We are in our mid-50's and have cruised before. We booked two cruises, first Anchorage-Vancouver on the Princess Diamond, then one night in Vancouver, then back to Anchorage on the Holland Zaandam. We chose the Zaandam last because we wanted to end in Seward.
Before leaving, we purchased a Northern Lights coupon book. Toursavers is very similar. I highly recommend checking them out. We saved hundreds.
In our short time in Anchorage we enjoyed watching the sea planes from the patio of the "Fancy Moose" (at the Millennium hotel). We really liked the Alaskan Native Heritage Center (coupon). We stayed at the Alaskan Frontier Gardens B&B which was good. Renting a car at the airport was a snap.
3383, Partially Obstructed Ocean View. Only one electrical outlet. The window overlooks the Lower Promenade, so curtains are usually kept closed. Even when open, you look out over a solid, waist-high wall, so you mostly just see the horizon. The galley is directly above and noisy at night. It is nice to have quick access to the promenade, but in our opinion this cabin is not worth the extra cost over an interior stateroom.