I'm planning our 2006 Alaska trip. Will be doing a cruise/land trip. I have been focusing on Radisson Seven Seas for the cruise segmant. It is a smaller ship (700 passengers)than the big cruise lines and seems to have a lot more to offer in anemnities. (I'd love to sail Cruise West but that isn't in our budget).Has anyone sailed this boat and can offer some insight/fedback?

Especially in Alaska also consider what is outside the ship, meaning, ports, time in ports, route, glacier, price. Budget fully for costly excursions you get only half a trip without them. Glacier Bay is a must for one trip.

As a fond lover of Alaska and cruising, I've tried several ships in Alaska and I think you're choosing the best. The Mariner is a magnificent ship and the perfect size holding 700 passengers with all cabins being balcony suites. I will be going from Vancouver to Whittier again next summer on the Mariner. It's the only ship in Alaska that I'm opting to go on a 2nd time. I think you'll be pleased as well.

We sailed on the Mariner in August 2004. It was terrific. I arranged most of our excursions independently, including a pre-cruise stay in the Denali/Talkeetna area and a post-cruise stay in Vancouver. If you'd like more information, e-mail me at [email protected]. Also we have a great Radisson cruise agent, often offering better fares than are generally available.

I sailed this ship in 2004 and it was outstanding in every way. Make sure you do a land trip before sailing. There's so much to see.