Norwegian Sun

Launched in 2001, the Norwegian Sun is one of two Sky class vessels in the Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) fleet. It was built at the Lloyd Werft shipyard in Germany and was christened in Miami at an unusual dual-ceremony alongside the Norwegian Star.

The Sun was one of the first NCL vessels to exclusively incorporate the company's Freestyle Cruise concept.

At the time, this was a groundbreaking policy unheard of on ships in other fleets: giving passengers complete freedom over when, where and with whom they eat, as well as providing open disembarkation times at ports of call.

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This resulted in a more relaxing and casual feeling to the whole cruise and it allowed guests to set their own schedules - something especially appreciated by families with small children, as well as other passengers who prefer to experience their cruise at their own pace.

In early 2011, the Sun was in dry dock for 12 days and underwent an extensive refurbishment costing several million dollars. This project included redecorating the ship's 20 suites and the addition of three new restaurants. The kids' club was also revamped and new systems were installed to help reduce the vessel's carbon footprint.

The Sun generally splits its time between both sides of the Atlantic. Between October and April, it is usually based in Orlando at Port Canaveral and departs on three and seven-night voyages of the Caribbean, with stops in exotic destinations like Cozumel, George Town, Ochos Rios and Nassau.

During the rest of the year, the vessel is based in Copenhagen and sails around the Baltic and the North Sea. Ports of call include Bergen, the Shetland Islands, the Faroe Islands, Reykjavik, Glasgow and Dublin.

Ship stats and features

Passenger capacity: 2,400
Year entered service: 2001
Beam (ship width): 105.8 feet
Draught (ship depth): 26.2 feet
Length: 853 feet
Tonnage: 78,309
Crew: 980
Maximum speed: 23 knots
Number of passenger decks: 12
Number of lifts: 12
Number of swimming pools: 2
Number of cabins: 1,001

Food, cuisine and dining

With 14 restaurants to choose from on the Norwegian Sun, passengers are sure to find something to suit any culinary preferences - whether you want an elaborate, five-course meal served with panache, or a quick bite on the go.

There are two main dining rooms - the Four Seasons is elaborately decorated with bright colours and comfortable furnishings, while the Seven Seas has enormous windows that offer breathtaking panoramic views. With the Freestyle dining option, there are no set dinner times and there are plenty of tables for two.

Other fee-free options include the Great Outdoor Cafe - a casual buffet - the Garden Cafe and the Las Ramblas Tapas Bar.

In addition, there are several fabulous eateries that are definitely worth paying a little bit extra for:
• Le Bistro
• Moderno Churrascaria
• East Meets West Steakhouse
• Ginza Sushi
• Il Adagio
• Teppanyaki

Room service is available 24 hours a day, while you can also get pizza delivered to your door at any time.

On-board entertainment and activities

Activities on the Sun are extremely varied and in the evening, options range from seeing a big show in the Stardust Lounge to enjoying your favourite drink and some live music in one of the vessel's ten bars and lounges. Alternatively, you could dance until the early hours of the morning in the Dazzles Nightclub.

During the day, there are plenty of activities going on above-deck, like competitions and demonstrations, while cruise favourites like bingo, karaoke and arts and crafts are also offered.

Kids will enjoy the age-specific playrooms and activities, while parents will appreciate the babysitting services. There's also an area exclusively for teenagers, which hosts various events and a nightly disco.

In addition, there's a stunning art gallery, an internet cafe and several meeting rooms. Meanwhile, a chapel is available for those thinking about tying the knot!

Spas and fitness facilities

The Body Waves Fitness Centre is a state-of-the-art gym that offers everything you need to get in shape or simply work out some tension. It is fitted out with various exercise machines and classes - like aerobics, spinning and yoga - are held throughout the day.

Elsewhere on the ship, you can find swimming pools, whirlpools, sports courts, golf driving nets and a jogging track - all perfect for a bit of exercise. Saunas and steam rooms are also available.

And if you prefer to wind down with a massage or other treatment, these can be provided in the Mandara spa facility.

Cabins

With just over 1,000 rooms in 30 different price categories (six grades of suites, 15 types of outside-view rooms and nine options for no-view accommodation), those wishing to travel on the Sun will have plenty of options to choose from.

This helps to ensure that there's something to suit every budget - whether you're looking for affordable cruise deals, or something a bit more extravagant.

Wireless internet access is available in all cabins and public areas on a 24-hour basis, so you can check on your emails and update your social networking status to make sure everyone back home knows just how much fun you're having.

In addition, all rooms come equipped with a desk, a personal safe and a refrigerator, as well as air conditioning and a private bathroom.