NCL disorganization and antiquated website make you wonder if the teaser low cruise prices were or will be worth it. That said. Some other passengers had better experiences on NCL bigger newer ships. Caveat emptor buyer be aware. I would not sail the sun ship again without a rock bottom price matching the below average experience.
Embarkation
3 out of 5
Waited most of time in a room with adequate chairs. Total time and organization worse than other cruise lines.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
2 out of 5
Service was significantly slower or harder to find. Food in dining rm and buffet were average to somewhat below average in quality and preparation. However less over salting than on some other cruises. With freestyle in the dining room it was easier to get a table for two than Princess.
Onboard Activities
1 out of 5
Few activities offered.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
Fair the first 5 days improved to average the second 5 days. Variety of shows was fair not good. The performers sing and dance at professional level just a full notch below competition.
Service and Staff
2 out of 5
Room steward good. Once we found a good waiter we were able to keep her the rest of the cruise. Overall availability of staff and service significantly below competition.
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
Old cramped design but clean and maintained.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
Good condition no stains. Refrigerator small and mostly useless since full of honor bar. Closet small cramped but had a light. No problems with stains or toilet. Handles fell off shower a few places but promptly fixed after notify room steward. Only one 215v plug available in room so bring a multi tap yourself.
Ship tip
Port excursions costly on ncl you might research other vendors. Internet very slow lots of complaints.
Less attractions than other ports but salmon in creek to fish hatchery is a nice walk and the totem pole museum along the creek is much better than the one downtown. Good artist stores. Cheapest souvenirs you can get in Alaska. DUCK amphibious tour was entertaining.
Not much to do on tours other than buckart gardens and the ncl bus excursions only gives you less than 2 hrs there at the garden which is very inadequate. Consider other vendors or even the city bus. I walked the waterfront boardwalk trail level 5 mile loop beautiful with half of it along the water. Tea at empress hotel is 75 Canadian p.o. yikes.
Cannon Beach excursion exceeded expectations 4 hrs 65$ US fair price unless you have a group and rent your own car. NCL was very disorganized and did not well communicate the expected us border agent delays. Disorganization was typical of this cruise.
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