Great Alaska Cruise on Norwegian Sun

Item: Norwegian Sun
Rating: 4
Author: SunnnyJudith

Norwegian Sun Cruise Review to Alaska - Gulf of Alaska

SunnnyJudith

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 40

Overall rating:

4 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Alaska Glacier Bay Northbound (Vancouver To Seward)

Sail date: May 25, 2015

Ship: Norwegian Sun

Cabin type: Oceanview

Cabin number: 6222

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 9 years ago

Review summary

I think this Alaska cruise that includes Glacier Bay, inside passage, and the 3 main cities (Skagway, Ketchikan, Juneau) is a must for everyone once in a lifetime. It was fun to stay in Vancouver a few days before the cruise. The scenery on the ship and at the ports was amazing. We got very lucky with the weather. I loved the dance/singing shows on the ship. My one main complaint was that I felt that our shore excursions were too expensive for what was offered. The American Airlines shuttle to Mendenhall Glacier was too rushed and too expensive. I would recommend just taking the $20 shuttle from the port at Juneau and take as much time as you would like visiting the glacier and the visitors' center. Also the photography tour (American Airlines) was too expensive in Skagway. I would recommend the train in Skagway instead. Also, you are not allowed to take food off the ship, but they did not give snacks on the tours, so I was very hungry. Overall, though, a fantastic time on this cruise.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

I liked the freestyle cruising. I enjoyed sitting down and getting served (whenever we felt like) when I was tired. Also, it's easier to control your portions if you go to the restaurant and get served. Buffet was great too, though!

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

I took a dance class and was surprised that it was a ballet stretching class. I was looking for more of a workout. The free dance classes are only 1/2 hour.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Loved the dancers and singers! I went to every show. Victor Cruz played great guitar (alternative rock) in the Windjammer. The juggler was very funny and skilled.

Children's Programs

N/A

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

For an Alaskan cruise, I really think it's worth it to have a window (not an inside room) so that you don't miss the scenery. Very pretty to see the moon over the ocean in the evening too.

Ship tip

In Juneau, take the public shuttle (20$) at the port to see Mendenhall Glacier. We paid too much (~50$) for an American Airlines tour that felt rushed.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Vancouver (Canada Place), British Columbia

5 out of 5

Biking around Stanley Park was my favorite. People are very nice and it's easy to get around. I recommend staying near the waterfront, near the cruise terminal because it is so central and close to the visitor center. Go to Vancouver Overlook-during the day was great, but the entrance fee allows you to come back at night if you want.

Thumbs Up 1

Cruise Inside Passage, Alaska

5 out of 5

Ketchikan, Alaska

5 out of 5

Juneau, Alaska

5 out of 5

Go to Mendenhall Glacier. The public shuttle (20$) from the port is probably the best way to do it. We paid too much for a rushed American Airlines shuttle to the glacier.

Thumbs Up 1

Skagway, Alaska

5 out of 5

I heard the train ride is great. We paid too much for an American Airlines photography tour.

Thumbs Up 0

Cruise Glacier Bay

5 out of 5

Fantastic. The ship rotated slowly twice in place, so plenty of time to see all views from all directions. Look at the views from outside.

Thumbs Up 2

Cruise Hubbard Glacier Did not visit port

N/A Weather was bad so we turned around.

Thumbs Up 0