Norwegian Sun Review
Alaskan Southbound....Seward to Vancouver. Toured Alaska prior to cruise
Rating by category
Additional details
We spent the night prior to departure at the Accent Inn Vancouver, had to be at the airport at 4 am and the shuttle was ready for us and got us there early. We flew Vancouver to Seattle to Anchorage on Alaska Air and then we took 5 days to tour the high spots in Alaska, drove to Denali, then Fairbanks and then down the Richardson Hwy to Wasilla and Anchorage. The views are jaw dropping along the Richardson Hwy S. route....much bette scenery than travelling N. to Denali (unless you are going deep into the park) . We rented a car from Hertz as they were the only rental operation that would permit us to pickup in Anchorage and drop off without penalty in Seward. They do a lot of business between the two centers and so are happy to have the cars transfer between their two locations. Saw lots of moose along the highway.
Chose the NCL as we had a Cruise Next credit. Our third trip on the Sun.. The crew is friendly, hard working and very welcoming to their guests. We ate at the included dining rooms and were very happy with the variety and choices. Always mentioned when arrving for dinner that we'd like to share our table and met a lot of wonderful travellers from all over Canada and the US.
We attended and enjoyed all of the shows and entertainment.
Cabin Review
Oceanview Picture Window
We thought it might be too chilly to warrant the expense of a balcony but wanted a picture window for the view. Our cabin wasn't really as expected. More of an oblong porthole and the bed was positioned right under the window so we couldn't look out the window at the scenery comfortably. Perhaps if the bed was split into two singles this rooms view would be better....but we're a couple. We had a porthole window stateroom on deck 6 (6206) going to the Panama last year and actually would have preferred that room, which was cheaper...the layout was better and view every bit as good. We didn't see much of our room attendant but he kept the place clean and obviously kept an eye out for us as when we'd leave for dinner and the show, when we returned the bed was turned down and ready for the night.
Port Reviews
Icy Strait
Just took in the port attractions and did some easy hiking. There is a shuttle that will take you into the townsite about a mile down the road.
Seward
Spent one night here,at Resurrection Lodge B & B. We toured the Kenai Peninsula down to Homer.. Beautiful port and awesome mountain scenes. Restaurants are very pricey so be sure to check out the menu's before being seated. There are also several small hole in the wall type cafe's that serve sea food at much more reasonable prices.
If you have time be sure to drive out to the Exit Glacier...there are several choices of hike to see the glacier. Easy to start and then you climb higher at the end.
Vancouver
Easy disembarkation. We choose to carry off our own baggage so no waiting in line. Easy peasy. The local pier employees were very helpful describing where to go to catch the skytrain to get out to the airport. Just walked a short 2 blocks to get to the skytrain depot. Only cost $4.50 for the two of us seniors. 20 minutes later we were getting out at YVR. Called for the hotel shuttle to pick up our car and we were on our way. Couldn't have been easier or quicker. And certainly a lot cheaper and faster than a taxi is in that Vancouver traffic.