Can you tell me much or everything I need to know about taking a cruise to Alaska?

I have done about everything in (coming up upon) half a lifetime. After a turbulent adolescence, combat, education, starting a business, ill-considered marriage to a moron, raising two sons, expensive divorce, falling in love etc., I have decided I want to take a cruise to Alaska.
I know precisely nothing about cruises, Alaska and its weather etc.
Can you help me investigate my options?