NCL Sun 9-Day Cuba & Caribbean Review

[WineGal89]

I did the Norwegian Sun 9-day cruise to Cuba/Caribbean, October 21-30th. Here's my review while still fresh in my mind:

1) I flew into MIA from SFO the night before and stayed at a Hilton property near the airport. Met some nice ladies from Pittsburgh at hotel bar who were heading out on different NCL cruise and had fun chatting with them about cruising. They were taking a 7 day, which did not include Cuba. One of the ladies mentioned Casinos at Sea program and I need to figure out exactly *what* that means in terms of earning points/cruises. 

2) I did airport transfer thru NCL, pre-paid. I probably wouldn’t do that again and would just take cab/ride share. I didn’t like the organization at the airport area, especially when there were two cruises leaving out at the same time. Leaving my luggage and a crowded, open area didn't make me feel good.

3) Check in at the port was surprisingly smooth and even being in group 5 I think I was onboard by noonish on Sunday. Although rooms were not technically “ready”, I stored my bags under my bed in my cabin, then went out on deck, and grabbed the  first of many Mango Madness drinks. Weather was awesome, got some great pics leaving port.

4) I *loved* my cabin. I splurged and got a balcony, even though I was traveling solo.  I don’t regret one penny spent. Tons of storage, huge bed, and I spent a lot of time in the mornings and at other times on the balcony. I was on Deck 10, right below the yoga room (0010) but honestly no noise issues. Was nice to be close to the stairs/elevators and only one or two floors below food, although at the other end of the ship. I did hear that there were some water/pipe issues on Decks 8 and 9.  I thought the shower was kind of small, and I'm only 5' 2".  

5) All the bars had fast/friendly service when I was there. Spent most of time at Topsiders, Windjammer, Sports bar (for NFL). I got the UBP as a perk and although I had to pay tax + gratuity on it, I more than got my $ worth. They also had Zacapa 23 rum as premium but only cost $2 a pour difference with package. Great sipping rum!  On first night I purchased a bottle of great Italian red at Cagney's and it was available for me when I was at Le Bistro as well. I believe the UBP got me a 20% off list price, which was pretty decent to begin with. 

6) Our first stop in Bahamas was cancelled due to windy conditions at port. I used the time at the pool, resting in cabin, exploring the ship. I did see a credit on my bill for port fees/excursion.

7) Cuba on Day 2. This was main reason I took the cruise and I’m glad it met my expectations. I did a private classic car tour through Blexie and Jorge was my guide. It was pretty much customized to my wants and took me to some interesting neighborhoods (including Fusterlandia), parks, sites. I had lunch at a cafe in Old Havana, purchased enough cigars to keep pals back home happy and a great souvenir for myself. I did not do evening excursion to historic nightclubs - I heard mixed reviews so I skipped. Overall I really enjoyed and would consider going back on an overnight cruise (maybe with a buddy so I could enjoy the nightlife)  It’s a little sad to see how a grand old city is fighting against shabbiness/decay and I have to wonder about our continuing sanctions against this country. I did talk a little politics with driver/guide, mainly because I am interested in hearing people's stories about how that impacts their lives. Traveling is wonderful to see the sites, but I also take it as chance to meet/understand different people/cultures. Regardless - Blexie Tours is WELL WORTH the money ($130 per car for 6 hours).

8 ) Belize. I did private island/snorkeling tour through NCL. Honestly it was a little underwhelming as far as snorkeling. Not sure if my expectations were set too high for the water portion.  The excursion company staff were organized, professional, etc. so that wasn't the issue.

9) Honduras. Another snorkeling excursion through the ship and this definitely made up for the previous adventure. I’m kicking myself for not getting a GoPro for this trip, if only for this. Words just can’t do justice to how beautiful it was in parts, underwater.  This excursion included lunch buffet and you had option to buy cocktails/beer.  Was only lightly attended, but the area was beautiful and weather was very nice. After snorkeling, I napped in lounger and was back on boat by 4 pm.

10) Cozumel. Did the zipline excursion. There were only seven of us, but I had a good time. It wasn’t really out in jungle, but in wooded area about 20-25 minutes away. The crew at this place was very focused on safety and operated smoothly. I got my cardio workout in climbing towers but enjoyed myself. Price included access to private beach resort with some coupons for food/drink but weather wasn’t cooperating so I headed back to the port area. Ended up watching some NFL at Hooters restaurant before going back onboard. (I didn’t want to like Hooters but damn if the wings weren’t good, and the staff there very nice and efficient.) I went out once more before departing to grab some Flor de Cana rum from Duty Free shop ($55 for a 1L was a pretty good deal). 

11) Evenings -  most evenings after dinner I joined in a cash-game of Texas Hold Em at the poker table. Pretty much the same group of 10-15 people cycled in over the nights and I enjoyed myself, won some/lost some, met some really nice folks from all over. I came in 3rd place in the slot machine tournament (so close!) on the last day at sea, 5th place at the poker tourney.  I didn't do any of the shows - last year on the Epic I enjoyed the ones I went to, but these just didn't have same appeal. I checked out the karaoke once up in Windjammer but I'm too chicken to attempt that alone. 🙂

12) Dining: I did 3 dinners at Cagney’s, 3 at Le Bistro and 1 at Sushi. Service first night at Le Bistro was a little uneven, but it settled down over course of trip. I have severe food allergy and it’s the reason I do the speciality dining, as staff is able to accommodate my needs more and I can place order for next visit ahead of time. All the food was great. I ran the gamut between steaks, lamb, sea bass, bison... but I think my fav dish was the prawns in cream sauce in Le Bistro the last night. 

13) I chose to take advantage of cruisenext promotion and purchased $1k of deposits with $500 obc (net cost to me $500). I kicked myself after not doing this last year when on Epic. There are some awesome deals available the 2nd week of December, but I don’t want to push my company’s “unlimited” vacation too much.  I'm looking at a Spring Break one with my daughter in February and maybe something for myself after that.

 

14) People (in general): It's weird - I kept wondering "where is everyone"? because with the exception of the safety drill, I didn't really encounter crowds anywhere. Granted, my only previous experience on NCL was on the Epic and that's just huge. People were friendly, hardly any kids and while you had your chair-hogs and pushy people at times, it was a good vibe.

 

15) Spa - almost forgot. I did go twice. Final day they had a special 75 minute (massage, facial) for $99 and it was very nice. The position of the spa close to the pool meant that there was some noise, but didn't take much away from relaxation time.

[Socalev]

Love your pics!  Very nice review.  Thanks!!

[heelfan94]

I loved your review and the pictures are amazing.  Thanks for taking the time to share.