Q:  I've started looking for a late May cruise for our 20th anniversary. My wife is recovering from a lengthy surgery and probably won't be as "active"as she would like to be when the time comes around. However, she mentioned that an Alaska cruise would be nice. I'm not really looking for a Kathy Lee Gifford experience. Frankly, we would like a little more class than that. Perhaps something in the luxury or premium arena on a boat that isn't absolutely HUGE... What would you suggest?

A:        I have the perfect cruise for you and your wife. . . .Alaska on the new Seven Seas Mariner.  I sailed to Alaska last year on Radisson Seven Seas Cruises' Seven Seas Navigator and it was a very exceptional experience.  The Mariner is the ship's sister ship, however it is better. . .all suites, all with balconies.  The service, cuisine, atmosphere, fellow passenger mix and entire experience is incredible.  It's luxurious to say the least and you don't have to be too active.  You're in charge of what you want to do and when to do it.  It can also be very romantic cruise.  Top notch!   Check out the company's web site at www.rssc.com. You may also read my review of the Navigator in the past issues section of CruiseReports, in the August 2000 issue, at www.cruise-report.com.

Q:  My wife and I would like to take a cruise during the Christmas week. We are thinking of taking the Carnival Sensation ship from New Orleans to western Caribbean because we wanted to go somewhere warm. What do you think about the ship and the cruise is it a good one worth our money? Do you have another suggestion.

A:  Thanks for your inquiry to CruiseReports regarding a cruise on the Carnival Sensation.  I do want to let you know that the ship is older and doesn't have some of the latest amenities available to cruisers, but we have had good reviews of the ship.  Have you looked into any of the other Carnival ships?  The line does provide a good value for your money.  You might also want to look into Celebrity Cruises and Princess Cruises or consult with your travel agent.  There are plenty of cruises to the Caribbean during the Christmas week.

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