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A Terrific First-Time Cruise Experience!

Norwegian Sun Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)
Reviews: 4
Helpful Votes: 114

Overall rating:

4 out of 5
Verified Review
Norwegian Sun

7 Night Western Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: March 11, 2006

Ship: Norwegian Sun

Cabin type: Balcony

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 14 years ago

Review summary

The ship itself was excellent. It was fairly easy to navigate, and never seemed overly crowded. The only place where it got super busy was by the pool on the days when we were at sea. You had to get there early to secure a spot. There was also a good mix of people - older, younger, some families - very diverse. It was easy to meet people, and plenty of areas to sit and relax. Two caveats: You may be able to board the ship by noon, but you might not get your luggage delivered until after the ship sails, 5 hours later. Keep anything you might need with you when you board. Also, watch out when you order drinks. The bartenders often gave us top-shelf liquors without us asking for it - and we'd end up with a $10 drink instead of a $7 drink.

Ports of call

Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico

5 out of 5
There's not tons to do ouside the pier area, but we did do a good Mayan ruin tour. The pier area is nice, though. There are lots of shops and vendors, but beware of the agressive people trying to sell you things. Be sure to barter for a MUCH better price. There's also a great public pool at the port, with a swim-up bar, and you could easily spend the entire day there and have fun.
Thumbs Up
Don't Miss: The public pool area

Belize City, Belize

5 out of 5
Belize is beautiful - the blue water is so pretty. There are lots of shops, and parts are touristy, but it's a great port. We did a cave tubing shore excursion, which is NOT to be missed. You hike into the jungle for a half-hour, with a guide teaching you about different trees and plants, and then you jump into the river onto your tube, and slowly ride down the river. At times, you travel inside pitch-black caves, where you turn on a headlamp to see. Amazing.
Thumbs Up
Don't Miss: Cave tubing excursion

Belize City, Belize

5 out of 5
Belize is beautiful - the blue water is so pretty. There are lots of shops, and parts are touristy, but it's a great port. We did a cave tubing shore excursion, which is NOT to be missed. You hike into the jungle for a half-hour, with a guide teaching you about different trees and plants, and then you jump into the river onto your tube, and slowly ride down the river. At times, you travel inside pitch-black caves, where you turn on a headlamp to see. Amazing.
Thumbs Up
Don't Miss: Cave tubing excursion

Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico

5 out of 5
There's not tons to do outside the pier area, but we did do a good Mayan ruin tour. The pier area is nice, though. There are lots of shops and vendors, but beware of the agressive people trying to sell you things. Be sure to barter for a MUCH better price. There's also a great public pool at the port, with a swim-up bar, and you could easily spend the entire day there and have fun.
Thumbs Up
Don't Miss: The public pool area

Santo Tomas De Castilla, Guatemala

3 out of 5
This is a newish port, and there isn't much there, other than a welcome center. The welcome center has some local dancing/singing entertainment and a large group of vendors. The best items there to buy are textiles and coffee. Again, be sure to barter for a good price.
Thumbs Up
Don't Miss: View from the ship, with the mountains and the mist in the distance

Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico

5 out of 5
There's not tons to do ouside the pier area, but we did do a good Mayan ruin tour. The pier area is nice, though. There are lots of shops and vendors, but beware of the agressive people trying to sell you things. Be sure to barter for a MUCH better price. There's also a great public pool at the port, with a swim-up bar, and you could easily spend the entire day there and have fun.
Thumbs Up
Don't Miss: The public pool area

Cozumel, Mexico

3 out of 5
Cozumel was the most touristy port, but if you walk a block or two out from the main road on the water, there are some really great shops and coffee shops. One thing to note, as of March 2006, the piers were still not ready from the destruction of the fall 2005 hurricanes. The ships use tender boats to get you to shore.
Thumbs Up

Cozumel, Mexico

3 out of 5
Cozumel was the most touristy port, but if you walk a block or two out from the main road on the water, there are some really great shops and coffee shops. One thing to note, as of March 2006, the piers were still not ready from the destruction of the fall 2005 hurricanes. The ships use tender boats to get you to shore.
Thumbs Up

Belize City, Belize

5 out of 5
Belize is beautiful - the blue water is so pretty. There are lots of shops, and parts are touristy, but it's a great port. We did a cave tubing shore excursion, which is NOT to be missed. You hike into the jungle for a half-hour, with a guide teaching you about different trees and plants, and then you jump into the river onto your tube, and slowly ride down the river. At times, you travel inside pitch-black caves, where you turn on a headlamp to see. Amazing.
Thumbs Up
Don't Miss: Cave tubing excursion

Santo Tomas De Castilla, Guatemala

3 out of 5
This is a newish port, and there isn't much there, other than a welcome center. The welcome center has some local dancing/singing entertainment and a large group of vendors. The best items there to buy are textiles and coffee. Again, be sure to barter for a good price.
Thumbs Up
Don't Miss: View from the ship, with the mountains and the mist in the distance

Santo Tomas De Castilla, Guatemala

3 out of 5
This is a newish port, and there isn't much there, other than a welcome center. The welcome center has some local dancing/singing entertainment and a large group of vendors. The best items there to buy are textiles and coffee. Again, be sure to barter for a good price.
Thumbs Up
Don't Miss: View from the ship, with the mountains and the mist in the distance

Cozumel, Mexico

3 out of 5
Cozumel was the most touristy port, but if you walk a block or two out from the main road on the water, there are some really great shops and coffee shops. One thing to note, as of March 2006, the piers were still not ready from the destruction of the fall 2005 hurricanes. The ships use tender boats to get you to shore.
Thumbs Up

Pros: The Staff, Interesting Itinerary

Cons: Expensive Drink Prices, Fees for Some Restaurants

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