Public Areas & Facilities

Norwegian Cruise Line hadn't introduced many new ships in a while at the time Norwegian Sun was on the drawing board, but it didn't take long before they got the hang of it. With Freestyle Cruising instituted and growing in popularity, the vessel moved into the forefront of the fleet with nine restaurants, an expansive casino, trendy spa, and more family- and kid-friendly facilities.

Richwood tones and fabric colors prevail throughout. The Observation Lounge is a subdued and tasteful spot for afternoon tea in a light, tropical setting with nothing to distract attention from the expansive views beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows.

An expanded Internet Café with two-dozen computer stations encircles one atrium level, and the Java Café is a welcoming delight on the main atrium floor. Sunshine pours into the atrium through an overhead skylight by day, while at night it's the ship's glamorous hub of activity.

Restaurants

This is a Freestyle ship, so all seating is open; dress is always casual. The two main dining rooms are complimentary; some specialty restaurants carry a cover charge and require reservations. Casual dining choices are the Lido buffet, an ice-cream bar, pizzeria, and a food court.

What Works & What Doesn't

Dining takes a back seat to nothing else on Norwegian Sun, and the food by and large lives up to the stylish decor of all restaurants on board. Side by side, Le Bistro and Las Ramblas restaurants couldn't be more different, yet they share extraordinary sea views. Raised banquette seating along the interior wall of the long, narrow Il Adagio Restaurant ensures all diners a view. Plot your course carefully if you plan to dine in the Seven Seas Restaurant; with the huge galley separating it from the mid-ship Four Seasons Restaurant, you can't get there on a direct route from the atrium.

Accommodations

Layout: Staterooms are a bit more generous in size than on the older vessels in the NCL fleet and contain more than adequate closet and drawer space for a one-week cruise. More than two-thirds have an ocean view, and nearly two-thirds of those have a private balcony. Clever use of primary colors and strategically placed mirrors achieves an open feeling. All have a sitting area with sofa, chair, and table. Suites have walk-in closets.

Amenities: Light-wood cabinetry, mirrored accents, a small refrigerator, tea/coffeemaker, personal safe, broadband Internet connections, duvets on beds, a wall-mounted hair dryer over the dressing table, and bathrobes for use during the cruise are typical standard amenities. Bathrooms have shampoo and bath gel in shower-mounted dispensers as well as limited bathroom storage.

Suites: Suites include such luxuries as whirlpool tubs and entertainment centers. Butlers and a concierge are at the service of suite occupants.

Good to Know: Connecting staterooms are available in several categories, including those with balconies. Oddly sandwiched in between Deck 6 and Deck 7 forward is Deck 6A, which has no direct elevator access. Sixteen cabins are wheelchair-accessible. Take care when selecting a cabin on that truncated deck, as it has no direct access to elevators. Sixteen cabins are wheelchair accessible.

Category	Size (square feet)
Owners Suite	828
Penthouse & Romance Suite	504
Minisuite	332
Ocean View Balcony/Ocean View	221 /145
Deluxe Interior/Interior	172 /145

Favorites

Best Dessert: Messy but decadent, chocolate fondue in Le Bistro is well worth the clean-up time; order it and linger over coffee.

Unique at Sea: Entering uncharted waters for fresh seafood, NCL offers patrons of East Meets West the selection of their own live lobster from the octagonal lobster tank. Have it prepared broiled with lemon butter, with hollandaise sauce, or wok-flashed and served atop noodles in a Kaffir lime and lemongrass broth.

Best Added Value: Try all the free food: the tapas in Las Ramblas and healthy selections in Pacific Heights are complimentary.

Our Favorite Spot for a Nightcap: The pianist in the Windjammer Bar will be happy to play requests. To accompany a late-night cognac, an adjacent nook set aside for cigar smokers has oversize leather chairs and a clubby atmosphere.