Sun review 20/7 - 27/7

[HLH40]

Sorry this has taken a while to post but here goes:-

Embarkation - We had stayed in Vancouver for 4 days before the cruise to enjoy the city. We arrived early at the port and were glad that we had. Clearing US immigration took the most time. After this it was only 15 minutes to register our credit card and get our room keys and we were on board by 12.15pm. The NCL part was very efficent and curtious

Ship - The sun is a clean ship with very helpful staff. Our room steward Roberto looked after everything. Our daughter travelled with us and every night the sofa bed was made up and put away the next morning. The cabin 0067 was right at the Aft of the ship and was an excellent location for the Alaska cruise. It was sheltered and therefore could be used in the day when the weather was fine. There was some soot from the ship but as I was aware of the problem from information on this site we were prepared and just checked the chairs before sitting down. The bathroom and dressing area were spacious I was presently surprised. Huge Bath!!

Restaurants- Before we left I thought that we would use the speciality restaurants most nights, but after eating at the Seven seas on the first night we used this most of the time as the food was good and the choice very varied. Ate at Le Bistro twice, well worth the extra. The food and service were excellent and the view from the windows breathtaking. The buffet food was OK but the seating was lacking at busy times there was not enough seats available and people therefore used Pacific heights and sports bar tables making all these areas very full. We tended to therefore avoid this area at busy times.

Kids club - our 8 year old spent a few sessions in the club - the staff were great but the location was right at the front of the ship - very small area felt cramp and when on sea days the movement felt worse here so several sea sick kids on 2nd day when in rougher water. It was nice that the Capt came to a session as the kids were excited to meet him. One small child asked who was driving the boat if he was here!

Excursions - We went on the duck tour and Lumberjack show in Ketchikan both good value and excellent tours especially for the children. Juneau took the sea quest and whale tour 4 hours. Very smooth boat and saw humpback whales seals and eagles well worth it. Skagway my DH went on the helicopter to the glacier, he said trip of a lifetime (booked direct with company as all ship times full and saved $150 ). Also went on the evening train ride to White pass. Scenery fantastic but thought it was rather expensive.

Glacier viewing – Iced out of tracy arm so went to Dawes Glacier in Endicott arm.

No words or pictures will describe the view unless you were there. Balcony came into its own when the ship turned 180 degrees, the view from our balcony was so peaceful and spectacular out of the wind unlike the front of the ship. Watched us sail away for ages. The only poor aspect of this afternoon was the awful “commentary” from the bridge. It was read out in monotones from a script with no interesting facts or information. The person obviously had no “knowledge” of the landscape or the wildlife. NCL needs to have a trained and experienced Naturalist employed for this day.

Entertainment - The jean Ryan Dancers very good - saw Mr Producer and some of Cirque Pan. The staff show was entertaining especially " fountains" don't miss it. Stardust lounge very clean and spacious. Could have been more shows on sea days in the day rather than Bingo.

Weather - left Vancouver in low 80's and had no rain in Ketchikan ( very rare) was warm but wet for the rest of the time but it did not stop us from doing anything. Only disappointment was the weather on the last day on the sail back past Vancouver Island low cloud meant visibility was poor and therefore not seen at its best.

Disembarkation. Choose the last time slot - had breakfast in Seven seas and then waited to be called. very efficient system - only slight delay passing through immigration again.

Overall - fantastic 1st ever cruise. Spoilt with ship and location - would definitely cruise with NCL again enjoyed the "freestyle" element but would have liked people to make a little more effort to dress up in the evening - some very scruffy people. Too many photographers at all ports and meals. Photos very expensive to buy. Overall value for money excellent as we come from the UK so took advantage of the strong exchange rate. Can't wait to go again!