This was our fifth HAL cruise and again a very good experience (we've taken over 20 cruises ranging from Epirotiki to Cunard and Renaissance), The ship was exceedingly clean and well maintained. The cabin service was tops, and the stewards were most accommodating. Entertainment was above average for cruise ships. Michael in the Piano Bar was outstanding - he should be a headliner himself. The spa services were fine in their usual overpriced cruise ship way. Dining room service was good but the least personal we have experienced with the line. We were traveling with two grandchildren and the programs for them were excellent. The only disappointment was that the fish courses were cooked way to dry, even in the Pinnacle Grill. It was usually impossible to get a table for 8 (our group) in the buffet as there was no one preventing one or two passengers from taking over one of the large booths which was annoying by the end of the trip. Overall HAL presents a very good product at the higher end of the 7 day market.

Embarkation was easy; we were on board in less than an hour with minimal waiting time in the chair hall. The crowd control was very good. On departing we were off the pier within 20 minutes of when our group was called. Can't do much better than that!

Our train trip at Skagway was disrupted because the train in front of us broke down, so we never made it to the top of the pass. HAL immediately refunded 60% of the cost to everyone, a very nice gesture. Whale watching in Juneau definitely was the highlight of the shore excursions, though Glaciar Bay is outstanding every time.