Enjoyable Time

Norwegian Sun Cruise Review to Caribbean - Bahamas

lisamalek4

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 2-3 cruises

Reviews: 2

Helpful Votes: 81

Overall rating:

3.9 out of 5

Verified Review

4 Night Bahamas (Port Canaveral Roundtrip)

Sail date: July 08, 2019

Ship: Norwegian Sun

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 9011

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 5 years ago

Review summary

We were scheduled to go on a NCL (Sun) cruise to Cuba but unfortunately our plan was derailed and instead we were offered a deal to good to pass up. Although the destinations that we were cruising to have been places we've already seen- we enjoyed our time both on the ship and off the ship at Nassau and Key West. Not so much at Freeport as there was little to do, beaches were too far away and transportation was an issue due to needing more than 5 to get a taxi ride. The staff on the ship are extremely nice and helpful-despite some language and cultural differences they try their hardest to please. (Sometime I did think they were too smiling and happy though and wished for a bit more human-ness to shine through). We enjoyed spending time talking with the staff and trying to learn more about them as people. They put up with a lot and deserve thank you's and kindness. The food on the ship was good and plentiful, although I struggled to find vegan options and soy/almond milk. I usually pieced together a meal, which usually was salad. I attempted to speak with two staff members about my diet but they did not seem to understand and were not helpful in getting me soy/almond milk for my oatmeal. Next cruise I will make certain to speak with someone ahead of my journey to ensure there are options. The entertainment we experienced was very enjoyable and professional. We were actually very surprised and delighted by the comedian on board. He was very funny both times we saw him and we enjoyed him a lot. I think the only two downsides to the cruise were: 1. the lack of vegan options on the ship 2. Seeing the gluttony of many of the cruisers. So much wasted food and beverages and lack of courtesy cleaning up after ones self. I would definitely cruise with NCL again.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

We arrived and were on the ship in about 20 minutes. Friendly people and limited wait time.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

We enjoyed the dining experiences (number of places to dine and staff) but would like to see vegan options and more dishes without cheese and meat. As a vegan it was difficult to find desserts and other options. For the most part the meal I ate was salad. I spoke with other vegans on the ship who were equally disappointed and craved food rather than salad every day. It would beneficial to have vegan option at every restuarant/meal.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

We enjoyed the entertainment and felt it was professional and surprisingly good. We especially enjoyed the comedian-both shows.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

See above

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Everybody was smiling and friendly. At times the communication was difficult due to language differences, however they usually went out of their way to provide assistance.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

Most of the ship was cleaned. Usually it was the cruisers that I found to be slobs and not cleaning up after themselves. I did have concerns about the staff wiping up food tables with only one wash rag that was not soaked or sprayed in a disinfectant cleaner-just wiping tables over and over with the same unwashed rag doesn't seem very clean.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

We upgraded to a window room and were very pleased with the size of our room. The shower was nice as well.

Ports of call

Key West, Florida

3 out of 5

I was disappointed by the lack of beach area and the smell of the water.

Thumbs Up 2

Freeport, Grand Bahama Island

1 out of 5

We tried to leave the port but were told that in order to get the $5 taxi ride we would need additional people, which there weren't any-so we didn't leave the area. Also, most of the people we spoke with that did go the 11 miles into town said there wasn't much to see. We felt that this was a wasted port stop and would not go on another cruise ship offering this stop.

Thumbs Up 0

Nassau, Bahamas

3 out of 5

The port drops off right into town, which is nice for some, however we quickly walked out of town and searched out townie opportunities and sights. There was only one walkable beach which was okay but nothing special.

Thumbs Up 0