We chose this trip to celebrate our 40th anniversary, because though we've traveled alot, we had never seen Alaska. We'd heard that Viking cruises are quiet and luxurious, with wonderful food and service, and that everyone gets a room with a view. Our expectations were met, in spades!

Even the interior decor was a pleasure, from the deck to dining and reading areas, the shops, our room - even the elevators were beautiful. I photographed them. Dining was beyond our gastronomic experience, and the watiers were very kind and adaptable, since I'm diabetic and also have to eat gluten-free! I was serviced freshly made GF pasta at the outdoor buffet, but could order delicious GF breakfasts. Wine was always offered, we could make our own cappuccinos on deck or in our rooms, even grinding the coffee beans ourselves. I enjoyed the best mushroom risotto I've ever tasted at Alfredo's, and the Chef's Table was full of exquisite culinary surprises. The Restaurant didn't pale in their glory; it, too, served up an amazing menu.

We enjoyed all of the sightseeing we did, especially the whale and otter sightings, and walking through the town of Skagway. I have tried to upload a photo from Icy Straits, which provided an eagles' eye view of the sea from a mountaintop. My husband was impressed by the glaciers, and gliding along the steep and majectic shorelines with little towns crowded next up against ocean. We also enjoyed a gold-rush era train ride, climbing up steep mountains. Exhilarating!