It's almost 11pm in Florida, and I'm still on Alaska time from our wonderful cruise on the Coral. We arrive in Anchorage for our 5/28 departure a few days early. Rented a car and headed for the Mt. McKinley Princess. Set up like a college campus it was a beautiful relaxing stop. We took the Three River Jet Boat excursion through Princess. The owner was our guide. He had been in Alaska homesteading since the mid 70's. Since he had trapped and lived "off the grid" for years, his insight into the history and culture of Alaska was fascinating.

On Monday we packed up the rental and headed for the Anchorage airport for our shuttle to Whittier. We purchased the Princess transfer and I have no regrets since they handled all our luggage, and it was easy and painless. OK I over packed. The tunnel to Whittier was interesting, since the last time I was through it, you had to load on the a flat bed railroad car. Times have changed.

embarkation took a total of 15 minutes, dock to room. He did all the paperwork ahead of time. It was a breeze. Cabin Our room was on the Dolphin Deck Forward Port D210. We were the third balcony from the front of the ship. Spending the extra money for a balcony was well worth it. My Fabreware coffee pot and insulated mugs made the time we spend on the balcony cozy, with a warm cup of cocoa, tea or coffee. Our room steward was helpful but forgetful. We requested our beds in the twin formation with egg crate mattress pad. Of course they were made as a queen without egg crate pad. The layout was corrected but I gave up on the pad, after asking for it twice. No robes, although they were asked for also. Time for my biggest criticism......ready........the pillows were TERRIBLE...flat as pancakes, hard as rocks. I asked for another pillow, it was just as bad. This is my only criticism about the boat. Read more