We wanted a smaller boat and this one was perfect! Check in was a breeze, luggage was in the cabin when we arrived, and Daniel, our butler, got us a bottle of champagne immediately. Our cabin was 826. This was a perfect location on the ship for us. We could walk right out onto the pool deck or go through for easy access to the elevators. The laundry was on deck 8, so that was great. We were sceptical at first about the possible noise on deck 8, but it was pin drop quiet in the hallways and rooms.

The weather did not cooperate for eating at The Grill...didn't want to bundle up to eat dinner, so the only other options at that point were The Restaurant or room service. The Restaurant was very good but I wish I has booked more dinners at La Terrazza. The food there was amazing and so was the wine. We ate at La Champagne one night and it was wonderful. It does have a surcharge of $40 pp but is worth it. The dress code sounds daunting but as long as the guys have a sport coat, shirt, and tie, they are fine. It was cold and rainy so I wore dressy pants, heels, and different dressy tops.

Everyone we talked to did different shore excursions and everyone was happy with what they did. Pick what you what...you won't be disappointed. We did whale watching in Juneau, Raptors and Ravens in Sitka, duck tour in Ketchikan, and bus tour of Skagway. All were great. Umbrellas and water were available when going on excursions. Best to just pack a waterproof jacket with a hood and some rain shoes. Read more