(Semi?) - Live From the Sun | Panama Canal | MIA to SEA 04/21 - 05/11

[smillerholmes]

On 5/6/2023 at 5:54 PM, ChiefMateJRK said:

Have you listened to any of the musical acts in the lounges and smaller venues?  If so, how were they?  We'll be on the Sun in couple of months.

OK - the last few nights in the Atrium I have listened to a band called 2 Intense.  Pretty good. They were covering some 70's hits.  There was lots of grooving even those with scooters.  

 

Tonight I am going to see Shaun Brown: The Prince of Motown....

[Jordan61]

16 minutes ago, smillerholmes said:

I can tell you there are many on this cruise that are going on to Alaska - I have spoken to several couples that are B2B2(infinity) I lost track...they've been on a loooong time.

 

Wow, that's interesting.

[smillerholmes]

Day 16 - Sea Day

#Coronation

#Kentucky Derby

 

Up early to watch the Brits do their thing.  They never disappoint.  Nothing is left to chance.  No detail is too small.  Just awesome to watch.

So, I was kind of disappointed there was no special food served in the Sports Bar where the Coronation was being shown, I had made the suggestion on the Dear Brian notepads that are available for guests.  However, when I went back to my room there was a huge platter of sandwiches, scones and tea.  I was so surprised and speechless - very classy.  He sent enough food for at least 6 people so I felt kind of bad about the waste, but he certainly personalized my cruise experience and I will never forget that feeling.  Well done!

 

I needed a nap, so I missed the art auction - dang it!

 

Woke up in time to watch the Derby so that was pretty cool.  Went up to the Sports Bar again to see if there was anything special - kinda dead, nobody even getting in the mood with a mint julep.  I watched the Derby in my cabin.  

 

Checked with Guest Services because I had not received any info regarding Dining with the Officers.  They had my invite all typed up, it was scheduled for delivery just a little bit later.   Sea Days are my favorite.  You just never know how they are going to turn out.

[smillerholmes]

Day 17 - Sea Day redux

 

Up early to the Casino.  I won a few hundred on my preferred machine I decided to switch it up and let's just say they handed me another tax form for my troubles. 😁  So yay!

 

I am ashamed to say I spent the entire day in the Casino and I only left because it was time to get ready for my dinner with the Officers.

 

18:00 - Seven Seas

There were 5 guests cards but only 3 guests showed up.  One officer - The Art Auctioneer.  So it was super interesting for me, I don't think the other couple enjoyed it as much as I did.

 

A pretty good day all around.

 

 

 

[smillerholmes]

Day 18 - Sea Day (3)

 

Admission:  I suck at this.  I have no idea what I was thinking.  Could I  be interesting or make the Sun interesting for 20 days?  This is hard (for me) and I admire those that are able to delve into every detail of the ship and cruising. I have no idea how to relay the information without simply detailing my day and hoping some share my same interests.  

 

Those that are still following along I hope I provided some info to help you on your next cruise adventure.

 

Tonight I am going to LeBistro because I do like the fois gras....

 

 

[smillerholmes]

58 minutes ago, smillerholmes said:

Sorry for the late response.  I asked, they don't have the manifest yet, but they expect to have it on Wednesday.  I will check back and try to get that info for you.  

 

I can tell you there are many on this cruise that are going on to Alaska - I have spoken to several couples that are B2B2(infinity) I lost track...they've been on a loooong time.

As I sit here next to the CruiseNext guy a couple just came up and asked if they could book for the next segment.   There is one Inside Cabin left and 5 Ocean View.  Prepare for a full ship.

[nslatin]

Thanks for the update.  That gives us a general idea of what to expect.

 

B2B is a loooong cruise.  32 days on board.  I'm not sure that I could do that, but have often thought about cruising this itinerary.  

[smillerholmes]

Since we are close to the end here I wanted to comment on service levels around the ship.

 

Cabin - I am firmly in the *prefer two times a day* cabin service camp. Upon meeting my attendant I asked for ice every day and a towel animal if he had time. He said no problem and I gave him a Vegas handshake upfront. So I was really paying attention to cleaning times and all the details surrounding this service. My cabin was generally completed between 11 and 1. I have ice to last me through the night and an outstanding collection of towel animals. 

 

I guess I've been converted??? I travel alone, but I have noted no discernible drop off on that front. I realize if there were more people in the cabin I might feel differently. 

[smillerholmes]

MDR's 

Staff is pleasant and helpful. They tend to work in teams so "glitches" happen. I've seen a few people getting testy with their servers. It just occurred to me I've only seen this behavior in the mornings. 🤔 I have had no issues with service. 

 

All my coffee fans out there. Do yourself a favor and switch to tea for a while if you are on the Sun. Yep. It is that bad.

 

Buffet - small, but efficient is how I would describe it.  Pretty good vaiety of choices. Seating is poor, but that's a design issue. Lots of wait staff to assist those needing help preparing their plates and transporting food for guests to table. 

 

Specialty Dining - so far I've done Cagneys (2), LaCucina and LeBistro.  Again, no service issues. I'm sad about the potatoes in Cagneys and the Coq Au Vin in Le Bistro, but those are recipe changes. 

 

And I don't typically take pictures of food, but I did get a pic of the tray the General Manager sent for the coronation before I did too much damage. 

 

[smillerholmes]

We are having a course change to Eureka, CA. There is a guest needing immediate medical evacuation and that is the closest port available. 

 

No flash photography when the Coast Guard helicopter shows up please.

[smillerholmes]

They asked guests on 8, 9 and 10 to not go out on their balconies. 

 

Pretty interesting...

[ChiefMateJRK]

6 hours ago, smillerholmes said:

OK - the last few nights in the Atrium I have listened to a band called 2 Intense.  Pretty good. They were covering some 70's hits.  There was lots of grooving even those with scooters.  

 

Tonight I am going to see Shaun Brown: The Prince of Motown....

Thanks.  Please let me know what else you experience.  70's hits (non-pop) are my favorites and good Motown is great.😎

[smillerholmes]

18 minutes ago, smillerholmes said:

We are having a course change to Eureka, CA. There is a guest needing immediate medical evacuation and that is the closest port available. 

 

No flash photography when the Coast Guard helicopter shows up please.

Guests on outdoor decks 11 and 12 have been asked to stay well clear of the aft area. We are still expecting to arrive in Victoria at 9am on Wednesday. 

[www3traveler]

10 minutes ago, smillerholmes said:

Guests on outdoor decks 11 and 12 have been asked to stay well clear of the aft area. We are still expecting to arrive in Victoria at 9am on Wednesday. 

 

30 minutes ago, smillerholmes said:

We are having a course change to Eureka, CA. There is a guest needing immediate medical evacuation and that is the closest port available. 

 

No flash photography when the Coast Guard helicopter shows up please.

WOW!!!  Praying all goes well for the passenger needing assistance, thier family or travel companions, the Sun's crew and of course the Coast Guard helicopter crew.  How very sad to end this wonderful cruise this way.

[smillerholmes]

8 minutes ago, www3traveler said:

 

WOW!!!  Praying all goes well for the passenger needing assistance, thier family or travel companions, the Sun's crew and of course the Coast Guard helicopter crew.  How very sad to end this wonderful cruise this way.

Evacuation completed successfully. 

[Jordan61]

1 hour ago, smillerholmes said:

We are having a course change to Eureka, CA. There is a guest needing immediate medical evacuation and that is the closest port available. 

 

No flash photography when the Coast Guard helicopter shows up please.

 

Husband was stationed there twice in his 25 year career. Hope the passenger is okay.

[IsanTom]

13 hours ago, smillerholmes said:

Day 17 - Sea Day redux

 

Up early to the Casino.  I won a few hundred on my preferred machine I decided to switch it up and let's just say they handed me another tax form for my troubles. 😁  So yay!

 

I am ashamed to say I spent the entire day in the Casino and I only left because it was time to get ready for my dinner with the Officers.

 

18:00 - Seven Seas

There were 5 guests cards but only 3 guests showed up.  One officer - The Art Auctioneer.  So it was super interesting for me, I don't think the other couple enjoyed it as much as I did.

 

A pretty good day all around.

 

 

 

The Art Auctioneer is an Officer? Interesting!

[cruiseny4life]

I don't know about others, but I'm loving your live. You're living your best cruising life, letting us know when interesting things happen - like lack of power, Coast Guard hospitals, and trays of tea, scones and crumpets! That tea plate looks amazing. I am definitely jealous. There's just something about afternoon tea that makes me all giggly and excited. 

 

And, it sounds like the end of your cruise is wrapping up better than the beginning started, especially with your slot machine luck. Congrats on filling out tax forms, and I hope you have many more! Who ever wishes that, eh? 

 

Keep on having a blast onboard! 

[www3traveler]

Yes, Thank you for taking the time out of your cruise to post your adventures.

 

Brain Walters has been with NCL for many many years and is orginally from Jamaica (British West Indies.  In my book, worth of a "Vacation Hero" card.  Very sweet and kind gentleman.

[Warbird]

Two questions please, in regards to the Muster Drill, what was the procedure this time around and the cabin steward duties.  To my understanding the cabin stewards only service your cabin one time a day.  Can one pick the morning or turn down in the early evening?  Someone else has mentioned that the cabin stewards work a straight shift meaning they have no time off in the afternoon to go ashore.  That would be tough on the cabin steward in my opinion.  Briefly, can you correct me on my understanding and describe what we can expect from the cabin steward now?  TYIA

[www3traveler]

Welcome to the beautiful city of Seattle.

I pray that each of you have a safe and uneventful journey to your home.

[Crown Vic]

On 5/8/2023 at 4:40 PM, smillerholmes said:

Day 16 - Sea Day

#Coronation

#Kentucky Derby

 

Up early to watch the Brits do their thing.  They never disappoint.  Nothing is left to chance.  No detail is too small.  Just awesome to watch.

 

Coronation was to be shown in the Bliss Lounge…60 of the Faithful gathered…starting at 1.30 a.m…but…the feed was lost at 3.03 a.m. local time. 

[smillerholmes]

On 5/9/2023 at 3:55 PM, Warbird said:

Two questions please, in regards to the Muster Drill, what was the procedure this time around and the cabin steward duties.  To my understanding the cabin stewards only service your cabin one time a day.  Can one pick the morning or turn down in the early evening?  Someone else has mentioned that the cabin stewards work a straight shift meaning they have no time off in the afternoon to go ashore.  That would be tough on the cabin steward in my opinion.  Briefly, can you correct me on my understanding and describe what we can expect from the cabin steward now?  TYIA

Once on the ship you were immediately directed to your Muster Station. The stations are mostly outside and there was a crew member there to ensure you had watched the video and could locate your station if necessary.

 

There was no formal option to choose between morning and evening service, but I am betting you could tell your cabin steward to make your cabin last if you wanted evening service (before 5pm)- I don't think there's a good way to ensure morning service.  

 

I noted no change in service levels and I was even able to get towel animals and ice every day. YMMV.

[smillerholmes]

On 5/9/2023 at 12:37 PM, www3traveler said:

Yes, Thank you for taking the time out of your cruise to post your adventures.

 

Brain Walters has been with NCL for many many years and is orginally from Jamaica (British West Indies.  In my book, worth of a "Vacation Hero" card.  Very sweet and kind gentleman.

He got a card and a personal thank you note.

[smillerholmes]

Day 19 - Another Sea Day!

 

What can I say, again I spent most of the day in the Casino and earned yet another tax form.  😀   I broke up the monotony with an art auction and lunch.  I loooove sea days!  The Freestyle Daily had lots to do with a high focus on shopping and the constant reminders that this was the *last* day.  I had breakfast with a lovely couple - they mentioned a Med cruise in the fall, what a coinky-dink (11/2 - 11/12) on the Breakaway - small world.  I am booked on that one as well.