Ship Inspection: Norwegian Cruise Line - Come Along!

Our recent trip to Florida included a ship inspection of the Norwegian Sun. Come aboard and share the experience. If you have never been on a cruise, you will find that there is plenty to do aboard and during excursions at ports of call. Here's another secret: EARLY BOARDING (approx. 11:30 AM) allows you to enjoy the open spaces and pool - start your vacation early! You will check into your room later! It's part of the "Freestyle" culture! More freedom to do what YOU want!

Freestyle Cruising is all about giving you the freedom of choice to have your style of vacation. Relax or be adventurous. Eat a burger or filet. Dress up or go casual. And never have a fixed schedule or restriction to slow you down. It's your vacation, so make sure it's exactly what you want!

In this picture above note the Balcony and Oceanview staterooms (windows). More about rooms later...
Let's talk about a stress-free arrival.

ARRIVE THE DAY BEFORE YOU CRUISE

If possible, it is a great idea to arrive the day before and stay close to the port. We stayed at the Days Inn in Cocoa Beach, FL and even enjoyed a complimentary breakfast buffet across the street at the Best Western, their sister hotel. After breakfast it was a short ride (8 minutes) to Port Canaveral. This port is very accessible! No long lines of traffic! There were three cruise ships departing this day, and did I mention no traffic!

WELCOME ABOARD!

ABOVE is the main entry into the ship. At the perimeter of the area are the registration desk, concierge, seating and other areas. Pictured is the main stairway and elevators servicing the center of the ship. Easy access to all floors. You can relax and meet friends, enjoy something to drink or get oriented to the ship.

ACCOMMODATIONS (Stateroom-y)

No matter what level of room you choose, rest assured that NCL provides roomy accommodations! Some of the roomiest in the industry! Family rooms accommodate up to four guests. Normal accommodations include

• Inside (no view)
• Oceanview (window)
• Balcony
• Mini-Suite
• Suite

Balcony Stateroom





Inside Stateroom
Can be configured as two singles
 or a queen bed. 



There are many configurations and we can help you choose the level of accommodation that is right for your group, budget and needs! Staterooms for folks with disabilities are available also and provide additional space for wheelchairs.

DINING - Freestyle!

All NCL ships have plenty of choices for dining. No set dining times, no assigned tables, a relaxed dress code and more restaurants than days in the week on every ship, so you can enjoy whatever you're hungry for, whenever you're hungry. Your choice!



Know before you go!
Each ship has a real-time status board of all restaurants,
making it easy to choose which one is best for you.



Dining rooms are divided into:

Complimentary

Morning, noon and night you'll find tempting restaurants, grills, buffets and cafés to satisfy any craving - and they are all included in your cruise fare. If it's a three-course feast you're in the mood for, welcome to our beautiful dining rooms that serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. Maybe dining al fresco with ocean views is in order. You got it - our "endless" buffets offer indoor and outdoor seating with made-to-order omelets and pasta dishes, fresh salads and much, much more. Plus, there are casual grills by the pool, 24-hour eateries with your favorite comfort foods, lively sports bars, kid's cafés and of course dining à la pajamas with room service.

Specialty Restaurants

Every ship in the fleet also offers true Texas-style steakhouses, gourmet French bistros, Italian trattorias and that's just the beginning. Try exotic Asian Fusion restaurants or be entertained by master chefs as they grill up steak, seafood or chicken and veggies at authentic teppanyaki grills. Some ships offer sophisticated supper clubs with dinner and dancing, Cirque Dreams", and Dinner shows with world-class acrobats and more. These specialty restaurants are optional and have a cover charge that ranges from $10 to $30 per guest.

Fun & Adventure Aboard!
From the pools (including kid's pool) with slides, Jacuzzis, and activities (shuffle board, table tennis, golf,  basketball, etc.) on board including Wii" on two-story screens, modern fitness centers, expansive spas, fun kids and teens programs, wine tastings - you will have plenty of things to see and do! ... OH! And I should mention that some ships actually have bowling! Our host said he was asked how the bowling balls act on a ship at sea? His answer: "In very mysterious ways!" ;{)


Pool area aboard the Norwegian Sun
NOTE: People enjoying themselves before cruise sets sail!

On board Entertainment
NCL's fleet of ships offers the best live entertainment every day and every night. Whether you are looking for something intimate like the singers in their lounges or you want to laugh with The Second City® comedy troupe, you'll find something perfect for you. Then, there's the award-winning and inventive Blue Man Group, who you can only see aboard Norwegian Epic. And, with special events like the White Hot Party and amazing production shows, you'll be entertained throughout your cruise.

Casinos at Sea

With all your favorite slots and table games including live poker, it's easy to see why they've been rated the "Best Cruise Line Casino" of any cruise line for seven years running by the readers of Casino Player magazine and "Best Cruise Line Casino" by Porthole Magazine last year.

Beyond awards, NCL's Casinos at Sea are also the most rewarding. Players Club offers rewards for everything from spa treatments to complimentary cruises. And with the freedom and flexibility of Freestyle Cruising, you have the ability to play your way.


View of casino aboard the Norwegian Sun

On board Shopping
Duty Free Shopping

When you shop at NCL on board boutiques, you'll feel like you're at your favorite shops at home! And because all of the products sold on board are Duty-Free, you'll get great savings on favorites. From high-end couture and exotic jewelry to beach supplies, like suntan lotion and flip flops, you'll find a wide selection of brand name and specialty goods.

Shopping Ashore

When you are looking to go shopping on shore, you want to know where to get great deals on the best merchandise available. That's where NCL's Port Shopping Consultants can help. They know the ins and outs of every port visited and they'll be willing to share all of their knowledge with you. Just check your Freestyle Daily or stop by the Port Shopping Consultants' desk for the times and dates of their Shopping Seminars.

Adventures - Port of Call

Spanning five continents and more than 120 ports of call, the world of Norwegian Cruise Line has something for everyone. Find adventure in Alaska. Golf in Hawaii. Dive a shipwreck in the Caribbean. Shop in Italy. Or just look good on the French Riviera. With more than 65 itineraries calling on 52 countries, there's definitely a cruise that's perfect for you and yours.

Well, that about covers our visit to the Norwegian Sun! The tour was great and the food was excellent during our stay! We wished we could have sailed away with them that day!

On behalf of Jan and myself (both of us now certified NCL Cruise Consultants), thanks for coming along on this tour! Remember to contact us no matter what your vacation needs are! OR - join us on our next travel / photography adventure!

Harbor Light Adventures - Guiding Your Travel