We decided to take the southbound cruise due to the fact of the horror stories we heard on the embarkation in Vancouver. We arrived at anchorage airport and were on the bus, baggage loaded in about 20 min. The bus trip to Whittier takes about 1 1/2 hrs. I personally don't like the bus part but this was a pleasure, landscape was wonderful and driver really kept our minds off the trip by stories of the sites and the winter snows
Embarkation: Arrived at the boat a tad late due to a very large mountain and a very small tunnel shared by cars and a train. The train has the right of way so the delay was about 30 min. Arrived at the ship, the one thing i have not figured out is the big whoop de doo about filling out the FUN PASS and how much time it takes off the embarkation. We spent about 45 min in line, as we have on the 3 other cruises we have taken on carnival, and they didn't have this fun pass filled out by us. The line went fast, the people knew what they were doing and were very friendly and helpful.
Cabin: The stateroom we booked was a 7a obstructed view guarantee (the lifeboat is right below balcony). The wife is afraid of heights so i figured it would work out better that way and she agreed. Carnival upgraded us 3 floors above the lifeboat, so much for the best laid plans of mice, men and husbands. It worked out well, the wife just didn't go to the rail and she loved it. I did check out the floor we booked and i would take that in a heart beat. You have a great view of every thing from a 7a and the ocean life (whales, seals etc. don't get close to the ship. But a word of warning i don't think you get a decent view with the lower floors and the french doors.