Top 5 Reasons to Book a Balcony Cabin in Alaska

By Kimberly Coyne and Brooke Franco

An Alaska cruise is genuinely unlike any other vacation. The destination offers an abundance of wildlife and many landmarks and sites, most of which can only be accessed from a cruise ship. So what better way to experience these wonders than from the comfort of your private balcony cabin?

On an Alaska cruise, a balcony cabin provides your own private viewing space to take in spectacular scenery, glaciers, wildlife, and more. While this category of staterooms comes with a higher price tag, the benefits offered on an Alaska cruise will make a huge difference and is well worth the investment.

Following are the top reasons to book a balcony cabin on your next Alaska cruise.

1. Ideal Spot to Catch the Beautiful Scenery

*Photo by BreAtSea from an Alaska cruise on the Disney Wonder*

The majestic, unique backdrop of Alaska is one of the unique experiences of any cruise. What could be better than having a special space to enjoy the views comfortably from your private oasis? Having a balcony cabin allows you to take in the passing mountains, glaciers, picturesque towns, wildlife, and so much more right from the comfort of your room. A balcony also makes for the ultimate space to get those once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities.

*Balcony views on the Oosterdam as seen by member radiationman.*

2. See Wildlife Up Close

*A humpback whale was spotted on an Alaska cruise by member KatsCruises.*

Only in Alaska will you have the chance to see the spectacular wildlife in the region. Animals such as whales, bears, bald eagles, and more call Alaska home. There’s an excellent chance that a balcony will offer a ringside seat to one of nature’s best shows, animals in the wild. With a balcony cabin, access to the outside for viewing these animals up close is quick and easy!

*Member freeze404 spotted these bald eagles on an Alaska Cruise on Carnival Miracle.*

3. Enjoy Private Dining with a View

*Coffee with a view! Submitted by member 1magentaclgwnet on a Ruby Princess Alaska sailing.*

Imagine a private dinner on your balcony with the majestic mountains of the inside passage as the backdrop. Most cruise lines offer in-room dining options and set up a meal for you to enjoy on the balcony.

In the morning, sip your coffee in your cozy pajamas while spotting bald eagles, whales, or other sea life. A balcony offers a private, personal dining area, separate from the rest of the ship.

*A penthouse balcony dining setup on the Celebrity Infinity. By member Gina32.*

4. Front Row Show for Glacier Viewing

*Views of the Hubbard Glacier from a private balcony cabin on Radiance of the Seas. Photo by member keithwillard.*

Many Alaska cruises include opportunities to view glaciers and other unique natural phenomena of the region. These sightseeing ‘areas’ are usually outlined on the itinerary as Hubbard Glacier, Glacier Bay National Park, Tracy Arm, and the Inside Passage. These viewing days are commonly one of the highest-rated parts of the cruise, as reported by our members who have sailed in Alaska.

*When you have a balcony cabin, there’s no juggling for a front-row seat to check out the views. Photo by mwajr.*

When you cruise by these natural wonders, you will undoubtedly want a front-row view of these once-in-a-lifetime sites. So, what could be better than having your own private viewing space for these experiences? You have the ultimate spot for a private viewing party when you have a balcony stateroom.

5. Bonus: Alaska Sunrises and Sunsets

*A spectacular sunset paired with the majestic mountains of Alaska. Photo by member MsDeweyD.*

The spectacular sunrises and sunsets in Alaska are unlike anything else! Think of the incredible photo opportunities that a private balcony provides to capture these moments. Don’t forget that June 21st is the Summer Solstice, the longest daylight of the year. If you are lucky enough to be in Alaska during this time, be prepared as the sun merely comes down and kisses the horizon before making its way back up again. It’s quite the sight to see, and Alaska knows how to throw a party to celebrate the longest day of the year for sunlight.

*A spectacular sunset from the Coral Princess by member Junebug2017.*

For truly spectacular sunrise and sunsets, departures early or late in the Alaska season provide great colors and photo-worthy moments. Additionally, the animals are much more active during these early and late-season departures. In the Spring, babies have just been born, and animals are out of hibernation. Late in the season, wildlife is actively bulking up for winter and getting ready to go back into hibernation.

Note: August is when the salmon run, making for great moments to behold this annual ritual and phenomenon.