We elected to go northbound to also do an active land portion on our own afterward. The cruise was FANTASTIC!!! Specialty dining was great (esp. Le Bistro and Cagney's). If you plan to do speciality dining make reservations--especially for the sea days. Shows are at 7:15 and 9:15 so plan accordingly. If you want a peaceful breakfast go to O'Sheehans on level 8. Lots of windows. Same with the main dining room, but busier. We skipped the buffet for all meals except one lunch. Ports were wonderful and the 3 sea days were perfect--sitting on the balcony or on deck or in Spinnaker Lounge watching whales, seals, otters and the glaciers. We had a starboard (right side) balcony and it was perfect for viewing. If you are not doing land I would elect a round trip, but do not miss these places. We met a few people doing a northbound and then southbound (same ship). That would have been amazing as well. The comedian was VERY funny in his early show, but his adult time show was gross. It was unnecessarily filthy and did not appeal to us. The dancers were very talented --Cirque style (The show was fabulous).

Ketchikan--Lumberjack Show is silly. Do not do a tour. Just take free shuttle to town and buy a ticket (or pre-purchase and pick up there).

Juneau--BEST tour ever--costly, but worth every dime. Helicopter/airboat to Taku Glacier. A Once in a lifetime amazing view of the glacier. Read more