How I Celebrated My 25th on the Heavenly Sky 8/10-8/14/09 Sailing!

[coka]

How I Celebrated My 25th on the Heavenly SKY!

Prologue:

Not amused, Mr. Coka asked why I was running away. “It’s my birthday, I am going on an NCL cruise!” Mr. Coka replied that trick was not going to work this year. “I miss our boat and I will be happier upgrading to an NCL ship!“ Mr. Coka reminded me the two best days of a boat owner’s life are the day they buy a boat and the day they sell it. True but, “It’s my vacation, I need to go on an NCL cruise! Mr. Coka insinuated I should be with family. Standing up proclaiming I WAS going to be with family, I broke out into the NCL song, “This is my home, away from home, I am part of their fam..i…ly!” I even included the hand motions that went along with the signature tune.

When done, I had Mr. Coka convinced I was heading out to see a long lost old family member named the Norwegian Sky. She was convenient, less costly than going somewhere else, and the visit was not going to last too long. Since I last sailed her in 2003, she had been re-assigned, re-named, re-flagged, refurbished, and went through an identity crisis for a few years in Hawaii. The last of the fleet I ever expected to sail, I thought it ironic how one tends to look up a long lost relative when there is no place else to go…

Having booked the Sky solo last minute I added on hubby’s friend’s girlfriend last second. A cruise virgin, I told her a four day trip is perfect to see if one likes cruising or not. Booking occurred so fast we had not discussed a theme for this sailing. In the early hours of Sunday, August 9, the radio alarm awoke me to Otis Redding: “Sittin’ in the morning’ sun, I’ll be sittin’ when the evening come, … I’m sittin’ on the dock of the bay…watching the tide roll away…wastin time…” I smiled, I stretched, I zipped up my suitcase, and left with the perfect song in my head for exactly what I needed on this vacation…

We stayed overnight in downtown Miami at a newly opened hotel/condominium complex. Check out www.viceroymiami.com ‘s photos and everything was even better than the pictures. Just my style and just my taste. We began at the adult only roof pool bar/lounge on the 50th floor, watched the tide roll away in South Beach, and finished by entertaining the tourists and the locals at various SoBe establishments until early Monday morning. Having plenty of time to board the Sky, cruise virgin (CV) wanted to enjoy the hotel room and sleep more. “We’ll do the late check-out because the lowest category inside of a cruise ship does not look like this,” I mentioned as a forewarning. I left her so I could detox at the spa, get hydrated, and sit in the morning sun at the football field length outdoor swimming pool on floor 15. The deal for vacationing with others, especially on a cruise, is everyone gets to do what they want with no pressure to do something they do not want to partake in.

It took me 115 breast strokes to swim the length of the pool that appears to drop off the building at the end. Peering over the edge I saw her in between sky scrapers. Tall, long, looking like an angel, white yet adorned with shapes and hues of Hawaiian flowers on her hull, docked the Sky as she awaited all her new passengers. I knew little at the time I would name her The Heavenly Sky by week’s end.

* * * * * * * *

Monday, August 10 Embarkation

A cab ride to the ship from downtown Miami, Bayside is about 10 dollars. Arriving at 11:30am, we were on the ship at noon. Thirty minutes even included waiting in the photo line because we could not slip by it this time. Every cruise virgin needs an embarkation photo as a first experience memento. Although I knew where to go and what to do once on board, we followed the line with champagne in hand. We walked by displays from the restaurants that included their menus, displays of art to showcase the auctions, the Mandara Spa with their menu of treatments, and the Casino at Sea representative for the casino program, port of call shopping invite, and basically a little taste of everything found on board. A very cool idea, it took us through a few lounges to see it all. Passengers embarking could stop and talk and make their reservations all in one area. I liked this better than running up to the spa, running to the casino, and to other service areas I have in mind when cruising.

Fusion Wave, one of the Sky’s bands, played fun music in the atrium that also set a good tone as all passengers arrived onboard. A crew member was available to store your carry-on in Dazzles until the rooms were ready at 2pm. Our cabin, 5108 was just beyond the atrium area so we opened a door, took two steps, dropped it off, and left for lunch. Do not get the idea to do this because most everywhere else, the helpful welcoming and giving directions crew members are on the stairwells…who also make sure you do not open the hallway doors to get to your cabin. Do as I say, not as I do, right? Haha

Food on our minds, embarkation lunch choices were one of the main dining rooms, Palace Restaurant, the Garden Café buffet, The Great Outdoor buffet (which has same items as the indoor one), AND something I have not seen on the other ships…the Il Adagio Italian specialty restaurant option available for free during lunches serving pizza and pastas. For dinner, it turns into one of the surcharge restaurants. If you sail a suite on the Sky, an additional option to eat in Cagney’s for lunch and breakfast is available there too. A wonderful perk throughout the fleet. In the Palace restaurant, I could not decide whether to order the codfish or the lamb for lunch. Our waiter Justinius suggested he bring me both. I asked for him to pick just one and he brought the lamb…which was awesome. I never eat lamb at home so it was a great meal to start with.

Although we had bathing suits and a change of clothes with us (we met some newbies on board who wished someone told them to do this), we decided to explore the Sky from top to bottom. Besides, sitting on the edge of the pool in the mid-day sun was not in our theme song. For passengers with that in their plan, did so with the pool band Caribbean Wave, along with the smiling bartenders and happy wait staff who did tricks, spun trays, and free poured all sorts of yummy cruise drinks. Geoffrey, the Head Bartender on the Sky, should very well be a Bar Manager on any NCL ship. He was everywhere. During the day, during the evening, late night, on the private island, he had the unique ability to make all the hard work he does look easy. He can mix cocktails, assist his staff, saw things that needed to happen and ensured it got done, all the while being happy, pleasant and thoughtful to his crew and to the passengers.

Before our top to bottom get-to-know-the-Sky-layout journey began, I wanted to find the Sky’s mystery cabins. Balcony cabin 0001A and the indoor/ocean view cabins that began with the number 6. I might have missed it on the internet or NCL site Sky deck map but even so, I dared not to book any of these remaining cabins in case they did not exist! They indeed do. Promenade deck 6 forward has a slight ramp where the deck turns into Oslo deck 6A. Cabin 0001A is the most forward balcony cabin on deck 10.

Throughout our tour, I began to fall in love. The Sky is an absolute spotless beauty with her own design. Similar layout as the Sun, she too has an unobtrusive classic décor. Whether you sail once or many times, one really needs to take time to look and enjoy the uniqueness of any ship. Pleasantly surprised, I wondered what the heck some of the cruise critics were writing about when they wrote negative things about her. When done, I began to wonder why I had taken almost six years to cruise the Sky. I knew the answer before ever boarding her this second time. Back in 2003 my dad passed away only a few weeks before I sailed her. After the ship exploration and seeing all sorts of wonderful lounges, clubs, restaurants, and secret spots, I realized I was the one sad back then, not the Sky. I wondered what else I would learn on this 25th celebration…

* * * * * * * * *

Coka

[lambs2]

Thanks Coka for such an entertaining opening salvo to your birthday adventures on the Sky! Have not sailed her yet, but want to. Our booking on her (as Pride of Aloha) in May 2006 was cancelled due to a bum propeller, so we sailed the Pride of America a couple weeks later, instead. After reading your introductory remarks, we MUST give the Sky another chance!

[thecatsmeow]

Looking forward to reading more. Great opening.

[jimswims]

More, more, more.....please!

[coka]

(Jimswims...keep writing yours instead of reading mine, hahaha. We are going to be so sad after we are done writing...we can then read each others and feel like we have sailed on two ships! I read your first post in your review and thought ooooooohhhhhhhhh this is going to be good)!

Sailaway:

A meet and greet was set up for the first day but during the same time as sail away. I totally understood why I was the only one there. Colleen (CV) wanted to hit the pool barbecue and watch the Sky leave Miami. If not for my 25th NCL cruise, almost 40 overall, I too probably would have ditched the meet and greet. I stuck around the Plantation Club for about 20 minutes. During that time I met Jennifer Castillo, the Guest Services Representative who was a sweetie. The Hotel Director Fillipo Bertuzzi also stopped in with the Executive House Keeper and Guest Services Manager. I apologized for taking up their time as I know the officers have very busy schedules and are always on the clock. They were very courteous and happy “I let them go.” After they left, I asked Ms. Castillo to give something I had to whoever the crew member was that had to set up and tear down the muffins, juices, and glassware beautifully displayed untouched. Afterwards, I looked at a drink menu on the bar thinking I could really use one after that. I needed not that mid day sun earlier to get my face red…

The Plantation Club Lounge, deck 12 aft ended up being my favorite bar on the ship. The drink menu was a page after page listing of martini drinks. From 6-8 every evening, they have 2 for 1 martini happy hour. The staff puts out little trays of olives, chunks of parmesan, and cooked toast/baguettes on a little tray for you enjoy. For my needs, I think it is my favorite location among the fleet for a pre dinner. Excellent aft and port view included. Get there early for a seat at the bar or for a seat at the tables for it is not one of the bigger lounges. If you smoke, there are tables directly outside on a small deck overlooking the outdoor garden café. It is also a perfect bar to have a cocktail before you eat at Cagney’s Steak House directly on the other side or before dinner at Il Adagio, almost directly below.

I met up with CV Colleen at the sail away party and what a fun crowd it appeared to be! All ages were enjoying and the pool deck dance floor was packed. After getting a barbecue bite to eat, we watched from afar. The Sky sailed smoothly the entire four days. Not a rocking once. The best motion of a ship I ever sailed on as the seas remained calm the entire journey. It was not due to the close distance of ports though. I attribute the fine weather and the glass-like ocean to Captain Gustavson of course!

From 7pm - 8pm, I enjoyed a sunset chill with guest DJ Von Hooster from L.A. Oh My God! Now this is my style. I fell in love with the Sky even more after my one hour on the Great Outdoor Patio while CV slept after having been awake for over 36 hours. I swear they brought him onboard just for me. Most nights he played during the sunset and his music was a blend of Euro electronic. Not the fast paced kind, but the relaxing kind that brought me back to the beaches of Dubrovnik and to the outdoor café’s in Paris. The sun setting and the atmosphere was unforgettable. NCL should do this on all their ships. Those who ate at the buffet, could bring their dinners outside and enjoy the hour too. With all the advertising of NCL’s Epic coming out next summer, outdoor music aft ship is what I look forward to experiencing most. How lucky was I to get a little flavor of what’s to come? DJ Hooster also played club music along with the Sky DJ Arnel. Yes, yes, yes, NCL…keep the guest DJ’s and this relaxing Euro atmosphere coming!

While sittin’ in the evening sun enjoying the mesmerizing hour, I also saw a guy in white uniform with stripes walk around to stop at every single table out there. I found out the next day he was Food and Beverage Director Stephan Knott. I know not what he said to everyone, but the passengers were all smiles afterwards. This guy was all over the ship as well. I even saw him out early one morning organizing tables and chairs left out of order from those who probably stayed out on the upper deck all evening. Although the ship’s name was changed back to Sky, I am glad that “pride” is still in their heart.

Cruise newbie Colleen joined me towards the end. We had about 30 minutes to get to our spa appointments so we dined and dashed from the buffet. She was still amazed that a bill was not going to arrive afterwards. I enjoyed the fresh cut carved pork loin and the scalloped potatoes and smiled. Many passengers went to the Welcome Aboard show and to Monte Carlo night in the disco. Knowing I could watch what I missed on television the next day, we got ready for the spa darlings. By the time we would be done, we could catch the 70’s Groove Party put on by the cruise director. Of all my cruises, he is now my favorite…

coka

[McDebbie]

Can't wait to read the rest!

[phabric]

I have enjoyed reading your review. We are new to NCL and will be on the Sky in October.

You mentioned dropping off your carry on somewhere. Do they give you a luggage tag to pick up the carry on later or is all the carry on in one room and anybody can pick up whatever carry on they want.

[coka]

Originally Posted by phabric

I have enjoyed reading your review. We are new to NCL and will be on the Sky in October.

You mentioned dropping off your carry on somewhere. Do they give you a luggage tag to pick up the carry on later or is all the carry on in one room and anybody can pick up whatever carry on they want.

Yes, you get a luggage tag and someone is there to watch over the luggage. Keep in mind this is only the carry on. If you check it with the porters out front, they will deliver to your stateroom.

coka

[Cubechick]

Originally Posted by coka

(Jimswims...keep writing yours instead of reading mine, hahaha. We are going to be so sad after we are done writing...we can then read each others and feel like we have sailed on two ships! I read your first post in your review and thought ooooooohhhhhhhhh this is going to be good)!

Wow, having two great reviews to read at the same time! Christmas has arrived in August!

Coka, I feel like I'm strolling along with you, with a frosty martini in my hand. I had to hit the my cruise file on iTunes to give your review theme music!

Hmmm...saw you mention your new favorite cruise director...no one tops Matt Baker, do they? He's just the best! Eagerly awaiting more!!!

[biker@sea]

Happy 25th to you young lady. Did you get any chilled soup??

[Tideone]

Does adult only mean you can get nekkid at the pool? Inquiring minds want to know...

[coka]

(Cubechick, this was the first time I ever met him. One word: WOW! BikerAtSea, I forgot to mention I introduced Colleen to the chilled soup. I forgot to write down what I had but we had the two times we ate lunch in dining room. We could not find it at the buffet...yet they did have hot soup there. TideOne, nobody nekkid! It was more of a club atmosphere with club music...did see some hard bodies though...although no 6'3" Romanian gods)!


...Colleen and I signed up for the embarkation special after we toured the spa earlier. Make your appointments soon to get the time you want. We were the last to be scheduled for the embarkation evening at 8:30pm. Although the Sky does not have the lap pool, the heated tile chairs, and the therapy pools like the newer ships do, I found the spa décor to be most relaxing nonetheless. The massage rooms were very peaceful to be in and had the classic ship feel as opposed to a doctor’s office feeling. Additionally, the spa gals were all friendly, informative, and showed concern for our ailments. Princess, took care of me and Fretzley took care of Colleen. I had a Swedish massage on my last cruise on the Dawn so I stepped it up to a full body hot stone massage. One hour of pure bliss. Since I booked it for embarkation day, it included a complimentary ginger mint body exfoliation before I had all the knots removed from my body by Princess’ magical hands and stones. Maybe it is a good thing NCL does not have the Romanian gods performing this function after all...

Be sure to watch for spa special treatments. I also suggest signing up for a free drawing for signature treatments. You have to actually go to the spa around 6pm and be there to win. I find the odds are good because not a lot people do it. We did not win but those that did were happy! I saved the price list so ask if you want to know how much a particular treatment costs ask away. You can also find the types of treatments on the NCL website. Remember though as with the drinks, the spa treatments add an automatic tip to the final price. One can always tip extra if they like. Princess was really good because I ended up also purchasing an oil for my old tired body along with a gel that takes the knots out after a long week at work. Once back home I told Mr. coka he could even use the oil and gel on his arthritic knees. OH! The sauna and steam rooms are FREE on the Sky, unlike the newer ships where one pays a spa fee.

We left the spa with enough time to hit the Galleria shops. I immediately found my goods and brought to them the counter. “Is this your first NCL cruise?” asked the pleasant cutie behind the counter. I replied no, it is one of many and added the phenomenal price of their Virginia Slims is one reason I keep returning. If you smoke or drink, be sure to check out the prices. If you are not flying home from your cruise, the alcohol prices are very good too. The ship holds your alcohol purchase and you will pick them up on the night prior to debarkation. The galleria shops are not the biggest like you find on the competition's ships but you will be surprised they pretty much think of everything you might have forgotten or run out of. Everything else is right there too…jewelry, perfume, souvenirs, t-shirts, and fun things to peruse through.

We made it in time to Dazzles, one of the lounges that serves as a movie theater in the early morning, the art auction venue in the afternoon, the early evening band, and late night disco. The 70’s Groove party was already rocking and Cruise Director Matt Baker showed up doing one of the funniest Austin Powers imitation. Audience participation was involved and he had me laughing so hard. The best part of all was that in two seconds flat, he got most of the room up on the dance floor. Finally! A Cruise Director with the ability to do that at every venue he hosted throughout the week. Matt became my hero. I did not feel the urge to help any party “get going” because Matt and his staff did a phenomenal job throughout. Now I understood why TideOne said I would love this ship. Matt packed a weeks worth of entertainment in four days and his scheduling was the best ever in my opinion.

The last thing we did that embarkation night was find the late night comfort food. Forgetting to take the Freestyle Daily with us from our cabin (it is good to carry one around with you…if not, reception always had extras available), we were not sure where to go. I knew enough to find a stairwell and ask the late night kids hanging out there because they always know where the comfort food is! They were so excited to help us out. The Longboard Sports Bar is what some of you know as the Blue Lagoon on the newer ships. This is where the late night wings, burger, fries, etc. can be found. Not a buffet, but a sit down venue and the waiter will take your order. They are open until 5am. The back of your Freestyle Daily gives all the restaurant opening and closing information.

Bodies relaxed, funny bones tickled, and tummies full, I went to bed thinking I had just spent two days on board yet it was only one. I was a happy cruiser as I fell asleep immediately. Tomorrow I was going to sit in the morning sun at the dock of Freeport bay and waste time.

coka

[jimswims]

You sure can pack a lot into one day! As always, I am enjoying your adventures.

Any Lady Di moments yet?

[coka]

Originally Posted by jimswims

You sure can pack a lot into one day! As always, I am enjoying your adventures.

Any Lady Di moments yet?

Not one Lady Di comment...more on that for the third day review.

coka

[coka]

Tuesday, Freeport:

We did not book any tours because I really did not have extra money. All the hidden mad money funds were emptied from my curtain valance to pay for future cruises. I sort of robbed Peter to pay Paul for this last minute Sky runaway. Even so, I did pick up the shore excursion packet. I did speak to a young gal who absolutely loved the dolphin encounter and to a family who went on the horseback ride. Another couple liked their bike ride. I figure if it took me this long to get a hot stone massage, I will probably be 76 when I swim with the dolphins.

Up early, we paid a visit to the omelet men in the Great Outdoor Café. I adorned it with crisp bacon and home fries. Coffee and juice on a quick return trip and everything was still hot when done our preparations. One sip of the orange juice and I shouted, “Oh my god, orange juice!” Colleen was confused. “Look, it has pulp in it!” She was still confused. “It taste fresh squeezed and it is cold!” From all my cruises on Carnival, RCCL, Princess, and NCL, that little juice machine back there had the best darn OJ flowing from it all week long. I made sure to tell the juice man on the last day just how pleased I was with his mixing skills. Seriously.

We then went to the pool. For all the cruisers who want to sail the Sky for a party ship experience, you will get what you seek. For all the cruisers apprehensive about sailing the Sky on such a short cruise who think you will not be able to relax, let me rest your fears. When in port, the ship is basically yours. For 2 and ½ hours each morning Colleen and I enjoyed the serenity at the pool along with tracked music that included our theme song. We met an elderly brother/sister couple who sailed the Sky to just chill out and they did just that all week too. They became our Otis Redding friends. The best part was that I never saw a chair hog. Nada. Not one throughout the four days. We were a good group of passengers! Either that or the chair hogs were all sleeping in. The pool did not get busy until around 2pm-3pm each day.

Colleen thought it was a younger crowd on board overall but I noticed people of all ages. They came in all shapes and sizes too. Now that I am 46, I have grown to love my stomach that rolls when I sit down. It even has a roll when I stand up straight. The best part is that I could give a hoot. Taking a year to get to that frame of mind, I felt finally freed. How nice to take pool dips in a two piece suit without even sucking it in as I walked past other passengers with the same lazy dazy sunbathing morning plans on board.

We did make it off the ship later for a little stroll around the shops nearby. Colleen needed to get the signature wrap for the pool, the signature souvenirs for family back home, and pictures of the heavenly Sky close up. Perfect timing to be inside the little shops because a big downpour arrived. We just wasted time talking to the locals and looking at their handmade jewelry. Getting back to the ship we cared not about getting soaked in the hot Bahamian rainstorm. Once it goes through all your clothes, a euphoric sense of cleansing takes place. A re-hydration of the body au naturale. Back on board we spotted the rain ponchos for sail near the security check-out. I told you the Sky thinks of everything!

Our buffet lunch was broccoli and cream soup, Caesar’s salad, finger sandwiches, and the roasted chicken that I love so much. Afterwards, it was afternoon nap time. When I awoke, I planned on having my first alcohol beverage. Almost two days on board and I concluded that other than Colleen, I did not know anyone. Mwuahhhhhhh!

coka

[sjbdtz]

Originally Posted by coka

OH! The sauna and steam rooms are FREE on the Sky, unlike the newer ships where one pays a spa fee.

Hi Coka, great review!


One small detail on the newer ships....the Spa suite (with tiled loungers, personal whirlpools, fancy showers, etc. are extra-charge.

However the change-rooms off the gym both have small steam rooms & saunas which are free of charge.


SJB

[Tideone]

I am sorry you did not find any Romanian Gods on board the Sky and I have to tell you that Matt Baker is taken or he was when we were on the ship in June...
His girlfriend is the good looking Goddess playing the saxaphone in the jazz band on Deck 7 in the atrium...
When we were on the ship her music professors from the University of Kentucky, where she is a graduate, were on board celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary.
We would see she and Matt together with them in various venues around the ship.... they told me Matt is her first boy friend that they approve of...LOL...
Matt is a fantastic cruise director and is perfect for the Sky and the good thing is, he loves the Sky and wants to stay on the Sky...
Your review is bringing back so many good memories for me from our cruise... I don't think I am going to be able to hold out until the Epic is launched... I need a cruise fix...NOW!!!

[ZoneHPH]

Originally Posted by Tideone

I am sorry you did not find any Romanian Gods on board the Sky and I have to tell you that Matt Baker is taken or he was when we were on the ship in June...
His girlfriend is the good looking Goddess playing the saxaphone in the jazz band on Deck 7 in the atrium...
When we were on the ship her music professors from the University of Kentucky, where she is a graduate, were on board celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary.
We would see she and Matt together with them in various venues around the ship.... they told me Matt is her first boy friend that they approve of...LOL...
Matt is a fantastic cruise director and is perfect for the Sky and the good thing is, he loves the Sky and wants to stay on the Sky...
Your review is bringing back so many good memories for me from our cruise... I don't think I am going to be able to hold out until the Epic is launched... I need a cruise fix...NOW!!!

ahhh...the Goddess you speak of is Angela. and she has a nice singing voice as well. i had my guesses, but you have confirmed it. they make a great couple. i mean who wouldn't want to be paired up with an Austin Powers look a like!? YEAH BABY! i guess if you really wanted to...you could sort of see a little elizabeth hurley in angela? while angela plays a mean sax....matt shreds up tunes on his harmonica!!! HE TOTALLY ROCKS!

now...you and coka were speaking of Romanian Gods and Goddesses? i shall throw one in the mix for you. the one Romanian (yes from Romania) Goddess you can add to the list is none other than Il Adagio Maitre'd Genina. Actually she also welcomes guests into the Palace restaurant for lunch on embarkation day. that's where DW and i had our first interaction with her.

we would see her throughout our b2b. we also saw her with her hair down, in jeans, during the White Hot Party...and WOW!!! lovely personality!

[welove2cruise232]

Coka, great review so far! You really know how to enjoy every moment!

Can't wait to read the rest!

[NJLVW]

Another fine review. I sailed on the Sky back in 2003..Southern. I truly enjoyed the Sky. She is one of my favorite ships. The Sun being my favorite. Which of course is the sister ship. Never thought she would be back when they sent her to Hawaii..Reading your review makes me feel like I am there with you. Hmmm..I am on vacation this morning just by reading.... I may not wait until next year to go...Thank you for your sharing. Keep it coming.