July 27th Alaska Southbound Norwegian Sun

Norwegian Sun Cruise Review to Alaska - Gulf of Alaska

tristalynette

Contributor Level: Third Mate

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 3

Helpful Votes: 69

Overall rating:

4 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Alaska Sawyer Glacier Southbound (Seward To Vancouver)

Sail date: July 27, 2015

Ship: Norwegian Sun

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 0319

Traveled as: Family (young children)

Reviewed: 9 years ago

Review summary

This was our first time in Norwegian, but we chose based on the itenerary. It appeared that all major cruiselines were using roughly the same size low key boats. I saw alot of negative reviews for this boat, which i also noted came from passengers staying in expensive suites. The average traveler cant afford suites, and therefore would have lower expectations of assorted things. This boat had no sign of wear as some reviews had complained. The age range on the boat was considerable which was pleasing. There were 100 teens from age 13 to 17 for example out of a set of 1900 passengers. But only 4 children age 2 and under. The teen program was fantastic! Kept them busy non stop with activities! Very impressed and happy. Our 2 year old was somewhat of an issue however because my research had shown she would be placed in a group of ages 2 to 5 years old. When we arrived we were told that group was ages 3 to 5 years only, and that there was no program for our 2 year old. Instead there was a "Bali Room" located mid ship, which was an old conference room behind the old cigar lounge that wasnt located on any ship map. It took us 3 days to find the Bali Room, and in it were a few baby toys. Once a day for 30 minutes at 5 pm there was a scheduled activity for the "guppies" such as story time or nursery rhymes. However it was rather hard to attend such a small time frame. The food in the main dining room(s) was great! Despite other reviews claiming the steaks were cut too thin. There was always either a NY strip steak or Ribe Eye each night 3/4" thick. If i want more, order 2. The drink servicd was hard to find in any dining room. On Carnival they chase u down for drinks non stop. Dining rooms here both main and specialty alike, were sparce for bartenders. Order drinks early, and order extra to make it thru dinners. We did the cagne steakhouse, which was way overpriced at 30$ a head + add ons, + 18% gratuity + drinks ... i must complain that the whole idea of cruising meant all inclusive, and the fact there were SEVEN specialty restaurants you had to pay for on this boat, and most other NCL boats, is disturbing. We also paid for Tepanyaki. 30$ pp + 18% gratuity etc etc... this is the full price u would pay for hibachi on the street. Not worth paying extra for. Though all food was fantastic as most hibachi tends to be. The 1 specialty worth payjng for, was Moderno. 20$ pp + 18% gratuity. This is a very popular new style of brazillian dining where all you eat meats are carved off skewers until you are so satiated you want to cry. There was literally all you can eat filet mignon. Bacon wrapped chicken breast. Grilled pineapple. Lamb chops. Sausages. Sirloin. And so on. This resteraunt is a must do! Worth the money! The night life on this boat, for Alaska, peaks between 9 and 1030 pm. Then it diss down to nothing, but not for lack of effort on the staffs behalf. If i adjust your schedule accordingly, you can make this work ;) We drank only 2 nights, and didnt get the unlimited drinks package because of this. We should have. The 2 nights we drank, and had a babysitter, we spent 225$ before giving up. One drink with one shot in it, was 9$ ... a double was 16$. To get inebriated, we would have needed to spend closer to 400$ per night. When ee hit 200$, we stopped as the thought of spending more then that was disturbing. So if you are all out drinking, get the unlimited package! I did get chocolate melting cake twice, which was good enough for me even tho Carnival has it every night. Transfers from vancuever to seattle airport were not available from the cruiseline, and upon privately booking had negative experiences. So either fly out of vancouver, or splurge for a direct transfer to sea/tac airport The room steward was fantastic. Attentive and opening doors for us, knew us by name from the 1st day. Photo gallery was great, setups every night. Purchaed 20 photos and a flash drive for 220$ the more u buy the cheaper they get. One 8x10 is 24.95 regularly. I ordered flowers for day one, they were refunded and i was told they werent available day 4 of the cruise. The birthday decor was great though. Anytime a small issue occured we were rewarded with either wine or chocolate strawberries.