We have more time on the Navigator than the other ships, though we do like the Explorer, including a couple of 26-day cruises. We much prefer it to the Voyager or Mariner. We will be doing the Transatlantic in November and hope it stays around for another trip.
Alaska weather changes often, having lived there and cruised there several times, I recommend you check the weather forecast before you decide what to pack.
We're flying to Toyko in November from Seattle and took a $1300 per person upgrade for a nonstop on Japan Air. We were charged the $75 fee but it was refunded since we're Platinum. Seemed expensive but with current flying issues it seemed the way to go.
We were recently on the Solstice, we have over 400 nights at sea, including Regent Seven Seas, and our meal at Murano was one of the best ever, Well worth doing.
Just got off the Solstice in a royal suite, the service and food was very good, however 3000 passengers doesn't compare with 750. We enjoyed our cruise but sure our next cruise on the Explorer in only a concierge suite will be better We have over 200 nights on Regent and almost a hundred on Celebrity.
Compare prices on what is included and Regent can be a better value.