Sun Review May 23 sailing

[janderson2983]

I have always read these boards and appreciate the advice and knowledge given, so i feel its time to give back and give my two cents. This will be my first review and will come in small chunks as i try to do it on my breaks at work.

 

I grew up doing cruises with my family for reunions and then got my wife into cruising for our honeymoon, and now we try to do one every year. I was able to book a guarantee balcony in March and was assigned cabin 0258 within 24 hours. I found this to be a very quick assignment based on some previous threads, but it helped me begin my planing.

 

In April we bought a direct flight, round trip, from Denver to Vancouver for under $600 per person. I was happy we got them because as we approached late April and early May flight rose closer to $800 - $1000 per person. flying into Vancouver 2 days before the cruise we then started to look for places to stay. We are not opposed to using public transportation, like Vancouvers Canada Line, but found a decent deal the Regency Hyatt in downtown. This was great walking distance to everything we wanted, 10-20 minutes to Stanley Park, Canada Place, and Gastown. Plus the free bus for Capilano Bridge Park stopped right outside the hotel.

 

Ill come back later to describe our pre cruise days in Vancouver

[janderson2983]

We arrived at YVR on Saturday the 21st at 9pm. We quickly went through customs and baggage claim. It probably helped that there was only one international flight waiting for luggage. Probably no longer than 30 - 40 minutes to walk from the plane and get through it all and be in a cab heading for the hotel. After arriving to the Hyatt we settled for a drink from the bar and headed to bed, i had to be at work the day of the flight at 530am, so i was tired.

 

On Sunday we woke to nice sunny / partly cloudy weather, got some Tim Hortons from next door and went to wait for the free shuttle to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Waited about 5 minutes for the bus, i think they arrive next to the Hyatt every 15 minutes. A quick ride down Robson St and through Stanley Park and we arrived. Side note, you can buy Capilano tickets from Hyatts concierge desk and skip the line at the Park. We spent about 3 hours at the park walking all the bridges and trails, it was definitely worth the price of admission.

 

On the way back we got off at the Westin and rented bike to ride though Stanley Park. The path along the sea was longer than i thought. I couldn't believe how big the park was. We stopped at a few viewing areas and the Totem area, but missed the Aquarium.

 

We spent the rest of our evening walking along towards Canada Place to watch the 2 ships sail away. After we did Flyover Canada. Lastly for the day we went and walked Gastown to find a spot for dinner. I was very impressed with how walkable downtown Vancouver was. All i needed was an extra day or two so that we wouldn't have to rush everything in.

[janderson2983]

We left the hotel around 10 on embarkation day. Today happened to be a holiday in Canada so we easily walked from the Hyatt to Canada Place and didn't have to worry about much normal workday commute traffic on foot or by car. Walk took about 15 minutes to find porters to drop off the luggage.

 

Today looked like it was a 3 ship day, Disney, NCL, and Crystal, were all parked at Canada Place. However we never saw any signage for Crystal or many people walking on board the ship. Check in for the Sun there was almost no line. Lots of walking between different halls in Canada Place to check in, clear customs, and wait to board. Total time from bag drop to walking on board the Sun was maybe an hour. Longest part was in NCL waiting room to be cleared to board, about 30 minutes.

 

 

I forgot to mention that the day before we left for Vancouver i got an email offering an upgrade to mini suite for $200 per person. I took the upgrade and we were moved from cabin 0258 to 1005.

 

The Sun is the smallest ship we have sailed. It shows mostly in the Stardust Theatre and the Buffet. Walking aft on deck 11 can become clustered, especially at eating times. Everyone has to go through the buffet or Moderno. However you cant use the Moderno entrance after 4 because the closed it to get ready for dinner. I thought the buffet area was small and tight, add in people moving from the aft stairwells towards the pool and it becomes a mess.

 

Mini suite was a nice cabin. the large 'walk in closet' to bathroom was nice. Also to have a tub and not worry about the shower curtain clinging to you was a benefit. Shower water was always plenty warm but the water pressure was low. Couldn't imagine how long it would take to fill the tub should you want a bath.

 

Other things noticed about ship; There was a smell in the aft stairwell. Not always strong and not always there, but we would find it time from time from deck 5 all the way to deck 12. Casino got really smoky while at sea. Not just at night but even afternoon on sea days. Walking through there on port days when the casino was closed and you couldn't smoke, somehow the smell was almost gone.

[newzandile]

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

[kdani83583]

Looking forward to your review! Booked a June 2017 cruise on the Sun.

 

Kathy

[MrHaney]

Please tell us more. We have an Alaskan cruise booked on the Sun and after reading recent reviews, I am beginning to wish I had chosen another ship. I don't handle stinky overflowing toilets very well and it seems they are unable to fix this problem.

[janderson2983]

Please tell us more. We have an Alaskan cruise booked on the Sun and after reading recent reviews, I am beginning to wish I had chosen another ship. I don't handle stinky overflowing toilets very well and it seems they are unable to fix this problem.

 

The weird part about the smell was that it was mostly just the aft stairwell area. You could smell it sometimes as you entered the Stardust Theater, but not when you were in the seats. Also i feel like the restrooms near the aft stairwells didn't have the smell inside, it seamed to be just the public area around the stairs.

[janderson2983]

The weather on the cruise was fantastic. I would guess everyday temperature was between 55 - 60 for the high and had cloudy mornings and mostly sunny afternoons.

 

In Sitka the ship docked to the north of town. Nothing to do at the port and there were free buses to take you to downtown Sitka. There was a Celebrity or HAL ship that was in port. They were parked in the bay near downtown and used tenders. We did the Ocean Raft Adventures shore excursion through the ship. It was a very cool experience to be in such a small raft. We saw lots of sea otters and birds on the tour. We were hoping to see more wild life, but this was the only day we saw significant rain. While we were on the excursion we had heavy rain for about 15 minutes. The highlight of the excursion was Saint Lazaria Island. We sailed all around it. It was volcanic rock island but had lots of green moss and trees and cave. Once back in town and near where the SUN docked you could see bald eagles everywhere. They would just hang out on electrical poles, stumps and in trees. Didn't even need binoculars.

[janderson2983]

In Juneau we docked at AJ dock. I think there were 4 ships in port today and Carnival was having to tender. Again NCL ran a free shuttle from our dock to the parking lot next to Mt. Roberts Tramway. Today was another cloudy morning but cleared up quick. We chose the Whale Watching and Wildlife Quest through NCL.

 

Bus trip from AJ dock to Allen Marie took about 20 minutes. Along the way we saw several bald eagles again and got a quick glimpse of Mendenhall Glacier from the road. We spent the first hour on the water trying to get to an area of killer whales. We saw one humpback along the way, but didn't stop for it. After the long chase we found two killer whales and watched them for a while. Really cool to be able to see 'Shamoo' in the wild. On the way back to the Allen Marine we saw and stopped to watch a humpback whale. He was more stubborn and didn't surface much, but did do two dives to show his tail.

 

We had 11 hours in port today so after the whale watching we did some shopping along the streets down town. Did drink and eat at Red Dog Saloon. It was typical touristy bar with over priced food and drink, but an entertaining atmosphere and piano player. Found a local bar a couple of blocks away and was able to watch NHL and NBA playoffs and drink cheaper.

[Knobhdy]

@janderson2983, do you have copies of the dailies from your cruise? I'd love to see them.

If you're willing, please email to cruiseinfota@gmail.com.

[suzycruise]

Please tell us more. We have an Alaskan cruise booked on the Sun and after reading recent reviews, I am beginning to wish I had chosen another ship. I don't handle stinky overflowing toilets very well and it seems they are unable to fix this problem.

I was on the May 8-16, 2016 post dry dock sailing on the Sun.

The sewage smell was ripe on port days. I was in 9072 aft/port and had the awful smell in my cabin as well as in the aft hallways. This problem has been ongoing. I don't think the smell is from overflowing toilets. My cabin was always clean with great water pressure and no toilet issues. The smell comes from the air vents.

[spedrson]

I'm loving your review! We'll be on the Sun in 39 days!!!

[Kalynda]

Would you mind sending the dailies to me? (if you have them) ? :)

thanks!

Chelseabelliveau@gmail.com

[janderson2983]

@janderson2983, do you have copies of the dailies from your cruise? I'd love to see them.

If you're willing, please email to cruiseinfota@gmail.com.

 

I didn't keep any of the Dailies. Nighttime entertainment had shows in the Stardust theater at 7pm and 9pm. There was usually some sort of game show in Dazzles every night around 8pm and 10pm. I think the Windjammer had music start at the top of every hour, lasting 45 minutes, starting at 6 pm and would go til midnight. Karaoke would take place in Las Ramblas every night around 930pm. I think there may have been more music in the Observation lounge and the atrium area, but we never did those.

[janderson2983]

Glacier Bay was a beautiful day. Sunshine all day and temperatures around 60. I believe we picked the up the pilot or nature guide around 7am, and weren't scheduled to get to Margerie Glacier until 10. Since we had a balcony we slept in a bit and watch from the comfort of our cabin. The nature guide information was played through the cabin televisions on the bow camera channel. Around 1030 we went up to the outside portion of the observation lounge and had no problem finding a spot along the rail to get photos. We were able to see several chunks of glacier fall off and splash into the bay.

 

After leaving the 1st glacier we sailed around Russel Island to try and see wildlife. I guess early in the morning there were bears to be spotted, but nothing in the afternoon. We then sailed to the Johns Hopkins Glacier. Again on the way out we sailed along the eastern portion of the park hoping to see more wildlife, but i never saw anything. I also didn't have binoculars, but those around me that did never seamed excited. With the slow speed of the ship leaving towards the park entrance there was almost no breeze across the pool deck, so I was able to lay out, read and swim on an Alaskan cruise! A lot of the deck chairs began to fill up, though there we not as many chairs and loungers pool side as a Caribbean cruise. The park ranger/nature guide gave a talk in the Stardust theater around 1pm. It was around 3 - 330pm that we dropped the park rangers off and officially left the national park.

[BlueLadyBlue]

Following:)

[MrHaney]

Thank you all for the additional info about the ongoing smell on parts of the ship. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that NCL will get whatever it is fixed soon. I hope everyone that had to endure it will call NCL and complain.

[janderson2983]

In Ketchikan we woke to clouds surrounding the mountains making look like it would be a rainy day. Well, we got spots of sunshine and a light drizzle, just enough to wet the ground, which only lasted 10 - 15 minutes. In port today was just the SUN and Disney Wonder.

 

We didn't plan any excursions today, just planed to walk the town and eat lunch. After buying some gifts we ate at the Crab Cracker. Its right next to the Alaska Fish House and Lumberjack show. Food was good. Had different types of crab to eat, as well as salmon and halibut dishes. Town never felt crowded despite its size and two ships in town.

[cheryl2013]

My husband and I were on the May 23 Sun cruise to Alaska in balcony room 8274. The smell in the room, hallways, and aft staircases was horrible. It smelled like sewage! I went to guest services immediately and they informed me the our cruise was fully booked and they can't do anything but come clean and refresh the room. All they did was spray air freshener and put down carpet powder to hide the smell. The smell was back a few hours later. I called down to guest services because I didn't want to waste 20 mins standing in line again. This time they sent a steward to the room and asked us where the smell was coming from. He said he didn't smell anything and he left. I asked a steward in the hallway if he smelled the horrible smell and he laughed and said he was used to it now. It was very noticeable when we were out on the balcony and came inside or if we were mid-ship and walked to aft ship. LONG STORY SHORT THE ENTIRE AFT PART OF THE SHIP SMELLED LIKE ****! Customer service wouldn't do anything about it. We got back home and I called NCL. I waited over 30 mins on hold, got disconnected, then waited another 35 mins and got to talk to a customer service agent. She told me I have to write a letter and mail it in or submit an online claim and it would be 15-20 days processing time before a customer service agent can respond to the claim. I am so upset with NCL right now, and the smell was very noticeable in our room and the whole aft part of the ship and customer service doesn't care at all. If you are on the aft part of the ship bring some febreze or air fresheners with you!

[4774Papa]

My husband and I were on the May 23 Sun cruise to Alaska in balcony room 8274. The smell in the room, hallways, and aft staircases was horrible. It smelled like sewage! I went to guest services immediately and they informed me the our cruise was fully booked and they can't do anything but come clean and refresh the room. All they did was spray air freshener and put down carpet powder to hide the smell. The smell was back a few hours later. I called down to guest services because I didn't want to waste 20 mins standing in line again. This time they sent a steward to the room and asked us where the smell was coming from. He said he didn't smell anything and he left. I asked a steward in the hallway if he smelled the horrible smell and he laughed and said he was used to it now. It was very noticeable when we were out on the balcony and came inside or if we were mid-ship and walked to aft ship. LONG STORY SHORT THE ENTIRE AFT PART OF THE SHIP SMELLED LIKE ****! Customer service wouldn't do anything about it. We got back home and I called NCL. I waited over 30 mins on hold, got disconnected, then waited another 35 mins and got to talk to a customer service agent. She told me I have to write a letter and mail it in or submit an online claim and it would be 15-20 days processing time before a customer service agent can respond to the claim. I am so upset with NCL right now, and the smell was very noticeable in our room and the whole aft part of the ship and customer service doesn't care at all. If you are on the aft part of the ship bring some febreze or air fresheners with you!

 

We are booked in an aft balcony 9277 that is on the starboard side. I always wanted an aft balcony on an Alaskan cruise. Now, after reading your post and several reviews, I wonder if I should try to move to another cabin?

 

The Sun was just in dry dock. Why didn't they fix the problem?

[janderson2983]

Disembarking in Vancouver was much quick than some of my previous experiences in Miami. We chose luggage tags to leave the ship around 845am. We didn't have anywhere to be since our flight home wasn't until 230pm. I think the last luggage tags were around 930am, with the ship excursion transfers starting around 9am. They were very good and on time about announcing which colored tags could get off the ship. They only thing is it wasn't broadcast through the TV in the cabin, you had to be in a public area.

 

After finish breakfast at 9am, we walked off to claim our bags. We never stopped moving except for a short moment to swipe our key card to leave the ship. I think it may have took 30 minutes to leave the buffet, grab luggage, clear customs and be outside of Canada Place. In port was the SUN and Disney Wonder.

 

Our original plan was to take a cab from Canada Place to the airport, or even Canada Line, however left two shirts at Hyatt before the cruise so we walked back to get those. Cab line at Canada Place looked like you had to zigzag quite a few times before hailing a cab. No line once we got to Hyatt. Maybe forgetting my shirts was worth it.

 

We arrived at the airport around 1045am. United didn't allow check-in until 3 hours before your flight. So we waited in the food court area, with lots of other cruisers and their luggage. But they had free wifi, so that was nice.

Longest part of the day was after checking in for our flight, took just over an hour to clear security and US customs.

 

Overall it was a great trip. Would i cruise Alaska again...absolutely. Would i cruise the SUN again...probably not. I preferred the size of the Pearl better, and j have had no issues with RCCLs Freedom class ships. I would still like to try the Breakaway or Breakaway Plus class and see if that would be to large for me or not.

[MrHaney]

Thank you for posting about your cruise. Sounds like you had a wonderful time. So happy for you!

[MrHaney]

My husband and I were on the May 23 Sun cruise to Alaska in balcony room 8274. The smell in the room, hallways, and aft staircases was horrible. It smelled like sewage! I went to guest services immediately and they informed me the our cruise was fully booked and they can't do anything but come clean and refresh the room. All they did was spray air freshener and put down carpet powder to hide the smell. The smell was back a few hours later. I called down to guest services because I didn't want to waste 20 mins standing in line again. This time they sent a steward to the room and asked us where the smell was coming from. He said he didn't smell anything and he left. I asked a steward in the hallway if he smelled the horrible smell and he laughed and said he was used to it now. It was very noticeable when we were out on the balcony and came inside or if we were mid-ship and walked to aft ship. LONG STORY SHORT THE ENTIRE AFT PART OF THE SHIP SMELLED LIKE ****! Customer service wouldn't do anything about it. We got back home and I called NCL. I waited over 30 mins on hold, got disconnected, then waited another 35 mins and got to talk to a customer service agent. She told me I have to write a letter and mail it in or submit an online claim and it would be 15-20 days processing time before a customer service agent can respond to the claim. I am so upset with NCL right now, and the smell was very noticeable in our room and the whole aft part of the ship and customer service doesn't care at all. If you are on the aft part of the ship bring some febreze or air fresheners with you!

I called NCL pre-cruise guest services today and asked what they were doing about fixing this problem. At first she said they were unaware of the issue, but when I told her there were several complaints in online reviews and that raw sewage presented a health risk, she put me on hold to check on it. She came back to the phone in about 5 minutes and said she had found where they were aware of it and were working to correct it. She assured me it would be fixed by the time of our cruise in July. I told her I would be keeping an eye on reviews to see if the complaints continued.

[iKarenE]

We are also in 9277 but not until next year! From what I read the smell is near the aft stairwell and comes and goes. I have read almost all positive reviews of the aft facing cabins so I am remaining optimistic and hoping for the best. 4774Papa please let me know how it is there after you get back. Thanks.

[Musigurl]

For the OP -- you were able to swim? Are you just tough/brave, or are the pools heated?