A brief background on this cruise is in order before commencing the review. The NCL Sun was originally scheduled for a two week drydock in San Francisco. For reasons known only to NCL, that drydock was shortened to one week. This led to the creation of an unusual Alaska cruise itinerary and an unusually good deal for an Alaskan cruise. Instead of the usual departure points of Seattle or Vancouver, this ship left from San Francisco. Also, the cruise was 8 days instead of 7, and I secured a forward penthouse for two people at a cost of $3,700 including taxes and fees. This also included $700 cruise credit, paid gratuities, UDP, SDP, shore excursion credit and 250 minutes internet.

The sail out from San Francisco was two hours late, but worth the wait. We sailed past Alcatraz and under the Golden Gate on a beautiful sunny day. The weather remained around 70 degrees and sunny for the entire cruise. Our first stop was Astoria. We took the Seaside and Cannon Beach tour. I would recommend this tour. The guide was steeped in history of the area, and the seaside stops made for some gorgeous photo opportunities.

Next stop was Sitka, another good tour: the Best of Sitka. We visited the bear sanctuary, the eagle rescue center and native trails with many totem poles. The highlight of this tour was the raptor center. If you want to see a magnificent eagle about 10 feet from your seat, this is the place. The center does heroic work rescuing and rehabilitating injured birds, and the tour supports those efforts Read more