Review from New Cruisers Just off the Sun

[I'mwithhim]

Flights

 

We flew direct with CanJet. If I had a choice, I would not fly with them again. No video/audio screens for entertainment, less than adequate leg room for those over 5'2" (I am 6') and the AC in the plane seemed to be stuck on "heat" both down and back. I asked the FA for a glass of water to take some medication, when I got on, before they started take off procedures. I am still waiting, but I did get to see her "fix" her hair 3000 times. Yeah, these guys should be called "Canned" Jet. Lousy airline. Worst I’ve ever flown, although we did have a very good landing in some really crappy weather coming home.

 

Embarkation

 

 

We were transported by bus from FLL Hollywood Intl Airport to Miami Port. The trip took about 1/2 hour, but was good as I had never been in Miami before, so there was a lot to look at. Once at the pier, we were on the ship and in our room in less than 15 minutes, and that was only because we got lost going to the room! Getting you on board is a smooth process for NCL.

 

Ship

 

 

The ship is a medium sized cruise ship, according to cruise standards, but was a great vessel as far as getting from place to place. Once you got accustomed to the routine of “going up to go down” you could make your way around quite effectively. From aft, you have to go up to at least Deck 6 from 4 or 5 to get down to the reception area mid-ships on Deck 5. This meant walking either through Dazzles, the Casino or up a very long hallway on Deck 4 to the bow. Also, Il Adagio was accessible from Deck 6 by walking down stairs mid-ships to Deck 5. The ship is beautiful, cozy and comfortable. Our stateroom was an ocean view stateroom. Not large, but once you learned the dance, you were OK. You go this way, I’ll go that..open that door! You want to get in the closet? I’ll go this way, you go that and open that door!

Step to the left, my darling… Nothing to it!

 

We found the bed to be comfortable even without the egg foam. There was nary a sore back all week! I swear though, our room stewards, Chris and Clark must have been watching us because every time we left the room the towels were changed, or the bed made or turned down. It got to be funny. We even tried catching them in the act, but they were just way too fast for us!

 

The Staff/ Service

 

 

The staff of the Sun was voted by comment cards to be the best of the NCL fleet, last month. I can see why. They were amazing. From the guys that maintained the ship right up to the Captain, all we got were smiles and great service. When we were leaving Seven Seas restaurant after breakfast, we had every waiter or waitress from the Seven Seas that waited on us over the past week come say goodbye. That was nice. The cabin stewards, as mentioned, were amazing, and the cruise director’s entertainment staff was always full of energy and ready with a smile. The reception staff went above and beyond to help us with a couple things and the bar and wait staff were also great.

 

Food and Beverages

 

 

The food was truly amazing, and I can’t fathom what other people were complaining about. We had beef Wellington that was to die for, duck a l’orange that was incredible and we even found the buffet to be palatable. Of course, we are fairly easy to please. The one complaint that DH had was that his egg whites were never cooked enough, but once he started ordering them “over medium”, things were cooked to perfection. We ate at the buffet, Seven Seas, Four Seasons, Le Bistro, Tapanyaki, and Las Ramblas. We did not do East Meets West, or Il Adagio, but I did hear rave reviews of those restaurants.

 

As far as drinks go, we are not big drinkers, which is probably good because the drinks were outrageously priced as far as I am concerned. Drinks of the day ran about $9, and try as we might, they wouldn’t put them in a regular glass. IF you wanted that drink, you paid for the novelty glass. The best deal for beer was the bucket. DH bought three of those over the course of the week. What he didn’t drink we took back to the room and put in the fridge to keep for when he did want it.

 

My only complaint was that I had to try the famous Sangria, because I had heard so much about it on CC, but was shocked when it came…1/2 glass for $9.35. For almost $10, couldn’t they fill the glass?

 

Public Rooms

 

 

He public areas of the ship were immaculate. They were always very clean and tidy. The ventilation must have been very good, as I am a non-smoker and didn’t mind the smoke in the designated areas. The casino was fun. We even managed to win $117, so we used it for an excursion we hadn’t planned on. The duty free was nice to go in and look through. Everything was organized in such a fashion that it was easy to browse. The photo gallery is a neat place, and we didn’t run into many photographers, but I did find the price of the pictures to be a bit over the top. Even on the final day, they would rather destroy the pictures than sell them at a discount. I though that if they would bundle your pics into a photo album and sell them for say $50 for the lot, as a “last minute/ unadvertised” deal, they would at least get some money from the pics they wouldn’t normally sell. It seems like such a waste the way they do it now.

 

Pools & Hot Tubs

 

 

We only used the pools and hot tubs once. It was nice, and kind of odd being in a pool that felt like a wave pool. The temperature of the pools maintained at around 80 degrees, and the hot tubs were set at 98.6 degrees. They were very user friendly. I didn’t notice many people in the 7’ deep pool, but more seemed to use the 4.5’ pool.

 

Ports of Call

 

 

We LOVED the itinerary on this cruise! I can’t say enough how much fun it was. One thing I didn’t understand was I overheard some people complaining about the ports of call. I don’t understand some people. Roatan was beautiful with fabulous snorkelling. Belize was magnificent with it’s Mayan Ruins, and Cozumel was spectacular for the shopping. And as and added bonus, we got to go to Nassau, rather then Great Stirrup Cay. Although I am sure the island is lovely, I would rather explore the city and the Atlantis Resort and aquarium rather than lie on a beach, so for me that was a better deal.

 

Fitness Centre and Spa

 

 

I didn’t get to use either, as we were non-stop from start to finish on this cruise, but I did go look at the gym. I was impressed with the calibre of equipment available. And the spa ran some fabulous deals on port days, but the DH didn’t share my enthusiasm, nor his wallet. Bummer. But I can say I almost felt relaxed reading the treatments available.

 

Entertainment

 

 

All I can say is that we are easy to laugh and to please or we saw different entertainment than what I have seen reviewed here previously. The entertainment was great! The comic was hysterical, the bands (all 3) were toe tapping good, and the shows in the Stardust Lounge were very good. The Jean Ann Ryan Performers were impressive. And the funniest and most entertaining of all? Cruise Director Linda and her staff performing their version of “Fountains” not quite as seen in front of the Bellagio in Las Vegas. You have to see this to believe it. Also, the adult version of Quest was very funny too.

 

Value Over All

 

 

All in all, I would say that for us, this cruise was well worth the money we paid. We loved the Freestyle aspect. We got a great deal with our flight included, and we watched our spending, so we came in under budget, which is great because what we saved we can put towards a balcony stateroom next time. We didn’t take advantage of the rewards program and will probably kick ourselves later, but we wanted to not feel pressured about when we have to book another cruise. For those who know when they can cruise again, this is a great value, and I would recommend people taking advantage of it.

 

Stupid or Funny Comments Heard on Board

 

 

• Excerpt from Linda - Is the water in the pool so rough because it is sea water?
  
• Excerpt from Linda - Will this elevator (aft) take me to the front of the ship?
  
• Excerpt from Linda - Is the water in the toilet fresh or salt?

• Heard on the elevator - Where is the little man that announced what floor we are on in the elevator? It’s what I’m used to.
  
• Said to Me on Day 2 – Can you tell me where the restaurants are because you look well fed!!! (WHAT???)
  
• Heard in the dining room - These ports of call seem so “3rd world”
  
• Excerpt from Linda – With all those pictures on the wall, how can we tell which ones are ours?
  
• Excerpt from Linda – Does the staff sleep on board?
  

Anyone who has any questions please don't hesitate to ask. Unfortunately, even though I have every one of the dailies, my scanner has gone kaput...so I can't scan them, but I can assure you that if you have seen the one's posted, you have basically seen them. The only difference is the listed port of call and the description of that port. Also the daily specials for that day, all the other information is basically the same.

 

My pictures are posted here at my webshots homepage

 

http://www.http://travel.webshots.com/album/562666567bOhvEk

[smeyer418]

LOL I think the Captain on the Gem once told someone who asked if the crew slept on board...no they are helicoptered in every morning and leave every night...and on the comment cards at the end of the trip was "'everything was fine but the crew helicopter kept waking us up"....

 

nice review thanks....

[I'mwithhim]

When Linda told the story she said if we looked off the aft, we would see hundreds of row boats chasing the ship.. It was a visual that was worth laughing about. :D

 

Sorry about the link to pics.. try this one

 

[shark_bait]

Between the thorough review and all of the great pictures I feel like I've already been on the cruise. Thanks for posting.:)

[ChBoxers800]

Sounds like you had a great trip. Makes me even more anxious for our sailing date to get here!

 

Couple of questions if you don't mind.

 

1) Were there action stations at the buffet?

 

2) Was there a passenger talent show?

 

3) Was there a murder myster dinner?

 

Thanks in advance :D

[lgfromdg]

Thank you so much for taking the time to post your review. Now I'm even more excited about my cruise which is in less than 3 weeks.

[ChBoxers800]

Oops, forgot to ask. Do you know why you went to Nassau instead of GSC? I think I'd actually rather go to Nassau and see Atlantis. Just curious why the change.

[Lib0007]

Thanks for your great review! Only one question - do you happen to remember what times the shows are each night? (for the big productions) - are there two shows? I want to make our specialty restaurant reservations as soon as I board but want to make them at times I can still see the shows, either before or after dinner.

 

Thanks!!

[travelingfools]

Oops, forgot to ask. Do you know why you went to Nassau instead of GSC? I think I'd actually rather go to Nassau and see Atlantis. Just curious why the change.

 

We were on this same sailing. They announced the day before that we were going to Nassau because the weather wasn't looking good for GSC. We had just gotten back from the tender rides in Cozumel which weren't good because of the weather. The tenders in Coz back to the ship were taking anywhere from 1 1/2 hours - 2 hours because they were having trouble unloading the tenders. Our room steward said the same thing happened on the Sun back in December, so it does happen, but not all that often.

[ILOVEOSU]

Thanks for your great review! Only one question - do you happen to remember what times the shows are each night? (for the big productions) - are there two shows? I want to make our specialty restaurant reservations as soon as I board but want to make them at times I can still see the shows, either before or after dinner.

 

Thanks!!

 

Most of the shows had 2...one at 7:30 and one at 9:30. We tried to get there 20 or 30 minutes early to get good seats on the long couches with tables near the front.

[cassrebecca]

Great review.....felt like I was right there with you!!!!

[I'mwithhim]

Great review.....felt like I was right there with you!!!!

 

Becky you fool! Again...on the floor laughing with tears streaming..:D I miss you already.

 

Chboxers800 - Not sure what "action stations" are at the buffet, but they had different labeled stations such as "Salad", "Carving of the day" "hot meals" "wok station", etc. They also had a vegetarian section.

 

I didn't see a passenger talent show, but there was so much going on I could have easily missed it. Yes to the Murder Mystery Dinner.

 

Tami answered your question regarding the Nassau change. We enjoyed it immensely as we had "go to Atlantis" on our "bucket list". There are a couple of choices as far as Atlantis. The ship offered a couple of excursions through the aquarium, which took you inside through "the Dig". We opted out of that and went for one of the tours on the pier for 1/2 the price. Our guide drove a very comfortable Mercedes mini van and took us around the city, showed us some interesting things, allowed us to stop and buy some beer for the trip, went to Atlantis, where we could see the aquarium from the hotel lobby side, (as per pictures) then either dropped us at the Paradise Island beach where you could taxi back for $4, or dropped us back at the pier. Well worth the $28/pp. Ask for "Hurry Murray" He is a marathon runner and a fabulous guide who coaches under-privileged kids in track and field, and encourages them to go on to college and university.

 

Lib007 - Two shows nightly for the big productions. We saw Mr Producer and Cirque Pan. We did not see the Latin Showcase, but I heard it was very good. Shows were at 7:30pm and again at 9:30pm. The final night was 1 showing only of the "crew talent" show and the premiere showing of the entertainment staff's production of "Fountains" which was VERY funny.

[Hollyspop]

I really enjoyed your pictures however they left me breathless. How in the world did you manage to do so much in just 7 days. I've been to all the islands many times and not been able to sqeeze as much sight seeing in as you folks did. Glad you liked the Sun. She is our favorite NCL ship even though the Pearl certainly wins when it comes to the WOW factor. :)

[I'mwithhim]

Haha! My DH says I could rival anyone with a camera for amount of shots taken..anyday! :D

 

It isn't really that we did a great deal, but rather that I photographed every step of the way..and we allowed ourselves about an hour at each location we visited at each port, which was more than enough time. We also had time each day to go back to the ship around 2pm and spend the afternoons chilling by the pool.

 

I love the Sun and the crew, but we got a copy of the itinerary for her next year and she is doing a route that we probably won't be able to book. I think her schedule is Alaska, South Western Mexico, then I believe she is doing Panama... maybe we will have to book the Pearl to get the "wow" factor next time.

[hklinc81]

I think we ate at Teppanyaki the same night, but we were at opposite sides of the table. I was looking at your pics and you look very familiar.

Anyway, your pics are great. I hope you had as great of a time as we did.

[I'mwithhim]

I think we ate at Teppanyaki the same night, but we were at opposite sides of the table. I was looking at your pics and you look very familiar.

Anyway, your pics are great. I hope you had as great of a time as we did.

 

We sat next to a gentleman from North Carolina, I think...or was it South..? I know his wife said they flew in on Southwest Airlines using their points..but for the life of me, I can't remember their names..we met so many people during the week. Were you the lady (or with the lady) with the blond hair seated at the end where there were only two seats? We had two empty chairs beside us.

 

Thanks for the comment on the pics. We had a blast!

[cassrebecca]

We sat next to a gentleman from North Carolina' date=' I think...or was it South..? I know his wife said they flew in on Southwest Airlines using their points..but for the life of me, I can't remember their names..we met so many people during the week. Were you the lady (or with the lady) with the blond hair seated at the end where there were only two seats? We had two empty chairs beside us.

 

Thanks for the comment on the pics. We had a blast![/quote']

Hey Girl...miss you already too!! I sent you an email.....I saw you in Teppanyaki.....I was pressing my face against the glass to get your attention.......but it didn't work....:rolleyes: ...I wanted to push you out of your seat and steal your reservation!! ha ha.....

how was the food? by the way....you got mail....

[cassrebecca]

Sounds like you had a great trip. Makes me even more anxious for our sailing date to get here!

 

Couple of questions if you don't mind.

 

1) Were there action stations at the buffet?

No action stations

 

2) Was there a passenger talent show?

yes look at the dailies for sign ups

 

3) Was there a murder myster dinner?

yes ad it was great!!

 

Thanks in advance :D

 

Enjoy your cruise

[wibeachbum]

Thanks for the great review and all the pictures. We're really looking forward to our trip on the Sun later this month.:D

[I'mwithhim]

Hey Girl...miss you already too!! I sent you an email.....I saw you in Teppanyaki.....I was pressing my face against the glass to get your attention.......but it didn't work....:rolleyes: ...I wanted to push you out of your seat and steal your reservation!! ha ha.....

how was the food? by the way....you got mail....

 

The email didn't come through. Try again..

 

stevehickey@eastlink.ca

[hklinc81]

Yes, I do have blonde hair and my husband and I were at the end of the table.I know what you mean, we met alot of great people too.

[ejmarf]

Hi. Thanks for your great review and pics. I can't wait to get on board this Saturday!

 

One question, how do the temperatures feel in the rooms, restaurants, etc on the ship? Do we need a sweater? We are coming from AZ where we have thin blood... not use to temps back east. Shorts or pants at night? Here, the temps are high 40's/50's in the morning, and high 70's to low 80's in the warm part of the day. We're still in sweaters in the a.m.

thanks.

[ILOVEOSU]

Hi. Thanks for your great review and pics. I can't wait to get on board this Saturday!

 

One question, how do the temperatures feel in the rooms, restaurants, etc on the ship? Do we need a sweater? We are coming from AZ where we have thin blood... not use to temps back east. Shorts or pants at night? Here, the temps are high 40's/50's in the morning, and high 70's to low 80's in the warm part of the day. We're still in sweaters in the a.m.

thanks.

 

Definitely take a sweater for the evenings. We're from Ohio and I was pretty chilly at night and in the mornings. I mostly packed longer sleeveless dresses with a thin shawl to wear at night and shorts for during the day and wished I packed warmer.

[I'mwithhim]

I found it comfortable inside the ship during evenings, wearing capris and a golf shirt, and was even OK in shorts and tanks during the day. But I would have been comfy in long pants and a light sweater too. Being from the east coast, we are used to about any type of weather :rolleyes: Of course, we were on the move a lot inside the ship. We didn't stay still too long, except to eat meals.

 

It was definitely warmer outside on deck, although it was windy too, as the ship was moving along. The only time I found it cold was when we had the "cold front" sweep down on the Wednesday..but that affected the whole continental North America, I'm told. It went down to about 64 degrees with lots of wind. That night, inside was definitely warmer feeling.

[ejmarf]

Thanks. I have a light wind breaker, and I think I will bring a sweater too... I'm just in the midst of a spring cold (yes, it's spring in AZ), so don't want to take chances.

Thanks again.