The following is a review of our Alaskan adventure aboard the Coral Princess that sailed from Whittier AK on June 16, 2008. We celebrated my wife's 50th birthday and our 16th anniversary during the voyage. We splurged a little and got a full sized suite. We had a wonderful time and a definite must do (both itinerary and ship) for anyone wondering whether this cruise is for him or her. I will offer some critiques that hopefully Princess will notice...these would have made the overall experience exceptional versus a great one.

We flew to Anchorage on Alaska Airlines direct from San Francisco. Great flight, very attentive flight attendants...good start to the trip. In Anchorage Airport, baggage claim is fairly simple and relatively quick. Taxi ride to town was about $23.

Anchorage is a good starting point, a lot of shops, restaurants and a shopping mall for those that may have forgot to pack an item of clothing, like a swimming suit or just 1 shoe (as one of our party did). We stayed at the Marriott which was average (I stay at a lot of hotels on business trips)...this one was average. A definite must - request a room up above 10 stories - Cook Inlet side....the view of the sweeping inlet is worth the extra request. It costs nothing extra for an inlet view room. The Hilton looks nice and a bit more convenient to the shops, restaurants and Egan Center. The most convenient to Egan Center would be the Westmark, which also appeared nice. All are within walking distance of the Egan Center (Marriott - 5 blocks, Hilton - 3 blocks, West mark - 2 blocks). We dined at the Snow Goose (1st Street) - a brewery and pub with that rustic Alaskan dEcor. Highly suggested for lunch or dinner. More upscale, Club Paris (a steakhouse) is great (a recommend from my business colleagues who travel to Anchorage) and located across the street from JC Penney. There are many restaurants to choose from, just ask the front desk of the hotel for a recommend. All are easy walking distance in the downtown area. Read more