a very heavy sweater that is pure wool, and two other sweaters.

 

Here......Winter clothes go on sale after Christmas and on clearance in February with deep price cuts.

 

Now I know what to buy. Sweatshirts. Wind breakers that are rain proof. Hats. Gloves. warm socks. pants. Hoodies

 

I don't want us to run around looking like Nanook of the North, but I still want to be warm. the layering advice is spot on.

 

Thank you again. All of you for taking the time to answer my plea.

 

I feel like I am ready for Alaska now.

[Amatuer_Travel_Agent]

I'll be the dissent and say not worth it. I did last summer without a balcony, it was a much better view sitting up on deck.and seeing everything.

 

And I second cold being relative, I was barely in more than a tank and a lightweight cardigan most days. In port I actually wore sandals more than my trail runners. Did a tour up in Denali where the NYers had on jeans and sweatshirts, the Alaskan guides were in tees, and the group from Arizona had on down jackets and gloves.

 

Sent from my KFTHWI using Tapatalk

 

Alaska is the ONLY time where a balcony is required. It was awesome bring able to sit out side at a moments notice and seeing whale and scenery. We were watching whales at 10pm.