This was another one on our "bucket list" and it was another cruise of a lifetime. We had sailed on the Jewel several years ago in the Caribbean and enjoyed it then, as well. Where to start. The Jewel has been well taken care of and we were really impressed with the way she looked, both interior and exterior. O'Sheehan's is a nice addition and was easy access for us from our aft facing cabin. It didn't take us long to get the "lay of the land" as most of it came back and we have sailed on other similar ships. We immediately signed up for a dinner with an officer as this has become a favorite of ours. We had dinner with the Chief Refrigeration Officer-who'd have thought? Great guy from Croatia with a neat personality. Also met two other couples at this dinner and had fun with them, as well. One of the things we really enjoy about cruising is meeting other people and we weren't disappointed on this cruise, we just had a ball.

We did shore excursions in most of the ports, but would recommend the whale watching tour at Juneau and the bus tour at Skagway that takes you to the Yukon. We talked to people who took the train and from what we could tell, the bus ride was really better for scenery. Also, the Sea Otter and Wildlife excursion at Sitka was excellent. We ate at the Tsar's Palace on several nights and never had a bad meal. Service was great and the food was really good. The Breakfast buffet was good with a great selection. Seating was always at a premium, but you expect that. I would recommend Le Bistro for a specialty restaurant. We were not overly impressed with Cagney's, but since we live in Illinois, we are used to really good steaks.

I can't say enough about the Jewel and her crew and the staff.