Sun Review - Eastern Carib. March 4th....

[countercast]

Just returned last weekend from The Sun’s Eastern Caribbean itinerary (March 4) and am posting my review before I forget too much (comes with age!) As a background, we are a self-employed couple in our mid/late forties, this was our fourth cruise, first time with NCL and with a balcony. We chose this cruise for its price and itinerary. Our goals were to relax (mostly at the pool and gym), see other ports and enjoy some good food.

 

Three issues affected our particular cruise experience: one, a crew member required medical evacuation the first night forcing a turn-around to the nearest port; two, the ship was in its second week of recovering from a Norwalk virus outbreak; and three, it was a Spring Break week for some (not our area so this was unexpected!).

 

We used the NCL shuttle from FLL to Miami ($30 pp return) which took about 50 mins in busy traffic, once we found the missing representative and bus. (TIP: Another couple told us they paid only $25 for a taxi) There was quite a line-up at the port and embarkation was not as smooth as we expected from some previous posters. We were on the ship about an hour after arriving which is comparable to other cruise-lines. (TIP: make sure you have filled out all the customs/immigration forms for your ports that came with your tickets ahead of embarkation.)

 

The Sun was clean and not too glitzy. She is a medium-sized ship and despite the fact we have been on larger ships, we had trouble finding our way around at first as several floors do not go from aft to forward. The pool deck was fine and it was good to see crew removing towels and straightening unoccupied benches after the first day so we did not have too much trouble finding a lounger after the first day.

 

Our cabin was clean, modern and spacious - the balcony was a treat. Plenty of storage, quiet, and very accessible (9th floor). Bed was comfy and we were surprised and happy to have our own coffee machine and fridge. House-keeping was very adequate.

 

Because of the past viral outbreak, the ship had hand-sanitizers everywhere, especially around the restaurants and gym, as well as crew to spray your hands when re-embarking from excursions. This seems such a great idea that I think it should be the norm - we noticed few people hacking, coughing and spluttering cold germs around us, as on previous cruises.

 

However, it also meant that there was NO self-service in the buffets; i.e. you waited in line, pointing to or saying what and how much you wanted while a crew member dished out the food and portions at each station. With a full ship, small buffets and a shortage of staff for this procedure, the line-ups were constant and tedious. Since we liked to spend a lot of time in the day around the pool and therefore in our swimsuits/cover-ups, there was no alternative to the buffets; the restaurants required us to change and there was inadequate room service selection. Chronic queues certainly affected our enjoyment although I would not say it spoiled the cruise. The buffet food was okay to good; tapas at Las Ramblas were generally very good and our dinner at the Bistro (specialty) was excellent. We ate in the dining room on 4 nights – the food was very good, the service was okay to good and the menu selection was mediocre. Except for a couple of stand-outs, desserts were a disappointment (I should mention that we are foodies!) We did enjoy going to dinner when we were ready as opposed to a specific seating; sometimes we ate alone and other times we shared. We never waited more than 5 minutes for a table. (TIP: book early for the specialty restaurants; East Meets West was full by Tues. Enjoy tapas at Las Ramblas after 5:30)

 

Drinks: Yes, they were pricey and we must have subconsciously cut-down as we had our smallest bar-bill ever. However, the bartenders were generous with the liquor, especially my Long Island Iced Teas - mmmm! (TIP: remember to ask for the regular size glass if you don’t want the silly plastic souvenir cups as they seem to bring (and charge for) those by default ($9!!)) Only iced tea or water was available free during the day and of course, you would have to wait to be served by the sentry on drink-duty at the buffet, nothing pool-side. The cups were very small (8 oz) so I ended-up buying a larger container from the shop and having them fill that. (TIP: bring a personal drinks cooler from home) Hubby enjoyed a good selection of beers, including draft Dos Equis.

 

Because of the medical emergency, we did not get into our first port, Samana, until 12 noon. This was only 2 hours later than planned. However, using only small tenders (the ship’s own life-rafts) on only one side of the ship (due to rougher seas on the other), we did not get off the ship until 3:30, two hours before we were due to leave and having lined-up for an hour to get a tender ticket, then waiting an hour for a tender. This did not give us enough time to go to Cayo Levatando, so we just walked around the market near the port for an hour then left. This is a new destination for cruise-lines and not everyone is up to speed and the ship’s tours get priority of course. (TIP: book a ship’s excursion at this port rather than try to do it yourself)

 

We were supposed to get into Tortola for 8 am but we didn’t arrive until 10 (docked). I had tried to purchase the ship’s excursion via catamaran to the baths but it was full weeks before we sailed. So we rushed off the ship and literally ran over to Speedy’s to get the last morning ferry (10:30) to Virgin Gorda. We bought the $35 package as this included the ferries, taxis and lunch. However, after dropping us off at the baths at 11:45, we only had until 1:30 as they would be picking us up for lunch. We enjoyed what we saw but as we expected, there were masses of people since we were late and there were 2 other ships in port. We had a good lunch and this package is a bargain but you need to get the earlier ferries to avoid crowds and have more time. (TIP: buy the ships excursion online a month in advance). Despite St Thomas (the next stop) being only an hour away, the ship left around 6. This would be a great port to stay until 10 – there was so much I wanted to see and several companies offer sunset cruises…..NCL take note.

 

We docked in St Thomas, caught a cab and ferry, and spent a few hours on St John at Cinnamon Bay, mostly to avoid the crowds and because we’d seen St Thomas. Had great, great chicken and ribs at a BBQ shack at Cruz Bay in St Johns and then went to Pusser’s Landing in St Thomas on the way back for a Painkiller and conch fritters – that is beautiful rum, alright! (TIP: if you want to go to ST Johns, get the 9 am ferry from downtown; otherwise, you spend more time traveling using the ferry from Road Town. Also, have some Pusser’s Rum!)

 

We were so pleased that the ship was going to Great Stirrup Cay – we hadn’t been to a private island and it turned out to be a highlight. Lined-up for tender tickets for 45 minutes but had a great day on the beach. Good BBQ buffet (hardly any wait….??), fantastically clear water and very hot sun. A group of us stayed away from the main section around a bay that offered more seclusion and it was truly delightful with some snorkeling as well. (TIP: Don’t miss it!)

 

We thoroughly enjoyed the comedian, Joe (Italian surname escapes me), his first night but were unable to see him again as Dazzles small lounge was so full. Obviously a good and popular entertainer should have been in a larger venue such as the Stardust lounge (NCL take note….)

 

There were some rough seas during the last couple of days. Doesn’t affect me at all but we noticed lots of white bags being offered on every corner! Less busy round the pool, too!

 

Apart from the freedom to eat at anytime during 5:30pm – 10pm in the dining rooms, we experienced no other difference in ‘Freestyle’ dining over our other cruise experiences.

We found the staff quite friendly overall - a few miseries and a few happier characters - and efficient.

 

Went to one art auction that was so PAINFUL, I didn't go to another! The English host, a bit ticked after not receiving any bids for several proffered artworks, actually asked who was here to really buy and who to just have champagne; and if you were only drinking, then have another and leave - we all looked at each other, a bit shocked! I just hadn't seen anything I liked (there were 3 sports posters!) although I eventually bought one item and left before the end. NCL please note....Chastising the vacationers is just not cool!

 

In conclusion, the ship was busy, we lined-up ALOT and some of the food selection wasn’t anything to write home about. But the ship was clean, weather was great, we met some fun people, saw some great sites, had a few great meals and enjoyed ourselves. All in all, a great vacation. Some things didn’t go as planned but, hey, that’s life!

[riz]

Thanks for your great review....looking forward to the same itenerary in a few weeks.

 

One question....on GSC you mentioned you were in a more secluded area....whereabouts was it or at least what direction did you take to get there ?

 

Thanks in advance !

[countercast]

Thanks, Riz.

As the tender approaches the island, you'll see all the chairs and umbrellas laid-out on the left and a smaller strip of beach to the right in front of a 'boat-house' - very easy to spot and get to. Mind you, the tide did come in a bit and that beach shrank somewhat! And you'll probably have to get up to go get bar service (no biggie).

[Michaelw5]

countercast,

 

I have not heard any problems with the norwok virus on this ship until now/ This would be a little concerning to me and my wife. Were there lots of poeple sick the week before or during your trip?

 

As for the hand sanitizers I can honestly say when we went on the NCL Spirit last March they had them everywhere. Just like what you say, so I think that is a NCL policy. I have never seen them on RCCL, PCCL, CCL, Celbrity before.

PS thanks for the great review!

[electricron]

Links to cruise ship illness outbreaks in

2006 > http://www.cruisejunkie.com/outbreaks2006.html

Links to events at sea in

2006 > http://www.cruisejunkie.com/events.html > 10 so far this year, none on NCL ships.

2005 > http://www.cruisejunkie.com/events2005.html > (32 total, four of the total for the Norwegian Crown)

March 13 - 28

Norwegian Crown

The CDC reports that 60 of 1020 passengers (5.88%) and 4 of 531crew members (.75%) reported ill during the March 13 - March 28 cruise ending in Miami. The ship had just returned from its South America itineraries and as noted below (February 1 - 27) had had health outbreaks on previous cruises.

February 13 - 25

Norwegian Crown

A passenger wrote the following: Both my husband and I got the norwalk virus and I know lots of other people got norwalk. Another passenger reported that approximately half of the passengers onboard became ill.

February 1 - 13

Norwegian Crown

Passengers boarding at Valpariso on February 13 were advised there had been "small" outbreak of a benign gastrointestinal bug that affected about 3%, or 34, of the passengers on the previous cruise that they said was brought onboard by passengers/crew at one of the ships ports-of-call, and they had taken numerous steps to eradicate the virus before the cruise ended.

January 16-29

Norwegian Crown

There are reports of a large-scale outbreak (some estimate 15% of passengers) of viral illness on the Jan 16-29 cruise.

 

2004 > http://www.cruisejunkie.com/events2004.html (41 total)

2003 > http://www.cruisejunkie.com/events2003.html (38 total)

2002 > http://www.cruisejunkie.com/events2002.html (43 total)

 

It's been awhile since NCL has had an illness outbreak. Let's hope NCL ships continue the illness outbreak free streak for a long time.

[cmdchiefthom]

Countercast,

 

Thanks for a very objective review.:) I'm really sorry about your experience in Samana, but I can understand an emergency situation. I guess the main thing is that you seemed to enjoy your cruise, as I hope I will in two weeks on the same itinerary!;)

[countercast]

Michael, no-one was ill with the Norwalk as far as we know on our cruise. The letter we were given from NCL when embarking said it had been a 'recent' outbreak on the ship. The crew member I spoke to said it happened 2 weeks previous. I have no idea how severe it was but NCL said it occurred - I am therefore doubtful, electricron, that all outbreaks get press.

 

As I mentioned, this was our first NCL cruise and the hand-sanitizers were new (and welcome) to us. Since returning, a couple of friends have mentioned having them on their cruises. Now, if we could only get them in schools!

[countercast]

cmdchiefthom, I hope you have a great time - I'm sure you will. The major problems in Samana were due to tendering although we were 2 hours later in Tortola too....

 

It was this cruise that made me realise how important attitude is. When things weren't going too well in the first few days (or not as EXPECTED - big difference....), my husband and I were determined not to become one of those whiney devils you hear on every cruise. We tried to relax, let it go and concentrate on the positive. I think it's only the major things that matter in a review; food, service, comfort and efficiency. Too many reviews get bogged down in the tiniest, irrelevant details (e.g. "I asked my steward for ice twice before he got it") One day, we actually ran out of soap in the shower (and there was none at the sink either) and I had to use shampoo - BIG DEAL!! :p

[newmexicoNita]

Very good, very objective review and thanks for some of the heads up like book Samana through the ship. We love the hand sanitizers, on the Jewel they even have them in the casino. We cruised another line a few months ago and were shocked to not find them anywhere on the ship. NMNita

[BeeGee]

We were on the same cruise and I will add some additional tidbits for those going on this cruise or other NCLs.

 

- The taxi to/from Miami Airport is indeed only $24. Got luggage and right to the taxi. No waiting. So it does beat the shuttle prices.

 

- On Monday they have a special dinner of lobster and filet in the free main dining rooms. BUT rather than go to dinner with the masses we ate at La Bistro with was 1/2 price on Monday. It was wonderful with less than 50 people total in the restaurant. true we missed the freebees that night but think about 2000 people all going for that lobster and filet...vs the 50 ...it was well worth it.

 

- The fitness center is very nice as we did that on several occasions so bring your gear.

 

- We went to Cane Garden beach in Tortola because of the lack of time for the baths. Taxi is inexpensive ($6pp) and the scenery is out of this world. But the beach is....just a beach. No snokeling or any other water sports. So we just relaxed then went into town.... which is nothing much at all.

 

- GSC was wonderful but we stayed with the major crowd on the other side of the beach. The snorkeling was outstanding as 8-10 major types of fish and Sting Ray's galore. I went out 6-8 times over a 6 hour period.

 

- Entertainment was better than I expected. They have a young troupe of singer/dancers and while not broadway quality... many were very close. It was a surprise for us.

 

- You can bring back 5 bottle of alcohol pp so we did :).

 

that about covers what was not said before... enjoy!

[Nickymjw1]

We were on the Majesty last year, and they used the hand santizers also, so I think it is standard policy for NCL.

 

When going on Carnival in November they had none and it really concerned me. With that many people, germs can spread real easy.

[electricron]

We were on the Majesty last year, and they used the hand santizers also, so I think it is standard policy for NCL.

 

When going on Carnival in November they had none and it really concerned me. With that many people, germs can spread real easy.

 

Carnival has a different take. Hand santizers don't kill every virsus.

They recommend properly washing your hands often.......

 

From CDC http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/op/handwashing.htm

The most important thing that you can do to keep from getting sick is to wash your hands.

By frequently washing your hands you wash away germs that you have picked up from other people, or from contaminated surfaces, or from animals and animal waste.

You pick up germs from other sources and then you infect yourself when you Touch your eyes, Or your nose, Or your mouth.

The important thing to remember is that, in addition to colds, some pretty serious diseases -- like hepatitis A, meningitis, and infectious diarrhea -- can easily be prevented if people make a habit of washing their hands.

It is especially important to wash your hands Before, during, and after you prepare food, Before you eat, and after you use the bathroom, After handling animals or animal waste, When your hands are dirty, and

More frequently when someone in your home is sick.

 

What is the correct way to wash your hands?

1. First wet your hands and apply liquid or clean bar soap. Place the bar soap on a rack and allow it to drain.

2. Next rub your hands vigorously together and scrub all surfaces.

Continue for 10 - 15 seconds or about the length of a little tune. It is the soap combined with the scrubbing action that helps dislodge and remove germs.

3. Rinse well and dry your hands.

 

From http://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/infectioncontrol/faq/hand.htm#types

 

Organisms have been found on or around bar soap during and after use. Using liquid soap with hands-free controls for dispensing is preferable.

 

For most procedures, a vigorous, brief (at least 15 seconds) rubbing together of all surfaces of premoistened lathered hands and fingers followed by rinsing under a stream of cool or tepid water is recommended.

 

Waterless products (e.g., alcohol-based hand rub) are especially useful when water facilities are unavailable. Alcohol-based hand rubs should not be used in the presence of visible soil or organic material.

 

Removal of all jewelry, washing as described above, holding the hands above the elbows during final rinsing, and drying the hands with clean towels.

[newmexicoNita]

I also have heard about washing your hands and the correct way, but the sanitizers are better than nothing: they certainly can't hurt. I feel much better knowing they are available. It would be nice if everyone took the time to wash their hands before meals, after touching things that coulc be carrying germs, etc but this doesn't happen. NMnita

[Michaelw5]

I personally like the hand sanitizers. I usually have my own anyway......

 

 

PS thanks for the lesson on washing my hands.......But does it matter if the most people forget to wash there hands and then open the door. Kind of defeats the purpose. We all need to wash our hands.:eek: