Hi:
Alaska is on the agenda for next year. After sifting through all the pre-post cruise options, it seems like the Princess-Diamond has alot more to offer at much more reasonable prices. The Pacific Princess is also an option - "only" 700 passengers compared to about 2000+ on the Diamond. We've been spoiled by the PG, but $$ wise, looks like Princess gives more bang for the buck on the Alaska trip than the Mariner 7 nights(about $4,000 ea) exclusive of pre-4 night land tour.

Since we're not big drinkers, the all inclusive (did they really decide to do that?) and room set ups really don't mean that much to us.

I also learned that stateroom balconies and mini suites on the Princess must be chosen carefully, unless you want a parade of people passing by. We loved the balcony on the PG....

We priced pre cruise land package separately for 5 nights (if we booked with Mariner) and was quoted a price of $4,000ea. A bit excessive, I think, as the Diamond has an all inclusive ship/land package and we could board that for almost 1/2 the price of the Mariner + package when all was said and done. Decisions, decisions......

Any advice is welcome. confused
j.