Sept 1 Alaska - aft penthouse worth it?

[erdoran]

DH and I don't like the cold! Having said that, we are sailing to Alaska on NCL Bliss 9/1/18. We have a balcony now but we are considering switching to an aft penthouse (if that can be done after final payment, not sure it can be) which is $$$$ more...

 

for this time of year, do you find you still use your balconies or are things mostly indoors? Is it worth spending $$$$ for an awesome balcony? We'd be out there in sunshine, 60's and up but if it's freezing we wouldn't be out long.

 

thanks for your thoughts.

[Herfnerd]

Weather that time of year can be a crap shoot but we sailed on the HAL Eurodam last year, departing on 9/2 out of Seattle in a Verandah cabin and spent a lot of time out on the balcony on the entire cruise - especially sailing thru Glacier Bay. YMMV though.......

[RSF Cruiser]

We LOVE aft balconies, especially the ones with a suite since they are so roomy. We were in Alaska the beginning of May, in an aft suite, and I used the balcony a lot, my husband did not. He said it was too cold, I thought it was fine :-) There isn't as much wind in an aft balcony, so you are a bit protected. I did need to wear a jacket or sweater while on the balcony, but the view can't be beat. I spent many hours out there.

[Budget Queen]

Alaska in Sept. on a balcony - you will be in layers, jacket, hat and gloves are common. I have 2 fleece layers on and always the hat. Being I frequently am looking through binoculars- gloves are also a given for me. During sailing, you can expect colder temps, compared to what you can get in ports.

 

Unfortunately the Bliss does have the least scenic of the Alaska itineraries. Also does not sail Glacier Bay.

[erdoran]

Well, decision was made for me - it sold. DARN!!!! But for $3k (for two) more than a CY penthouse AND a port-intensive itinerary, I suppose it's for the best that the temptation was removed.