The only reason we chose an interior cabin is because this cruise was my mom's treat, and she is on a limited budget.  We thought we'd use the money we might have used to upgrade our cabin to do more excursions, pay for our kid's excursions, and enjoy more stuff on board.  While I don't like the feeling of being "shut in," this was not a BAD experience.  The bed was super soft and comfy, there was plenty of storage for all our "stuff," and there was absolutely great acoustics - we couldn't hear anything from any of the surrounding cabins.  We played our music somewhat loudly, and my brother (in the next door cabin) couldn't hear it at all.

We stayed an extra day in Seattle after the cruise, and enjoyed it thoroughly.  Loved Pike Market, shopping along 1st St., and had several really great meals.

Seattle

There were only 12 of us in the group- two families. Our guide, Molly, was enthusiastic, energetic and very knowledgable. We drive through "the road" (literally the only main road in Juneau, which dead-ends in both directions) to about a one-hour hike/walk through  the rain forest culminating in a view of the glacier. Molly pointed out all the flora and fauna along the way, and helped us with finding great photo opportunities. I was glad for our small group, especially when I saw the crowds at the Mendenhall glacier center (we got to view the glacier from a secluded lookout point).  We were then given a bag with nuts, dried fruit, granola bar, water, and a York peppermint patty to munch on as we drove to stop 2: the harbor to board our little boat to view whales. The day was flawless: sunny, with a light breeze. On our 2-hour ride, we witnessed at least 5 different bubble-net feelings with pods of up to 12 whales. We witnessed the blow-holes, the flukes (tails) and finally, spectacular breaching of multiple whales. Molly was so excited, she said this was a very rare occurrence. We got some great once-in-a-lifetime photos!

We chose the Chilkoot Trail Hike/River Float tour.  We were the only ones on our Chilkoot bit challenging for my 71-year-old mom, but she actually made it over the rocks and logs, up about an hour climb of steep terrain, then a casual walk on a level dirt path through a dense forest. It was gorgeous, and interesting to walk the same trail the gold-seekers trekked in search of Yukon riches.
Kane was a terrific guide, leading  our group Through the trail, assisting my mom in more treacherous descents, and finally, paddling us safely down the 40-minute river float, where we were treated to amazing tranquil forest, mountain, and glacier views.

Reality of the glacier day was a bit different than my expectations.  I thought there would be iceburgs all around us, and that we would be floating through walls of ice.  Rather, we arrived at the end of the pass at 9:00 in the morning, and stayed in the bay for about an hour while the boat circled so that views could be had from all sides of the boat.  It was cold and raining, but it was neat to be able to get so close to the glacier.

Glacier Bay

It was a rainy day, so we walked through the city a bit.  It was a cute city.  My kids visited the totem museum.  We walked though Creek Street, which was packed with tourists.

Ketchikan

The size of the ship seemed just right for the crowds - it was rare to not get a table or a spot at the bar when we wanted them (see below for comments about dining) 

Food/specialty restaurants:

Main dining rooms:  There are two:  Summer Palace and Indigo.We drive through "the road" (literally the only main road in Juneau, which dead-ends in both directions) to about a one-hour hike/walk through  the rain forest culminating in a view of the glacier.

Norwegian Pearl Review

Overall Great Cruise

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Seattle

Glacier Bay

Ketchikan

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