Alaska Cruise Questions

[Penguin]

Cathy and her 3 sisters are discussing on taking an Alaska Cruise next May. Since we have never taken a cruise, we have a few questions.
Is any specific cruise line preferable or any undesirable? I believe we get a 20% discount with NCL since we're diamond.

Seattle vs Vancouver?

Do any lines have refund policy that would give you cash back instead of credit for future cruises?

What are the best cities and cites to see...in other words, the best itinerary?

What shipboard packages are best add-ons?

What excursions are worthwhile?

What's the best time to go?

What's the best size of ship? And is there any one ship that's really undesirable? Assume outside balcony at minimum.

Any and all help and suggestions from you cruisers will be greatly appreciated!
Thank you,
Darrell & Cathy

[Slotspert]

Having been on 8 Alaska cruises, here goes with some of the answers based on Princess & Celebrity ships, although I have been on all the major cruise lines at one time.
1)Seattle good for the round trip cruise itineraries, Vancouver better for the one way to Anchorage.
2) Only real refund options are the fully refundable deposits until your final payment, otherwise you need "cancel for any reason" insurance which is very expensive.
3) Ketchikan is my favorite port stop. The key viewing is the glaciers so doing some research as to which ones is important. I avoid the Endicott one.
4) Shipboard package "values" are really based on your alcohol consumption preference. Otherwise it may be better to "a-la-carte" all the add ons depending on what you really use.
5) Best Excursions are the helicopter landing tours on the glaciers (expensive) but worthwhile. And in Juneau during Whale Watching Season do "Harv and Marv".
6) Best time to go is early August during the Salmon runs and peak whale watching time.
7) Don't do a Disney Cruise unless you have or really like lots of children. Outside balcony for sure! Best size of ship are the 90,000-130,000 ton ships. Enough to do and not too gigantic. NCL/Carnival is least favorite of the mega-liners, then Princess, and my favorite is Celebrity (sorry, but I love the 100% non smoking casino!).

Having been on over 80 cruises, I am done cruising until probably year 2022 as its just too stressful/risky to travel during this virus and until at least there is some herd immunity out there..... anything else, just ask!

Slotspert