My husband and I live in NW Washington and try to cruise to Alaska if we can swing it every summer, usually in early June. I booked this cruise on the Sun over 1.5 years out because we wanted to try an aft balcony, and I think we are now hooked on aft cabins for AK cruises. We drove to Vancouver, used the parking garage onsite at Canada Place, and embarkation was fairly quick and onboard in 30 minutes.
First of all, the ship - NCL Sun. Older [ok with that for an AK itinerary], smaller [really enjoy the size, easy to navigate], and seemed to be well maintained. Only minor issues [for us] were windows in public places not washed and this is a cruise where I want to view the scenery. Second is the past issue of sewer smells in the aft section of the ship, and very rarely noticed, or not at all.
Cabin, aft balcony 9077 - a little smaller than others balcony cabins, but larger balcony and great view, able to use it a lot due to out of the wind which can make those side balconies difficult when underway. Being aft, you will feel more movement than a cabin in the middle of the ship, and you will feel propeller vibration when leaving/coming into ports to dock but not a problem for us and knew that before booking. Small bathroom, plenty of storage, comfortable bed, and sofa cover that was clean, but worn.
Great view, small bathroom, worn sofa cover, plenty of storage, great balcony.