This was our 1st trip to Alaska, our 5th cruise total and our 3rd with RCL. We loved this trip over all but had a few problem with the beginning and end of our adventure. We flew out of Pittsburgh, PA into Vancouver BC with a layover in Chicago. No problem with the flight although it was a long,long flight. We booked our transfers with RCL in order to take advantage of the USDirect program and avoid the long lines through customs, only to find out upon arriving at the airport that they were not running the USDirect program. So we stood in the customs lines for a little over 1 1/2 hours. Then no one from RCL was available to direct us to the bus for the ride to the pier. This was very frustrating. When a bus finally did arrive it took FOREVER to get to the pier and we didn't board the ship until 4:30 p.m. in just enough time to make the muster drill. We were not too happy about this because we really like to have time to explore the ship before the sailaway.

Once aboard this all went much smoother. The ship was beautiful (although we have now decided we much prefer the larger ships) and the staff was excellent, very helpful and friendly. Our cabin was small but sufficient and we just love that "friendly" shower curtain!! Our luggage was in our cabin very promptly and we were off to dinner. Our servers, Desima from Jamaica and Leah from the Philippines were very good. Our head waiter, Ryan from Bombay was the most attentive head waiter we have ever had. The food was the best we have had on any ship so far. Our favorite bartenders Dionnie and Oscar were lots of fun and always very prompt! We enjoyed the nightclub in the Viking Crown Lounge this night. We also did very well in the casino coming out $500 ahead.

The second day at sea we found sailing a little rough. Waves of 18-20 feet made for an interesting ride. We had a great time at our Meet & Mingle with new friends we met via the internet prior to the cruise. RCL provided a wonderful spread and the group enjoyed a very interesting gift exchange. We attended the wine tasting class (great fun) and enjoyed our 1st formal night dinner. The comedy show starring Wilde & Hanes was fantastic. We enjoyed a 70's Disco night that evening. Read more