Norwegian Sun Review

4.0 / 5.0
2,169 reviews

First time cruise far exceeded my expectations

Review for Alaska Cruise on Norwegian Sun
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Paul910_in_HK
First Time Cruiser • Age 50s

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Sail Date: Jun 2013
Cabin: Partially Obstructed Oceanview Porthole Window

I went as a solo traveler on a one-week cruise from Anchorage to Vancouver after taking a one-week, guided group camping trip in Alaska. My open-jaw air ticket from Asia allowed me to land in Anchorage and return from Seattle, so this seemed like a fun way to get between the two places.

My only other time on a liner was in the early '90s aboard a postal steam along the coast of Norway, which was also fun. At any rate, this trip on NCL far exceeded my expectations. I chose NCL after learning of its "free-style" dining. I didn't want to lug a dinner jacket with me and have to sit at the same table with the same people day after day. Moreover, NCL has a reputation for fitness and entertainment--two activities I enjoy.

I got a partial ("obstructed") seaview cabin on the same deck (5 or 7?) as the jogging/promenade track, but it turned out to be the perfect choice. The "partial view" meant only that their was a roof over the deck, but I had a clear view and could see what the weather was like and whether we were passing some spectacular scenery. Then in 15 seconds, I could be outside on the deck, snapping photos or enjoying the fresh air. The ship also closed off the jogging area past cabins from 8pm to 8am so the sound of "hoofs" was never an issue. In fact the ride was extremely quiet and I noticed a barely perceptible rocking of the ship only for part of one night.

Cabin Review

Partially Obstructed Oceanview Porthole Window

Cabin OK

I got a partial ("obstructed") seaview cabin on the same deck (5 or 7?) as the jogging/promenade track, but it turned out to be the perfect choice. The "partial view" meant only that their was a roof over the deck, but I had a clear view and could see what the weather was like and whether we were passing some spectacular scenery. Then in 15 seconds, I could be outside on the deck, snapping photos or enjoying the fresh air. The ship also closed off the jogging area past cabins from 8pm to 8am so the sound of "hoofs" was never an issue. In fact the ride was extremely quiet and I noticed a barely perceptible rocking of the ship only for part of one night.I chose my cabin on the port side to maximize viewing of the shore, and it was near the bow. The 141 ft2 space was very well designed to maximize closet space, and the circular shape of the bathroom and shower were fine for all but the most obese of passengers. I had one potential concern after having read in a guide book that NCL has a penchant for frequent and loud announcements. However, these were not as common as feared (perhaps because the liner has since then reacted to feedback), and the announcements from cruise director and captain were not at all loud, especially when heard in the room.

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