Below is my opinion of my first cruise and first visit to Alaska. We sailed on the M S Veendam out of Seward Alaska on August 16 for a southbound cruise.

Embarkation. We arrived in Seward via train. Happily we were able to check all of our bags on the train and they arranged to have them delivered to the ship. The train ride was scenic and relaxing. Once in Seward we made our way to the ship and although there was a significant line, it took probably only 30 minutes for us to check in and pass through security. Our bags were delivered to the room later that afternoon.

Stateroom. We booked an outside stateroom - porthole view. It was near the front of the ship and was adequate for our needs. I would have preferred a bathtub rather than a shower only, but that was a minor inconvenience. Our room steward did a good job and was always pleasant and helpful. I like crisper bed linens, but that is a personal preference. I did not care for the Elemis shower gel they provided but again, that was a minor issue. I brought my own shampoo and other toiletries. Generally I had no complaints about the stateroom itself, but we did have about a day and a half (and I think this was a ship-wide problem) when the toilet worked only occasionally. Luckily we weren't ill at the time, but it was disgusting nonetheless. Read more