newzandile

We were on the Sun June 27 - July 4. We had a midship - forward balcony (9026) and didn't have any issues with our room. I occasionally detected a faint odor in the aft stairwell (and we used that stairwell a lot as we'd just walk to the back of the ship and then go up to the garden cafe or specialty restaurants or down to the theatre or the Seven Seas). We usually ate in the Seven Seas and didn't notice it in the dining room. We didn't notice it in the theatre either once we were seated. Nor in the outside buffet up top but it was typically pretty breezy there.

I will say that the only day that it was even strong enough to bother me was our day in Skagway (I think). I noticed as we approached the ship (it was a long walk up the pier) from the back that there were huge vents on the back at the level of Deck 7 (so above the Deck 6 promenade and below the Deck 8 aft balconies). One of the vents was removed and I could see workers up there on the side by the vents. There was smoke (not a lot, maybe not smoke, possibly steam?) coming from that area and the smell was noticeable as we walked by and then on the ship that evening, but again, I only detected it to any degree in the stair well. I didn't know anyone with an aft cabin so I don't know if it was worse there.

I will say that everyone keeps talking about a sewage odor, it didn't smell like sewage to me, more just like burnt refuse. Not pleasant but I felt the issue, at least in the public areas, has been blown way out of proportion.

I really enjoyed the Sun, she is an elegant ship and although our sailing was full she never felt crowded (except for the buffet which we mostly avoided except the outdoor part early in the mornings). We loved our balcony.

It might be prudent to avoid the aft balconies for the time being but don't fret too much about the public areas being affected. I loved all the open decks up top on the Sun and the sheltered Deck 6 promenade. Those features are important on an Alaskan cruise and I've gotten the impression that the newer ships have sacrificed those areas for more bells & whistles.

It never showed up on my control panel view even though I'd checked several times. I just selected "all subscribed threads" and found the response then. Don't know why it didn't show up before.

Sorry if I ruffled feathers by cross posting here. Please disregard and move on.

I tried posting on the Norwegian board about this and got no response. Will there be a White Hot Party on the Norwegian Sun in Alaska this summer? We sail on Monday and I want to know whether to pack my white cocktail dress or not. Also, if it is happening, I presume it is in Dazzles instead of on deck. Does the disco get really warm? I know that is very subjective but my dress is long sleeve and would be great for a chilly evening on deck but might be a bit much if I'm dancing inside and they have the heat on.

Thanks!

Do they still do the White Hot party on the Sun in Alaska? Also, if so I'm assuming it would be in Dazzles, does the candle get hot in there? Should I wear something with sleeves or will I get overheated dancing indoors? Yes, I knew that is extremely subjective, just curious as to others experiences!

Well if the title saves someone a shekel or two, than I will consider it a success.

Cheers. :)

Kudos for being gracious in the face of extreme overreaction to your post. I appreciated it in the spirit in which it was intended. :)

I totally understand if you wait until you return to finish this but I'm so hoping you will! Very excited that the Sun is now en route to Vancouver to meet us!

Shannon

Thank you guys! Leading a family group of 13 and didn't want to get them excited about dome cars and then not have them.

Did you book thru NCL? Sounds awesome!

We booked rail through NCL from Seward to Anchorage, first thing after we disembark. What are the rail cars like? Will we have access to the dome cars or not? There weren't any options when we booked it.

Thanks!

Shannon

Thank you! We're on a different ship and itinerary but the same ports so I'm really appreciating this. I recognize you because I found you on instagram while you were on the cruise (I've been searching #alaskancruise to see what came up)!

(I'm not a stalker, I promise!). Thanks for sharing!

Watching the Sun sail into Vancouver via her webcam right now. Hope your weather improves and that you enjoy a smooth embarkation process!

Thanks for the review! We leave in less than 2 weeks, looking forward to reading yours as my anticipation builds!

Thank you! We are on the June 27 northbound Sun itinerary with a group of 13 (2 families, 3 generations) and then 9 of us are taking the train to Anchorage to pick up RVs for Denali! So yes! This is much more than remotely helpful! I don't want it to detract from you being in the moment but to the extent you enjoy and have time to keep us updated I'll be hanging on your every word! Have a great day in Vancouver tomorrow!

So it's easy to find the flat fare info from the airport but what isn't clear is what to do if you have more than 4 people plus luggage? On one flight we'll have 5, each of us with one large bag and one carryon. On a later flight there will be 6 from our group, each with the same luggage amounts.

Does it make sense at that point to just do a car service for each group or do we just divide into two cabs per group at the airport?

Thanks for any recommendations!

So Lift won't take reservations for parties larger than 8 during their busy summer season. Cardero's can only seat us at 5:30 which is way too early given our schedule that day. I haven't called Cactus Club yet, I'd rather go somewhere that is uniquely Vancouver if possible instead of a chain restaurant but maybe I'm wrong in that?

Any other suggestions for places that are easily walkable from 1293 Robson St. for 13 people to have dinner?

Funny! http://www.sea-scanner.com/schiffsposition.php?schiff=Norwegian+Sun says ya'll are in Juneau but I didn't think the view looked right.

Awesome! I'm watching people leave for their Juneau excursions from the webcam! :-) Did ya'll get close to Hubbard? I couldn't watch much Tuesday.

We'll be on the Sun sailing NB Alaska in just over 3 weeks. I'd assumed the pools wouldn't be usable but I recently saw something on social media about the deeper pool on the Sun not being heated (and that was a complaint of the poster I think) but it implied that the other pool was?

Is that the case? Does anyone use the pools on the Norwegian Sun in Alaska? I'm bringing a bathing suit in case I'm in the mood for a hot tub but the idea of swimming is appealing if the water won't be freezing.

Thanks in advance for input!

So I'm leading a multi family multi generational trip on the June 27th sailing in less than 3 weeks. With all the buzz on here about the aft odor I checked with everyone (each couple booked their own cabins) and all but one of our cabins happened to be forward of midship. One couple was on Deck 10, right behind the aft stairwell. I suggested they move (after checking online and confirming the only category sold out was the suites) ASAP.

They called yesterday and were moved with no hassle, then today received notice they were being charged an extra $3,000 for the change this close to sailing. Luckily they hung in there and demanded accommodation and finally NCL allowed the cabin change at no charge and gave them 4 specialty restaurant meals for the hassle. According to the couple NCL DID acknowledge that they were aware of a smell issue in the aft of the ship. Not sure who they spoke to but apparently they were on the phone a long time.

Just thought I'd share in case someone else is wanting to change cabins. It's times like this I'm so thankful for cruisecritic! I'm sorry for all the folks who didn't have advance warning!

We're booked with Family Air Tours at the end of this month and he has a 24 hour free cancellation policy. If the flight is canceled due to weather (i.e. he cancels it) then you still get your money back even if it's morning of.

I have also heard that the views are actually better when it's overcast because that is when you get the amazing reflections on the water.

We're super excited and will go so long as the pilot says the conditions are safe!

Thanks!!!! I'll definitely check out Lift and CCC! You are so helpful, I really appreciate all you do to facilitate people visiting Vancouver!

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Our group of 13 people is staying at Greenbrier Hotel on Robson St. We have reservations the night before our cruise at 8:00 p.m. at The Teahouse in Stanley Park. I was originally going to make reservations for Cardero's cause that is easily walkable but they could only take us at 5:30 and that will be too early.

So, how to best move 13 people (who will have been on their feet all day) from Greenbrier to the Teahouse arriving by 7:50 and returning after dark?

Some walking is OK if it will be safe for the return but I know some in our group will not be up for a significant walk.

If two or three taxis are the best option can someone recommend a company? Or should we just let the hotel point us in the right direction?

Thanks!!!

So appreciate you doing this! We will be on the Sun from Vancouver to Seward on June 27. Looking forward to your next entry!

Oh, I'd love them too if you aren't too tired of emailing them out!

shannonvalexander AT gmail DOT com

I was on the Sun May 8-16.

One positive thing was the perfection in the laundry service! Immaculately cleaned, folded without wrinkles and delivered to the cabin in a woven basket.

Great to hear!!!! Thanks!

Did you or are you posting a review anywhere?