We just returned from the 4/12/08 sailing. This was our second NCL cruise and 43rd overall. We like Celebrity, Princess, Crystal and Royal Caribbean but Holland America is still our favorite. We don't like the older passenger demographic or the decor on Holland but find the service, food and accommodations to be superior. We would not cruise again on Costa (even for free) and Carnival is not a line we would want to sail on again.
We cruised on the Norwegian Pearl in December of 2007 when it was almost new. The Sun is a slightly older ship and needs some updating in a few areas but we may think that because of the opulence of NCL's Pearl. The Pearl has the newest and best of everything and the Sun does not compare well in many areas. However, the friendliness of the staff and their willingness to "go the extra mile" more than made up for the few areas that needed updating.
We had a balcony room that was the smallest we have ever seen but found it serviceable with plenty of storage. The beds are comfortable and the bathroom is fine albeit on the small side. The room stewards were great and very accommodating. Our room was quiet and clean. NCL does not have much to offer with in-room movies or television stations but news channels are always available.