Norwegian Sun - Ship Description

Norwegian Sun is Norwegian Cruise Line's realization of the Freestyle Cruise experience. For the passenger, this means the utmost in freedom and flexibility. Imagine a luxury cruise where you can eat when you what, where you want, and in whatever clothing you want. With over nine distinct international restaurants, 15 decks, 36 suites, and 107 mini-suites complete with balconies, you are in control of your own ultimate vacation experience.

A sun deck ensures that you'll be able to soak up some rays, and an observation deck means you'll have great views of the incredible seaside scenery. You could easily spend the whole vacation relaxing in the two swimming pools and five hot tubs, but the ship's many other wonderful activities and areas might lure you away. There's a jogging track, basketball/volleyball court, golf-driving net, batting cages, fitness center, and fitness classes available for all levels of physical challenge. For those who feel like playing a game, there's the Checkers Cabaret, a video arcade, and the adults-only Monte Carlo casino. There are computer classes and cooking demonstrations. For web surfers and e-mail addicts, there's even an Internet cafe.

Feel like dressing in your finest? Then dine in the main dining hall or enjoy gourmet French cuisine in a formal setting. Feeling casual? Savor scrumptious sushi in your shorts. There's also an outdoor cafe, pizzeria, ice-cream bar, and a health-foods restaurant to satisfy every craving. Party animals will enjoy the conversation in 12 bars and lounges, the humidor in Churchill's Cigar Club, and dancing in the disco. Broadway-style shows take place in the Stardust Lounge.

Norwegian Sun is a cruise ship operated by Norwegian Cruise Line. She entered service in 2001 in a dual christening ceremony with Norwegian Star. She was constructed at Lloyd Werft Shipyard in Bremerhaven, Germany.

Amenities

• 2 pools, 5 jacuzzis, children's pool/play area
• 12 bars/lounges
• 7 restaurants, 1 buffet
• Casino, teen center
• Spa, salon, fitness center
• Shops, childcare, library
• 7 deck-high atrium

Norwegian Sun
Status: In Service
Entered Service: 2001
Tonnage: 78,309 gross tons
Length: 848 feet
Beam: 108 feet
Draft: 26 feet
Cruising Speed: 23 kn
Decks: 13
Complement: 2,002 passengers (2,400 max); 968 crew
Registry: Bahamas

Norwegian Sun

The Sun was build expressly for Freestyle Cruising which NCL has made famous.  NCL allows you to experience the dawning of a new Sun, the Norwegian Sun.  The Sun is NCL's newest realization of the Freestyle Cruising experience. Imagine a private cruise designed just for you. What's your pleasure? French gourmet in a formal setting, or perhaps you'd prefer sushi in a more relaxed attire.  Let yourself enjoy endless opportunities aboard the Sun which was designed with you in mind.  Providing more choices, more amenities that you think possible, only on the Norwegian Sun.

Features include,  nine distinct international restaurants awaiting you at almost any time of day, so you'll never have to dine in the same restaurant twice. With over 15 decks, 36 suits and 32 Mini-Suites complete with balconies, a dazzling casino, an Internet Café with 24 computer stations, 2 large pools and more, Norwegian Sun gives you endless choices.

SHIP REGISTRY: Bahamas
MAIDEN VOYAGE DATE: Sept. 10, 2001
OVERALL LENGTH: 848 feet
BEAM: 108 feet
DRAFT: 26 feet
SPEED: 23 knots
TONNAGE: 78,309
ENGINES: Diesel electric
GUEST CAPACITY: 2,002 double occupancy, 2,400 maximum
CREW: 968
TV/RADIO/TELEPHONE/REFRIGERATOR/SAFE: Available in each stateroom.
CURRENT: Outlets for 110V 60-cycle U.S. current in all staterooms; 220V A.C. 60-cycle for lighting.
INTERNET ACCESS: 24 terminals in the Internet café. Owners Suites are equipped with Lap Top computers. All staterooms have dial up access and there are several access points located around the ship for wireless connection. Lap top computers are available to rent.

Norwegian Sun Ship Facts and Facilities

DINING FACILITIES

Four Seasons Main Restaurant
Endless panoramic views of sea and sky enhance the artfully served five-course meals, exclusive President's Menu, daily chef's creations and healthy, light selections.
Seating capacity 564
(11,000sq. ft.

The Seven Seas Restaurant
Lavish surroundings, spectacular views and cuisine from award-winning chefs of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs gourmet society.
Seating capacity 594
11,500 sq. ft.

Le Bistro
Like a charming café on the Champs Élyséeses, this intimate bistro features traditional and inventive dishes with a French Mediterranean flair.
Seating capacity 90
2,300 sq. ft.

il Adagio Restaurant
It's amore when you feast on the deliciously prepared contemporary Italian fare with floor-to-ceiling windows revealing dramatic, ever-changing views.
Seating capacity 84
2,000 sq. ft.

Ginza Japanese Restaurant
This elegant Japanese restaurant complex features a sushi bar, teppanyaki room and a sushi/sashimi sit-down section. The servers, dressed in authentic Asian wardrobe, add to the exotic ambiance.
Seating capacity 100
2400 sq.ft.

East Meets West
This high-end Asian fusion restaurant satisfies a need for the exotic and the familiar. Special features include a "Pick Your Own" lobster tank.
Seating capacity 65
1,223 sq. ft.

Pacific Heights
A "Healthy Living" restaurant featuring innovative spa menus, a gourmet pizza bar and Cooking Light® dishes as well as delicious low-calorie desserts.
Seating capacity 102
2,200sq. Ft.

Garden Café Buffet Restaurant / Great Outdoor Café
Sit down to freshly prepared breakfast, lunch and dinner items in the garden or alfresco. Enjoy a vast array of choices from our sumptuous buffet.
Seating capacity 464
13,180 sq. ft.

Las Ramblas Tapas Bar & Restaurant
This exotic restaurant features a rich selection of hot & cold Tapas from around the world. Also enjoy white, red and nonalcoholic sangria.
Seating capacity 81
2,300 sq. ft


LOUNGES/BARS

Observation Lounge
Located on Sports Deck 12.
Full Bar
Seating Capacity - 304
6,600 Sq. Ft.

Dazzles Nightclub
Located on Promenade Deck 6.
Longest Cabaret Bar at sea, also functions as a disco.
Seating Capacity - 335.
5,600 Sq. Ft.

Las Ramblas Tapas Bar & Restaurant
Located on Sports Deck 12.
Full bar specializing in wines by the glass and Spanish snack foods .
Seating Capacity - 81.
2,300 Sq. Ft.

Windjammer Bar
Located on Promenade Deck 6.
Special Martini Bar.
Seating Capacity - 57.
1,100 Sq. Ft.

Sports Bar
Located on Pool Deck 11.
Live broadcasts of sporting events, juice bar & snacks.
Seating Capacity - 72.
2,100 Sq. Ft.

The Champagne Bar
Located on International Deck 7.
Offers caviar, pate foie gras, champagnes & premium vodkas.
Seating Capacity - 56.
3,143 Sq. Ft.

Java Café
Located on Atlantic Deck 5.
Serves specialty coffees and delicious pastries.
Seating Capacity - 53.
1,227 Sq. Ft.

Havana Club
Located on Promenade Deck 6.
Premium cigars & fine cognac & malt whiskey.
Seating Capacity - 35.
700 Sq. Ft.

Internet Café
Located on Promenade Deck 6.
Nine computer terminals.
Seating Capacity - 24.
2,766 Sq. Ft.

Topsiders Bar
Located on Pool Deck 11.
Longest poolside bar at sea with outdoor tables & stools. Full bar.
Seating Capacity - 92.


Champs Bar
Located on Sports Deck 12.
Full bar overlooking the pool area.
Seating Capacity - 73.
1,259 Sq. Ft.


PUBLIC ROOMS

LifeStyles Room
Located on Promenade Deck 6
Lifestyle area (group learning)
Capacity - 24.
336 Sq. Ft.

TechStyles Room
Located on Promenade Deck 6
Lifestyle area (technology)
Capacity - 26.
538 Sq. Ft.

Art Gallery
Located on International Deck 7
Art Gallery (was Shuffles)
Capacity - 28.
317 Sq. Ft.

Sprinkles Ice Cream Bar
Located on Pool Deck 11
Located in the Garden Café
125 Sq. Ft.


FACILITIES

The Oasis Pool
Located on Pool Deck 11
Two swimming pools.
Capacity - 242.
14,078 Sq. Ft.

Hot tubs (5)
Located on Pool Deck 11

At the moment, it is impossible to separate the new Norwegian Sun from the itinerary it has been assigned. Of course, cruise lines often change the assignments given ships, but at the moment of writing, the Sun sets a course that is a divers and snorkelers dream cruise. Setting sail every Saturday from Miami, the latest Norwegian visitor to the western Caribbean visits Georgetown, Grand Cayman; Roatan in the Bay Islands of Honduras; Belize City in Belize with diving calls to San Pedro; and returns via Cozumel, Mexico. Undoubtedly, these are four of the finest diving sites in the world, and are certainly four of the best in the Americas.

The result is almost surreal. Water bugs have a dream world in the daylight, and the Sun at night. And what a wonderful Sun it is.

The Norwegian Sun is the first ship designed from start to finish to facilitate NCL's trend setting "Freestyle Cruising". Freestyle is a radical break from the traditions of ocean liners and the first 25 years of the cruising industry, which achieved organization of services by regimenting the passengers. In the traditional system, all passengers were assigned either a first (early), or second (late) seating for meals, at a specific table in the dining room. This had its plusses and minuses for both passengers and staff. The stewards could predict with accuracy when cabins were vacated for cleaning, and the dining room wait staff could learn the preferences of the diners, and arrange efficient service because the likes and dislikes, as well as the number of meals at each sitting, could be anticipated. The passengers got to know certain tablemates very well over the course of the trip, and also developed relationships with the dining room waiters, busboys and other servers. Many passengers were comfortable having their days regulated by the dining hours, and the assignment to first or second seating often evolved from passenger input as early risers ate in the early hours while night people preferred second seating.

On the other hand, not every vacationer likes being bossed around. NCL discovered that many people on vacation preferred to make their own schedules, choosing to eat where and when they wanted, attend shows at hours which suited them, and spend more time on shore at ports of call than was sometimes permitted by the early dining schedule. NCL President Colin Veitch noticed that land-based resorts did not operate on early/late timetables, and even before Asian based Star Cruises acquired NCL, Veitch had spearheaded an effort to convert all Norwegian vessels to the Freestyle system. Since then, several other cruise lines, most notably Princess and Carnival, have followed suit to a greater or lesser extent.

On the Norwegian Sun, the differences between traditional cruising and Freestyle are most notable in four different areas. First, of course, is the meal service. Passengers do not have assigned meal times. They choose to eat when they want, and the Sun makes this easier by providing no less than nine different restaurants from which to choose. Five of these serve meals that are included in the cruise price, just as always. Two others (one French, one Italian) are very upscale and add a surcharge that really is just the tips for the service staff. The last two are both Asian (one traditional Japanese sushi and teppanyaki, the other California/Asian fusion cuisine) and operate with á la Carte pricing including live whole lobster offerings. These alternative dining spots fill up quickly, proving the popularity of Freestyle service, and thus reservations are usually required. But the system does not suit everyone. On our trip, the first night out everyone seemed want to eat at the same time in the Seven Seas dining room, creating long lines. At the same time, a passenger could simply walk into the Four Seasons dining room, and the "East Meets West Pacific Rim" fusion restaurant was never busy during our week on board.

Our personal method of achieving satisfaction, not to mention dining nirvana, on the Sun was to scout out the menus posted outside the dining rooms during the day. If the main dining rooms had selections we knew we would enjoy, we ate there when we wanted. If not, we called one of the alternative rooms and made a reservation. Both the French and Italian restaurants tend to fill up early, and we recommend reserving one day ahead… I always dodge the main dining rooms on "Caribbean" and "Southwest" theme nights. Also, there is no accounting for taste. My wife and I found the fusion cuisine to be way over the top, and this comes from people experienced in most of America's best restaurants. On the other hand, we thought the Italian restaurant was wonderful, and have had very good experience with the Le Bistros on other NCL ships. We scouted out the buffets nearly every night, and personally thought they were a little thin on choices, but they remain a very solid option for families with lots of little kids or for people who simply don't want to change out of their shorts after daytime activities.

The second very noticeable effect of Freestyle is on attire. While NCL encourages at least one "formal" night per trip, there is really nothing traditional about it. There is a Captain's reception (by the way, current Sun Master Trygve Vorren is a very gracious host, and combined with NCL veteran Denny Anderson to create a warm atmosphere on the ship) to kick off the evening, but the biggest mistake NCL makes with Freestyle Dining is in not reserving one of the two main dining rooms for those dressed formally while directing those less dressed to the other room. Certainly on the first night out, this would have cut the line to the Seven Seas dramatically, and frankly, NCL should make more effort to preserve the formal atmosphere for those who want it. Under the Freestyle system, it is still possible for traditionalists to reserve a chosen table and service staff for the whole cruise if they prefer.

The third most obvious change brought about by Freestyle is also the most controversial. This is the tipping procedure. All NCL ships now automatically add the "suggested" gratuities rate directly to your shipboard account. If you either think the staff deserves more or less than the standard amounts, you must go to the purser to make the changes or have the tips removed from your account. Needless to say, this makes it harder and more personal for the cheapskates to stiff the staff, but it also makes tipping less personal when the service is good. And many passengers claim that this form of tipping, coupled with the fact that most no longer see the same waiter and busboy every night, allows the staff to coast and provide nothing more than average service. My personal experience on the Sun says this is not the case. The service we received was at least as good, if not better, than on previous cruises, and certainly no worse than the service I received the following week on a different cruise ship.

Here's a little trick you might find useful in choosing future cabins. We have found on our last 2-3 cruises that cabins located near or among the suites, regardless of cabin category, receive topnotch service. This was certainly the case for us on the Sun, where our cabin was one of the smaller ones sometimes used as connecting bedrooms for the suites at the very stern of the vessel. As a result, the stewardess assigned to us was the very same stewardess dealing with several of the highest priced rooms on the ship, and we received some of the best cabin service we have ever had.

Although there are also effects of Freestyle on other services provided by the staff, and on shipboard and shore activities, the final most noticeable change on the Norwegian Sun came when it was time to go home. And my, was it a pleasant change from traditional disembarkation. Usually, you are required to vacate your cabin very early on the day the ship reaches port, wait in a public lounge or theatre until customs clears the ship, and then sent off in groups (usually organized by colored baggage tags) to collect your luggage and clear customs individually. But on the Norwegian Sun, more staff and a sophisticated computer system means that passengers who do not have early flights are free to remain on board, either in their cabins or on deck, and depart any time after their color group has been called. This system allows the ship to know who has left and who is still onboard, but it allows those with early flights to be assured of getting off first, while those flying later can hang around the ship (much more pleasant than hanging around an airport lounge).

What does NCL mean when it says the Norwegian Sun is the first ship "designed specifically for Freestyle cruising"? First, it means that NCL experimented with the system on other ships, including the Sun's sister ship, the Sky, and corrected several problems that surfaced on those ships. That's not to say they got it 100% right, either. But at 78,309 GRT, the Sun is slightly larger than the Sky, mostly expressed in being two feet wider at the beam resulting in slightly larger cabins. People who have been on both say there is clearly more storage room in Sun cabins, and we certainly found there was plenty for the two of us even though I was carrying baggage for another cruise the following week. Secondly, there are two more dining options on the Sun than on the Sky, basically achieved by turning the Sky's wine bar into a Spanish Tapas restaurant on the Sun, and by dividing the Sky's Ciao Chow into the two Asian restaurants.

On the other hand, both the Sky and Sun have a couple of major traffic flow problems, the worst of which affects the aft cabins. The problem starts with the fact that there are only two true elevator/stair stacks on the ships. This is then compounded by the fact that on the restaurant deck 5, you cannot get from the back to the front of the ship, and on Decks 6 and 7 you have to walk through bars or the casino to go from aft to bow. Finally, and worst of all, if you live in the back of the Sun, you must either go through the buffet restaurant or the sports bar and Asian restaurants on the Pool Deck to get from your cabin to the swimming pools and sun decks if you use the rear stair stack. And who wants to walk all the way through the ship on a cabin deck to use the forward elevators or stairs?

All in all, the Norwegian Sun is a beautiful new ship whose crew has come together quite nicely in her first 90 days at sea. We found none of the mechanical or service glitches reported by cruisers during her early voyages. Expectations are everything on a cruise ship, and we found our only real complaint was something that no one could be expected to do anything about. Our aft veranda cabin got a light dusting of ash from the stacks (and once from the Great Outdoors Café barbecue) on several days, but I would think all experienced cruisers would know if you put yourself behind the stacks, you might see some smoke. Our cabin stewardess was aware of the problem and took extra care to keep cleaning the balcony.

Perhaps the best innovation on the ship is the Tapas Bar and Restaurant on Deck 12 aft. This particular restaurant features a wide assortment of Spanish tapas, which are bite-sized appetizers. They are included in the price of the cruise just like meals in the main restaurants or the buffet, and they are an excellent alternative on nights when you are not as hungry. In addition to the regular selection of cocktails and beers, this bar also features some of the best sangria afloat. A pretty good flamenco guitar player holds forth as well.

Which brings us to the Norwegian Cruise Lines Dive-In Program. The flamenco guitarist's roommate happened to be our favorite Dive-In instructor. NCL has, without question, the best diving and snorkeling excursions of any cruise line. This is mainly and largely because NCL does not hire outside providers for its diving excursions, but instead carries its own staff of certified divers to conduct the programs and serve as tour guides throughout each trip. The advantages of this should be obvious: The instructors answer to NCL, and they cover the same ground every week so they are totally familiar with the dive and snorkeling sites. They are in a much better position to negotiate and interface with the natives who supply the tenders and dive boats as well as those contracted to provide food and other services on shore.

This program coupled with this itinerary is what makes the Norwegian Sun cruise different and special. As noted earlier, the ports of call on this trip are four of the finest diving and snorkeling spots you can visit, and when you add in the experience and ability of the Dive-In instructors on the Sun, you get a group of excursions that are truly unique. I am not personally much of a swimmer, but my wife is a water baby. She was in heaven while I merely enjoyed myself, but I think it is obvious that if someone who is not enthralled by the diving experience has a good time on these excursions, they are well planned and executed. NCL always gets high marks from passengers for these programs, but I think they must reach their zenith on the Sun.

Now here are some brief comments about the ports. Georgetown and Cozumel are both very entertaining mixtures of shopping and water sports. Generally, when on a cruise, we try to sample the local cuisine when in port, and we found a very nice restaurant called Smugglers Cove in Georgetown (excellent conch fritters!). In Cozumel, having done the Hard Rock and Carlos and Charlie's on previous trips, we opted for some very strong margaritas at Palmeras on this trip. Luckily, the Sun docks at the downtown terminal, and we were able to stagger back to the ship. It's amazing when you visit a port several times that you continue to find new places to shop and eat, and indeed we discovered some new streets and bazaars in Cozumel which are a bit off the main street.

After several cruises, we also tried one of the Atlantis submarines this time. We found this to be an excellent and well-run excursion, and I think even certified divers would find this another satisfying approach to exploring life under the sea. The company has a large investment in these battery-powered boats, which have operated in safely in Cozumel and other ports for 13 years, and they are worth the relatively high excursion price. For non-divers like my wife and me, they are the only true way to achieve a 150-foot dive. The extremely clear waters surrounding the reefs off Chankanaab Park allow great viewing of the colorful fish, even through thick porthole glass, and you get great pictures as long as you turn off your flash. Because the Atlantis sub can go relatively deep, you sometimes find fish you might not otherwise see. Since I am not as comfortable in the water as is my wife, for me this was one of the highlights of the trip and made a third visit to Cozumel in the last 18 months fresh and interesting. Roatan, on the other hand, has to be one of the poorest places on Earth. Most of the roads are dirt and many of the homes do not have electricity. With no obvious agriculture, the economy seems to depend wholly on tourism. The recent hurricanes had washed out some of the roads, but the local taxi and bus drivers continue to use them. I do not believe that using independent locals for tours, transport or guides is any more risky in Roatan than other island ports, but I would advise sticking with the excursions provided by NCL. I believe, and others have reported, that most of the native school children are permitted to skip class whenever cruise ships are in port. This is because the island is so poor that the residents need every possible opportunity to try to earn a dollar, and this includes the kids. I am pretty sure that one dollar represents a week's living wage for many of these people, and that they exist from one cruise ship to the next. By far the best way to see the island and have a pleasant day on shore is to take one of the island sightseeing tours or an excursion to Tabyana Beach, a resort that is without question the most beautiful the island has to offer. Tabyana also offers the best swimming and snorkeling on an unspoiled living coral reef system. It provides super fish watching in relatively shallow and safe waters.

The other new stop for us on this cruise was Belize. If you are interested in archeology and the Mayan civilization, you will probably opt for the tours to Belize City and the various Mayan sites within a 2-hour drive. There is also a cave tubing excursion, which gets excellent reviews from those who take it. We opted instead for the famous shark and ray alley snorkeling tour and a visit to the island town of San Pedro. Although the water is a bit deeper, the ray encounter is similar to Sting Ray City off Grand Cayman. The biggest difference is that the dive boats anchor near the barrier reef for some additional excellent snorkeling tours under the direct guidance of NCL's Dive-In instructors. San Pedro, on Ambergris Caye, is a wonderfully laid back Caribbean tourist town. The beaches are lined with small hotel resorts and timeshares, completely different in feel from the more prosperous and built-up resort islands, yet offering the amenities necessary to attract the North American market. The streets are dirt, the natives and the shopkeepers friendly. English and an English Creole are the main languages of this former British colony, so it is a very comfortable place to be.

In the final analysis, those travelers with water in their veins probably can't do better than a cruise which takes a first class resort hotel along with them on the trip. Those doing their daydreaming about diving and water sports should take a very long look at this itinerary, and while those for whom every port of call sounds the shopping bell will not be totally disappointed, there are better trips for them than this. The Norwegian Sun is very new, very beautiful, and very well crewed at this point, and will probably only get better as the staff becomes even more experienced and well-trained. Because two ports of call are off the beaten track, it may not be the best choice as a first cruise experience unless you are married to the water. But if you, like me, are often looking to visit places you've not seen before, the Norwegian Sun exotic western Caribbean is a great choice.

The Ship, Page Two

Micellaneous shots throughout the ship
Micellaneous shots throughout the ship
Chocolate Art at the Java Cafe		Restaurant advertising their menu

The Ship, Page Three

Miscellaneous views in bathroom (penthouse) tub with shower, and separate shower. Robes (I bought one of these for $125)
Chocolate Covered Strawberries		Chocolate basket with misc. chocolate delicacies.	We came home each evening after dinner to find our beds turned down, with a creative towel art display!
Randy - our butler	Elevators

Copies of the "Freestyle Daily" from the Norwegian Sun Alaskan Cruise
Click on the page for a VERY large original. (I kept it large so you could read it easily.)

February 09, 2006

Norwegian Sun first post-Katrina ship to homeport in New Orleans

 

Our industry has always been supportive of New Orleans cruising, and now Norwegian Cruise Line has won the race to return a home-ported ship there. The beautiful Norwegian Sun will begin sailing from the Big Easy on October 15, 2006.

Norwegian Sun's 7-day itinerary from New Orleans calls on Costa Maya, Mexico; Santo Tomas De Castilla, Guatemala; Belize City, Belize and Cozumel, Mexico. The 1,936-passenger ship features nine restaurants as part of Norwegian's popular Freestyle Dining concept.

September 26, 2006
Norwegian Cruise Line to unveil new identity
Norwegian Cruise Line, the cruise company that brought the cruise world "Freestyle Cruising," has decided it's ready to play with the industry's big boys, Carnival and Royal Caribbean. Since being acquired by Malaysian firm Star Cruises in 2000, Norwegian has busily added a fleet of spectacular new ships that can compete with its bigger neighbors who are also headquartered in Miami. To celebrate, NCL announced that it will launch a new marketing campaign, online presence, and brand identify to publicize the non-traditional, free-spirited approach towards cruising it pioneered.

Over the past couple of years, Norwegian executives have told us that historically they didn't have the modern product to compete head-on with Carnival and Royal Caribbean... but now they do. With 15 ships in service, Norwegian will take delivery on three new state-of-the-art vessels by 2007, giving the line the youngest cruise fleet in the industry. NCL's new marketing campaign emphasizes its youthful philosophy of cruising, which includes no dress codes, no rigid dinner hours, relaxed disembarkation routines, and 10 different onboard dining venues.

The new look, which begins on October 2, includes print, radio, and TV ads as well as a revamped website with many interactive elements.

Romance Suite Category code(s): AB Sitting area, private balcony, bedroom with two lower beds that convert to a queen size bed, walk in closet and luxury bath with shower. Deck Plans

Penthouse Category code(s): AC, AD Sitting area, private balcony, two bedroom suite with two lower beds that convert to a queen size bed, luxury bath with whirlpool tub and shower. Deck Plans

Mini-Suite Category code(s): AE, AF Sitting area, private balcony, two lower beds that convert to a queen size bed, walk in closet and luxury bath and shower. Deck Plans

Oceanview Stateroom with Balcony Category code(s): BA, BB, BC, BD, BE Two lower beds, sitting area. Deck Plans

Superior Oceanview Stateroom Category code(s): C, D, E, EE Two lower beds, sitting area. Deck Plans

Oceanview Stateroom Category code(s): F, FF, G, GG, H, HH Two lower beds, sitting area. Deck Plans

Deluxe Inside Stateroom Category code(s): I, JJ Two lower beds, sitting area. Deck Plans

Superior Inside Stateroom Category code(s): II Two lower beds, sitting area. Deck Plans

Inside Stateroom Category code(s): J, K, KK, L, M, N Two lower beds. Deck Plans

Discount Code Sailing Date Departs From Length Starting Brochure Price Our Starting Price  You Save Status 527870826 Aug 26 2007 Vancouver, Canada 7 N/A $1389 N/A   527870909 Sep 09 2007 Vancouver, Canada 7 N/A $2099 N/A   569470916 Sep 16 2007 Vancouver, Canada 13 N/A $1999 N/A   635170929 Sep 29 2007 Honolulu, Hawaii 10 $2229 $299 87% Closeout Sale 635271009 Oct 09 2007 San Diego, California 18 $3249 $1449 55%   635071027 Oct 27 2007 Miami, Florida 7 $1549 $529 66% Closeout Sale 635071103 Nov 03 2007 Miami, Florida 7 $1549 $499 68% Closeout Sale 635071110 Nov 10 2007 Miami, Florida 7 $1549 $499 68% Closeout Sale 635071117 Nov 17 2007 Miami, Florida 7 $1549 $549 65% Closeout Sale 635071124 Nov 24 2007 Miami, Florida 7 $1549 $479 69% Closeout Sale 683571201 Dec 01 2007 Miami, Florida 7 $1529 $479 69% Closeout Sale 683571208 Dec 08 2007 Miami, Florida 7 $1529 $479 69% Closeout Sale 683571215 Dec 15 2007 Miami, Florida 7 $1529 $479 69% Closeout Sale 683571222 Dec 22 2007 Miami, Florida 7 $1529 $829 46%   635071229 Dec 29 2007 Miami, Florida 7 $1549 $799 48%   683580105 Jan 05 2008 Miami, Florida 7 $1529 $479 69% Closeout Sale 683580112 Jan 12 2008 Miami, Florida 7 $1529 $549 64% Closeout Sale 635080119 Jan 19 2008 Miami, Florida 7 $1549 $499 68% Closeout Sale 635080126 Jan 26 2008 Miami, Florida 7 $1549 $449 71% Closeout Sale 635080202 Feb 02 2008 Miami, Florida 7 $1549 $449 71% Closeout Sale 635080209 Feb 09 2008 Miami, Florida 7 $1549 $499 68% Closeout Sale 569380213 Feb 13 2008 Honolulu, Hawaii 10 $1429 $1129 21%   635080216 Feb 16 2008 Miami, Florida 7 $1549 $499 68% Closeout Sale 635080223 Feb 23 2008 Miami, Florida 7 $1549 $479 69% Closeout Sale 635080301 Mar 01 2008 Miami, Florida 7 $1549 $449 71% Closeout Sale 569380305 Mar 05 2008 Honolulu, Hawaii 10 $1429 $1099 23%   635080308 Mar 08 2008 Miami, Florida 7 $1549 $499 68% Closeout Sale 635080315 Mar 15 2008 Miami, Florida 7 $1549 $529 66% Closeout Sale 541880315 Mar 15 2008 Honolulu, Hawaii 11 $1749 $1149 34%   635080322 Mar 22 2008 Miami, Florida 7 $1549 $559 64% Closeout Sale 635080329 Mar 29 2008 Miami, Florida 7 $1549 $529 66% Closeout Sale 635080405 Apr 05 2008 Miami, Florida 7 $1549 $529 66% Closeout Sale 635080412 Apr 12 2008 Miami, Florida 7 $1549 $529 66% Closeout Sale 675480511 May 11 2008 Vancouver, Canada 7 $1299 $599 54%   675480518 May 18 2008 Vancouver, Canada 7 $1299 $649 50%   675480525 May 25 2008 Vancouver, Canada 7 $1299 $649 50%   675480601 Jun 01 2008 Vancouver, Canada 7 $1299 $649 50%   675480608 Jun 08 2008 Vancouver, Canada 7 $1299 $699 46%   675480615 Jun 15 2008 Vancouver, Canada 7 $1299 $699 46%   675480622 Jun 22 2008 Vancouver, Canada 7 $1299 $749 42%   675480629 Jun 29 2008 Vancouver, Canada 7 $1299 $749 42%   675480706 Jul 06 2008 Vancouver, Canada 7 $1299 $849 35%   675480713 Jul 13 2008 Vancouver, Canada 7 $1299 $899 31%   675480720 Jul 20 2008 Vancouver, Canada 7 $1299 $899 31%   675480727 Jul 27 2008 Vancouver, Canada 7 $1299 $899 31%   675480803 Aug 03 2008 Vancouver, Canada 7 $1299 $899 31%   675480810 Aug 10 2008 Vancouver, Canada 7 $1299 $879 32%   675480817 Aug 17 2008 Vancouver, Canada 7 $1299 $849 35%   675480824 Aug 24 2008 Vancouver, Canada 7 $1299 $799 38%   675480831 Aug 31 2008 Vancouver, Canada 7 $1299 $749 42%  

Deck Plans Deck Twelve - Sports   Deck Eleven - Pool   Deck Ten - Norway   Deck Nine - Fjord   Deck Eight - Viking   Deck Seven - International   Deck Six - Oslo / Promenade   Deck Five - Atlantic   Deck Four - Biscayne   Room Category Legend  AA  Owner's Suite  AB  Romance Suite  AC  Penthouse  AD  Penthouse  AE  Mini-Suite  AF  Mini-Suite  BA  Oceanview Stateroom with Balcony  BB  Oceanview Stateroom with Balcony  BC  Oceanview Stateroom with Balcony  BD  Oceanview Stateroom with Balcony  BE  Oceanview Stateroom with Balcony  C  Superior Oceanview Stateroom  D  Superior Oceanview Stateroom  E  Superior Oceanview Stateroom  EE  Superior Oceanview Stateroom  F  Oceanview Stateroom  FF  Oceanview Stateroom  G  Oceanview Stateroom  GG  Oceanview Stateroom  H  Oceanview Stateroom  HH  Oceanview Stateroom  I  Deluxe Inside Stateroom  II  Superior Inside Stateroom  J  Inside Stateroom  JJ  Deluxe Inside Stateroom  K  Inside Stateroom  KK  Inside Stateroom  L  Inside Stateroom  M  Inside Stateroom  N  Inside Stateroom

Deck Twelve - Sports

Deliciously prepared contemporary Italian fare with floor-to-ceiling windows revealing dramatic, ever changing views.

Where the exotic meets the familiar and everyone meets for high-end Pacific Rim / Asian Fusion food and fun. A 'Pick Your Own' lobster tank is indicative of the fresh ingredients to be found in each and every inventive dish - from the Macadameia Nut Crusted Monkfish to the Sanso Peppered Veal T-bone Marinated in Sake. Many claim the Tempura Chocolate Cake with Caramel Fudge Sauce is nothing short of 'nirvana'.

All players, whether novice or experienced, can enjoy slots, Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, mini-Baccarat, Caribbean Stud Poker™ and Let it Ride®.

Not for men only! Relax in Old World ambiance with rich, tufted leather seats, hand-rolled cigars and fine liquors.

This intimate bistro features traditional and inventive dishes with a French-Mediterranean flair.

Endless panoramic views of sea and sky enhance the artfully served five-course meals, exclusive President's Menu, daily chef's creations and healthy, light selections.

This elegant Japanese restaurant complex features a sushi bar, teppanyaki room and a sushi/sashimi sit-down section. The servers, dressed in authentic Asian wardrobes, add to the exotic ambiance.

Lavishly decorated to complement the award-winning cuisine of NCL outstanding chefs, members of the world-famous gourmet society Chaîne des Rôtisseurs.

Another example of the Sun's affection for superlatives. Glittering lounge features the longest bar at sea. Perfect setting for your evening gala.

Where the sky meets the sea. Floor -to-ceiling windows open your view. You can almost feel the spray. Doubles as a conference room by day or disco by night.

Stunning two-story main show lounge with proscenium stage headlining the best entertainment at sea. Excellent large-group meeting facility by day.

Not your typical buffet. The view takes center stage as you enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Premium champagne and vodkas, caviar, paté, and foie gras. Cool sophistication in a warm atmosphere. It's an ideal setting for an intimate cocktail party or reception.

Have breakfast or lunch in the garden, choosing from a vast array of items on the scrumptious buffet.

Research destinations, send online postcards or keep up with current events with internet-ready computer workstations. Friendly staff is available for assistance.

A coffee lover's paradise located in the Atrium. Meet friends here for delicious espresso, cappuccino, tea, frozen coffee, pastries and cookies.

This exotic restaurant features a rich selection of hot & cold tapas from around the world.

This Balinese Spa has created unique and exotic spa treatments that reflect the beauty, spirit and traditions of rejuvenation from around the world. NCL international staff will present an array of traditional and exotic spa and salon treatments.

Guests are inspired by the views from floor-to-ceiling windows in this 24-hour fitness center equipped with state-of-the-art machines. In addition an array of aerobics, spinning and exercise classes are available.

Choice of three spacious conference rooms, each with exceptional multimedia capabilities, ultra-modern audio-visual equipment and from 24 - 42 seats each. May be combined into one large room.

10-Day Hawaiian Escape, Honolulu to Ensenada

Destination Arrives Departs Day 1 Honolulu   8:00 PM Day 2 Maui (Kahului) 8:00 AM 10:00 PM Day 3 Hilo 8:00 AM 8:00 PM Day 4 Maui (Lahaina) 8:00 AM 8:00 PM Day 5 Kauai 8:00 AM 5:00 PM Day 6 At Sea     Day 7 At Sea     Day 8 At Sea     Day 9 At Sea     Day 10 At Sea     Day 11 Ensenada 7:00 AM

Pros:
freestyle dinning

Cons:
rooms a bit smaller than other cruise companies

I was unexpectantly impressed with Norwegian cruise lines. We usually cruise on Royal Caribbean or Princess but the itienary on this one was appealing so we decided to give them a chance. I would rate Norwegian very well. The staff on the Sun were very friendly and helpful. One of the ladies in our group is in a wheelchair and the staff was always very courteous in helping to assist her in what ever way they could. The food was good and they freesytle dining experience is wonderful. You definetely have to try the butterscotch sundaes and the ice cream bar. One of my personal favorites. We liked the ship and Norwegian so much we will be going again in October on the Sun once more.
Ship Details:
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Ship Quality
It was very elegant. Not flashy and ugly.
This vessel has a 5 star ratingThis vessel has a 5 star ratingThis vessel has a 5 star ratingThis vessel has a 5 star ratingThis vessel has a 5 star ratingThis vessel has a 5 star rating
Dining/Food
Freestyle dining is the best way to go.
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Stateroom Quality
rooms were small and the decorations were a little childish but everything else was very comfortable and functional.
This vessel has a 6 star ratingThis vessel has a 6 star ratingThis vessel has a 6 star ratingThis vessel has a 6 star ratingThis vessel has a 6 star ratingThis vessel has a 6 star rating
Ship Staff Quality
I have been on 8 cruises and this was one of the friendliest and helpful bunch of crew members I have ever experienced. They were really into making your experience a pleasant one.

There isn't a prettier atrium lobby afloat than the one at the heart of Norwegian Sun. The vaguely art deco brass-and-marble staircases are simply stunning.

11 passenger decks

4 specialty restaurants, 2 dining rooms, buffet, ice-cream parlor, pizzeria

Wi-Fi, in-cabin safes, some in-cabin refrigerators, some in-cabin DVDs

3 pools (2 indoor), children's pool

Fitness classes, gym, hair salon, 4 hot tubs, sauna, spa

8 bars, casino, cinema, dance club, library, showroom, video game room

Children's programs (ages 2-17)

Dry cleaning, laundry service

Computer room