Does "kids going with us" translate to "we're paying for the kids"?? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" /> Having a balcony in Alaska really is the way to go! Not sure whether NCL does it, but Princess had lovely blankets you could get for the deck. If they do have them, they are great! Plus we made our own Irish Coffee on our balcony. We bought whipped cream and bailey's in Vancouver, and got a carafe of coffee from the buffet. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> Guess you can just order them up with your drink package, but Irish Coffee on the balcony, with your binocs and a good blanket--ulitimate Alaska balcony!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />