1. Issues you are probably wondering about: a) Noise/shaking in the aft-Yes, there was a bit of shaking, but we hardly noticed it. Our cabin, however, was forward. So, I do recommend a forward/mid-forward cabin until she dry docks in Oct. 2022. No, the shaking or rattle is not constant and did not affect our cruise. We ate in Da Vinci dining room (midship) and also did not feel any rattle 99% of the time when in the aft portion of the ship. It seemed speed-related. b) Port call times/speed of ship- Ship made all ports (those listed at time of embarkation) and in good time. We were scheduled to dock at 2 pm in Juneau and got there at 1 pm. We also docked early in Skagway and Victoria. I heard some folks complaining, but then those same people went on to describe to me the TWO excursions they had time for in one single port. If you have time to whale watch AND take a railway tour, I feel that is plenty of time. c) Smell due to an earlier bathroom issue- When you board, as the ship is emptying sewage in Seattle or whatever port, the hall on our deck (emerald) did smell badly. However, once the ship left port we never smelled a single bad small the entire time on any part of the ship, even in the location where there had been some in the port. I feel it is related to the engine system not running/sitting stagnant with air not running and emptying sewage at port.

2. Cabin: We were in E221, an obstructed view cabin. Could see out very well. Would book again. Cresencio was our steward and did an excellent job. Some reviews complain about the outdated decor. With a little research prior to booking, anyone can access the ship's build year, which is 2006. So the wood and color schemes are according to that time period, but it was very comfortable. Closet and drawer space is excellent. If you want a ship that looks like it came out yesterday, then you will pay higher prices. It is a preference. Also, we like Emerald deck because it is above Promenade and only 2 decks up from the casino. We did not hear any ambient noise, even from the theatre below. I would not book a suite/balcony on this ship as I feel it would not be worth the extra cost. As it is an older ship, value is better for me. We had PLENTY of space to sit outside.

3. Dining: I may rate dining differently than some. If I can find good food on a ship at any time of day, I give a good rating. Likewise, just because I have a few dishes I don't like, I don't automatically rate it poorly. That said, here is why I give 4 stars: a) Main dining- Formal night #2 serves better food than on formal night #, just an FYI. Desserts are amazing. Make sure to try all the Chocolate Journeys and also cheesecake selections. Get the Baked Alaska! The salmon was overcooked, so make sure to ask them to cook it to your liking. My lobster tail and escargot were amazing. Beef dishes not so much, just "meh". Onion soup was great. Italian Night was super wonderful, especially the mushroom lasagna. Dennis in the Da Vinci Dining Room is a character! So funny! Had us laughing with his singing. Love him. b) Crown Grill- My friend loved the fillet. I got the ribeye and was VERY disappointed. Thin, chewy. My hubby and I make ribeye all the time and the marbling is supposed to make it tender, not unchewable. Crabcakes, however, were great. c) Slice pizza and poolside hamburgers: both great d) Buffet: I liked it. e) Room service: Fries always hot (make sure to ask for salt), grilled cheese was good not great. Fast. Never waited more than 10 minutes. Read more