Inside vs Balcony Cabin for Alaska Which to Book

Alaska cruise cabin choice depends on your priorities and budget. Inside cabins offer affordable comfort for those spending days exploring ashore. Balcony cabins provide private outdoor space to view glaciers, wildlife, and scenery from your room. Most travelers prefer balconies for Alaska’s dramatic landscapes, though inside cabins suit budget-conscious passengers who prioritize excursions over onboard amenities.

Quick Facts: Inside vs Balcony Cabins for Alaska

Want to know more about which cruise lines sail to Alaska and what they offer?

The Inside Cabin Advantage

Inside cabins get a bad rap, but they’re perfectly functional for Alaska cruising. You’ll save substantial money that can go toward what really matters: helicopter tours over glaciers, salmon bakes in Ketchikan, or that incredible whale watching excursion in Juneau.

• Sleep quality can actually be better: No light pollution means your circadian rhythm isn’t confused by Alaska’s summer midnight sun
• Temperature control is easier: Balconies can get chilly even in summer, and inside cabins maintain consistent warmth
• Less motion felt: Mid-ship inside cabins typically experience less movement during rocky passages
• Ideal for early birds: If you’re up at 5 AM hitting the observation decks anyway, why pay for a balcony you won’t use?

The ship’s public spaces offer incredible viewing opportunities. Most Alaska cruise ships feature wraparound promenade decks, multiple observation lounges, and often a dedicated area at the bow for scenic cruising. During glacier viewing, the captain typically slows the ship and makes announcements so everyone can get topside.

For more details on finding the best budget-friendly cabin options for Alaska cruises, there are strategies beyond just booking inside.

The Balcony Cabin Case

Alaska is the one cruise destination where a balcony transforms from luxury to legitimately useful. Unlike Caribbean cruises where you might use your balcony twice, Alaska’s scenic cruising days make that private outdoor space earn its keep.

• Spontaneous wildlife spotting: Whales, orcas, sea otters, and bears appear without warning. Having instant access means you won’t miss that breach while you’re racing to the Lido deck
• Glacier viewing in comfort: When cruising Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier, you can watch for hours without jockeying for position
• Weather flexibility: Alaska weather is unpredictable. A balcony lets you enjoy scenery even when it’s drizzling or windy
• Photography opportunities: Unobstructed views without railings full of other passengers’ phones
• The pajama factor: Rolling out of bed at dawn to watch misty fjords with coffee while still in your robe is genuinely special

Learn more about whether paying extra for a balcony cabin is worth it on Alaska cruises with a deeper cost-benefit analysis.

Understanding Balcony Differences

Not all balconies are created equal, and this matters more than you’d think. Standard balconies typically measure 40-60 square feet with two chairs and a small table. But here’s what cruise lines don’t always advertise clearly:

• Obstructed view balconies: Cheaper but have lifeboats or structural elements blocking portions of your view
• Partial view balconies: Usually mean something is in your sightline from certain angles
• Aft balconies: Larger and often cheaper, but you’ll get engine vibration and potentially exhaust smell
• Overhang balconies: Decks with balconies above yours can limit sky views and light

Check out why not all balcony cabins are equal on cruise ships for specifics on what to watch for when booking.

Location Matters More Than Cabin Type

A mid-ship inside cabin often beats a forward balcony for motion sensitivity. Here’s the insider scoop on choosing the best cabin location on Alaska cruise ships:

• Mid-ship, lower decks: Least motion, quieter, more stable but longer walks to amenities
• Forward cabins: More pitching motion in rough seas, but closer to specialty restaurants and shows
• Aft cabins: Engine vibration is real, though modern ships minimize it better than older vessels
• Deck 8-10 sweet spot: High enough for good views, low enough to avoid excessive elevator waits

For comprehensive guidance, explore what makes certain cabins the best choice for Alaska cruising based on ship-specific layouts.

The Money Question

Balconies typically add 40-80% to your cabin cost. On a typical seven-day Alaska cruise, expect to pay $2,500-$3,200 for an inside cabin versus $3,500-$4,800 for a balcony (per couple, cruise fare only).

That $1,000-$1,600 difference could alternatively fund:

• A helicopter and dog sledding excursion on a glacier ($600-700 per person)
• Three premium shore excursions instead of one
• Specialty dining experiences for your entire cruise
• A pre-cruise hotel stay with a nice dinner
• Upgraded airfare or travel insurance

Get strategic about saving money on Alaska cruises so you can afford what matters most to you.

Understanding the full cost breakdown of Alaska cruising helps you budget realistically for either cabin category.

When Inside Cabins Make Perfect Sense

Book an inside cabin if you:

• Plan to book expensive excursions at every port
• Are genuinely out exploring from breakfast until evening shows
• Don’t mind sharing public deck space during scenic cruising
• Have cruised Alaska before and know you prefer activities over cabin time
• Are traveling with kids who won’t spend time on a balcony anyway
• Need to maximize your cruise vacation budget

Read more about deciding whether to book an inside cabin for various cruise scenarios.

When Balconies Are Worth Every Penny

Spring for the balcony if you:

• Value having a quiet retreat away from crowds
• Are traveling during peak season when public decks get packed
• Want spontaneous wildlife viewing without getting dressed and going outside
• Appreciate morning coffee or evening wine in private
• Have mobility concerns that make getting to upper decks challenging
• Are sensitive to crowds or need decompression space
• Consider scenery viewing as important as shore excursions

Bonus Tips Alaska Cruise Cabin Insiders Know

• Book port-side for northbound, starboard for southbound: Generally offers better glacier and coastline views, though the ship usually rotates positions
• Scenic cruising days are balcony gold: Glacier Bay, Tracy Arm Fjord, and Inside Passage days make balconies shine
• Shoulder season changes the equation: Late April/early May and September sailings have fewer crowds on public decks, making inside cabins more appealing
• Balcony furniture gets wet: Bring a small towel to wipe down chairs after Alaska’s frequent drizzle
• Inside cabins sell out last: You can often snag deals closer to sailing, while balconies book early
• Connecting cabins aren’t always cheaper: Sometimes booking two separate insides costs less than a connecting pair
• Guarantee bookings can score deals: Letting the cruise line assign your cabin later sometimes upgrades insides to oceanview or balconies at inside prices
• Temperature swings are real: Even in summer, Alaska balconies can be 45-55°F in the morning; bring layers
• Midnight sun affects sleep: Inside cabins provide natural blackout conditions that balcony blackout curtains can’t quite match
• Binoculars matter more than balcony size: A decent pair lets you spot wildlife from inside cabin windows at public areas just as well

Common Questions and FAQ

Can I see the Northern Lights from my cabin on an Alaska cruise?

Highly unlikely. Alaska cruises run May through September when Alaska experiences near-constant daylight. Northern Lights are best viewed during winter months with dark skies, which don’t coincide with cruise season.

Do balcony cabins get cold enough that I won’t use them?

Temperatures typically range from 45-65°F during cruise season. Mornings and evenings are chillier, but most people find layering with a fleece or light jacket makes balconies perfectly comfortable. The bigger issue is rain, which happens frequently.

Will I feel claustrophobic in an inside cabin?

Most people adjust within a day. Inside cabins are cozy but not tiny (similar size to a standard hotel room). If you have genuine claustrophobia, an oceanview cabin splits the difference in price while providing natural light and a window view.

Are obstructed view balconies worth booking?

Depends on the obstruction. Lifeboats blocking lower portions of your view rarely matter since you’re looking at horizons and mountains, not the water directly below. Structural pillars or major obstructions that block significant viewing angles aren’t worth it.

How often will my cabin actually be facing glaciers or scenery?

The ship constantly changes position and rotates during scenic areas to give both sides views. You’ll have prime viewing from your balcony multiple times during the cruise, but not continuously. This is why public deck access matters even with a balcony.

Can I negotiate cabin upgrades once onboard?

Sometimes, but don’t count on it. If the ship isn’t full, guest services occasionally offers upgrade deals a day or two into the cruise. However, Alaska cruises typically sail at high capacity, making this uncommon. Your best bet is booking early or during wave season sales.

Personal Experience

When I was planning my Alaska cruise last summer, I must have changed my cabin selection three times before finally hitting “book.” My husband kept insisting we’d spend all our time on the upper decks anyway, so why pay extra for a balcony? I wasn’t so sure. After reading endless reviews and checking our bank account more times than I’d like to admit, we went with the balcony cabin, and honestly, it made such a difference for us. There’s something incredible about having coffee on your own private space at 6 AM while glaciers drift by, still in your pajamas. No fighting for deck space, no waiting for the perfect photo moment. We used that balcony way more than I expected – it became our quiet retreat after busy port days.

That said, my sister did the same cruise route in an inside cabin and had an amazing time too. She saved about $800 per person, which she put toward excursions and a really nice dinner at the specialty restaurant. She pointed out that she was rarely in her room except to sleep, and the ship had so many incredible viewing areas that she never felt like she missed out. If you’re someone who’s go-go-go and plans to be out exploring from sunrise to sunset, an inside cabin makes total sense. But if you value having your own outdoor space to watch whales breach while you’re still waking up, or if you need a quiet spot to decompress, I’d stretch the budget for that balcony.