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pictonite
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Posted: Mon Jan 4th, 2010 06:58 pm | 1st Post |
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The Bright Side of the “Sun”
This is my review of the December 6 - 20, 2009 voyage from Buenos Aires to Valparaiso on the Norwegian Sun. I will begin by recognising that this was not the cruise of a lifetime for everyone. There was a GI virus on the ship, that, I know, caused great discomfort to some. However, my DH and I were fortunate that we remained healthy and really enjoyed what I considered to be a unique and memorable experience on a fine ship.
I have a lot to say, so this review will be in several parts. I think that a precise account will assist others who will be taking this cruise in the next few months. I need to say that there were some annoyances on the way and I will refer to those, but we overcame them because we were determined to savour every moment of this voyage to the southern hemisphere.
I was grateful to the CC roll call for this trip. We were able to share information about private tours, and we met some really wonderful people because of this collaboration.
So - here we go!
We arrived in Buenos Aires from Toronto, Ontario, early on Friday, December 4. We got a cab to our hotel - the Sheraton Hotel and Convention Centre - for $40 US. Our room was ready for us, even at the early hour of 8:30 a.m., and we were able to freshen up before our first adventure. Knowing that we had an afternoon free, we had booked the Tren de la Costa and the Tigre tour with Viatours. For $75.50 CA we were picked up at our hotel and taken to the train station, and then on to the Tigre delta where we boarded our excursion boat. The delta is a fascinating place to visit. The homes are only accessible by boat, and we spent a very enjoyable afternoon seeing all the sights. We returned to our hotel in the late afternoon, and later that night visited a nearby steakhouse for a fine dinner, which, with all the trimmings, cost us $80 US.
The following morning we met with some CC members and our guide Sol, from BA Freetours. Sol spent eight rainy hours with us on a walking tour of Buenos Aires. Although there really are great free walking tours conducted by Sol, her brother and their team of guides, we had wanted to see BA in depth, so we hired her services for the entire day. Sol will charge $120 US for four people for eight hours. Believe me, we saw just about everything in BA, including the subway, the slums, the resting place of Evita Peron, and the Cafe Tortoni - a really great place for a lunch. A word of warning! Before we left the hotel, Sol advised us to take off all our jewellery, leave it locked up, and keep all bags, cameras and wallets safely on our persons. We heard of some travellers, on the same cruise, who had cameras and wallets stole in BA, and we were grateful for Sol’s advice. On our return to the hotel we relaxed for a while before getting ready to spend the evening at the Esquina Carlos Gardel where we had a wonderful meal and Tango show. That was booked directly on line, and cost us 350 pesos a person. Argentinians dine at a late hour, and it was early morning when we were returned to our hotel for one more sleep before we boarded the Sun.
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xpcdoojk
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Posted: Mon Jan 4th, 2010 09:31 pm | 2nd Post |
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I loved our day at Tigre! Lovely bit of heaven.
____________________
jc<----- Proud member of the O crew
Let's get it right this time!
pixies from last vacation! http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/8871830_7kVVu/1/596978729_8qQBg
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pictonite
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Posted: Mon Jan 4th, 2010 10:44 pm | 3rd Post |
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Part Two:
Embarkation:
Our pre cruise hotel package included transfers to the ship. This transfer included separate transportation for our luggage which was a great plus. The embarkation process was really poor. We have been accustomed to smooth boarding on our previous NCL cruises. This was horrendous. Long lineups to enter the dock area, longer lines to have documents checked and numbers handed out. Then a scramble to get on a bus to deliver you to the ship. I pitied the passengers who had to check their luggage in the seething mass of people in the terminal. The actual registration process, on board the ship in the Four Seasons lounge was painless, made a little better by the glass of sparkling wine you received as you boarded.
After a stop in the atrium to book Il Adagio for our first dinner on board, we went to the Seven Seas dining room for a very pleasant lunch, and then went in search of our cabin.
Cabin:
We had booked a balcony cabin on the starboard side of the ship. We were originally booked on the port side, but I read that you should be on the starboard side for the BA to Valparaiso route, and the port side for the opposite route. That is correct. We had the best views from the starboard side of the ship. The cabin was adequate for two of us, but I was somewhat surprised by the small shower area. The storage was good, and we had a very comfortable bed. We had booked the anniversary package before it went up in price, and the wine and strawberries were waiting for us. There was also a package outlining our excursions booked with NCL and an invitation to eat breakfast in the Four Seasons dining room - a perk for balcony guests. We had really great stewards, who would make up our cabin promptly, and would give us a daily towel animal with our turn down service, Our balcony was fairly spacious, sometimes accommodating four people quite comfortably. We had brought a bottle of sherry on board with us , ( paying the $15 corkage fee), and we were provided with extra glasses so that we could enjoy a pre dinner drink on our balcony. There was a coffee maker in the room, and a fully stocked bar, which we did not use. We were in an aft stateroom, close to the aft stairway - useful for easy access to the Seven Seas dining room, the theatre, and deck eleven, where the buffet and pool were situated.
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pictonite
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Posted: Tue Jan 5th, 2010 11:53 pm | 4th Post |
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Part Three:
The Ship:
The Sun is a medium sized ship, with an attractive decor. We found that it to be more traditional than its glitzier sister, the Pearl. We didn’t have any trouble finding the various areas of the ship. The shopping arcade was small but provided us with some nice souvenirs, and we enjoyed browsing in the Colombian Emeralds store! We found the library to be well equipped, and used it until it was closed because of the GI virus. We continued to get our sudoko and trivia sheets from there throughout the cruise, however. We didn’t use the spa, it did not have the facilities we like. The restaurants were basically on deck five and decks eleven and twelve. We ate in the Seven Seas dining room and the Four Seasons. We also ate in Il Adagio, the Italian restaurant, and in Le Bistro, the French restaurant. We enjoyed tapas in Las Ramblas. We tried to avoid the Garden Cafe whenever possible! More about the food later. The bars were scattered around the ship. We had our CC Meet and Greet in the Observation Lounge on deck twelve. There is a wonderful view from this lounge, with very comfortable seating arrangements. We also enjoyed Las Ramblas on deck twelve, and the Windjammer bar and Dazzles on deck six. The Sports bar on deck eleven provided comfort food in the late afternoon, and, of course, coverage of sports activities on the many screens around the room. We also enjoyed coffee in the Java cafe on deck five. I wish that they knew how to make a decent chai latte, though! The casino is on deck seven, and we had no trouble finding a video terminal to play poker. We were not terribly impressed with the walking/jogging track. We are used to getting up extra early to do our laps, and we were somewhat disconcerted to find that the circuit was unavailable until eight in the morning - because of the fact that there were cabins on the same deck that looked out to the track. Actually , it really wasn’t too big a deal, because the track was unavailable anyway in bad weather conditions. The pool and jacuzzis on deck eleven were in a fairly confined space, and the seating around the pool was rarely busy. This is a port intensive cruise, with variable weather conditions, so it was not surprising to see this area underutilized. Finally, the Stardust Lounge, at the aft of the ship has good viewing sites all around. There was an area roped off for suite guests, but it was rarely used. We found that the balcony was the best place for us to be for all of the evening entertainment and the port lectures. We’re not Bingo fans, but the Stardust Lounge was where they played Bingo. There were certain areas of the ship that looked a little tired, and some, like the Garden Cafe, that definitely need some major renovations. We really liked the size, and the accessibility on the Sun.
The Food:
We live in a small town that is renowned for its restaurants and its nearby vineyards. We like to eat and drink. That being said, we really enjoyed most of our dining and drinking experiences on the Sun. The Four Seasons dining room was open for breakfast to those in balcony cabins and mini suites . Beside offering the full breakfast menu, there was a small buffet with meats, cheese, fish and breads. We chose not to use this perk because we were actually closer to the Seven Seas dining room, and we really liked the atmosphere in this room. The selection was usually similar for breakfast, but we love the breads, and I love smoked salmon, so we were never at a loss for something tasty to eat. Our lunch and evening meals we had in the Seven Seas were equally tasty. The menus changed for the fourteen days we were at sea, and I really liked many of the vegetarian selections and the spicy dishes. My DH enjoyed meats and fish dishes, and we both liked the dessert souffles when they were offered. Our favourite meals were in Il Adagio, the Italian restaurant. It is a delightful room, with cosy tables for two and banquettes that could accommodate five of us quite easily. We ate at Il Adagio four times, and did not repeat the main courses - but always had the tiramasu for dessert! The tricolor salad was one of my favourites, and my DH particularly enjoyed the lobster ravioli. Le Bistro provided us with the usual great starters and a really enjoyable meal. I did not like the room as much as Le Bistro on the Pearl, but the service and the company was great for this meal. We drank mostly red Argentinian and Chilean wines and enjoyed them all. After a full day of touring, we enjoyed the tapas in Las Ramblas, together with a big glass of red or white sangria. Now here comes the downer - I really resisted going up to the Garden Cafe on deck eleven for any reason. I am sure that the food was OK, and I know that the ice cream area was a hit. But the layout really made me cringe - so unlike the food stations on the Pearl. The lineups were always long, and the areas to find a place to sit were limited. If you are one who likes the choice at a cafe , then make your way out to the Great Outdoors. The lineups were less, ( and so was the selection), but there were places to sit. About the middle of the cruise staff served all stations of the Garden cafe, including the coffee and tea stations. In the restaurants the bread baskets were removed, together with the salt and pepper shakers, and cream and sugar were placed on the table when coffee or tea was ordered. This was to prevent further outbreaks of the GI virus, and we were happy that the service was provided. The Sun provided us with a variety of dining experiences which we thoroughly enjoyed. On our previous cruises we have eaten at more specialty restaurants, but I think it is a tribute to the good selections in the main dining rooms. together with the friendly and prompt service that kept us returning to the Seven Seas!
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BAMA X 2
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Posted: Wed Jan 6th, 2010 03:51 pm | 5th Post |
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____________________
Island Time Travel
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goodml
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Posted: Wed Jan 6th, 2010 05:05 pm | 6th Post |
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| I'm enjoying reading your review pictonite. I'm booked on the Sun in November. Different itinerary but your info about the ship is helpful and I'm enjoying getting your take on ports I've never experienced.
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ML
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pictonite
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Posted: Thu Jan 7th, 2010 10:29 pm | 7th Post |
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Shipboard Activities:
On the first sea day we had a very good Meet and Greet in the Observation Lounge. Many of the ship’s officers were in attendance, and we were warmly welcomed by our hostess, Gloria and her lovely family from Puerto Rico,who presented us with gift packages. Thank you, Gloria!
The Freestyle Daily offered many opportunities to become involved in shipboard life. We were particularly intrigued by the onboard lecture series presented by Peter and Marianne Bonenberger, founders of Spring Blossom Nature Conservation Organization. Peter and Marianne offered beautiful powerpoint lectures about the various ports we were visiting, about the countries in general and about the wildlife we would see. Their lectures gave us a really good insight into the whole of South America, and we particularly enjoyed their presentation on whales and dolphins. If they are still on board, please take the time to attend their lectures - they are fabulous! We were quite selective in our choice of entertainment. My DH was fascinated by the lectures describing the various gems, and we attended some of the port lectures given by the shopping consultant, Daniela. They were also quite informative about the region.
The musical entertainment was quite varied. We really enjoyed pianist Leon Gregory in the Windjammer Lounge, Kim Doolittle in Las Ramblas and the Paula Koropecki trio , again in the Windjammer Lounge. The entertainment in the Stardust Lounge was also quite varied. Of particular note were a flautist, Tara Whittaker, the Jean Ann Ryan Company, the magnificent Elvy Rose, and a pianist, Juan Pablo Subirana. On a somewhat jarring note, we found the Norwegian Sun orchestra to be particularly intrusive, especially when accompanying solo artists.
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pictonite
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Posted: Fri Jan 8th, 2010 12:39 am | 8th Post |
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Ports of Call:
Our first port was Montevideo, Uruguay. We had booked a private excursion, which, unfortunately failed to materialize. After waiting patiently for our guide, we approached an independent tour operator at the port entry, and negotiated a tour of the city, and the surrounding areas for six of us. It cost us $40 per couple. There was a meeting of the presidents of the nearby countries in Montevideo on this day, so some of the sites were closed to visitors. We managed to see a seaside area, and then asked that we be left at the Mercardo where we planned to try a barbecue. We had a wonderful time, sitting at a counter and watching the meats sizzling away! We found that we were filled by the first course of empanadas, and a dish of mixed meats and peppers - meant for two, but more than enough for four! That cost us $20 per couple. We spent some time in the market, looking at souvenirs, and watching a couple tangoing in the street.
Next port was Puerto Madryn. We left the ship and walked across the street to where we could book a tour of the area. We paid $40 per person, but could have paid far less ($25) if we had waited a little while and joined forces with a young couple from San Francisco who were negotiating on behalf of a small group! Puerto Madryn is a pretty town, and we saw a good part of the town before driving to the Valdes Peninsula a UNESCO site, where we saw a huge colony of sea lions and many different species of birds. Back in Puerto Madryn a shopping trip netted some good shoe bargains.
Stanley was our first tendered port. We had booked the Sparrow Cove Penguin Experience with NCL, and I am so glad that we did. After a rocky start - NCL had not given us the time we had booked on line - we boarded a special boat from the ship that took us to a small jetty, where two Range Rovers were waiting for us. There are only twelve spaces allotted to each two and a half hour trip, so six of us got into each vehicle for a forty five minute ride across country. We passed some desolate scenery - no trees - and land mines thoughtfully left by the Argentinians when they retreated in 1982 - and finally reached Sparrow Cove. What a place! This is a working farm, with cows and sheep and, of course, a large colony of penguins. With only tweve of us viewing at a time, there were plenty of opportunities for photos and penguin watching. One of my favourite pictures is of an inquisitive calf , who entered the penguin area and was being attacked on all side by very angry penguins. I would highly recommend this trip. When we returned to the ship we still had time to visit Stanley, where we enjoyed a good old English fish and chips and a great cup of tea.
Ushuaia was a docked port, and we walked off the ship and booked a trip to Tiera Del Fuego National park at a booth right on the dock. For $60 US per person we had a guided tour to the park, where we boarded the Train To The End Of The World. This was a lovely ride through the park, passing wild horses, and some beautiful scenery.
In Ushaia we bought some souvenirs and mailed all of our cards to Europe and Canada. As I write this some people have received their cards, some are still waiting.
In Punta Arenas we booked an NCL tour - Punta Arenas highlights. Our guide
was extremely good, showing us two wonderful museums - one in a mansion, and the other outside, near the University. This town is really attractive, with lovely squares and some good shopping. This was a good choice.
Puerto Chacabuco was another NCL tour. It was not that wonderful. The guide was pretty hopeless and there wasn’t that much too see. The port of Chacabuco is very minimal .
Puerto Montt was one of the best tours we experienced. We chose to book with PatagoniaShorex, and Jaime Liebricht really delivered! We selected the Orsono Volcano tour, and there were eight of us in a van for eight hours. We loved the ride to the volcano, with stops at a beautiful volcanic park, a visit with llamas, and, finally the climb up the volcano. The top was obscured by cloud when we arrived, and it was quite chilly. We saw the ski lifts, but chose not to ride them because of the weather. On our way back we visited the town of Frutilla, a German town that is on a lake. Here we were lucky enough to see Mount Orsono in all its beauty, and we took some beautiful photos.
Back in Puerto Montt we said goodbye to our guide, Mattias, who proudly showed off his Canadian flag on his backpack and we bought some really great gifts in the market that runs alongside the dock area.
Our final tour was upon disembarking in Valparaiso. Since we were not scheduled to fly out until nine that night, we had elected to take the NCL excursion to Santiago and Concha Y Toro. This was a perfect ending to the cruise. A great trip with a very knowledgeable guide. The funicular in Santiago took us high above the city, and we had wonderful views all round. In Santiago itself we were privileged to see the changing of the guard at the Presidential Palace. The tour of the vineyard at Sancho y Toro was a real treat, and the lunch that followed was tasty, with a seemingly endless supply of wines. Since we were with an NCL tour, our luggage had been delivered to the airport, and we left our bus, claimed our luggage and joined the seething mass of humanity that was the checking in line at Santiago airport!
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Calmac
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Posted: Fri Jan 8th, 2010 11:53 pm | 9th Post |
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Really enjoyed reading your review, particularly about the ports of call. We had booked this cruise on the Dream for April 2008 but had to cancel and had hoped to re-book for Christmas / New Year but the flight prices were $$$$$$$ so we passed. Hope to do it one day.
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Future Cruises:-
Norwegian Epic - TA
http://www.epicmadhatters.com/
Norwegian Gem - Greek Isles
Norwegian Jade - Canaries & Morocco
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pictonite
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Posted: Sat Jan 9th, 2010 12:04 am | 10th Post |
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| Thank you, Calmac. I see that you are taking the Greek Island cruise on the Gem this August. We are taking the same cruise in October, and I hope that you will send some information our way after you complete the cruise. We are very excited to be in Europe again, and plan to spend some time in Italy as well as the UK.
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