After booking the 14-day round-trip cruise (first cruise, first time in Alaska) I became a little nervous after reading reviews on Cruise Critic and wondered if we'd made a mistake. Happily, we did not and will take HAL again for another cruise. Our stateroom (Verandah deck with balcony) was much more spacious than some reviews had led me to believe--certainly larger than some "boutique" hotel rooms we've stayed in in NYC. Although I've heard that some of the bathrooms need remodeling, ours did not. It was in very good shape, clean and roomy, with countertop and a a shelf below the sink. The in-bathroom hairdryer was old, and I'd brought my own, but a newer model portable hairdryer was in a drawer in the sitting area desk. The sitting area was big enough for my husband and me to sit and read or watch closed-circuit tv without any discomfort. There is only one real outlet, located in the sitting area, but I'd brought a small extension cord and that suited us fine--could charge electronics and use hair dryer all at the same time if necessary.
The service was excellent. Our cabin steward was attentive and available. On the first day, we'd asked for fresh fruit which was delivered quickly and everyday thereafter until we asked for deliveries to stop. Ketut was concerned that we would not get enough fruit and so we compromised with every other day deliveries. We alternated between the Rotterdam dining room, where we selected open seating, and the Lido deck, which we used for occasional breakfasts and lunches. We never had trouble being seated, even though we rarely reserved ahead of time, and usually were able to dine alone. Only once did we have to share a table (although we chose to do that some nights) rather than wait for twenty minutes or so. The food was excellent as was the service. Many choices on the MDR menu and we thought as good as the Pinnacle Grill (also excellent) where we ate only once. The waiters were attentive and friendly and we enjoyed talking with them about Indonesia, where most of them were from--even learning some Indonesian words.
We alternated between HAL shore excursions and making out own way. Dave's DYEA in Skagway was a private tour that was excellent and, because the weather was not so good, Dave took us further into Canada than we'd originally planned. The HAL excursions were a little pricy, but fine. Whale watching in Haines was particularly exciting and the boat was comfortable and not too rocky. The trip to the Mendenhall Glacier was also fine, although the bus driver left without us to return to the ship, much to our dismay. We were at the stop on time, or a minute or two later--no more--and we saw the bus pulling away, with my wallet and purse on it. A second bus, also from a HAL sponsored tour was leaving a few minutes later and we were able to get on it and the driver radioed so that my purse was at the ship when we arrived. This was the only real down spot on the whole cruise.
More spacious than we'd expected, wonderful bedding and comfortable bed; lovely verandah that allowed us great viewing opportunities. Large glass sliding doors so that we were able to see the sights even from inside. More storage space than expected, as well. Two large-enough closets for hanging clothes and storing luggage and one with shelves, a desk with drawers in sitting area for storage and two end tables next to the bed. A modern hair dryer was available in one of the desk drawers, but there is only one outlet, so I'd suggest a small three outlet extension cord. Room was clean and inviting. I'd wanted the Neptune deck where the rooms are much larger, but it was all sold out. The Verandah deck was just fine. In addition the room, midship, was quiet. Most announcements were only in the halls and did not disturb us at all, although we could hear our neighbors when they were on the balcony.