travelmomof2

Planning on our first cruise, 2 parents with a 12 yo boy and 15 yo girl, to Alaska next July on RC. Trying to decide between a balcony for all 4 (with sofa bed and a pullman) or 2 adjoining OV rooms with porthole. The portholes look big on the photos. We are really torn between having the balcony and fresh air (albeit cold!) and some solitude (DD and I don't like crowds) from the ship OR having some SPACE and solitude from the kids...LOL Also, the 2 OV is about $1400 cheaper than squeezing into the balcony. (RC having a BOGOHO sale right now) That could cover quite a few excursions. I"m not sure how much longer adjoining OV will be available, I put a 24 hr hold but let it expire last night as I hadn't made up my mind.

Any advice?

With regard to sea sickness, we have gotten relief from anything with ginger, such as ginger ale, ginger candy, ginger snap cookies, etc.

hmmmm....soda, candy, and cookies...my family likes you already. :) I have heard this about ginger but wondered if it was strong enough to really counteract. I know some friends that have used the scopolamine patches successfully but have the post-trip vertigo or one friend who had trouble reading while using it.

Hi all...total newbie here. I have been reading a lot but I only have so much time, so I hope I could ask a few questions. We are in the process of booking an Alaska cruise on Radiance for next July.

1- how are the balcony rooms for a quad (two parents plus 12yo boy and 15yo girl)? My ideal is a balcony for us parents and a nearby inside for the kids but according to RC's website that is now an impossible set up (who knew people booked cruises so early!?...not me, I'm a newb as stated...) so I'm thinking I will call RCI direct or find a local agent who might have more info and be quicker about it. I had two adjoining ocean views on 24 hour hold on the 3rd deck aft (going southbound) which I thought could work but the husband really wants a balcony. And the hold is now over...boo.

2- cruisetours....for land, worth it? We hoped to be in Alaska for the 4th of July and the cruise in questions leaves the 8th. Husband has an independent streak and wants to go it on our own but I hear the cruise tours can be a good deal...mainly want to see Denali.

3-excursions...independent or on board?

4- DD and I are prone to sea sickness and neither of us have cruised. Husband has and insists we won't feel a thing. He's not prone though and doesn't quite understand...lol...scopolamine patches or other aids recommended for this cruise?

Thanks for any input and advice!