1. Try to do the Northbound version of this cruise as we did.The ports and attractions get better the further north you go, so the anticipation and enjoyment build throughout the cruise.
2. Don't miss spending an extra day or two in both Vancouver and Seward, two drastically different communities but both beautiful with plenty to offer.
3.We debated quite a bit about whether or not to pay the (substantial) premium to get a balcony and ended up going with an outside cabin. We were pleased with the choice-our window had a great view and was much warmer than the balcony (according to others we spoke to who booked balcony rooms).And we had more cash left over to spend ashore.
It had a smaller window, but it had a "well" in front of it that allowed one person to sit in the well and have a bird's eye view of the passing scenery. My wife, who wanted to book a balcony cabin, instead wound up very pleased to have booked the cheapest category of outside cabin.