How I spent week 10/16 sailing on the SUN

I will not be able to write everything in one post so I will do a daily account as best I can.

GETTING TO THE SHIP:

As with others, my cabin-mates and relatives decided to not cancel out on this sailing. I had four relatives going, my friends and I were staying in a penthouse for the first time, and my friend had a bunch of her relatives going. Additionally, we had a great group of cruisecritics still staying on for this trip. I figured there would be many differences or changes on this journey to my fifth Sun experience. Lastly, and above all else, I was determined to win that darn bottle of champagne at the latitudes party for traveling NCL the most!

The penthouse cost for three passengers was 3,773.07 minus 1,000 from my fantastic MBNA credit card (totaling about 900 per person). If you sail NCL, then you should have one. Never had a problem with it yet as I have cashed in on my last four cruises! Prior to booking, I told my cabin mates to not expect a Christmas present this year. Even though I used my points, they ended up treating me to many things throughout the week!

My airfare was free since I could finally cash in on my USAIR dividend miles after trying for three years. I supposed there were not too many people signing on to go to Houston as "Rita" was predicted to head their way at booking time.

We flew into Bush International and stayed at the Sheraton North IAH for 75 dollars per room (1-281-442-5100). They had a free shuttle from the airport to their hotel. The hotel was very nice and we loved their new beds! Sheratons all have specialty mattresses and special blankets/pillows. You can order them online. A cheapo restaurant is nearby for an inexpensive breakfast/lunch/dinner. I think it was called the Kettle.

Some of us rented a cab that evening for a liquor run which was supposed to be about a five minute cab ride according to the hotel concierge. About 15 minutes later, still on interstate, with the meter ticker reaching 30 dollars, and we were not there yet, we informed our driver that he made a mistake. The store was supposed to be just down the street. He said "I take you to only store I know...I take all customers there...we almost there!" I firmly told him that he had two choices: 1. take us back to the hotel and start all over again or 2. accept only 20 dollars for the entire trip. He said he take us for free and shut off the meter. I felt bad and stated we would give him what it probably would have cost the correct way. Long story short, when he dropped us back at the hotel with our supplies, OceanDreams asked me if I noticed the employees working the store. I responded no and asked why. She responded, "They all looked like our cab driver!" No wonder he offered for free. His family was making the profit on the booze.

(Post cruise hotel was the Wingate Hotel for 62 dollars per night (1-281-987-8777). The room was clean and decent but the outdoor pool was kind of skanky. We laid out anyways. Surprisingly, the free continental breakfast in the morning was actually better than the fancier hotels).

On 10/16, day of sailing, ten of us rented a stretch limo from "Extreme Elegance" to La Porte which was about a 50 minute ride. A van followed us with our luggage. The price including a tip was 25 dollars per person. We ordered them for the ride back from the cruise for the same total. You will have to ask OceanDreams for the number.

We had fun in the limo toasting to this and toasting to that. The wine was pouring, the smirnoff was pouring, etc etc. I found it somewhat interesting to see all the oil refineries along the way because that is all you see. I would not want to live in the middle of all of them but it was cool to look at! In all of my previous cruises I have never arrived to the ship with a "buzz" and I certainly would not have recommended it until I found out there IS a bathroom for those waiting to get into the terminal. The bathrooms are located on the left side as you face the ship. Just ask if you can not find it. The workers were very accommodating.

In comparison to Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral (the only ports I have sailed out of), the terminal is quite small. A lot of cargo was surrounding the terminal. We arrived at about 1:15 and found out that the morning debarkation was very late. The embarkation line was formed outside and it was very hot. Luckily, the wait outside was only about 1/2 hour. If you are elderly, I recommend a hat or an umbrella. If I was traveling with elderly, then I would have asked for a few chairs to put outside in the shade right before the entrance, tell them to wait there while I waited in the line. Just something to think about. NCL waitstaff was outside with refreshments which was very good to see.

The parking lot for those driving to the port is closest to any ship I have seen yet. You park your car and you are right there.

Once inside everything is right there. One room for checking in everyone. The lines were divided as usual. I enjoyed stating "Excuse me, excuse me, where is the penthouse line?" "Is this the penthouse line?" Fifteen minutes later we reached the check-in person and I informed her "we have a penthouse." While getting documents checked, I counted about fourteen computers checking in everyone. I think that is about the same as Miami.

Our latitudes travelers were checked in soon thereafter, and our first-timers soon after them. Best of all, the sail and sign was done right there. No waiting in another line once on the ship to do your account. I do not know if they did that for everyone or just for us.

Getting on board was a long walk on a short pier. We exited the terminal and the ship was right there. Even so, you walk a long ramp about the length of the ship and crossed back over to mid ship. I think they had to zig-zag it so you would not walk straight up the gangway. I still thought of the elderly. Request wheelchair assistance in my opinion. There were passengers aboard this cruise in wheelchairs...I should have asked what they thought about it.

In summary, my travel experience of getting to the ship was quite interesting. I was looking forward to meeting up with my cousins who had boarded earlier from Houston Hobby, especially since I had not seen one of them in over 20 years.

That is all for now. I will continue with more soon!

Coka

You are giving your review alot of detail and I'm listening breathlessly. We are headed out on the Sun 12/11 and it's our first time cruising with NCL.

I'm looking forward to reading more about your cruise.............have not been able to tell yet if the bottom line is positive or negative but I'm willing to read the entire book to find out :):).

Maybe we will meet at the CC get together.

I'm sailing on the Sun December 11 too.

You are giving your review alot of detail and I'm listening breathlessly. We are headed out on the Sun 12/11 and it's our first time cruising with NCL.

I'm looking forward to reading more about your cruise.............have not been able to tell yet if the bottom line is positive or negative but I'm willing to read the entire book to find out :):).

Positive or Negitive you are in for a treat with a review from coka. A hint there are no half empty glasses in her world. :)

Shoreguy - I really am enjoying her review, she sounds like a woman that is fun loving and a real hoot!

Most of the reviews I'm reading from positive minded people on NCL's boards are interesting but I've noticed that many people that go on NCL cruises don't write reviews...............Why?

We are so looking forward to our first NCL cruise to experience freestyle and we are open minded, easy going people that have reasonable expectations and I just know we are going to love our cruise.

I'm seeing that you are very experienced.......where was it that I read that Guatamala is being added as a port to some cruises? Do you think NCL may start using it with all the damage in the Yucatan?

Have great fun in your Garden Villa even if it is only for one night :).

Coka,

When I saw this thread with your name as the author, I could hardly wait for the thread to load!

As usual, I wait breathlessly for each chapter of your enchanting reports. I can already tell you had (as usual) a fabulous time. :) Looking forward to the next segment!

:D

Do you know if a regular balcony cabin can check in along with the Penthouse cabin if they are booked together? Our family has 2 cabins booked (Penthouse and Balcony) and want to stand in the correct line.

Can't wait to hear more!:)

Keep it coming Coka, sounds intreging. NMNita

A review from Coka always leaves me with a feeling that I would like to be her friend.

This is the first Coka Review I have read and I feel the same way about wanting to be her friend - she really sounds like a hoot, especially on vacation!! We would all be happier if we took her outlook on life!!

More More More!!!!!

I can't believe you left us hanging - and for a whole day!!! ;)

Can't wait to hear the rest - you sound like a great person to be around on a cruise! Debbie

Shubes, we had one of our friend's in an interior cabin come with us to see if they would accept him. We planned on doing an "oops" but it was not necessary as they readily checked him in.

Thanks everyone for the nice posts!

SAIL-AWAY AND FIRST DAY AT SEA:

Did I mention I had a penthouse? OceanDreams, the New Yorker and I immediately scurried there to check it out. The room was smaller but the bathroom and walk-in closet were bigger than expected. Thanks to the cruisecritics who sent us pictures! The bathroom had double sinks, stand up shower, separate toilet, jacuzzi tub with shower. The closet had a vanity with plenty of space along with plenty of space to hang clothes. The hallway had a mirror as well.

I got to pick my choice of space and my choice of bed. I selected the fold-out couch bed with egg cushion mattress along with the storage space beneath the big screen television. Both were nearest to the AWESOME balcony we had! I walked 20 feet from one end to the other. The width was about 10 feet with a covered extension perfect for lighting cigarettes with no wind problem. Two full length lounge chairs, two upright chairs, one large round table, and two smaller tables with plenty of room to spare. We moved the dining chairs out as well when needed. I was psyched!

Life boat drill was short and sweet. Cristina, our favorite bartender from Romania was the crew overseeing the drill. I met my cousins and our other group members in the same spot and all were satisfied with their living arrangements (mini-suites, ocean views, and interior). We never made it to the sail-away party and barbecue since we invited everyone to enjoy our awesome balcony in front of the ship! Leaving La Porte and heading to sea lasted a long time...very calm and very peaceful. It seemed like an hour or two went by before we even hit open waters.

While enjoying the quiet sailaway, I remembered the champagne supposedly hidden behind the television by another cruisecritic a few months ago. I was glad to see it was not there! Then, I remembered we were supposed to get champagne along with the flowers and treats in our cabin. Then, we read the freestyle daily..."Due to Texas regulations we are prohibited from delivering any alcohol while in Texas waters...they will be delivered tomorrow." We also found out that due to Texas regulations, they could only serve beer and wine while in Texas waters. Even so, 90% got delivered in the luggage. I thought big state/small x-rays!

I also noticed on the freestyle daily that the unlimited soda cards were $40.25 and $2.50 extra for the Coke mug. They serve coke, no pepsi! The drink specials were $8.00 and you get to keep the souvenir glass. I have the freestyle dailies if anyone has questions about other prices of things.

Four of us dined in the regular restaurant and I had the prime rib. Others went to the casino, The Great Adventure Showtime, Big Band Latin and Dance music, or to the karaoke kick-off party. Since it was my cousins first time on the ship, they earlier attended a ship tour and they found it very informational and helpful for the remainder of the week. Everyone met up in the disco for the bon voyage dance party and most went to bed early...in the morning!

Breakfast on the giant balcony the next morning was probably the most relaxing experience ever in my life. Sharing it with my two best friends was the coolest part. The seas were calm, the wind was calm, the sun was shining, we donned our fancy white norwegian bath-robes and spa slippers (slippers were a gift)...and then the phone rang. A few minutes later the phone rang again. Next, our doorbell rang. We had company. Doorbell rang again. More company. Phone rings once more. Everyone met up to see what everyone was doing for the day.

Many options to chose from: bingo, casino, shore excursion presentation, fitness seminar, golf putting, pool games, german class, champagne art auction, slot tournament, arts and crafts, wine tasting, secrets to flatter stomach, cooking demonstration, step aerobics class, country line dancing, movie trivia. Everyone was doing lots of things and that was all before 6:00pm! My selected first day at sea activity was spending it alone on the giant balcony. While there, staring out at the beautiful big blue sea, basking in my solitude, I thought of Shoreguy and chuckled that he had one part of me all wrong!

From 4:45-5:45 we had our cruisecritic gathering in the observation lounge. Our non-understanding friends lovingly called it our cult gathering! I think a good time was had by all. So very interesting to finally put faces to the names of people who have been getting to know each other on the roll call boards for months! I felt awkward at first because I was so used to talking to them with my fingers instead of my mouth! I estimated about 25 were there. Hopefully, they will add to this review as well. I gave them gifts of maple syrup and maple sugar treats from my home state until I ran out. Cruisecritics truly add pleasure to my life at the end of each work day! I had a lot of fun meeting them and seeing them throughout the week!

Our group dressed for formal night and attended the Captain's Welcome Party. A tradition is to take the formal pictures...some nice ones and some crazy ones. We bought a few throughout the week. The large photos cost $19.95 each. If you purchased three, then you received one free. I do not know the cost of the smaller pictures. A new photo company is taking over as of the 10/23 sailing so I do not know what that will mean for specials. I recognized the Turkish photographer from years ago and asked where he had been the last few. He had been serving his country in the Turkish military.

My cousins ate earlier and attended the Encore Mr. Producer show that evening. A group of us who had seen the show many times prior had reservations for East Meets West Steakhouse. All specialty restaurants that charge a fee had 50 percent off that night. The regular price for these particular specialty restaurants are: Italian Il Adagio...$12.50, Steak House...$20.00, French Le Bistro...$15.00, Teppanyaki and Sushi Bar Ginza...individual pricing or $10.00 all you can eat sushi. Of course, there are others that do not charge a fee.

I ordered the filet mignon at the steakhouse and it was excellent. My last year's review of NCL beef mentioned that I thought I could cut it with a butter knife. This time, I actually took my butter knife to test it. True to my belief, that baby went through sooooooo smooth.

You can also add a 1/2 lobster to your meal at the steakhouse for an extra 5 dollars, totalling 25 dollars on regular nights. Ask what the price would be on the 50% off night. There was some confusion in our dining party as to whether or not the price should be 15 dollars since the advertisment stated 50% off the cover. Those who ordered were charged the regular 25 dollars. I did not pay attention to the controversy as I was fantasizing about my penthouse suite with the gigantic balcony. I wondered what the stars would look like that evening if I moved my foam eggshell mattress on the lounge chair? The ship hardly felt like it was moving at all and the temperature would be perfect to sleep under the stars...Suddenly a rogue wave came crashing through my thoughts and ended any notion of my plan. By the time I came to, I was not sure if the controversy was solved or not. Either way, it was time to dance. We missed the salute to divas, tribute to motown, and made it to the end of the New Year's Eve party in the disco. We danced until the disco closed.

Cozumel was the next day and hurricane Wilma was coming. I could not wait. I have longed to be on a hurricane cruise. I went out on my big balcony before retiring to bed and looked to see if Wilma was NEAR. I do not think my friends heard me, but as I looked forward in the dark calm ocean waters as the sea salt speckled my hair, I leaned my neck back and took a long holler out to Wilma's name in true Fred Flinstone fashion.

I do not think the passengers in cabin 9002 appreciated it as much as I did.

Coka

thanks Coka, sounds like you had a really good cruise. NMNita

I enjoyed stating "Excuse me, excuse me, where is the penthouse line?" "Is this the penthouse line?"

 

I leaned my neck back and took a long holler out to Wilma's name in true Fred Flinstone fashion.

I am rolling on the floor laughing over the above two quotes! Coka, you are a hoot! :D

Quote:

Originally Posted by coka

I enjoyed stating "Excuse me, excuse me, where is the penthouse line?" "Is this the penthouse line?"

I leaned my neck back and took a long holler out to Wilma's name in true Fred Flinstone fashion.

I am rolling on the floor laughing over the above two quotes! Coka, you are a hoot! :D

I'm right there with you on this one. I can't stop laughing. THANK YOU COKA!

I do have a question though....do they always offer the 50% speciality restaurants on the first day at sea on the SUN?

Coka, enjoying your review! We're going on the Sun 12/11 so it's really appreciated. Take care.

We sail on Nov. 6 - leaving on the 5th so I hope you finish before then - I"m learning so much!

Again - More more more!!!! :) :)

Can't wait! Thank you for the great review it is making my morning each day but please don't make me wait till tomorrow morning! :) Debbie

We are sailing on the Sun on Nov 13. Coka's review is great!!

Coka, I feel like I'm there with you.

I think you should come along with us on the Sun 12/11 :):)!!!!!!

I'm amazed at your experience vs the experience that others wrote about from the same cruise.............Guess it's definitely a frame of mind kinda thing :).

When is the next installment to your review due? I'm waiting!!!!

I'll have what she's (COKA) having!!!

:)

Hello all,

We are cruising Dec 11 on the Sun for our first vacation in years and our first cruise. :rolleyes: We can't wait :D Like you Coka we are on deck ten forward in the cabin next to the royal suite. We however won't be able to query your mantra, which way to my " PENTHOUSE ". Our cabin " 1002 " is a simple balcony room although I hope the best one on the ship. Our balcony is 10' X 10' which I intend to enjoy as much as you did. I have a question for anyone whom might know. Our category " BA " Cabin does not have conciege level service like all the mini suite cabins and above categories. Can you upgrade to conciege service for a fee once your on board ? I called NCL and they said that I may be able to do so but they counldn't do so over the phone prior to sailing. I ask because I want access to room service on my " terrasse " thank you. Every other room on deck ten is either a suite or royal suite. Our room is somewhat an anomally being a joining room to the royal suite. We just wanted this location. Birds eye view and all. Also are there terry robes in the rooms or do you have to request them ?

We are unsure about our itinerary as I've read about Cozumel bad fortune :mad: . My hopes go out to them. No word as of yet from the NCL site. I Hope we will spend more time in Belize.

Talking about Belize we are planning to hire a private boat to take us to the islands for Snorkeling and beach combing. I've been considering buying some island property in Belize and would like to scope it out. Anyone that wants to join us is welcome to share expenses. We just want a more free and personal day in Belize.

The mystery dinner sounds fun, how does it work ? See you at the Disco dance.

44 days till sailing.

Liam and Valerie.

Hello all,

We are cruising Dec 11 on the Sun for our first vacation in years and our first cruise. :rolleyes: We can't wait :D Like you Coka we are on deck ten forward in the cabin next to the royal suite. We however won't be able to query your mantra, which way to my " PENTHOUSE ". Our cabin " 1002 " is a simple balcony room although I hope the best one on the ship. Our balcony is 10' X 10' which I intend to enjoy as much as you did. I have a question for anyone whom might know. Our category " BA " Cabin does not have conciege level service like all the mini suite cabins and above categories. Can you upgrade to conciege service for a fee once your on board ? I called NCL and they said that I may be able to do so but they counldn't do so over the phone prior to sailing. I ask because I want access to room service on my " terrasse " thank you. Every other room on deck ten is either a suite or royal suite. Our room is somewhat an anomally being a joining room to the royal suite. We just wanted this location. Birds eye view and all. Also are there terry robes in the rooms or do you have to request them ?

We are unsure about our itinerary as I've read about Cozumel bad fortune :mad: . My hopes go out to them. No word as of yet from the NCL site. I Hope we will spend more time in Belize.

Talking about Belize we are planning to hire a private boat to take us to the islands for Snorkeling and beach combing. I've been considering buying some island property in Belize and would like to scope it out. Anyone that wants to join us is welcome to share expenses. We just want a more free and personal day in Belize.

The mystery dinner sounds fun, how does it work ? See you at the Disco dance.

44 days till sailing.

Liam and Valerie.

:)

Hello all,

We are cruising Dec 11 on the Sun for our first vacation in years and our first cruise. :rolleyes: We can't wait :D Like you Coka we are on deck ten forward in the cabin next to the royal suite. We however won't be able to query your mantra, which way to my " PENTHOUSE ". Our cabin " 1002 " is a simple balcony room although I hope the best one on the ship. Our balcony is 10' X 10' which I intend to enjoy as much as you did. I have a question for anyone whom might know. Our category " BA " Cabin does not have conciege level service like all the mini suite cabins and above categories. Can you upgrade to conciege service for a fee once your on board ? I called NCL and they said that I may be able to do so but they counldn't do so over the phone prior to sailing. I ask because I want access to room service on my " terrasse " thank you. Every other room on deck ten is either a suite or royal suite. Our room is somewhat an anomally being a joining room to the royal suite. We just wanted this location. Birds eye view and all. Also are there terry robes in the rooms or do you have to request them ?

 

We are unsure about our itinerary as I've read about Cozumel bad fortune :mad: . My hopes go out to them. No word as of yet from the NCL site. I Hope we will spend more time in Belize.

 

Talking about Belize we are planning to hire a private boat to take us to the islands for Snorkeling and beach combing. I've been considering buying some island property in Belize and would like to scope it out. Anyone that wants to join us is welcome to share expenses. We just want a more free and personal day in Belize.

 

The mystery dinner sounds fun, how does it work ? See you at the Disco dance.

 

44 days till sailing.

Liam and Valerie.

Liam and Valerie.....we are on this cruise as well. Check out the roll call for it. It is called SUN 12/11/05 out of New Orleans (because that was the original port!). Join our group. We are going to set up a meet and greet as well.