Alaska 2017

[Epinz300]

Anyone have any suggestions/info on NCL Sun Alaska cruise? Northbound vs. Southbound?

 

Looking into it for honeymoon this summer and trying to get as much details as possible. Also, for comparison, looking into Radiance of the Seas as well on Royal. Just not sure how ships compare from peoples experience, ports, getting to and from, etc.

 

Any info will be helpful

[GeezerCouple]

Anyone have any suggestions/info on NCL Sun Alaska cruise? Northbound vs. Southbound?

 

Looking into it for honeymoon this summer and trying to get as much details as possible. Also, for comparison, looking into Radiance of the Seas as well on Royal. Just not sure how ships compare from peoples experience, ports, getting to and from, etc.

 

Any info will be helpful

 

We did this a few months ago.

 

We chose northbound, so that the snow cover would be more as we continued rather than less.

We also went early (late May/early June) for the same reason.

 

One reason to avoid the early timing is if there are any excursions that you particularly want to do, if those have any history of not be available early in the season.

 

Also, we chose starboard side so we'd see the coast along the way north.

(Southbound, port.)

That was DEFINITELY the right choice along the coast after Glacier Bay.

The mountains along the coast were dramatice (we were blessed with very good weather, despite the predicted rain most of the time).

 

The train ride (observation cars!!!) from Seward to Anchorage was also amazing (also good weather - we were very fortunate with that).

 

We want to return :)

[casofilia]

South, if you get an extra port. We like port stops above sea days.

[BirdTravels]

We did a northbound and continued up to Denali national park. All beautiful.

 

Last year, we went over July 4th. We saw more sea life and less wildlife.

 

This year we went layer in the season (August/September) the salmon were running and we saw more bears.

[OhJinkies]

When I booked my northbound Sun cruise for this coming June, Glacier Bay was a priority for me. Glacier Bay is only available on the northbound itinerary.

 

 

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[casofilia]

Looks like a choice: Glacier Bay or Icy Strait Point?

And to do Alaska before or after the cruise?

[Epinz300]

Looks like a choice: Glacier Bay or Icy Strait Point?

And to do Alaska before or after the cruise?

 

is it worth the extra point and icy straight or is glacier bay worth staying on ship?

 

also what happens when we go to these glaciers, is there any announcement or history over the speakers?

[GeezerCouple]

As the Sun enters the start of Glacier Bay, a few rangers from the Park Service board the ship, and stay on the entire time.

They have brochures, maps, the requisite t-shirts and hats (of course), etc., and they do broadcast throughout the ship.

 

Speaking directly with them about some questions we had was the most valuable part of that.

[OhJinkies]

As the Sun enters the start of Glacier Bay, a few rangers from the Park Service board the ship, and stay on the entire time.

They have brochures, maps, the requisite t-shirts and hats (of course), etc., and they do broadcast throughout the ship.

 

Speaking directly with them about some questions we had was the most valuable part of that.

Is it true that you can hear the rangers over the in-room televisions? I plan to spend some time on my aft-facing balcony in Glacier Bay and am hoping that I can hear the commentary.

[Pitzel]

Looks like a choice: Glacier Bay or Icy Strait Point?

 

And to do Alaska before or after the cruise?

 

 

 

Absolutely pick Glacier Bay over icy straight point. No contest on that one!

 

Glacier Bay is amazing, while Icy Straight Point is a man-made tourist trap.

[Pitzel]

Anyone have any suggestions/info on NCL Sun Alaska cruise? Northbound vs. Southbound?

 

 

 

Looking into it for honeymoon this summer and trying to get as much details as possible. Also, for comparison, looking into Radiance of the Seas as well on Royal. Just not sure how ships compare from peoples experience, ports, getting to and from, etc.

 

 

 

Any info will be helpful

 

 

 

As for ships, I have never been on the Sun, so I can't comment on her. Hopefully, someone else can chime in out their experience.

 

When we went to Alaska, though, we sailed the RCCL Serenade, which is the sister ship to the Radiance. The ships were designed especially for Alaska and have lots of glass and sea views. They also have an enclosed pool area in the solarium, which makes swimming possible (otherwise, it might be chilly on the pool deck).