I?d like to get recommendations for an Alaskan cruise that is based on
PERSONAL experience with two or more cruise lines:

1. Are there any significant differences in the quality of the cruise
experience between major cruise lines? (I?m considering Princess,
Holland America, Norwegian, Carnival, Royal Caribbean)

2. Any drawbacks based on the size of the ships (under 2000 passengers, over 2000)?

3. Which route would you choose and why.
a. roundtrip from Vancouver to Skagway and back 
b. Northbound, Vancouver to Anchorage
c. Southbound, Anchorage to Vancouver

We are planning the cruise for late June or early July. Our Main
interests are to see the Alskan coast and whale watching. The hope is
to have plenty of opportunity to watch whales from the ship during
cruising, but wouldn?t mind to take a whale watching excursion during
a port call. We have not much interest in sightseeing on land.

Kjungk --

I have not done the trip on board any of the large cruise ships
(unless you counted the Alaska Ferry, which is large enough).  But
I've been aboard small boats and would recommend them highly because
of the ability to get closer to wildlife and glaciers:
http://www.cruisewest.com/

I'd also recommend strongly exploring one of the Alaskan rivers during
a side trip, such as a trip up the Stikine or Copper rivers:
http://www.stikineriversong.com/

Best regards,

Omnivorous-GA