A friend ask if I wanted to share a cabin on a Norwegian cruise ship through the Panama Canal. It was a little pricey but I all ways wanted to go on a Norwegian cruise ship and to the Panama Canal . I thought it was ranked as one of the better cruise lines, Had I was known it would be under construction I would of waited for another opportunity . One thing I like to do on sea days is getting up early and drinking coffee outside and watching the sun come up across the ocean which was impossible to do. Debris was flying off the decks and out of what they told me was from the chimney. After getting fiber glass and what looked like black oil looking chips in my coffee . I stopped sitting on the back deck when I realized what I had been drinking that stuff . I decided to walk around the ship on the walking deck only to find out half the deck was closed for beautification. Making a very congested walking and jogging track. I was looking forward to fresh clean air at sea but it was always dust in the air and smell of turpentine or something. Sometimes days the elevators made your eyes water. Our cabin was nice other than outside in the hall they were removing the ceiling tiles to run wires or something thru them. Leaving stuff in the halls until their project was done. I received very good service and some poor service in the dining room. My next cruise I will know now to ask if it will be under construction. This really surprised me because the website said it had been refurbished in 2016. Read Less

We had planned for quite some time to take a Panama Canal cruise with four siblings and their spouse's. The Norwegian Sun had the itinerary (full transit from Miami to Los Angeles) that we wanted at a good time of the year. Once on board (with no prior notification) we discovered that the ship was in route to a 15 day dry dock. We soon discovered construction equipment and materials were stored across several passenger decks and discovered that construction was commencing immediately, not waiting for the dry-dock. Over the next 15 days we were subjected to the noise, dust and fumes of a construction site. We discovered that some of the materials being used were toxic in nature. Lifeboat roster stations were blocked off for construction and several restaurants / bars were not available due to "renovation". NCL management and the Captain could have cared less, in fact the Captain walked out of a passenger called meeting after 3 minutes stating it wasn't his issue. Due to the upcoming dry-dock we discovered what appeared to be a high level of the staff were getting off in LA, and they appeared to be trunkie to say the least. Dining service was at the best spotty. 2 1/2 hours for dinner in Cagney's - without desert! (35 minutes until they took our order). Same with our room steward - although he kept our room clean you could tell he was ready to get off the ship. Perhaps because the ship was going to be out of commission for 2 weeks after our cruise the food selection was marginal. Breakfast was the same EVERY day, variety at lunch was only the results of the prior evenings left overs and dinner selection was no where near what we've come to expect on Princess or HAL cruises. For example Shrimp Cocktail was only available in Cagney's at an $8 charge; and none of the meals you would expect on a cruise - an occasional lobster or crab or, shrimp, beef wellington, escargot, etc. Not even Baked Alaska! By the end of the cruise even the bar selection became spotty as bar tenders told us they were instructed not to open new bottles of top shelf spirits. The only reason this cruise was not given an overall "Terrible" rating was the Cruise Director Staff. Jasper, Jaime and their team tried their best, but they were limited. NCL used this cruise, at the passengers expense to reduce their dry dock expense by limiting the time the ship was not producing revenue. SHAME ON THEM!!! After the initial out roar by passengers we received a letter in our room that NCL would offer a 25% fare credit on a future cruise within the next 12 months. After this cruise made national news NCL changed their offer to a 100% fare credit; but reading the fine print this does not include port charges, taxes, insurance, required "service charge" or any other "nickel and dime" expense that NCL could think of. With NCL's increased fares in 2019, taking this same trip with their "100% fare credit" would still cost each passenger close to $2000!!! We won't cruise with NCL again, and will recommend to our friends and family other lines that care more for their customers. Read Less

This is one of the smaller Norwegian ships but we preferred it. It had a spacious pool deck and plenty of room for sunbeds, it didn't feel cramped like other ships. We had alot of sea days and it was never a problem trying to walk around finding sunbeds like other ships. This is probably due to the fact that half the ship don't sit in the sun due to the age range of the type of pax that books a Panama Canal cruise! We liked that. We had a family inside room on Deck 9. It was the biggest inside cabin we have ever had. It was rectangular in shape. Bernard the cabin attendant was very accommodating, friendly and efficient. Restaurants were as good as usual. The Garden Cafe buffet was very small but there was an outside bit at the rear too with seats but it was very busy at Breakfast time. The entertainment was very good. Nightly shows. As you've read this was the last cruise before entering dry dock. Whilst it was annoying we never got told until we were on board it did not spoil our enjoyment of the cruise. NCL must have know that on this type of cruise very few of the pax sunbathe so they closed different parts of the upper pool deck to get the floor done. On any other cruise it would have been a problem getting a sunbed with one side closed but surprisingly it wasn't. We actually got used to different parts being closed. There was the odd day when stuff was flying around in the wind and dust settling but it didn't spoil our enjoyment of the cruise. The Sports bar didn't open until 17:30 which was a shame as this is usually 24 hours and the complimentary Ramblas restaurant was closed as this is turning into something else. Some great ports of call. We did this cruise for the itinerary. It is always better to do this from Miami to the West Coast as you gain an hour 3 times during the cruise where as if you go back the other way you lose an hour 3 times. It would be nice to get back on the Sun to see what improvements have been made. Read Less

My husband and I have been wanting to do a Panama Canal Cruise for years. When a friend told us they were getting a group together to go, we immediately added our name to the list. My husband had recovered from sepsis then diagnosed with cancer in 2016; then learned he needed a heart bypass in October, 2017. This was scheduled immediately so he would be recovered enough by March, 2018 and this would be a nice relaxing cruise. To make the most of this trip, we flew to Miami from Texas and spent a couple of days there then made arrangements to spend the night in Los Angeles after the cruise before flying home after the cruise. We were very excited to go on Norwegian as we had heard good things. The embarkation port was very organized and we seemed to get on ship quickly. Our room was very nice with lots of storage space. However, within a day or 2 things begin to make a downward turn. Areas were blocked off and exits closed. As days progressed construction was everywhere, sanding, chemical fumes, etc. and inconvenience. Our allergies and my husband weaken immune system made this less enjoyable then any of the other cruises we've been on Carnival, Princess, etc. I believe activities were limited due to construction. Mostly all indoors -- trivia and sales pitch seminars, or pay extra for bingo, wine, beer tasting. Not sure if not much for the teenage kids to do as they were usually in the adult games and sometimes bar areas. Other cruises I've been on had games and activities going on around the pool and a separate area for kids. Its hard for me to judge food as I'm a picky eater, but usually I can find 2-3 choices I like on the menu each day. This time I ate the same thing almost everynight. Buffet was very good most of the cruise. Too many specialty restaurants that you have to pay extra for. My husband did buy the package, but some were disappointing. Some of these items should have made there way to the main dining area at least one time. Most port excursions we took were very good. The guides spoke very well and gave a lot of history and information. A couple of the ports were disappointing that seemed to be more commercial ports rather than tourist stops. Most of the cruise staff was very friendly and accomodating. The cruise director staff was exceptional. They were so funny and made the trivia games more enjoyable. in light of the situation of dealing with a lot of unhappy customers, I believe the staff did very well.. Upon returning to Los Angeles, the disembarkation was amazingly well organized. Being with a group of friends and meeting new people was the highlight of our cruise.. But overall, I was very disappointed in Norwegian. Why couldn't they have waited 2 weeks? Someone needs to be fired over this decision to do such massive construction during a 15 day cruise. If they would have offered a discounted price due to limited amenities, people would know what they were getting into. But we paid full price. Now they want us to spend more money with them at a "discount price" where they make more money off of us. Unbelievable. Read Less

I chose this cruise because 10 family members were getting together for our uncle's birthday. Due to the construction, 3 members were continually sick. Either a deck, bar or eating area was closed at any given time. Workers were in our hallway on ladders with open ceilings as the particles and debris were falling onto us. Decks were being sanded continually and the debris and dust from that flew onto the balconies and into our room. Also, the debris was landing onto the pool deck and into the pool while people tried to enjoy their time in the sun. Family members stated they heard saws and other power tools throughout the night. I saw plastic flying off the decks, where they were working, and landing into the sea. All in all that was disappointing. But the the crew was super nice, friendly and fun. The restaurant's food was delicious and the buffets full of variety. There was a special area at the buffet filled with Indian food which was tasty. Dazzles lounge had great entertainment/games but the chairs were incredibly uncomfortable. The ship's dance/singers/band was ok. But the other musical talents were enjoyable. The Sun could have used more "variety" type of evening entertainment in the Stardust lounge other than the ship's dance/singer/band. The itinerary, for us, was perfect! Read Less

The boat overall was quite clean. Cabin was way larger than expected. It was excellently maintained and the janitor was always polite and cheerful. It was impossible to bear the noise (sound of drums and base) during the show times (7:15 and 9:15) at Stardust. Food quality at buffet was poor and not many to choose from. The menus at Four Seasons and Seven Seas were almost 'consistent' throughout the 15 days. Food servers were kind and courteous in general except few. It was quite disturbing that the boat renovation restricted the guests on-board activities so often. We, a group of 4 couples, did not expect your on-board entertainment to be the highlight of daily activities anyway. Some crews, particularly at Guest Service Counter at 5th Deck were rude. You should teach your crew more English. AND MOST OF ALL, THEY(specially the Chinese ones) SHALL NOT ASK THE GUESTS WHERE THEY ARE FROM! We understand they are trying to be friendly. But it is not polite and the ethnicity of a guest is none their business. Read Less

Restaurant service was top notch. Room steward was excellent. Balcony was great. Good weather. Lots of sun! Lot of work being done on the ship caused some inconvenience... Expensive gratuities! Drink package chosen for 2 people comes with a charge of $450. gratuity. Soda not available by the can with drink package. Water not included. We drank the water from the ice bucket... bought bottled water on shore. It seems we paid for the cruise but daily living expense was not included. Latitudes member but did not get discount on land tours...Did have great entertainment. Comedian was good along with man on hypnosis.. The Sun band with DiDi was top of the line along with their dancers! We could not hear any announcements in our cabin nor could anyone on our floor...Sorry! N/A...notifications were to be shown on the TV but they wore not. Bad communications! What we really enjoyed is the dinning! Freestyle Dinning. Great for me as I have allergies to perfume and aftershave. Will go back. But be aware of the EXTRA cost associated with vacation.. Read Less

Ship was undergoing major construction as we cruised on this 15 day adventure. About 1/4 of ship was inaccessible, some specialty restaurants were closed, people complained about chemical fumes through out ship and in their cabins, work taking place at all hours, and construction particles flying in air we breathed. Many people suffered respiratory issues. My husband, sister and cousin began coughing during this so-called vacation. We definitely did not get what we paid for on this cruise due to the construction taking place right smack in the middle of everything. Again, because some restaurants were closed dining options were limited and always very crowded, this is especially not good on a long 15 day cruise. In my opinion, minor construction (better word "repairs") are acceptable and understandable, but, where NCL crossed the line is when it affected passengers health. This is NOT what I paid lots of money for. And...the cherry on top- ship was scheduled to be refurbished at end of our cruise. WHY WAS'NT ALL THIS WORK BEGUN AFTER OUR CRUISE WAS COMPLETED!!! Read Less

I chose this cruise because of the Panama canal and Mexico. This was the absolute worse cruise I have ever been on. Construction was going on the whole time while the cruise was going. Painting, jackhammers, fumes and flying debris. Some of the treadmills were out of order and the jogging track was closed most of the time due to construction. Most of the areas on the ship were closed off for sanding and it was very dangerous. The children's pool was closed the entire time. While I was having breakfast outside, soot was flying around and landing in my food which forced me to go inside (Not what I wanted coming from the snow in NYC). The boys that were playing basketball were covered in black soot and thy're eyes were puffy when they came back in. I had a constant cough the entire time and it's still with me as I have no idea what they were using to clean with. I will never take another Norwegian cruise as long as I live Read Less

The good: Almost a year ago, my husband and I booked this Panama Canal Cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line. Our travel agent was helpful, answering questions and getting things booked for us. We were very excited to be going on this ‘trip of a lifetime’ as advertised by NCL – 15 days aboard a beautiful ship while getting to see the Panama Canal! We had a nice cabin - a rear facing balcony - perfect for going through the canal. Our steward was excellent! Overall, we found the staff to be friendly and helpful. The food was pretty good - after 15 days the variety seemed to be lacking a little, but overall the food was fine. We ate mostly in the main dining rooms for dinner, and on the 11th deck for breakfast and lunches. The Panama Canal is impressive, and if you are at all interested in seeing it, do! The ports of call were interesting, and the tours we booked through NCL were good (even though you pay a little more for booking with them rather than booking private tours). The bad and the ugly: At the beginning of the cruise, we found out there would be some work being done on the ship. Oh well we were sure there would still be so much to enjoy! We weren’t going to let that bother us. A couple days in, we were looking at the Cruise Next program, and excitedly thinking of future cruises with thoughts of travelling with family as a large group. What fun we could have! It soon became apparent that it was not just a small amount of work, but their ‘enhancements’ meant some venues were closed for the entire cruise. A disappointment as we had been looking forward to all the ship had to offer. Champs Bar, the Topsiders Bar & Grill, and the Las Ramblas Tapas Bar & Restaurant were closed the entire cruise. The 12th deck was undergoing extensive refinishing, as was the promenade deck 6 – meaning different large portions of these were closed throughout the cruise. Often doors to the outer decks were blocked off and/or locked – how would this play out in an emergency? The open portions of the decks were also very crowded, as so much space was closed off. Even in the open areas, it was often so noisy from grinders, sanders and other equipment that you couldn’t be there. There was also dust, particulate, fumes, and who knows what else was on the decks and circulating in the air. A few days in, this all became very problematic – far beyond just an inconvenience- as we were in a full-on construction zone! Health issues were occurring as a result of fumes/chemicals/particulate on the ship! I never dreamed I would spend so much of our trip with varying degrees of symptoms including sore, itchy, red, puffy, and runny eyes as well as a runny nose and hoarse throat as a result of their ongoing renovations. Being on shore offered some relief! But then symptoms soon returned after we were back on the ship. There was not much escaping it, and you never knew where it would be the worst. Many times, I found myself running back to the cabin to lay down with a cold cloth over my eyes. Have you ever been near tear gas? That's what it felt like at times - the same symptoms and severity for me. The construction workers were in masks and protective suits – the products they were using were toxic and dangerous. Yet here they were, using them in the proximity of the passengers and crew. Take a walk around the promenade deck? Nope, parts were always blocked off and at times the fumes would irritate my eyes so badly I had to leave. Hang out by the pool? Dust, fumes, and noise often made it impossible. Areas indoors were also often affected – perhaps all going through the HVAC system?! It is shameful that the company felt it was ok to do this work with passengers and staff on board. The noise, dust/particulate, chemical smells and fumes, and closures of large part of the ship was completely unacceptable. This was in no way the vacation as advertised that we booked. What did NCL offer as compensation? 25% of our cruise fare paid toward a future cruise before March 31, 2019. They say the Sun is undergoing enhancements to better serve our guests and thank us for our patience and understanding. This is an insult – essentially just a marketing ploy. Current guests be damned. A trip of a lifetime? Their disregard for passenger experiences, health, and safety is unconscionable. I know I am not the only one upset about their cruise aboard the Sun. As for value for the money? We paid thousands to be on a ship actively being renovated! If this had not been the case, the value would have been ok. As it was, we feel ripped off by NCL. Read Less