This was our first time on Mariner, but we have sailed on the RSSC Navigator and Explorer. We are booked on the Voyager for December. This 7 day cruise was our first to Alaska, cruising Vancouver to Vancouver.

One on-board, we asked about a possible upgrade from our rather small concierge suite #871. For $1,000 additional, we moved to PH suite 905. It was money well spent. In addition to the significantly larger space, we enjoyed the services of our wonderful butler, Manu.

The original plan was for 3 ports, Ketichikan, Juneau, and Victoria. Both Ketichikan and Juneau proved disappointing as they seemed to be real tourist traps with endless jewelry stores and shops selling Alaska souvenirs. Our float plane bear watching trip to Prince of Wales Island was terrific, but it should be for the $420 per person extra we paid. Our free whale watching adventure in Juneau was hosted by an excellent crew who certainly could not be held responsible for the 45 degree windy day. Read more