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

[Steff79]

great review, thank you so much, i like your pictures. alaska is on my to do list, the nature is so nice.

[shadowmeboy]

great review, thank you so much, i like your pictures. alaska is on my to do list, the nature is so nice.

 

I am glad you enjoyed it! I still have things I want to do in Alaska, so I guess I'll have to go again!

[studygirl]

Thank you for this wonderful photo journey of your cruise on the Sun. I have gleaned some great information and wonderful ideas for our upcoming cruise. I have found that we are among others who will be cruising the 14-Day Alaska from San Francisco in May. Now, it's time for me to read your earlier cruise posts about some of the ports you visited on your previous Alaska cruise. Great job!

[L1211]

 

Four Seasons MDR

 

 

They had Specialty Dining Menus laid out in the entrance to Four Seasons.

 

La Cucina

 

 

 

 

 

First, OP, I'm obsessed with your review! My husband wants to do an Alaskan cruise and I've been reluctant. This truly makes me want to go! I can't wait to share your lovely photos. Looks like the perfect time of year? Other question is about the La Cucina menu. We were on Getaway this summer and will be on Escape in a few days. We took our vegetarian teen who doesn't really like vegetables there. They had no pizza on the menu. Is that new or are there different La Cucina menus on different ships? Trying to decide what speciality restaurants to take her to. Thanks for all this. Had to be a ton of work but please know it's enjoyed and appreciated! You two look like a lot of fun btw!!!

[17cruisesnsl]

Happened upon your review today and it brought back wonderful memories of our Alaska cruise many years ago! I was changing jobs, so I had an opportunity to schedule a 17 day Alaska cruise/land tour break. We flew to Anchorage, which was our base and headed to Nome, Kotzebue and Denali before spending the night before the cruise at the wonderful Alyeska resort

 

We did the same tour as you in Sitka and at the Raptor Center the guide asked everyone where they were from --- when I told him where I had just moved to in NJ, he asked if I knew a gentleman whom they worked with and sent rescued Eagles. I did not, however, within weeks of returning home and starting my new job,not only did I meet him but I ended up working with him indirectly and became friends with he and his wife. It's a small world and I don't know that we would have come to know each other so well if I didn't have a photo collage which included the raptor center hanging in my office.

 

Enjoy your Escape cruise, will be looking for your review. The Escape was wonderful. We are scheduled to sail her again in January and February to escape (no pun intended) winter for two weeks.

 

Best wishes and happy cruising!

 

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[wnycruisefam66]

Hi! I just booked our 1st Alaskan cruise on the Sun for June 2018 the other day. I'm starting my research now & found your review. Thanks so much for the pictures of the Sun, menus & daily cruise guides. Also the wonderful port pictures! I have resisted going to Alaska, but husband & son are wanting to go. Coming from a cold climate (Buffalo, NY), I prefer to go somewhere warmer when vacationing, but seeing your pictures makes me look forward to going! Thanks again for all your hard work in putting this trip report together!

[shadowmeboy]

Happened upon your review today and it brought back wonderful memories of our Alaska cruise many years ago! I was changing jobs, so I had an opportunity to schedule a 17 day Alaska cruise/land tour break. We flew to Anchorage, which was our base and headed to Nome, Kotzebue and Denali before spending the night before the cruise at the wonderful Alyeska resort

 

 

 

We did the same tour as you in Sitka and at the Raptor Center the guide asked everyone where they were from --- when I told him where I had just moved to in NJ, he asked if I knew a gentleman whom they worked with and sent rescued Eagles. I did not, however, within weeks of returning home and starting my new job,not only did I meet him but I ended up working with him indirectly and became friends with he and his wife. It's a small world and I don't know that we would have come to know each other so well if I didn't have a photo collage which included the raptor center hanging in my office.

 

 

 

Enjoy your Escape cruise, will be looking for your review. The Escape was wonderful. We are scheduled to sail her again in January and February to escape (no pun intended) winter for two weeks.

 

 

 

Best wishes and happy cruising!

 

 

 

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That is awesome! Thanks for your comments.

 

I am so looking forward to the escape and the warm weather. It was a low of -2 here yesterday.

 

 

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[shadowmeboy]

Hi! I just booked our 1st Alaskan cruise on the Sun for June 2018 the other day. I'm starting my research now & found your review. Thanks so much for the pictures of the Sun, menus & daily cruise guides. Also the wonderful port pictures! I have resisted going to Alaska, but husband & son are wanting to go. Coming from a cold climate (Buffalo, NY), I prefer to go somewhere warmer when vacationing, but seeing your pictures makes me look forward to going! Thanks again for all your hard work in putting this trip report together!

 

 

No problem and thank you for reading. Feel free to ask any questions you may come across in your research!

 

 

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[Shasta125]

Thank you so much for this terrific review! Six of us will be travelling on the Sun from Seward July 2017. My husband and I sailed from Seward to Vancouver a few years ago on Holland America's Statendam and love the smaller ships. We haven't sailed with NCL before but chose them this time because we like the idea of not having to pack extra clothes to dress for dinner just for a couple of nights, especially as we will be in Anchorage and Seward for six nights before we sail. This time we will be travelling with a couple of teenage, grand children picky eaters. I know you didn't have to deal with that problem but do you remember somewhere on the ship where you can get pizza, or chicken strips. You know the average junk that kids like to eat, just in case they start to have withdrawal symptoms. I was very happy to learn that you love the Sun and thank you again for all the wonderful pictures. You obviously enjoyed the trip.

 

 

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[shadowmeboy]

Thank you so much for this terrific review! Six of us will be travelling on the Sun from Seward July 2017. My husband and I sailed from Seward to Vancouver a few years ago on Holland America's Statendam and love the smaller ships. We haven't sailed with NCL before but chose them this time because we like the idea of not having to pack extra clothes to dress for dinner just for a couple of nights, especially as we will be in Anchorage and Seward for six nights before we sail. This time we will be travelling with a couple of teenage, grand children picky eaters. I know you didn't have to deal with that problem but do you remember somewhere on the ship where you can get pizza, or chicken strips. You know the average junk that kids like to eat, just in case they start to have withdrawal symptoms. I was very happy to learn that you love the Sun and thank you again for all the wonderful pictures. You obviously enjoyed the trip.

 

 

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The buffet seemed to have pizza and chicken strips all the time. Great outdoors had burgers and hot dogs. The sports bar serves food after 5pm had burgers, chicken burgers, and other junk food and late night eats. Your grandkids will not go hungry!

[katfer]

Thanks so much for fabulous review...I've saved it and will look it over I'm sure at least 100 times prior to August 7th. We are doing Seward to Vancouver.

Did all those treats come from doing the meet and greet? How did u get VIP status?

I loved all the pics of you and your wife...so happy together! Thanks again ...going back to look again!!

[shadowmeboy]

Thanks so much for fabulous review...I've saved it and will look it over I'm sure at least 100 times prior to August 7th. We are doing Seward to Vancouver.

Did all those treats come from doing the meet and greet? How did u get VIP status?

I loved all the pics of you and your wife...so happy together! Thanks again ...going back to look again!!

 

Feel free to ask any questions you might need answered.

 

The treats were a result of our VIP status which we received due to planning and leading the meet and greet.

 

Thank you four your kind words. We enjoy cruising together. Don't tell Susan but I am planning a surprise cruise to the Mexican Riviera.

[shadowmeboy]

Bumping for those cruising in 2017.

Edited January 22, 2017 by shadowmeboy

[cuterlmt]

Thank you so much for your review! We are just in the planning stages, and are so excited! Thank you, thank you!

[shadowmeboy]

Thank you so much for your review! We are just in the planning stages, and are so excited! Thank you, thank you!

 

 

Your welcome! Let me know if you have any more questions.

 

 

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[sunlitmists57]

Thank you for such amazing. Review. we did 10 days on the Jewel to. Ak. Going again in Sept. Was nice to walk down memory lane with your photos.

Wanted to ask if being fluffy people (we have similar size and body types) you have found any tips for comfort? Are certain ships/cabins/ cruise lines more comfortable for you and Susan?

We didn't find many problems on our last cruise but flying concerns us as does my reduced mobility(stairs are a problem). I found my feet were very swollen on our cruise and I barely got shoes on a couple of days.

 

What were the best excursions for the $?

Would you have paid full price for the excursions you did ? (Without shore credits?)

Also wanted to note how beautiful Susans dress was. Good shopping on your part.

 

Thanks again,

 

Alli

[jmpiterniak]

Amazing review, and the photos...felt like I was there! Hubby and I are going inside passage on HAL Noordam this summer for our 20th anniversary, and we cannot wait. Have to ask you, what type of camera do you use? We're looking for a decent point-and-shoot and my guess is that yours is a step (or ten!) up from that, but would be curious to find out. Thank you and be well!

[shadowmeboy]

Thank you for such amazing. Review. we did 10 days on the Jewel to. Ak. Going again in Sept. Was nice to walk down memory lane with your photos.

Wanted to ask if being fluffy people (we have similar size and body types) you have found any tips for comfort? Are certain ships/cabins/ cruise lines more comfortable for you and Susan?

We didn't find many problems on our last cruise but flying concerns us as does my reduced mobility(stairs are a problem). I found my feet were very swollen on our cruise and I barely got shoes on a couple of days.

 

What were the best excursions for the $?

Would you have paid full price for the excursions you did ? (Without shore credits?)

Also wanted to note how beautiful Susans dress was. Good shopping on your part.

 

Thanks again,

 

Alli

 

 

 

Thank you for your kind words. We have always found the cruise ships to be comfortable. The only exception is Jewel Class ships in an ocean view or balcony. I find the bathroom stall to be uncomfortable. If I were to sail a Jewel class ship, I will sail in a inside stateroom, because only the shower stall is partitioned. the Sun is our favorite ship though.

 

 

We haven't had problems with swollen feet as you describe, but I will drink a lot of extra water to overcompensate for the extra salt in the food. We have a family rule that says if you are only going up or down on deck, you must use the stairs. We find this helps in helping us move more to get around the ship. Work with your airline to combat any mobility concerns when flying.

 

 

shore excursions: I would have done private excursions if not for the shore excursion credit. Icy strait point is hard, due to the fact the native association their controls the entire port, thus the prices on and off the ship are the same. I loved the In Alaska's Wildest kitchen excursion, because I got to learn something, eat something, and do something all in one excursion. We also loved the dog sledding excursion, especially playing with the puppies! Sitka didn't really allow for us to really plan as it was a surprise port. We were also going to go to the Klondike Gold Rush National Park in Skagway, but due to missing the port we were disappointed. We were going to do the dog sledding excursion in Skagway, and visit Mendenhall in Juneau. It just leaves us something to do next time in Juneau!

 

 

I loved shopping for her dress and surprising her. I was nervous about the fit of it but it all worked out! I hope I answered your questions and hope you enjoy your cruise in September!

 

 

-Matthew

[shadowmeboy]

Amazing review, and the photos...felt like I was there! Hubby and I are going inside passage on HAL Noordam this summer for our 20th anniversary, and we cannot wait. Have to ask you, what type of camera do you use? We're looking for a decent point-and-shoot and my guess is that yours is a step (or ten!) up from that, but would be curious to find out. Thank you and be well!

 

 

I use a Canon Rebel T5. I got it at Costco. They have a T6 now. The t5 came with a case, charger, two lenses, and a few other items. Some other pictures were taken on my iPhone. Most pictures were with the T5 and with the 18 to 55 mm lens. the other lens goes from 75 to 300. shop around, you can often find some great deals this time of year!

 

 

Congratulations on your 20 years of marriage. We are going to hit 10 this June! Enjoy Alaska!

[jmpiterniak]

I use a Canon Rebel T5. I got it at Costco. They have a T6 now. The t5 came with a case, charger, two lenses, and a few other items. Some other pictures were taken on my iPhone. Most pictures were with the T5 and with the 18 to 55 mm lens. the other lens goes from 75 to 300. shop around, you can often find some great deals this time of year!

 

 

Congratulations on your 20 years of marriage. We are going to hit 10 this June! Enjoy Alaska!

 

Thanks so much for getting back to me; will research that camera. Happy anniversary to you as well!!!

[Gatorj]

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

 

One correction to this post - all guests Platinum and above also have the use of the Concierge on all NCL ships, regardless of their cabin type.

 

 

Fantastic review and thank you for the time and effort of posting such a detailed photo review!

[shadowmeboy]

One correction to this post - all guests Platinum and above also have the use of the Concierge on all NCL ships, regardless of their cabin type.

 

 

 

 

 

Fantastic review and thank you for the time and effort of posting such a detailed photo review!

 

 

When I answered that question I was not aware of that, thank you for your point of correction.

 

Thank you for taking the time to read and respond. I am glad it's helping!

 

 

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[dragonichi]

Is the spa worth it? I love a good massage and facial, but want to know the prices are justified. My mom and I are headed up on the Sun this June.

 

Loved all the pics and the review.

[shadowmeboy]

Is the spa worth it? I love a good massage and facial, but want to know the prices are justified. My mom and I are headed up on the Sun this June.

 

Loved all the pics and the review.

 

 

I will answer your question this way. We all know the expression "happy wife, happy life." Well the spa is worth it in that regard. My wife was extremely happy and relaxed. Plus the prices aren't that outrageous. Some people spend money buying alcohol, some spend a ton in the casino, it's all in what you value. My wife only spent 150 total of our money. The rest was the spa credit she won. If you attend the spa raffle on embarkation day, they will give you a special deal just for attending. The special on our cruise was scalp massage, back massage, foot massage, and facial for 149 plus gratuity.

 

 

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[shadowmeboy]

 

Loved all the pics and the review.

 

 

I forgot to thank you in my previous comment. Feel free to ask any other questions that come to mind before your cruise!