We just returned from the 7 day Alaskan Explorer Cruise. We have cruised several times and this is our second time to Alaska. We chose this particular cruise because it went to Sitka and we had not been there before. All of our port stops were wonderful and we were lucky to have good weather at each stop. In Juneau we went on a whale watching boat ride that was really nice and the whales were every where. It was very exciting. Our next stop was Sitka and we did our on walking tour. Sitka is very interesting and one of the prettiest ports I have seen. You can walk the entire town during the stop and see all of the very interesting historic sites. The Russian Orthodox church was of great interest to me for historic reasons as well as the beauty of the icons. They have carillon bells that are rung by hand and are beautiful. We spoke to the Priest and to a Deacon named Larry. Larry knows all the history and is fascinating to talk too. In Ketchikan we went on the Misty Fiord's Float Plane ride and it was breath taking and awesome beyond belief.

Some words about the ship and service. The ship is very nice and convenient. the bathrooms were a better plan than some other cruise lines have and were appreciated. Our room was clean and our attendant was very efficient. He kept it clean all the towels and bedding fresh and any request we made were done promptly. Of course you have to love the towel animals. We chose the 5:30 dining time which worked very well for us. Our waiters were very good and lots of fun. The food was very good and varied and yes I gained the usual pound a day. We like the scheduled dining and picked the early time so that we were always ready for the entertainment in the lounge or where ever we were planning to be for the evening.

We traveled with three other couples and one of the members of our party is handicapped. We were all very pleased and surprised that all of the staff on the ship took special care of our handicapped friend. Getting on and off the ship was always very well handled. Also all of our excursions here prepared and ready with the proper lifts and equipment so that our friend never was left our or felt a burden. Even the float plane was an enormous success because they accommodated her so wonderfully and were so friendly and helpful.