Norwegian Sun Review
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This is our second cruise with NCL, first time on the Sun. This ship doesnt have some of the bells and whistles of the other ships and I was a bit worries at first but ended up having a wonderful time. We had min-suite 1201 on the 11th floor and it was the most spectacular room ever, like a hotel room complete with full bath and separate toilet. The balcony faced the direction of travel so we had wonderful views through the inner passage. The bed was so comfortable and the room quiet. The fitness center was very nice, I did miss the awesome spa on newer NCL ships and the steam and sauna were mediocre.
Food was sometimes excellent and sometimes not. We ate in the 4 Seasons every night because the 7 Seas sometimes smelled of smoke from the casino. The shows were excellent and we really enjoyed cruise director Dan. He was such an upbeat fun guy. The crew put on some very funny entertainment as well.
Favorite port was Icy Strait, relatively untouched and old Alaska. Take the complimentary walking tour offered there. We rented a car in Skagway and drove to the Yukon since we had already ridden the train last trip. It was interesting but not a highlight. The Ghosts and Good-time girls tour was great fun and highly recommended.
Cabin Review
Mini-Suite with Balcony
We had min-suite 1201 on the 11th floor and it was the most spectacular room ever, like a hotel room complete with full bath and separate toilet. The balcony faced the direction of travel so we had wonderful views through the inner passage. The bed was so comfortable and the room quiet. Plenty of room to put all our clothing away and store the suitcases.
Port Reviews
Icy Strait
Our first cruise stop and for us was the best. When we docked we first walked through a wooded area and then into a small area of shops. We didnt go into the tourist attraction building as we had decided to just look around 1st. By accident we came upon someone giving a guided tour of the area who has lived here all his life. Be sure to take this walking tour, it is an easy short hike along the beach and into the woods. It was incredible the amount of knowledge he had about so many different things. Bottom line, for the people that live here everything they need is right on this island, from medicines, to food land and sea, plants and when to eat them as well as their long known medicinal purposes. I felt a spirituality during this walking tour of living on and with the land. When we walked through the forest a second time, our eyes were open to things we did not know about before the tour, the different plants, animals and landscape. The beauty of the place (Chichagof Island) is still relatively untouched by the changes for the tourist industry and care has been taken to preserve the natural environment. There is a zipline, whale watch, shows, shops etc., but it was the least touristy place we stopped at.
We walked to the shops later and by chance walked into the walking guides shop, Dei Le'.aan, Tlingit Botanicals. There are many other shops here, but dont miss this one. The owner is an artist and he and wife create beautiful artwork and jewelry as well as botanicals made from the trees and plants on the island. There are so many fascinating things to see in this shop as well as items made right here.
We ate at the Crab Shack and ordered some king crab bisque and some snow crab legs caught locally. Highly recommended and Delicious! We walked into town, about a 25 minute walk and saw an old cemetery, a natural waterfall, 2 eagles, a chewed up salmon in a stream (be aware). It was cool, humid and misty the whole day. We toured the salmon cannery museum which was visually interesting. There is also a fire to warm you outdoors when you get chilly.
The experience of being here was one of meeting friendly people very connected to their culture and homeland. I would happily return in the future.
Juneau
Take a taxi to Mendenhall Glacier instead of the shuttle if you have 3 or more in your party. No waiting and its less expensive. We enjoyed the National Park Center there and walking out to Nugget Falls.
Ketchikan
Least favorite port, the park museum was closed and we didnt want to take an excursion. Not much to do in town if you dont want to shop or go on an excursion