Took the first cruise to Alaska for the season on the Statendam. Great deals abounded, and about 60% of those embarking made it a round trip, Vancouver to Seward to Vancouver.

Embarkation was quick in Vancouver. Don't get confused by initial lines that say "Norwegian Sun" or "Holland America Statendam" -- for the initial carry-on search go through the shortest line. When we got to the HAL check-in, it took less than 5 minutes.

We were met by a line of white-gloved stewards who walked us to our room. Read more