I think with Alaska, a cruise is a good way to get your "feet wet" so to speak (hey, they do get a lot of rain in Southeast Alaska). I imagine I'll be itching to explore more than just where the cruise ships take you.

As I was starting to get my gear together I was rethinking the lens strategy a bit. I definitely want the wide angle lens and definitely need the long telephoto zoom. I'd also like to take the 50mm because it's my best lens. If I went with the 9-18, the 50 and the 70-300, I'd have a lot covered and the holes between 18 and 50 and 50 and 70 don't seem insurmountable to me.