My wife and I have cruised eight times on Princess ships.  We decided to take the Alaska glacier cruise and figured it would be just as cheap to make it a round trip so booked back to back cruises making it a round trip from Vancouver.  The alternative was to fly back from Whittier (Anchorage) or take the Danali interior train trip and then fly back but decided to leave this for another cruise.  We booked through Princess's web site and used the category guarantee which also states they will upgrade if available.  We booked interior going up and mini-suite back.  We received upgrades in both cases where the interior was upgraded to window and mini-suite to top category (AA from AC).  Booking on line when prices were low (usually around 3 months prior), we were able to book the interior for under $400 and the mini for under $900.  Considering the air cost for the extra Anchorage leg, transfer from Whittier to Anchorage, we figured this was a bargain of a cruise for two weeks. 

Getting there: We flew into Vancouver a day early and booked into the Renaissance Hotel next to the Harbor area.  No problems getting in and caught a taxi for the trip in (about $40 with tip).  The hotel was nice and received an upgrade to a harbor view.  Very scenic and were able to watch float planes landing and taking off in the water.  Not much around the area as close to business financial area.  Lots of food places around though.  Went to Cardero's Restaurant and Marine Pub for dinner and was able to sit on the patio facing Stanley Park.  Since the weather was in the 80's it was a great evening and it was great sunset time to have a dinner there.  The food was good as was the service. 

Embarkation:  Although the hotel was within walking distance to the Canada Place cruise ship terminal, we took a taxi as you have to wind your way down to the correct area to find the entrance and the taxi drops you right off where they will accept your luggage.  Getting on the ship did not take much time at all.  We had arrived around 12:30 but had only two short 5 minute wait in lines:  One for passport processing and one for the Princess line.  Didn't matter that we were Platinum level princess cruisers as both lines were the about the same length.  Ramp up to the ship and we were on.  Using the web site to fill in all the required information Princess wanted (their PIF) makes it easier so all you have to do is sign your credit card form there and confirm the credit card.  They have a meaningless medical form which asks you if you've been sick the last couple of days but not sure people would truthfully respond to this. Read more