Friend just got back. He loved it and he is a hard ass.

My shooting partner and he is like Mikey, he doesn't like anything.

RMD

Cruise prices for Alaska are kind of like a bell curve, cheaper on the front and back of the season.

The cruise lines own and staff the dock-side shopping stores.

Do some research and see what's available at the local kiosks in port. We kayaked in Ketchikan for less than the cruise ship price, and the guy who took us out also trained the cruise line's kayak guides. We also took a school bus to Mendenhall glacier for a fraction of the cost of a cruise line's motor coach.

Tipping - read the cruise line's policy carefully. Most ships are "cashless" and you pay up in $$ at the end of the cruise (a bill comes to your cabin). Some have beverage/alcohol plans you can buy.

Enjoy the inside passage. Keep binoculars and a camera with you at all times. At any time you might hear "bear" or "whale port side" anytime.

One poster mentioned Cruise Critic - a very good source of info. But it's a forum, so filter as necessary.

Weather - it's a crap shoot....