TRIP REPORT from the Diamond Princess.
(June 12-19, 2004)

This cruise was chosen above all the others offered in Alaska for two reasons:
ship beauty and travel ease getting to the port. We weren't disappointed on
either count. The entire group was coming from the East Coast, and most flew
into Seattle a day or two in advance in order to enjoy the city first (and get
acclimated to the time change). The weather cooperated nicely, making for some
great trips up the Space Needle. The ship terminal, one of several in the city, left
a bit to be desired, but getting to it was certainly easy enough.

The Diamond Princess was a new Grand Class ship for Princess, so we knew she'd
be lovely, but wow! She's truly a gorgeous vessel. The rooms were spacious and
clean, with plenty of amenities. Princess was generous with surprise upgrades, too!
Food, service, and entertainment were all great. The two children in our group gave
two-thumbs-up to the children's programming and facilities.

I'll admit that we ALL had a bit of trouble adjusting to the amount of daylight Alaska
provides in June. Never have I seen more people up and about at 4:00 AM!
Fortunately, exterior cabins have black-out curtains that do a good job of keeping the
rooms dark for those trying to sleep. We also experienced what has to be one of the
roughest days at sea I've ever had. Even the crew was green! Once the ship made it
into the Inside Passage, though, mirror-smooth waters were all we had.

Of course, the reason you go to Alaska is the scenery, and words really can't
express what we saw. Princess had a guest speaker on board from The Discovery
Channel, and he was very familiar with the areas we cruised. In fact, on our day
through Tracy Arm, he narrated for hours from the bridge. He commented that it was,
perhaps, the nicest day he'd ever seen in that area, and the warm sun melting the
snow atop the mountains produced some spectacular waterfalls. Mid-June still
gave us some chilly days, to be sure, but the chill seemed to be a desired part of the
trip to most people, and nothing that the appropriate clothing couldn't overcome.

The shore excursions are, without a doubt, some of the most memorable daytrips
you can take when cruising. Group members enjoyed dogsled rides and helicopter
trips, whale watching and gold hunting, and lots more.

Pink Ribbon Cruises will definitely be headed back to Alaska in the near future!

Sorry - Photos don't do the scenery justice!