An Alaskan Adventure on the Sun - Pictorial Review with Menus, Dailies, and Puppies.

[shadowmeboy]

Thanks for the great review, shadowmeboy! I have booked an aft balcony for next June on the Vancouver to Seward itinerary, and I'm researching like crazy!!

 

I'm planning to spend another 5-6 days in Alaska after the cruise. Not sure if I want to drive all the way out to Denali, or maybe just out to Talkeetna then take a plane tour around the mountain. Or I may just hang around Anchorage and Seward. So much to see, so little time!!

 

Your welcome, if you have any questions please ask.

 

We wanted to go up to Talkeetna and try to see Denali, but the weather was overcast the whole time we were in Anchorage so seeing Denali was out of the question. Prioritize what you want to see, then make your plans around that.

[hrhleg]

Best review EVER!!!!

 

Thank you so much for your time. Your pics are wonderful.

 

I am doing this cruise July 2017 and now I don't need a camera! lol

[shadowmeboy]

Best review EVER!!!!

 

Thank you so much for your time. Your pics are wonderful.

 

I am doing this cruise July 2017 and now I don't need a camera! lol

 

Well thank you! I would still bring your camera, because what attracts your eye might be different than what caught mine!

[jamminlion]

We were on the same sailing, and it's interesting to me to see the cruise through another's perspective.

 

We found the dining room service to be incredibly tedious. 90 minutes to serve 3 courses. That's ridiculous. I know some linger over dinner, but really that long?

 

We also didn't get the letter from the Captain in our room (our steward was severely lacking) about the credit to everyone's account. Had we not been checking daily, and had a very nice Australian couple we met not informed us, we wouldn't have known, and would have lost that credit.

 

Overall though, we loved the cruise, even with the anchor winch issue in Sitka, the itinerary change (though I am still not over missing my most favorite port ever - Skagway), and the long, leisurely dinners in the dining room.

 

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[shadowmeboy]

We were on the same sailing, and it's interesting to me to see the cruise through another's perspective.

 

We found the dining room service to be incredibly tedious. 90 minutes to serve 3 courses. That's ridiculous. I know some linger over dinner, but really that long?

 

We also didn't get the letter from the Captain in our room (our steward was severely lacking) about the credit to everyone's account. Had we not been checking daily, and had a very nice Australian couple we met not informed us, we wouldn't have known, and would have lost that credit.

 

Overall though, we loved the cruise, even with the anchor winch issue in Sitka, the itinerary change (though I am still not over missing my most favorite port ever - Skagway), and the long, leisurely dinners in the dining room.

 

Thanks for sharing your experience!

 

I am sorry your experience wasn't as great as ours. While dinners are often long, I enjoy the formality of it, next time let your server know who want a quicker pace at the start of the meal. This should speed things up.

 

Yes, Skagway is a nice port, but I was glad I got to experience Sitka. I am not letting a itinerary change ruin my vacation experience. I choose to touch on the negative but focus on the positive.

[AbbyT57]

This is the greatest review ever. I feel like I am right there with you guys! My husband and I will be sailing on the Sun from Seward to Vancouver [/cQUOTE]

 

I really enjoyed your review. Thanks for posting so many photos and taking time to put in so much detail. Our cruise on the Sun is Aug 15th 2016 . We have a land portion thru NCL first.

I am getting more excited after ready your post. Our cruise critic group had the link to your page.

After seeing your photos, I'm really glad I got the waterproof rain jackets and waterproof shoes for my husband and myself.

Thanks again,

Connie

[shadowmeboy]

This is the greatest review ever. I feel like I am right there with you guys! My husband and I will be sailing on the Sun from Seward to Vancouver [/cQUOTE]

 

I really enjoyed your review. Thanks for posting so many photos and taking time to put in so much detail. Our cruise on the Sun is Aug 15th 2016 . We have a land portion thru NCL first.

I am getting more excited after ready your post. Our cruise critic group had the link to your page.

After seeing your photos, I'm really glad I got the waterproof rain jackets and waterproof shoes for my husband and myself.

Thanks again,

Connie

 

I am glad your roll call is using the review.

 

We really didn't mind the rain because we live in the Pacific Northwest and are used to it. I recommend bringing waterproof rain jackets to those who are not used to it. I wore sandals the day we were in Juneau and Ketchikan, but that is just me!

 

Enjoy your trip and remember to relax and roll with any changes.

[shadowmeboy]

Food - 9 out of 10

 

We found the food to be overall really good. There were a few times where the food wasn't great. Le Bistro was the biggest disappointment, but there were few other times where food items weren't over the top.

 

Cabin - 10 out of 10

 

We had a great cabin. Quiet and comfortable. The cabin is very spacious for the size, and we didn't feel squished. Our room steward was awesome, and fulfilled any special requests like getting ice earlier in the day.

 

The ship - 8 out of 10

 

You could tell the Sun has some wear and tear issues, but it still made you feel comfortable. Great views and comfy seats to watch the scenery pass by.

 

Shows/Activities- 10 out of 10

 

we had a blast at the shows we went to. George, Jim and Tuey were awesome. Iain does a joke of the day at the end of the show. We participated in tons of activities and never found the ship boring.

 

Service - 10 out of 10

 

I don't remember a time on the ship where we did not have excellent service. The staff really cared and took care of us like family. We gave 3 vacation hero cards and could have done more. I forgot my camera lens in the sports bar on the first day, and didn't know it. I was passing through and the server from that night asked me if I had gotten it back. I thanked him for following up, because I thought I had dropped it somewhere. I didn't know I left it there.

 

Overall: 47 out of 50 - 94%

 

I feel the Sun often gets a bad rap, being a smaller ship. Her crew really makes up for the lack of size. I would sail the Sun again in a heartbeat!

[BabsinTX]

Check-in is a breeze compared to Seattle or even Vancouver. We got to the podium and go through the payment card, the picture, health disclosure, and everything else. The lady says let me get your ship cards. She turns around and asks someone else a question, they come up and tell us to follow them. We are totally confused right now. As we are walking, it clicks, we got VIP status. They print the key cards and have them at the VIP table.

 

We get to the table they welcome us and hand us an envelope with the cards. They introduced us to a young man who was going to escort us onto the ship. We head towards security and I find my card is not there. We have to go back and have them print me a new card. Then we head back towards Security. Susan is super excited and she doesn't even know what VIP status is.

 

So, I'm dying to know: What exactly is VIP status?? Sounds like you got some suite perks (breakfast and lunch in La Cuchina), though you were in an oceanview. Sweet!

[shadowmeboy]

So, I'm dying to know: What exactly is VIP status?? Sounds like you got some suite perks (breakfast and lunch in La Cuchina), though you were in an oceanview. Sweet!

 

Breakfasts and Lunches in La Cucina, VIP party, special vip shopping events with raffles, and special plates each afternoon in the stateroom.

[BabsinTX]

Breakfasts and Lunches in La Cucina, VIP party, special vip shopping events with raffles, and special plates each afternoon in the stateroom.

 

How did you get VIP status? Are you a travel agent? Please advise! I'm in a mini-suite on the Sun in September and would love breakfast and lunch in La Cucina! Thanks.

[karoo]

How did you get VIP status? Are you a travel agent? Please advise! I'm in a mini-suite on the Sun in September and would love breakfast and lunch in La Cucina! Thanks.

 

 

He organized the Meet and Greet. Usually the one who sets it up gets VIP perks onboard.

[shadowmeboy]

How did you get VIP status? Are you a travel agent? Please advise! I'm in a mini-suite on the Sun in September and would love breakfast and lunch in La Cucina! Thanks.

 

He organized the Meet and Greet. Usually the one who sets it up gets VIP perks onboard.

 

BabsinTX - Karoo answered the question. Otherwise we would have enjoyed the wonderful breakfast fare of the MDR.

[DeeDee309]

Thank You so much for all the valuable information and the beautiful pictures.

We are interested in booking a cruise to Alaska very soon. Could you give me some tips on the best time of season to see wildlife? Somebody told me that some months are better then others. Also the rain, does it seem to rain there quite often? I did notice you were wearing shorts, and other people had winter hats on. So I was wondering do you pack a little bit of winter wear and summer wear? I could go on and on with questions but i wont do that to you.

Thank You again for your time

[3rdtimecruising]

Breakfasts and Lunches in La Cucina, VIP party, special vip shopping events with raffles, and special plates each afternoon in the stateroom.

 

Great review shadowmeboy,

My husband Bernie and I have been on 16 cruises, many in caribbean, Panama, Mexican Riviera and Hawaii, we have been 9 times to Bermuda, with the last 6 years from Boston to Bermuda in penthouses on NCL Dawn over Labor Day... I convinced DH to leap towards Alaska next Sept 11 on the Sun we are platinum status in an aft mini suite, does this provide concierge ? We are on Vancouver/Vancouver to Alaska, Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. I am very excited, having family in Vancouver we will spend time there before and after cruise.

Your photos and descriptions were amazing. It looks like you and Susan had a blast.

I would like to ask what bit of advice you would give to us on cruising the North West. We are used to warm weather sailing and although looking forward to have concerns on what we really need to bring.. I for one can overpack and bring more than I need. I assume a good lightweight rain jacket, hoodies and good sneakers. Our days of long gowns and suit jackets are over.. Both retired now and it's all about comfort. Would love to know which excursions you feel are a must...

 

 

Thank you again, I look forward to your thoughts.

 

Ann and Bernie in Boston

Edited October 17, 2016 by 3rdtimecruising

[shadowmeboy]

Thank You so much for all the valuable information and the beautiful pictures.

We are interested in booking a cruise to Alaska very soon. Could you give me some tips on the best time of season to see wildlife? Somebody told me that some months are better then others. Also the rain, does it seem to rain there quite often? I did notice you were wearing shorts, and other people had winter hats on. So I was wondering do you pack a little bit of winter wear and summer wear? I could go on and on with questions but i wont do that to you.

Thank You again for your time

 

I have lived in the PNW all my life, so the weather we had is nothing new. Alaska can be cold and rainy, bring layers. This way you can take off layers of it starts to warm up. Expect mid 60's in June and cooler closer you get to September.

Wildlife will be visible all summer, but salmon will be running later into July/August. We saw moose, Eagles, and swans all from the train. There is no guarantee of you you will see.

[shadowmeboy]

Great review shadowmeboy,

My husband Bernie and I have been on 16 cruises, many in caribbean, Panama, Mexican Riviera and Hawaii, we have been 9 times to Bermuda, with the last 6 years from Boston to Bermuda in penthouses on NCL Dawn over Labor Day... I convinced DH to leap towards Alaska next Sept 11 on the Sun we are platinum status in an aft mini suite, does this provide concierge ? We are on Vancouver/Vancouver to Alaska, Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. I am very excited, having family in Vancouver we will spend time there before and after cruise.

Your photos and descriptions were amazing. It looks like you and Susan had a blast.

I would like to ask what bit of advice you would give to us on cruising the North West. We are used to warm weather sailing and although looking forward to have concerns on what we really need to bring.. I for one can overpack and bring more than I need. I assume a good lightweight rain jacket, hoodies and good sneakers. Our days of long gowns and suit jackets are over.. Both retired now and it's all about comfort. Would love to know which excursions you feel are a must...

 

 

Thank you again, I look forward to your thoughts.

 

Ann and Bernie in Boston

 

I believe only full suites will have the concierge service. The sun doesn't have the haven, so it's just a few suites.

 

Layers are key in Alaska. As you saw in my review, Sitka and Icy Straight point were sunny and warm. That was once the cool marine layer burnt off. Ketchikan was sideways rain. Rain jacket, sweatshirts, are a must especially since you are cruising in September. Expect the weather to be cool and rainy and be surprised if it's nice!

 

Do the train in Skagway. I have done it twice and found it incredible (look at my Skagway - Star 2009 in my signature line for pictures from the train). I loved the sled dog experience we did on the Sun, it's was my favorite excursion of the three cruises to Alaska. There are tons of things to do for excursions, make a list and then plan from there!

 

HTH - feel free to ask more questions

 

-Matthew

[Até]

Matthew, thanks for the wonderful pictorial review. We considered this itinerary on the sun for this fall, but decided to wait until we could do it during the "summer". I was looking at your signature and wanted to ask about you about the 2010 Star Pacific Coastal. Was that in November or October? I was on the Star form Vancouver to LA departing October 2nd, 2010. Was that your cruise also?

[shadowmeboy]

Matthew, thanks for the wonderful pictorial review. We considered this itinerary on the sun for this fall, but decided to wait until we could do it during the "summer". I was looking at your signature and wanted to ask about you about the 2010 Star Pacific Coastal. Was that in November or October? I was on the Star form Vancouver to LA departing October 2nd, 2010. Was that your cruise also?

 

I believe it was November, but it was a short cruise. I can't remember much about it.

[Até]

Six days? Vancouver, Victoria, Astoria, San Francisco, LA? Okay, not so memorable.

 

I'll show your pics to my wife, she can remember anyone from anyplace.

Edited October 18, 2016 by Até

[shadowmeboy]

Six days? Vancouver, Victoria, Astoria, San Francisco, LA? Okay, not so memorable.

 

I'll show your pics to my wife, she can remember anyone from anyplace.

 

No, we left out of LA. I know that for sure. I would love to do that Vancouver to LA or San Diego trip in the future.

[Até]

No, we left out of LA. I know that for sure. I would love to do that Vancouver to LA or San Diego trip in the future.

 

Ah, just after us. Always interesting to find someone from a past cruise.... I enjoyed the cruise as it was our first time in a suite. Astoria was fun although our excursion was cancelled due to lack of participation, the city really appreciated the ship stopping by. San Francisco was also great, we had spectacular weather. I'm not so sure about the newer, shorter itineraries.

 

Great pictures, I hope to do this or reverse itinerary some day - including the Amtrak back to/from Seattle. How was the border crossing? I hear it can be long.

[shadowmeboy]

Ah, just after us. Always interesting to find someone from a past cruise.... I enjoyed the cruise as it was our first time in a suite. Astoria was fun although our excursion was cancelled due to lack of participation, the city really appreciated the ship stopping by. San Francisco was also great, we had spectacular weather. I'm not so sure about the newer, shorter itineraries.

 

Great pictures, I hope to do this or reverse itinerary some day - including the Amtrak back to/from Seattle. How was the border crossing? I hear it can be long.

 

Customs on the train from Vancouver is done prior to departure in the train station. They then stop shortly at the border to collect customs declarations. Northbound everything is done in Vancouver and the train doesn't stop at the border. We have only been stopped 15-20 minutes max on the train at the border.

[Até]

Customs on the train from Vancouver is done prior to departure in the train station. They then stop shortly at the border to collect customs declarations. Northbound everything is done in Vancouver and the train doesn't stop at the border. We have only been stopped 15-20 minutes max on the train at the border.

 

That sounds a lot better than some of the reviews I have read on the train sites. Thanks for the information, since I don't like the NCL cruises from Seattle that Alaska itinerary from/to Vancouver with Amtrak from/to Seattle sounds more appealing.

Edited October 18, 2016 by Até

[shadowmeboy]

That sounds a lot better than some of the reviews I have read on the train sites. Thanks for the information, since I don't like the NCL cruises from Seattle that Alaska itinerary from/to Vancouver with Amtrak from/to Seattle sounds more appealing.

 

I live in Washington State, so Seattle is convenient.