Norwegian Sun Review
Panama Canal - Vancouver to Miami
Rating by category
Additional details
We are retirees- cruising the Panama Canal was a 'Bucket List' adventure for us and we weren't disappointed. This was just our 2nd cruise...first time we had a balcony cabin which we enjoyed but we booked this Panama Cruise only a month before departure and balcony staterooms were sold out. Our best option was an outside obstructed view on deck 6. and we were quite happy with it.
The ship is very well maintained, the crew is always scrubbing, polishing or painting something. All the staff are happy, welcoming & friendly. We found good variety & quality at the complimentary dining rooms and by choosing to share a table each night we met a variety of very nice people.
We chose the Buffet for breakfasts and lunches and found good variety & quality.
Cabin Review
Partially Obstructed Oceanview Porthole Window
We were pleasantly surprised by this cabin on the Promenade deck, we didn't hear the walkers/joggers and its convenient to atrium, elevators and to the promenade deck.
It has a large (3'x3')porthole window letting in natural light & giving a view of the ocean and horizon. The window is coated so walkers can't see in during the day... but do keep the curtains drawn at dusk or if you have lots of cabin lights on.
There's plenty of closet space with shelves and baskets, 6 drawers, 2 large cupboards for storage,suitcases fit under the bed. A mini fridge(stocked-$$) No coffee pot but I brought a large thermal cup to fill with hot water from the buffet or a bar for tea in the evenings & morning coffee. Bathroom is well equipped-hair dryer, bar soap, shampoo & conditioner dispenser in shower, 3 small shelves on either side of the mirror, hooks on inside of door and a laundry line in the shower to hang undies etc. if you want to wash out a few things (I also brought a clip hanger for hanging things) No issues with shower curtain as other reviews had mentioned. We asked for a extra egg carton sponge mattress as was suggested by others-it added to the comfort but I don't think was necessary in this room. Bed was very comfortable.
I also brought a fan, power bar and extension cord as was suggested by some reviewers but they were confiscated-(returned to us on the last day)
Our room attendant was very friendly and conscientious.
Port Reviews
Vancouver
This was our embarkation port...We are from B.C. and would encourage anyone to spend a few days exploring this beautiful port city.
Cabo San Lucas
We shopped at the port boutiques and enjoyed walking around the pier.
Acapulco
We walked to the port market and then caught a taxi ($12) up to see the Cliff divers ($14 each)
Puerto Quetzal (Antigua)
We walked off the ship and shopped at the port market. Very hot
Cartagena (Colombia)
What a surprise Cartagena was....a beautiful, modern city. We walked outside the port area and took a guided local bus tour. ($25 each) and went to the same tourist area's as the more expensive NCL tours.
San Diego
We quite enjoyed the port area. My husband toured the Midway, retired aircraft carrier and was very impressed. I found a Starbucks, bought a cold drink and used their wifi to check in with family.
Puntarenas (Puerto Caldera)
We just walked around the port markets here. Much cleaner and nicer here than it was in Nicaruaga.