As a very loyal X cruiser we chose this cruise as it was the only one where we did not have to disembark the day after our wedding anniversary and it allowed us to visit both Hubbard and Glacier Bay. X is not licensed to sail in GB.
We did our own land tour to Denali, and glad we did. Stayed in B&Bs instead of hotels, which was great.
The transfer to Whittier was also private and we arrived at 16:45. Very fast embarkation and straight onto the ship.
First impressions good. No shabbiness. Balcony freshly painted and of adequate size.
Loved the huge bed vs X's rounded corners. Cabin was wider than X but not as long and so felt more spacious. Loads of closet space but missed a sofa, which you only get in Minis on the Island.
Bathroom did not smell, although other parts of the ship have a terrible sewage smell. Big letdown is the tiny shower. I have bruises from bumping into the grip handle in the shower. At least the entrainment of the curtain was minimal. Best tactic - get wet, turn off shower to apply soap, turn on shower to rinse. Towels miniscule. Suggest to get pool towels to use as bathsheets.