tour of norwegian sun

• Cruising / Norwegian (NCL) / Ship Reviews

Norwegian Sun Ship Tour and Review

by Prof. Cruise · Published September 22, 2022 · Updated September 22, 2022

Introduction

I like to think I’m not a jealous or petty person, but the story behind why I booked this sailing on the Norwegian Sun might lead you to believe otherwise and also that I’m not very self-aware. Here’s the story:

Because my husband’s job offers less flexibility, my 9-year-old son and I often cruise together without him. So this year Mr. Cruise decided to plan a special father/son cruise. And after they were booked, my in-laws, who would be visiting us for a month in Seattle during that time, decided to join them. So I watched from my living room as my family sailed away…without me. It wasn’t a pretty sight, as documented here on Instagram:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Prof Cruise (@profcruise)

So after polishing off a pizza, a four pack of apple fritters, a pint of ice cream, and a dozen iced sugar cookies, I did the only thing a gal can really do in a situation like that – I booked myself on the exact same ship and itinerary for two weeks later, loudly uttering some unkind words, not fit for this PG rated, family friendly blog as I did it: Take that M***** F*****s! Better add “vengeful” to my list of characteristics.

So that’s how I ended up cruising solo on the Norwegian Sun. But I don’t think it has anything to do with my impending divorce (kidding, kidding). In any case, here are the things I loved and didn’t love about the Norwegian Sun, followed by some tips for those lucky enough to be booked on her. But first, a ship tour (do me a solid and subscribe to my scrappy little YouTube channel when you’re finished watching):

NCL Sun Ship Tour

Things I Loved about the Norwegian Sun

I’ve divided the things I loved on the Sun into three categories: design features, activities/entertainment, and food. I saved food for last, otherwise you wouldn’t read the rest, having logged onto DoorDash to see if they deliver cruise food (yes, for a small delivery fee of $300,000 + tip).

Design Features I Loved on the Norwegian Sun

Size of the norwegian sun.

At this point in my review (and especially for those who regularly follow my blog) you’re probably thinking: “Wow, she’s a lot to handle.” But you love me anyway because I supply you with an endless supply of cruise food pics. That’s kind of how I feel about the giant NCL mega ships: I love them anyway because they supply me with an endless amount of cruise food, but they can be a lot to handle.

I’m one of a dying breed of cruiser who actually prefers smaller ships, which is one thing I loved about the Sun! At 78,000 gross tons (including roughly 1 ton of sugar and 3 tons of cheese) and with a capacity of around 2,000 passengers and 900 crew members, I found her to be the perfect size.

Hull Art on the Norwegian Sun

True confession: I once forgot my government issued photo I.D. at a port stop and required a security escort back on my Princess ship. Embarrassing. But even more embarrassing? I had them escort me back to the wrong ship: “Ma’am you’re on the other Princess ship.” Because a seawitch is a seawitch is a seawitch. But thankfully, the vibrant, distinct hull art on NCL will never lead you astray (but be warned, if you’re late for sail away, it will taunt you for approximately 4 hours and 100 nautical miles as you sit crying at the end of the pier watching it journey on without you). I especially love the hull art on the Norwegian Sun, depicting a stylized…sun…in shades of yellow, orange, and red. It’s particularly unique in that it extends all the way up the side of the ship.

Huge Cabins on the Norwegian Sun

Another unique feature of this older ship, one long extinct in newer, flashier models, is the size of her cabins. They are huge! My inside cabin featured a desk, loads of storage, and full-sized sofa, something almost unheard of in an inside. You could live on a cruise ship for less than what you’d pay for a studio apartment of this size in my home city of Seattle (true story and a daily temptation – if my kid would just go off to college already!).

Spinnaker Lounge on the Norwegian Sun

While not nearly as impressive as on the larger NCL ships (I’ll admit there are some advantages to the large, newer ships), the Spinnaker Observation Lounge on the Sun was still a great spot to relax, sip a cocktail, read, listen to music, and gaze out at the ocean. Or fall asleep and get nudged awake by security after a complaint of “nuisance noise.”

Library on the Norwegian Sun

As many of you already know, my parents met and fell in love working at a library. So I suppose you could say libraries are in my blood. I supposed you could also blame them for my existence. *shrug*

In any case, I love ships that have a real bona fide library and the one on the Sun, while not huge, was warm and lovely and had a great selection of books for loan.

Promenade Deck on the Norwegian Sun

But if I had to choose one must-have ship feature, it would be this:

A wide, wraparound outdoor promenade deck. And the one on the Sun was among the best I’ve ever experienced. It was so wide, it allowed for both walking and jogging without doubling as a carnival ride (specifically, bumper cars). I would book this ship again (and did, stay tuned) just for the promenade deck!

Large Aerobics Studio and Spin Bikes on the Norwegian Sun

Moving from my favorite feature of a cruise ship to my least favorite thing in cruising and life…exercise. But when you cruise as often as I do and eat as often as I do (and in quantities that threaten to wipe out any revenue on my sailings), it’s a necessity. So I appreciate a large, well equipped gym with good hours (the gym officially opened at 6am on the Sun, but was always open by at least 5:30am). And I *really* appreciate a ship with spin bikes (as that’s the form of exercise I hate the least).

On the Sun, I especially loved the HUGE aerobics studio with spin bikes on one end (that remained there – they didn’t get pushed against a wall or tied up when not in use) and an open area on the other end with small weights, yoga matts, and other items available. While the bikes are generally reserved for those who pay for a class, I was able to use them early in the morning (5am – I did ask permission first and was told it was fine at that hour).

Activities/Entertainment I Loved on the Norwegian Sun

Moving on to activities and entertainment…

Production Shows on the Norwegian Sun

While I missed the full Broadway shows offered on the larger NCL ships, I enjoyed the two production shows featured on my sailing: Rock You Tonight and World Beat. I thought the set design, costumes, and choreography were all excellent and the cast was energetic and talented.

However, the entertainment provided by this particular audience member knocked “Kinky Boots” from the top spot on my list of “best entertainment at sea:”

Live Music on the Norwegian Sun

There was plentiful live music offered throughout the ship both during the day and at night. I especially loved this jazz band:

New Wines Around the World Loyalty Benefit on the Norwegian Sun

I was lucky enough to be on one of the first ships to offer the new Wines Around the World loyalty benefit for those Platinum and above. And I loved it!

You can read my full review HERE :

Food I Loved on the Norwegian Sun

Let’s move on to…FOOD!

Dining Room Breakfast on the Norwegian Sun

Breakfast in the Seven Seas main dining room was never crowded:

And the food was fresh and delicious:

Here’s the menu:

Norwegian Sun Breakfast Menu

Buffet Cinnamon Rolls on the Norwegian Sun

But you’ll definitely want to hit the buffet for a second breakfast, especially on the days it offers cinnamon rolls:

These are offered every third day with pecan rolls and apple cinnamon rolls on the other two days (which are also good, but the regular cinnamon rolls are the best).

Buffet Desserts on the Norwegian Sun

Speaking of buffet offerings that will send you into a sugar coma faster than main lining cotton candy, there was always a delicious cobbler of some sort (eat this with vanilla ice cream on top) and a rotating “feature” dessert at dinner. One night it was brittle, one night it was eclairs, one night it was blondies…

…and one night the Captain’s grandmother had to step in for an ill chef (I mean, I can only assume) and this happened…

Crepes on the Norwegian Sun

There were a few additional buffet desserts that deserve their own heading. First, crepes! These were made-to-order at dinner with a variety of fillings available. Due to my love of chocolate, lack of creativity, and general belief that fruit doesn’t belong in dessert (see video above), I went with Nutella and cream every night.

Hard Ice Cream on the Norwegian Sun

And hard ice cream. Chocolate, vanilla, one rotating flavor, and a handful of toppings were offered. My favorites were coconut and pistachio.

Cagney’s Steakhouse on the Norwegian Sun

You may find it odd that a vegetarian would dine by herself at a steakhouse. And I’ll admit, it’s a bit of an unexpected choice until one understands that the primary reason I chose to dine there was for the free bottle of wine (served all at once in the giant-est wine glass I’ve ever seen) provided as a Platinum perk and an entire loaf of garlic rosemary bread with butter to soak up said bottle of wine. That alone was worth the price of admission (free – again as a loyalty perk).

HOWEVER, I met with the assistant manager of Cagney’s on embarkation day and he arranged to have the chef prepare me a special vegetarian meal: French onion soup (made with vegetable broth), a wedge salad, and a vegetable pasta. While it was all delicious, I sacrificed half the pasta in anticipation of the (even giant-er) chocolate cake (which is the best cake I’ve ever had on a cruise and, by far, my favorite dessert at Cagney’s).

Here’s the menu for the non-vegetarian steakhouse patrons among us:

Cagney’s Menu on the NCL Sun

La Cucina on the Norwegian Sun

After the equivalent of approximately 6 years at sea on NCL ships, somehow this was the first time I’d dined at La Cucina (you can read my review of Onda , the other Italian specialty restaurant on NCL HERE ). And I loved it! There were quite a few vegetarian options to choose from, but I went with the Burrata “Caprese,” Gnocchi Di Patate Al Pesto (which I pronounced three different ways, all clearly wrong, before my waiter figured out what the heck I was asking for), and the Panna Cotta alla Vaniglia. Everything was as caloric (looks like another awful date with the spin bike at 5am) as it was delicious!

La Cucina Menu on the NCL Sun

Things I Didn’t Love about the Norwegian Sun

Wasted space on the norwegian sun.

Unlike the newer ships that seem to jam an amusement park ride into every available nook and cranny – “This looks like the perfect spot for a Mad Tea Party ride. I mean everyone’s feeling a bit queasy anyway.” – there was a lot of open (dare I say wasted) space on the Sun. Especially on decks 12 and 13 forward (both pictured above). I can do without the rides, but a nice adults only space would have been lovely.

Lack of Comfortable Outdoor Seating on the Norwegian Sun

It’s not uncommon on my cruises for me to locate a comfortable padded clamshell on an outside deck with a water view on embarkation day and stay there, leaving only briefly 5-6 times a day to pee and get food, until debarkation. I give new meaning to “chair hog.” I’ve also become very resentful of my small bladder and inconvenient female parts, as elusive orcas always seem to appear as soon as I get up to hit the bathroom: “OMG, the entire pod just breeched at once in a choreographed synchronized swim.” “Damnit!”

However, on the Norwegian Sun there was NO comfortable, unique, outdoor seating. Just milk toast loungers, some with bars that dug into your back (I started to think it was intentional to lure people to the spa for an expensive treatment).

No Naturalist, Lectures, or Movies on the Norwegian Sun

Some of my favorite cruise activities were missing on my sailing. There was no naturalist, no lectures given by experts in various fields, and no indoor or outdoor movies.

Buffet Layout on the Norwegian Sun

First, watch this brief 12 second video…

If that video, filmed at 6am, before the crowds arrived, felt super awkward, imagine how this space is in real life at peak dining hours. In order to get to the main food area, you first have to walk through a super narrow corridor where the self-serve drinks are located. They should really station a crew member there with a mop and a “Caution: Wet Floor!” sign at the ready to handle all the collisions, most of which involve beverages. You also might want to add “personal injury lawyer” to your packing list as some of those beverages are HOT.

While I found the food at the buffet quite good, the layout was awful. Consider working as a chef at Original Beef (any other fans of “The Bear” on FX?) for a few months prior to your cruise to prepare for the chaos.

Hidden Soft Serve Machine on the Norwegian Sun

Basically the whole point of cruising is unlimited self-served soft serve (try saying that five times fast). Am I right? But it seems shaming culture is alive and well on the Norwegian Sun where the soft serve machine is hidden behind a counter and requires a crew member serve you. Never on any other ship on any line have I ever uttered the words (dozens of times, I might add): “Just keep swirling until it’s about to tip over – with a height equivalent of a women’s size 6 shoe.” At a certain point I just hopped the counter like I was trying to steal a subway fare: “See, like this!”

Tips for the Norwegian Sun

Here are a few tips for those booked on the Sun…

Eat Lunch in the Seven Seas Dining Room on Embarkation Day

Hit the Seven Seas main dining room on deck 5 aft on embarkation day to avoid the buffet crowds and enjoy a relaxed and delicious full-service lunch. I especially love the tomato soup and the desserts. You can find the menu HERE .

Find Pizza and Noodles in Moderno at Lunch

For all the 9-year-olds in your life or 9-year-olds at heart (“Ma’am we don’t allow 44-year-olds at Splash Academy. I don’t care how well you moisturize your skin and avoid the sun, you simply don’t pass for 5-12.”), hit Moderno at lunch for pizza and noodles. There’s also overflow seating in there (and in the Sports Bar) if the buffet gets crowded.

Watch Sail Away from the Promenade Deck, Aft

For gorgeous sail away views away from any crowds, hit the outside promenade deck (deck 6) and head aft. Wake views + sail away views = heaven. Even if you hate math (I used to teach statistics – go ahead, break my heart), that’s an equation you can love!

Visit the Cruise Next Desk for your Loyalty Benefits

Visit the Cruise Next desk on deck 6 forward to find out about your Latitudes loyalty benefits and to sign up for any special events available for your tier level. The ship tour still wasn’t available on my sailing, but the other events were.

Be sure to attend the Latitude’s party for those Silver and above in the Spinnaker Lounge (ours took place on our second sea day at 5pm) for unlimited free drinks and an introduction to the ship’s officers:

Take a Dip in the Secret Hot Tub on the Norwegian Sun

I saved this tip for only my most loyal readers, those who suffered through this review to the bitter end (I didn’t even include it in my video tour, it’s so top secret). There’s a secret hot tub located on deck 12 forward on the starboard side of the ship next to the small kiddie pool. I wondered why no one ever joined me in there until breakfast on the last morning when I was telling a friend I’d made on the ship about it and he said, “Oh, I know all about that. It’s just that I kept seeing you go in there after your third trip around the buffet and worried about where the bubbles were coming from.” Seriously though, this hot tub offers great views and no one was EVER in there except for me.

Final Thoughts

Between our two cruises, everyone in my family has now sailed on the Norwegian Sun EXCEPT for my mom. And I simply can’t let an injustice like that stand. So I’ve booked the two of us on the October 6th sailing to celebrate her birthday. Be sure to follow us live on Instagram and stay tuned to learn if she’ll be brave enough to join me in the hot tub! And with that…

Class Dismissed.

Homework (10 points): Check out my other recent NCL-related posts…

Norwegian Dining and Restaurant Menus 2022

Norwegian PRIMA Dining Menus

NCL 5 Night Dinner Menus

Norwegian Cruise Line Bar Menus And Drink Prices 2022

Wines Around The World: NCL’s New Loyalty Benefit Reviewed

Norwegian Spirit Review and Ship Tour (Post Refurbishment)

Review and Tour of a Balcony Cabin on the Refurbished Norwegian Spirit

Norwegian Encore Ship Review

And be sure to follow Prof. Cruise on your favorite social media sites:

Twitter  (@cruiseprof)

Instagram  (@profcruise)

TikTok  (profcruise)

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8 Responses

• Pingbacks 2

this… was… AWESOME. 2 weeks to go for us!

Woohoo! So excited! *high-five!*

Really great to have this preview!

Have a great cruise!!!

Excellent review! A+ for so much detail! We get on the Sun at the end of October so this review is wonderful timing. It will be our tenth cruise, but our first on the Sun.

[…] (10 points): Check out my NCL Sun Ship Tour and Review. And be sure to follow Prof. Cruise on your favorite social media […]

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About Prof. Cruise

Given name Sarah, but also answers to Prof. Cruise. Retired after 10 years as a college professor to focus full-time on her primary research interest: travel. With a concentration in cruising.  Home port: Seattle.  Mom of a shaggy-haired dog and a shaggy-haired human.  Lover of books and dessert.  Fancies herself a bit of a comedian – you’ve been warned.

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The Norwegian Sun Review & Everything You Need To Know

The Norwegian Sun is one of the oldest cruise ships in NCL’s fleet dating back to 2001. With several refits over the years, the ship, while old by industry standards, is extremely well-maintained and modernized in all the ways you’d expect. Unfortunately, it’s not a ship for everyone and we’ll explain why.

Norwegian Sun Cancellations

Norwegian Cruise Line has contacted both travel agents and booked guests to inform them about the cancellation of seven months’ worth of cruises aboard the Norwegian Sun. This encompasses sailings scheduled from late March to early November 2025. Notifications have been sent to booked guests, and the cruise line is also reaching out to travel partners to ensure they can inform their affected clients. The email states, “Due to a fleet redeployment, Norwegian Sun’s sailings from March 28, 2025, through November 3, 2025, have been canceled. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.” Full refunds for the 22 canceled cruises are automatically being processed back to the original payment method within 30 days from the cruise line. Following this, it may take an additional 7-10 days for the refunds to be processed through individual financial institutions. We appreciate your understanding during this process. There has been no reason given for the cancellations but would make me wonder if the ship is being sold off or scrapped given it is one of the oldest ships in the Norwegian Fleet (initially launched in 2001)

About the Norwegian Sun Cruise Ship

Built in 2001, the Norwegian Sun capacity is about 1950 passengers (plus approximately 900 crew), about half the size of most newly built cruise ships. In 2018 the NCL Sun had a complete refit and was upgraded in line with the NCL program called Norwegian Edge , to bring it to the standards of the rest of the fleet. During the renovation, the Sun received upgraded amenities including restaurants, pools, and bars, that you’d expect and want to experience on the rest of the Norwegian Cruise Line ships.  Specialty dining was added, the Spinnaker lounge was refurbished (commonly known as the observation Lounge on the ship in the forward area) and common areas including the casino, pools, and Bliss lounge were also added or refurbished.

The rooms were mostly left original during the refit. 

The added spaces are a bit unusual and nothing like the other ships in the Norwegian fleet. The specialty dining exists mainly in a long galley space that contains Cagney’s, Teppanyaki, Sushi, and Los Lobos Cantina. Only La Cucina and Le Bistro have truly dedicated spaces that aren’t mixed with other eateries.

Despite the refit, the ship remains cramped in most spaces when anywhere near capacity.

What’s the vibe of the NCL Sun?

Overall, the clientele is a little older than on other Norwegian ships most likely due to the itineraries and the lack of child-friendly activities. There are no water parks, slides, or really designated child-friendly areas making the journeys feel more “adult” than other ships. There are also far fewer passengers trying to ‘break even on the drink package’ making the overall feel of the ship calmer and less of a party vibe. 

The Cabins / Staterooms on the Norwegian Sun

While not substantially upgraded during the 2018 refit, the rooms are spacious and modernized with plenty of storage and everything you’d expect in a typical cruise cabin. The cabins include both 220 and 110v electrical sockets in a couple of areas along with a USB plug on either side of the bed integrated into the lighting. 

The bathrooms weren’t part of the overall renovation and remain dated.

Interior Cabins & Staterooms

Quite possibly the most surprising rooms on the NCL Sun are the interior cabins. They are more spacious than many balcony rooms on newer ships. Many include a seating area and small bar space. For passengers who like interior staterooms but are concerned about the (usually) smaller size, this may be a perfect option.

The Balcony Staterooms

These are the choice cabins on the Sun as they are quite a bit bigger than the interior rooms with a nice seating area, simple modern decor, huge amounts of storage, and of course a large wall of glass. The design and layout of these staterooms make them feel substantially larger than most other balcony cabins on other ships.  With mirrors everywhere, including over the headboard, the cabins feel slightly dated.

• Read : Norwegian Sun Balcony Room 360 Virtual Tour

The Suites on the Norwegian Sun

The Norwegian Sun doesn’t have the Haven which is found on all the newer ships but they do have a selection of suites that are a bit larger and include butler service. The suite options include:

Owner Suites – Large 1-bedroom staterooms that are nearly 800 square feet in size with the huge balcony

Penthouse Suites – One bedroom suites approximately 350 sq feet + 126 sq foot balcony

Mini-Suites – Slightly larger than a Balcony Cabin + Bathtubs

The Suite passengers gain access to Cagney’s for lunch since there are no dedicated suite or Haven restaurants available.  (not available for the Mini-Suites or Club Suites)

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Dining & Restaurant Options on The Norwegian Sun

As with all Norwegian Cruise Ships, there are free and specialty dining options available to all passengers. The free options are more limited than other NCL Cruise ships simply due to the size of the vessel.

Included Free Restaurants:

There are two Main Dining Rooms serving essentially the same food every evening. 

Four Seasons , located in the center of the ship off of the main atrium is a large dining space that fills up early and sometimes has availability issues with smaller 2 and 4-party tables, where they’ll ask if you’d like to be seated with another party. 

Seven Seas , our preferred main dining restaurant, is located in the rear of the ship has abundant space, great views from everywhere especially the aft of the ship, and is the only main dining room that serves lunch (on select days). 

Also included is the Garden Cafe (Buffet) . This space is entirely too small for the size of the ship and a very cramped buffet layout creates lines or confusion among passengers trying to get to different sections.  The food overall was usually good, albeit sometimes unusual. 

If the buffet seating is too crowded, the ship has done a good job to provide areas for overflow seating including an outdoor area aft with nearly as much seating as indoors along with another buffet line that serves basics like burgers and hotdogs. Many passengers didn’t realize there were food options outside in this area since the food was tucked away behind the bar! Don’t miss it, it’s a great alternative to the buffet.

Moderno, opposite the buffet, is open during lunch for additional seating. There is also a dedicated pizza and noodle station set up during lunch in the Moderno dining room, both quite good. 

Finally, what’s missing from the Norwegian Sun is O’Sheehan’s bar & grill .  While there is no large bar/pub as featured on the more modern ships, the Sun does have a small sports bar serving a limited menu similar to what’s found at O’Sheehan’s including the yummy chicken wings and a few pub burgers & hotdogs. Unfortunately, food service starts at 5:30 pm so getting your mid-day pub snack isn’t possible. 

Specialty Dining Restaurants on the Norwegian Sun

After the 2018 refit of the Sun, more specialty restaurants were added. We tried them all!

Cagney’s Steak House – The staple of Norwegian’s Premium Dining was consistent with other ships. The starters were as expected with small-ish portion sizes. The steaks were amazing and perfectly cooked and the sides were tasty as usual. The desserts were ridiculously large and quite good.  See the Cagney’s Menu

Le Bistro – The French restaurant on NCL ships always seems to be hit or miss, regardless of the ship. The same is true with the Sun. The appetizers always seem to be a bit off while the main meals are generally quite good. Since this space is separate from the other specialty restaurants, it actually feels more elegant and refined.  See the Le Bistro Menu

Teppanyaki – The Teppanyaki grill, again, is always very consistent across the whole Norwegian brand. On the Sun, the space is a bit smaller and in a fully enclosed room with multiple grilles. It’s exactly as expected in all ways including food quality and experience. But be sure to wear clothes that you don’t plan on using again on your vacation! You leave smelling like the whole restaurant and it’s impossible to get it out of your clothes. 

Moderno Churrascaria – We love the Brazilian steakhouse concept on Norwegian Cruise Line. However, for this particular ship, the biggest letdown is the physical space where Moderno Churrascaria is. It almost seems like an afterthought being very bland and almost an extension of the buffet. Aside from that, the menu is exactly as you’d expect across the NCL Brand.  Unfortunately during the Mediterranean sailings, we were told by the restaurant managers that the quality of meat sometimes suffers from the suppliers. We noticed this mostly in the Picanha meat, which is ironic considering the ship sails from Portugal, where this meat cut is popular and quite good. See the Moderno Menu

Los Lobos Cantina – We were surprised to see Los Lobos Cantina on the Norwegian Sun since it’s a relatively new concept by NCL. The food was quite good and had something for everyone looking for a full Mexican meal. The meat dishes such as Carne Asada were superior while the fish dishes lacked flavor. The best surprise of Los Lobos was the unique margarita drinks available, all of them well within the beverage package limits. Booking a table there using one of the dining package credits may not be the best value, as most of the meals won’t add up to the $59 dining package value (when used elsewhere). So it’s just better to use those credits at Cagney’s, Le Bistro, etc. See the Los Lobos Cantina Menu

Sushi Bar – The Sushi bar on the NCL Sun seems like a bit of an afterthought, but it’s comfortable and easy to get a table or sit at the sushi bar. Unfortunately, the quality of the sushi served isn’t great. It may be sufficient to cure a quick sushi roll craving, but not advised for a full meal. It pales in comparison to the sushi bar on other Norwegian ships such as the Epic. Definitely do NOT use a dining package credit at the sushi ba r!

La Cucina – The well-known Italian restaurant on board NCL ships is on the Norwegian Sun as well, in a dedicated space that is quiet and elegant. The food at La Cucina is the most consistent on this ship with the rest of the NCL brand.  If you’ve eaten at La Cucina on other larger NCL ships, you should be satisfied with the food quality and preparation on the Sun. Take a look at the La Cucina Menu .

Bars & Pubs on the Sun

It’s not much of a surprise that Norwegian has made sure there are plenty of watering holes on the ship! Even with capacity at nearly 100%, it wasn’t often difficult to get a cocktail or soda from any bar.

Bliss Lounge – This repurposed central space is more of a theater-style setup rather than a “club” as it is on other ships. The space is used for live music and some of the special events on the ship (glow party, etc). But when you want a drink, this bar is almost always quiet and drinks are easily available.

Atrium Bar & Cafe – More of a coffee bar with a side of alcohol within the small atrium of the ship.

Champs Bar – At the very top of the ship (Forward), this outdoor space is a great place to get a drink when you want to sit in the Spinnaker and the bar there is not yet open (Days). Just exit Spinnaker and go straight up the outdoor stairs to the bar, which is rarely busy.

Champagne & Martini Bar – The most popular space later in the evening, this bar has seating around the atrium and the bar itself with table service. It gets quite busy, so get a table when it’s available.

Los Lobos Bar – The hidden gem! It’s a small nook just inside the specialty restaurant check-in desk. Most guests don’t realize you can just go to this bar and have a drink without being booked in the cantina or other specialty restaurants. The best part is, if you’re a margarita lover, you can order the specialty margaritas any time the bar is open serving Los Lobos Cantina! (definitely don’t settle for the everyday margarita found everywhere on the ship)

Great Outdoors – The best outdoor bar space serving the rear (aft) of the ship. Great views all day / evening and often with food options to go with the drinks.

Sports Bar – Open all day and til late at night, this is the answer to the O’Sheehan’s bar & grill found on the other NCL ships.

Casino Bar – Just a simple walk-up bar to grab a drink while in the casino. It’s also a good place to get something if the rest of the bars are crowded, as the casino bar is usually empty.

Topsiders Bar – The typical pool bar serving everything the ship has to offer.

Windjammer & Havana Bar – A favorite on the ship! A dark wood paneled room with a large bar where some of the best cocktails are made. I still don’t get the division between Windjammer and Havana, as it’s the same space, theme, etc. Usually, solo performers arrive in the evening for light music.

Spinnaker Lounge – The crown jewel of the ship! At the very front of the NCL Sun, this huge lounge with sweeping views and relaxing seating areas is the place to be. During the day it’s a great place to read, play cards, or just gaze out at the sea. You can even exit the bar and walk around the front of the glass windows outside and see the wide open ocean! Stunning!

The bar usually doesn’t open until around 4pm, so grab a drink at Champs. Unfortunately, the ship has chosen this venue to do karaoke at around 10pm many nights, which makes the space less enjoyable.

• See : NCL Bar Menus & Drink Prices

Norwegian Sun Entertainment, what’s on board?

Entertainment quality is always very subjective, and with NCL cutting entertainment budgets in 2023, it’s a bit of a sore spot with travelers. On the Norwegian Sun, entertainment doesn’t include the big production shows found on larger ships, but it’s sometimes quite good. You’ll hear people complain about the theater shows, and in fairness, they are a bit repetitive, but the ship doesn’t do much to promote the shows they actually have. The musicians in each of the venues with a rare exception were very good and enjoyable to listen to. The stage shows were a bit strange but entertaining enough to give passengers something to do.

The entertainment on the Norwegian Sun is probably the biggest weakness of the ship. Passengers who book their cruise around a strong entertainment lineup will likely be disappointed. Otherwise, we found it sufficient and as expected for a smaller ship. 

Some of the shows included :

Rock Symphonies Violinist – An incredibly talented violinist with the support of other instruments 

World Beat  – A variety show of sorts featuring music & dance from around the world. 

Rock Tribute – A tribute performance for Queen, The Who, and Journey

Other activities & things to do on the ship

Despite the smaller size of the Sun, there are quite a few activities including an outdoor sports court, shuffleboard, and a full ship jogging track. For the healthier version of cruise passengers (rare, I know), there is a full-size gym that is remarkably well-equipped, and a separate aerobics studio with scheduled classes. The studio is free to use for yoga, stretching, HIIT, etc at your own leisure when classes aren’t being taught. These studios are complimentary and open 6 am until 11 pm (so there’s hardly an excuse!).

During the day, there were plenty of random activities around the ship for just about anyone. The Bliss Lounge often featured new release movies, there were always arts and crafts, Zumba classes, and themed trivia to be found.

For passengers wanting some quiet time, the Norwegian Sun has one of the nicer libraries and game rooms we’ve seen at sea. There were hundreds of books to read & check out as well as a fully stocked game room with backgammon, new sets of cards, and plenty of other board games.

These game rooms also make a great place to quietly work on your laptop, as they have full-size tables where you can spread out and get something done (even if you ARE on vacation)!

The pools & sun decks on the NCL Sun

The pool level was a pleasant surprise with two relatively large pools connected in the middle by 4 covered jacuzzi-style hot tubs. There were plenty of chairs on multiple decks overlooking the pool and rarely was there a problem getting a good poolside spot.

For sun worshippers, there was a HUGE number of outdoor spaces with loungers throughout the ship from wide swaths of decking to little private nooks.

The Sun Casino is a decent size given how the ship is smaller. There are dozens of slots and video games in two sections as well as gaming tables down the center of the casino. What’s a bit mind-boggling is the fact there is only one roulette table in the entire casino and it is clearly the game everyone is interested in playing. It was consistently packed while all other tables were nearly empty. Common sense would say add more roulette tables.

The slots ranged from penny slots to machines where you could easily spend $10 per spin. Unlike on the larger ships, there wasn’t really a buzz about the casino but it was sufficient to keep people occupied and donating money to NCL during the cruise. Hardcore gamblers will likely be disappointed.

Another unfortunate bit about the casino is the smoking situation. It’s such a small space where smoking is allowed, it’s almost impossible to function as a non-smoker. It feels like the smokers on the ship make use of the casino as a smoking parlor rather than going to other designated smoking areas making the air quality in such a small space, let’s just say, less than ideal.

The Mandara Spa

The NCL Sun has a relatively small spa facility but lacks the thermal spa suite that the newer ships have. However, for people who enjoy the use of a sauna and steam room, the Sun has dedicated men’s and women’s locker rooms each with a dry sauna and a steam room which can be used when receiving a treatment or by purchasing a daily or full cruise pass. Approximately $29/day for use of the sauna & steam room or $149 for the duration of a 10-day cruise may seem excessive for most people, but at least it’s available for those passengers who really want this feature. (cost may vary based on itinerary and cruise length)

Other services offered at the spa are as expected including various massage therapies, acupuncture, facials, and salon services (hair, mani/pedi, etc)

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Spa Service Prices Norwegian Sun / Mandara Spa

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We’d try another voyage on the Norwegian Sun, if the price was right. We found the food quite good overall, the service better than expected and even though the cabins were dated, they were comfortable.

For the right price and right itinerary, the Norwegian Sun is a great value!

Cruise Gear Editor

I'm a global nomad at heart, and the dedicated editor behind CruiseGear. For the past two decades, I've experienced exciting voyages across the world, discovering countless ports from the decks of dozens of ships, visiting 40+ countries (and living in some of them for years). It's been an exhilarating journey to say the least! I want to share everything I've learned and hope to make your next cruise vacation as enjoyable as possible.

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Thank you for this detailed review. May I know how much gratuity per person is expected on cruise lines? I did not know we had to pay for gratuities. I thought it was already included in the cruise cost that we are paying. I am hoping to book a 19 day cruise with the Sun for Panama Canal.

Hi Jacklyn, for NCL – the Daily gratuities are charged at $16 per day and more for The Haven. You can see more about the tips and gratuities here on this article!

Smoking in casino Not so good ! I guess smokers are regular gamblers Hard to separate But could have a smoking room Like the cigar room ! Other wise this will disgust the non smokers being around this ! !

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Norwegian Sun Deck Plans & Reviews

Norwegian Sun

Activities & entertainment

• Arts and Crafts Classes
• Basketball _ Volleyball Court
• Observation Lounge
• Bliss Ultra Lounge
• Beauty Salon *
• Behind the Scenes Tour *
• Sun Club Casino *
• Body Waves Fitness Center
• Body Waves Spa *
• Dance Classes
• Deck Parties
• East Indies Conference Center and Library
• Fitness Classes *
• Gaming Lessons *
• Golf Driving Net
• Whirlpools (5)
• Internet Cafe *
• Jogging Track
• Late Night Dancing
• Poolside Games
• Sauna and Steam Rooms *
• Shuffleboard
• Tech Styles Room
• Wine Tasting *
• Video Zone *
• Splash Academy Youth Center
• Entourage Teen Club
• Comedy Performances
• Onboard Movie Screenings
• Stardust Lounge
• Live Nightly Music
• Sports Games Televised
• Four Seasons Main Dining Room - Main
• Seven Seas Main Dining Room - Main
• Garden Cafe - Buffet
• Champagne Bar - Champagne Bar *
• Le Bistro French Restaurant - French *
• Teppanyaki - Japanese *
• Windjammer Bar - Nautical Bar *
• Topsiders Bar - Pool Bar *
• Champs Bar - Sports Bar *
• Sushi Bar and Restaurant - Sushi *
• La Cucina Italian Restaurant - Italian *
• Atrium Cafe - Atrium Bar *
• Los Lobos Cantina - Mexican *
• Moderno Churrascaria - Brazilian *
• Sports Bar - Sports Bar *
• Room Service *
• Excellent 47
• Very Good 35
• Terrible 35
• All languages ( 174 )
• English ( 170 )
• Spanish ( 2 )
• Italian ( 1 )
• Portuguese ( 1 )

Upcoming itineraries

• CruiseMapper
• Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Sun

Cruise line Norwegian Cruise Line

• Seattle (Washington)
• Miami (Florida)

Norwegian Sun current position

Norwegian Sun current location is at North America West Coast (coordinates 48.43667 N / -123.42336 W) cruising en route to VICTORIA, BC. The AIS position was reported 5 minutes ago.

Current itinerary of Norwegian Sun

Norwegian Sun current cruise is 9 days, round-trip Alaska Glacier Bay, Skagway Juneau . Prices start from USD 629 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 01 May, 2024 and ends on 10 May, 2024 .

Specifications of Norwegian Sun

•   Itineraries
•   Review
•   Wiki

Norwegian Sun Itineraries

Norwegian sun review, review of norwegian sun.

The 2001-built Norwegian Sun cruise ship is the second Sky-class NCL vessel, with sisterships Norwegian Sky and Costa Victoria (1996-2021). NCL Sun is currently the company's only liner operated with all-inclusive cruise deals (ticket prices are inclusive of unlimited beverages, including alcohol).

The vessel (IMO number 9218131) is currently Bahamas- flagged (MMSI 311109000) and registered in Nassau .

History - construction and ownership

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is a subsidiary company of the shipping corporation Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd (NCLH). NCL was founded in 1966, headquartered in Miami (Florida USA) and publicly traded (NASDAQ) company listed on NYSE ( NYC ). NCLH's major shareholders are the corporations Apollo Global Management (American), Genting Group (Malaysian) and TPG Capital (American). In 2017, the brand NCL had a worldwide cruise market share 8,7% (passengers) and 8,4% (revenue). NCLH (shipowner) owns the brands NCL , Oceania and RSSC-Regent .

The 1950-passenger ship Norwegian Sun entered service in a dual christening ceremony in 2001 at the Port of Miami with Norwegian Star . The famous TV presenter Brooke Burke acted as the ship's godmother. NCL Sun was constructed at Lloyd Werft shipyard (Bremerhaven, Germany). A 12-day drydock in early 2011 saw the ship sparkling with bright colors from top to bottom, spacious accommodations (the 33 suites were refreshed) and pretty public spaces. Sun also received a Brazilian-style churrascaria, which debuted on Norwegian Epic .

Decks and Cabins

Norwegian Sun staterooms (968 total, in 32 grades) include 52x Suites, 380x Balcony, 213x Oceanview and 293x Inside cabins. Most staterooms are sized 150-170 ft2 (14-16 m2). The largest accommodations are the Owners Suites (570 ft2 / 53 m2, with terrace sized 260 ft2 / 24 m2).

The boat has 12 decks , of which 9 are passenger-accessible and 8 with cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Norwegian Sun is NCL's first cruise ship planned definitely for Freestyle Cruising (eat at any place and time, dressed in what you like). Cruisers can have a good time with freestyle dining and a lot of options to choose from. They can try gourmet cuisine or go to Le Bistro to taste innovative dishes. Norwegian Sun offers two main dining rooms for the passengers seeking a traditional dining experience: Four Seasons and Seven Seas, both very flexible. Guests can make reservations for the same time each night, or choose different times, based on their schedule. Both MDRs are open nightly for dinner. Each day, one of the two provides open-seating breakfast and lunch. Compared to the cuisine and service in the specialty restaurants, the dining rooms experience doesn't lag. If you are looking for something different, Il Adagio, Le Bistro and Ginza are there to present various food from Italian to Sushi Bars but all are at a cost ranging from $10 per person and up.

Follows the complete list of Norwegian Sun restaurants and food bars.

• Seven Seas Restaurant (forward Dining Room, complimentary, with Your Time dining)
• Le Bistro (French dinner-only specialty restaurant; reservations-only; US$20 cover charge)
• Four Seasons Restaurant (aft-location Dining Room; complimentary; Freestyle dining)
• Il Adagio (Italian specialty restaurant; cover charge US$15, reservations-only)
• Great Outdoor Cafe (complimentary lido buffet restaurant)
• Topsiders Bar & Grill (complimentary poolside bar)
• Cagney’s Steakhouse (specialty dinner restaurant for prime steaks and gourmet seafood; reservations-only, US$30 cover charge per person and free Kids Menu)
• Moderno Churrascaria (Brazilian steakhouse; reservations-only; US$20 per person cover charge; with outdoor seating waterfront area)
• Teppanyaki Room (Japanese Hibachi specialty restaurant at surcharge US$25 pp; located inside Cagney’s)
• Sushi Bar (Ginza restaurant)
• East Meets West Steakhouse (specialty dinner restaurant for prime steaks and gourmet seafood)
• Los Lobos Cantina (Mexican eatery replacing Las Ramblas Restaurant & Bar during 2018 refurb)
• Garden Cafe (complimentary buffet restaurant with various cuisine stations); Kid's Cafe.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

The domed 8-deck-high Atrium, with nice elevators, is the heart of the vessel. Norwegian Sun has twelve bars/lounges plus some to suit intimate moods. There is also an Internet Café on the Promenade Deck with 24 computer stations (basic fee is 75 cents per minute, after a one-time $3.95 activation charge). The NCL Sun is also the spot for enrichment classes, lectures, computer classes and children's programs. When the moon goes up, passengers may enjoy Broadway-style revues presented in the 2-deck Stardust Lounge, complete with a proscenium stage. Entertainment options also include the NCL's FIREWORKS show (on each voyage), "Rock of Ages", "Cirque Dreams", "Illusionarium" (magicians show).

Additional amenities include: Complimentary 24-hour Room-Service, Supervised Kids Program ("NCL Kids"), Internet/WiFi Access, Laundry. NCL Sun tipping/gratuities (US$12 pp per day). Norwegian Sun cruise ship weddings are held in an onboard chapel.

Follows the complete list of Norwegian Sun lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens and adults.

• Stardust Theatre (1000-seat; features Broadway-style musical productions; two grand shows per night)
• Windjammer Bar; Champagne Bar; Champs Bar; Stardust Lounge; Sports Bar; Topsiders Bar; Sprinkles (ice cream bar); Java Cafe
• Bliss Ultra Lounge (replacing Dazzles Disco & Nightclub during 2018 refurb)
• Spinnaker Lounge (replacing Observation Lounge & Disco Nightclub during 2018 refurb)
• Sun Atrium (midship hub area with a big-size LED screen, dance area and live entertainment)
• Atrium Cafe & Bar (specialty tea & coffee bar)
• LifeStyles Room; TechStyles Room
• East Indies Meeting Rooms; East Indies Library & Conference Room
• Internet Cafe (24-hour); Art Gallery; Photo Gallery & Shop
• Sun Club Casino
• Galleria Shops (tax and duty-free shops)
• Body Waves Spa & Fitness Centre (Spa treatment rooms, sauna, herbal steam room, thalassotherapy pool, Beauty Salon; Body Waves Fitness Centre); 2 swimming pools, 5 Whirlpools, tennis tables
• Kid’s Corner Club; Splashes (kids pool); The Zone Teen Club & Disco; Video Games Arcade
• Combined sports court; Jogging Track; Golf Nets.

Itineraries

Norwegian Sun itinerary program was originally based on Caribbean (Cuba) cruises from Florida and around South America voyages leaving from homeports Buenos Aires Argentina and Valparaiso-Santiago Chile .

• Starting May 7, 2018, the ship was repositioned to Port Canaveral (Orlando Florida) for all-inclusive 4-day Cuba cruises (Mondays departures) to Havana with Key West Florida , alternating with 3-day itineraries to Bahamas (Fridays departures) to either Freeport or Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay Island .
• All departures are from Port Canaveral's "Cruise Terminal 10", at 4 pm. Arrivals back to homeport are at 7 am.
• In the period September 9 - October 14 (2018) were scheduled all six 7-day roundtrips from Miami to Havana, Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas, Costa Maya Mexico and Harvest Caye Belize . In 2018-2019, the ship offers on relocation westbound and eastbound 14-day winter itineraries between Valparaiso and Buenos Aires.
• NCL's Cuban cruise program was based on two Florida-homeported liners - Norwegian Sky (from Miami) and Norwegian Sun (from Port Canaveral). Following the US Gov's June 2019-issued ban on group travel to Cuba from USA, NCL revised all its scheduled itineraries visiting Cuban seaports. All planned departures beyond September 2 (2019) were auto-canceled. Cuba-visiting itineraries prior to September 2nd were modified to exclude Havana and visit other Caribbean ports - including in Bahamas ( Great Stirrup Cay Island ,  Freeport ,  Nassau ) and Florida ( Key West ).

Due to the Coronavirus crisis, the NCL ship Sun was paused for 2+ years (March 2020 thru May 2022), restarting on May 5th in Alaska (7-day roundtrips from homeport Seattle WA ). The planned inaugural season in Asia was originally based on homeporting in Tokyo Japan , but the program was canceled. The Alaskan deployment 2022 was to be followed by an Asian program (with homeporting in Singapore, Laem Chabang-Bangkok Thailand, Hong Kong China, Tokyo Japan) but this deployment was also canceled and replaced with Canary Islands (winter 2022-2023).

Norwegian Sun - user reviews and comments

Photos of norwegian sun.

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Other Norwegian Cruise Line cruise ships

• Norwegian Aqua
• Norwegian Bliss
• Norwegian Breakaway
• Norwegian Dawn
• Norwegian Encore
• Norwegian Epic
• Norwegian Escape
• Norwegian Gem
• Norwegian Getaway
• Norwegian Jade
• Norwegian Jewel
• Norwegian Joy
• Norwegian Pearl
• Norwegian Prima
• Norwegian Sky
• Norwegian Spirit
• Norwegian Star
• Norwegian Viva
• Pride of America

Norwegian Sun Wiki

The NCL Sun ship was christened traditionally at PortMiami on November 17, 2001, in a dual ceremony - together with the fleetmate NCL Star . Sun ship's godmother was "Miss America 2001" Angela Baraquio (Asian-American). The liner is of the Sky-class NCL vessels, with sisterships NCL Sky  and  Costa Victoria .

2001 was the year when two brand new ships were delivered to the NCL company - Sun and Star. Both vessels were ordered and built specifically to embrace the line's revolutionary innovative "Freestyle Cruising" concept. All the three Sky-class ships together worth more than 1 billion USD - at that time a huge investment in this market.

NCL Sun refurbishment 2018 review

The list changes after the 3-week drydock 2018 refurbishment (April, done in Victoria BC ) includes:

• extensive renovation of all staterooms, public areas, restaurants, bars, lounges
• stateroom upgrades - new flat HDTVs (infotainment system), USB ports, carpets, headboards, artworks, some furniture
• Bliss Ultra Lounge (ex Dazzles disco nightclub)
• Los Lobos Cantina (Mexican restaurant, former Las Ramblas Bar Restaurant)
• Spinnaker Lounge (ex Observation Lounge)
• renovated Cagney's Steakhouse, La Cucina, Le Bistro, Teppanyaki, Main Dining Rooms (Four Seasons, Seven Seas), Mandara Spa, Stardust Lounge, Theater, Sun Casino, Splash Academy (kids park), pool deck
• During drydock 2016, Norwegian Sun was retrofitted with new "scrubbers" (exhaust gas cleaning systems). The new scrubber technology reduces the equivalent of approx 1500 tons of the poisonous gas Sulfur Oxide. Norwegian Cruise Line was the first cruise company retrofitting with a scrubber hybrid system vessels while in service. The new in-line scrubbers (5 units) are lightweight and able to operate in a dry mode, as well as in open and closed loops.

Both drydocks (2016 and 2018) were part of NCL's "Norwegian Edge" program for fleetwide upgrades (2-year project budgeted USD 400 million). Each drydock costs around USD 35-40 million.

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Norwegian Sun Overview

Take a break on the floating resort that is the Norwegian Sun . This cruise ship is just what the doctored ordered. With 14 dining options, 10 bars and five hot tubs, the choice is yours. Alongside all these options, you can also join a pick up game at the basketball court or put it all on red at the Sun Club Casino. After a delicious and filling dinner, be sure to take part in Norwegian Sun’s incredible nightlife, from Shout! The Mod Musical to the signature White Hot Party. 

• Passenger Capacity: 1,936 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2001
• Last Refurbished: 2021

Norwegian Sun Cruise Destinations

Travel the world on Norwegian cruises! This fantastic cruise line boasts over 120 different ports of call, located in countries all over the world. Norwegian Cruise Line is always breaking new ground in their itinerary offerings. You can choose from over 145 different itineraries, each of which has been carefully chosen to present the destination in a unique and exciting way. Kick back on the beautiful beaches of the Bahamas. Become a culinary expert in the Mediterranean. Golf on professional links in Bermuda. Explore the wonders of South America. Enjoy the colors of New England in the fall. Or even sail the Panama Canal!

The scenic beauty of an Alaska cruise will brighten your spirit—from breaching whales to snow-capped peaks.

Alaska Cruisetours

Glaciel views, incredible wildlife, and once-in-a-lifetime cultural experiences await you on your Alaskan cruise tour with Norwegian Cruise Line.

Enter a new world of mysterious cultures and ancient traditions on a cruise through Asia with Norwegian Cruise Line.

Kiss the everyday goodbye, find unique exotic natural beauty and cultural excitement in Hawaii.

South Pacific / Tahiti

Exotic creatures, delicious cuisine and rich, traditional culture are ready to be explored on a cruise to the South Pacific and Tahiti.

Norwegian Sun Departure Ports

Looking for a getaway without the need to fly far, then Norwegian has options for you. The cruise line has ships leaving from New York, Boston, Miami, New Orleans and Seattle. If you do want to travel abroad they have ships in Europe leaving from ports like Venice, Barcelona and Copenhagen. Isn’t it time for you to cruise with Norwegian. Check out all of their itineraries on our site and then call us to discuss the best vacation option for you with our expert cruise consultants. 

Cairns, Australia

With near perfect tropical weather and natural attractions, there is always an adventure for everyone cruising to Cairns – from white water rafting to hiking and diving.

Melbourne, Australia

Soak up the culture and relaxed environment of Melbourne as you take in the live music, sip some perfect coffee and explore all that this unique city has to offer.

Seoul (Inchon), South Korea

On a visit to Seoul, you’ll enjoy serene gardens, magnificent art and vibrant folklore along with new age technology, ultra-modern skyscrapers and a fast-paced city life. 

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Tokyo is a dazzling city where you might be overwhelmed at first by its modernity but will find lots of interesting subcultures in its various neighborhoods.

Auckland, New Zealand

The mild temperatures in Auckland enhance an outdoorsy cruise destination. Tour the many beaches, hike beautiful mountain ranges or just wander Auckland’s city streets.

Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia

This picture-perfect island is everything you ever dreamt of, from lush greenery inland and perfectly clear turquoise waters to the scent of gardenia from the coconut groves.

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Known as The Emerald City, Seattle is a beautiful, luscious city with incredible views of the Cascade Mountains and Elliott Bay. The city is full of activities for both water lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Whether it’s your cruise destination or a launching point, Vancouver is a beautiful destination in itself with a sophisticated downtown and lots of natural elements to explore.

Laem Chabang (Bangkok), Thailand

This enchanting city along the Chao Phraya River offering rich and ancient culture can be known as Laem Chabang (Bangkok) Thailand.

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For decades Bali has lured visitors with its beautiful beaches, forests and mountains and a culture that is devoted to the arts.

Lautoka, Fiji

Experience the beauty of Fiji when you visit its second largest city, Lautoka, the Sugar City.

Norwegian Sun Deck Plans

Biscayne deck, atlantic deck, promenade/oslo deck, international deck, viking deck, norway deck, norwegian sun staterooms.

Balcony (B4)

Balcony (b5), balcony (ba), balcony (bb), balcony (bf), balcony (bt), balcony (bx).

A Sail Away Balcony stateroom guarantees a Balcony stateroom or better! Please note that the view from your balcony may be fully obstructed or partially obstructed. Your stateroom may be on any deck and assigned up to one day prior to embarkation.

Balcony (B1)

These Balcony Staterooms have room for up to three guests and have two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed plus a pull out sofa to accommodate one more. Along with a sitting area, floor-to-ceiling glass doors and a private balcony with an amazing aft-facing view.

Balcony (B3)

These connecting staterooms are perfect if you want to bring the whole family. With room for up to four they feature a sitting area, two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed and a pull out sofa to accommodate two more. Not to mention the floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to a private balcony for the whole family to enjoy.

These mid-ship staterooms can accommodate up to five guests, with two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed and additional bedding to accommodate three more. Also includes a sitting area and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to a private balcony. Because these are mid-ship staterooms, you'll have easy access to everything on board.

Balcony (B2)

These staterooms are perfect if you want to bring the kids along. They sleep up to four guests and include a sitting area, two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed and a pull out sofa to accommodate two more. Not to mention the floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to a private balcony for the whole family to enjoy.

Balcony (BC)

With room for up to four guests, these staterooms have two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed and a pull out sofa to accommodate up to two more. Along with a sitting area, floor-to-ceiling glass doors and a private balcony with an amazing view.

Balcony (BD)

Inside (I4)

Inside (i5), inside (ia), inside (ib), inside (if), inside (it), inside (ix).

A Sail Away Inside stateroom guarantees an Inside stateroom or better! Your stateroom may be on any deck and assigned between time of booking up to one day prior to embarkation.

Great for up to five guests, these staterooms come with two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed, a pull down bed and a convertible sofa bed. Because these are mid-ship staterooms, you'll have easy access to everything on board.

Inside (IC)

Inside (i1).

The Family Inside Staterooms are a great and affordable way for you to bring the whole family along. With room for up to five, you'll have two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed and some staterooms have pull down beds to accommodate two more. Plus you'll have a sitting area and access to all kinds of amenities, like room service and so much more.

Inside (IE)

These Inside Staterooms are the most affordable way for you to cruise. With room for up to five, you'll have a sitting area, two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed, a pull down bed and a convertible sofa.

Inside (ID)

These Inside Staterooms are the most affordable way for you to cruise. With room for up to four, you'll have a sitting area, two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed, a pull down bed and a convertible sofa.

Oceanview (OC)

Oceanview (ok), oceanview (ot).

Oceanview (O4)

Oceanview (o5), oceanview (oa), oceanview (ob).

Oceanview (O1)

A great way for the whole family to cruise, these staterooms can accommodate up to five guests. They include two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed, a pull down bed and a convertible sofa. They also feature a sitting area and a big picture window for you to admire the view.

Oceanview (OX)

A Sail Away Oceanview stateroom guarantees an Oceanview stateroom or better! Please note that the view may be fully obstructed, partially obstructed, porthole or picture window. Your stateroom may be on any deck and assigned up to one day prior to embarkation.

These Oceanview Staterooms can accommodate up to four guests and come with two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed and a convertible sofa in some staterooms to accommodate two more. You'll also have a sitting area and big picture window to enjoy the amazing view.

Oceanview (OD)

Oceanview (oe).

These Oceanview Staterooms can accommodate up to four guests. They include two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed and a convertible sofa to sleep up to two more. They also feature a sitting area and a porthole to enjoy the view.

Oceanview (OG)

These Oceanview Staterooms have room for up to three guests, with two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed and a convertible sofa in some to accommodate one more. You'll also have a porthole to enjoy an amazing view.

Oceanview (OF)

With room for up to three guests, these Oceanview Staterooms come with two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed and a convertible sofa to sleep one more, as well as a porthole that offers a great view and a sitting area.

A Sail Away Mini-Suite stateroom guarantees a Mini-Suite stateroom or better! Please note that the view from your balcony may be fully obstructed or partially obstructed. Your stateroom may be on any deck and assigned up to one day prior to embarkation.

These Mini-Suites sleep up to four guests and feature two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed, additional bedding to accommodate two additional guests, a sitting area and luxury bath with shower. Not to mention the amazing aft-facing view from your private balcony.

These Mini-Suites sleep up to four guests, include a sitting area, luxury bath with shower and two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed, plus additional bedding to accommodate two additional guests. These suites also come with a private balcony and an unforgettable view.

These Owner's Suites with a Large Balcony are great for up to four guests. They include a living room, dining room and separate bedroom with two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed. Along with a walk in closet, luxury bath with whirlpool tub and an amazing balcony. Includes butler and concierge service.

You will have an amazing getaway in these Penthouses that sleep up to four guests. Includes a bedroom with queen-size bed and luxury bath with shower, in addition to the living area, dining area, private balcony and additional bedding to accommodate two additional guests. Includes butler and concierge service.

Photo Gallery for Norwegian Sun Cruise Ship

Before you experience “Freestyle Cruising” with Norwegian check out this photo gallery which features many of their ships, specialty dining options and innovative staterooms. 

Norwegian Sun

Penthouse Stateroom

Seven Seas Restaurant

Stardust Theater

Top 10 Norwegian Sun Cruises

• Norwegian Sun 9 Night Alaska - Seattle (SEA/SEA) Departing From Seattle, Washington (May 2024 - Sep 2024)
• Norwegian Sun 10 Night Alaska - Seattle (SEA/SEA) Departing From Seattle, Washington (May 2024 - Sep 2024)
• Norwegian Sun 15 Night Alaska - Other (VAN/HNL) Departing From Vancouver, British Columbia (Oct 2024)
• Norwegian Sun 14 Night Hawaii - Other (HNL/PPT) Departing From Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii (Oct 2024)
• Norwegian Sun 14 Night Hawaii - Other (PPT/HNL) Departing From Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia (Nov 2024)
• Norwegian Sun 13 Night Hawaii - Other (HNL/PPT) Departing From Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii (Nov 2024)
• Norwegian Sun 18 Night South Pacific (PPT/MEL) Departing From Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia (Dec 2024)
• Norwegian Sun 14 Night Australia Product (MEL/AKL) Departing From Melbourne, Australia (Dec 2024 - Feb 2025)
• Norwegian Sun 15 Night Australia Product (AKL/MEL) Departing From Auckland, New Zealand (Jan 2025)
• Norwegian Sun 15 Night Australia Product (MEL/AKL) Departing From Melbourne, Australia (Jan 2025)

Learn More About Norwegian Cruise Line

Accessibility

Learn about Norwegian Cruise Line's handicap accessible cruises and accommodations for guests with special needs or disabilities, including service animals, Braille and special rooms.

Savor Freestyle dining aboard Norwegian Cruise Line, including the specialty restaurants like Ocean Blue, Cagney's, Le Bistro, Moderno Churrascaria, The Haven Restaurant, the main dining rooms and several pubs, bars, grills and cafes.

Entertainment

Enjoy Norwegian Cruise Line's onboard entertainment, including Broadway productions, comedy clubs, dueling pianos and much more.

Onboard Activities

Engage in Norwegian Cruise Line's onboard activities, including water parks, casinos, dance clubs, arcades, ropes courses, sports courts, duty-free shops and more.

Service & Awards

Learn how Norwegian Cruise Line takes care of your every need with an extensive list of onboard services. Plus, view Norwegian Cruise Line's awards.

Spa & Fitness

Participate in Norwegian Cruise Line's fitness centers, training programs and relax at spa treatments, including massages, body wraps, acupuncture, facials and more to relax and soothe.

Special Events

Learn about Norwegian Cruise Line's special themed cruises, including popular rock music themed cruises through a partnership with Sixthman.

Learn about Norwegian Cruise Line's staterooms, including suites, mini-suites, balconies, oceanviews, interiors and solo-traveler Studio rooms.

Youth Programs

Learn about Norwegian's Splash Academy youth programs and cruising with children of all ages.

Cruise Type

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Norwegian Sun Decks and Cabins

• 6 Promenade (Lower)
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• 7 International
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Built in 2000, the Norwegian Sun cruise ship weighs 78K tons and has 968 staterooms for up to 2323 passengers served by 847 crew . There are 13 passenger decks, 9 with cabins. You can expect a space ratio of 34 gross tons per passenger on this ship. On this page are the current deck plans for Norwegian Sun showing deck plan layouts, public venues and all the types of cabins including pictures and videos.

Norwegian Sun

Last Drydock: Apr 2021

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STATEROOM CABINS COMPLETE LIST BELOW

OWNERS SUITE

Floor Diagram Owners Suite

Sleeps up to: 4 2 Cabins Cabin: 570 sqft (54 m 2 ) Balcony: 258 sqft (24 m 2 )

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More Info [+/-]

Deck locations, stateroom cabin features, stateroom cabin perks, more diagrams of this cabin type.

ROMANCE SUITE

Floor Diagram Romance Suite

Sleeps up to: 4 2 Cabins Cabin: 335 sqft (31 m 2 ) Balcony: 149 sqft (14 m 2 )

Floor Diagram Penthouse

Sleeps up to: 4 16 Cabins Cabin: 355 sqft (33 m 2 ) Balcony: 126 sqft (12 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

Important Size Information

Floor Diagram Mini-Suite

Sleeps up to: 4 32 Cabins Cabin: 264 sqft (25 m 2 ) Balcony: 68 sqft (6 m 2 )

Floor Diagram Balcony

Sleeps up to: 5 380 Cabins Cabin: 172 sqft (16 m 2 ) Balcony: 48 sqft (5 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

 Accessible Info [+/-]

Floor Diagram Oceanview

Sleeps up to: 5 213 Cabins Cabin: 172 sqft (16 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

Floor Diagram Interior

Sleeps up to: 5 323 Cabins Cabin: 121 sqft (11 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

Norwegian Sun Deck Page Menu

Click deck pictures to go to individual cruise deck plan pages where you can see all the public areas, venues and stateroom cabins categories for each deck.

Norwegian Sun Quick Stats

Big picture norwegian sun decks.

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Norwegian Sun Links

• PDF of all the decks
• PDF (choose your own decks)
• Norwegian Sun DECK DRAG
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Norwegian Sun Deck Plans & Reviews

Norwegian Sun

Activities & entertainment

• Arts and Crafts Classes
• Basketball _ Volleyball Court
• Observation Lounge
• Bliss Ultra Lounge
• Beauty Salon *
• Behind the Scenes Tour *
• Sun Club Casino *
• Body Waves Fitness Center
• Body Waves Spa *
• Dance Classes
• Deck Parties
• East Indies Conference Center and Library
• Fitness Classes *
• Gaming Lessons *
• Golf Driving Net
• Whirlpools (5)
• Internet Cafe *
• Jogging Track
• Late Night Dancing
• Poolside Games
• Sauna and Steam Rooms *
• Shuffleboard
• Tech Styles Room
• Wine Tasting *
• Video Zone *
• Splash Academy Youth Center
• Entourage Teen Club
• Comedy Performances
• Onboard Movie Screenings
• Stardust Lounge
• Live Nightly Music
• Sports Games Televised
• Four Seasons Main Dining Room - Main
• Seven Seas Main Dining Room - Main
• Garden Cafe - Buffet
• Champagne Bar - Champagne Bar *
• Le Bistro French Restaurant - French *
• Teppanyaki - Japanese *
• Windjammer Bar - Nautical Bar *
• Topsiders Bar - Pool Bar *
• Champs Bar - Sports Bar *
• Sushi Bar and Restaurant - Sushi *
• La Cucina Italian Restaurant - Italian *
• Atrium Cafe - Atrium Bar *
• Los Lobos Cantina - Mexican *
• Moderno Churrascaria - Brazilian *
• Sports Bar - Sports Bar *
• Room Service *

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The best Norwegian Cruise Line ship for every type of traveler

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What’s the best Norwegian Cruise Line ship? Over the years, I’ve sailed on all but two of Norwegian’s 18 vessels, and my personal favorite is the new Norwegian Prima. I love its stylish design and upscale feel, as well as its wide mix of eateries, bars and entertainment.

Still, Norwegian Prima isn’t necessarily the best Norwegian Cruise Line ship for you. Whether you’ll have a better time on one of the other 17 vessels in the Norwegian fleet will depend a lot on the type of traveler you are.

Norwegian has some vessels, such as Norwegian Encore, that are loaded with family-friendly attractions such as waterparks and go-kart tracks that are perfect for families with teens and tweens. To me, Norwegian Encore is an even better choice than Norwegian Prima for families with school-age kids.

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Other Norwegian cruise ships, such as Norwegian Epic and Norwegian Sun, have specific features that might make them better options for solo travelers or retirees. Certain Norwegian ships are best for budget travelers, while others are best for luxury travelers.

In short, the best Norwegian cruise ship for you will depend on a bunch of factors, and which ship is best for a trip with your family might not be your top pick for a couple’s cruise or girlfriends’ getaway.

Here we list our top picks for the best Norwegian cruise ships for five different types of travelers.

Norwegian Encore: Best for families

The best Norwegian Cruise Line ships for families, hands down, are the four giant, activity-packed ships of its Breakaway-Plus class: Norwegian Encore , Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Escape. Of these, Norwegian Encore is our top pick.

At 169,145 tons and carrying 3,998 passengers, Norwegian Encore is the largest ship in the Norwegian fleet. That means it has the most space for the many over-the-top family fun zones that are at the core of the four Breakaway-Plus vessels — a series of ships that was specifically designed with families in mind.

For starters, Norwegian Encore is home to some of the most thrilling waterslides at sea, as well as a kiddie splash zone that will have your little ones squealing with delight. But those are just the appetizers when it comes to family fun on the top deck of the ship.

Norwegian Encore is also the setting for one of the biggest go-kart racing tracks at sea . (Yes, this is a thing — Norwegian debuted the concept on its Breakaway-Plus-class ships and now has a go-kart track on four vessels.) Two decks high and nearly 1,150 feet long, the Norwegian Encore Speedway includes four sections that extend up to 13 feet over the sides of the vessel. The racecourse also features a middle-of-the-track observation area where your family and friends can cheer you on to victory — and even shoot you with “lasers” that’ll give you a boost of power.

Related: The 5 best cruise lines for families

In addition, Norwegian Encore has a large laser tag area on its top deck (one that I can tell you from personal experience is a blast) and a massive indoor gaming and virtual reality zone called the Galaxy Pavilion. Both are tween and teen favorites.

That’s all on top of dedicated children’s play areas, pools and family-friendly entertainment that will keep your family busy from morning to night.

In short, there are so many family-friendly things to do on Norwegian Encore that you and your kids likely won’t be able to do it all in a single, weeklong cruise.

Norwegian Prima: Best for luxury lovers

Luxury lovers recently got a new top choice in the Norwegian fleet: Norwegian Prima .

Unveiled in 2022, the 3,215-passenger vessel is the first of a new class of Norwegian ship that the line has designed to be more upscale than its earlier vessels. (A sister vessel, Norwegian Viva , is debuting this year.) An “elevation” of the brand is how executives describe it.

The upscale turn included loading Norwegian Prima with the largest variety of suites (13 categories in all) of any ship in the NCL fleet, including the largest three-bedroom suites of any new cruise vessel. If it’s swanky digs you’re after (and you have the money to spend), you’ll find plenty of options on this ship.

Extra suite categories are just the start of what makes Norwegian Prima the best Norwegian cruise ship for luxury lovers.

Notably, the entire back of the ship is dedicated to an upscale luxury zone for the fancy set called The Haven. Rising eight decks high, it’s home to 107 of the aforementioned suites, a sprawling private indoor lounge area, private outdoor lounge and pool areas, and a private restaurant — all exclusively for the use of the deep-pocketed biggies who pay up for one of its suites.

Related: The 8 best cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

We’ve seen these private The Haven suite areas on Norwegian ships before but never on this scale. If it’s living large on a Norwegian ship that’s your goal, you’re not going to find anything better than this.

Outside of The Haven, the entire ship has a more elegant feel of the sort you find in the fleets of Norwegian’s higher-end sister brands, Oceania Cruises  and Regent Seven Seas Cruises — albeit on a bigger scale.

The entryway to the ship, for instance, deposits you at the three-story-high Penrose Atrium, which may be the most beautiful atrium of any big ship at sea. It has a curvy, sculptural feel as if the entire space were an art piece.

It’s a look that carries over to a bevy of high-end eateries, including Nama, a new-for-Norwegian sushi restaurant with a design that is as sophisticated as the sushi it serves. Also striking is Norwegian Prima’s version of Le Bistro, Norwegian’s signature French eatery. It’s built around three massive crystal chandeliers costing nearly $100,000 that hang down to the floor — a showstopper of a design element. Gold-leaf wallpaper lines its booth seating.

Notably, the public areas that include these restaurants feel more spacious than many of the other ships in the Norwegian fleet. Indeed, they are. Norwegian Prima was built with a higher ratio of space to passengers, which itself is an upscale touch. The ship also has a higher crew-to-passenger ratio than many Norwegian ships, leading to better service.

In short, this is the Norwegian ship to book when you want to take things up a notch.

Norwegian Sky: Best for budget travelers

Norwegian Sky is the Norwegian ship to pick when you’re looking for a low-cost, easy-to-do getaway — at least in the summer months.

Based in Miami for much of the year, the 24-year-old vessel operates a mix of short three- to five-night voyages to the Bahamas and longer trips to the Caribbean from spring to fall that have one thing in common: They’re unusually affordable on a per-night basis.

In many cases, Norwegian Sky sailings out of Miami will start under $100 a day per person, though it depends on the week. We sometimes see the ship’s shorter sailings starting as low as $249 per person for the entire cruise.

Indeed, the ship often is at the top of the list when you sort cruises by lowest price on Norwegian’s website.

For would-be Norwegian cruisers, Norwegian Sky’s shorter sailings out of Miami serve as a sort of “test the line” opportunity. Their short time frame and low pricing mean you’re not out a lot in time or money if you don’t love it as much as you hoped. These shorter sailings cater heavily to first-time cruisers and Florida locals who can book on short notice and drive into the port for a quick escape.

One of two ships in the line’s Sun class that date to the turn of the millennium, Norwegian Sky is far from the snazziest ship in the Norwegian fleet. This is both because of its age but also its size. At 77,104 tons and carrying 2,002 passengers, it’s just half the size of Norwegian’s biggest ships and has far fewer venues, from bars and restaurants to entertainment spaces. There is no giant water park on its top deck or a go-kart track to keep the kids busy all day, so it’s not the best Norwegian Cruise Line ship for families.

Related: The 8 classes of Norwegian Cruise Line ships, explained

That said, Norwegian Sky has its allures, one of which is that it has a much more intimate feel than the line’s bigger vessels. It’s a great choice for adults on a budget who are satisfied with the basics.

Norwegian Epic: Best for solo travelers

When it comes to the best Norwegian cruise ship for solo travelers, one ship stands out above all the others: Norwegian Epic.

Unveiled in 2010, Norwegian Epic caters to solo travelers like no other large cruise ship at sea — from any line, not just Norwegian — with an unusually large private zone for solo travelers that has its own two-story lounge for solo mixers as well as special solo cabins.

Tucked away in the middle of the ship, this “studio” zone is essentially a private escape for solos, with more solo cabins — 128 — than you’ll find on any other ship at sea.

The cabins measure just 100 square feet but are superbly designed to maximize storage space. They’re also clustered around the exclusive Studio Lounge, which has its own private bar and a television area where solo travelers can mingle at daily hosted happy hour gatherings.

Only solos staying in the solo cabins (via keycards) can access the Studio Lounge, meaning that you and your new solo friends will have the place to yourselves.

Related: The best cruise lines for solo travelers

Norwegian Epic was the first Norwegian ship with an exclusive solos zone, and it was such a hit the line later added them to six more vessels. But none of the latter zones are as big as the one on Norwegian Epic.

The bigger Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Bliss all have an 82-cabin solo complex, while two older ships — Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway — have solo areas with 59 cabins. The line’s newest vessel, Norwegian Prima, has a 72-cabin solo complex spread over two decks.

Norwegian also offers four solo cabins on its Hawaii-based Pride of America.

Having sailed in one of Norwegian Epic’s cabins for one, I can confidently declare them among the coolest solo digs at sea. I particularly love the “Jetsons” futuristic-style design and the multicolored mood lighting.

One big caveat: They’re all inside cabins without an ocean view, although most have a window that looks out onto a corridor.

Related: Why a windowless inside cabin isn’t so bad

A bigger caveat, perhaps, is that these solo cabins have become so popular they often sell out far in advance and at prices that aren’t much better than booking a cabin for two.

Norwegian Sun: Best for retirees

For older travelers looking for a Norwegian ship that isn’t filled to the gills with children, Norwegian Sun is the perfect option.

Dating to 2001, Norwegian Sun is one of Norwegian’s oldest and smallest vessels, and it lacks many of the family-focused onboard attractions that are typical for the line’s newer and bigger vessels. You won’t find big waterparks, go-kart racing tracks or laser tag zones on this ship.

Norwegian Sun’s top deck mostly comprises sunning areas, with a single pool and whirlpools, as is typical for ships built more than two decades ago.

As a result, it draws far fewer families than most of the vessels mentioned above and caters more to an older crowd of mostly couples.

Norwegian Sun also is the ship that Norwegian deploys on some of its longest and most destination-focused itineraries, the type that particularly appeals to retirees looking to see more of the world.

Related: The 7 best cruises for seniors who love to travel

Over the next two years, for instance, Norwegian Sun is sailing lots of long voyages out of such less-common home ports as Tokyo; Seoul, Korea; Laem Chabang, Thailand; Lisbon, Portugal; and Haifa, Israel.

The sailings out of Tokyo, Seoul and Laem Chabang will offer the chance to visit such Asian countries as Japan, Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand in-depth, with most departures ranging from 11 to 15 nights and packed with port stops — the sort of cruise that appeals more to older couples than families.

The sailings out of Lisbon and Haifa, both on the longer side, will offer in-depth explorations of Northern Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean, respectively.

Norwegian Sun is also one of the smallest and least kid-focused of the five ships the line deploys to Alaska in summer, making it a good choice for retirees wanting to visit that destination. Families with kids naturally gravitate to the two giant, activity-packed vessels Norwegian sends to Alaska each summer — Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Norwegian ship  

At 78,309 tons, Norwegian Sun is less than half the size of the biggest Norwegian ships, and it holds just 1,976 passengers at double occupancy. (Compare that to more than 4,000 for Norwegian’s biggest vessels.) Expect a far more intimate experience than what you’ll find on most of the ships mentioned above.

Note that due to the ship’s small size, some of Norwegian’s signature features, including a private The Haven suite complex and solo cabins, aren’t found on the ship. Still, you’ll find more than half a dozen eateries, including several main dining rooms, a casual buffet, a diner-style pub, a steak house, an Italian trattoria and a French bistro as well as a showroom with nightly shows, a casino, a multipurpose basketball/volleyball court, golf driving nets and a jogging track.

Bottom line

Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet consists of 18 ships that come in a wide range of sizes and feature differing mixes of venues and activities. Some are jampacked with fun zones that make them perfect for families, while others are geared toward couples and retirees. Some ships have attributes that make them stand out for luxury, solo or budget travelers.

If you’re considering a Norwegian cruise, it pays to study not just the itineraries that are available from the line but the specific ships that are operating the itineraries. You want to make sure you end up on the best Norwegian Cruise Line ship for you.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• The 15 best cruise ships for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

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Regular departures

Voyage overview

Combine an exciting winter Arctic adventure on our coastal round trip voyage with a land, rail and sea tour exploring the stunning mountain and fjord scenery between Oslo and Bergen.

Start in Oslo and travel along, one of the worlds most scenic railway trips, The Flam Railway to Bergen via Flam and Voss.

Voyage north along Norway's beautiful coastline, under the dancing skies of the Northern Lights visiting 34 ports, more than 100 fjords and 1,000 mountains.

Wide choice of optional excursions and onboard Hurtigruten Guides who lead included activities and interpret the cultural and natural treasures on your voyage

The day-by-day programme will give you some ideas about what you can see during your voyage, but bear in mind that this itinerary is just an indication. After all, this is a sailing where the elements rule and weather conditions might vary.

Arrive In Oslo

Arrive in Oslo and spend the day exploring the historical and beautiful Norwegian capital.

Its compact size makes it ideal to discover and experience the best, the city has to offer. For the cultural loves, the Bydgdøy peninsula is home to several museums like the outdoor museum, Folkemuseet and the Viking ship museum. Downtown Oslo, is bustling with trendy restaurants, bars, cafes and green open spaces such as the Vigeland Sculpture Park and Ekeberg Park.

At the heart of the city is the Royal Palace, home to the Norwegian Royal family since work began in 1814.

Oslo - Myrdal - Flåm

After breakfast, make your own way to Oslo Central Railway Station to commence your ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ adventure by boarding the train to Myrdal. Enjoy one of the world's most scenic rail journeys as you travel from Oslo through farmland, past lush green forests and majestic peaks.

At Myrdal join the famous Flåm Railway - a marvel of railway engineering, descending more than 900 metres to the town of Flåm. Take time to explore at your the town and even a visit to the local brewery or the Flåm railway museum.

Flåm - Gudvangen - Voss

After breakfast, board the ferry from Flåm to Gudvangen, enjoying the spectacular views as you pass through the narrow Nærøyfjord. Known for extensive mountain peaks, deep valleys, fast-flowing rivers and thunderous waterfalls, the journey along the valley from Gudvangen to Voss is as beautiful as it sounds. 

For those wanting a view to remember, take the Voss Gondola to the summit of Mount Hanguren (820 metres above sea level). The panoramic views of the valley and surrounding areas are more than worth the journey.

Voss - Bergen

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and spend the morning exploring Voss, before taking the train for the last bit of your journey to Bergen.  Once you arrive in Bergen, take the afternoon to explore this colourful gateway to the fjords. Bergen was founded in 1070 AD, and retains a great deal of its character, charm and history. Visit the UNESCO-listed  Bryggen  district with colourful wharfs dating back to the 14th century.

You may enjoy a stroll in the cobblestone alleyways, a bite at an outdoor café or restaurant, a trip on the  Fløibanen funicular  or a visit to the  famous fish market .

Gateway to the Fjords

Following breakfast and another chance to explore this picturesque city, join the ship at the port to begin your voyage towards the Arctic circle and the Midnight Sun.

After we depart, enjoy a tasty dinner buffet made from fresh coastal produce. We sail north from Bergen along the Viking route of Hjeltefjord. Spend the rest of the evening relaxing as you admire the spectacular landscapes from the deck or in our panorama lounge. 

Seven of our ships along the Norwegian Coast have  Hurtigruten Guides . You are welcome to join them on hikes during many of our port stays or enjoy onboard lectures and activities. 

Time in port:

Bergen : 14.30 - 21.30

Architectural and Natural Masterpieces

Enjoy the early morning in the breathtaking Nordfjord, followed by a delicious breakfast. We then sail past West Cape for our approach to Ålesund.

Art Nouveau city

Ålesund  is renowned for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture and famed Atlanterhavsparken aquarium. Our tour to the aquarium includes a visit to see resident penguins before we continue to nearby Mount Aksla for an amazing view. 

Into the fjords

In the summer, we set our course for the spectacular UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord , passing sheer, 800 metre-high cliffs and dramatic waterfalls. The fjord’s pristine natural landscape of steep rock walls, lush green meadows, lonely mountain farms and tiny villages is unforgettable.

Mountains and roses

Molde  is known as the ‘City of Roses’ because of its lovely municipal gardens. This attractive coastal town has an amazing view of 222 mountain peaks across the fjord, called ‘the Molde Panorama’.

Florø : 02.45 - 03.00

Måløy : 05.15 - 05.30

Torvik : 08.20 - 08.30

Ålesund : 09.45 - 10.00

Geirangerfjord : 14:25 - 14:45

Ålesund : 19:00 - 20:00

Molde : 22:35 - 23:05

History and Charm

Charming Trondheim is home to great history and a rich cultural life.

Magical, medieval and modern

Founded by Viking king Olav Tryggvason in 997, Trondheim today is a unique mix of the ancient and modern. Join our optional excursion to the soaring Nidaros Cathedral, Norway’s only gothic cathedral and the burial place of St. Olav (Tryggvason). Marvel at the cathedral’s exquisite works of art, architectural details and medieval statues.

In summer, we continue to Ringve Museum of Musical History, where Norwegian music´s past is brought to life in a grand manor with a fantastic view.

Excursions for every taste

Explore Trondheim by kayak on the River Nid or experience the city by bicycle, for something truly unique, be sure to ride the world’s only bicycle lift, near the quaint Bakklandet neighbourhood. You can also join the Hurtigruten Guides for a hike to discover more of the area.

In the afternoon, the ship sails northwest, passing the Kjeungskjær lighthouse, islets and rocky reefs and onwards towards charming Rørvik.

Kristiansund : 02.45 - 03.00

Trondheim : 09.45 - 12.45 

Rørvik : 21.40 - 22.00

Welcome to the Arctic!

Today we cross the Arctic Circle and the land of the midnight sun. We mark the occasion with a truly memorable traditional ceremony on deck. 

Forces of nature

Ørnes is the site of Norway’s second-largest glacier, Svartisen.

We then sail along the beautiful coast of Helgeland to Bodø, where you can experience Saltstraumen, the world’s most powerful maelstrom, by small boat.

Majestic Lofoten and Vikings

That afternoon, the 1,000 metre-high Lofoten Wall looms on the horizon, ushering us towards majestic granite cliffs and white sandy beaches. Following this, we journey towards Stamsund and the home of the Vikings. Join an excursion to visit the Lofotr Viking Museum, where you are welcomed into the chieftain’s house for a real Viking feast.

Going organic

Between Stamsund and Svolvær, you can experience life on an organic herb and cheese farm, or visit the Lofoten’s only craft brewery, in Svolvær.

Brønnøysund : 01.35 - 01.45                    

Sandnessjøen : 04.35 - 04.50                    

Nesna : 06.00 - 06.10         

Ørnes : 10.00 - 10.10         

Bodø : 13.05 - 15.20          

Stamsund : 19.15 - 19.40  

Svolvær : 21.20 – 22.15

In the Footsteps of Polar Heroes

We briefly dock at Risøyhamn, Harstad and Finnsnes in the morning, before continuing to the Arctic exploration capital of Tromsø for a prolonged stay. Here, you can taste beer from the world’s northernmost brewery.

Today it is a modern city with many activities on offer, from an aquarium and several quality museums to the world’s northernmost botanical garden. The city is also a popular place to experience the unique phenomenon of the Midnight Sun. 

All year, you can join the Hurtigruten Guides for hikes and discover more of the Tromsø area.

Get close to marine wildlife

Want to experience serenity on the sea? Join us for a kayaking excursion in summer along Tromsø’s coastline - a great way to get close to marine wildlife.

Stokmarknes : 01.30 - 01.40

Sortland : 02.55 - 03.10

Risøyhamn : 04.35 - 04.50

Harstad : 07.10 - 07.45

Finnsnes : 11.00 - 11.30

Tromsø : 14.15 - 18.15

Skjervøy : 22.10 - 22.25

Top of the World - North Cape

Experience the North Cape

After a brief stop in Hammerfest , we arrive in Havøysund the world’s northernmost fishing village. One of the most popular excursions is a visit to the North Cape, one of the northernmost points on the European continent marked by the photogenic globe monument.

For those who like to wake up early, enjoy a lavish breakfast buffet in the North Cape Hall while looking out over the Barents Sea, before experiencing the four seasons of the North Cape through a panoramic film.

Sailing north

The ship continues north into the heartland of the Sámi people. Visit Kjøllefjord, where you can learn about the Sámi way of life and hear traditional joiking (song).

Øksfjord : 01.50 - 02.00

Hammerfest : 05.05 - 05.45

Havøysund : 08.30 - 08.45

Honningsvåg : 10.55 - 14.30

Kjøllefjord : 16.40 - 17.00

Mehamn : 18.55 - 19.15

Berlevåg : 22.00 - 22.10

Russian Border and Turning Point

We arrive early into Vadsø before docking in Kirkenes - the ship’s turning point for the return journey.

Streets with Russian names

The Russian border is a just few kilometres from Kirkenes and you’ll notice local road signs in both Norwegian and Russian. There are many ways to experience the Russian influence on the local area with many different excursions and activities. For those who like a bit of adrenaline, take to four wheels and ATV/Quad-biking towards the Russian border, whilst those who enjoy a more relaxed way of travelling there are bus and hiking tours available. 

Southbound and down

As the ship starts its voyage south, remember that you’ve seen only half of what Norway’s coastline offers. The ports we visited by night going north are now seen by day.

Båtsfjord : 00.00 - 00.30

Vardø : 03.30 - 03.45

Vadsø : 06.55 - 07.10

Kirkenes : 09.00 - 12:30

Vardø : 16.05 - 17.00

Båtsfjord : 20.00 - 20.30    

Berlevåg : 22.25 - 22.35

Unmatched Scenery

North Cape breakfast

We again dock at Honningsvåg, where you can join an excursion that includes eating breakfast at North Cape. The ship continues to Hammerfest, where you can see the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column. You can also join a mini-mountain expedition and learn about local polar hero Adolf Lindstrøm.

We continue south to Øksfjord with a brief stop at the old trading post of Skjervøy.

Midnight adventures

We then dock at Tromsø, just in time to enjoy a concert at Tromsø Cathedral under the Midnight Sun or explore the city by boat for a unique view of the sights and landmarks. You may want to drop by Ølhallen, a classic pub for a friendly beer.

Mehamn : 01.20 - 01.30    

Kjøllefjord : 03.25 - 03.35  

Honningsvåg : 05.45 - 06.00                    

Havøysund : 08.00 - 08.15

Hammerfest : 11.00 - 12.45                    

Øksfjord : 15.50 - 16.05     

Skjervøy : 19.30 - 19.45     

Tromsø : 23.45 - 01.30

Lofoten, Where Nature Amazes

We arrive in Harstad, where you can join the excursion, A Taste of Vesterålen .

Amazing scenery

The island groups of Lofoten and Vesterålen offer some of the most stunning natural scenery of the entire voyage. Lofoten is renowned for its steep mountains, sandy beaches, wild nature and picturesque fishing villages.

Hurtigruten’s birthplace

We make a short stop at Risøyhamn, population 200, to deliver passengers, groceries and mail, and then continue to Stokmarknes, where Hurtigruten was founded more than 125 years ago.

Go ashore and visit the Hurtigruten Museum. Continuing south, we slip through a passage into the narrow Raftsund, past peaks rising 1,000 metres from the sea.

Spectacular Trollfjord

We now reach spectacular Trollfjord, only 2 km long, 100 m wide and surrounded by majestic mountains. If possible, we sail inside, where the dramatic landscape inspires images of fairy tales and trolls. Just north, you can opt to see sea eagles up close by boat.

Heart of Lofoten

At Svolvær, you can select several excursion options. We then proceed to Stamsund along the massive Lofoten wall.

Tromsø : 23.45 – 01.30

Finnsnes : 04.15 – 04.45

Harstad : 07.45 – 08.30

Risøyhamn : 10.45 – 11.00

Sortland : 12.30 – 13.00

Stokmarknes : 14.15 – 15.15

Svolvær : 18.30 – 20.30

Stamsund : 22.00 – 22.30

Across the Arctic Circle

Celebrate crossing the Arctic Circle with a `taste´ of Arctic tradition – a fun ceremony highlighted by a spoonful of cod liver oil.

Mountain with a hole

As we sail along the Helgeland coast, you’ll see the strange mountain Torghatten, famous for its distinctive hole in the centre. The opening is 160 m long, 35 m high and 20 m wide, and was created during the ice age. If the weather allows, join a hike with your guides up the mountain.

Myths and legends

We also sail past the Seven Sisters mountain range – with peaks up to 1,100 m high. The story goes that seven beautiful troll sisters got caught out at sunrise and turned to stone, thus the seven beautiful peaks.

UNESCO heritage

We next make a short stop at UNESCO-listed Nesna, before moving on to Sandnessjøen. From there we voyage towards Brønnøysund a pretty little town that offers a charming high street and marina. You can join an excursion to the Norwegian Aquaculture Centre for an interesting tour and a taste of fresh salmon.

Bodø : 02.30 – 03.45

Ørnes : 06.40 – 06.50

Nesna : 10.25 – 10.35

Sandnessjøen : 11.45 – 12.15

Brønnøysund : 15.00 – 17.30

Rørvik : 21.00 – 21.30

Rich History and Living Culture

Spend the morning in Trondheim, then sail past beautiful island scenery and some of Norway’s smallest communities before exploring Kristiansund and Molde.

Capital of the Viking Age

Stroll around  Trondheim  in the early morning as the city wakes. Visit the sacred  Nidaros Cathedral , resting place of St. Olav. Then, walk to  Gamle Bybro  bridge for a photo opportunity over  Nid River .

Treat yourself to quality coffee and a Nordic patisserie in one of the  Bakklandet  district’s many chic cafés then walk up to  Kristiansten Fort  for great views of Norway’s third largest city.

Dealing in dried cod

We dock at Kristiansund’s harbour in the late afternoon. The town is spread over three islands and known for being Norway’s “Bacalao Capital” for the salted cod that’s dried on the surrounding cliffs, called  klippfisk  in Norwegian.

Take a walk around the cobblestone streets of the old town and tour the lively port. You can also head up to the old watchtower at  Varden viewpoint  for a lovely panorama.

Peaks and petals

The penultimate port of the day is  Molde  where you can spot the tops of the  Romsdal Alps . Nicknamed “The City of Roses”, flowers should be in bloom between mid-June and late August.

Trondheim : 06.30 – 09.45

Kristiansund : 16.30 – 17.00

Molde : 21.00 – 21.30

Ålesund : 00.30 – 01.00

A Fjord Farewell

During the night, the ship calls at Ålesund, Torvik and Måløy, as our voyage draws to a close. But before we dock in Bergen, there is some fascinating scenery ahead of us.

Glaciers and lush farmland

We sail through picturesque Nordfjord beneath Jostedal Glacier . This rugged coastal region features farms with fruit orchards and glacial fingers that stretch towards glistening lakes. In the morning, we call at  Florø .

Back to Bergen

We navigate the mouth of the mighty Sognefjord and enjoy superb views of the island-studded coastline before you disembark in Bergen.

We hope you will take home memories of stunning nature, wildlife and fascinating culture, and we hope to see you on board again in the near future!

Enjoy even more of Norway

To see more of Norway, we highly recommend our excursion Bergen City Sightseeing (only sold on board) or join one of our Post-programmes to experience more Norwegian cuisine, culture and scenery. 

Torvik : 02.15 – 02.30

Måløy : 05.15 – 05.45

Florø : 07.45 – 08.15

Bergen : 14.30

We have several ships in the fleet that we travel with.

MS Kong Harald

Norway’s reigning monarch, a seasoned sailor, lends his name to this remarkable hybrid vessel.

MS Nordkapp

MS Nordkapp is named after the northernmost point on mainland Europe: North Cape (71ºN) - one of the geographical highpoints you can visit on a Hurtigruten voyage.

Both the name and the interior design of this modern ship are inspired by the spectacular Northern Lights.

About your trip

What's included.

4 nights’ accommodation including breakfast in 4 star hotels

Norway in a Nutshell combination ticket including seat reservations if required (train/bus/ferry Bergen-Myrdal-Flam-Gudvangen-Voss-Bergen)

Hurtigruten shuttle from Bergen railway station to hotel

Hurtigruten shuttle from Bergen hotel to ship

Hurtigruten Classic Round Trip voyage in cabin grade of your choice

Everything you need for an adventure (on board the ship only):

12-day voyage in cabin category of your choice

Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) from  Norway's Coastal Kitchen

English-speaking Tour Leader on board

Engaging onboard activities and lectures:

Onboard lectures and presentations on history, biology, geography, geology and culture that provide context to your voyage and help you understand the destinations you will experience  

Introductory photo presentations, camera adjustment and tips & tricks, photo and film footage from the voyage

Opportunities to casually engage with the guides and other guests, including a welcome event, daily gatherings to recap the day and prepare for the day to come

Port presentations providing destination insight

Presentation of excursion programmes

Point of interest presentations out on deck

Loan of trekking poles, snow shoes, head lamps, ice-spikes needed for optional hikes depending on season and conditions

Captain’s dinner and a farewell event

What's Not Included

International flights  

Optional excursions

Travel insurance

Luggage handling  

Hikes with Hurtigruten guides

Transfers other than those specified

During the land tour prior to the voyage only breakfast is included, once on board the ship all meals are included

The Oslo to Bergen (Norway in a Nutshell) sector of the trip is self-guided and does not have a tour escort. Once on board the ship you have access to our Tour Leaders.

Prices are in EUR per person based on two people travelling together sharing a twin cabin

Not all cabin categories are available for all departures

Single cabin pricing available on request

Hurtigruten has a flexible pricing system and all prices are capacity controlled and subject to availability.

Know before you go

• The Midnight Sun
• The Norwegian fjords
• Your coastal experience
• FAQ: The Coastal Express
• Meet the team on our Coastal Express ships
• What to pack for a Norwegian cruise

Optional Excursions

Explore your destination even further with our wide range of exciting excursions. The excursion programme presented is an indication of some of the excursions that may be available during your voyage.

Kayaking in Ålesund

Starts from

Spring (Apr - May), Winter (Nov - Mar)

2 hours 15 minutes

Atlanterhavsparken Aquarium and Mount Aksla

Art Nouveau Walk (Spring & Winter)

Art Nouveau Walk (Autumn)

Autumn (Sep - Oct)

1 hour 30 minutes

Hjørundfjord - tastes and traditions

6 hours 30 minutes

A Taste of Norway

The Hjørundfjord

Hike with a Visit to a Shieling

2 hours 45 minutes

Alnes Lighthouse

3 hours 30 minutes

Trondheim with Nidaros Cathedral

Trondheim – Norway’s capital of technology

Autumn (Sep - Oct), Winter (Nov - Mar)

Trondheim City Walk

Kayaking on the River Nid

2 hours 30 minutes

Arctic Coastal Walk

2 hours 10 minutes

Experience Bodø and Saltstraumen

The Arctic Capital: Tromsø

Tromsø – gateway to the Arctic

The North Cape

Honningsvåg – gateway to the North Cape

Fishing Village Visit

The Norwegian Border

Kirkenes – right on the border

King Crab Adventure (Summer)

Summer (Jun - Aug)

The Northernmost Town In The World

1 hour 45 minutes

Breakfast at the North Cape

Summer (Jun - Aug), Autumn (Sep - Oct)

Mountain Hike In Hammerfest

A Taste of Vesterålen

Harstad – at the heart of Northern Norway

4 hours 15 minutes

Lofoten by Horse

Svolvær – at the heart of Lofoten

Discover a Fishing Village

Spring (Apr - May), Autumn (Sep - Oct), Winter (Nov - Mar)

Visit the Salmon

Brønnøysund – coastal charm right in the middle of Norway

UNESCO Vega Archipelago

Sandnessjøen – gateway to the Helgeland Coast

Trondheim With Nidaros Cathedral

The Hidden Rooms of Nidaros Cathedral

Bergtatt – Magnificent Marble Mine

Kristiansund – home of the Bacalao

4 hours 30 minutes

Pre and post programmes

Island Seafood Dinner & Boat Trip from Bergen

Bergen – gateway to the fjords

Spring (Apr - May), Summer (Jun - Aug), Autumn (Sep - Oct)

Sognefjord in a Nutshell | 1 day

Sognefjord in a Nutshell | 2 days

Spring (Apr - May), Summer (Jun - Aug)

Norway in a Nutshell | Overnight Voss

Norway in a Nutshell | Overnight Flåm

Norway In A Nutshell | 3 days Flåm and Voss

Norway in a Nutshell | 1 day

Gamme Cabins by Kirkenes Snowhotel

Snowhotel – A Unique Winter Experience

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