Alaska cruises showcase some of the world’s most stunning landscapes, making balcony cabins highly sought after by many passengers.
However, one traveler shared their experience of opting for a windowless interior cabin during a recent journey to Alaska, which sparked a mix of satisfaction and regret.
Initially, the decision to save money appealed to them as cruise costs had skyrocketed, especially during the peak summer season.
Their cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas, departing on June 20th, came with a hefty price tag of nearly $3,000 for the cheapest cabin option, an interior guarantee stateroom for two adults.
In contrast, a similar cruise taken just two years prior, also in June, cost only $1,850.
Facing rising prices, the traveler decided to save money by opting for an interior room, allocating funds towards airfare and specialty dining instead.
Upon boarding the ship, initial apprehensions vanished when the spaciousness and modernity of the cabin were revealed.
The layout allowed for ample walking space thanks to the bed’s placement at the edge of the room, enhancing comfort.
With an armchair, desk, dresser, closet, and private bathroom, the cabin was equipped to provide an enjoyable stay.
Initially, the traveler found solace in the amenities and figured their interior room would serve as a perfect retreat during the seven-night cruise.
However, as the days progressed, the reality of cruising during peak season began to set in, with over 4,000 guests onboard leading to a crowded environment.
The bustling ship led to moments of overwhelming noise and activity, particularly in busy areas like the Windjammer buffet and the Solarium.
The absence of a private balcony became increasingly noticeable, with the traveler yearning for peace and tranquility amidst the chaos.
As the cruise continued, crowds dissipated after busy port days, but the desire for a personal space persisted.
Although public decks provided stunning views of Alaska’s natural beauty, nothing could replicate the comfort and exclusivity of a balcony cabin.
A standout feature of the cruise was the virtual balcony offered in their interior cabin, providing a live feed of the outside scenery.
Despite this modern amenity, it served only as a reminder of what was lacking rather than fulfilling the experience of having a real balcony.
The traveler found themselves in agreement with a sibling, who playfully noted that the virtual balcony only reminded them of what they didn’t have.
Despite the longing for a balcony, financial savings from the interior cabin were notable.
The saved funds enabled the duo to indulge in specialty dining experiences, enjoying upscale meals that might have been skipped had they splurged on a balcony room.
The elevated dining at restaurants like Chops Grille and Jamie’s Italian became memorable highlights of the cruise.
Moreover, while balconies offer an enhanced view, open deck areas also provided fantastic sightlines during scenic destinations like Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier.
From the outside deck, the traveler realized they could appreciate the breathtaking scenery from both sides of the ship, a luxury not realized from a confined balcony.
Despite the economical choice of the interior room, the experience left lasting feelings of regret.
Experiencing the grandeur of Alaska with captivating views should have matched the comfort that a balcony could provide.
After a previous balcony experience on a cruise to Norway reveled in similar stunning landscapes, the discrepancy heightened the sense of loss.
Ultimately, the decision to save money and select an interior cabin shifted the traveler’s perspective, with reflections revealing that the balcony was worth the extra cost.
For future cruises to Alaska, there’s a clear resolution: prioritize the balcony for a fully immersive experience of one of nature’s most breathtaking locations.
image source from：royalcaribbeanblog
