We did the seven night cruise on the National Geographic Sea Bird Explorer. This cruise goes from Juneau through to Sitka and in between visiting out of the way locations in SE Alaska. In my mind this is far better than the big boat cruises with the opportunity to see Alaska in comfort and also get off on land for hikes as well as see the animals. SE Alaska scenery is fantastic and this cruise spends 24 hours in Glacier Bay taking it's passengers as close to the glaciers as one is allowed to go at this time of year. The cruise takes Zodiak rubber rafts with outboard motors for visiting the islands and kayaks to allow paddling the shoreline. The naturalists were knowledgeable and the food awesome.
If I have one criticism it is that this is an older boat so the lounge or viewing area is not optimally sited to see the landscape passing when the weather is inclement as it often is during and Alaska summer. It would be better if it was higher with better windows for viewing. I understand Lindblad has new ships under construction which may rectify this.
Small cabin with two single beds. Adequate storage and comfortable. No outside verandah but I didn't go to stay in my cabin.