Norwegian Sun

Norwegian Sun is the second Sky-class ship and the sister ship to Norwegian Sky. Launched in 2001, it’s smaller compared to giants like Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Encore, and Norwegian Breakaway. This is a vessel from a time when cruising was all about relaxing, and onboard entertainment focused on arcades, pools, and small-scale live shows. Norwegian Sun is for those who want a mix of pace and quiet, and who value relaxation above all else. It’s also a good choice for families looking for a cruise that’s easy to move around.

What we like about Norwegian Sun

One of the fun things about Norwegian Sun is that it sails basically all over the world. Seriously, if you check its itineraries, you’ll see it visits everywhere from the Caribbean to the Panama Canal, Alaska, the South Pacific, and Japan. It even offers long, unique cruises, like a 17-day Alaska & Japan voyage starting at just $1,100. That’s actually a great price for this kind of trip, considering the niche destinations and long duration. In this sense, being an older ship with fewer onboard extras actually helps keep costs down and keeps your wallet happy.

Norwegian Sun also went through a major refurbishment in 2021, which updated Bliss Ultra Lounge and Spinnaker Lounge. Even better, it added Los Lobos Cantina, giving guests a specialty restaurant often only found on the newest vessels. On top of that, Norwegian Sun also has Cagney's Steakhouse and Le Bistro, making it a ship with plenty of great dining options, and definitely more impressive than sister ship Norwegian Sky. These dining choices come in handy, especially since Sun sails long itineraries around the globe, so you can enjoy everything from a steakhouse meal to sushi and Mexican cuisine.

Norwegian Sun isn’t for those looking for high-speed thrills like go-karts or giant waterslides that drop thirteen floors. You’ll find a sports court, a main pool (plus a kids’ pool), a Kids Club, and an arcade, but there aren’t any of the crazy attractions you now see on ships like Carnival Jubilee or Norwegian Prima. This is a pure cruise experience straight from the 2000s. The good news? It’s not as noisy or crowded as other ships, especially since Sun often sails to niche destinations that don’t attract large numbers of families with kids.

What we don’t like about Norwegian Sun

Norwegian Sun is a ship from 2001, so the design might feel outdated for some guests, and there aren’t refurbishments that will change that. Some venues do feel a bit small, and activities for kids are hit or miss. Sure, there’s a Kids Club and an arcade, but no waterpark or even a single waterslide. The buffet isn’t that big, and doesn’t offer a ton of options, especially when compared to the new ships. The complimentary dining options are nothing to write home about, even if the specialty restaurants are better than expected.

Entertainment is also limited when it comes to shows. Norwegian Sun is set to launch a new series in October 2025, featuring singers performing a variety of Broadway hits, as well as a new show called Motor City Moves, which is a big nod to the Detroit music scene. There’s no way to know yet how good these shows will be, but for now, there isn’t a lot to do at night.

Conclusion

Are you planning a long cruise to some truly unique destinations? If so, Norwegian Sun instantly becomes more interesting. This is a ship that offers fair prices for what it delivers, and it’s more about the destinations than the onboard experience. If you can snag a fun, long cruise for around $1,000, I’d say go for it.