My wife and I have cruised previously but this trip was the first cruise with our 13 month old son. We met my parents on the trip; they had done a 7 day land excursion prior to boarding the Sapphire.
We arrived in Anchorage a day before the cruise embarkation. We decided upon the Hampton Inn. It was an average business hotel. Highly recommend you request a room NOT near the fitness center/pool. The hall way leading to your room was very humid and you could smell the chorine. The smell did not penetrate the room, but the humidity did.
Transfer to Sapphire Princess:
Good location. Close enough to lifts and laundry without the disruption