I traveled with my sister and her husband and my college roommate who lives in NM. I am from Seattle so had a 5 minute drive to pier 70 where the ship is docked. We arrived at 10:55AM and we were checked in and waiting in line to board at 11:15 am. They opened the doors at 11:30 and by 11:45 we were in our room and exploring the ship. The pool and hot tubs were opened by 1:30 pm so we enjoyed the afternoon exploring the ship, unpacking, lunch and hot tubbing. If you choose or are able to arrive ~11:00 then pack your essentials in a carry on (such as bathing suit or work out gear) as your luggage won't arrive till after 1:30 or 2:00.

This was my second cruise to Alaska from Seattle so I knew what to expect to some degree. Not having to fight the crowds with the airlines or bus schedules is a plus in my book. I might suggest if you are part of a tour to take your own cab when you arrive or depart to avoid the check in/out madness. Although Princess made it very easy and smooth. My party opted for the reserved dining at 8:00PM as it gave us all a chance to get together at least once a day and it was very fun getting to know your servers for the week. We had two wonderful wait person's from Thailand and Romania who in many ways made the cruise for us. Princess does the partial free-style cruising meaning you can have reserved seating or not. I would highly recommend signing up for reserved seating in advance (either 6 or 8pm) as if you wait till you board you will probably not get it. You can make reservations at the Marquis dinning room on a daily basis but why hassle if you don't need to.

My college roommate and I opted for a balcony cabin which we thoroughly enjoyed. We were complimentary upgraded to the Aloha deck from the bottom (Dolphin) deck which was nice. Same room only closer to the hot tubs and buffet. My sister and her husband had an inside cabin which seemed bigger since it did not have the window/sliding glass door so it probably was. The TV shows the ship's camera from the bow so you can check the weather before venturing out doors. The cabins were well equipped with pool towels, soaps, fridge, hair dryer, etc. You can't iron in your room but there is a laundry room down the hall with an ironing board and w/d so that was fine. Our room steward brought us bathrobes and slippers when we asked which was nice. We made sure he knew when we left in the morning and evening so he could do his thing and get on with his day or night. He was wonderful. The rooms are very quiet. There are often many announcements which you will not hear in your room unless the TV is turned on to the ships channel. Read more