Sailed May 10th from Seattle with stops in Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan and Victoria. As a side note used Seattle Express for transfer service, they were fantastic and much cheaper than Carnival ($12 and $15 pp each way). Boarding took an hour. Very impressed with the Spirit, our cabin was 7267 and we felt it was perfectly located, especially for quick runs to the Lido deck for food. There was no real advantage that I saw to being on the starboard or port side, once you get into the inside passage and especially the Tracy Arm Fjord the scenery was great both sides. Which side whales/dolphins might be on was purely 50/50. We really liked the layout/ship decor, and I have to say I have no complaints about the ship or the service. Everything was good to great (except for smokers on the balcony but can't really control that). It was still way to chilly for being on deck but there was plenty of space. Three pool areas, one of which is enclosed at the center of the ship. Again too chilly for most but did see people using the hot tubs at each. I would rate the food as good, especially breakfast but I also allow a lot when they are trying to feed 2000 people. We ate our final night at the Noveau Steakhouse ($30/pp additional) which was well worth the price, very good food and service. We also went with "anytime' dining option which was much better for us and we got to meet some really nice people by mixing it up. Ship had one of the better gyms, 3 levels and pretty good views but also a great (and little known hot tub) that was relaxing after a workout. We spent a lot of time pre-dinner at the main atrium bar, great singer by the name of Grant on piano and guitar who was very good. We only saw 2 of the shows, the first was a musical that was entertaining but not worth staying up late, the second was the "R" rated comedy show which was very funny but don't go if your easily offended. The staff were all very friendly/helpful especially our cabin stewart Damon. Alot of what made the trip though was the weather which was just fantastic (even the locals commented on how rare sunny days were in may), we only went thru a little drizzle.

Amazingly it took us literally 5 minutes from cabin to standing on the curb to disembark, we felt it was because the crowd was much older in general that the majority elected to have their luggage handled by Carnival.

Best: Ship is great, atrium bar, hot tub at gym. Read more