Cruisin' is a blast!

The cruise was so nice!  Very friendly workers all!  The cruise ship was very clean, neat and festive.  Many offerings of food choices and things to do.  Everything seemed well organized and set up...pretty much a rote routine.  

My concerns were with the charges for simple things such as a soda, $3.50, laundry being charged piece by piece, that was ridiculous!  Even a full load offered at the end of the cruise for $45.00 was too extreme!  We had saved and planned our trip for almost two years. I am a computer/FB junky and I missed the connection, but could not afford the prices offered for the internet service on board. Also the TV opportunities were limited and our TV never worked properly.  The screen kept 'spotting' out and would cut off shows before the end for no reason. The costs were expensive enough without having to be charged for everything else on the cruise!  We made do, as we always do.  We are good at that.

Our room was just right for us, and my agent who booked for us, Jerry Guard (1-800-972-7447, extension 78084), was very thoughtful and seemed genuinely interested in giving us the best that we could afford.   He got us a room right in the main happening of events, live band every evening, dancing, service center, elevators, stairs, restaurants or drink bars, and also the excursion counter for outside the ship trips.  So convenient to all levels, elevators was within a short walk of our room, as were the stairs.  All were very friendly and helpful if we had a puzzled expression!  :o)  It was wonderful.  The food in the main buffet was a wide variety of food choices and a friendly, busy atmosphere!  We ate there practically the whole cruise, except for off ship trips.  A wide variety of choice for a diabetic and recovering cancer patient!  Jerry, also called afterwards to assure we enjoyed the cruise!  He is a pleasure to talk with and sharing stories and concerns.  A very personable young family man with complete knowledge of his job!

The excursions were planned out so well.  Everything was well organized and accommodating to those with bum knees!  A wheelchair and help were always available.  An assisting hand was always there.  The guides on the tours off the ship were very interesting and entertaining.  Each excursion was very informative and educational.  Let alone the spectacular sights and views!  Fantastic!!  Yes, there's a lot of walking and yes, there is a lot of up and down, but to the most part, I count it as worthwhile to see all the beauty this cruise through Alaska and Canada provided.  God's beauty is always appreciated, no matter the circumstances!

This was our first cruise.  Hopefully it will not be our last.  We would have loved to continue on with the cruise extending to Hawaii and to Australia, but the money was not there.  Not sure if we could have afforded ship life either!  I do approve of the gratuity charges daily, I too was a waitress once upon a time and know that each person usually works hard at their particular job.  It would have been more personal to give it to them personally, but I can see why it was done this way.  It was also a joy to getting acquainted with our room steward, Anselmo.  He was fantastic!  Very helpful and caring of us.