Aggiebuttercup

I enjoyed the round-trip out of Seattle (and a few extra days in Seattle).

I was on the Sapphire Princess, and the demographic was older than I had experienced on Carnival or Royal Caribbean in the Caribbean.

The cruise was one of my favorites, even though the cruise line was my least favorite. Alaska is just so beautiful :)

I'm not taking my kids on that particular cruise until they are older, though. I don't think they'll appreciate it.

I agree - I really enjoyed the hiking trip in Juneau. It's weird to be in a rain forest and looking at a glacier. :D

Ketchikan was fun just wandering around on my own. We walked up to the totem pole museum and spent a little time in there. There is a hill, and I probably walked about 5 miles that day, but I enjoyed it.

Clear Lake and Texas City are both on the main freeway (I-45) into Galveston.

There is nothing wrong with Texas City, there's just nothing really there either beyond a few hotels and some big-box shopping.

If all you want is a place to rest late at night, Texas City will be fine (and the traffic will be less than trying to stay in Clear Lake/Webster).

I cruised Alaska on Princess (and decided I don't like Princess).

I didn't think a Balcony was necessary, but I would recommend oceanview at the very least. There is much to see and you will miss that if you are in an inside cabin.

It was a very different cruising experience than doing the Caribbean. For one, for me (a Texan) it was cold. I would not have spent much time outside on the balcony because I would have been freezing. I never got in the pool or even wore shorts. The day we cruised down Tracy Arm Fjord I wished I had brought my scarf and gloves - but I stayed on deck all day anyway to watch the scenery.

I highly advise you to do at least one pricy excursion. I took a small plane ride that landed on a glacial lake in the middle of the mountains. It was amazing.

It's definitely one of those experiences of a lifetime - I hope you have a great time!!

I am looking at booking a cabin for 5 and wondering if there is still room to walk and store luggage with a trundle. It will be me, DH, DD8, DD7 and DD 4 in the room. Four of us were on the Glory last year in an OV and had plenty of room.

Also, those who have used other cruise lines with children, do you have a recommendation. I'm very nervous about carnivals new menu.

I haven't gotten a room for 5 yet, but I have heard that it is very crowded. I think we will try adjoining cabins instead when we next cruise (my kids are the same ages as yours).

My mom and I took a 6-year-old girl and 3-year-old girl on a Disney cruise, and it was well worth the extra money. Everyone had a terrific time, the entertainment was better, and everything was geared more towards families (from the larger bathroom to the fact that the shows were broadcast live on the stateroom televisions for parents whose kids went to sleep earlier, etc).