Background - Married couple, late 40's and mid 50's, Non Smokers with NO Children. This was an anniversary cruise.

Travel to Port - We used Southwest Airlines on a non-stop flight from Phoenix to Seattle. The flight lasted just under three hours, which was just enough time for me to watch a movie on our portable DVD player. If you plan to use an iPod or a portable DVD player, invest in a decent pair of noise cancelling headphones... you won't be sorry. Overall, the flight was smooth and uneventful. We did leave 35 minutes late due to the not-so-on-time arrival of another flight, however, the pilot made up for some of the delay.

Hotel - In Seattle, we stayed two nights (pre-cruise) at the Hotel 5 Seattle. The hotel was formerly known as the Downtown Ramada Inn at 5th & Blanchard. The hotel was clean and comfortable, with a Keurig coffee maker in the room. They also have a public computer in the lobby area for guest use and Wi-Fi service is available in your room at no extra charge. Pike Place Market is within walking distance, about five blocks away... be prepared for hills. Just off the hotel lobby is "Max's Coffee Shop" which is open for breakfast & lunch only. A short walk from the hotel, down 5th street, is a fantastic doughnut shop called Top Pot. Their "hand forged" doughnuts are unbelievable. You can find their site on the web. If you need to pick up some soda or water to take on board or some beer & wine to enjoy in your room, there's a "Ralph's" about a block away from the hotel, although it's more like a convenience store than a supermarket. There's also a nice little deli inside. Read more