Alaska is known for its natural beauty, so should you spend more to book a balcony cabin?
As you'll quickly discover, a balcony will cost more than an interior cabin, and the price difference can be substantial on an Alaska cruise.
With a front-row viewing spot for glaciers, breaching whales, and breathtaking fjords, Alaska cruise balconies can turn moments you might otherwise miss into lifelong memories. That said, balconies are not cheap and can often cost thousands of dollars more than interior staterooms.
If you're wondering, "What type of room is best for an Alaska cruise?" consider this your ultimate guide for Alaska cruise cabins. We'll go over the different cabin categories, prices, and pros and cons to help you make the most informed decision.
Alaska cruise cabin types
Royal Caribbean cruise ships have four standard stateroom categories: Interior, Ocean View, Balcony, and Suite. Inside cabins are usually the smallest, while suites come in a variety of layouts, from Junior Suites to spacious multi-deck Loft Suites.
All cabins come equipped with the same basic amenities, including an ensuite bathroom, vanity area with mirror, mini-fridge, storage space, a television, and a Royal King bed that can be split into two twin beds.
Newer Royal Caribbean ships, such as Anthem of the Seas, have more balconies than older vessels. Even still, balconies, especially on scenic cruises to destinations like Alaska, are in high demand, which keeps prices high — regardless of the ship's age.
Alaska cruise balcony room price
If you plan in advance, budget-conscious travelers can get away with cruise fares of around $750 per person. However, if you're eyeing a balcony cabin, you should expect fares starting above $1,200 per person.
Because cruise fares are priced dynamically, the cost of a cruise today may differ from the same cruise tomorrow or next week. That said, the cost of an Alaska cruise mainly depends on two factors: the month of your sailing and the cabin category.
Starting with the former, the Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise season usually runs from May to September, with the most popular months to visit being June, July, and August. As such, fares during the summer months are typically significantly higher due to the increased demand.
Cruise cabins also drastically impact the price of an Alaska cruise. Interior, Ocean View, Balcony, and Suite rooms range in cost, with windowless inside rooms the most budget-friendly and suites costing several thousand dollars per person.
As an example, we priced out cruise fares for three sailings during summer 2027. The prices reflect the total cruise fare per person, including taxes and fees. Gratuities, however, are excluded. The staterooms are priced to include two adults.
Depending on when you book, the available inventory could result in higher prices and fewer stateroom options. These prices were accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change without warning.
Read more: How much does an Alaska cruise cost?
Anthem of the Seas: 7-night Northbound Alaska & Hubbard Glacier from Vancouver, Canada, to Seward, Alaska
May 14, 2027:
- Interior: $1,575
- Oceanview: $2,215
- Balcony: $2,414
- Suite: $5,054
Voyager of the Seas: 7-night Alaska Adventure Cruise from Seattle, Washington
July 9, 2027:
- Interior: $1,876
- Oceanview: $3,136
- Balcony: $3,681
- Suite: $5,422
In both cases, the cost of an Alaska balcony cabin was at least $800 more for two passengers. On Anthem of the Seas in May 2027, the balcony cost $839 more, while the discrepancy on Voyager of the Seas during the region's peak travel season was even steeper, coming in at $1,805. This breaks down to over $900 extra per traveler.
Pros of an Alaska cruise balcony room
For many cruisers, an Alaska balcony is more than just their "home away from home" — it’s part of the entire vacation experience.
One of the biggest advantages is that having a balcony means you have private, direct access to Alaska's scenery. This means that you don't have to compete for space on the public decks.
While this is important on scenic sailing days, it also gives you a chance to experience the views whenever you want. You never know when you'll pass by a breaching whale or snow-capped mountains.
Another benefit is that balconies are typically larger than Interior or Ocean View rooms. As such, they come with extra space that can be beneficial for families traveling together.
Read more: 10 Alaska cruise essentials to not forget
Cons of an Alaska cruise balcony room
There's no denying that balcony cabins offer front-row seats to amazing views and extra space. However, there are a few drawbacks to consider when planning your Alaska cruise — with the most obvious being the cost.
Because balcony cabins are some of the most expensive (other than suites), accommodations could take up a hefty percentage of your vacation budget.
Those with tighter budgets may not think that the extra cost can be justified, especially with shore excursions typically costing more than destinations like The Bahamas or the Caribbean.
Something else to consider is that Alaska's chillier temperatures and unpredictable weather may prevent you from using the balcony as much as you would on other itineraries.
Read more: Alaska cruise ports guide
