We were a group of six traveling to Alaska for the first time. My parents are very experienced cruises with well over 12 cruises, my husband and myself were at 6 cruises (7 after this cruise) and my sister and brother in law were at 2 cruises (3 after this cruise).
We came from all over the country. We are from Oak Harbor Washington so the commute was very easy for us. We actually have a shuttle service on the island that drops you off at the pier. My parents are from Miami, FL. However, they flew in a few days early to hang out with us, so they took the shuttle as well. My sister and brother in law are from Yuma, Arizona and also flew in a few days early so they could hang out in Seattle and stayed at the Moore Hotel. We all met up on Sunday morning at the pier.
Embarkation was very smooth. One of the fastest and easiest ones we have ever done. We were at the pier around 11:15 and all checked in by 11:30. We were on board by 11:45. We had a great and quiet lunch at Summer Palace. I do not think almost anyone knew it was open. The buffet was probably a mad house.
My sister and I had inside rooms at 9163 and 9157. They were a little smaller than other cruise lines, but had plenty of storage. The shower was nicer than most too. If you are tall though the toilet may be difficult to use. You have to be slightly turned; if you are not your knees hit the wall. The beds were very comfortable.