We are in our middle fifties, from Georgia, and this is our 5th Alaskan cruise. (2nd HAL, 2 princess, & 1 RCCL) Friends from Nebraska joined us on their first Alaska cruise. Travel from Atlanta to Seattle was via Delta and next time we will bring our lunch since the airlines have cut back. Delta offers small sandwiches and other snacks. Ate dinner in the space needle and although pricey was well worth it. Stayed in the Day's Inn and it was reasonable and clean. Arranged a tour with "Show me Seattle Tours" and Charlie took us to all of the major places. They even dropped us off at the pier to board the ship. Embarkation was very fast and HAL used a PC Cam to take our picture. Be sure to pickup the coupon book prior to boarding and possibly an extra for some on board that did not get one. We were able to go directly to our stateroom and it was the nicest inside room we have ever had. Lots of closet space and very comfortable bed. Ship was clean and tidy at all times and well laid out. Our friends commented that they did not expect how easy it was to get around and all of the free space. We were able to transfer to fixed dining to improve our chances of a table by the window and had the best set in the dining room. Starboard side aft with spectacular viewing while eating. Service and selection in the Lido included Asian, Italian, the regular menu and a made to order sandwich station. Hot dogs and hamburgers were also available.

The Staff & Service were world class as expected and they were not pushy on merchandise of games. Day 1 Seattle Boarded ship just in time to go to room, dinner excellent with a window seat. Former Navy submariner and wanted to see one of the boats from Bangor - yes! Passed it on the port side, the captain heard my request. Day 2 Cruise Critic MOB - Cruise director and a couple of others there - very good time. Tracy Arm had ice burgs and was closed to most of the other cruise ship - we were went to glacier bay for our cruise. Day 3 Juneau - Harv & Marv whale watching - highly recommended and they through in the town tour also. Whales jumped as if on command - is Disney in Alaska? Day 4 Glacier Bay enough said! Glaciers calving and views. Day 5 Sitka and the raptor center - perhaps the best port since only 1 ship was there. Day 6 Ketchikan 5 cruise ships there and crowded. Day 7 3 hours in Victoria - not enough time. The silent debarkation although disliked in some of the bulletin boards was very easy and we left the ship at the time we were scheduled to. No hordes of people hanging around - excellent job HAL. In a Nutshell It exceeded my expectations! Weather Excellent and smooth.