NCL Sun 12/8

[Janet]

I just returned from the NCL's Sun cruise of the western carb. I was alittle worried about the cruise because all I found was negative comments about the ship. I do not know what ship those people were on, but I found the Sun to be great. The crew was outstanding and the service was good. We ate in the LeBistro, Il Adagio and Teppanyaki which all were worth the $10.00 cover charge. The Pacific Heights,the Four Seasons and Seven Seas ,the ships regular dining places were also very good. We ate at the Garden Cafe every morning because it was fast and we could sit outside and enjoy the view. My only two complaints were: 1. NCL policy on taking the passports of Non US citizens and holding them until we reached Miami. 2. When we reached Belize at 8:00am we were not allowed to be tendered until 9:15 because they had to make sure all the excursion people were ashore. Besides that, the cruise was wonderful. They had alot of different activities to do while the ship was at sea on Sunday and Friday. I would sail in NCL again

Thanks for taking the time to note a few things. My family is going on the Sun on 1/5 and I am happy to hear YOU were happy. (I 've been apprehensive over what I have read here.)

What type of onboard activities? NCL's site says "its under contruction,(for months!) Also, we have two teens who are first timers and wonder if they will be bored!?

Did you go on any excursions/hear of any that were particularly outstanding?

Glad to hear you enjoyed your cruise....three weeks and counting!
Thanks!!!!

[Janet]

NCL's Sun has a teen club that I heard was alot of fun. It starts on Saturday with a Teen Social.( this information is from the interary and a friends 14 year old son who we only saw one night at dinner) They also have a basketball court, video arcade and two pools. The onboard activities range from casinos to bingo to wine tasting to massage classes. take my advise on the massage class. If your husband has a sense of humor and wants to have some fun this is it. They go through basic moves that you first have your husband try on you then you on him. The good part is you each get a $30 discount on any spa services if you book them that day. I had the facial and my huband had the massage. Both worth it if you are into that kind of stuff.
There is always something going on. If you are into eating alot, this is the place to be. There is always some kind of buffet or ice cream thing going on.
On the excursions: we did our own thing and had a blast. We are not into organized tours. I did hear the dolphin encounter in Cozumal was outstanding.
I hope you have fun and great weather.

Thanks, Janet, for addressing my inquiries! One week and counting, and to top it off, our eldest is getting married onboard, so it will be a great cruise.
Thanks again!

I haven't been able to find much info on the Sun. We are scheduled to travel in 6/02. I've never sailed NCL. I've been a loyal customer of Carnival. I've always had a good time on their ships,but it's time to try something else. I've heard the rooms on the Sun are very small . We have a cabin with a balcony. What is your opinion regarding the cabins? Also , I haven't experienced free style cruising.Did you enjoy it more than traditional cruising? Finally , what in your opinion makes NCL a good cruise line to travel on?
Thanks for your time.
Bernard T

[Janet]

Bernard,
I had a cabin with a balcony (0063 Norway Deck) and it was a nice size. It had a queen bed with plenty of room underneath to put your suit cases. The closet was about the size you get at a hotel with four hanging baskets on the side. You have two sets of 4 drawer cabinets and a small couch and table. The balcony is small and the chairs, well lets say at 5'2" 100 lbs I did not have a problem with them, my husband 6'3" and 200 lbs had a bit of a problem with fitting in them. The shower was the same way. The rest of the bathroom is good for one person only so no trying to shave while your wife tries to put on make-up.
The free style dining suited us because where able to eat when we wanted to. Also, you can have your own table and do not have to worry about trying to make conversation with someone you do not know when you just want to relax and eat. There are 7 different kinds of restuarant too, so you can eat at a different one each night. 5 of them do have a cover charge of $10.00. The Il Adagio, Le Bistro, Teppanyaki and Pacific Heights are well worth the cover. There is the Garden Cafe with is buffet style serving breakfast, lunch and diner. The Seven Seas and Four Seasons which are the ships restuarants, are very good too. The dress code varied greatly. The policy was that no jeans, tee shirts or shorts after 5pm in all dining halls. People basically wore any from jeans to full jacket and tie. You will be save with resort casual - slacks, collared or button down shirts. If traveling with a wife - sun dresses, skirts, blouces.
I really enjoyed NCL. The staff was very friendly and accomadating. I would travel on NCL again, actually we are planning onther cruise sometime November time frame (after hurricane season) This was our first cruise so I really can not compare it to any other line.
I hope this information helps and have a great cruise.
Janet

Hello. I am 17 and I am scheduled to be on the Sun on 4/20/02. That is actually my spring break, even though most people's spring break is the end of March. I am very concerned about the teen activities on board. Do you think there will be people my age that time of year?

Bernand, I have cruised on about 6 lines including Carnavel and 4 times on NCL. There really isn't any comparison. We had fun on Carnival and the food was probably similar at dinner, In fact Carnival might have been a little better:cabin size, Carnival has the largest cabins in the price range although I have never been unhappy with the size of the NCL cabins. The small cabins are RCCL. Other than what's mentioned above I think NCL is much better. The entertainment is great, the choice of places to eat, the breakfast and lunches offer a much bigger variety, the staff is better, the activities are better and on and on. At least this is my opinion. I am a retired travel agent. Most of my cliants liked NCL better. You know, it is still a matter of taste. You may like Carnival better. Have a great time. Nita

Meaghan, sometimes when it isn't actual break time for other teens or kids there are not organized activities, but I can assure you there will be plenty to do. We took our grand daughter when she was about 14. Same as you, it was not a particular break time so there were only a few teens, but she had a wonderful time. You will find plenty to keep yourself busy. Maybe you will run into my daughter and me. We will be on same ship. Just look for the fat old lady with the red headed daughter. That's us. Have a great time. Nita