Getting ready to Book NCL Sun to Cuba-Starboard or Port Balcony room?

My daighter and I are getting ready to book the Sun to Cuba! We are excited-She's a high school Spanish Teacher so this will be awesome for her-On NCL I've only been on Getaway and Epic-with Encore and Escape already booked for future trips-

I understand this will be an older, smaller ship-

With that being said.......

Starboard side or Port side or does it matter?

Mid Ship Balcony Deck 8, 9, 10? Any cabins to avoid?

Oh for our freebies we are thinking of choosing dining and shore excursion credit-Any cell phone service along the way? (verizon)

Thanks so much!

Starboard or port doesn't really matter. While you're in Havana, if you're the only ship, port side will look at the terminal building, starboard will have an open view. Neither view is much to speak of (Old Havana is pretty run down.)

Unless you like noise, don't get a room on 10, that's right under the pool deck/buffet/fitness center, and deck 8 is right above the casino and theater. We were on 9 forward last weekend and it was a very quiet room.

You will, obviously, have cell phone coverage while in Key West, and if you set it up ahead of time, your phone will even work in Havana (http://www.verizon.com/about/news/vzw/2015/09/verizon-is-first-national-us-wireless-carrier-to-offer-roaming-in-cuba) although it's crazy expensive.

Cabin 8060 was pretty convienient ... towards the aft, just a couple of flights of stairs up to the Garden Cafe and a few down to the Seven Seas dining room. We loved the location.

I would do starboard - you will look at the city. Port side you will be looking at run down, deserted terminals.

We were on the Sky last week, which is almost a true sister ship to the Sun. We were on the starboard side in a balcony and our son and his friend on the port side. Our view was so much better than theirs. We faced the old fort and Havana's version of Christ the Redeemer. The boys faced the ugly old port buildings.

I just returned from the sun today! I was able to get a regular balcony stateroom price but 1202 (connecting cabin for the owner suites) It was awesome. We saw everything first and it was SO quiet. Loved sitting on the balcony and watching the people come and go in Cuba after our excursion. And watching the sunset at Key West.

Was it hot? We have 1208 and worried about the sun in August.

Was it hot? We have 1208 and worried about the sun in August.

Sun in Florida and points south is going to be intense in August.

Bring sunscreen and if you're sensitive (I am, skin cancer survivor,) stay out of the sun, as much as you can.