Norwegian Sun Photo Tour and Profile

Norwegian Sun presents a different version of the Norwegian Cruise Line experience. Yes, she has the signature Freestyle dining and yes, you will find many of the same activities and venues that you find on other Norwegian ships. However, whereas the line's flagship, Norwegian Epic, is big and pulsating with activity, the Sun is relatively small and life is unhurried. Her décor is similarly laid-back, contemporary but restrained.

Offering somewhat different versions of a line's cruising style is wise marketing. No matter how much people like a musical theme, they do not want to hear it over and over. Having variations on a theme is much more interesting. Besides, some people like big ships and some people only like small ships. It clearly makes sense for a line to offer its cruise experience in different sizes.

The Sun is the sister ship to Norwegian Sky. However, even so there are significant differences between the two in where they've been and what they offer.

Both ships were being built for another cruise line when the shipyard where they were being built went bankrupt. Norwegian stepped in, bought the two ships and had them finished at the Lloyd Werft in Bremerhaven, Germany. Work on the Sun was not as far along as on the Sky when Norwegian bought the ships. As a result, Norwegian was able to have more input into the Sun than the Sky. Thus while the two ships have many similarities, there are differences as well. Thus, the Sun has more and different balconies than the Sky. She is also somewhat bigger in gross tonnage.

They have led different lives since then. The Sky became Pride of Aloha for awhile and did Hawaiian cruises for Norwegian's U.S.-flag affiliate. The Sun has always remained with Norwegian itself.

Today, the two ships do quite different cruises. The Sky does short cruises from Florida to the Bahamas. Such short break cruises attract a younger crowd often interested in partying. The Sun, when she is based in Florida, does longer than average Caribbean cruises. (In the past, she has done summers in Europe but this coming summer, she will be heading to Alaska). Such cruises tend to attract a more mature passenger interested in savoring a relaxing voyage.

Beyondships' profile of Norwegian Sun, including menus and daily programs, is at http://beyondships.com/NCLSun.html The photo tour and commentary about Norwegian Sun begins at http://beyondships.com/NCLSun-Tour-1.html