Shadowmeboy's NCL Sun 12-Night Christmas New Years Caribbean Cruise Adventure

[shadowmeboy]

Hey all! Shadowmeboy here!

 

First of all I apologize for the tardiness of this review, I have been playing catch up all Spring. 2024 at my job is a busy year, because its the only year every 4 years where we can have 5 elections. I work in elections for the County immediately North of us here in Washington State. We started the year out with a February Special that was 83% of the entire county, so lots of work. Then the day we certified the February Special, ballots went out for Washington's Presidential Primary. That was a ton of work. Then we had a short break where Susan and I were able to sneak in a 5 night Pacific Coastal cruise (yes, I will do a review on that one as well). Before coming back to a small April Special Election, which allowed me to get caught up on photos and get this overdue review started. 

 

Our Cruise History!

 

My wife, Susan, and I love to cruise and do it any chance we can. Before this cruise, we have sailed 16 times together and I have sailed once by myself.

 

Past Reviews:

In 2016 we sailed the Norwegian Sun on a Southbound Cruise from Seward, Alaska to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. You can read the review here: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2529761

 

The Norwegian Sun is pictured in Sitka, AK.

 

In June of 2017, We sailed the Norwegian Escape to the Western Caribbean. Review: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2516206

 

The Norwegian Escape pictured in Costa Maya, Mexico.

 

In December 2017, We sailed the Norwegian Star to the Mexican Riviera over Christmas. Review: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2581330

 

The Norwegian Star pictured in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

 

In June 2018, We sailed the Norwegian Jewel Northbound Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada to Seward, Alaska. Review: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2557365-north-to-alaska-shadowmeboys-jewel-shimmering-pictorial-review/

 

The Norwegian Jewel pictured in Juneau, AK from the Mount Roberts Tram.

 

In November 2018, We sailed the Norwegian Bliss on a Eastern Caribbean Cruise out of Miami. Review: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2614687-shadowmeboys-blissful-eastern-caribbean-pictorial-cruise-review/

 

The Norwegian Bliss docked in Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin islands.

 

In June 2019, we sailed the Norwegian Dawn on a Canada/New England Cruise out New York City. Review: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2678378-shadowmeboys-norwegian-dawn-canadanew-england-pictorial-review/

 

The Norwegian Dawn anchored just outside the harbor of Newport, Rhode Island.

 

In September 2019, I sailed a 7 Night Alaska roundtrip on the Norwegian Bliss without Susan. Review: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2707063-shadowmeboy-helps-close-down-alaska-on-the-bliss/

 

The Norwegian Bliss docked in Ketchikan, Alaska.

 

Then Covid Hit. What did we do during our unplanned pause in cruising?

 

In July 2020, when we were supposed to sail Alaska, we ended up doing a 13 day, 7 state road trip. It got me up to 48 states visited, as I hit my 47th State (Wyoming) and 48th (South Dakota) along the way!

 

This picture I took near Glacier National Park was published in a train calendar for 2021! 

Videos from our trip are on my YouTube channel (Playlist Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6BY6HPmDubE1rop-vFZS1p-7tqOKvd0O)

 

In December 2020, Susan got her 48th and 49th states when we traveled through North and South Carolina to surprise my Mom and Dad on Christmas Day in Florida.

 

Sunset picture from Indian Rock Beach, FL near Tampa.

Videos from our trip are on my YouTube channel (Playlist Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6BY6HPmDubELw7b1b-LHcGNfTHHGRVDA)

 

In April 2021, we took a train ride from Seattle to South Bend, Indiana, rented a car, and drove to my 49th State of Ohio. We visited family, the Ohio State Reformatory (where the movie Shawshank Redemption was filmed), and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

 

There I am in front of the Pro Football Hall of Fame!

Videos from our trip are on my YouTube channel (Playlist Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6BY6HPmDubGUpI47p3TseK36oE6g81RA

 

Finally, we snuck away for a Las Vegas Getaway in January 2022 for my Birthday. 

 

A Lion Fish at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino Shark Reef Aquarium.

Videos from our trip are on my YouTube channel (Playlist Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6BY6HPmDubGSUJn9EuQ-19fbfBb184vw

 

That caught us up to April of 2022. When we finally got back to cruising!

 

Return to Cruising!

 

In April 2022, We returned to to cruising aboard the Norwegian Breakaway! We sailed a 7 Night Western Caribbean Cruise out of New Orleans. Review: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2851477-shadowmeboy-breakaway-adventure-from-new-orleans-to-the-western-caribbean/

 

 

Norwegian Breakaway docked next to the Norwegian Dawn in Cozumel, Mexico!

 

In July 2022, we finally got to return to Alaska sailing with our friends, Trace and Maria, on a 7 night Alaska Seattle Roundtrip on the Norwegian Spirit. Review: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2888618-shadowmeboys-spirited-return-to-alaska/

 

 

The Norwegian Spirit docked at Ward Cove in Ketchikan, AK.

 

In December 2022, we escaped the multiple feet of snow at home and enjoyed the sun and sand of the Caribbean on our 11-night Southern Caribbean Cruise on the Norwegian Encore. Review: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2927077-shadowmeboys-2022-encore-christmas-and-new-years-southern-caribbean-cruise-adventure/

 

 

The Norwegian Encore docked in Willemstad, Curacao!

 

In June 2023, we headed to Alaska onboard our favorite ship in the fleet, the Norwegian Sun! This was a 10-night Alaskan Cruise roundtrip out of Seattle. Review: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2966898-shadowmeboys-suntastic-10-night-alaskan-anniversary-cruise-adventure/

 

 

 

The Norwegian Sun docked in Icy Strait Point, Alaska taken from the ZipRider!

 

About us:

My wife, Susan, is a Elementary Math Specialist and I stopped working for a grocery store and now work a county near our home in elections as a Washington State Certified Elections Administrator!. Susan and I have been married 16 years! Due to her school schedule, we cannot sail as much as we would like.

 

We live in the Pacific Northwest, along the Columbia River on the "dry" side of Washington State among the Apple and Cherry Orchards.

 

 

Back on December 19th, 2023, we embarked on our latest Cruise adventure! Our longest Cruise to-date! This Christmas/New Years cruise on the Norwegian Sun is our 18th cruise together! This was a 12-night Eastern Caribbean out of Baltimore.

 

Most of the pictures in this review are taken with my Canon EOS 90D, my iPhone 15 Pro, my GoPro Hero 7 Black, my GoPro Hero Black 9, or my GoPro 11 along with some shots from Susan's Samsung phone.

 

Please feel free to ask questions along the way! I will try to answer them as quickly as I can. This review will be (as always) very picture heavy. Additionally, part of the delay in getting this review out was that some pictures took longer to edit. I ended up with over 3600 pictures to sort, edit, and prepare for this review.

 

I love to relive my journeys through my pictures! I hope you enjoy them as well!

 

 

The Norwegian Sun docked in Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis on our way back from our Rail & Sail Excursion!

 

Let's get this trip aboard the Norwegian Sun started!

[shadowmeboy]

A few days before the cruise, Susan and I got our tip bags ready to go for the cruise!

 

 

We put in Godiva Chocolates, Hershey Kisses, Candy Canes, Starlight mints, and a small tip in a small stocking as it was a Christmas cruise!

 

 

Here they are all packed and ready to go!

[YVRteacher]

I’ve been waiting for this review!

[shadowmeboy]

Tuesday, December 19th, 2023

 

 

It was a cold and rainy morning in North Central Washington, as we got ready to head out for Seattle and our flight. We were leaving early, just to give extra time for the pass.

 

You will notice a lack of snowfall in our front yard compared to the feet of snow from the previous winter. We were thankful for that! Although we might pay for it this summer.

 

 

Car is all packed and ready to go!

 

 

Off we go! We are actually heading East on South WA Highway 17 to head West. This way we avoid another Mountain Pass over Blewitt Pass (US Highway 97).

 

 

 

 

Rain started to turn into snow out by the junction for WA Highway 174 at Leahy Junction.

 

 

Back to rain as we get down by the Sun Lakes. Although no Sun!

 

 

 

 

 

We make it to Ephrata and its time to grab some breakfast.

 

 

Taco Bell for the Win!

 

 

 

Susan and I both enjoyed out Taco Bell breakfast. It had been years since the last time we had gotten breakfast there.

[shadowmeboy]

 

There are snow covered Mountains over there. They just were a little blurry. Use your imagination!

 

From Ephrata, we head down WA Highway 283 to George, Washington. Yes, George, Washington. At George, we jumped on westbound Interstate 90 to take us to Seattle.

 

 

 

Interstate 90 bridge over the Columbia at Vantage.

 

 

 

 

 

As you can see from the windsock, it was windy as well as rainy.

 

 

Here is a better shot (screenshot from the GoPro Video).

 

 

 

 

 

Yippee! Back to a Rain/Snow mix

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We made a stretch break before attacking the pass at the rest area.

[shadowmeboy]

 

 

It will be nice when I90 is three lanes each way over Snoqualmie Pass.

 

 

Snowing, but wet roadways! Perfect driving conditions!

 

 

 

 

 

Still raining off the Mountain

 

 

 

We hopped on Interstate 405 at Bellevue to head to the Airport.

 

 

 

 

 

Seahawks Team headquarters in Renton along I405

 

 

We finally made it to the airport parking lot, and parked the car.

[shadowmeboy]

13 minutes ago, YVRteacher said:

I’ve been waiting for this review!

 

I know; I know 😉 I wanted to give you something to read on your cruise!

[vacation44]

Looking forward to reading another review.   Thank you for taking the time to post about your cruise.

[shadowmeboy]

 

We typically park at Doug Fox Parking at SeaTac. They have good rates and you can earn points toward free parking. We unloaded the car and headed to the shuttle to the airport.

 

 

 

A blurry look at N Concourse as we pass by on our short drive to SeaTac. Doug Fox is the closest to the Airport, so its really convenient!

 

 

Got to love SeaTac Traffic; Not!

 

 

It looks like a lot, but one rolling suitcase is just tip bags, tripods, and snorkel gear. Heading up to the Skybridge to head over to the check-in desks.

 

 

Arrivals level

 

 

 

Of course, they are "upgrading" SeaTac again. (rolls eyes)

[shadowmeboy]

 

Time to check the bags!

 

 

 

 

 

Lots of Dogs flying this day!

 

 

 

Remember, Alaska Airlines doesn't just fly; They Sleigh!

[shadowmeboy]

 

Finally time to drop the bags!

 

 

Heading to security!

 

Our plane was departing from Gate D2. We headed to the Alaska Lounge in D Concourse, just right next door.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We landed upstairs.

 

[shadowmeboy]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This Alaska paint job was designed by an Alaskan Native. I enjoy the unique paint jobs that Alaska has, including the now retired Salmon-three-seven.

 

 

There is the chariot that will be taking us to Washington! The other Washington!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Time to board the plane!

 

 

 

 

 

Ready to Go!

[SenatorsFan]

Nice to see you back, Matthew. I look forward to following once again. We're just home from a very enjoyable 11-night Southern Caribbean on the Jade.

[NikiPinkston]

Love your reviews, Matthew! Looking forward to hearing about your and Susan's holiday adventure on the Sun! 🚢🎅🌞

[shadowmeboy]

 

The view out the window towards D3!

 

 

 

Heading out to the runway!

 

 

 

 

I find it interesting that they have this taxiway labeled as W on the ground, but it does not show Taxiway W on the FAA diagram for SeaTac. Interesting...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There goes a CRJ 75 on 16L

 

 

 

 

 

We reached the end of the taxiway! Time to turn and takeoff!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Up and away we go!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Angle Lake

 

 

Kent Valley

 

 

 

 

 

[shadowmeboy]

 

 

Wow! What beautiful skies!

 

 

 

 

Here is the video from the takeoff!

[shadowmeboy]

 

Spokane, WA if I remember right.

 

I ended up watching A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood for the first half of the flight. It was a bit bumpy so they delayed the meal service for a bit till we got smoother skies.

 

 

Susan decided to read.

 

 

Dinner time! Coconut Curry with Chicken for Susan

 

 

I got the Chicken with fingerling potatoes.

 

 

Here is a better view!

 

 

 

Someone is trying not to smile!

 

 

Its a little dark out there. We are over eastern Iowa/western Illinois and its cloudy. Thus you can't see the city lights.

 

 

 

Susan took this one for me!

 

 

 

 

 

It was about this time she figured out I was bored.

 

 

You can just barely make out Chicago through the clouds. 

 

 

We skirted the very bottom of Lake Michigan and then started angling towards Washington DC

 

 

 

 

 

My Iphone takes better night photos! This is looking down on the area around Elkhart, Indiana.

[shadowmeboy]

 

Back in 2021, we traveled to this area when we were visiting Ohio. My 49th state visited. Great railfanning in the area!

 

 

 

I constantly fight the blue accent lighting that Alaska has during night time photography.

 

 

The bright spots near the top on the left are Detroit, MI and Toledo, OH. The nearest big light patch on the left is Bowling Green, OH.

 

 

You can see Lake Erie at the top. The big patch of light (top center of picture) right on the shore is Cleveland. Akron is below that to the right. Mansfield, OH is the closest big light blob. Mansfield, OH is home to the Ohio State Reformatory. You are probably asking this question: Matthew, why are you mentioning a prison? Well, the Ohio State Reformatory is a former prison that was the set for the movie The Shawshank Redemption. When we visited Ohio, we toured the prison. Talk about spooky. If you are ever in the area, check it out!

 

.

Morgantown, West Virginia

 

 

Any guesses on the bright lights? Answer will be at the bottom of this post.

 

 

Getting closer to Washington!

 

 

Answer: A Federal Prison in West Virginia! I shook my head when I figured out it out!

[shadowmeboy]

 

You can see the lights of IAD - Washington Dulles International Airport (Just to the left of the GoPro red lights.

 

 

 

On final approach!

 

 

 

 

Ready to land!

 

 

Being Silly!

 

 

 

 

Finally off the airplane!

[shadowmeboy]

 

We arrived at Gate B65 at IAD.

 

 

Its about 9pm PST or Midnight Eastern.

 

 

 

 

 

We had to catch the train to the main terminal.

 

 

 

 

Someone is tired.

 

 

 

 

Waiting for the bags!

 

 

They all made it! We choose nonstops with Alaska to limit the chance of lost bags.

[shadowmeboy]

 

We grabbed a cab to take us to the hotel near the airport we had booked.

 

 

That didn't work.

 

 

That's better.

 

 

We made it to the Hyatt Regency Dulles.

 

 

 

 

Lobby

 

 

 

 

We were exhausted when we arrived and got to be at around 1 am.

[shadowmeboy]

December 20th, 2023

1 day till embarkation!

Starting Location: Just outside Dulles International Airport

 

We finally got ourselves up and going. We had received breakfast vouchers, so we headed down to the restaurant for Breakfast.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of the office doors at the hotel was decorated, we got a good laugh!

 

 

The messy bed.

 

 

Time to head out. We had an evening train up to Baltimore, so we were going to head into Washington, check the bags, and then go explore. Susan had never been to The District before.

 

 

 

Waiting for the Uber!

 

 

It was about 38 degrees this day, but sunny!

 

 

 

 

Our Uber!

 

 

 

Edited April 29 by shadowmeboy

[shadowmeboy]

 

 

Crossing the Potomac into Washington!

 

 

Lincoln Memorial

 

 

Washington Monument

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Washington Union Station

 

 

 

 

So we stored two bags and checked the rest to Baltimore. Then we headed to the Metro to go exploring.

 

 

 

 

We grabbed an all day pass!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Waiting for the next train

 

 

 

Crossing the Potomac on our way out to Arlington National Cemetery.

 

 

[shadowmeboy]

 

4th Infantry Memorial

 

 

We decided to do the Bus tour, so we could expedite between sites and see everything we wanted to see. For more info here is their website: https://www.arlingtontours.com/

 

Based on when we arrived to Arlington, the timing necessitated us to skip JFK's grave at first and head to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We arrived just before the top of the hour. During the off season months, changing of the guard only occurs at the top of the hour. In the Summer, its done every half hour.

 

 

Arlington Tram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[shadowmeboy]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Witnessing the Changing of the Guard Ceremony is something I highly recommend. It is such a great honor for these soldiers to have the responsibility to look after this tomb.

 

 

 

 

 

Here is the video I shot of the Changing of the Guard.