Wasn't sure about this ship by the reviews here...I would say having lived it, its average to the ten-ish others I’ve been on. It has its good and its not so good like any ship I've been on. We flew to Vancouver day of the cruise and made our way to the port using the ships transfer easily. Slight delay in getting our cabin keys but with a special note we were on and to our cabin in no time. We did get upgraded to a great cabin on the Lower Promenade deck. The cabin had a giant window (tinted) that looked onto the deck and the great Alaskan view. The room needed refreshing/renovating. The bathroom was showing its age. But again was comfy and clean as any.

We loved Alaska. Even in the rain. But even more in the sun. You can whale watch from the ship. In Juneau we took the blue bus to the glacier for a short hike in the rain. In Skagaway we took the train up the mountain (amazing) and a walking tour of the town by a park ranger (free). In Ketchican we walked to the city’s totem centre and took the tour of Dolly’s house. We also had great lunch at the Alaskan Fish House dock side. The highlight was of course glacier bay. The pea soup on deck beside a giant blue wall of ice is something I will never forget.

The ship is older and the staff aloof yes. I never lacked anything I needed and enjoyed the entertainment. We really enjoyed going for a drink before dinner and listening to the piano and violin duet. There was also a great server there who made a great Bloody Caesar. We sat in the dining room with two other friendly couples and enjoyed laughing and catching up on our adventures and ship life. The food in the dining room was good. The red meat the best choice. My advice is ask you waiter for their picks…they know. The food in the buffet at lunch and breakfast was at par with any other cruise I’ve been on. The hamburger place poolside was above par and a nice touch with the order and buzzer system. The size of the ship is perfect. Disembarkation was easy. I wish it had a steam room and better dry sauna. I would highly recommend an Alaskan cruise…I enjoyed this ship and this itinerary.