Overall this was a great cruise. If you are considering Alaska- GO!!! The Explorer was a wonderful ship that has a lot to offer. Since the "big ships" can't get into the places in Alaska that the smaller ones can (and the smaller ones would have been a nightmare running into the storm that we did on the Explorer) I felt this ship was the perfect size. The shows were great, plenty of bars and activities and it was clean and well maintained. Our cabin was a grand suite on the port side, midship (1560). This was a very convenient location, it was clean and spacious (for a stateroom) and as with all suites except the junior suites, it comes with the concierge service which is well worth it.

For the most part the crew was awesome (a few bad attitudes here and there but nothing that ruined our vacation). Most of the crew was extremely helpful and pleasant. The kids club is top notch- our 5 year old has been on 6 cruises and I think this was the most excited she's ever been about a kids club, and that includes after sailing Disney 3 times.

The ports were pretty good- both Alaska ports were great. Did the Sea Plane in Juneau and the White Pass Train in Skagway and would do them both again in a heartbeat. Definitely worth the money!! You don't get off the ship at Tracy Arm Fjord but I think this was my favorite spot to visit during the whole week. I can't stress enough how beautiful a destination this place is. Victoria is ok, it is an interesting city with lots of shopping and restaurants, but no excursions appealed to us and therefore all we did was walk around the city and try some local food. Read more