Relaxing on Sun!!

[SUSIEK]

Just off 4night sailing on NCL Sun.  After reading so many negative reviews I felt the need to say "it's not bad", actually I really liked it. 🙂   I  thoroughly enjoyed the staff, ship and ports.  I've been cruising since the 80's on every line.  Living in FL helps!!!   Sun is not an amusement park ship .... it's a great small ship with lots of dining choices, less people and a general relaxing atmosphere. It probably will not be for everyone... if you go expecting NCL Getaway, you will be disappointed.  Happy Sailing !!!! 

p.s. I didn't save the Daily Planners...sorry 😞

 

Here's my reveiw: 

 

I chose and booked this cruise 3 weeks prior to sailing based on the price, dates and itinerary. I was originally going to sail alone, mom getaway, but a friend decided to get in on the great price last minute. We had a great long weekend.

We parked at Park N Cruise in Merritt Island. 10 minute shuttle to Port Canaveral and saved $25. Post cruise shuttle was quick and easy too.

Check-in was seem-less and quick.... onboard by 11:30. We brought 4 bottles of wine, which we paid $15 each corkage in the terminal.

Ship is older but looks fresh with new carpets. Aside from the weird deck 6, it's very easy to navigate. We enjoyed the walking/jogging track that goes entirely around the deck. Dining rooms were lovely. Buffet area could get crowded, however there was always a staff member reminding you that there is a buffet outside too. Continental room service breakfast is complimentary and we did that each morning.

We had a balcony cabin on deck 9. 9061. This location was towards the back and close to the back stair/elevators. We found the location to be good. The cabin was more spacious than I expected. Bathroom very small and the fabric shower curtain is annoying, but overall it was a nice cabin with plenty of storage for 2 women with lots of stuff!! The mini-bar was empty so we stored our wine and water. We also had a coffee maker in our cabin which was a nice plus. Balcony was clean with 2 chairs and a small table. We did have an issue with our a/c on day 1. It was fixed in an hour. A/C was very cold.

We ate 2 nights in the main dining room...Seven Seas... service and food we found to be very good. We ate 1 night in Los Lobos Cantina. It was delicious and I highly recommend the guacamole that is prepared tableside....yuuumm!! We also ate in the Sushi Bar. That was also very good and plenty. Both of these restaurants are a la carte. We found the pricing fair for the amount of food received. We only ate 1 time at the lunch buffet...it was ok. The Omelette station for breakfast was very popular. There is one at each buffet, so if there's a long line, try another location. Tip.... if you want to eat in the Teppanyaki restaurant make reservations early. We waited and missed out because it is not a large restaurant.... limited seating.

We attended the two main shows.... the singing and dancing were very good. The piano player in the Windjammer Bar was very good. It was sort of a sing-along. Casino was a little small and very selfish....LOL!!!

Spa was small but had everything you would need. We waited until the 2nd day to book a massage. They ran a great special. Be sure to read the Daily planner for specials.

Key West was fun..... we just walked Duval Street and had lunch. Unfortunately our ship docked far away from town that we had to be shuttled in and out of downtown. Keylime pie from Kermit's is delicious.

We did the same in Nassau. Just walked Bay Street and had lunch.

Private Island was nice. Had lunch, rented a mat and floated in the water. Very relaxing.

We found the service overall to be very good. Cabin steward was very good and always around to say hello. Dining service was very good too. No complaints.

Overall.... I had a great time and can't wait to sail on Sun with my husband and son.

Oh.... almost forgot. The disembarkation process was amazing. They take care of everything prior to getting off the ship. Some new technology with facial recognition. If you get the green light... good to go. No standing in line waiting for the next immigration officer. We sailed on Royal Caribbean in March and they didn't have this technology then.

[Georgia_Peaches]

We also really enjoy the Sun. Small ship for sure but we like her for the lack of bells and whistles. Has a feel of how cruising felt in our early days of cruising. Agree that the shower curtain is pretty much useless. 

Thanks tor the review. 

[tallnthensome]

The Sun will be the only ship I’ve sailed twice come next August. We sailed her on a 5 day this past August with my two children and had some concerns pre cruise. She ended up being very nice and simple. We thought she was good enough to do a 12 day to Alaska next August. Price was right and the Sun, although simple, gets the job done. Not the bells and whistles of the Bliss but I can do 12 days on her for the same price as 7 on the Bliss to Alaska. Glad you enjoyed her as well.

[valleyvillage]

Sun was our first Panama Canal cruise ship and we loved her. Especially the mini-suite. This layout is unique to the Sun and has a walk-in closet that leads to the bathtub, which is actually nicer than the tubs in the suites of some ships.

[C cruise]

Also love the SUN... enjoyed your report - glad you had a good time!

 

[FLcruisergrl]

We LOVED the Sun! It was the most relaxing vacation I’ve had. Granted, we were in the owners suite. But we loved the size and not having to wait for crowded elevators. The food in the specialty restaurants was really good. We got back and immediately booked the same room for a cruise in March.