My wife and I took an Alaskan Cruise with Holland America in 1991. I would recommend that line for both the food and the flexibility of the dining schedules. We travelled on the Noordam with about 1200 passengers. Breakfast was served both in the dining room and in the Cafeteria.

As for Shore Excursions, Always book them in-the-ship, and not from 'local' companies. They may be more expensive but the ship won't leave without you. If booked 'on-the-dock', there is no guarantee that the ship will be there if you return later than expected.

Peter