kathiewe

On some level I understand the frustration OP is expressing, even if I don't quite empathize with it's sustained intensity, especially in the face of the big picture of the offer and it's ultimate value.

 

When I was booking my last cruise, I admittedly didn't read the fine print and T&C's before starting my reservation, and happily selected my two "Free at Sea" Promotions, which included the UBP, so when I got to the summary page I was immediately puzzled and taken aback when the total price was suddenly $200 higher than it had been just before the Promotion selection page. I will also admit that my knee-jerk reaction was one of "what a ripoff/bait-and-switch", when I looked at the details of the cruise bill which now included 2 $99 service charges for the beverage package. I almost stopped the booking right in it's tracks right there, and asked my DH if she thought it was still worth it. She told me to run the numbers and she'll trust my judgment after that. A very quick bit of mental math and I realized that the $200 for gratuities was less than our likely bar bill for a week and significantly less than the usual cost of the UBP (which would almost double our total cruise cost), since the whole reason we were quick to book was the idea of the included beverage program (we did a UBP on RCI for our Honeymoon and it just made it so much less stressful re: budgeting). At that point, the initial anger of having been reeled in with the classic Free (astrerisk) come-on subsided since the UBP promotion was still an amazing value even with paying for the gratuities. Now I just am happy I can get a for all intents and purposes all inclusive cruise within my budget.

Had a similar experience. However, when I realized the extra cost was for tips, was actually glad this was taken care of. First, my DH has been in the food service business for over 20 years and he's seen his staff consistently lose tips from people who get discounts or free meals and tip on the price they pay--not the price of the food/drinks they order. So we actually appreciate that NCL is making sure their staff doesn't get stiffed by this promotion. Next, since we carry as little cash as possible and try to pay for as much of our vacation before we leave, its good to know we have paid ahead for general tips. We can then use what little cash we carry for those who go the extra mile.

I'm sorry if people think that free isn't free since you have pay gratuities, but food service discounts are for food/beverages...tips are still on the guest. This is true of any establishment, not just NCL.

I got a cake and card. Steward also made me a special animal. No over the top but nice.

We have passports and passport cards. We leave our passports on the ship but carry our passport cards. Our first trip we used driver's licences but when we renewed our passport we added the cards. Easy and peace of mind. Love them!

Really wish they would add Cuba to a 7 day itinerary. We love the Sky but go on the 3 day because it doesn't require taking a week off work like the 4.

Thank you for your review and pictures!

I am sailing Getaway in three weeks and can hardly stand myself any longer.

I'm packed, my outfit for plane is ironed and ready and I'm just waiting to go LOL

 

Hope you post more. Thank you again!

Love it! We leave in 5 weeks and are just as excited! BTW, we are also DVCers.

We never travel without the specialty dining package. The ambiance, food, and service make our vacation. However, I know people (my parents) who find the MDRs more than adequate. Its really personal preference, which is why I like to have the choice. Its not nickeling and diming; its letting me choose how I want to vacation.

As for the SKY's specialties our favorite is Le Bistro followed by Il Adagio and then Cagney's. If you are going to do just one, Le Bistro is the best.

So, for some perspective, went to a hockey game recently (Go Bolts!). The water was about $7 a bottle and it was a smaller size. We got to Disney a lotand thereit is 2.50-3.50 and is also smaller size.

We pre-book water and spend 3-4 a bottle depending on how many we purchase. Its in our cabin ready for our vacation and on par or less than other entertainment venues.

Your on vacation, relax and don't sweat the small stuff.

We are booked on the Getaway for spring break because our 9 year old picked it. Christmas '18 will be on the EPIC, his and DH's choice. He likes water slides and the Splash Academy and they all have those...so don't think you can go wrong.

Still hoping someone can chime in the differences between the different Splash Academies.

Buffet desserts. While we generally enjoy the desserts in the restaurants, the ones as the buffet are tasteless.

We have the Dawn booked for next March. While planning for our Getaway vacation for this March on ncl.com, I accidentally clicked on the Dawn and found we didn't have the beverage package, but had the wifi instead. Called our agent let her know of the error. Within minutes it was fixed.

If you have a good agent, they can--and should--make it right.

We are booked on an aft cabin, deck 10 next March. We also have aft cabins booked on the Getaway March 12, Sky later this year, and Epic Christmas '18.

We love aft cabins!

Thanks for your review. We have been on the Sky twice and love her! She is clean, great service, easy to get around, and fun. We always do the upgraded dining and are never disappointed.

Now we are headed to the Getaway in March and are very excited. DS, 9, is in major countdown mode. Its been a long time since he's been so excited to go on vacation.

Thanks for asking the question. I am a power walker and wake up at between early to hit the streets... er deck. I have asked the crew if it is a problem and they have always said no, so long as I am courteous and cautious. Just need to mindful that you watch for cabins under the track and be mindful of the crew working or others just hanging out. Waking up and walking in the morning is my drug. Its my time. It makes my whole day better. As for going during the day that doesn't work because 1) DH and DS say that it family time and its not fair to them and 2) much prefer to do it when as few people are around because really hate getting the stares and comments from others.

Hi! See my answers below....

1. We will be flying from Detroit. If the ship leaves on Friday, what time does it leave and do you think we should arrive in Miami Thursday?

Even though we only live 3 hours from Miami in Sarasota and have traveled to and from Miami in a single day for business, we drive over the night before for cruises. You just never know what is going to happen. We drove the first time, gave ourselves 2-3x the hours needed to get there, I-95 was closed twice, and as a result we needed every minute of the extra time we had given ourselves. DH's nerves were so shot that we when got on board he needed those drinks. NEVER again. Its one thing to go over for a meeting -- if your running late due to traffic you call and let them know, no biggie. Its something completely different when you are traveling to catch a ship that will leave without you.

2. Is Great Stirrup Cay open? We like to have the option of shade, so should we book a clamshell? How do we do that?

Yes. We always get 2 clamshells. Its easy--just scope out the one you want, set up your stuff, and a crew member will by to get your name, cabin number, and cruise card. Bring your snorkel gear--or rent it there. There is great snorkeling right from the beach!

3. I get the sense that dining at the buffets is included at no cost, but you can book an a la carte and pay the cost of the dinner?

Like others have said there are plenty of choices included with the price--including my son's favorite place--a never ending ice cream stand. DH upgrade to 3 specialty meal plan and enjoy the smaller, more intimate restaurants for dinner. If you do just one--please go to Le Bistro. Its our favorite on the ship and one of our favorite restaurant's anywhere. The ambiance is quiet and special; the food is amazing. We are going on the Getaway in March and the pictures of Le Bistro make us little worried that it won't be as special there. Ambiance can make or break a restaurant and the ambiance at Le Bistro on the Sky is pretty amazing -- particularly at sunset.

Our second favorite is Il Adagio and then Cagney's. If there is one we could skip it would be Cagney's.

4. What time can we "disembark"?

Others are right, you can leave by 7 - 7:30.

5. I think that cruise stops in Nassau. Anything in particular we should try to do there?

We really just walking around the shops. The Pirate Museum is a great way to learn about history and have fun. John Watling's Rum Distillery is a yummy diversion. Both are in walking distance of the port.

Enjoy and Happy Birthday!

We are going on the Getaway during Sarasota County, FL's Spring Break, which is March 12. As a District employee with a 9 year old, we chose Spring Break because we are both off. We expect to be with lots of kids and look forward to our son having lots of new friends to play with. We are expecting a decent level of craziness but that is why we got an aft cabin where we can get some quiet in our own space and also booked the upgrading dining package. I think you have to be aware of the timing of your vacation and set your expectations accordingly.

Oh and please don't think that parent is representative of all parents. If our son was involved in such an incident, he would hate life. Vacation or not. Mommy and Daddy don't accept that kind of behavior and he knows it. The same goes for his friend's.

In fact, I am sitting a local public planning hearing because I have a work related presentation to give, my husband is also working tonight, and my son is sitting quietly next to me.

So excited!!!! We had booked the Epic for Christmas 2018, but we were hoping that for the Bliss. Now we can we change.

On this trip we will be celebrating 20 years of marriage and my graduation from grad school. This is going to be AMAZING!!!

:):cool:

We were there in July -- summer vacation -- and there were lots of kids. We were there in early December -- school was in -- and there were very few kids. Either way our son had a great time as they do a great job in the Splash Academy. We spend all day with family activities -- hanging int he pool/hot tub, playing shuffle board or ping pong, and visiting ports. Then in the evening he went to Splash Academy and had fun with the kids.

Guess it really depends on your child and you. Our son is great about just hanging with Mom and Dad and we have fun just being together. However, if you child needs lots of activities and it is a down time then it is isn't like a big ship with lots of toys.

Hey Aussie_Tolly: WOW good luck in advance with your proposal - couldn't think of a more romantic place to propose than a cruise ship!

 

My wife and I were on the Sky in November - really great choice firstly, as the booze is free flowing, and the service was excellent.

 

Regarding a semi private location - if you want to be outside, go to Deck 10 towards the Forward part of the ship to Outrigger Lounge. If you go through the Lounge, there are doors to your right or left that leads to a deck all the way forward of the ship. Considering that it's boarding day, this part of the ship is pretty quiet prior to sailaway. You'll have excellent views of Miami, along with being at the front of the ship as well. I'd say that this is a good place to have your group get together as well, but the bar in this lounge wasn't open prior to our sailaway - however there are many bars throughout the ship that are definitely open (we were definitely nicely buzzed for the Muster Drill!). A good bar that I'm fairly sure would be open is Captain Cook's Bar or the Longboard Bar - they are smaller places that would be able to easily accommodate 20+ people.

No real priority for balcony rooms that I remember (although, again, we were enjoying our drinks poolside!), but if memory serves me correctly the rooms were available at about 1.00-1.30. Plenty of time before muster drill.

Best of luck - you'll have to post us the details on how your proposal goes!!

Agreed! The outdoor area in front of Outrigger Lounge is the perfect place. Just one thing the Outrigger is forward on Deck 11. Its quiet, has a great view, and really pretty. There are time the door to the outside is locked, but even if it is, the Outrigger Lounge is really pretty and quiet so would be a great place as well. We were there when they had a wedding reception in this location, we thought it was a great place for wedding/proposal.

As for bars -- the Longboard Bar or the Great Outdoor Cafe both in the aft on Deck 11 are great places to connect with your party after the engagement.

Have a great trip!

Like all cruises people are having fun and relaxing around the bar. However,you will not see drunk people everywhere. In fact we have only seen one or two on each trip.

Have fun!

We have been on twice since July and have used the buffets and MDRs for breakfast and lunch but have gotten the dining package for dinner. Love all three. So worth the extra money.

As for dress, we go all out one night, Le Bistro, but go Florida dress on the the other nights.... cocktail/dressy sun dresses for me and nice shorts/polo for DH. DS eats hotdogs from the buffet and then heads to the kids club.

Cheers!

And 12 times from mid May through mid October it will visit Harvest Caye this year, which is a new and improved version of GSC that has a dock. The only positive for GSC over Harvest Cay is that the UBP works there.

Well and if your snorkelers like us, GSC has some great snorkeling right off the beach and Harvest Cay doesn't have any.

Loved your trip report! Great pics. Looks like you had a great vacation.

We are headed on the Getaway in March -- so excited!

I would definitely get a rental car. Fort Lauderdale is one of our favorite areas in South Florida.

In fact for our upcoming trip we asked my SIL and her fiance to fly into FLL where we will pick them up, go downtown for lunch and a bit of shopping, check in at the Sheraton Cypress Creek for the night, and the go to a pre-cruise dinner at one of my favorite restaurants -- Mai Kai.

If you haven't been to Mai Kai, check it out. Its a 60 year old South Florida icon. Modeled after a Tiki Hut in the Polynesian, the food is good, the luau show is even better. Its Old Florida Kitsch at its best and the perfect way to start a Caribbean vacation.

Asked a NCL rep about this last week and he said that it is possible. They are testing the 4 day but may make a change depending on how it goes.

I am hoping so....

My husband's first cruise and my first in over 20 years was last July on the Sky. Since then we have been on the Sky once more, are booked on the Getaway for spring break in 65 days, the Dawn for next year spring break, and the EPIC for Christmas 2018 (though that may change to the Bliss). We also plan to go on the Sky this summer and next just haven't booked the dates.

So, the Sky got us into cruising and for that we love her. She's not as big with all the toys of the newer ships, but she has some great spaces and is perfect for a short sailing. We really like home she is laid out and love the upgraded restaurants for dinner as well as the other array of dining options for breakfast and lunch.

If you go with a carefree, this is going to be fun attitude that is what you will have.

Enjoy!