We had wanted to take an Alaskan cruise for several years. We choose Crystal for several reasons. We wanted a round trip out of Vancouver, we wanted a nice ship and we wanted to visit either Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier. This Crystal itinerary met all those criteria. We had previously sailed with Seabourn, Oceania and Silver Seas. Up until this cruise Seabourn was our preferred cruise line. Crystal now is the top choice. We still like Seabourn, but the variety of venues on Crystal, because it is a larger ship really was impressive . The passenger count was around 900 and the ship was full, but you never felt crowded.

The ship is very well maintained and quite lovely. Embarkation was a breeze. Upon entering the ship an crew member took our small carry on bags and escorted us to check in and then to our stateroom which was ready. Our penthouse verandah suite was beautiful. Very roomy with large closets and large verandah. Our butler Daniel arrived shorty after we did and let us know that he would be happy to take care of any request. We asked, if he could procure a latter seating for dinner and he took care of it. That was the way the rest of the trip went, if we needed help with anything Daniel took care of it. We had butlers on other ships and they usually did not take care of it. Anna was our head housekeeper and she was wonderful. She brought me just right combination of pillows, some soft some firm, that helped me get a good night sleep. The beds were very comfortable. She kept the cabin immaculate and we never knew she was there.

Food was very good in every venue. We were delighted by the main dining room, because on Oceania and Silver Seas unless you ate in the specialty restaurants the food was not too good. Service was great thru out the ship, dining pool, spa. If you sail with Crystal there is a wonderful crew member named Benjamin and he works beverage service around the pool, he will know your name by the end of the day and remember it through the whole cruise. Shore excursions were wonderful. We did some whale watching, mushers dog sled and Misty Fjords. All were great, We had wonderful weather so that was a blessing. Glacier Bay was stunning. The captain positioned the ship very close to the glaciers. While we on deck observing the glaciers the staff came around with hot chocolate. Read more