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Things may have changed a bit since my cruise tour 5 years ago. Cruised first, toured last. Didn't find the tour more exhausting, maybe less so. Went in September and the weather was great, maybe just got lucky there. Wore shorts most days , except in Glacier Bay where it was downright cold (hat and mittens cold). Only recommendation I would make is to upgrade the included Denali tour they offer. Going deeper into the park is certainly worth it. ok, maybe a second recommendation. Go to all the park ranger talks you can fit in. all the ones I attended were certainly worth the time.

Nice older lodges. Limited expensive places to eat. Limited transportation to other areas. If you have time take the Tundra Wilderness Tour. It is a long day but well worth it.

It's been about 5 years since we did this tour but I agree, upgrade to TWT if you can. You go much deeper into the tundra and see much more. I would also go to every Park Ranger talk you can manage. Of course I would say this about every national park so take it for what its worth.

Denali visibility was excellent when we were there but were told its usually clouded in.

Looking at options for our 10 year anniversary. If you have been on both which did you prefer and why? I know they are apples & oranges but I'm curious what others have to say about their experiences.

Like others have said , Alaska is about nature, Med history. Lots depends on time and money. If you do Alaska I would do land tour as well. If Med tack on some extra days. We did Denali in Alaska and thought it was a highlight, as was Rome precruise. Another consideration depending on the Med cruise is the entry and sailaway in Venice. Not sure of the exact date but but they will be stopping the sail past St Marks for large cruise ships. If Venice is a port you want to see do the Med first. The glaciers are melting but not as fast (I hope). Both are great cruises.

Just off the sapphire princess. She has one concept 2 rower. Not sure if it was always there or new since she is just out of drydock. All the equipment looked new to me.

Deck - vista deck 8

Cabin # - 8139

Class – cat 1C

Starboard or Port Side - port

Bed near?(balcony or bath) – bath

Quiet Cabin (With comments on problems. Note if connecting. ) – quiet

Balcony View - good view, no obstructions, ahead of lifeboats.

Balcony Size? Normal -

Was wind a problem? no

If an aft cabin, was soot a problem? foward cabin

Any specific problems with this cabin? none

Any other comments? first day didn't realize there was storage space above the bed. Suite is above outdoor smoking area on deck 5. Maybe an issue if you're very sensitive to smoke.