Norwegian Sun Review
Rating by category
Additional details
We chose Norwegian because it had more ports of call on this route (around Cape Horn) than other lines,and for about the price of a balcony room on other lines we could have a mini-suite (with three of us sharing a room it was nice to have the extra space). After the cruise I believe that Norwegian was an excellent choice for this trip for those reasons.
In Buenos Aires we had transfers, hotel and a private half day tour of the city prearranged through Avanti. We also took a day trip to Tigre using Viator. Which I booked the evening before. Both the half day tour and day trip were great. We also did some just walking around in the city. Buenos Aires is so large that a tour to get oriented and see some of the rather spread out highlights is helpful before heading out on your own.
Embarking in Buenos Aires seemed a bit onerous, with three lines to stand in before you were checked in, and they didn't move quickly. My dad had an injured foot and the lines were a strain on him, if you are traveling with someone who has a similar challenge it might be wise to use a wheelchair. It wasn't clear to me how much of that was Norwegian and how much the Argentine government, however, our guide in Buenos Aires (through Avanti) told us that Norwegian took longer than other lines. Once checked in they shuttled us quickly to the boat.
Cabin Review
Mini-Suite with Balcony
The room was fairly spacious. The couch wasn't very comfortable, either as a couch or as a bed. The bed was very comfortable. It was nice that there were curtains separating the two areas for a bit of privacy at night.
The balcony was pretty tight, for this cruise, which went through some pretty cold and windy weather, it wasn't a problem that all three of us couldn't sit out at the same time.
We felt a need to spend time downstairs amidships when it was rough. Being on the 11th deck forward it isn't a good choice if you are prone to sea sickness.
Port Reviews
Buenos Aires
In Buenos Aires we had a private half day tour (there were three of us)arranged through Avanti. The guide, Hector, was great and it was helpful to getting oriented in Buenos Aires.
The other really fun thing we did in Buenos Aires was to take a day trip to Tigre.The small group tour was arranged through Viator and included a boat ride from Buenos Aires to Tigre that also toured around through some of the channels of the Parana river delta.
Montevideo
We enjoyed watching the activities of the harbor then walked a bit in the old part of the city.
Punta Arenas
We took a shuttle bus to the city center, $3 per person each way, then walked around. A highlight was when they blocked the streets and had an official flag raising ceremony at noon (they do this on Sundays right as the bells of the cathedral ring out).
Punta Arenas has some nice old buildings and several sights within a short walk of the center square.
One warning: make sure that you take a shuttle back that has the logo for the port on it. Otherwise you can get stuck waiting for a shuttle since you are not allowed to walk through the port to the ship.