Just returned from the Norwegian Sea

[BigJay1]

Thanks again for all the help. Jay

[vette]

No problem. Have a great cruise!

 

Vette

[newmexicoNita]

Sounds like everyone is enjoying the Sea; we can't wait for November 13th. For anyone flying into Hobby, we found the Hampton Inn at Hobby Airport for $54.00 including full (not continental) breakfast. I guess Hampton Inns have just started the full breakfast addition.

 

NMnita

[cert4me]

We are looking at the Sun and the Sea for a cruise January 05. This will be my husband's first cruise. Can anyone tell me how the rooms in Cat II compare between the two ships? The trips both have Belize and Cozumel so we are okay with the ports since he loves to dive. I want him to have a great time so he will do this again. Which ship would he enjoy more? I am a little concerned the Sun may be a little overdone.

 

thanks,

 

mary

[shoreguy]

We are looking at the Sun and the Sea for a cruise January 05. This will be my husband's first cruise. Can anyone tell me how the rooms in Cat II compare between the two ships? The trips both have Belize and Cozumel so we are okay with the ports since he loves to dive. I want him to have a great time so he will do this again. Which ship would he enjoy more? I am a little concerned the Sun may be a little overdone.

 

thanks,

 

mary

 

Mary, not sure of your definition of overdone. I have been on both ships. My first cruise was on the then Seaward back in 89 and I have cruised on the Sun twice in the last year. Many love the little Sea but for a first cruise if you have to fly to both hands down the Sun is a better choice.

 

It was built for freestyle, better choices in dinning, nicer theater, great public spaces. If you spend time on the boards you will here very little about the Sun because there are few complaints. It is very understated with lots of wood. I think it is right sized. Not a mega liner but big enough to give you plenty of options.

 

On the other hand the sea was the ship of the year in 88 and you will not have a chance to cruise on it much longer. For that matter not many small mass market ships to enjoy anymore. The ship as pointed out has very small cabins but a great crew and a loyal following.

[newmexicoNita]

Like Shoreguy I would vote for the Sun, but also love the Sea. The cabins on the Sun are large with lots of storage as for the Sea, the storage is fine but the cabins are very small. Freestyle cruising is at it's best on the Sun and the show room is much better laid out as is the casino. The only advantage to the Sea would be the wonderful crew (this is both ships) but the Sea has an outstanding, friendly and wonderful group to serve you. The pool area on the Sea has better deck space as well. If price isn't the issue or if both are about the same go for the Sun. NMNita

[cruzfool]

Had a fabulous week on board, and the weather was unexpectadly gorgous. As usual, the staff and service on board the Ship was top notch, from the Captain, Staff Captain, Hotel Director and others all the way down. Carlos the concierge was a blessing and well worth the extra $$ you pay to have a cabin that is taken care of with his service. Dinner in Le Bistro is a must for those wanting a little more intimate dining experience. Service in all restaurants was excellent all week long.

For those who like to "do it yourself" excursions off the ship I recommend in Roatan spend the day at Paya Bay resort. http://www.payabay.com You get an island tour and an incredible day at the beach for less that a ship excursion costs and this experience will be one that only a few will have!

For Belize, I highly reccommend cave tubin with Reggie. Awesome experience and also less hassle to go with Reggie.

More info available for anyone interested...just email me at

2bqueencruzbee@sbcglobal.net

[teacup754]

I was interested in the link to payaBay resort. Did you go snorkling? I've heard that some places on the island are better than others for smooth waters etc.. what was your experience?

[vette]

Welcome back Cruzfool. Glad you had a great cruise.

 

Vette

[scubacroozer]

I'm leaving on Oct. 9th for 7 nights on the Sea. Could you tell me which restuarants charge extra for meals? If you paid extra for any of the meals, were they worth the price?

Thanks, Susan

[vette]

I believe Le Bistro is the only extra charge restaurant on the ship. They charge $15 per person. The food was so good in the dining room, that we did not go to Le Bistro, so I can't answer that question.

 

Have a great cruise.

 

Vette

[cert4me]

Thanks to both Shoreguy and NMNita for giving me a better view of the Sun/Sea. I was hoping the friendliness I experienced on the Norway would carry over to their other ships. My concern with going on the Sun was that it would be like being downtown in a large metropolis. The descriptions you both gave made me comfortable either would work for us. Me, I am leaning toward the Sun since 114 sq ft is mighty small in my book :-)) Thanks.

 

mary

[ute_fan]

cert4me --

 

Our only two cruises have been on the Sea (Texaribbean) and Sun (Alaska). While the two ships are VERY different, we had a great time on both of them. The size of the cabin on the Sea was very small, but arranged well enough with plenty of storage space that it didn't both us at all. The lack of storage space in the bathroom was an issue, but with an over-the-door shoe hanger it wasn't a problem.

 

As 1st time cruisers, the Sea was wonderful, as it wasn't so big that we had trouble finding our way around. The Sun, however, was a much "classier" looking ship. My one thought is that I'm not too sure if I would have enjoyed the Sea nearly as much if I'd had a newer ship to compare it to.

 

Either way, you should have a great trip. We found the food wonderful on both ships, and the staff very friendly with great service.

[Frosting Master]

Great info on the ports. We are tubing in Belize, but no other firm plans - yet. The lobster night info. is great, don't want to miss that. Hey vette, what is a boat drink?