My husband is recently retired and I will be in a few years. First cruise ever, but I would do this Alaska cruise again in a heartbeat. Spent a night in Vancouver, walked to the ship. The Holland America Nieuw Amsterdam. Very smooth embarkation, wasn't sure what to expect. We were only on the ship for 3 nights but the balcony room was beautiful, well worth the extra and the ship itself was clean and very nice. Food was very good in the buffet and there was a pizza place and a burger place that were very good, we ate at the burger place more than once. Everyone on board was friendly and helpful. We went into Juneau at the first port and went on a 7 hour hike to the Mendenhall glacier. It was strenuous but well worth the views and experience. We left the cruise on day 4 at Skagway and started the land part of our trip. We definitely would do the same cruise again but probably all cruise for 7 days, its extremely relaxing. I definitely have recommended Holland America for this Alaska cruise to my friends.