Sun Review-March 11-18

[Jabee]

Saturday and Sunday March 11, 2007

 

We left Tuscaloosa, AL and drove about 5 hours to New Orleans. The drive was nice because it is four lane Interstate all the way. I had found a Days Inn on Canal Street for $59 bucks a night, but was very disappointed. We had a lovely view overlooking I-10 out our window and a room that had not been updated in ten years. But, it gave us the opportunity to catch a trolley and go down to Harrahs for a few hours, and get a little feel for the French Quarter. (I used to live in Gulfport, MS so I have spent a lot of time in NOLA, and did not want to do much more.)

 

Sunday

The next morning we checked out and drove around the Quarter for an hour, and then proceeded to the Sun at 11:00. We originally were going to stay at the Holiday Inn French Quarter for $159 with parking for a week, but then found out you had to get a cab to take you to the ship, and then find one to take you back to the Hotel. Also, the NCAA regionals were going on when we returned, so I anticipated parking at the Motel would be full. We decided to park at the terminal instead because we knew it would be easier to unload and load.

 

Parking is very easy. You pull up, pay your $98, pull into the garage where a Porter gets your luggage, then pull up and park. I was about 30 feet from the elevator. We got our carry-ons, took the elevator down and walked into the line. As we entered the room, we were handed a number (#10.) We had about a five minute wait and checked in at the desk to get out door keys, security picture taken all at one stop! (On Carnival you get your keys at one desk and then your picture taken at another.)

 

From there we were sent to an area with chairs to sit in and also a concession stand. This was nice to just wait on our number to be called. At 11:30 they called number one and we saw a group of about 15-20 go off. About every five minutes they called a number so our number was called about 20 minutes later. We passed by the Embarkation Photos (we never have photos done) and walked onto the ship. Our total wait from car to ship was only about 45 minutes!!

 

As we boarded the ship, we learned the cleanliness routing. Before entering into the ship, you had to hold your hands out and have them sprayed with a disinfectant. All over the ship, you will find the automated hand disinfectents and someone encouraging you to disinfect your hands before eating.

 

We found our room quite easily (Fjord Deck 9304 inside and up front.) On thing I noticed immediately is that the bed is turned port to stern on the ship. On Carnival Ships the beds are turned forward to aft. I was concerned how this would affect sleeping, but in the end it made no difference.

 

The rooms are also much smaller then Carnival and the bathroom looks more like an RV bathroom. Everything is a little smaller, but that is all right with me, after all, the most important things I do in my cabin, I do with the lights out and my eyes closed.

 

However, I did notice one thing quickly. We had the famous “sewer smell” I have heard others speak of on other cruises. By bathroom absolutely stank. I later deduced that it had something to do with the air vents, and when the ship was sailing we got the odor. When we reached port…it mysteriously disappeared. I did not complain, so I do not feel it fair to complain on here either. It stank…but it did not ruin my cruise.

 

We went up, found the ribs on the buffet and walked around discovering some of the sights of the ship. One of my favorites is the rear deck behind the Garden Café. The deck is open with a tent over it. You will also find the friendliest guy on the ship back there. He is a bar sever named “Rosemond.” He will “sing” to his customers and will make you laugh. I have never had a bar server who I made it a point to go back to, until him.

 

We returned to the cabin, and found our luggage arrived before we did the drill. We did some unpacking and prepared for the drill. The drill went well. Everyone goes to Deck 6 and actually near where your life boat is. It took about 20 minutes, and then the party was on!

 

Later we had a sail-away party as the ship pulled away from the dock, made the big turn to reverse her course down the Mississippi River. More Barbecue and partying made it a great occasion. Again, I do not remember any Carnival Ship having a formal Sailaway party like this. I really enjoyed it.

 

Later we walked to the front of the ship and found the Observation Lounge. After Sailaway, this is a must. You can go onto the deck in front of the Observation Lounge (12 floors up and watch as the ship sails down the river.) If you don’t like the wind, you can step into the Observation lounge, and get the same view from inside through floor to ceiling windows. I sat there until it got dark, and listened to the band play.

 

Later I came back because the first night of Karaoke is in the Observation Lounge. I joke that I cruise so I can sing Karaoke so I take it seriously. Sunday night we only had 45 minutes, Monday night none, Tuesday night was for college students only, Wednesday night and hour and a half. Thursday night, the location was moved to Dazzles lounge and Friday night back in the observation Lounge. Saturday night it again returned to Dazzles after the talent show. It was very confusing being held in different locations, different times, and also different DJ’s. To make things even worse, there is only one monitor to see the words, and it was always behind you. NCL could spend a few bucks and improve this, but it is obviously not important to NCL cruising.

 

A nice night cap, and back to the room...just go potty in a public restroom first....and keep the door shut while brushing your teeth.

 

Oh....one hint....we took a small pop light (push on and off) to put in the bathroom, because lights are on the outside. So, if you go in the middle of the night, you turn the light on, then open the door. This way, we walk in, shut the door and then turn the light on.

[deanaw72]

Hi JaBee!!

 

DH and I were also on this sailing and are from Tuscaloosa! Did you sing in the talent show? If it was you, you were great! Glad you had a good time, it was just OK for us but a nice getaway. I posted a review yesterday. Here's to more happy times cruising the globe (deana raises her champagne glass to toast :D )!

[lynnemac]

Jabee,

 

Gald you had a fun cruise. Is this only the first installment of your cruise review? Tell us more please.

 

Mac:) :) :)

[Jabee]

My Way in the Talent Show...

 

I always love to sing with the Orchestra (my fourth time to do so) and bring the house down with the final note of My Way.

 

I struggled with the words, because it was the first time I ever got to sing the entire song. Normally they cut a verse out so I had to use the stand, but turned it into a prop by hanging my jacket on it.

 

We had a great roll call and a fun meet and greet on Monday.

 

I just wish we could have had a few more Ole Miss fans on board...:-( I am sure you understand what I mean...I ddid sing Sweet Home Alabama one night in Karaoke, but with only three Bama girls to help, it just didn't seem right.

 

 

I will add more later and tell of the ports. It was not my most favorite cruise of all time, but more on that later. And any cruise is much better then a week at home!!

[coloradowahine]

Jabee-

 

How did your meet and greet turn out? I was reading an entry you posted on another thread and was just curious. Also I leave for NOLA on Sat 3/24 so if you have time before then I would love to hear more about your cruise and any suggestions you might have.

 

Thanks!

 

Wendy

[bobobeagle]

So do we!

[jckvpa0]

So glad you had an ok cruise !

 

Who did you go with & what were their ages, from your following quote I take it your not married,

 

"Everything is a little smaller, but that is all right with me, after all, the most important things I do in my cabin, I do with the lights out and my eyes closed."

[Jabee]

I am happily married and my wife was with me.

 

Our Meet and Greet went great. We had about 40 on our roll call, and about 30 had sent me "reservations." After hearing about the small turn out, I asked every one comeing to e-mail me their first names so I could make name tags.

 

We had about 25 show up, had the Cruise Director, Ship Hostess, and Hotel Manager come up and greet us also!

 

It was a lot of fun and it was fun to see others in our group during the week and be able to recognize them.

 

I will add day 2...the first day at sea tomorrow and try to do some more.

[newmexicoNita]

My Way in the Talent Show...

 

I always love to sing with the Orchestra (my fourth time to do so) and bring the house down with the final note of My Way.

 

I struggled with the words, because it was the first time I ever got to sing the entire song. Normally they cut a verse out so I had to use the stand, but turned it into a prop by hanging my jacket on it.

 

We had a great roll call and a fun meet and greet on Monday.

 

I just wish we could have had a few more Ole Miss fans on board...:-( I am sure you understand what I mean...I ddid sing Sweet Home Alabama one night in Karaoke, but with only three Bama girls to help, it just didn't seem right.

 

 

I will add more later and tell of the ports. It was not my most favorite cruise of all time, but more on that later. And any cruise is much better then a week at home!!

from your first comments, I gather it wasn't your favorite cruise. I will be anxious to read more as the Sun is one of our favorite ships. We have cruised 20 plus times. I like your idea about the push buttom flash light.

 

Thanks for letting us know about your pre cruise hotel, knowing the prices in NOLA, $59 probably would be a disappointment. NMNita

[deanaw72]

My Way in the Talent Show...

 

I always love to sing with the Orchestra (my fourth time to do so) and bring the house down with the final note of My Way.

 

I struggled with the words, because it was the first time I ever got to sing the entire song. Normally they cut a verse out so I had to use the stand, but turned it into a prop by hanging my jacket on it.

 

I just wish we could have had a few more Ole Miss fans on board...:-( I am sure you understand what I mean...I ddid sing Sweet Home Alabama one night in Karaoke, but with only three Bama girls to help, it just didn't seem right.

 

I will add more later and tell of the ports. It was not my most favorite cruise of all time, but more on that later. And any cruise is much better then a week at home!!

 

DH and I thought you did a wonderful job! I totally agree about the Ole Miss fans - seems we kept tripping them ...... I mean tripping over them :D . I also agree that at least I could get away from T-town for a few days, even if it wasn't the best time we've had. Oh well, they can't all be great. Guess we'll try again next year.

[Jabee]

Monday was a sea day. I love my days at sea because you really get to enjoy the ship. Someday I want to take a Cruise to Nowhere.

 

I started with a shower and accidentally dropped a rag over the drain and flooded the bathroom (remember...this could happen to you too.) I did not make that mistake again, and also my wife attached clothes pins to the bottom of the shower to help the shower curtain keep the water in. It made a huge difference.

 

I discovered that there is not a real hair dryer, but a hose that looks like the end of a vacuum cleaner. I used it for my hair, but also used it as a full body dryer. It works great and really made me feel dry.

 

We headed off to breakfast. We knew they had a Waffle Station, but did not know where it was. It is NOT part of the Garden Buffet, but instead you go to the other side of the ship to the “Light Dining” Restaurant. We were quite disappointed to find that all they did was make plain waffles. We had thought you might be able to create your own. They ran out of orange juice.

 

I found this to be a very frustrating thing of “Free Style.” The Waffle station is at one place, upstairs is the Omelet Station, and Buffet has other food. You can find your self running all over the place to get breakfast.

 

We went to the Port talk and heard about all the suggested places to shop. I accidentally got myself in trouble as I volunteered (hoping to win something) and learned I was chosen to be the guy who made sure he remembered to raffle off a diamond. Well, his talk went longer then I anticipated, and at 10:45 I had to leave to set up our Meet and Greet. A couple of days later, Brent needed a helper for the Cozumel talk, and I volunteered again, and caught a lot of grief for leaving early the first talk. But, I told him I had to meet the cruiser director and he issued me a pardon.

 

We held the Meet and Greet at 11:00 in Las Ramblas. We had about 25 people show up and had a great time meeting everyone. We did not get the punch and cookies I was told would be there. Everyone signed the banner and we had group picture made. We had the Ship Hostess, Linda the Cruise Director and the Hotel Manger come and say hello. They left very quickly. One of the daughters of a roll call member is a professional photographer, so she took the picture. I will post it here and on the roll call when she e-mails it to me.

 

For lunch we went to the rear deck behind the buffet and found the grill where they serve hamburgers, hotdogs and chicken. I am a pretty picky eater so I ate there a lot during the week, and enjoyed the view from the deck.

 

We found the Art Auction in the afternoon. The art auction is held on Monday and Saturday (the two days at sea) and also Thursday (Belize.) Mark is a very friendly and seems very knowledgeable. NCL uses a company called “Fine Art of Cruising” for their auctions. All art is framed and mailed (except for a few pieces that were “last copies” that he sold and were carried off the ship.)

 

That night we went to Steak House ($10 a person at 5:30) for dinner. I had the 10oz New York Strip (very fatty and big bone.) I was disappointed in it, but they did offer to bring me another 5 oz steak since I was disappointed in it. I was also disappointed in the view I had. Our window overlooked the basketball court. We watched the kids play while eating, and laughed about the “romantic view.” Again, I am on a cruise and there is no such thing as a bad cruise.

 

That night we went to the Show (Mr Producer). The dancers were fantastic and the singing was excellent. I really enjoyed the show even though I did not quite understand the tie between some of the shows. A lot of the numbers were unfamiliar to me, so I enjoyed hearing the music. A warning, in several of the numbers, the women are wearing some very flimsy costumes, so a warning was made in the beginning to parents.

 

A trip to the Casino turned $20 into $65 on my favorite machine, the Haywire, so I cashed in so I could lose it the next day instead.