EMBARKATION: A Princess rep was at or could be paged to the baggage area, even when Alaska Airlines was over 30 minutes late arriving and over 1 1/2 hours late departing. This is apparently a chronic problem which two local TV newscasts mentioned. A night at the Doubletree allowed for a day in the city. Cabs are more expensive due to gas, this year. Meter or fixed fee is about $28-32 plus tip depending on traffic. Many independent Towncar drivers available - all are fixed fee of $35 from the dock or downtown to and from Sea-Tac Airport. A different Princess rep. has desk hours in the Doubletree (and probably others) for questions. First shuttle on sailing day is noon. We asked when would the line be light and were advised to wait until 3:00 p.m. No way. A Towncar got us there by 10:30 a.m. (30 minute ride) and we were among the first aboard -- before the busloads. Head directly for the baggage x-ray machine then the check-in line. Very efficient, and they begin before the advertised time. Keep I.D. out and handy. You'll show it three or four times before reaching your cabin.
PUBLIC ROOMS AND CABIN: This is one big and beautiful, new (2004) ship! Understated light wood and marble motif with touches of art deco and themed decor. Our mini-suite with refrigerator, 2 TVs and balcony was perfect for two but some crowded in families of 4 using the pull-out couch. Plenty of hanging closet space and very easy-to-program eye-level safe for valuables. Use the laundromat irons right away on any wrinkled items and you'll have it to yourself. Washer/dryers take quarters. We put our 16 year old son alone in an inside room (C-522) which is much smaller and has no bathtub.
Regardless, the ship sailed full with no on-board upgrades available. 6th trip of the 2005 summer season. One day of drizzle at the glacier (although you don't get that close). Otherwise, water like glass. The only bumpy ride was the shuttle from airport to hotel! Most people complained that they brought clothes that were too warm, and too many for evening and not enough for days. Smart casual and two formal dress nights were observed by most if not all passengers. All ages, accents, languages and interests seemed represented.