NCL Sun 4/19 One Nigher Review

[elephant98]

I was also on the 1-nighter aboard the Sun and had a terrific time. I really have to hand it NCL because, even though it was just 1-day, the cruise director staff and crew went to great lengths to make sure that there was a jam packed day/evening of activities. In addition to the the buffet, lunch was served in one of the main dining rooms, while the specialty restaurants offered a sampling of their dinner fare in the afternoon hours for those who might be interested in coming back in the evening. At 4 pm, there was a barbecue by the pool. Ice cream could be had all afternoon. The Jean Ann Ryan production "Que Noche" was shown in the main theater two times in the evening. At 10:30 pm, there was comedy show in the Dazzles Nightclub featuring a funny comedian and also a comedy "magician." There was a session of bingo. There was a video tennis competition on the Nintendo Wii. And, all types of live music throughout the day from a piano player in the Windjammer Bar and the Las Ramblas tapas bar, to the island music band by the pool, to a group that played covertunes in the Dazzles Nightclub, to the NCL band playing on the pooldeck after midnight. I had a most enjoyable experience. (Celebirty cruise lines could learn a lot from NCL on how to operate a short cruise. I was on a 2-nighter on the Celebrity Century back in January and was disappointed overall. Great rooms and great food. But, the entertainment offerings were severely lacking relative to what Celebrity offers on it longer cruises.)

 

The Sun is noticeably smaller than its newer Jewel-class counterparts. However, aside from the antiquated buffet which is poorly set up and very difficult to navigate, I think that the Sun not only fully integrates the freestyle concept, but also would be comfortable for a 7-day cruise. (Having been on the now defunct Pride of Aloha in 2005, which I believe is the same class of ship as the Sun, I can attest to this first hand). The buffet is prone to overcrowding because of its design, but overall I think that the remainder of the public spaces onboard would not be so on a longer cruise. By way of comparison, I think that the Sun's casino and Great Outdoor Cafe were noticeably BIGGER than those on the Jewel-class ships. I thought that the Sun's Observation Lounge was just as large as the Spinnaker lounge on the Jewel-class ships. The gym appeared to have just about the same number of treadmills/eliptical riders. The library/card room was a decent size. And there appeared to be comparable deck chairs available collectively between the pool deck and the sports deck.

 

The alternative dining options were comparable in terms of choice -- steakhouse, French, Italian, Teppanyaki, sushi, tapas, as well as the unique healthy options at Pacific Heights. And, while the Sun did not have a "bar city" like the Jewel class ships, it did have a coffee bar and martini bar in the atrium, as well as a wonderfully big sports bar across from the buffet. (Not only is it a good place to take your lunch to avoid the crowds, you can get free popcorn here!) That being said, the balcony staterooms on the Sun were indeed smaller than Jewel-class.

 

The Sun is the fifth NCL ship I have cruised on - the others being the Pride of Aloha, Pride of Hawaii, Jewel and Pearl. In terms of art, carpeting, decor, and layout, I would say that the Sun has an overall elegance to it that compares favorably to that I have seen on Princess ships (Caribbean Princess, Grand Princess and Coral Princess). Dark woods, elegant carpets, nautical themes. And a more traditional, elegant 3 level atrium in the center of the ship that adjoins one of the main dining rooms, the bars, and all of the various customer service desks. The Jewel class ships are also wonderfully unique in their own right. But, aside from the elegant main dining rooms, the decor and design in their public spaces is relatively bold and fun, full of bright yellows, purples and pinks throughout.

 

The biggest downside in terms of comparison with Jewel class ship is probably the size of the Sun's staterooms. Jewel class staterooms and balconies are smaller than other cruise lines ships. The Sun staterooms and balconies are noticeably smaller than those. I'd say that they are comfortable for two persons, but probably too cramped for 3 or 4.

[FountainCruiser]

We were just on the Sun for the Western Carib. curise and thought it was a wonderful ship. Took a day to learn the best methods to travel the ship and then it was a breeze. We stayed in a BB 9267 which was near the stern and thought is was a very nice room with plenty of stoage. Our bed was comfortable and room service was very good. Always had the ice bucket full. I would sail this ship anytime. Never felt crowded and never had a wait for dinner. Staff was friendly at all times and they greeted you with a smile and goodmorning everywhere we went. We have no desire to cruise a ship with 4,000+ passengers. We will be cruising NCL again - no problem.

[newmexicoNita]

There are reasons we have so many cruise choices: what we look for may be different than what some others like, but for us, the Sun is an outstanding ship in every way. NO, she isn't huge, we really don't like sailing on the truely mega ships. That is us. WE have never been disappointed with the food or service on the Sun, her casino is as good as any at sea and the cabins, though needing new colors are layed out nicely and have plenty of storage space. Anyone that compares a week long cruise on any liner with a 1 nighter doesn't understand what the 1 and 2 night sailings are all about.

 

Nita