The ship is lovely, food was wonderful, and the scenery cannot be beat. This was our first ever cruise and it was a lot better than I expected. My only complaint is that the entertainment seems to be geared to people wanting to buy things. Luckily we brought our own downloaded movies and books, so we had things to do and see while on the ship.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
We had concierge class, so embarkation was easy, and they had a special lunch waiting in the main dining room. No dealing with a zoo in the cafe that others have complained about.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
The food and service in the main dining room was excellent. Many fine choices for lunch and dinner. We ate breakfast in the cafe, which was fine for breakfast. We were not impressed with dinner in the cafe, so after one meal there, had the rest of our lunches and dinners in the main dining room. Didn't try the specialty restaurants - really no need.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
The naturalists on board gave some wonderful lectures, and we went to all of them. They also narrated the trip through Tracy Arm, which was phenomenal - the best morning of the whole cruise.
I tried the indoor pool one day - small, but nice.
Not much else of interest. Other than that, the activities seems geared to people purchasing diamonds, art, and other expensive items, and movies for kids.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
We tried the program one night, and it was a really awful lounge singer. Not really much of interest for us - we are not into lounge singers, loud music, and acrobats. Some movies for adults would have been nice.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Service from room steward and waiters was exceptional and wonderful.
We had some problems with the guest relations staff, otherwise this would have been five stars.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Marvelous ship. Stateroom very well designed. Common areas gorgeous. Everything clean and very well maintained.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Just perfect for two people. I liked the design of the furniture, with all rounded corners so one didn't bump into anything. More spacious than I expected.
Ship tip
Get the concierge class if they don't charge you too much for it. The concierge herself wasn't much help, but the perks (heavy bathrobes, bottle of champagne, easy embarkation, special lunch the first day, etc.) were very nice.
Unfortunately, the boat excursion we were on developed a mechanical problem after 1/2 hour, and went back to the ship. We had very little choice of other excursions, so picked on "the deadliest catch" which was very hokey. We did get to see bald eagles, so that was some compensation.
Did not take an excursion from the ship, but did book a walking tour (free) from the National Park service. This was on women of Skagway and told the history of the gold rush and women's part in it - very well done.
With every cruise their will be good/bad. Congrats on completing your first cruise. Each one you will gain more knowledge and be better prepared. Also, do fun research on the different cruise lines. Not all charge for all services.
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