This is a description of our Alaskan cruise on the NCL Sun, August 5-12, 2007.

Who We Are: We are a family of three. I am a retired educator approaching 60 and my husband is in his 60's. Our 18 year old son accompanied us on this cruise. I have taken 22 cruises; husband and son have taken five, and we selected NCL because our son prefers freestyle.

Embarkation On Sunday, August 5th after a lovely evening at the Pan Pacific in Vancouver, we took the elevator downstairs to the cruise terminal and checked in with NCL -- easiest registration in history! Gave the guy our bags, stood on a short line for immigration/customs, went to the Latitudes check-in (no one in line), got our cards and walked onto the ship. Amazingly, although it was just about noon, the cabin was ready and we were able to go straight there and leave our carry-on luggage. Another surprise awaited us -- we got a bottle of champagne and a note that we were being given the Honeymoon/Anniversary package (even though we were celebrating neither!). Included were champagne, strawberries, special canapes on Monday evening, two free specialty restaurant cover charges, and some discounts on computer minutes, purchases, etc. (pretty much duplicating those in the coupon booklet we already had) and an invitation to the Honeymoon/Anniversary party with a free picture to be taken there. We didn't make it to the party, but we did enjoy the Specialty Restaurant freebie (in Le Bistro) and the champagne and strawberries. Apparently the "goodies" were part of our booking. Read more