Lori3015

Some people love planning everything in advance.  I think it depends on the ship if you need to get reservations ahead of time.  We were on Sun last week and most of the specialty restaurants were half empty each night.  We ate in Teppanyaki and Los Lobos by getting reservations last minute and at 7 and 730 times.  No need for any reservations on the Sun from what I can see.  Plenty of room open in shows.  The bigger ships with twice as many passengers is very different.  

The Teppanyaki has really good filet.  I had the filet and chicken combo and the rice is sooo good.  I also had Cagneys filet and it was delicious.  

I was on the Sun last week.  Made reservations in specialty restaurants on board.  Teppanyaki and Los Lobos and both restaurants were half full while we were there.  Teppanyaki 7pm and los Lobos 730pm  We ate in the main dining room the last night and walked right in at 7pm it was half empty.  You do not need reservations for lunch.  The sun being a smaller ship never seems crowded except for the buffet during breakfast of last morning with everyone carrying around their luggage. I love the Sun for it's size less than 2000 passengers.  This was my second cruise on the Sun.  Relax and don't worry so much  about reservations that's the beauty of Norwegian...anytime dining.  

We had a day at Freeport off of the Norwegian Sun last Saturday.  Honestly in my opinion there is not much to do in Freeport. The port is not very nice.  I do not understand why Norwegian is using this port on occasion.  I did a lot of research to find out many of the resorts that used to do day passes are not open or still damaged from the hurricane.  We did end up at Light house Pointe part of what used to be Grand Lucayan resort.  It was a decent day.  For $22 you get to use their pool, loungers, umbrellas and beach area as well as restrooms. They offered watersports for a fee.  The beach areas was small but maintained and the pool was colder water and the bottom kind of rough.  Loungers and umbrellas were nice. it was sunny with a nice breeze.    We stayed about 4 hours and as the day progressed they filled up.  There is an outside bar/grill area with servers.  It is mediocre food and drinks for resort prices. I did not take any photos as i left my phone on the ship at this port.    The taxi drivers at the port sit around as they are on island time and they wait until you have a full group before they will take anyone anywhere.  There were many taxis there but we had to wait until another one returned before we could leave. $10 round trip to Grand Lucayan Marketplace.   The island is not pretty.  Even the Grand Lucayan Marketplace is not nice.  Many stores are closed and the workers are always calling out to get you to come into their booth or store.  Two bottled sodas and a bag of Doritos at the Oasis in the marketplace was $10.  Overall the day turned out decent and I can say I was there but I don't think I would like to go back.  

If you are an American a beach day does not fit the requirements for visiting Cuba.

We used Blexie also. You must keep your itinerary for 5 years unless the US Govt decides to audit you. We paid 130CUC for a 6 hour walking and car tour with a guide and driver. You can have up to 5 people for that price.

I was on the cruise to Cuba last week on the Sun. I loved the ship as it has all new carpet and lots of new furniture in public areas. The bad thing about the Sun is the buffet is super tiny and the choices not so great. My comparison was Getaway which has an awesome buffet. The Spinnaker lounge is awesome. The pool area is nice and wasn't too crowded. The "open bar" feature is great and runs very smoothly. They had to dock at the navy pier in Key West and this was a hassle getting off the ship as they have to bring trolleys and busses for everyone.

It depends on if you get your butt up early and go and get in line to get a shore ticket which they give out starting at 730am.

It took us about 30 min on the Sun last week. They pass out shore tickets in the morning and depending on which group you get in is when you can exit the ship. We had group 9.

As an alternative we booked a private tour guide/with car. It was $130 cuc total for a 6 hour tour for up to 4 people. The guide was wonderful her name was Mary and spoke English well. They will take you wherever you want to go. We booked through Blexie and you can find him on facebook. We found the ship excursions to be way overpriced. You just get off the ship and they will meet you in the square right across from the port by the fountain.

It took us approx 30 minutes to get through immigration and to exchange money last week on Sun. You are only allowed one bottle of Rum per person on NCL and 100 cigars. We hired a private tour and guide through Blexie.

Sorry i meant the Norwegian Sun which sails on Monday May 7th. Congrats on yours!

Anyone sailing on Sun May 7th with me who has gotten an upgrade? I'm still waiting anxiously.....

I think it is just an increase in demand with the economy being good. If people are willing to pay, they will charge whatever they can get. Hotel prices are rising as well. Airfare prices are rising. More people are vacationing so increased demand.

BooBooChase.....how do you like Celebrity compared to NCL? We are looking at doing a cruise on Equinox this summer and I see you have sailed on that ship?

Where on NCL.com do I see if the bid I submitted is processing or expired? Help.

I was searching this morning and some cruises still show free taxes. For instance one I saw was a cruise on Getaway to western Caribbean.

We sail May 7. Sun. We are booked in oceanview/porthole. Options are balcony or minisuite. If we get a balcony, is there a chance it could be obstructed view? How do I find that out?

I looked at Royal Caribbean's Cuba FAQ and they only require it if you plan to get off the ship.

I was just told by NCL rep that everyone boarding the Sun which stops in Cuba must purchase a $75 visa regardless of whether they get off the ship or not. Anyone else heard this?

I looked at the new MDR Menus on the Escape and I agree, it seems the strip loin has been replaced with steak frites. The striploin was my go to meal when I couldn't find something else. They also got rid of the bolognese pasta. I am not a fan of the new menus. It looks like cheaper food to me.

Yes, on another cruise line.

Ropes Course, pools, water slides, shows,comedians, sports deck, spa, gym, arcade, casino, clubs, movies, unlimited food. Three port days. They won't be bored!

If you have long or colored hair, bring your own hair shampoo and conditioner. They stuff they provide is not good! The shower gel works fine though.

Don't miss Cagneys! Everything is great from salads and appetizers down to the desert. Only down side is service is very slow so give yourself two hours for this dinner.