First, we are somewhat loyal to Royal, although it is not set in stone. This Alaskan cruise appealed to our family because of the ports (Tracey Arm Glacier, Juneau, Skagway, & Victoria) and the passage through the Inside Passage. And so begins our disappointment as the ship is too large to pass through the Inside Passage - as was explained to us when on the cruise! On previous Alaskan cruises I explained to our joining family members (21) that an entire day was spent gently cruising through the passage and viewing flora and fauna along the banks on both port and starboard. Since we cruised the open ocean, there was no gentle and interesting scenery! That alone makes me feel duped about booking the Explorer.
Although he handled the ship meticulously, Capt Sullivan did not take the ship to Tracey Arm....instead we viewed the Endicott Glacier... the explanation is that the ship is too large to navigate the Tracey Arm. Another hidden truth!
The booking agents should be up front about such major details!
We spent four days in Seattle and rented a car one day to drive to Vancouver. The weather was spectacular!
We took the city bus to Craigderoche Castle - Amazing!