We feel very fortunate as the weather held out for three beautiful days in Alaska ports, leading to a great week on the Explorer.
Boarding was easy - less than 20 minutes once we actually made it to the entry. There was a navy vessel in town for a celebration as well as two ships in port so traffic was at a standstill on the port grounds. We were assigned room #1337 as a GTY - accessible interior with virtual balcony. Very large room and the virtual balcony takes away from the feeling of being inside. Our cabin attendant Koli was ever helpful even giving us towel animals most nights.
Sail away from Seattle was easy - we enjoyed watching the Solstice sail just ahead of us from the helipad. It was hot and sunny so that breeze up front was appreciated.
Very roomy and plenty of room if mobility was an issue. Closet had shelves which I prefer to drawers. Bathroom also very large to accommodate wheelchair if needed. The virtual balcony screen is set across from the bed and made the room seem like an outside.
Trip from the airport was about 30" but allow for plenty of time as the port area can be quite congested. Easy sail away.
Mendenhall Glacier park is not to be missed. We chose the shuttle at $45 per person round trip. Once in the park we walked both the photo point Trail and Nugget Falls. Movie and small museum were nice as well as the presentation by the ranger.
Enjoyed walking out of the downtown area after viewing the movie at the National Park office. Walked to the miners cemetery then on to Jewell Gardens (entry $12.50) where we watched glassblowing and enjoyed the gardens.
Walked to the Parliment Building and then across the street to spend lots of time at the BC museum. On to the inner Harbour area to enjoy all the beautiful flowers planted everywhere. Lunch at the delightful 10 Acres restaurant and then more walking to look at buildings and gardens.