Looking for opinions, season vs better room

[Shidah]

Looking at booking a cruise for Alaska.  From advice here, plus researching on line June/July seems like the best months.  Long daylight hours (I think a 2:30 am sunrise sounds so cool, that’s about the time I retire from the casino!) warmer temps, dry weather etc.  However, the DOS’s are all booked those months.  There are 2 bedroom haven suites available, which we have stayed in before, but that second bedroom is tiny and from our experience the bed is not really comfy.  There are DOS’s available in Sept though.  But the flip side is cooler temps, more chance of precipitation, less daylight hours for taking in the passing scenery, and weather having a better chance of interfering with excursions. But the second bedroom has the Murphy bed, and I really have myself talked into that room.  Just looking for opinions, for those who have sailed Alaska, which is more important; season or amazing room to enjoy the passing scenery from.  All this thinking may be for naught if cruising doesn’t resume this year.

[son3cruisers]

We sailed to Alaska the end of August with perfect weather everyday. Our friends cruised a few years later in July and it rained all day every day for them.  We booked a float plane tour in Ketchikan that was the highlight of our trip, my friends tour  was cancelled due to weather.  I think anything can happen from May to Sept! We were off the boat as soon as the boat docked in port and were always in the last group back on, so the type of room was not a deciding factor for us. I guess it all depends on how you are going to be spending your time. We were on the open top deck taking in the views from all sides when we passed through the straight to see the glaciers, but Ive read about many people who would much prefer to enjoy the view from a private balcony. We packed extra clothes for all conditions - we even bought rain suits that we never wore. 

I hope that helps. Enjoy the planning! 

[dexddd]

We went first week of Sept and maybe just lucky but great weather.  Plus cheaper.  At summer prices on NCL to Alaska in suites, no way.

[BirdTravels]

We sail Alaska every year. We actually prefer the later months (like September) once the salmon are running and more wildlife is out. 

[latebloomer56]

We have been 3 times, twice in Sept. first trip it rained a bit in the morning a couple days but the weather on shore was great cooler less bugs and more wildlife with salmon running there were bears feasting for the winter. We also went in July once and turned out to be their hottest July in resent history at the time. We still enjoyed this trip as well.

We always take a balcony and this was wonderful because you never know when you sail the inside passage what you will see early mornings or evenings.

Do have to say though the July trip we saw so many whales everywhere verses just a few on both Sept. trips. We love Alaska and hope to return again in a few years.

Enjoy stay safe.

[Shidah]

Thanks for all the great advice.

[Laszlo]

12 hours ago, dexddd said:

We went first week of Sept and maybe just lucky but great weather.  Plus cheaper.  At summer prices on NCL to Alaska in suites, no way.

Wife and I went Labor Day weekend out of Seattle. It was 78F and Sunny when we left. The rest of the trip was in the mid 60's, some sun some clouds

 

[MsTabbyKats]

Based on the variability of the weather, I'd go for the better cabin. No experience here....just what I would do.

[Sweetnspicy]

13 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

We sail Alaska every year. We actually prefer the later months (like September) once the salmon are running and more wildlife is out. 

I agree!!