My husban were hopeful that a mid May Alaskan trip would provide snowy landscapes with pleasant springtime temperatures - and did it ever! We chose a 14-day back-to-back round trip Princess cruise out of Vancouver, BC. We arrived three nights early to see Vancouver. The Granville Market offered prepared foods from around the world, fresh produce, handmade crafts and the best hot chocolate we’ve ever had. Azaleas and rhododendrons were in full bloom as we traveled around the city where we chose to walk most of the time.

After we boarded the Royal Princess we found the stateroom decor a bit tired but nonetheless very clean and our steward, “Budi”, provided exemplary service. The Good Spirits Pub caught our attention and Sanjay made incredible drinks including the best cosmopolitan I’ve ever had - then he showed me how he did it. We listened to several musicians and singers around the ship but the one that always rose to the top was Jumari, who was extremely talented and personable. He was even able to provide a little Carolina shag dance music for us to dance our favorite steps. I ran into Jumari on the White Pass Railway tour we had fun taking photos out the back of our train car. Don’t miss a chance to take the five glacier sea plane tour but boos we’ll in advance.