This was our 20th cruise - the second time to Alaska - so we are experienced cruisers. The Vision is a nice ship, though lacking some of the pizzazz of newer vessels. Our cabin was outside on the second deck, and showed some wear and tear. However, the lovely bed linens and attentive cabin steward made up for any deficiencies. Embarkation went smoothly, and lunch was available in the Windjammer. Though the cruise line advises passengers not to arrive before 1:00, we arrived at noon and there were many other passengers who were there before us eating lunch and getting settled. The buffet lunch was not great, and we hoped it was not an indication of how the food on this ship would prove to be.

We chose this ship because we were going to be in Seattle for one week prior to the sailing, so it was basically for convenience. I would suggest, for anyone interested in an Alaska cruise, not to choose this itinerary. The boat does not go into enough ports and one port in particular, Prince Rupert Island, was worthless. So, the only two ports that were interesting were Juneau and Skagway. The itinerary absolutely needed to include Victoria and/or Sitka and Ketchikan to make the cruise more interesting. We did sail around Tracy Arm, which was very nice - but having done Glacier Bay a number of years ago - we knew the comparisons, and Glacier Bay is definitely more impressive. We did the train ride in Skagway which was enjoyable - though we had a real loudmouth in our "car" who insisted upon singing and making off color comments - but no one can control that sort of thing happening. For those of you interested in saving a small amount of money - you can go right to the train station in town to purchase tickets. In Juneau there are also numerous booths selling all kinds of tours, as soon as you get off the ship.

The food on the Vision is alright, though it was obvious that the company is trying to economize. Instead of rack of lamb, they serve lamb shank. Caviar is in very short supply, and the lobster tails served on the last formal night were small and tasteless. Most of the meat, like prime rib, also had little flavor, and in many cases was tough. The Windjammer provides afternoon tea, however, the selections are limited and hardly vary from day to day, and the display messy and unappetizing. The baked goods at breakfast never change, and the lunch menu served in the dining room hardly varies. At lunch they offer a pasta bar in the dining room - which is a very inexpensive way to fill up guests with lots of carbs. Read more