Getting There
We didn't use the air package provided by Holland America.
If you must use a roundtrip fare, fly into Seattle and exit from Seattle.
From Seattle you'll take a one-way flight to Anchorage.
Go a day early to rest a bit and even enjoy beautiful Anchorage.
Holland America has an easy shuttle from Vancouver to Seattle. It works.

Meal Plan
We tried it fearing we'd have trouble getting our own meals.
It wasn't necessary. Holland America makes it convenient either way.
We didn't use all the meal vouchers (especially the breakfast ones).
It would have been fun to try other spots. Also, we didn't need to eat so often!

Weather and Packing
Check the weather before packing. We got record-breaking heat in the summer.
Except in Fairbanks where it does get hot, there was no air conditioning inland!
Sally used Avon's insect repellent and once even a mosquito net.
Jim used 31% and 100% Deet repellent and only got one bite.
Perhaps the B1 pills kept minor the effects of the few bites we got?
Don't bring a cap. You'll buy a souvenir one soon enough.
Wear sunscreen. Sunlight is long and intense in the summer.
Bring hiking boots only if you plan on hiking. They're heavy.
Women, pack light. You don't a large variety of clothes in Alaska.
Men, you'll feel more comfortable in a coat and tie on formal night on the ship.
One pair of good binoculars is probably enough. 2 digital photographers.
Use this website to get closeup photos of the animals. You'll be too far away.

People
The young people who come north for summer work were great.
We just eavesdropped on a famous Yukon trapper in a book store.
We talked with a canoe competitor at Dawson's Yukon River Quest.
You'll have to go out of your way to meet Alaskans or First Nation people.

Canada
$6.25 Canadian for a huge cinnamon roll = $5 American
It's easiest to use your credit card (better exchange rate).
Plus you'll often get Canadian change (which you don't want).

Tipping
We tipped our highway host and our coach driver.
On the cruise, you're automatically billed for tips, $10/day per traveler.

Cruise
We really loved the verandah balcony room.
Sitting area. Room to sit on the balcony. Big bed.
We took late seating so we could do late shore excursions if necessary.
We picked the left side of the ship to cruise south down the Inside Passage.
Don't use the ship's internet access. It costs $.75/minute.
(The hotels had free internet access.)