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Norwegian Cruise Line

MS Norwegian Sun

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Reviewed by: Pam Massey
# previous cruises: 10+
Date of Trip: August 17, 2002
Itinerary: Caribbean - Western

Norwegian Sun was completed in August 2001. Built at Lloyd Werft in Germany, she took 17 months to build at a cost of $350 million. Her Maiden Voyage was on 10 Sept 2001. At 78,106 grt, a speed of 23 knots, 853ft long, 105.8ft wide, 194.2ft high, and with a draft of 26.2 ft, she is not amongst the largest of today's cruise ships, but certainly the biggest [and newest] we have been on.

I wasn't sure what to expect in the way of decor, only that she may have rather more glitz than I have previously encountered. Not so; she is beautiful. Tastefully decorated in most areas, inside & out. Not overly bright clashing drapes & carpets. Everything goes well together. The only glitz is in the casino where it should be; even the nightclub wasn't overdone.

This was a 7-night cruise on a Western Caribbean itinerary from Miami, calling at Grand Cayman, Roatan, Belize City and Cozumel. It was chosen primarily for the itinerary, but also because we decided we'd like to try one of the new 'larger' ships

Norwegian Sun carries 1,936 passengers [double occupancy] with a maximum occupancy of 2400, and 950 multinational crew members. The Officers are from Greece, England, South Africa, Canada, Norway, Philippines and others. The majority of the Hotel Management team seemed to be from either England or Canada, with others from New Zealand, USA and Italy.

In command was Captain Constantinos Fafalios. We only saw him at the Captain's Welcome Party, to which we arrived late after dinner, so didn't even get to shake hands. He introduced all the main staff and officers, but sounded a bit 'bored'. Probably is, if he has to do exactly the same thing, week in and week out! If he ever wandered about the ship mingling, then we didn't see him.

Check-in at Miami took forever, an hour for us in line. The staff were so slow and some hardly spoke English, which didn't help. It was quite warm in there too, but at least there were drinks. One does have to have a digital photo taken for the 'Sun Card., which is what appeared to be taking the time. Disembarkation went smoothly according to one's colour tag, and you can remain in your cabin until called.

Externally Norwegian Sun looks somewhat 'boxy'. A rather short bow and blunt stern with no curving fantail; this area in the main given over to aft facing cabins. No sleek liner, but not as square as some of the new builds. She was not at all 'crowded' unless you rushed along with everyone else to some activity being announced. Some of the lounges were often quite empty. Around the pools everyone seemed to just have to grab a lounger within 6 feet of the water; but if you are happy to sit further away, in the shade, or even on the deck above, there were plenty of free chairs.

The Atrium extends from the Reception Area on deck 5 to the Body Waves Spa on deck 11. Decks 8, 9, & 10 are cabins only with no seating around the Atrium. There are 4 glass lifts from top to bottom, which tended to be rather slow, and a sweeping staircase rising from deck 5 to 6. It's a light and pleasant area. Sit and have a drink on any of the 3 lower levels, and people watch.

Around the Atrium on Deck 6 is the Internet Cafi, run by Digital Seas. There are numerous computers, all with cams attached so you can send video e-mails. It is however rather pricey at $0.75 per minute, but packages for a 100 and 250 minutes are available at cheaper rates.

You can have access via a modem from your cabin but the chap said it was slower than using their computers. Wireless Access is also available. You can rent a laptop or even just a wireless card. This works well with a fast connection. The Wireless Access locations are all around the open areas of the Atrium, the pools, the conference centre and library.

The Library, I didn't investigate. The Photo Gallery was very expensive. Embarkation photos are $20 [inc a key ring]. Other photographs were cheaper but still double what I would have expected. The photographers were around the ship if you wanted a shot taken, and of course on formal night people had portraits taken, but we just said 'No thanks' with a smile. There were some nice photographs of the ship that were sold at $2 each.

Dazzles Nightclub, which was used for many activities during the day, bingo, port talks, movies, art auctions etc, is a 'walk through' room, and really more of meeting point for a drink and chat than a 'nightclub', all blues in decor.

The Windjammer Bar, is the Martini Bar. Do spend a while looking at all the pictures of ships on the walls, and the items of ship memorabilia in the glass cabinet. Also a couple of nice models of past sailing ships. The Havana Cigar Club is through the Windjammer Bar, for those who partake. The Observation Lounge on Deck 12 is a super room with comfy chairs and an all round forward view. Also opens onto a small forward deck.

The Sun Club Casino, bright and jazzy, neon lights, numerous slot machines, Roulette, Crap tables etc. seemed to be open most hours when not in port. Various tournaments were held during the week, but as I wouldn't have the first idea how to play any of these games, I can't say if they were good or bad. There were also a lot of the scratch type Lotto cards left lying around; not sure what these were or for.

The Prom on Deck 6 is a jogging/walking track going all the way around, with blue non-slip flooring. Joggers on the outside, walkers inside. This I found to be the wrong way around as if one wanted to just stand at the railings and take in the sea/scenery it was annoying having people constantly pounding past you. Walkers wouldn't have made any difference. The bulkheads have murals all around, which I though was a nice touch. There are mirrors place at each end and side so one doesn't bump into anyone and a couple of water fountains. Jogging was permitted between 8am & 8pm. A rope was placed across the aft end 'out of hours'. However if the crew were late roping off the track people still carried on. There are however no benches or chairs here at all. Placing some back against the bulkheads between the davits would not be in the way of anyone exercising. Some people just sat here on the deck reading.

There is an 'Everything is $10' store just off the Atrium and in the Shopping Gallery, one can buy everything from diamonds, to duty free goods, logo souvenirs and sweets..

Freestyle Dining! There are 10 restaurants to choose from, catering for every taste. You can eat when, where and with whomever you please. If you prefer the traditional way of dining, you need only see the Maitre d' to arrange a particular table at a set time that suits.

The Garden Cafi and Great Outdoor Cafi are both buffet style and serve similar fare. Both are open for breakfast, but the G-Outdoor Cafi is not open for lunch during some port days. Cold meats, cheeses, salads, hot food with varying themes, a carving station, fruits, breads.. many items to choose from. An omelette station at breakfast in one corner, which is also used at lunchtimes for a selection of Indian and Oriental dishes. Outdoors is where you will find the burgers, hotdogs, ribs, pork chops and minute steaks.

There was a bit of a queue sometimes inside, but go through the doors outside and there's no one there. Coffee, iced tea and hot chocolate were available at all times in the Garden Cafi, along with juices at breakfast. For buffet type food the quality was good, sometimes the choices better than others, but no complaints. The tables were cleared promptly and kept clean. You were given a damp cloth to wipe your hands on before handling the food. The cutlery was wrapped in a serviette. Only one minor point was that some of the plastic trays had been subjected to too much heat and were warped causing a bump in the middle.

Sprinkles Ice Cream Bar, in the Garden Cafi is open from noon until 3pm every day, serving a selection of scoop ice creams and soft serve [frozen yoghurt] with 'help yourself' to the sprinkles. Hdagen Dazs is also available at certain times by the pool bar, for a charge.

The two main restaurants, The Four Seasons, traditional cuisine and The Seven Seas, contemporary cuisine were both excellent. There was a selection of 3 or 4 soups and salads, around 5 different entries including a vegetarian option, a 'Cooking Light.' option and various desserts each evening. Coffee to follow with no extra charge for a Cappuccino. All the menus are available here. There is also a special menu for the children, which comes with a few activities [dot-to-dot, colouring] and a crayon to keep them quite for a while.

The food was tasty and well presented. Service in most cases was very good, although one evening our waiter seemed a bit otherwise pre-occupied. Food is cooked to order and you can "design your meal by selecting your own combination of these dishes in any order you wish". This caused amusement one night when I asked for some okra off one dish to go with the meal I had ordered. I got served two meals:)

There is a good selection of wine to choose from. In the main from America, with some French and Australian vintages. Bottles start at $18 and rise. There is a 'buy 4 bottles get 5th free' voucher one can obtain from a waiter during the first 4 nights. One must ensure all the 4 bottles are purchased on the same cabin account, preferably the same Sun Card to take advantage. The Seven Seas is open for continuous breakfast every day and for lunch on sea days.

During the 7 night cruise: - The first night was casual; the second evening was termed "Resort Elegant/ Formal Optional"; the third "Resort Casual/ Caribbean"; the fourth "Resort Casual/ 70's Disco"; the fifth "Resort Casual/ 50's & 60's" and the final two evenings as "Resort Casual". Despite all the references to 'casual' by far the majority of the passengers got changed into smart attire for the evenings, and on formal night most were dressed up to the nines. A few people remained in their jeans/t-shirts, but were in the minority. No Shorts/t-shirts/jeans are permitted in the dining rooms.

The Sports Bar, which shows live broadcasts of sporting events serves pizza from 4pm to 11pm, and from noon on the first day at sea. Tapas are available in Las Ramblas from 5pm to close each night. There are late night snacks available in various locations and a Chocoholic Midnight Buffet midweek. So you won't go hungry on this ship. We tend to eat early around 6.30pm and at that time the dining rooms are fairly empty. However if you come about an hour later they are beginning to get busy and there may be a short wait for a table of the size you request. One evening when later, we were about 10 names down the waiting list, but it was only 5 minutes before we were seated [some on the list had gone elsewhere].

Alternative Dining! We didn't try any of the Speciality Restaurants as we were quite satisfied with the main restaurants and didn't feel it would have been appropriate having the children with us. Although they can go to the Kid's Korner in the evenings if parents want a meal alone. I did however look into all the restaurants and they looked wonderful. Speaking to some of the other passengers the food is apparently very good and well worth the $10 cover charge. Reservations are necessary. Ginza: - Sushi Bar & Teppanyaki [@ la Carte pricing]
Il Adagio: - Fine Italian Cuisine
Le Bistro: - French Mediterranean Cuisine
East Meets West: - Pacific Rim/ Asian Fusion
Pacific Heights: - Cooking Light. [No cover charge]

There are a couple of bars on deck and another in the Atrium. Drinks are expensive, more so than I am used to anyway. The 'Welcome on Board' cocktail was $6.95, and it seems as though this is a 'freebie' when you are offered it. We knew it wasn't after having read other reviews, but it was obvious from the faces of some people, that they weren't initially aware there was a charge. The daily drink 'Specials' and 'Fruit Smoothies' are all $6.95 [$5.95 without alcohol], which can add up substantially. There is a 'Bar Hopping' program, which entails getting a card stamped at each bar, and a T-Shirt of sorts.

Gratuities. These are added automatically on a daily basis to your onboard account. $10 per adult and $5 per child "under 12". However out 12yr old was only charged at the $5 rate. All drinks purchased have a 15% gratuity automatically added; what I found disconcerting was that when presented with the receipt to sign for a drink there is a place for one to fill in marked "Additional Gratuity". One felt almost guilty not adding anything in, but why should you? I did however give a bit extra on a few occasions when staff had done 'extra'. The additional tips are shown as a separate item on your account, and this did cause a number of people to query their statements, not realising what the amounts were.

We had a BA category cabin on Norway Deck, 10. forward. No. 0003. It was nicely furnished, with plenty of storage space. My only complaint would be that there were no upper bunks for the children. Instead the sofa was pulled out to make a double bed at nights and it took up most of the floor area. Would have been far better having that as a single and an upper bunk as the 4th berth.

The bathroom was small, but functional. The shower was 'coffin' like; a good job all the shampoo and soap was in dispensers. You would never have been able to bend down and pick up a dropped bar of soap without banging one's head! There was an hairdryer above the toilet, which wasn't particularly powerful, but will do.

The balcony was about 4ft deep and the width of the cabin. The 2 chairs were not particularly comfortable, but one got used to them. A small table for the drinks, and an outside light for the evenings. The deck was covered in the same blue plastic matting that was around the Kids Pool, and gets rather uncomfortable when barefoot. The 'neighbours' cannot see into your balcony unless they make an effort to peer around the railings. We did not hear any noise from adjoining cabins, but occasionally could hear people thundering along the corridor.

The cabin stewardess was very good, but didn't always get round to making up the beds much before lunchtime:( The 'Please make up the Cabin' sign we left on the door the 2nd day disappeared! The ice bucket was kept full and the cabin clean. Chocolates on the pillows at night. There was also a kettle, with tea and coffee, which saves having to go and get one from the Garden Cafi. We didn't use Room Service so can't comment on that.

On the Thursday, you can fill a laundry bag with as much as you can, and it'll be returned on Friday all done for $20. I've never squashed my clothes up so much!

The Stardust Lounge is two-story and well appointed. There are some supports in the way of viewing, but not a problem. What I did find annoying was that the seats in the second half towards the rear have high backs to them, and I couldn't see over the top without sitting up very straight. They are comfortable and have slots for one's drinks. It is icy cold in here! The shows are held twice nightly except on the first night and one other, when there is only one performance.

The entertainment consisted of mainly shows/musicals featuring the Jean-Ann Ryan Company, which were excellent. The other performers were, the Comedian Tom Briscoe, Comedian/Magician Fred Becker, Singer Jane L. Powell and her Band [very good], and the Norwegian Sun Showband. In the other public rooms and Atrium, one could find vocalists, pianists, other musicians and comedians including Bobby Hamilton, Ariel Jacobe, David Morgan, Offshore Sounds, Lu Lu & The Big Boys and Rick & Vince; always something on somewhere and most of those I saw were pretty good. Port lectures, or rather 'Where to shop or which excursion to take" talks were by Gail. The Cruise Director was Rich Clesen. There were no maritime/historical lectures.

Shuffleboard, Table Tennis, Dolphin Racing, Golf in the nets, Basketball Ball, are all played. Endless Bingo and Art Auctions every day and sometimes twice, for which many announcements are made. The phrase 'See ya there'! grates after a while.

The Body Waves Fitness Centre had lots of good equipment, all sorts of programmes running and was very popular. The Mandara Spa & Beauty Salon was always busy, and various demonstrations held.

Loungers all around the pool area, midships, deck 11. There are two nice sized swimming pools [heated sea water], one between 3ft 6" to 4ft deep and the other between 5ft & 6ft. The shallower pool was more popular, but both became very busy during the days at sea. The deck is all teak. 4 Hot Tubs between the pools were shaded with a canopy and always full too. A few competitions were held poolside, including a 'Hairy Chest' one. There is also a stage and dance floor f'wd of the pools, where some evening parties were held, with the whole area being sheltered by surrounding glass.

The 4 table tennis tables are here too, but not enough height available as one keeps hitting the ceiling and other passengers on their loungers with the balls.

Splashes Kid's Pool on deck 12 was fun for the youngsters, with its own Hot Tub, small slide and a round half-ball with water coming out the top, which could be 'squirted' at unsuspecting parents! Deck 12 and the Sun Deck, 13, are covered with blue plastic matting rather than teak.

Towels are provided around all the pools; just drop them in the collection bins when finished with, or leave outside your cabin. The towels can also be signed for and taken ashore on excursions. Return with the receipt when reboarding or you'll be charged $20.

The Kid's Korner was excellent. All the staff were Canadian, except for one counsellor from America. A wonderful room, forward on deck 7, which can be split into 3 for the different age groups, depending on the number of children in attendance. A good structured timetable to keep the children occupied. The Teen Club looked good, full of Play stations or similar and discos for Teens only are held in the evenings. Kids can have their evening meal here and the scheduled evening hours are 7:00p.m.-10:00p.m. The program is available on port days for Group sitting from 9:00a.m.. - 5:00p.m. and every evening from 10:00p.m.-1:00a.m. for $5 per hour [$3 for each for additional children].

The Shore Excursions were all well organised, or at least those we went on. One benefit of taking a ship's tour when in a port where tenders are used, is that you get ashore first. Use the drop off box to book the excursions, it saves on the queue. However any of the Dive-In excursions must be booked in person, this includes the Sandbar trip in Grand Cayman.

In Grand Cayman, with such a short time available here [last tender back at 2.30pm] we opted for the ship's tours ensuring we were on the first tenders ashore. Beverley & I went to the Sandbar at Stingray City; Dave & Howard on the Atlantis Submarine. Both excellent tours. On the way back from Stingray City it began to pour with rain heavily. It didn't stop for the rest of our time here. Beverley & I wandered around the shops, running for cover, wading through ankle depth water in the streets, buying rum cakes and a few souvenirs, until we had to return to the ship, whereupon the sun appeared. Time was really too short to see much of the island.

Roatan was lush and green, with beautiful beaches and clear blue seas. The people are poor compared to our standards but those we met were all extremely friendly. We took a sightseeing tour of the island. 12 people in a van, plus driver. The air con did work, which surprised me:) However the weather was quite pleasant and not too hot or sticky. First stop was the Airport Control Tower; followed by Sherman's Iguana Refuge, watch your step! Then Parrot Tree Hill, one of the highest points on the island to marvel at the views, before going on to the Las Palmas Shopping & Beach Resort. Here we had a complimentary fruit punch and watched the Garifuna Dancers, taking to the beach. Young children try to sell shells they've picked up off the beach and seahorses, for $1 each; that become annoying when the same child approached more than once. Roatan is a lovely island and well worth another, longer visit.

Belize City is not very interesting in itself. There are many old Colonial type buildings; mainly in a state of disrepair. It is not a place to wander alone, especially at night. There are however, like any city, the smarter areas, with large new mansions. We took the ship's tour to Lamanai & the New River. The journey to Tower Hill where we joined the boat for the trip up the New River took 1 < hrs. Here we were given a bottle of water and got into small boats. 12 people in our boat and off we sped, for 1 = hrs, up the New River, stopping every so often for the tour guide to point out the flora and wildlife we passed. We didn't see as many animals as expected, but did see the 'Jesus Christ' Lizard, which appears as if it's walking across water. There were many types of birds, plants, some bats, orchids [the black orchid is the Belize National Flower], and a baby crocodile.

Lamanai [Submerged Crocodile], was one of the longest continuously occupied Mayan cities. We sat down to a lunch of spicy chicken & rice/salad, bread with a coconut tart to follow. Bottled drinks were also provided. It is situated in dense rainforest, so was hot and very humid, especially in the small museum. The guide led us round the main 5 structures one can view, providing tons of information on everything from the buildings themselves, to the flora and fauna, including the Mahogany tree, the National tree of Belize; many of the trees and plants appeared to have medicinal properties, no pharmacy required here. We saw the termites at work on dead wood, a dead tarantula that had succumbed to the cannibalistic tendencies of another, heard the howler monkeys, although never saw one and I played Tarzan [or should that be Jane?] on a vine. It was a very interesting visit, just too much to write about on a web page.

In Cozumel it rained most of the day. Our plans for a day at Chankanaab was not to be, so we took a taxi tour round the island in the morning and wandered around San Miguel all afternoon. Not a very interesting place, although many others disagree with me, as they like the shopping. I didn.t however find anything cheaper or better than I could have found back home.

There was a great mix of Nationalities aboard, with the majority being American. People from many different European Countries, and Canadians. Newspapers in brief, in a number of languages were available by reception. The average age range was around 45, not many elderly people, and those that were tended to be travelling with other younger family members. We met a Belgian couple on Honeymoon, and there was a wedding in the chapel before embarking Miami on the first day. A few we met would be quite welcome to dinner, but there were also quite a lot of rowdy people travelling in groups, who would not.