My wife and I few into Seattle 2 days prior to cruise and stayed at the Marriott Waterfront Hotel which is right across the street from Pier 66 where the Pearl sails from,very convenient,and close to all Seattle attractions. We had a beautiful balcony room looking out on Puget Sound. Seattle is expensive but you do have a lot of choices for restaurants, and sights, we visited the Pike Street Market which is a must see.Went to the Space Needle,and just walked around to get a feel of the city and its people. Embarkation on Sunday morning went very smoothly, and within a 1/2 hour were on board the ship, we were familiar with the Pearl as we had sailed on her the year before, she is a beautiful, clean, ship.We like the mini-suite and its balcony to enjoy all the sights. While at sea,cruising the inside passage, we saw many hump back whales,and seals along with beautiful majestic scenery. Our first stop in Alaska was Juneau.We decided to see Juneau on our own without taking a ship excursion as these can be quite costly.We took the shuttle bus for seven dollars each way to the Mendenhall Glacier,no words can describe the sheer beauty and quiet of this area. I will say that if you are planning a trip to Alaska do it in June or July as we were to early to see the Salmon run.The rangers at the park are very helpful and give you lots of information about the glacier. There is an observation deck if you are cold, but we decided to walk out onto the flats and get as close to the glacier as possible.I am thankful that we had great weather with almost no rain the entire trip.Our next stop was Skagway. We booked the White Pass Rail ride up the mountain.When boarding the train sit on the left on the way up so you can get good photo ops, of which there are many.This excursion costs $112.00 per person,but is worth it.I know I keep repeating myself about Alaska's beauty but it is immense,and no words can do it justice.We also went to Yakutania Point,from the docks go north on broadway to first ave,then left until you reach Skagway airport,follow the fence straight ahead is a footbridge that takes you over the Skagway River to the point.Here you will see fur seals, eagles, and what you came to Alaska for,sheer diamond in the rough beauty, and peace. On Thursday we arrived in Glacier Bay,here we had a slow guided tour through it,Ranger Dave describes the glaciers and how they are receding and shrinking.We did see Reid glacier,beautiful Marjorie glacier,so blue,and next to it Grand Pacific glacier,you see the glacier calve if lucky and watch the ice chunks flow down the bay,keep a lookout on the shoreline for bears,goats, and other wild life,see the seals frolic on the ice its to die for.The ship will then do a 180 degree turn so people on the starboard side can see the glacier that is a magnificent feat.It is cold in Glacier Bay so dress warm, hats, boots, gloves, scarves,dress in layers.On Friday we went to Ketchikan,my favorite port of call.Great shopping here. We had arranged for a fishing trip with Northern Lights fishing charter with Cap't Ken.on line since the ships fishing excursion was twice the money.We were picked up at the dock for a 1/2 day of fishing. You are only in this port till 1 o'clock which is sad, not enough time.Melissa another Pearl passenger was the only lucky one to catch a rock fish, the highlight of this trip was Cap't Ken would whistle at two perched eagles and throw them fish and they would fly and swoop down to catch the fish,talk about seeing eagles up close and personal.Back at the ship we ate dinner at Le Bistro a Pay restaurant, but different food than the buffet,or other dining venues.We hit a storm going to Victoria B C 18 foot waves but the ship handled it well.I wish we could have skipped Victoria as we did not arrive their until 6P.M.,most of everything was closed so what was the sense going there,I think it has something to do with having to stop in Canada before heading back to the U.S.A.The food on the Pearl is good, we only had bad service at the Blue Lagoon,otherwise,all the staff was great from the stewards, to food personnel are there to assist and help.Disembarkation was great we were off the ship by 10 am.I will do Alaska again their is so much to see and do,just not enough time.