Embarkation: So easy, so fast! We were in our cabin less than 30 minutes after reaching the pier. Suggest you come early (noon) even tho general recommendations suggest arrival after 1:30 pm are best.

Ship: Striking atrium; light, bright and not as gaudy as other ships. Large, well stocked library & separate card room, maybe too large for the activities, but the furniture was very comfortable & rooms well lit. The shops were similar to other ships; prices were fairly comparable to same items onshore. I don't recall seeing a liquor store onboard.

Activities: One outdoor pool, lots of lounge chairs but the air was really too cold for most to swim. The indoor pool was decorated in a tropical/Asian motif; lots of rataan & plants...very appealing. Paxs said pool water was just right. There were 4 Art Auctions with a large selection of artwork but not many people attended the 3 I went to. The moderator was knowledgeable but didn't seem to make contact with the audience. The usual expensive Bingo games and trivia contests but the ship offered full-run movies too. We didn't take full advantage of the dancing parties but there were many opportunities to do so. The casino offered 5 cent slots which was a surprise ... and fun. Not much action in the casino but the machines did seem to pay well. There were a minimal number of announcements over the p.a. (which was welcomed) other than from the naturalists who commented on Glacier Bay and College Fjord as we were cruising through those areas. They also pointed out whales, otters, porpoise, seals as we came upon them Read more