Incredible value, and overall outstanding cruise

We've cruised many lines before, but we often come back to Carnival because you can't beat the value.  And of course, you can't beat a cruise to Alaska!  This is not a Caribbean "booze cruise" (as our waiter pointed out).  It is all about the destination.  We were blessed with outstanding weather (72 and sunny every day).  You must splurge and get a balcony.  (We got an extended balcony...cabin 8237...I can't say enough about the perfect location and size of this room...request it specifically if it's available...4 chairs on the balcony, couch and table, lots of drawers and closets, and RIGHT down the steps from coffee - and pizza, etc.)  Tune to the Forward Camera station on the tv and then sit on the balcony with your binoculars and listen to the naturalist tell you what to look for.  Saw an incredible number of whales.  When we weren't on the balcony, we spent our ship time just hanging out in the card room or a bar or restaurant with our children...lots of activities on board, but we relaxed instead.  Took 3 United-sponsored shore excursions instead of booking on the ship.  While it was supposed to be cheaper, the prices were the same.  However, the variety was slightly different and I think our groups were smaller than the cattle call groups on the ship.  And I never had a worry about getting back to the ship in time (and of course, United guarantees it).  Best excursion was the Skagway Triple Adventure (bike, hike, and float).  You have to be ready for lots of exercise, but it's not overly crazy, with lots of stops to look at the views and take pictures...and OUTSTANDING guides.  Just loved it.  In fact, 2 of our children have decided they will come back and spend a summer in Skagway to be a guide.  After our tour, went to the Brew Co in Skagway for lunch and beer - recommend the Spruce Tip Blonde Amber!