This was my 6th cruise, and 2nd with Royal Caribbean - the first one being on the Mariner of the Seas just a few months ago. I traveled with my wife and three children (5, 3, and 1).

Also with us were my parents, my sister, and her two children (9 and 8). They were all first time cruisers.

We stayed in Vancouver for 2 nights pre-cruise. Vancouver is absolutely gorgeous. We stayed at the Westin Bayshore, which is right on the water (harbor) and is walking distance to Stanley Park, restaurants, shopping. We took the kids to Stanley Park where we visited the aquarium (and saw the 6 week old baby Baluga whale) and enjoyed views of both the harbor and the city skyline. At 6:45 AM Saturday, we looked out the window and saw the Serenade sailing into port. We cruised out of Seattle last year, and the next time I cruise Alaska, I will definitely choose sailing out of Vancouver again. Read more