Overall, the Alaska experience was excellent. Our land portion started in Anchorage, followed by two one nights at Princess rustic lodges. The highlight of this portion was the 5 hour Denali tour.

After a pleasant and comfortable domed train to Whittier, we boarded Coral for the one week southbound cruise. On our second sea day, while enjoying the glacier experience, the aft located Sanctuary was a cut above, semi private, somewhat exclusive area and well worth the fee. Higher end finger foods and drinks were quite nice.

We booked our own excursions in Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. Highlights were a once in a lifetime helicopter ride, landing high on the glacier where we met and mushed the huskies. In Ketchikan, I got to drive a small zodiac, stopping for several sea animals. My wife and I were the only ones out with the vendor. That's the advantage of booking outside of the cruise line. In our case the Princess's excursion offered this in the morning, while we did this mid-afternoon. In Skagway, we did do the historic train ride, but only one way, returning by van with additional photo stops. Read more