This was the second cruise for my husband and I; the first being 8 years ago on the first being 8 years ago when we celebrated our 30th anniversary by cruising to Alaska aboard the 700 passenger Universe Explorer. We chose this cruise because of the itinerary, although with some reservations about the size of the ship.

We booked our own flights and arrived in Seattle the day before our cruise, staying at the Sixth Avenue Inn, which was in a great location. The room was plain, but clean, comfortable and quiet. We had a great lunch at the hotel restaurant and spent the rest of the day touring Seattle.

Embarkation was fantastic. We arrived at the dock about 11:15 and were in our rooms within a half hour. I had packed some wine in my carry-on for consumption in the room, and was prepared to pay the corkage fee but it was not questioned. My husband had ordered a bar set-up through the ship coordinator and was pleased with the great service. Read more