Norwegian Sun Review

NCL exceeds expectations on South America cruise, and fails at post cruise tour.

Review for South America Cruise on Norwegian Sun
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Mary Seas
10+ Cruises • Age 50s

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Additional details

Sail Date: Jan 2016
Cabin: Mid-Ship Balcony
La Boca Buenos Aires neighborhood.
Anglican Church in Port Stanley with whale bone arch in front
Sail away party with singing and dancing by production team and crew on pool deck
entering Ushaia harbor with mountains towering  over the town at the end of the world
Glacier in the Chilean Fjords.
Pink Palace in Buenos Aires
enjoying peace and quiet on a sea day on NCL Sun.  Balcony had good soundproofing
Marta Island North of Punta Arenas
Marta island north of Punta Arenas
Madreline island  north of Punta Arenas

After many years of HAL and Celebrity, we chose this Buenos Aires to Valparaiso NCL cruise as it had a special Easter Island post cruise. NCL 19 day package on the NCL SUN . The SUN does a 14 day cycle between Buenos Aires and Valparaiso. NCL added pre-cruise and post cruise options to Iguazu Falls and Easter Island.

WE chose to stay in Buenos Aires pre cruise and bought our own pre cruise trip to Iguazu Falls for less than the NCL package. We had only a 15 minute drive to the port with a private driver. Our hotel in Buenos Aires( Rochester M) was small with small rooms but well located with a bountiful breakfast buffet.

Overall, the staff and crew of the Norwegian Sun exceeded our expectations in courtesy, attention to detail and personal service. The food was better than expected in the main dining rooms but uninspired. The itinerary as published got sliced by omitting going around the Horn but short cutting to Ushiaia for a mixture of excuses (weather, medical ) . The communication on board from the Captain and cruise director was not consistent or reliable yet the safety drills and security appeared quite well designed. the 2001 ship launched on 9/11 shows its age in design , furniture, art work and wear and tear on the ship. Twice water stopped flowing for 10-15 minutes in our cabin.

Cabin Review

Mid-Ship Balcony

Cabin BA

The cabin on the port side had few times that port activities required us to close our drapes. But most of the sites on the East to West South America cruise were on the starboard side so we had to go to the Observation Lounge or such for views.

The cabin was smaller than our previous HAL experience. Storage worked Luggage under the bed. Refrigerator did not work to cool. But our steward Clint kept us supplied with ice for drinks. Ou rlocation near 8 mid ship elevators was great We avoided the congestion of the four aft elevators for shows and dining. Amenities were few. no fresh fruit, no hair conditioner. The hand soap dispenser ran out of its nice soap. we had adequate 120 v to recharge our iphones and cameras. Shower was small and tight. Grab bar made it possible to stay in the shower and turn. Laundry could not dry in the small damp bathroom bad weather made it hard at times to dry laundry in the cabin. Outdoor chairs worked best for drying.

The balcony was private with no one visible or heard except occasional scraping chairs. No smoke came into our cabin or balcony from smokers near by. Our steward provide prompt service. Our evening towel animals were pleasant NCL gave each bed/guest their own daily schedule in the evening which is better than other lines.

Port Reviews

Buenos Aires

Tango Maderna with pick up and drop off from hotel. Tickets for dinner and 70 minute show. Got 90 minute show with dynamic tango troupe demonstrating history of tango dinner excellent food with beverage choice included. Some problems with seating at back of showroom behind columns resolved with persistence.

Buenos Aires

picked up at the hotel for "half day tour" at 9:30AM , drive to Tigre to get onto launch with about 50 persons . 70 minute tour of the Delta; back on bus to go to San Isidro and its cathedral and train station. Arts and crafts minimal. drive back to hotel after 5 hours

Buenos Aires

In four hours this tour took us to all of the major neighborhoods of Buenos Aires with stops at the Cathedral/Pink Palace, soccer stadium, La Boca , Puerto Maderna, flower, Evita's monument, etc. Better than our cruise tour 8 years ago.

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