N.C.L. Sun
Cruise Review
By Kate Schweiger

Just back from the Norwegian Sun Western Caribbean 3/22-29, and I admit the Sun exceeded our expectations. Our first cruise was on the very highly rated Windstar line (Windsurf Mediterranean), so although I'd just done Princess Alaska in 07/02, I wasn't sure about a mass market line over Spring Break.

BUT... it was GREAT. Even fully booked, it was 4 Stars.

EMBARKATION: Easy! We got to the port about 11:30, luggage departed in seconds, checked in with-in 10-15 minutes, additional 15 minutes of waiting and then on-board! Someone said the big mass-market lines don't escort you to your cabin, but NCL does. Overall (and I'll comment specifically) I thought that the service was very good and done with smiles.

CABIN: We were in a mini-suite off the Stern (9078) and at first I was a bit disappointed because I expected the standard configuration with the pull out couch alongside the bed but it was opposite, so there appeared to be no room. (We were traveling as an adult couple with our 12 year old son). But there was plenty of room. Big veranda (we used it a lot!) and we had the nice mesh chaise lounges - had 2 and requested a 3rd and got it right away. With three, there was still plenty of room. Lots of space in the cabin for all our stuff (and we are NOT light packers after years of traveling). But the bathroom was the best. I will have a hard time going back to regular cabin now. Walk in closet area with separate vanity, big bathroom with tub and a separate toilet stall. We had room to spare.

BEST PART OF MINI-SUITE: Ray Williams our Concierge. I would happily pay for the suite in the future to get the help of a guy with such finesse and helpfulness. Ray made our dinner reservations for us, helped with questions and concerns and best of all got us priority tendering! That helped so much since I booked all our own excursions (not through the Ship)

DINING: Ok. I admit it we cheated. Problem is we decided to go to Il Adagio the first night (had heard most do the dining room and it was an easy night to get in). Well, not only is it a beautiful restaurant with every table a good one with a view, but the service and food was wonderful. Most of the wait staff in the restaurants are Romanian and they were terrific and friendly and accommodating. Do not be concerned that the tipping is included thinking that the staff doesn't care. We never felt that way even in the main dining room. Anyway, back to the cheating part. Sunday night was formal night and Ray had suggested if we were dressed (we were!) that we'd feel more festive where most people did dress up, so we tried Le Bistro. Food was also very good, but we like the ambiance better at Il Adagio. We liked Il Adagio and Le Bistro so much, we next ate at East Meets West (Asian fusion - VERY good). So good my husband and I ate there the next night also (our son ordered room service pizza which he really enjoyed). Next night - back at Il Adagio. Yes it was good. So finally Thursday we thought if I was going to review this ship we better eat in the main dining room, and since it was lobster night we ate in the Seven Seas. Obviously not quite as special, but the food and the service were good. I haven't dared to look @ my bill yet but for $10 more per person ($12.50 for Le Bistro) it is well worth the special service. After all this is a vacation!

We did eat in Seven Seas for lunch once or twice and breakfast about 3 times and it was enjoyable. The Garden Buffet was just that (a buffet). WE did like the free tapas (& music) at Las Ramblas and would recommend that.

ENTERTAINMENT: Better than I expected! Jane Powell is no longer there (or on break?), but the Jean Ryan troupe was very good and versatile (Broadway to Cirque Soleil type. We really enjoyed the comedians Peter Sasso & Jeff Harms and impressions of Wes Apae. Roots Link (Caribbean band at the pool, Twice as Nice, Don Dunn (acoustic guitar @ Las Ramlas) and the Norwegian Sun Showband were all good. I liked the live music with the show vs. Princess recorded background music for their productions.

TEENS: We had a 12 year old in the Teen program and he said he really enjoyed it even though he came with no friends and isn't a real social guy. He loved the arcade and having the run of the ship. We did buy him a Teen passport (for sodas and virgin drinks) but he never did use them all.

EXCURSIONS: I really shouldn't comment on this since I researched and booked all my own. They were all great. Did Captain Marvin's Sting Ray City (so unique - really fun). Paya Bay Beach Resort in Roatan (long drive - but a beautiful spot and where else can you be taken out snorkeling to a nice spot with just the 3 of us!) Sea Sports Belize snorkeling in (where else) Belize!

Best snorkeling I've ever done. And last but certainly not least - Dune Buggy tour in Cozumel! Great to get away from the masses shopping and drinking margaritas. What a fun ride and a great beach. The Western Caribbean is a wonderful itinerary for people who enjoy active vacations (or you can of course just stay on the ship and relax.)

MANDARIN SPA: Often the spa staff on ships tend to be over-priced and not as good as can be found elsewhere. Our son is a very good massage therapist so we have high standards, but both of us had massages that were very good.

MISC: LOVED FREESTYLE. Not sure I can go back to set seating. My dubious husband loved it. It made the week very relaxing and debarkation was so easy. We had a leisurely last breakfast in Seven Seas, walked around the almost deserted ship, took a few last pictures and then very easily walked off the ship, found our nicely tagged luggage and departed for the Miami airport.

MORE MISC: My husband like the casino (he's a blackjack fan) and it's nice to buy chips at a discount. The gym was very large and there was never a wait for any equipment even the day at sea. We liked the free ice-cream at Sprinkles (some ships charge extra) and the drinks were good and I did not think they were overpriced (but then again we live in Philadelphia). Our steward was the quiet type but he really got us laughing as he found out we enjoyed his towel creatures. He even made one of our son with a TV tuner (his favorite toy!) and unglasses and a hat!

So, all in all. GREAT Cruise. I want to go back! The ultimate test . . . my husband wants to go back.

Kate
Norwegian Sun 03/03
Ocean Princess 07/02
Wind Surf 07/01