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We chose the cruise as an opportunity of visiting Alaska, a holiday not a 'cruise experience'. Sadly we should have done more research on the cruise line but more importantly the route the cruise would take.
We sailed out of Seattle on a sunny afternoon and enjoyed the scenery as we sailed north.
SHIP - We found much of the ship's decor rather garish but the usual layout to most standard cruise ships. We also found it rather noisy and wherever we were, there was activities taking place. The only quiet place, the library was extremely small and always crowded as obviously many others, like us were trying to escape to find some peace.
DINING - We ate once in the buffet but found it crowded and busy. Therefore we ate all our meals in the Czar's Palace which was an elegant, light room with a menu which suited our tastes. When we first arrived here a Mexican band was singing very loudly and we were immediately put off but the Maitre'd was excellent and instantly found us a window table tucked away from the loud music. He continued to seat us on this table and we really appreciated his attention and sensitivity to our requirements. The staff here were also excellent, pleasant and attentive, We could not fault them. We chose not eat in any of the speciality restaurants.
CABIN - We chose an inside cabin, a first time for us, as we anticipated that we would be outside watching the scenery and hopefully whales. The cabin was compact but comfortable and we overcame the lack of window but having the brigade cam on the TV thus knowing if it was light or dark when we woke. Our delightful cabin steward was from India and really kind and helpful.
We could not fault the crew who were excellent and all went the extra mile to make our cruise enjoyable.
As already stated, we chose an inside cabin as we anticipated that we would spend the two and a half sea days on deck enjoying the beautiful scenery and watching for whales, instead all we saw was sea. What a waste with all this magnificent scenery so close at hand. We would not have chosen this cruise if we had known the route and we felt that we wasted two days of our holiday 'kicking our heel's' around the ship rather than enjoying Alaska. If we visit Alaska again it will be in a different way.
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