We arrived in Vancouver the day before embarkation and thank heavens because our flight was delayed six hours in Dallas.  I completely recommend arriving ahead of your cruise departure to avoid any heartache and stress.Precruise Vancouver:We took a cab from the airport to the hotel which cost approximately $36 (Canadian dollars) w/tip included. We stayed at the Blue Horizon Hotel on Robson St not far from Canada Pier.  The hotel is nice and located in an area loaded w/shops (pharmacy too)and restaurants. Our room was very large w/two queen beds, fridge, coffee maker, desk and chair, balcony, and comfy linens.  This is not a new hotel so the fixtures are older, but it was very clean and the staff very helpful.  I will also say that if you are a town mouse you may want to request a room away from the street because it can get loud due to the popularity of this street.   I felt very free and secure to walk up and down the street (also the hotel will hold your luggage after check out so you can do whatever 'til your cruise-super handy). Overall- I would stay here again.  Though our hotel is not far from Canada Pier, w/a large suitcase and and my husband and I each w/ carry on luggage, we weren't about to hoof it.  Curbside to curbside the taxi cost was only around $7 w/tip included. If you want to stay at a hotel right at the Pier the Pan Pacific is your closest.  Emabarkation:Embarkation was very easy.  We pulled up curbside in our taxi, and our cab driver handed our suitcases to the HAL luggage attendant who then proceeded to take it to our ship!  We walked through all the cattle ropes to get to the security point and check in.  There were HAL attendants guiding everyone through the whole thing.  The whole process from curbside drop off to boarding the ship maybe took an hour and a half - I felt this was a very easy and timely logistical process.  Once we got on board they were still serving lunch for everyone, so my husband and I headed up to the Lido deck for our first of many buffet meals.  When we got to our room - our bags were already waiting for us.Cabin:Most people swear by a balcony cabin, but I'm a little paranoid about open windows so we booked an oceanview.  We ended up w/cabin 3428 at the back of the ship.  I was very pleased.  The room was a great size w/a queen bed, a couch and chair, plenty of storage (including a place for your suitcases), large bathroom, and large window.  We were on the deck that everyone could walk around, so at anytime we could just pop out of our room for fresh air and a walk.  My tip for you though is to keep the window curtains closed unless you're looking out of course.  The windows are reflective but at night w/a light on in the cabin-all the world will see you!  This was a quiet room and a very nice room.  Our room attendant was awesome.Food and Attire:The Lido buffet restaurant and the poolside snack area seemed to always be open.  You can always get something to eat.  The food was good (hit and miss on some items but overall decent for a buffett) something for everyone.  The attire was very casual-jeans/pants, t shirt etc.  You can always eat at the Rotterdam Dining Room for a order/service type fare or order room service.  The food seemed to be better at the Rotterdam but not by much.  The attire is supposed to be more business Friday, but I saw many in jeans.  The only time anyone was truly formal was during the two formal nights of your cruise-men in jacket, tie and nice slacks, women in nice dresses.  Wait staff was excellent.Spa and Fitness:Fitness room was nice and offered many classess.  My husband and I truly enjoyed the thermalsuite package we purchased w/unlimited access to steam rooms, jacuzzi, semi private balcony, and heated ceramic chaises.  Staff was very good.Kids:We did not bring our kids on this cruise (we have three).  I think the smaller ones (6 and 2) would've gotten bored during scenic cruising.  They don't appreciate Alaskan scenary like we do.  My oldest one (13) may have enjoyed it.  HAL does provide some kid and teen activities, but I don't have any info on it.  There were quite a few families w/children on this ship I was pleasantly surprised by this observation.  Not everyone was over 60 :  ).Casino:We throughly enjoyed the casino and there excellent staff members.  Ports:Do take excursions-they are well worth the money and will be very port informative.  But be aware that Alaska weather is unpredictable flights can be cancelled, so just bring a good attitude and things will work out.  Take a rain poncho or rain jacket!  The temp was hovering around 59 when we cruised.  White rail pass is a must do in Skagway-Awesome.  George Inlet Lodge Crab feast excursion in Ketchikan was also fabulous. You should see tons of wildlife.Inside Passage Cruising was beautiful!  Glaciers were awesome.  Take your binoculars and cameras!  I would love to go to Alaska again.

Disembarkation:Disembarkation was just as smooth as our embarkation.  HALs staff will pick up your luggage the evening before disembarkation and will deliver it to the shore unless you've purchase a shuttle transfer to the airport- then they will take your luggage to the airport directly. You will be given a disembarkation time the night before.  We purchased a transfer this time since our flight was leaving at 12pm in Vancouver.  We disembarked at 8am and was in the airport by 10am.  They had our luggage in a special area and viola we checked in for a flight.