Most ships now day's only have machine poker, dealers cost $, Once or twice I have gotten 6-7 people together and play a private game in the game/card room. All players buy hundred dollars of 5.00 chips from casino for a Texas Hold em game, I always had a buddy, and never had a problem. So many options for fun things to do daily, just choose off the daily news letter delivered to your room. Balcony is the way to go, especially in Alaska, a lot to see. The weather is important, it can rain any day in Alaska, late summer is best odd's. August should be good. The best site seeing trip is in Skagway White Pass Yukon train trip. Buy the tickets at the Skagway rail station, much cheaper then purchased from the ship. You can walk to the town. Bring your camera a lot of great scenery and wild life to photograph. Slots are tightest in the world, but BJ and craps are OK, they have fun tournaments epically BJ. You will have a great time. Many cruise lines give Veterans 100-150 dollars extra spending money, so if you served 2 yrs. or more inquire.