This is my first post. Hello!

I'm torn. I've never been on a cruise and part of me is a little afraid of the sanitized nature of the experience. However, my husband and I are taking a week off in July after a very stressful few months. We want something relaxing and interesting.

We want a vacation that's low-stress, but we're not really into the idea of laying on a beach somewhere. So I ran across this cruise to Alaska and I'm intrigued, like it would be as relaxing as laying on a beach but a little more exotic.

Does anyone have any advice? Am I deluding myself into thinking this is a good option but I'm going to be horrified as soon as I get onboard?

Just to give you an idea of our interests, we live in a big city and like to travel to Europe, NYC and the west coast, where we usually rent a house or apartment and spend a week exploring what the area has to offer. Our future travel plans include Asia, Aus/NZ, South America, etc. We're not into Disney World, outlet malls, or tourist traps. But neither would we consider ourselves super-rugged backpackers (not in good enough shape ;)).

We need to book something soon, so any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Depending on what kind of cruise you choose, I don't think you will be disappointed by an Alaska cruise. In fact, many people believe that a cruise is the best way to see Alaska. The only way you are going to see the glaciers or some of the other amazing scenery and sea life is on a plane or a boat.

I have never known anyone to be disappointed by an Alaska cruise, and this includes people who are quite anti-cruise.

www.yourlifepassion.com

As an ex-employee of a shipping company who got "cheapy" trips as a perk from work i would recommend a cruise to anyone even if its only a once in a lifetine experience.
Recommend:
get some info off someone who has travelled with that line before and what you may get "caught " price-wise on board with (I remember washing powder being nearly the same price as gold dust on one of the boats).
Get friendly with some fellow passengers and organise a taxi ashore as opposed to using the tours as you can get yourself to places the hordes don't get to.( And if your cute where you get your cab from it can be cheaper too!).
Finally if you want Cruise-liner standard food without seasickness try a long distance train ride-I have just crossed canada on the Canadian Silver and Blue Class and it was brilliant
Finally