We are members of the Captain's Club and have cruised well with Princess in the last, considering it an almost-luxury cruise line. This Alaska cruise last week was a nightmare. It felt like the ship was overbooked by about 500 people to begin with. However, throughout the entire week, we and other passengers were kicked out of areas where we had gone to read or play cards. There is no space for this purpose on the ship, unlike other cruise lines. Therefore, we were forced to use the Nightclub or the Adagio Lounge since they were the most quiet during the day. However, at least once a day, they booted us out for (1) private function, (2) rehearsal for Voice of the Ocean or (3) another private function. The Explorer's Lounge was chaotic with art auctions every day. The other huge negative is the constant bombarding of passengers to buy jewelry not only onboard, but at the numerous small shops in literally every port - Juneau, Skagway & Ketchikan. Expecting quaint and sleepy fishing ports we found diamond and gold sellers galore. But why Princess (which must get a cut or subsidize the businesses) panders to this by putting in the "shopping to jewelry guide" in our cabins every day or each night letting us know about the next shopping option is beyond the pale. We cruise to relax, see the sites, read, play games & cards and participate in the entertainment the ship [used to] offer. The Yes/No game is great, but the scheduling is weird. Lots after 9 at night, little during the day. The good: Regular lectures by Alaska experts, and the beds. The food seemed to improve as the week end on. I would recommend looking at a cruise line that may offer smaller ships with fewer people and definitely less commercialization and marketing onboard. If you are a 1st timer to Alaska, definitely consider a cruise that takes you to the north part of the state. The Inland Passage, while beautiful, is similar to Colorado or Canadian mountains, so if you can afford the time, either take a longer cruise or consider what you really want to see. We saw NO wildlife on the Inland Passage other than lots of eagles.