I finally decided to go to Alaska. After many years of putting off this trip, I now ask myself why I did. With all the many cruises I have been on, this was my favorite. The beauty of Alaska is amazing. It is so different than the Caribbean cruises and the Australia/New Zealand cruises I have taken. I believe this is my 12th cruise and my parents first cruise. I am 50 yrs old and my parents in their 70's. They were worried about seasickness, so my mother had a patch from the doctor. My dad and I roughed it with our sturdy sea legs. We stayed at the Marriott Renaissance for 2 nights prior to departing for the cruise. I must say the airport in Vancouver is small and congested. Good luck when they host the Olympics! Customs took nearly 2 hours to get thru and that was just waiting in the lines on a Saturday afternoon. I never did find my parents so we met up at the hotel. I must admit the hospitality there is amazing. Vancouver is a nice place but only for a few days. It is very expensive and with the US Dollar shrinking you can feel it. I have been there before and they seem to have the same construction going on from years ago.
Embarkation was really easy. One of the best and fastest. We arrived a little after noon and there was no line and plenty of people to help you. We took a cab from the hotel and it cost about $5 which was better than walking, they have lots of hilly streets. Went right to our cabins and the entire process was about 20-30 minutes. You walk more than you wait in lines. Luggage came really fast.
We immediately (as everyone else) went to have lunch at the buffet. (Horizon Court) So much food and only one stomach! They have plenty of room but you may need to search for a seat on this first day. Once we ate lunch we went to our cabins (A307 and A305) and my parents luggage was already there. We had balcony cabins and had the steward open the door outside to give us more space.
lots of closet space, great balcony, near the elevators, would chose again