Sweet Sun Suite

[Deadskins]

We just finished the May 11 Sun Alaska cruise out of Vancouver, in AD suite 8002. Here are the details. (We were quite happy.)

 

Embarkation: Took about an hour at 12:30, because of Vancouver security and about a million people trying to enter at once. Once through security, we were met and briefed by the Concierge, Ericka, and all went smoothly. We were then escorted to our cabin where all our bags were ready for us.

 

Debarkation: Ericka had it all planned and, with VIP tags on our bags, we left our cabin at 8:00 AM and were through security with all bags and in a taxi by 8:15. Had we wished, we could have left later. But, the 8:00 time was reserved for VIPs and handicapped. There was also a 7:30 express for those carrying all their bags.

 

Suites and VIPs: (We did not realize how good this was going to be when we booked.) On the Sun, the residents of the 20 suites (AA-AE) are considered VIPs. You get issued a silver ID card, that we later learned means we were in the VIP category. The Concierge, Ericka, is dedicated to the VIPs and is your contact for anything you want other than cabin food. She met with us at Breakfast and lunch daily, plus called us personally when something of interest was about to happen, like when the ship was sailing by a pod of whales. She also made all our reservations for dinner and reserved seating at shows. We had a couple of minor problems during the week with our cabin. We called, left a message, and they were corrected in minutes. She would later make a follow-up call to verify. There are two butlers, with each assigned to ten cabins. Naveen, our butler, was excellent and made sure all was correct in our cabin. Each day, we ordered in-cabin snacks for the following day and coffee and pastries for pre-breakfast (yes, we ate two breakfasts.) He also delivered movie CDs that we selected from our cabin book. On early shore days, he also delivered breakfast earlier than normal so we could get going. In addition to the embarkation champagne and chocolate strawberries, we also got a bottle of wine and coupon for another bottle at one of the restaurants. At no time did we ever ask for the room to be made up. We would simply leave and come back and everything was cleaned and back to normal.

 

Cabin 8002: This was a very nice cabin with more than enough storage space for our five bags. I had about four feet of closet plus four drawers for my jeans and shirts and one suite. The wife had at least double that amount. The marble double sink and large medicine cabinet was more than adequate. The separate Jacuzzi type bath was fine for one person and the separate shower and toilet areas adequate. The double shower doors are held together by a magnet and came apart during slightly rolling seas. The wife used her hair clip to hold them together. The one really annoying item was the hair dryer. They supply you with a 220V hair dryer. But, it only works in the cabin. There are 110V plugs in bathroom, but, no 110V dryer. Had we known, we would have brought our own 110V dryer. So, to dry her hair, she had to go into the cabin. (She tried getting me to take a bath while she dried her hair. But, the cord was to short for her to throw it into the bath tub.) The main cabin had two beds put together to form a comfortable king size bed, with probably ten lamps and lights all over. The standard TV and VCR were OK, with a seven speaker surround sound. Except for movies on sea days, we did not do much TV watching. The whole front of the cabin was basically a wall of windows with a great view. This was especially nice during cooler weather and the two days of showers. We found we could leave the balcony doors open and little breeze came in when under way, except the day when there was a 20+ wind. Being on the forward part of the ship, the rolling was significant in the 4-7 foot seas we had one day. But, we just went to La Adagio for a two hour lunch, where it was smooth sailing. The balcony was really, really nice. Measuring about 17x12 feet, it held two lounge chairs, a small table, two chairs and a large table, with plenty of spare room to walk around. There was complete privacy except when standing by the railing, when you could see the passengers above you. (We traded cameras and took each others picture.) There was no one below and the forward part of the ship that you see in the web cam is completely off limits to passengers and crew, except when one guy goes out to raise the flag. We had a lot of great views and drinks. All passengers should definitely bring separate, good binoculars. Because of the angled front of the balcony, most of the wind is diverted upwards. As the balcony is three feet high and solid steel, there is no problem with kids or tipsy visitors. The wife figured out that placing a couch pillow on the seats raised you high enough to see over the rail. This was especially important after multiple drinks.

 

Meals: We did not eat any breakfasts or lunches at any of the public restaurants or bars! One of the best kept secrets of the VIP suites is that you get full served meals in the Il Adagio. This is a very nice place with the best side views on the ship. Imagine having your breakfast served sitting in a very nice booth or window side table for two with either table looking out on the Alaskan scenery. In addition to your choice of a full menu normally available at the best restaurants, there was always a full array of fruits, meats, salmon, cheeses and pastry to select from. We varied between coffee, espresso and cappuccino (or two). There were seven different lunch menus, all superb. As breakfast was served between 6:30 and 10 and lunch was served between 11 and 2, there were typically less than ten couples in the restaurant. We were normally met by the Concierge prior to or during both meals, where she inquired about our evening plans and whether we would need reservations.

 

Evening Meals: Because this was an early cruise, there were only 2200 passengers filling all cabins. This meant that the public restaurants were never packed. On two nights, we just walked in and were seated immediately. We had Ericka make reservations twice for us and even had her change the times, and still had great seats. (Tip: Don’t schedule a dinner before 8 on the night you cruise to the glacier.) On two other nights, we walked up to a private restaurant and asked to be seated. Upon being informed there were no tables for some time, I showed my silver ID card and they immediately seated us. The other option would have been to call the concierge, who would have made us immediate reservations. On another night, we had dinner at the Captains table.

 

Excursions: We made the decision to budget extra dollars for the suite versus extravagant shore excursions. However, we really lucked out on the excursions. At Ketchikan, we did the Eagles, Totem Poles and Light House boat, which was only half full, because of the early season. It was fantastic as we spotted over fifty eagles and 15 nests, followed by lunch at Il Adagio. At Juneau we booked a private cruise with Captain Jack (Captain USCG-Retired) of the Scania. Force 8 gale winds were forecast for the afternoon. However, our morning cruise was on calm waters with lots of whale sightings, followed by lunch at Il Adagio as we left port. This was our favorite tour. Most of the morning plane and helicopter tour were grounded. At Skagway, we had 20-30 mph winds and again flights were cancelled. However, we had booked the White Pass morning train. With clear skies it was fantastic. After lunch at Il Adagio, we went on the streetcar tour followed by a mandatory shopping spree.

 

Glacier Viewing: Although we could not get close to the Glacier because of an early season ice flow, the view was still terrific and the 25 mile trip up the narrow fjord very memorable, especially in a forward facing cabin.

 

Conclusion: We had a budget, which we exceeded, and decided to get a suite with excellent views and space but with limited excursions versus a room with balcony and more extravagant excursions. As it turned out, the helicopter and plane excursions we would have selected were cancelled due to weather (this is Alaska). We did not really comprehend the advantages of the suite or great the views from both the suite and at breakfast and lunch would be. If we had it to do over again, we would do the same. If we had to do it over again with a higher budget to break, we would probably get the AB suite with both rear and side balconies.

:o

[Fishbait17]

Thanks for the great review! We are in the process of booking a last minute AK cruise on the Sun, and it should be finally booked by tomorrow. I have two questions for you....

 

Did your suite have an updated coffee machine or still the old fashioned Mr. Coffee-like maker? Freestyle 2.0 states that they are adding these machines to all the ships, and a good cup of coffee is important to us (we drink cappu's all day long in our suite, esp in Alaska). Just wondering whether to bother bringing the beans.

 

Also, you mention the AB suite (at the end). We are probably booking an AC, because of the aft location, but also because there is very little info out there on the Sun AB.. Did you actually see the suite? Did it have 2 balconies really, like the AA on the Jewel class ships? We have sailed in the Sun AA and also the AA on the Pearl and Jewel. The website shows the AB as one large room (not even 2 rooms like the Sun AC or AA), with only a single balcony, but I know that the often the site puts the wrong floorplan under cabins. If you (or anyone) can tell me the actual layout of the AB, please let me know!!! Even if we decide on the AC this time, we will be sailing again on October and would love to know!

 

Robin

[Deadskins]

Robin,

 

While they had Freestyle 2.0 in the food department, the cabin had not been upgraded yet. I believe the beds are on order. Hopefully, they will replace the TV with a flat screen.

The coffee maker is still a Mister Coffee type. (You could bring your own. There is a 110V plug next to it.) My wife was brewing some when the Butler dropped by with our 5 o’clock snack (you have a choice of 5 or 10 PM). He could have brought some fresh brewed if she asked. A confusing price policy was we could ask for Espresso or Cappuccino while at Il Adagio for breakfast/lunch. But, it was an extra cost if we asked for it via room service. At the opposite end, the room service OJ was free, and good. But, the Il Adagio OJ was fresh squeezed and they charged for it.

A couple with an AB suite told us they had an aft suite with both side and back views that were fantastic. But, we never got up there. We really did like where we were going and it was extremely quiet. Also, there was very little hall traffic up front as there is no where to go except cabins.

[mpk218]

The Ab suites on the Sun are up front . They are nice , but give me an Aft AC any day:D

 

mpk

[jeannL]

I enjoyed reading your review! Now I really wish I had a suite! The perks sound great.

[Fishbait17]

Robin,

 

While they had Freestyle 2.0 in the food department, the cabin had not been upgraded yet. I believe the beds are on order. Hopefully, they will replace the TV with a flat screen.

 

The coffee maker is still a Mister Coffee type. (You could bring your own. There is a 110V plug next to it.) My wife was brewing some when the Butler dropped by with our 5 o’clock snack (you have a choice of 5 or 10 PM). He could have brought some fresh brewed if she asked. A confusing price policy was we could ask for Espresso or Cappuccino while at Il Adagio for breakfast/lunch. But, it was an extra cost if we asked for it via room service. At the opposite end, the room service OJ was free, and good. But, the Il Adagio OJ was fresh squeezed and they charged for it.

 

A couple with an AB suite told us they had an aft suite with both side and back views that were fantastic. But, we never got up there. We really did like where we were going and it was extremely quiet. Also, there was very little hall traffic up front as there is no where to go except cabins.

 

Thanks so much for your prompt reply! Too bad about the coffee machines; I so much like the ones on the Jewel class ships - was really hoping they were on the Sun by now... I guess we will just order coffee by the pot and add some special "mixers" to it ;) . The TV does seem like a small issue, but we are "cabin-bodies". In the AA on the Sun, the bedroom TV was so bad, it had colored lines and waves on the screen, and sometimes it was hard to follow what you were seeing.. I guess we don't watch all that much TV really, so it didn't bother me that much.. Hoping the beds get there soon, but as long as they have the new bedding, I thought the beds themselves not too bad!

 

My guess is that the other couple was actually in an AC, if it was aft. It has one balcony, that kind of wraps around a bit to the side. That's the cabin we are booking for Alaska, but it's not available for our next possible sailing, hence the AB questions. That AB is one elusive bugger; can't seem to get much info on it at all!

 

Thanks again!

 

Robin

[aggiesmom]

What time would you recommend a family to be at Canadian Place to embarq. Leaving on the 25th on the Sun but arriving by train from Seattle. Wasn't sure if there was time to get a little Vancouver sight seeing before we had to check in. Train arrives around 11:30 a.m.

 

Next time I will get a suite based on your wonderful review. :D

[mpk218]

Thanks so much for your prompt reply! Too bad about the coffee machines; I so much like the ones on the Jewel class ships - was really hoping they were on the Sun by now... I guess we will just order coffee by the pot and add some special "mixers" to it ;) . The TV does seem like a small issue, but we are "cabin-bodies". In the AA on the Sun, the bedroom TV was so bad, it had colored lines and waves on the screen, and sometimes it was hard to follow what you were seeing.. I guess we don't watch all that much TV really, so it didn't bother me that much.. Hoping the beds get there soon, but as long as they have the new bedding, I thought the beds themselves not too bad!

 

My guess is that the other couple was actually in an AC, if it was aft. It has one balcony, that kind of wraps around a bit to the side. That's the cabin we are booking for Alaska, but it's not available for our next possible sailing, hence the AB questions. That AB is one elusive bugger; can't seem to get much info on it at all!

 

Thanks again!

 

Robin

 

What would you like to know ?

[Deadskins]

Aggiesmom,

 

If you are not getting there until 11:30, you should just go ahead and check in. They did have a sampling of restaurants in the afternoon.

We got there Saturday night and had a pleasant morning at Granville Island. Then, we spent the debarkation Sunday at Stanley Park and Gastown. If you can get all your bags off yourselves, they let you leave at 7:30 AM.

[Fishbait17]

What would you like to know ?

 

Hehehe, MPK to the rescue, AGAIN! You have been so helpful for so many of my cruises.....

 

Just curious about the layout.. It sells for higher than the AC, and states that it has more square footage, but in the NCL pic, it looks about the same size and layout of the AD. Is it a 2 room suite like the AC or one room like the AD? If it's one room, how spacious does it feel (say, compared to an AC on Jewel class ships, which it reminds me of)? Does the balcony actually wrap around to the sides like on the deck plans? Are there windows in the bathroom (a big plus for me lol, I have no idea why I like them so much)? Generally, I have found that pictures say a thousand words, but I have been unable to find pics of a Sun AB anywhere I have looked... On the Sun site, yesterday the room layout showed the same as the AD, today the AD layout is unavailable, so I don't remember which it is lol. I just find that it looks odd, not nearly as nice as the lower priced AC and faaaar below the AA. I just wonder why it sells for so much more than the AC....

 

Robin

[electricron]

Hehehe, MPK to the rescue, AGAIN! You have been so helpful for so many of my cruises.....

 

Just curious about the layout.. It sells for higher than the AC, and states that it has more square footage, but in the NCL pic, it looks about the same size and layout of the AD. Is it a 2 room suite like the AC or one room like the AD? If it's one room, how spacious does it feel (say, compared to an AC on Jewel class ships, which it reminds me of)? Does the balcony actually wrap around to the sides like on the deck plans? Are there windows in the bathroom (a big plus for me lol, I have no idea why I like them so much)? Generally, I have found that pictures say a thousand words, but I have been unable to find pics of a Sun AB anywhere I have looked... On the Sun site, yesterday the room layout showed the same as the AD, today the AD layout is unavailable, so I don't remember which it is lol. I just find that it looks odd, not nearly as nice as the lower priced AC and faaaar below the AA. I just wonder why it sells for so much more than the AC....

 

Robin

 

Suite descriptions for the Sun from NCL's web site:

 

AA Owner's Suite (570 sq. ft., balcony 258 sq. ft.) Forward corners on Pool Deck

Living room with dining table, private balcony with hot tub, separate bedroom with two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed, walk-in closet and luxury bath with tub and separate shower.

AB Romance Suite (355 sq. ft., balcony 149 sq. ft.) Forward corners on Viking Deck

Sitting area, private balcony, bedroom with two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed, walk-in closet and luxury bath with whirlpool tub and separate shower.

AC Penthouse (355 sq. ft., balcony 149 sq. ft.) Aft corners on Viking, Fjord, and Norway Decks.

Sitting area, private balcony, two room suite with two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed, luxury bath with whirlpool tub and shower.

AD Penthouse (AD: 355 sq. ft., balcony 126 sq. ft.) Forward on Viking and Fjord Decks.

Sitting area, private balcony, two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed, walk-in closet and luxury bath and separate shower. Note: The layout shows the corner suites on the Fjord Deck.

AE & AF Mini Suites. (264 sq. ft., balcony 68 sq. ft.)

Sitting area, private balcony, two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed, walk-in closet and luxury bath and shower.

 

The advantages of the AA and AB suites is the dining table and walk in closets, which the AC and AD suites don't have.

Hope this helps.

[freestylecruizer]

Ron, the AD's are a bit different than what your pictures are. I was in an AD on the Sun in Sept 06, and it didn't look anything like what you have in your pics. You are showing the AD and AC being the same (with separate living/bedroom), which they aren't.

 

The Aft AC's on the Sun are superb. Had one for the 13 day Hawaii Escape from Vancouver last Sept. I really want to go back on the Sun again because of this cabin.

[NayRN]

Thanks for such a great review of the ship! The wait is now worse than it was!:eek: I'll be in 9202 (AD) on 7/27 and my cruise date just can't get here soon enough!

 

A couple questions,if you please:

*Is there a store near Canada Place to purchase pop? (I'm addicted to diet pepsi)

*Is there a special check-in for suites and if so, is it well marked? It's my first time in a suite so I'm just used to standing in the long lines!

 

I probably have 9,000 more questions, but I just can't remember them all now! Thanks for your help! Glad you enjoyed the cruise!

 

Renee'

[plumie]

I was in an AD on the Fjord deck a few years ago, and we did have a dining table. Granted, it was small, but it was just fine for four people for breakfast and snacks throughout the day. If I remember correctly, there were also 4 dining chairs and it was placed right in front of the tv. We also had a walk in closet - it wasn't huge, but it was nice and open so everyone had good access and plenty of room to store luggage.

[terrymtex01]

Suite descriptions for the Sun from NCL's web site:

 

AA Owner's Suite (570 sq. ft., balcony 258 sq. ft.) Forward corners on Pool Deck

Living room with dining table, private balcony with hot tub, separate bedroom with two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed, walk-in closet and luxury bath with tub and separate shower.

AB Romance Suite (355 sq. ft., balcony 149 sq. ft.) Forward corners on Viking Deck

Sitting area, private balcony, bedroom with two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed, walk-in closet and luxury bath with whirlpool tub and separate shower.

AC Penthouse (355 sq. ft., balcony 149 sq. ft.) Aft corners on Viking, Fjord, and Norway Decks.

Sitting area, private balcony, two room suite with two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed, luxury bath with whirlpool tub and shower.

AD Penthouse (AD: 355 sq. ft., balcony 126 sq. ft.) Forward on Viking and Fjord Decks.

Sitting area, private balcony, two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed, walk-in closet and luxury bath and separate shower. Note: The layout shows the corner suites on the Fjord Deck.

AE & AF Mini Suites. (264 sq. ft., balcony 68 sq. ft.)

Sitting area, private balcony, two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed, walk-in closet and luxury bath and shower.

 

The advantages of the AA and AB suites is the dining table and walk in closets, which the AC and AD suites don't have.

Hope this helps.

 

We were on the NCL Sun a couple of years ago and were in the AE Port Aft deck 10. It was exactly like the picture you have here of it, with the exception that it has a wrap around balcony. Even the ships layout pictured on NCL's website shows that cabin as having a "normal" balcony, but it was wrap around. I have to say it was the best suite we have ever had. We loved it. We lucked out and got it as an upgrade from a Mini-Suite (AF I guess?) for $500.00. Was well worth it.

[Deadskins]

I was just on AD 8002 and it is different than the picture shown above. The bathroom does not stick out into the living room. Instead, the bedroom is more like a 15x20 rectangle with a slight arch on the left side for the TV and cabinet. The bed is in the middle of the room backing to a wall with the closets and bathroom on the other side of the wall. I think the only difference between 8002 and 9002 is the balcony is slightly smaller on 9002 and you are 10 feet higher.

The table is about the size you get in a french restaurant, maybe slightly bigger. A little crowded for four but fine for two.

We did not look for stores at Vancouver, but, it is basically downtown. We took a cab from the Westin Grand and to the Wedgewood prior to and after the cruise, each way about $10.

Once you get through the one hour customs, which is a Canada problem not NCL, you should see a sign pointing to a couple of tables for suite and VIP guests. Go there, they take your picture for ID, and then guide you to a pretty crummy looking area where they serve light resfreshments. After the Concierge briefs you, you walk directly to the ship, where another person escorts you to your room. Your checked in bags should be outside your door. When in doubt, just flash your silver card, it does wonders.

[mpk218]

Hehehe, MPK to the rescue, AGAIN! You have been so helpful for so many of my cruises.....

 

Just curious about the layout.. It sells for higher than the AC, and states that it has more square footage, but in the NCL pic, it looks about the same size and layout of the AD. Is it a 2 room suite like the AC or one room like the AD? If it's one room, how spacious does it feel (say, compared to an AC on Jewel class ships, which it reminds me of)? Does the balcony actually wrap around to the sides like on the deck plans? Are there windows in the bathroom (a big plus for me lol, I have no idea why I like them so much)? Generally, I have found that pictures say a thousand words, but I have been unable to find pics of a Sun AB anywhere I have looked... On the Sun site, yesterday the room layout showed the same as the AD, today the AD layout is unavailable, so I don't remember which it is lol. I just find that it looks odd, not nearly as nice as the lower priced AC and faaaar below the AA. I just wonder why it sells for so much more than the AC....

 

Robin

 

Robin send me an e-mail and Ill forward pics.

 

mpk

[WinnieinWA]

Thank you for the review! I'll be in a suite in August and it's nice to know the concierge and the color coded key are so helpful. I can't wait!:)

[Deadskins]

Thank you for the review! I'll be in a suite in August and it's nice to know the concierge and the color coded key are so helpful. I can't wait!:)

If you get there and are thoroughly checked in before 2, Il Adagio will be open for lunch. Otherwise, it was pretty much a madhouse on the top deck for the dinner preview.

Don't miss Denny, the Cruise Director, and his million dollar review called "Fountains". We were lucky and got to see the world premiere.