Glaciers. Mountains. Wildlife. Scenic cruising.An Alaska cruise can feel completely different from almost any other cruise vacation.But it can also get expensive quickly. In Episode 19 of “Is It Worth It?”, Scott Showalter asks whether an Alaska cruise really delivers enough value to justify the cost.And then we take it one step further:Is the balcony upgrade worth it on an Alaska cruise?We’ll talk about excursions, weather, wildlife, scenic cruising, interior versus oceanview versus balcony cabins, cruise-tour extensions, and why Alaska may be one of the strongest arguments for upgrading to a balcony.But not if that balcony means giving up the experiences you came to Alaska to have.

“Is a Balcony Cabin Worth It?” Is waking up to an ocean view worth paying more for your cruise cabin? In Episode 2 of the “Is It Worth It?” series, Scott Showalter breaks down one of the biggest cruise-booking debates: balcony cabin versus interior or oceanview.This episode explores how much you’ll actually use the balcony, why itinerary and cabin location matter, which travelers get the most value from private outdoor space, and when that upgrade money might be better spent somewhere else.From morning coffee at sea to scenic sail-ins and quiet escapes from crowded decks, a balcony can completely change the cruise experience.But does that make it worth the extra cost? Let’s put it through the Worth-It Meter and find out.