What I learned in Alaska...

This list is in no particular order, just typing as they come to mind, which may be random since I've been back for almost 2 weeks...

1. There are a few ideal situations for maximizing your cruise enjoyment, that does not include a single 26 year old going with a 13 year old brother and parents that go to bed at 9 o'clock...
2. ...it could include going with a group of friends, family reunion, or honeymoon/couple. (HINT! HINT! FAMILY....)
3. If your dad says he will pay for you to go fishing in Ketchikan, THEN GO FISHING IN KETCHIKAN!!! No matter who goes with you!!
4. Don't pack sweaters or jackets cause you'll end up buying three of them that say Alaska and then won't have room to pack them in your suitcase.
5. Bring along plenty of games that your group can play together. Things that include cards, dice, etc.
6. Sign up for at least ONE WHALE WATCHING excursion, hearing someone tell about thier  experience just isn't quite the same.
7. Make sure the camera gets turned off every time it's used, unless you want to spend 25 minutes in Juneau finding a spare battery and/or charger.
8. There is no "Redneck Night" on the ship...no matter how much your dad wants there to be...
9. Head to the bow of the ship early for the glacier stop, unless you just want to remember what the back of every one's head looks like after you get home.
10. Go to the gym on the FIRST DAY you're on the ship, otherwise, you never will....
11. Participating in the trivia with your cruise director Anthony and making a group with other single people will win you prizes, especially if one of you shouts "I want a coffee mug!" :)
12. Have someone in your group that can act as a moderator for at least MOST of the trip...no one can be THAT patient for 11 days...
13. Listen for people shouting "OOooh!" pretty much anytime you're on the ship, it means there's probably a whale or other sea life outside the ship
14. UNDER PACK! I know that sounds crazy but the ship has a washing machine, and you'll wear the clothes you buy.
15. If you're shoving things in a bag, buy a $20 carry-on so you don't end up having to pay $50 for the 5 extra pounds you "shoved"...
16. If someone in your group likes to go to bed early, make them stay up at least ONE night on the ship for a program or activity. Even if they act like they don't want to, you will all end up having a blast!
17. Order the milk & cookies every night for room service. Holland has the BEST DAMN chocolate chip cookies I've ever had, EVER!
18. Send the postcards you buy as soon as you buy them, otherwise half of them will end up coming home with you...
19. Go to every dining room (the free ones at least) and try all the different kinds of foods they have to offer...
20. If someone is offering a food you REALLY want to try, don't pass it up, there aren't repeats on a cruise ship's menu.
21. Convince as many people as you can that they need to go back with you on your next cruise.
22. Have someone in your group that knows how to work cameras and other electronics...
23. .....And make sure they're willing to help you figure out how to work them.
24. Keep your phone OFF until you are on land
25. ALASKA IS AWESOME!!!

Yesterday was my first day of school, and I've spent a whole week at my new place now, so hopefully in the next few weeks I will have an opportunity to upload all of the pictures and videos on the computer so that you can all see what a blast we had...at least most of the time :)
Thanks for reading!