We choice this cruise because it is one of the few cruises to include two of the big three - Tracy's Fjord and Glacier Bay, the other being the Hubbard Glacier. We also wanted to sail from Vancouver, where we had not previously been. Blue Horizon Hotel in Vancouver was great, as was the Tour Guys tour we took before the cruise, however, the tour guide was way too apologetic on behalf of every European who has stepped foot in Canada.

This was our first time on Holland America but have sailed at least four other lines. On board, food was okay but not great and the shows were the lamest we had seen at sea - they didn't gauge their audience when doing 1980s hits for a crowd nearing their 80's. Cabin was nice - we had an aft balcony, our preference. Service was okay, not super special. The naturalist onboard, however, was a well informed delight. The ship herself was the most stunning we had been on in terms of decor and art.

Beware: I was conned in Skagway at the Gold Dust jewelry store when I was looking at 14kt ammonite earrings and sold gold-coated silver ones as if they were 14kt gold. This is the store closest to where cruise ships dock on Broadway and 2nd.