In December 2006 we had a wonderful surprise Christmas gift from my sister, tickets for an cruise up the Inside Passage to Alaska. I had always wanted to go up to Alaska and was going to be able to see some spectacular wilderness. Way to cool! We flew into Seattle and left the next day for our 7 day cruise. Once we departed Seattle and went around Vancouver Island you start to get a sense of the the enormity, size and beauty of the wilderness along the Canadian coast and up the Inside Passage. I had never realized that so much remote wilderness still existed and it was good to see this. This left a tremendous sense of well being with me and one that I will never forget. Some of the highlights for me was a side trip to Haines, going up Tracy Arm inlet, seeing some great sunsets and spending time with family. I cannot however recommend going with NCL Cruise lines.