The Norwegian Sun made its debut to an excited crowd of NCL fans in November of last year.  She is exactly as promised; bright, light, cheerful and contemporary, with some wonderful and innovative features. 

A sister ship to the Norwegian Sky, which was introduced two years earlier, the Sun is a marked improvement in just about every area.  Cabins are nicer with wood cabinets and more storage space.  There are 52 suites in various categories, as compared to only 14 on the Sky.  It has made a huge difference for incentive groups who need several upgrades in graduated levels.  The most impressive addition however, is an entire new deck to accommodate the new free-style restaurants – each with its own theme and ambiance.  For the most part, the cuisine had undergone an overhaul, and the entire dining experience was of a much higher standard than in years past.  

Overall, the Norwegian Sun has beautiful complimentary color schemes, wide hallways, and a superb use of floor to ceiling windows.  During a walk through, you get an overall feeling that the vessel has a common thread or theme, with nothing to jar the senses.  Aside from the Stardust Lounge, which holds 1000 passengers, all of the public rooms are intimate and cozy -making it easy to forget you are on an 80,000-ton vessel with 2,000 other guests.

One of the striking improvements in the NCL on board experience is the incorporation of true free-style dining.   In other words, you dine when, and with whom you like.  With nine restaurants, it would be hard to tire of anything on this ship.  Several of the dining options are included in the cruise fare.  They are Four Seasons, Seven Seas, Pacific Heights (Cooking Light cuisine), Las Ramblas Tapas Bar, the Garden Café and the Great Outdoor Café.  You can dine in each of these venues as often as you wish without an additional charge. 

The real excitement comes when you choose one of the specialty restaurants.  You do pay either a $10 pp cover charge, or a la carte pricing – but trust me, it is really worth it!  Il Adagio offers Italian specialties in an “Orient Express train” setting with all ocean views.  Le Bistro (arguably the best meal onboard) serves up delectable French fare and amazing filet mignon.   Ginza is a Japanese restaurant complex featuring sushi and and  Tepanyaki  room (like Beni Hana, but better!)  East Meets West offers exotic and familiar items from the Pacific Rim in an elegant setting.   As you can see, this is a first for the cruise industry, and it makes doing dine-arounds much more feasible (and less expensive) without leaving the ship!

In the Four Seasons and Seven Seas, NCL is proud to feature the creations of Executive Chef, Mr. Henry Haller.  Famous for his menus initiated in the White House for five consecutive US Presidents, Mr. Haller has been retained by NCL to implement the same culinary delights.  You will surely enjoy your dining experience, even if you choose to dine only in the main restaurants.

The entertainment is as lavish and professional as ever.  It is impossible to match the talent of Jean Ann Ryan when it comes to on board theatrical productions.  She is right on the money every time.  The difference (from other cruise lines) is that on NCL the singers can dance and the dancers can sing - and they can all act.  It's hard to fool a native New Yorker  (that's me) when it comes to Broadway-style entertainment, and NCL certainly continues to shine.  You will love the two-tiered Stardust Lounge, where you have a great view from every seat.

The Sky offers several lounges and bars for socializing and relaxation.    The Havana Club is a must for anyone who enjoys premium cigars, fine cognac and malt whiskey.  The wood and leather gives this intimate hideaway a rich and elegant feel.  At the Java Café, enjoy specialty coffee and delicious desserts.  Go to the Observation Lounge for high tea, for it is the most sophisticated spot on the ship.  At night, the ambiance and the views are spectacular!  Let us not forget the Sports Bar, the Champagne Bar, Topsiders, Champs and Dazzles Nightclub.  There is a spot for everyone on the Norwegian Sun.

The East Indies Conference Center has three spacious rooms that open to one large meeting facility.  Total capacity is 90 people.

Of course, no ship would be complete without a fitness center and Spa.  The Mandara Company is a big improvement over what Steiner used to offer.  You will enjoy unique Balinese and Japanese treatments, which will help you relax and unwind.

The Sun also features a casino, internet café, a library, card room, pool, four hot tubs, plenty of shops and even a small chapel (in case one of your incentive winners decided to get married at the last minute!)

Maybe the best news is that the Norwegian Sun is currently on a year ‘round Caribbean rotation, roundtrip Miami.  So many of you have asked for a great Caribbean ship in May and June.  Now we have the perfect fit!  At least for 2002, she will not reposition.  Take advantage of it!

The Norwegian Sun is sure to please your incentive customers.  With so many onboard options you will be able to make everyone happy!