We just completed our first cruise, actually it was a cruise tour-14S -in Alaska. I can't say enough great things about the experience from start to finish, except my husband and I both wish the ship would have kept going. We were in Alaska during the record rains and floods, including the rail tracks and roads to be traveled during our pre cruise tour being washed out. Never once did Princess fail us. The went to extreme measures to make sure our trip was not interrupted, we had delayed luggage only once, but that is all. Amazing.

We didn't know quite what to expect as first-timers. But I had surfed every web site I could find about cruising and had high expectations. All the comments about the hassle of embarkation were not an issue for us in Whittier, even in the pouring rain. The lines were like an airport security area, there were helpful hosts everywhere and by doing everything online in advance, we were guided right through the process. We may have had a little extra time processing because our pre-cruise group arrived en mass, but it didn't seem to be a problem. We easily found our cabin, again with helpful, friendly staff everywhere.

Our cabin was on the Aloha deck with a balcony. And I agree with all the comments of others, the balcony is well worth the added expense. Even my skeptical husband agreed as did our traveling companions who booked an inside room thinking they would be on deck the whole time. Waking up in College Fjord with the sun shining off the glacier, seemingly in your face, is unforgettable. Tip #1, book on the "land side" of your ship - then you have a view then entire trip. The ship does turn in the bays, but it still makes a big difference on the at sea days. Read more