I can now scratch Alaska from my bucket list of places to visit, and I could not be happier with my choice to sail with NCL for my trip and first cruise experience. We chose NCL for the overall cost, and the date because of the itinerary (I highly recommend a South to North trip, as each stop got better than the previous one). I travelled with my wife, and we were both overly impressed with the entire staff we had contact with, and the organization of everyone to ensure that things went smoothly at all times (particularly shore excursions).
About my trip...hopefully I can give some useful information for future travellers!
We sailed from vancouver, BC, but began our trip in Seattle. (some cruises begin in Seattle). Highlights there were the Boeing Museum (fantastic...on par with Smitsonian Air and Space), the Public Market (go to Pike Place Chowder, even if there is a line!), a visit to the Space Needle following its renovations (went early and had no line...830am), though it took me a while to try the revolving glass floor, Museum of Pop Culture, and walked through Fremont district (had to see the troll, and Theo Chocolate).
Perfect for two people...had a pull out couch to accommodate a third (or fourth, maybe), but may have seemed crowded with more than two people
Visit Stanley Park!
Fun town to walk on your own...go to Tongass National Forest Visitors Center
One of the highlights of the trip