Norwegian Sun

[crusinpsychRN]

Any former Carnival cruisers able to compare the Sun experience?

[NMLady]

Any former Carnival cruisers able to compare the Sun experience?

 

I've cruised twice on the Sun. In the distant past I have cruised three times on Carnival. I am not sure what you want compared? Service was good on both, food was good on both, entertainment was good on both.

 

We prefer the freestyle dining of NCL since everyone has it, so makes MDR space easier. We prefer non-formal of NCL.

 

The layout of the decks on the Sun is unique but easily navigated. We loved the Great Outdoors and also the outdoor bow area outside the Spinnaker lounge on top deck. I also liked the quiet of the chapel near there.

[don't-use-real-name]

Re: Power Outlets

Remember to bring along a power strip or at a minimum a small three outlet

plug.

Best kind is the multi (5 or more plugs) with a 6 foot cord AND built in

circuit breaker.

There will be at least one outlet in the bath for an electric shaver to use

or recharge - check that when the light switch is turned off that outlet is

still in use charging - otherwise leave the light on (not all ships are this way).

Also note the cabin steward may need the use of one or more of the outlets

for cleaning your cabin (vacuuming etc.) So make it convenient for the both

of you to use the minimal outlets.

If you don't provide a power strip the cabin steward may have to unplug

what you are using (charging batteries-laptop or other electronic media)

to do his work and hopefully he will remember to restore power to your

stuff when finished.

If using a power strip it would not be necessary to unplug the solo power

source.

Another thing do not use high wattage gear (hair dryer{your own}or an

iron (which is a no-no anyway) on the same circuit - you will cause a small

electrical outage in your cabin and require a ship engineer (electrician) to

reset the breaker - not a big deal "BUT" a minor inconvenience that will not

go unnoticed !

 

Recharging batteries and using a laptop or other media - No Problem !

[Biffer1997]

thanks for the tips..thinking of booking NCL Sun for Alaskan cruise...never done any line except Carnival so curious how they stacked up next to each other!

[don't-use-real-name]

In the Alaskan cruise market I have sailed on three of the cruise lines.

 

Most recently on the NCL SUN SB ANC-YVR 7/13

In summary easy laid back (freestyle) cruising - food very good - best in the

specialty restaurants - activities and shore excursions par - was in a mini-suite

and the accommodations very very good - ship had a great viewing area from

the 12th deck Observation Lounge and the outdoor deck - Jogging track on

deck 6 the best I have seen so far - weather was excellent - Juneau stop all

too short - rest were just fine *** note had 4 day ground tour Denali package

pre-cruise - package was great and I did see the mountain Mt. Denali.

 

Holland-America Westerdam SEA-SEA 6/11

Sedate cruising Senior style - food very good - activities and shore excursions

par was in a suite and service was par excellence - was sick 2 of the 7days due

to unknown malady no after effects - was with 20 other airline retirees -

enjoyable time had by all - weather foggy transit glacier areas a bummer !

 

Carnival Spirit*** SB ANC-YVR 8/07

A lively crowd of young people - food so-so same ole same ole cruise fare -

Specialty restaurant outstanding worth the extra bucks! Activities and shore

excursions nothing different here. Again lousy weather at the glaciers.

Pre-cruise Alaska RR train ride from ANC to Whittier fabulous - skip the darn

buses or other ground transport.

 

*** Carnival Spirit sister ship to the Pride Mex Riveria 6/07 - - -

Carnival caters to a younger crowd than HAL or NCL !

 

Like Mikey the cereal kid try it you will like it !

Even if a cruise is slated for one decade or another there is something for

everyone on each cruise - make your own personal voyage to remember -

and set your own pace - I think NCL sums it up very appra-pro FREESTYLE !

[Out to sea!]

thanks for the tips..thinking of booking NCL Sun for Alaskan cruise...never done any line except Carnival so curious how they stacked up next to each other!

 

We have the Sun booked next year for a 14 night in Alaska. We are also taking a week cruise this Thanksgiving on the Sun so I can better answer this question in about 128 days! But from what I have read, it would seem the Sun would compare fairly closely to the Carnival Fantasy class of ships.

[LRATL]

We will be on the Sun for a week in January 2015 and have found wonderful information in the previous posts....maybe one of us eventually will make a concise tips page..... I have copied and pasted often, but I still have missed some great tips. First, I need to study the deck plans to get an idea of where the various venues are..... The Great Outdoors, the "regular" buffet, the Sports Bar, and other places that I want to get acquainted with. I think sometimes we spend two days getting to "know" new ships, and a week is too short anyhow.

 

Thanks to everyone for all the great information....we'll be asking more questions in the coming months.....and no need to start a new thread since lots of info is already posted here.

 

Laura

[don't-use-real-name]

We will be on the Sun for a week in January 2015 and have found wonderful information in the previous posts....maybe one of us eventually will make a concise tips page..... I have copied and pasted often, but I still have missed some great tips. First, I need to study the deck plans to get an idea of where the various venues are..... The Great Outdoors, the "regular" buffet, the Sports Bar, and other places that I want to get acquainted with. I think sometimes we spend two days getting to "know" new ships, and a week is too short anyhow.

Thanks to everyone for all the great information....we'll be asking more questions in the coming months.....and no need to start a new thread since lots of info is already posted here.

Laura

 

If you have not visited the website Cruisedeckplans.com a thought to become a member there if you plan on doing a great deal of cruising.

They have an outstanding program call "Drag Decks" - place your mouse over one of the decks and click and hold then move the deck over another to see

how things are laid out. Hint/clue line up the elevators or stairways to see how one deck is in relation to another.

 

Regarding: ..... The Great Outdoors, the "regular" buffet, the Sports Bar all these are on deck 11 (Pool Deck) - Great Outdoors is in the stern

the Sports Bar aft port side - the regular buffet "Garden Café" is mid-ship starboard - another more upscale buffet "Pacific Heights" is mid-ship port just

forward of the Sports Bar. After making your selections and if you do not find seating available take your meal into the Sports Bar it is an overflow area.

You can also take your food to the Great Outdoors or into the Pool area mid-ship forward of the buffet.

Another hint the 'Soft-Serve" Ice (milk) Cream is located in the buffet area of the Great Outdoors - but you did not hear/read that from me ! LOL !

[grobma]

We will be on the Sun for a week in January 2015 and have found wonderful information in the previous posts....maybe one of us eventually will make a concise tips page..... I have copied and pasted often, but I still have missed some great tips. First, I need to study the deck plans to get an idea of where the various venues are..... The Great Outdoors, the "regular" buffet, the Sports Bar, and other places that I want to get acquainted with. I think sometimes we spend two days getting to "know" new ships, and a week is too short anyhow.

 

Laura:

 

Check out http://www.ncl.com/downloads/ship-mini-pocket-guides. I believe they no longer hand these out to passengers, but you can download and print them from here.

 

I'm on the Sun in 4 weeks and can't wait!

 

Matt

[janniebabe]

We will be on the Sun for a week in January 2015 and have found wonderful information in the previous posts....maybe one of us eventually will make a concise tips page..... I have copied and pasted often, but I still have missed some great tips. First, I need to study the deck plans to get an idea of where the various venues are..... The Great Outdoors, the "regular" buffet, the Sports Bar, and other places that I want to get acquainted with. I think sometimes we spend two days getting to "know" new ships, and a week is too short anyhow.

 

Thanks to everyone for all the great information....we'll be asking more questions in the coming months.....and no need to start a new thread since lots of info is already posted here.

 

Laura

 

 

Hi Laura! I don't know if you have a "smartphone" but I recently put an app called "Ship Mate" on mine - and it is amazing how much ship information is on it. It has stuff like ship maps, deck cams, a ship locator, and more helpful stuff on it. It also has a countdown clock on it! I would imagine you would have to be careful you weren't using roaming if you are using it, but just thought I would throw it out there for you.

Jan

[montecarloss]

Check out http://www.ncl.com/downloads/ship-mini-pocket-guides. I believe they no longer hand these out to passengers, but you can download and print them from here.

 

Thanks for this. I have been looking for these since our first cruise. We had one then, but never since.

[LRATL]

Thanks to all of you for posting your tips.... I know January is several months away, but researching and planning for a cruise is a great pastime since TV is pretty dull in the summer months. Of course, my book list is my dessert late at night.

 

"don't use real name" - Thank you for the tips about Deck 11's venues...I can see myself turning in circles wondering where the heck I am. I will play with the deck plans on deckplans.com. I have been to that site, but the decks don't seem to be synchronized in terms of size or scale....I will be patient and try to work with them again.

 

"grobma") Matt - I will download the pocket guide; we also got them on many previous cruises, but the cruise lines seem to be cutting costs more each year which is not surprising. Thanks for the site.

 

Don't all of you find a dichotomy between the cost cutting and the continued ordering of new ships? We pay for "extras" or get less so the cruise lines can build multimillion dollar ships for future use......."just saying".....LOL

 

"janniebabe" (Jan) - Yes, I have a smartphone and will look for the Ship Mate app. I have an app called Marine Traffic which I "play" with often to identify ships which come into ports on the Georgia coast or to track ships. Ship Mate will eat up lots of MB's on my account, I am sure. Thank you.

 

It is too bad that the Tampa Port doesn't have the kind of webcam found at portevergladeswebcam.com. We find ourselves wanting to wave back to the people on deck as they pass the camera in Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, etc. Once a cruise junkie, always one, I guess. I am looking forward to going under the Skyway Bridge at Tampa instead of driving over it.

 

Laura

[janniebabe]

Have been collecting these for some time - hope this listing helps everyone!

Layering is the key. You can shed or add as needed. From fleece to sweatshirts to T shirts. Lightweight gloves.

 

A waterproof shell is essential. You can wear fleece under, if needed. We have lightweight waterproof pants as well, with zip off legs in case we get shorts weather.

 

Waterproof shoes. We got the sneaker type lightweight hiking shoe.

 

A small backpack to hold your unused layers.

 

Waterproof binoculars. We have two 8x42 so we don't have to share. A camera of course. You might want to get one of those waterproof covers for the camera. I saw them on REI for about $6.

 

I'm really cold natured, so I even bought those little hand warmers you can put inside your gloves and they stay warm for several hours. Those may come in really handy during a long day of standing on deck viewing Glacier Bay.

 

You are going on NCL so I assume you know there are no mandatory formal nights so you can leave your dressy stuff home unless you really enjoy this.

 

 

 

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1. You are not limited to one of each appetizer, entree and dessert in the main dining room. You can order two entrees or three desserts if you choose. You can also order appetizer-sized portions of entrees as starters or order a few appetizers for your main meal. It's a great way to try new foods you're not sure you'll like (escargot, anyone?).

2. Room service is free of charge, except for late-night hours on certain lines, such as Royal Caribbean. It's recommended you tip your delivery person, but in-room dining is not the splurge it is at a hotel.

3. Most people dine in the main dining room or buffet on the first night of the cruise, and many haven't discovered the specialty restaurants yet. If you book an alternative dining venue for the first night of the cruise, you may get a discount on select lines (like Celebrity Cruises) or have an easier time getting a reservation for a popular venue. Carnival Cruise Lines passengers who dine in the Steakhouse on the first night get a free bottle of wine.

4. Specialty coffee at the designated coffee shops onboard comes with an extra fee, but the pastries, sandwiches and other food at these venues are often free. While some specialty items (like chocolate-covered strawberries) will have a charge, don't assume all the small bites do.

5. Like ice cream? Cruise lines will charge for branded licks like Ben & Jerry's and Celebrity's gelato. However, there's always a free version -- whether soft-serve machines on the Lido Deck or hard-serve stations at the buffet. And do your reconnaissance -- Cruise Critic members report that soft-serve machines on either side of the deck can have different flavors.

6. On embarkation day, most people head straight to the buffet to have lunch and wait for their cabins to open. It's a mob scene. But many cruise ships have alternative venues open -- the main dining room or a mini-buffet in the solarium or atrium area. Ask a crewmember or check your daily newsletter to find an alternative for a calmer first meal. For example, on Princess Cruises, the International Cafe, Pizzeria and Grill are open; on Royal Caribbean ships, Sorrento's, the Solarium and Park Cafes, Giovanni's Table and Starbucks are open on embark afternoon.

7. Don't know which night to make specialty dinner reservations? The main dining room menus are planned for the week, and the purser's desk often has access to those menus. Ask to see them so you can decide which nights are less appealing and which you don't want to miss, and plan your cruise accordingly.

Drink



1. There's no "open beverage" rule onboard. You can bring drinks from a bar or buffet to your cabin or elsewhere on the ship and no one will bat an eye. (Same goes for food.)

2. It's often cheaper to buy a bottle of wine than a few glasses -- but what do you do if you don't finish the bottle? Cruise ship waiters can mark the bottle with your room number and save it for another night, even for dinner in another onboard venue.

3. Groups of beer drinkers can save by ordering buckets of beer. You get four or five beers in a souvenir bucket at a per-beer cost slightly cheaper than ordering individual bottles.

4. On most lines, soda is not free -- but iced tea in the dining room usually is. Save on soda by buying a soda card, offering a set price for unlimited soft drinks.

5. Most lines let you bring a reasonable amount of nonalcoholic drinks onboard. Save on pricey shipboard sodas and bottled waters by bringing your own.

6. Some cruisers use their stateroom Bibles for more than spiritual counsel. Cruise Critic members report that they will leave unused drinks cards or coupons in their Bibles. So be sure to flip through yours to make sure a surprise isn't waiting.

7. Enticed by all those special drinks in a souvenir glass? You can refill those glasses at a discount -- or ask to have the drink of the day in a regular glass to save money. Also watch your daily program for drink specials or happy hours with reduced price beverages.

Cabin



1. Most cabins are made of metal…and therefore they're magnetic. Bring along some magnets (or buy some as souvenirs) and you can keep all your cocktail party invites, alternative dining reservation notices and daily planners hung up on the walls and doors.

2. Inside cabins have no natural light. At all. Turn your TV to the bridge cam station, turn off the sound and -- voila! -- you've got an instant nightlight and a way to see if the sun is up.

3. With all of the electronics we tote around with us these days, most people find cruise ship outlets to be insufficient. You can bring your own charging station or power strip (check to see if these are legal on your cruise line), but you may also want to ask your cabin steward. Sometimes there's an extra outlet hidden behind the TV or under the bed.

4. Picky about your bedding? Some lines will provide egg crate mattress toppers, top sheets and alternative pillow types by special request. Feel free to ask, before or during your cruise.

5. Cabin designers are pretty smart about creating as much storage space as possible. Do a little exploring or ask your cabin steward for a tour. You may be surprised to find extra storage under the bed or couch, inside an ottoman or behind a mirror.

6. If you're feeling queasy, don't run out to a pharmacy before making some calls. Room service can bring you green apples and bland crackers (crewmembers swear by the apple remedy), and often you can get seasickness meds from the purser's desk for free.

Entertainment



1. Casino frequenters can get a hole punched in their room card and a free lanyard from the casino staff for easy play without forgetting your card in the slot machines.

2. Many lines offer free minutes if you sign up for an Internet package on the first day of the cruise.

3. Cruise ship spas often offer discounts for first-day and sea-day treatments. Stop by the spa, or check your daily newsletters to find out about deals.

4. If the port talk is at the same time as your massage, don't worry. Presentations and audience-participation shows are often re-broadcast on the ship's channel on your in-room TV. You can still catch the recording if you miss the live show.

5. Use of the showers, saunas and stream rooms not located in fancy thermal suites is free. Showering in the spa can often mean access to more clean towels, fancy toiletries and bigger shower stalls -- and prevents fights over who gets cabin bathroom access first. Using the free saunas is also a great remedy for that inevitable vacation head cold that stuffs you up.



 

 

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UNDERSTAND THE EXTRAS

The end of a beautiful cruise can be stunning in all the wrong ways—if the bill tacks on a bunch of extras you weren't prepared for. Ask in advance what activities, food, drinks, and sundries are included in your fare and which will cost more. In general, be ready to pay the following:

$2+ for a can of soda

$3+ for a latte

$5+ for a mixed drink

$10+ for a photo shot by cruise staff

$20+ for a bottle of wine

$10 to $75 per person for alternative dining

$119+ for a massage

 

 

 

- Check that your identification is current

- Pay any upcoming bills

- Put holds on mail, newspaper

- Mow lawn or set up mowing while away

- Arrange for plant watering if needed

- Buy any necessary medications, sunscreen

- Buy TSA-approved toiletries

- Choose and launder travel clothes

- Clear out any appointments (housecleaner, plumber, etc.)

- Get rid of any spoilable food

- Notify neighbors of travel

- Share contact information with neighbors and family

- Arrange for trash cans to be taken to or from curb, or move them from public view entirely

- Check time zone differences

- Put reservation numbers and confirmations on smartphone

- Send everything to TripIt

- Back up laptop, smartphone and devices

- Download movies or books to devices

- Tell everyone who is traveling what time departure for airport will be

- Get gas for car

- Get cash from ATM

- Check loyalty program status

- Check gate assignment

- Check terminal map

- Check airport parking map, prices, lot closing info

- Check airplane seats

- Check in online

- Map route to airport

- Set out which luggage to use

- Give house key to neighbor

- Make sure jumper cables are in car

- Remove valuables from car

- Charge devices

- Gather food needed for flight (food on the airplane is expensive!)

- Set light timers if needed



- Check all door locks, including basement, garage and shed

- Set thermostats to vacation temps

 

You can add your own items; for example, if you have pets, there is a whole battery of things to do that you will want to add to the very top of your list. Children add another wrinkle. I have found that kids can be among the most carefree travelers alive (including our 6-year-old, who has 100,000+ air miles and counting), but things like "make sure travel clothes still fit" make sense on a list like this.

 

Like an athlete coming back to training after some time off, as you go down the list, you will find that your muscle memory of the whole process comes sailing back to you, and you will be lifting countries as well as ever.

 

 

 

 

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I can definitely recommend Southeast Sea Kayaks in Ketchikan. We went on their longer 4 hour trip. They keep the group restricted to only 6 people, the scenery is beautiful, and they get consistently high marks on trip advisor - take a look at the reviews to get an idea. We enjoyed it even thought it was raining. We saw wildlife - porpoise, orca, and a really close up eagle, but this should be viewed as a bonus since wildlife is hit or miss. Would have been worth it even without wildlife, and they have great customer service. Where to go kayaking probably depends a bit on what else you want to do in each port. We really wanted to do whale watching and hike around Mendenhall in Juneau and had less we were interested in in Ketchikan, so kayaking in Ketchikan worked well for us.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Call me biased being a native Vancouverite but I have also spent many many days in Seattle and I would definitely spend my pre-cruise day in Vancouver. What there is to see is countless and you will hardly scratch the service in a day. Vancouver has a different culture than Seattle and with its mountain back drop is much more picturesque. A trip over to the North Shore to visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge and the Grouse Mountain SkyRide is time well invested and both offer free shuttles from convenient locations in the downtown area. Another way to see a lot of the city attractions in a day is to take a HOHO tour, there are several companies dong offering this, however the one I would recommend is the Vancouver Trolley which offers live narration of what you are seeing.

 

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Vancouver ideas:

 

1) Grouse Mountain – http://www.grousemountain.com – this is a wonderful scenic mountain only about 15 mins from downtown Vancouver. Ride the airtram to the top for lots of fun activities that include a loggers show, birds of prey show, 2 movies (1 about the Vancouver area and 1 about the 2 Grizzly Bears who make their home on Grouse Mtn) ride a chair lift and visit with 2 live Grizzly Bears. Enjoy a meal in any of the restaurants. Caveat only spend the money to go up on a clear day.

2) Capilano Suspension Bridge – http://www.capbridge.com – this is Vancouver’s oldest tourist attraction and I still enjoy visiting it! Located on Capilano Road just before you reach the Grouse Mountain parking lot. Walk across a suspension Bridge over the Capilano Gorge, wonder the trails thru the rain forest, walk thru the treetops on the new Tree Top Adventure, visit the trading post for a huge selection of souvenirs, watch native weavers and/or carvers at work.

3) Capilano Fish Hatchery is also located on Capilano Road and is a great place to view salmon jumping up the fish ladders to get around the Cleveland Dam. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capilano_River_Regional_Park

4) Lynn Valley Suspension Bridge is also located in North Vancouver and is much less touristy than Capilano but it also is not as spectacular. The bridge is slightly higher above the water but much shorter in span. Located in a Provincial Park this bridge comes with some nice hiking trails and you will find an ecology centre in the park as well as picnic tables and a food concession outlet. Should you choose to enjoy the Lynn Valley Suspension Bridge always cross the suspension bridge first and then hike down the trail to the lower (Twin Falls wooden) bridge to cross back over the Lynn Valley River and return to your car – that way you are hiking downhill rather than uphill. http://www.lynncanyonparkguide.bc.ca It is also free to visit this suspension bridge!

5) Stanley Park – http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/parks/stanley/ - is the crown jewel of Vancouver's parks. As one of North America's largest urban parks, covering over a 1000 acres and offering an abundance of activities. Enjoy the totem pole collection near the Brockton Point Light House, hiking trails, beaches, water parks for the kids (young & old), rose gardens, miniature train, petting zoo, aquarium –http://www.vanaqua.org – many view points, and several restaurants. During the summer months there is a free shuttle bus that you can ride around the park on.

6) Gas Town – the location where Vancouver originated. The name is derived from a very colorful character named Gassy Jack who was one of the first settlers in the area and a salon keeper – while in Gas Town don’t miss your photo op with the statue of Gassy Jack and by the Steam Clock.

7) At the start of Gas Town is the Harbor Centre Tower http://www.vancouverlookout.com a great spot to start your tour of Vancouver with a birds eye view of the city. Either take the elevator up to the lookout level or go to the top and enjoy a meal in the revolving restaurant.

8) China Town is only about 6 blocks over from Gas Town and is the largest China Town north of San Francisco. While in China Town enjoy a visit to the Dr Sun Yat Sen Classical Gardens http://www.classicalchinesegarden.com and also make sure you visit the world’s thinnest building it is only 6’ wide!

9) Granville Island – http://www.granvilleisland.com – is a huge public market area which not only sells fruit & veggies but you can also buy frozen fish to be shipped to your home. May artists make this their home and you can watch them at work in their studios – making this a great place to buy unique souvenirs. The Granville Island Brewery is also located here and you can stop in for a free tour & tastes. There are theatres for live performances and many fine restaurants. A fun way to get to Granville Island is via the Aquabus – http://www.theaquabus.com

10) Burnaby Village Museum – http://www.city.burnaby.bc.ca – is an open air museum with over 30 restored homes, shops, school, church and a 1912 carousel situated on 10 acres

11) Gulf of Georgia Cannery – http://www.gulfofgeorgiacannery.com – is a restored fishing cannery located in the historic fishing village of Steveston (part of Richmond). Here you see exhibits that showcase the history of the fishing industry in British Columbia. Once finished in the museum it is great fun to walk along the fishing docks and see the fishing boats which are selling their catch. There are also some excellent restaurants located here.

12) The Vancouver Maritime Museum located on the shore of English Bay is fun for the whole family with lots of hands on exhibits for the kid in all of us. Here to you will find the ship St Roch which the RCMP sailed from Vancouver to Halifax via the Northwest Passage and then completed the return journey in 1944. You actually get to tour this ship. http://www.vancouvermaritimemuseum.com

13) Queen Elizabeth Park – http://www.greatervancouverparks.com/QEPark01.htm -The 130 acre (52 hectare) park is one of the most beautifully maintained public parks in the world. Second only to Stanley Park in annual visitations, it receives nearly 6 million people a year who marvel at its superior standard of garden plantings.

The park was originally quarried for its rock which served to build Vancouver's first roadways. In 1929 the Board proceeded to acquire the property which had become an abandoned eyesore but still served as the site for two holding reservoirs for the City's drinking water. Dedicated as a park by King George VI and his consort, Queen Elizabeth (the present Queen's mother) on their much lauded visit to Vancouver in 1939.

14) Fort Langley is the restored wooden fort built by the Hudson’s Bay Company as a trading post. It is the origin of British Columbia and was the first capital. This Fort is operated by the Federal Parks Board. http://www.pc,qc.ca/fortlangley

15) If you are a wine lover you might want to rent a car and spend a day visiting a few of the many excellent wineries located in the Fraser Valley only about a 1 hour drive from your hotel. Almost all of the wineries offer free tastes & tours. Two of the wineries have excellent restaurants on the premises. This makes for a very fun and relaxing day.

17) VanDusen Botanical Garden is a scenic 55- acre garden of international renown – a living museum of plants collected from around the world and artistically displayed amidst rolling lawns, woodlands and five tranquil lakes, all in the heart of Vancouver and just 15 minutes from downtown.

Due to Vancouver’s mild climate, plants bloom at the Garden year-round. This same climate creates a unique environment where plants from varying climate regions thrive and grow – at VanDusen you will see plants from the southern hemisphere, tropical areas and the high Arctic tundra along side native species. The Elizabethan Maze (one of only six in North America) provides year-round fun.

18) UBC Botanical Garden located at the University of British Columbia covers 110 acres and includes an Alpine, Asian, Native, Food, and Japanese Gardens. http://www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org

19) Dazzle your senses when you visit Minter Gardens nestled against 7000 foot Mt. Cheam in beautiful 'Super Natural' British Columbia. One of the most spectacular show gardens in the world! Eleven themed gardens are designed to dazzle the senses with massive displays of artistic floral designs.

Minter Gardens is located 90 minutes east of downtown Vancouver just off the Trans-Canada Hwy. #1 at exit #135. http://www.gardeningbc.com

  

 

 

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Originally Posted by kas37 

when is the best time to travel to see the northern lights?

Mid-September until late April. The other months have longer hours of daylight. Aurora activity also depends on what the sun is doing as well.

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TIPS FROM CRUISE CRITIC

 

The Great Outdoors is an excellent spot for breakfast, and the

buffet area just inside is always less crowded than the reg. buffet area.

You don't need a Spa Pass to use the Sauna.

Best Chicken Wings anywhere in the Sports Bar ( same as Blue Lagoon ).

 

There is a soft serve ice cream machine on the "hidden" side of the Great Outdoors buffet - it's the side closest to the Sports Bar entrance, and easy to miss. My husband and I would grab coffee, a brownie, top it with ice cream, and enjoy an afternoon snack in the Great Outdoors - one of my favorite memories of the Sun

 

On Deck 5 across from the Guest Services Desk, is the Java Cafe (open 24 hours), a great place to people watch. Just off the lobby is Four Seasons Main Dining Room, more casual

than the Seven Seas Dining (aft Deck 5). All the way forward on Deck 12 is an Observation Lounge with an outside deck. Most of the time it is very quiet. The outside deck is a great place to watch as She pulls into a dock or leaving.

The Sun is a wonderful small ship 1900 or so passengers and 950 staff members. I can hardly wait to be on Her again in October of 2014. You and your family should have a wonderful time

 

The Sun is a wonderful ship - small enough to not feel daunting and big enough to have lots of features & fun. We loved the Sports Bar (fresh popped popcorn & wings!), Chef's Table, Moderno, Mystery Lunch, martini & tequila tastings, and more

 

The tapas in Las Rambles was excellent as well

 

Don't forget the 2 for 1's every afternoon in the sports bar. Observation lounge on 10 forward had great views

 

 

This is just how we appraoch it, but we usually tip 10%-15% each based on the cost of the excursion, and a little more if we have a particularly great experience. People will have lots of ideas and ranges but that's ours. Many people don't seem to tip at all, and most of the time, when we tip the guides or captains seem genuinely appreciative and sometimes even surprised. Hope that helps a little.

 

 

I only pack jeans, a few Long and Short sleeved T's to wear under 2 fleece pullovers and 1 hoody, 1 shorts, 1 capri, 1 pr good walking shoes, lined

nylon jogging pants, knee socks and regular, gloves, knit hat or scarf. I carry a hooded jacket on the plane. I don't do formal nights so I pack khakis or black jeans and sweater to wear on board. Regardless of where I travel there's a poncho in my daypack, along with binoculars, camera, travel book, trail mix, water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, lipbalm and a baseball cap for rain or sun.

Depending on your activities and/or where you're from, you may need long underwear, and a waterproof jacket, waterproof shoes or even a cheap rainsuit from a sporting goods store. Heck I live in Seattle and don't have waterproof. I'd spray a pair of sneakers/walking shoes if I needed to.

I probably missed something, but basically this is it; worked fine for 4 trips. Only 1 cruise, the rest were land travel with tent camping or RV.

 

 

Wine & Champagne Policy
Guests may bring bottles of wine and champagne on board. When bottles are brought on board and served or consumed in any restaurant, public room area or in their stateroom, a corkage fee will be charged according to bottle sizes noted below.

750 ml Bottle: $15.00
1,500 ml Magnum: $30.00

Wine or champagne sent directly to the ship by travel agents, friends, family, etc. or from another retail source, are subject to the same fees. Box wines are not allowed on board.

 

 

The Java cafe also has a display case with breakfast croissants and muffins and cakes in the afternoon and evening that are free.

Our happy hour was always in the observation lounge.

 

 

 

My favorite place for Crab in Ketchikan is Annabelle's Pub & Chowderhouse. It's located just across the street from the Cruise Ship Terminal #2 and I have never had a bad meal! You can get King or Dungeness Crab - or 1/2 and 1/2!

 

If you're looking for a nice appetizer, Cape Fox Lodge has a super scrumptious Crab Brie that's served with apple slices - delicious!

 

There is also the Crab Cracker Seafood Bar which is located near the Lumberjack Show is a popular place. It's not fancy but they serve up some scrumptious crab for a reasonable price!

 

I took a fleece vest, fleece jacket, Goretex jacket with hood, and a wool headband and gloves. I wore these in various combinations, or, when viewing the glaciers, all at one time.

 

I also took a rain poncho in case of heavy rain while hiking, to keep my backpack dry, but never needed it.

 

Hiking boots or trail running shoes (something with a lugged sole) are nice if you plan to hike.

 

I took a collapsible walking stick, too, which proved very handy.

 

I also took, and wore during the day and to dinner, blue jeans and black jeans. This is not at all uncommon on Alaska cruises.

 

I did not take a turtleneck shirt, or shorts, and I wish I had. The weather can really change from one day to the next. We had several days in the 70s (this was mid-late August of last year).

 

 

 

Canadian salmon is abundant and far more healthy than most of the food offerings you'll find in this story. It's available in many cities, but Vancouver is the place where it is sought after and revered the most. Try some salmon while you're in the city or the region.

Denman St. is a place to find salmon dinners. The Boathouse is among the better-known restaurants, although it is a bit of a splurge for the budget traveler. Ask locally to find a place that is within your price range.

Many restaurants will offer several salmon entrees or a salmon salad that might be less expensive than a full order of filet roasted on a cedar plank.

 

My priority for a northbound trip. At least 30 min. prior to dawn, out first sailing day, so to get some of Vancouver Island, and staying out, until open ocean. Out again afternoon evening, through Dixon Passage. Out way prior to dawn, into Juneau and Glacier Bay.

I find out when Snow Pass is, and out at least an hour prior

 

 

 

Vancouver - food truck FRESH, LOCAL, & WILD ON Diners, drive-ins and dives

 

 

Juneau has a free shuttle that goes to their Walmart from the dock every 15 minutes

 

 

 

Alava's (fish and chips) in Ketchikan. A small "shack" for lack of a better word, right near the docks across from Burger Queen.

 

Sprots Bar - yes on the all night food, great strawberry shortcake and some of the best wings you'll ever find, goo

 

d paninnis too. Other than room service, the only place for late night food.

Moderno - breakfast buffet (often much less crowded than the main buffet) and lunch - not sure about the pizza since I ate at the Great Outdoors every chance I could. Great Outdoors often has pizza, esp. late night open till about midnight if I recall

Java Cafe - don't think it is 24 hours. I think there may be some free pastries, not sure, most of it you had to pay for, does have canollis

Drink specials of some kind everyday - will be listed in your daily navigator

Also, don't miss the free tapas in Las Ramblas in the evening - a fun Barcelona themed space, usually pretty quiet.

 

Other tips - crepes in the buffet starting at aprx 5:30, limited buffet in the Great Outdoors at all meals - less to chose from BUT much shorter lines, soft serve ice cream at Great Outdoors and sundae station -- most people don't know about it, the line in the main buffet for ice cream gets really long, Observation Lounge is a Wonderful space, esp. if you want some quiet and to get out of the Sun for awhile - nice decor and gorgeous views!, The Bacharach show is pretty bad -- not worth going to, the other cast member shows are all good as are many of the specialty shows. Hypnotist Terrance B is hilarious (but don't volunteer to be hypnotized if you are easily embarrassed). SKip the ships tours to save money, most can be booked in port for much less $$ - we would usually just hire a taxi driver to do a private tour for our group of 4 - much cheaper and more fun! If you need/want something ask - the crew will go out of their way to please you if possible. Sign up for the lottery for the officers dinner. It's great.

 

 

We were on the June 9th Sun sailing. *We enjoyed the tapas in Las Ramblas. *Was surprised how quiet it was there every evening when we went to get some. *My wife loved the olives. *Two of the evenings we were by ourselves for awhile. *The wine tasting sessions were also held in Las Ramblas

 

Lobster was on the first night in the MDRs. *

 

We found it too chilly for breakfast out back, and all other areas were pretty crowded, including Moderno. *We usually sat at the bar area in the Sports Bar. *On the mornings when the World Cup was on, that was fine by me!

 

Lottery signup was at Guest Services. *

 

We found it interesting that there looked to be space available for the Chef's Table for the 1st couple of days.

 

We never upgraded to specialty dining, and mainly ate in the Seven Seas. *Found the food portions and speed of service to be well done. *Chocolate Night was fantastic!

 

 

The Observation lounge on the top deck in the bow has awesome floor to ceiling windows on three sides and is very quiet most of the day.

There are doors on either side in the front that lead to a small outdoor area overlooking the bow. A great place for photos, especially when coming into port.

 

The Sports Bar also has some awesome floor to ceiling windows which give a fantastic view. Drinks are available from the bar there all day, and snacks like wings, fish & chips, hamburgers etc are available 5:30pm-5:00am.

 

 

We loved the breakfasts in Moderno over the buffet. They had a great omelet station and made to order waffles

 

 

Ooooo! I just remembered that in addition to the four hot tubs in between the pool, there's one on the deck above (next to the kiddie pool) that was never very crowded (although that may have been because there were a total of 4 children on board during our sailing). That may be a little hit or miss depending on the population of little ones

 

 

The Observation lounge on the top deck in the bow has awesome floor to ceiling windows on three sides and is very quiet most of the day.

There are doors on either side in the front that lead to a small outdoor area overlooking the bow. A great place for photos, especially when coming into port.

 

The Sports Bar also has some awesome floor to ceiling windows which give a fantastic view. Drinks are available from the bar there all day, and snacks like wings, fish & chips, hamburgers etc are available 5:30pm-5:00am.

 

I was on the Sun earlier in May in an aft balcony. Yes, it had a coffee maker. It's a basic little 4-cupper, so I brought my own filters and coffee. You'll like the Sun

 

Java Cafe open 24 hours providing complimentary croissants & muffins in the morning, and cakes in the afternoon.

2 for 1's available every afternoon (? venue).

Coffee pot in balcony room

 

Other tips - crepes in the buffet starting at aprx 5:30, limited buffet in the Great Outdoors at all meals - less to chose from BUT much shorter lines, soft serve ice cream at Great Outdoors and sundae station -- most people don't know about it, the line in the main buffet for ice cream gets really long, Observation Lounge is a Wonderful space, esp. if you want some quiet and to get out of the Sun for awhile - nice decor and gorgeous views!, The Bacharach show is pretty bad -- not worth going to, the other cast member shows are all good as are many of the specialty shows. Hypnotist Terrance B is hilarious (but don't volunteer to be hypnotized if you are easily embarrassed). SKip the ships tours to save money, most can be booked in port for much less $$ - we would usually just hire a taxi driver to do a private tour for our group of 4 - much cheaper and more fun! If you need/want something ask - the crew will go out of their way to please you if possible. Sign up for the lottery for the officers dinner. It's great.

 

 

In the MDR lobster is only served the first night! Surf/Turf plate with great steak. Many people skip the MDR on night one so it's a cost cutting measure. You can request as many plates as you want. My teen son had 4!

 

 

The piano bar - deck 13 - port side aft - has daily Tapas bar and is a pleasant place for a drink and chat with friends. The Italian restaurant is one of the best locations on any NCL ship and well worth the supplement. Sea views from every table

 

We were on the June 9th Sun sailing. We enjoyed the tapas in Las Ramblas. Was surprised how quiet it was there every evening when we went to get some. My wife loved the olives. Two of the evenings we were by ourselves for awhile. The wine tasting sessions were also held in Las Ramblas

 

Lobster was on the first night in the MDRs.

 

We found it too chilly for breakfast out back, and all other areas were pretty crowded, including Moderno. We usually sat at the bar area in the Sports Bar. On the mornings when the World Cup was on, that was fine by me!

 

Lottery signup was at Guest Services.

 

We found it interesting that there looked to be space available for the Chef's Table for the 1st couple of days.

 

We never upgraded to specialty dining, and mainly ate in the Seven Seas. Found the food portions and speed of service to be well done. Chocolate Night was fantastic

 

Most recently on the NCL SUN SB ANC-YVR 7/13

In summary easy laid back (freestyle) cruising - food very good - best in the

specialty restaurants - activities and shore excursions par - was in a mini-suite

and the accommodations very very good - ship had a great viewing area from

the 12th deck Observation Lounge and the outdoor deck - Jogging track on

deck 6 the best I have seen so far - weather was excellent - Juneau stop all

too short - rest were just fine

 

We leave in 12 days - can't wait!!

[crusinpsychRN]

delete

Edited September 1, 2014 by crusinpsychRN

[CavalierX]

It is too bad that the Tampa Port doesn't have the kind of webcam found at portevergladeswebcam.com.

Laura

 

This might be what you're looking for: http://www.porttampawebcam.com/

[QuiGonJohn]

Richard Matic is a good cruise director and his staff is great!

 

Second this. Especially since we got to be on the Newlywed/Not-So-Newlywed Game, which he ran.

[pistachio]

In the MDR lobster is only served the first night! Surf/Turf plate with great steak. Many people skip the MDR on night one so it's a cost cutting measure. You can request as many plates as you want. My teen son had 4!

 

 

I've heard that lobster is no longer available in the MDR. Can anyone confirm that?

[QuiGonJohn]

Can't say if they might have brought it back, but NO LOBSTER back in Sept. 2014.

[KayakfisherVA75]

Best meal we had on the ship. Executive Chef Menino Luis blew us away with this family style Indian curry meal. As authentic as it gets! We did a meet and greet with the executive crew members and I asked him what his signature dish was. He was very happy to oblige! It was an honor to be treated with this personal touch on the Norwegian Sun!

 

[cj'smom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cj'smom View Post

In the MDR lobster is only served the first night! Surf/Turf plate with great steak. Many people skip the MDR on night one so it's a cost cutting measure. You can request as many plates as you want. My teen son had 4!

 

I've heard that lobster is no longer available in the MDR. Can anyone confirm that?

 

Sadly, yes, I can confirm that there is no longer lobster in the MDR. I was just on the Pearl and was excited to go to the MDR the first night for lobster. Found out that NCL has re-vamped menus fleet-wide and lobster was taken off. Big mistake by NCL in my opinion! It's one of those special treats I look forward to when cruising. They DID have a lobster pasta in the buffet one night that was wonderful! So, keep an eye out for seafood night in the buffet and eat there that night instead of the MRD.

 

Overall many of the items on the new menu were quite good -- main critique was the lack of seafood or skimpy amounts like 3 shrimp topping a shrimp pasta - really? I learned to ask for extra -- not 2 orders but a double portion of shrimp on one order otherwise I'd be left with a mountain of pasta. The beef was not very good - some kind of sauce with a strange taste was used on much of it. The good news is that the desserts are much better than they have been in the past. One of my complaints with NCL has been that the desserts were meh -- now that are some truly fantastic ones. Also, the quality and variety of food in the buffet was much better. I love the ambiance of the MRD but sometimes did an early "snack" dinner just to sample the specialty items on the buffet that night.

[Out to sea!]

I've heard that lobster is no longer available in the MDR. Can anyone confirm that?

 

Thanksgiving 2014, no lobster in MDR, only lobster pasta (closely guarded) one evening in the buffet.

[hpecorari]

Usually the ships have two times for the evening shows. Looking at a recent freestyle daily is seems as if the Sun only has one....at 8:30 p.m. Can someone confirm that or am I missing something?

 

Thanks!

 

Harriet

[Old & Retired]

Usually the ships have two times for the evening shows. Looking at a recent freestyle daily is seems as if the Sun only has one....at 8:30 p.m. Can someone confirm that or am I missing something?

 

Thanks!

 

Harriet

 

Showtimes from a couple months ago.

 

Day 1 Welcome aboard show 8:30

 

Day 2 Pure Variety 6:30 & 8:30

 

Day 3 Comedian Troy Thirdgill 6:30 & 8:30

 

Day 4 The Look of Love 6:30 & 8:30

 

Day 5 Kenny Byrd 6:30 & 8:30

 

Day 6 Rock You Tonight 6:30 & 8:30

 

Day 7 Farewell Variety Show 6:30 & 8:30

 

It appears only day 1 has a single show at 8:30.