My travel companions and I could accommodate this date. In addition, others we know recommended the timing. We had perfect clear weather the entire trip. Lots of wildlife sightings and breathtaking glacier calving are unforgettable memories I will carry forever. Our cruise director was very funny and engaging. The shows I saw were fun and entertaining, and the food was excellent. Most of the wait staff were excellent as well. The musical shows were marvelous but too short. The entire ship was immaculately clean. I would love to have seen more of the naturalist as the beauty and vastness of the wilderness overwhelmed me. The Captain did a good job maintaining our up close view of the glaciers calving, and I understood that we saw some things that are not always possible because of the perfect weather. Overall, this was a great way to experience Alaska and all that it offers