Originally booked this cruise because of the price and because it offered something other than a Caribbean destination. Booked an inside cabin as well to save $$s but was a little worried that we would miss the balcony. Have to say we totally enjoyed our cabin & the ship! The Explorer has a few spots that are showing her age but she is kept immaculate outside & in so that more than made up for a few windows that you couldn't see through. Our room was 7677 on the port side aft and was very quiet and was kept in perfect shape by our steward! He was like all the crew, very friendly and efficient. I can't say enough about the crew as they made the vacation! Whether is was a restaurant, entertainment or shop they were always helpful and friendly! Even the fellow passengers for talkative and we more more people on the cruise than any other we have been on. The food was always great either in the Windjammer or the MDR. we found the bartenders great and in the past have found bartenders to be not interested in pouring a soda but this crew always had a smile for you no matter what! We enjoyed the port, Astoria didn't have a whole lot to offer but it was cute & friendly, we enjoyed San Francisco and took the ship tour to The Muir Woods & Sausalito which was really neat and did Alcatraz on our own which is easy because the ferry is the next pier over from where we docked. Alcatraz is NOT to be missed!!! We enjoyed Victoria as well, very pretty. Have to say the embarkation and debarkation were extremely smooth. We were left our downtown hotel at 10am and were in on the ship at 10:45!!!! The only negative I can think off for this cruise was the Casino and the smoking, it was very smokey and the smoke also could be smelt on the Promenade where a staircase comes up from the casino. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this ship and this itinerary to anyone considering it!