First Cuise on Norwegian (on the Sun) Questions

[stoddaj1]

We have 10 cruises under our belt on various cruise lines, but next week's out of Port Canaveral will be our first on Norwegian.  Wondering what we should expect?  I know the ship is older/smaller and won't have some of the amenities that the larger ships would.  We enjoy comedy shows in the evening so are hoping there will be some available.  Are there quiet, windy spots where I can enjoy the sunshine?  Am I able to bring water when we board the ship? Any info you could provide would be appreciated.  Thanks in advance for your help!

Edited September 27, 2019 by stoddaj1
Forgot info

[ColeThornton]

I haven't been on the Sun but I can answer the water question.   No beverages including water can be brought on board. 

 

https://www.ncl.com/faq#!#can-i-bring-water-or-soda-board

[dexddd]

The Sun is one of the oldest in the fleet.  Great Outdoors behind the very small buffet is a nice option to eat.  Moderno is open for breakfast and lunch (other side of buffet) with a limited list of items and extra buffet seating.

 

There is a nice front observation lounge.  The suites and mini-suites are quite nice.  Some people really like the Sun but I have really no interest in sailing on her again.

[don't-use-real-name]

Use this LINK:

 

https://www.cruisedeckplans.com/DP/deckplans/Norwegian-Sun

 

To see pictures of the SUN (Look for the grey banner bar with PICS - click).

Click on the individual decks for finding out what each has in store -

Look for the small camera icons - click on them for views from that point.

 

Wind in your face outside Observation deck 12 (Sports)

Sun deck think Pool area - Pool deck 11

Outdoor Buffet - Pool deck 11 aft - Great Outdoors

Looking for private isolated decks - a challenge find access to deck 13

 

She's an ole sailing girl - but still a mighty fine ship that will grow on you.

 

The SUN is not the floating amusement park ship you were looking for !

[kjquilts]

You might check Youtube for some current videos on the Sun.  Our very first Norwegian cruise was on the Sun in 2006.

We sailed on her again in 2013 and have her booked for a wonderful 11 night Alaska cruise next May.  We've been on most of NCL's ships, most recently the Bliss for both the fall 2018 and spring 2019 Pacific Coastal cruises.  Love the Bliss, love the observation lounge, the entertainment (Sun doesn't compare lol), the Waterfront (promenade deck) but for our 2020 Alaska cruise we're very happy it will be on the Sun.

 

The Sun's most recent enhancements were done in 2018.  Here is information from NCL as to what was done

 

https://www.ncl.com/travel-blog/norwegian-sun-cruise-ship-dry-dock-enhancements

 

Here's an older thread "Calling all Sun Lovers".   Click on the photo.

 

 

 

Edited September 27, 2019 by kjquilts

[tallnthensome]

I sailed the Sun in August and am doing her again on a 12 days Alaskan next August. She is a very simple clean ship. She was good enough for my family of four and the prices on her are good. The upper outside decks forward should give you sun and some breeze. MDR food was fine. Staff was friendly everywhere .... We enjoyed evenings in the Windjammer and Observation Lounges. Sports bar is only open for food after 5pm but the bar is open. Like said, the rear lido buffet  with outdoor seating is nice which is separate from the main inside buffet. 

[Mike_DeA]

I just got off the Sun yesterday (5 night Bahamas cruise).  She is in great shape and I'd sail her again.  There was only 1,600 passengers onboard so it seemed empty at times in certain areas.  The buffet is very small with limited selections.  Dining rooms were good, with no problems getting a seat at main mealtimes.

 

The entertainment wasn't great in my opinion.  No true comedian/comedy show during my cruise.  There was a pretty good musical comedy show but not sure how long that performer (Ace Guillen) will be on the ship.  Don't miss his 9pm adult show if you can (mostly comedy with a little music thrown in).  The other shows in the theater didn't appeal to me.

 

For those casino folks....the casino was not busy all week.  I play poker, and on the smaller ships like this, it's never a guarantee there will be enough players to have a game going (the bigger ships never have this issue).   So NCL lowered the stakes to 1-2 no limit (normally 2-5), and we still were only able to get a cash game one evening (7 players).  Only one poker tournament all week (9 players), instead of the planned one tournament per day).  Even the blackjack tourney didn't reach the normal $500 minimum prize.... it was $300, meaning there were only 24 players in the preliminary rounds.

[Call8675309]

We just returned from the Sun as well.  The refurbished ship was beautiful and most of the staff was extremely friendly and helpful.  We enjoyed the lack of crowds and the music in the Windjammer.  It was a relaxing and fun 5 days.  Beautiful weather and a great beach day at GSC we’re also positive aspects of our vacation.

[don't-use-real-name]

The SUN which was doing Alaska cruises was reassigned to do Cuba cruises.

We all know how that turned out - government meddling !

It would appear that this has caused a decline in bookings on this ship and that itinerary since the SKY was

also doing that itinerary and was affected by the Cuban cruise travel embargo.

The Bahamas wrecked by hurricane Dorian and other Caribbean islands from more recent tropical storms

is going to be a dent into the cruise activity in the sailings from Florida - your options - going to GSC or SEA days.

Will have to see what NCL's plans are - perhaps returning the SUN to some South American cruises ?  

[debnjoe1438]

Been on the Sun 3 or 4 times. I liked the ship, not too crowded and easy to navigate. Crew each trip terrific. The largest inside cabins I have ever been in and the balcony on the front of the ship great. Only balcony better was the suite next door. 🙂 

[smplybcause]

1 hour ago, don't-use-real-name said:

The SUN which was doing Alaska cruises was reassigned to do Cuba cruises.

We all know how that turned out - government meddling !

It would appear that this has caused a decline in bookings on this ship and that itinerary since the SKY was

also doing that itinerary and was affected by the Cuban cruise travel embargo.

The Bahamas wrecked by hurricane Dorian and other Caribbean islands from more recent tropical storms

is going to be a dent into the cruise activity in the sailings from Florida - your options - going to GSC or SEA days.

Will have to see what NCL's plans are - perhaps returning the SUN to some South American cruises ?  

 

I'm sure it depends on how her bookings for Alaska go. I don't think she has any sailings after Alaska? They have her in a bunch of random itineraries out of Canaveral for next winter (anywhere from 3 day cruises to 12+ southern ones). But nothing after. My bet is they're still figuring it out. 

[newmexicoNita]

21 hours ago, stoddaj1 said:

We have 10 cruises under our belt on various cruise lines, but next week's out of Port Canaveral will be our first on Norwegian.  Wondering what we should expect?  I know the ship is older/smaller and won't have some of the amenities that the larger ships would.  We enjoy comedy shows in the evening so are hoping there will be some available.  Are there quiet, windy spots where I can enjoy the sunshine?  Am I able to bring water when we board the ship? Any info you could provide would be appreciated.  Thanks in advance for your help!

Quick answer to your questions: 1-there will be a comedian at least one show, but can't guarantee anymore except the late night show in the Windjammer.

 

2-lots of places to watch the sunshine.

 

3-No water can be brought on: we just bring our empty water bottle and fill it as we need to on he ship.

4-Though it is an older ship she is fantastic and has a great, very friendly and helpful crew

Have fun. There is only one negative I can think of: the buffet is small and not designed well so it can get very crowded, especially at breakfast. 

[C cruise]

The SUN is my favorite ship... 2 main dining rooms - we ate in 4 Seasons and the food was fabulous.... I didn't find the buffet really small - you just have to keep walking as it turns a corner where you might think it has ended... and there is another part an outside area..the pool and pool area is fabulous - big pool for a small ship... plenty of bars to relax 

 

No you can't bring water onboard.