We just returned from Alaska on Explorer of the Seas. This was our first time in Alaska and second Royal Caribbean cruise. We enjoyed it very much. We had a room with a balcony which was great for viewing the beautiful scenery. We even saw some whales from the ship which was exciting. We thought the food and service were great. The only food we didn't like was mainly just personal taste and not the quality. Wish they had a lighter roast coffee and ice tea was pretty weak - but those are our only complaints. We enjoyed the excursion to Buchart Gardens very much although we wished we had a little more time there. We tried the train in Skagway, but due to the weather, the rails were too slick and they had to turn us around. However, RC refunded our money on this, so no problem. It was very cold & wet that day and wished I would have brought an umbrella (travel tip). Overall, we would definitely travel with RC again.