My son chose this cruise for me and two grandchildren because of his schedule; otherwise would have chosen Disney or Princess, more kid-oriented. Very good food with lots of choices, either buffet, which kids usually preferred, or waiter service, food excellent but long wait time, however next to ocean view window. Nice swimming pools kids liked and outdoor film showing, hot tubs not hot enough by our Asian standards. Enjoyable Broadway-quality performances, and chamber music and well as loud pop music. Very lucky week of warm California-like weather.

However, I think the notification system for activities could be much better than just the daily newsletter, which was hard to read and cluttered with diamond ads. How about some modern technology, i.e. screens near the elevators? Also some videos and maps of where we are going, the geology, and why? Finally found a map and one screen, several days in, but missed most activities. Nature program by very knowledgeable Mickey was good, but too short, not enough pictures, and only presented once a day about half an hour -- overall, hardly any information or education about Alaska, its animals and people, its geography, which is supposed to be the main point of the tour.

By contrast, I got very irritated with the continual pushing of diamonds both on ship and at tourist stops -- a large portion of a deck occupied with shops for luxury items, esp. diamonds. Large casino area. But no place on ship to buy needed toiletries, like Listerine, sanitary pads, hair ties, toothbrush -- and overpriced and rare at tourist ports, too. Painful lack. Read more