Norwegian Sun Specialty Dining

[Sparling]

Gearing up for 7 day Alaskan cruise on the Norwegian Sun. My family is less than 90 days away!!! I have a question for anyone that has cruised on the Norwegian Sun before regarding the specialty dining. Which specialty dining did you enjoy? Least enjoy? Was a good value for the money? Actually I'd take any review you give me. My husband is a foodie...I need to be prepared! LOL

Thanks for reading!

[JohnsBride23]

We are also sailing The Sun in July 2017 and I would LOVE to hear what people suggest!

[gravitar]

I am on the Sun Northbound on 3 July. Using the 3 SDP for Moderno, La Cucina and Le Bistro.

[Clay Clayton]

Sun is our fav ship....envious of all of you!

We always enjoy Il Adiago...ahem, La Cucinia - they changed the name and menu some (not as good IMHO) but not the decor. It is a small restaurant where you are either sitting at the window or just across the aisle in a booth looking to the water. Very romantic, quiet, lovely.

 

I will warn you that if you are not small and/or are dining with others, the banquettes are set up for four, but for us ( I am 6-7" and hubby is 6'-3", and neither of us are petite flowers width-wise, we find them very uncomfortable so we tend to only go here on date night so we get a table for two by the window or they put only two of us in the banquette.

 

We also like Le Bistro, their steak is (IMHO) better than the one in the steakhouse. A warning about Moderno - there is one table (as you go in, it is on the left by the window stern of the column or wall) that vibrates like crazy - this was the case in the restaurant that was in the same place (Pacific Heights) before Moderno entered the fleet.

 

We have found Cagneys on Sun not to be up to the standard of the other Cagney's in the fleet so we tend to not eat there.

 

Be sure an enjoy The Great Outdoors - especially the first few days...it usually takes that long for folks to find it!

Have a great cruise!

[Sparling]

Thank you Clay Clayton!! I have 8 in my party so we may have to split. My hubby is probably more stout and broad shoulder than the rest of us 5'6 and under folks. Lol.

Are any kid friendly? I have 3 teens traveling as well.

 

 

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[gravitar]

Thank you Clay Clayton!! I have 8 in my party so we may have to split. My hubby is probably more stout and broad shoulder than the rest of us 5'6 and under folks. Lol.

Are any kid friendly? I have 3 teens traveling as well.

 

 

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We have reserved a 4 top for the 3 of us so we can take one of your kids :D joking of course

[Sparling]

We have reserved a 4 top for the 3 of us so we can take one of your kids :D joking of course

 

 

Since my daughter is an only child she may take you up on it. Beware!!!

 

 

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[shadowmeboy]

Gearing up for 7 day Alaskan cruise on the Norwegian Sun. My family is less than 90 days away!!! I have a question for anyone that has cruised on the Norwegian Sun before regarding the specialty dining. Which specialty dining did you enjoy? Least enjoy? Was a good value for the money? Actually I'd take any review you give me. My husband is a foodie...I need to be prepared! LOL

Thanks for reading!

 

We sailed the Sun last June. We went to Moderno (2x), Le Bistro, La Cucina, and Cagney's. I would do Moderno, Cagney's, and La Cucina. Stay away from Le Bistro, they quality has gone down.

 

Here is my full review from last year: pictures in ports, food & restaurant pics, plus more! http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2376089

[Cruisermom2nick]

Gearing up for 7 day Alaskan cruise on the Norwegian Sun. My family is less than 90 days away!!! I have a question for anyone that has cruised on the Norwegian Sun before regarding the specialty dining. Which specialty dining did you enjoy? Least enjoy? Was a good value for the money? Actually I'd take any review you give me. My husband is a foodie...I need to be prepared! LOL

Thanks for reading!

 

I just reviewed Moderno-

http://thecheerfulcruiser.blogspot.com/2017/04/specialty-dining-on-norwegian-moderno.html

[BirdTravels]

Our favorite is teppanyaki. But it is very hard to get on the Sun.

[Sparling]

We sailed the Sun last June. We went to Moderno (2x), Le Bistro, La Cucina, and Cagney's. I would do Moderno, Cagney's, and La Cucina. Stay away from Le Bistro, they quality has gone down.

 

Here is my full review from last year: pictures in ports, food & restaurant pics, plus more! http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2376089

 

OMG!!! I think this has to be the most detailed and thorough review I've ever experienced. It was literally step by step. I think we decided to play safe with 3 teenagers for LaCucina, Moderno and Cagney's. It makes the most sense. Now to get these reserved!!! I appreciate your response and thank you for giving me a very detailed glimpse of what I can expect!!! You rock Matthew!!!!

[Sparling]

Our favorite is teppanyaki. But it is very hard to get on the Sun.

Yeah I heard or read it was already full!

[Sparling]

I just reviewed Moderno-

http://thecheerfulcruiser.blogspot.com/2017/04/specialty-dining-on-norwegian-moderno.html

Hey thanks!!! I'm hoping the "impressive salad bar" is just as described on the Suns information. Appreciate the reply!!!!

[Clay Clayton]

Thank you Clay Clayton!! I have 8 in my party so we may have to split. My hubby is probably more stout and broad shoulder than the rest of us 5'6 and under folks. Lol.

Are any kid friendly? I have 3 teens traveling as well.

 

 

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I think I would let them eat at the Garden Cafe and enjoy an adults night...unless they are adultish teens.

[BostonGal35]

LaCucina was terrible (but that is always the weakest of the specialties on any NCL ship).

We enjoyed Cagneys.

LeBistro used to be a top fave for us but they no longer have Lamb Chops. :-(

[Pebbs48]

Yeah I heard or read it was already full!

 

Sparling - I read that you can't make reservations in advance for Teppanyaki on the Sun. I tried at the 90 day mark for our cruise and was not listed as a choice.

 

Once on board, first place I'm heading is the restaurant reservations desk to check. Well, maybe a drink first. :')

[Sparling]

Sparling - I read that you can't make reservations in advance for Teppanyaki on the Sun. I tried at the 90 day mark for our cruise and was not listed as a choice.

 

 

 

Once on board, first place I'm heading is the restaurant reservations desk to check. Well, maybe a drink first. :')

 

 

Good to know. I selected my families today but we can likely change it then on day 1.

 

 

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[Sparling]

LaCucina was terrible (but that is always the weakest of the specialties on any NCL ship).

We enjoyed Cagneys.

LeBistro used to be a top fave for us but they no longer have Lamb Chops. :-(

 

 

Good to know. Have some Italian fans so it's on the list. Unless something else comes up.

 

 

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[shadowmeboy]

OMG!!! I think this has to be the most detailed and thorough review I've ever experienced. It was literally step by step. I think we decided to play safe with 3 teenagers for LaCucina, Moderno and Cagney's. It makes the most sense. Now to get these reserved!!! I appreciate your response and thank you for giving me a very detailed glimpse of what I can expect!!! You rock Matthew!!!!

 

Glad to help! Let me know if you have any additional questions.

[Cruisermom2nick]

Hey thanks!!! I'm hoping the "impressive salad bar" is just as described on the Suns information. Appreciate the reply!!!!

 

You will enjoy it I am sure! :)

[BostonGal35]

Good to know. Have some Italian fans so it's on the list. Unless something else comes up.

 

 

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we live in the Boston area where Italian food is very, very good. I think if you are used to really good Italian and/or you have been to Italy and eaten real Italian, you will be disappointed. If Olive Garden is your standard Italian fare, then this will suffice.

 

i will say that the steak i had there was quite good. in the past ive had the Salmon, which they no longer have on the menu. the pasta is just sub par in my opinion.

[Clay Clayton]

we live in the Boston area where Italian food is very, very good. I think if you are used to really good Italian and/or you have been to Italy and eaten real Italian, you will be disappointed. If Olive Garden is your standard Italian fare, then this will suffice.

 

i will say that the steak i had there was quite good. in the past ive had the Salmon, which they no longer have on the menu. the pasta is just sub par in my opinion.

 

Generally agree with your review ( ah for il adiago's 40 garlic clove chicken or decadent veal chop) but I always order the osso bucco and been pleased....and the ambiance helps make up for any food shortcomings.

[don't-use-real-name]

General Summary of NCL SUN

 

Reprint and edit of a previous posting

 

Dinner and Show can be a complex mix of timing.

Sometimes it is NCLs interest to not rush dinner preventing you from a timely arrival for getting good seats at the show.

If that is the case reformulate your plans and do the Show first and then dinner - not having the stress of making it work.

Also do a bit of deck location dining theatre location.

Unlike other NCL ships the SUN's Star Dust Theatre is AFT and not in the BOW.

 

Size of the restaurants is proportionate to the size of the ship - thus EPIC size restaurants will not be found

on the SUN.

 

La Cusina is on deck 5 (Atlantic) starboard side (awkward hidden location)

Moderno - Sports Bar - Great Outdoors & the Buffet are on deck 11 (Pool) AFT

Le Bistro - Las Ramblas - Teppanyaki - Cagney's - Sushi & Ginza are on deck 12 (Sports) all AFT

 

With this arrangement everything except the La Cusina is stacked to your favor AFT.

 

Smaller entertainment centers are in two locations:

On deck 6 (Promenade) mid-ship is Dazzles with Dance floor

And deck 12 (Sports) forward is the Observation Lounge where great contemporary 2-3-4 piece combo's perform.

 

When there is a SEA day dining reservations can be prime because everyone is on the ship as a captive crowd.

Cagney's maybe one of these as an example of hard to get reservations.

When the day has port time shore excursions with all kinds of variable options dining reservations MAYBE easier to obtain.

Some times the scheduling dining and show times can be 'Windmill fighting effort' but since the SUN is a smaller ship

than the behemoth -AWAY class ships the odds maybe again in your favor - however do not make your

dining reservations in the Casino unless they are Liquid ones ! LOL !

 

You will do just find if you do a bit of preliminary planning - the first cruise night find out what is available

what is showing - how many free dinners your perks and promos offered and put it together.

Have reservations already pre-booked see how they fit the jigsaw puzzle as planned.

Read on as others add information to the questions you may have - in a suite use the services of the Concierge if necessary.

Visit the restaurant the day/night before to fix any quirks in seating timing.

And that NON-REFUNDABLE OBC use it on those Specialty Dining have a little left-over remember where and when to tip !

 

Now go knock yourself out !

[Sparling]

General Summary of NCL SUN

 

 

 

Reprint and edit of a previous posting

 

 

 

Dinner and Show can be a complex mix of timing.

 

Sometimes it is NCLs interest to not rush dinner preventing you from a timely arrival for getting good seats at the show.

 

If that is the case reformulate your plans and do the Show first and then dinner - not having the stress of making it work.

 

Also do a bit of deck location dining theatre location.

 

Unlike other NCL ships the SUN's Star Dust Theatre is AFT and not in the BOW.

 

 

 

Size of the restaurants is proportionate to the size of the ship - thus EPIC size restaurants will not be found

 

on the SUN.

 

 

 

La Cusina is on deck 5 (Atlantic) starboard side (awkward hidden location)

 

Moderno - Sports Bar - Great Outdoors & the Buffet are on deck 11 (Pool) AFT

 

Le Bistro - Las Ramblas - Teppanyaki - Cagney's - Sushi & Ginza are on deck 12 (Sports) all AFT

 

 

 

With this arrangement everything except the La Cusina is stacked to your favor AFT.

 

 

 

Smaller entertainment centers are in two locations:

 

On deck 6 (Promenade) mid-ship is Dazzles with Dance floor

 

And deck 12 (Sports) forward is the Observation Lounge where great contemporary 2-3-4 piece combo's perform.

 

 

 

When there is a SEA day dining reservations can be prime because everyone is on the ship as a captive crowd.

 

Cagney's maybe one of these as an example of hard to get reservations.

 

When the day has port time shore excursions with all kinds of variable options dining reservations MAYBE easier to obtain.

 

Some times the scheduling dining and show times can be 'Windmill fighting effort' but since the SUN is a smaller ship

 

than the behemoth -AWAY class ships the odds maybe again in your favor - however do not make your

 

dining reservations in the Casino unless they are Liquid ones ! LOL !

 

 

 

You will do just find if you do a bit of preliminary planning - the first cruise night find out what is available

 

what is showing - how many free dinners your perks and promos offered and put it together.

 

Have reservations already pre-booked see how they fit the jigsaw puzzle as planned.

 

Read on as others add information to the questions you may have - in a suite use the services of the Concierge if necessary.

 

Visit the restaurant the day/night before to fix any quirks in seating timing.

 

And that NON-REFUNDABLE OBC use it on those Specialty Dining have a little left-over remember where and when to tip !

 

 

 

Now go knock yourself out !

 

 

Thank you so much!! I did reserve ahead although I do not have my confirmation that was promised so following up on that next week. I am going to use OBC for my remaining family members and did schedule for at sea nights for all 8 of us. Yeah!!! I made some good choices. I hadn't thought about following up the night before. Good idea!!! Thanks for mentioning it! We are on Deck 11 forward facing so I think LaCucina is farthest from us. The others should be close by. Appreciate the info!!

 

 

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[OzCanuck]

Early last year we were on the sun for two weeks going around the Horn. We were in a suite and had booked during that brief period where they were giving unlimited specialty dining. So basically we had 14 nights of specialty (except for one where we braved the MDR just for a change).

 

We were travelling with two friends and our 4-year old. The five of us had no problem sitting in the La Cucina booths.

 

I would say Moderno was our least favourite - but the views were nice. We enjoyed Cagneys often ( even my 100% vegetarian wife.). They would let her load up a couple of plates from Moderno's salad bar and have them delivered by our server.

 

In actual fact - I think our favourite was La Cucina. Let's be realistic here - no NCL cruise ship has five star dining, so for us it comes down to ambiance. I would give La Cucina a slight edge over Le Bistro for that. But - everyone's tastes are different.

 

Least favourite? Teppanyaki. And I will give full credit to my 4-yr old who sat patiently and quietly the entire meal, and to the chef who made him something child sized. But the food was just waaaay too salty. (shrimp were nice though).

 

Given a choice of 3, I would probably do La Cucina, Cagneys and Le Bistro.

 

Have a great cruise!