teachberry

My daughter was in the penthouse aft suite 8077 and it was wonderful! Huge balcony and wonderful service from butler, Benny and concierge Carlos. They will definitely take good care of you!

We were in 8202 last October.  I do not remember a pole in the room. Since this room is under the bridge, no lights can shine outside. Curtains must be pulled at night. 

11 minutes ago, originalglide said:

New cruiser... is this deal something that we need to purchase/add ahead of departure or is it offered once we are on the ship?

It will be offered about half way through your cruise.  You do not have to sign up or purchase ahead of departure.

In addition to the pre-paid gratuities, we tip $5 a day at the end of the cruise. When we were on a 2 week Viking cruise, we had 2 stewards...the regular one and a trainee. Still just tipped $5 a day. 

Ship - NCL Sun

Deck - 8

Stateroom # -8078

Stateroom Category –aft balcony

Quiet Stateroom? (With comments on problems) – There was noise. Since we were right above the theater, you could hear when the show started. It really wasn't that bad, but realize you do know when the shows start. Also, there was some engine noise and vibration when the ship was changing course. When it happened, it could get very loud.

Was stateroom a connecting stateroom? - Yes. And we pleasantly found out that if you have the same last name as the connecting suite (and are family), the door can be opened and it is now considered a "family suite" with all the privileges of a suite.

Balcony View - Give comments on view, noting if location of any obstructions was an issue.  The show noise and engine vibration is all worth the price of the beautiful, aft view, especially when cruising through the fjords. 

Balcony Size? Normal or oversized for class? - Normal

Was wind a problem? - No. in fact, the aft location was more protected from the cold wind and rain, especially when we cruised the "Avenue of Glaciers."

If an aft cabin, was soot a problem? - No

Any specific problems with this cabin? - None, other that the afore mentioned noise. The room is a little smaller than a regular balcony room, but the aft location more than makes up for any problems.

Nothing for 2019, but we already have 2 booked for 2020!

I doubt it.

We are on the Sun now and I miss those comfy chaise loungers in the Spinnaker!

How many lemon drop martinis can you drink in a day?? Would it justify the price (or just the gratitudies if you selected the drink package as your perk)?

We enjoyed this cruise on the Spirit last March. You didn't miss much in Casablanca. We took a 5 hour tour that seemed more like 8 hours. Unfortunately we had to miss Funchal because of rough seas, but it was replaced with a stop at Gibraltar with a wonderful selection of tours. 

9 hours ago, davy jones said:

I was looking at some Viking materials and thought the same thing that you report.  The price may be higher, but you could get comparable value.  Since we have never sailed Viking, I have a couple of questions.

 

Is dining freestyle or assigned and what is the dress code?

 

Is there a drink package?  Is it included or extra?  How are the drink prices?

 

How is the onboard atmosphere?  Is it relaxed or formal?

The Viking dining is freestyle. The speciality restaurants are by reservation. Dress code is similar to NCL (we wore almost the same clothes).  There is a drink package. We don't drink so I can't give a comparison. 

I have sailed on both Viking and NCL (Jewel, Spirit, Sun). You forgot to add that there are no annoying photographers on Viking! Also, that retractable roof over the pool was fantastic. Swimming while it was cold and rainy in Bergen was a treat!

We were there on the Sun a month ago. I had to check our pictures...and there was another ship there. 

My daughter and I did the convertible car tour. Be sure to wear a hat and bring your sunscreen! 

I'm reading reports that there are lots of folding chairs...in the buffet and other areas. Have you noticed? Thanks.

I just did a random price check on a Viking Romantic Danube cruise in May 2019. A veranda is only $200 more than a French balcony. I love my veranda and feel it would be $200 well spent.

We were on the Grand European tour in 2016 and enjoyed eating dinner on the Aquivit Terrace. But, as I look back at it, there were never many people eating there. Maybe us and one or two other couples. Perhaps Viking feels this new concept is more cost effective and will attract more diners.

We just returned from a NCL cruise to the Canary Islands. 6 hours before we were to begin our flights, we received that dreaded message "your flight is delayed." We could rebook, but there were simply no options available. Fortunately we were able (just barely) to make our connections and arrived in Barcelona on time. From now on I will always book at least 2 days in advance!!

Bathroom is open to the bedroom. There are curtains to pull for privacy for the bed. The toilet room is angled so it is private.

I am sitting right now on the Spirit in Malaga, Spain, suite 10508, with my balcony doors open enjoying the breeze. Concerning privacy...when I stand on my balcony and crane my head, I can see up in the bridge. My daughter is in 10512 and can see up in the bridge and the corner of Galaxy of the Stars. I assume since we can see them...they could see us.

If I remember right, they have their own menu or you can order off the dining room menu. The meals will definitely go quicker there!

From our experience last year on Viking's Grand European Tour the wi-fi can be spotty to non-existent when the boat is moving. However, a good time to use the wi-fi is while the boat is traveling through one of the 60+ locks on your trip.

We were on the Skirnir Grand European Tour last July. It was a wonderful trip! Be prepared for a long dinner...may take up to 2 hours. For a quicker dinner, eat on the Aquivit Terrace. Also, it is a great place to eat lunch.

We did the canal on the Norwegian Jewel in February and loved it. If possible, get an aft cabin. You will have your own private viewing of the canal and will not have to stand out in the sun with the crowd.

We just finished the Panama Canal cruise on the Jewel. We attended the presentation on NCL cruises and I am pretty sure I heard the representative say the Jewel was going into drydock for a complete remodel.