If you are on a one-way Alaskan cruise, you might want to select a cabin on the shore side. However, the ship's captain will usually turn the ship around in the glacier-cladden bays and give everyone an opportunity to see the spectacular scenery from their cabins.
I personally am a little claustrophobic and like to be able to peer out my window in the morning to see the weather, so I usually book the cheapest outside cabin I can with a window or porthole.
A few years ago, I discovered balconied-cabins, and now I may never want to cruise again without one! Many of the newer ships feature private verandahs or balconies on most cabins, so they are getting less expensive. When determining your cruise budget, be sure to check to see how much more one of these cabins might be. It might be worth your money! Beware--you might get spoiled like me and look for a balcony first!
