NCL Sky - July 5-8

I just returned home from July 4 Bahama Cruise on the NCL Sky and wanted to share some of the experience. The cruise was a family vacation for 8; two in their 60’s, three near 40, and three children 11,11, and 8. This was the first cruise for everyone but my DW and I.

Five of us flew into Miami on Sunday, July 3. Our DS, DIL, and DGD decided to drive as DGD has a peanut allergy and has problems on airplanes. They arrived a day earlier. We stayed in the Comfort Suites Miami Airport North thanks to many reviews on Cruise Critic. We had three rooms. We found the hotel to be very clean and the staff were all friendly and courteous. Our flight arrived early and the other 2 rooms were not ready yet. We had made arrangements for DS to have a key to his room available at that desk for us to use a changing place. We arrived early enough to take advantage of the free breakfast. After eating we enjoyed the swimming pool located just outside the breakfast area. The breakfast was a typical Comfort Suite breakfast. The pool was nice and not crowded during our stay.

One of the reasons for staying at the Comfort Suites Miami Airport North was the free shuttle to the port. We signed up for five of us to leave on the 9:45 shuttle. The pick-up was very organized. The van pulled a trailer and the driver organized the luggage in the order of departure from the shuttle. The NCL Sky was the first ship so our luggage went on last and came off first. The family that drove used Safe Cruise Parking. That cost $10 per day and their experience with the parking lot shuttle was good. In fact they arrived at the port before the hotel shuttle did.

We arrived at the Port of Miami about 10:00 am. Our luggage was checked by a nice porter who did an excellent job describing the cruise to our DGS’s. There was a very short line for registration and we entered the lounge area with a boarding group 10 number. The other part of the group was waiting for us and they had received boarding group number 2. The NCL staff allowed us to board with them as we were one group. We were allowed to board at 11:30. Entry to the NCL Sky was made onto 6th deck.

After boarding we went to the children’s club Splash Academy to enroll the children, This was done quickly. We ended up not using the club, but it was nice having it available. We then went to have lunch at the Palace Main Dining Room. We did this so that my DIL could speak with the Restaurant Manager about DGD peanut & tree nut allergy. She had contacted NCL prior to the cruise also. The manager Luke discussed this with them and had a safe lunch prepared for her. I will give more information about this in another thread on food allergies. I will make this comment. NCL was excellent in handling her dietary needs, especially Ayu the manager of the Crossings. Thank you NCL for a safe holiday.

I had made 6:00 PM reservations for the 8 of us in the Crossing Main Dining Room prior to the cruise. We ended up changing this time throughout the cruise because of conflicting activities. The staff was very helpful in doing this. We only had difficulty once as a group of 300 young Argentina girls had the Crossing reserved for 7:30. The reservation clerk made the reservation for the Palace instead. We ate all our evening meals in the main dining room and found the choices on the menu to be plentiful. The DGS’s selected items from both the child menu and the adult menu. I could not believe the serving size of the macaroni & cheese from the child menu. It was huge. It must have been good as they ate it all. All of the meals in the MDR were great.

I wanted to include the NCL SKy Dailies in the other post. Link below

NCL Dailies

Appreciate the report and dailies.

Day 2

Freeport (GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND) - My wife and I do not normally book our excursions through NCL, but since we were traveling with so many first time cruisers and youngsters, we decided to use NCL at Freeport. We decided to do the Lucayan National Park Kayak Experience. We purchased this excursion prior to the cruise.

After disembarkation from the Sky we exited the port through the gates and were greeted by guides with signs for our excursion. We were asked to gather in the pavilion to wait on other members of the tour. When everyone arrived we were escorted to a bus to begin the tour. We were driven about 15 minutes to another meeting point to get in a van pulling the kayaks. From there we were taken to the park to begin the tour. Our guide, Bradley was awesome!

First we walked along a short nature hike to see Ben's Cave. We were given information on how the caves were formed. There were many bats nesting in the cave. We then continued on the hike where Bradley told us about the plants and wildlife in the area. It was a very short and easy hike.

We then arrived at the starting point for the Kayak tour. We were given given a short, helpful lesson on paddling through the mangroves and then began our journey. The kayaking tour was about 2 miles in length and took just under 1 ½ hours. The Mangroves were so peaceful. At times it was difficult keeping the kayaks out of the roots of the Mangrove, but everyone accomplished it. My DW and I both in our late 60’s were able to keep up. Each of our grandkids were were with one of their parents. The tour gave us a nice workout, but nothing we could not handle.

After completing the kayaking, we were asked to board a raft with all the men on the right side. The men had the opportunity to pull the rope to move the raft to the other side of the creek. THat was an interesting way to navigate the creek. After arriving on the other side we walked a very short distance to one of the most beautiful beaches i have ever seen.

We were the first group to arrive there so had the entire place to ourself. A nice lunch of sandwiches, chips, cookies and drink was served in the pavilion. It was interesting watching two raccoons observing us from a distance. I definitely recommend this excursion for a low-key relaxing day.

That evening after enjoying dinner in the Crossings Main Dining Room we went to the “ShowDown”. The showroom was different than other NCL ships that we have been on. The chairs were a swivel type and made the seating a little awkward. The family members all enjoyed the “competition” in the ShowDown. The singers did an excellent job entertaining the audience. We have seen this show on other ships, but it was fun watching it through the eyes of first-time cruisers.

Enjoying your review.

Thank you for your review! We leave in two weeks and this is perfect for me so I can procrastinate writing my last college paper before I graduate.

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WhaleLover4 thank you. Enjoy your upcoming cruise. The Sky is a fun ship.

Enjoyed this review also....I am on the SKY for the 1st time Sept 19 and haven't a clue what to expect!!!

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Enjoying this.

Keith

Great review and thanks for the Dailies! I sail on the Sky for the 4th time in about 3 weeks!! I really enjoy this ship....much more than the mega ships! ;)

We had three ocean-view cabins on 6-A Oslo Deck. Sorry we did not take any pictures of the cabin. The cabin was for three and the bed is a typical NCL bed (twin or double). The window was a nice picture window with a nice view. We decided to have our room set-up as twin beds so that we could walk unobstructed to look out the window. The children found the sofa bed comfortable. Maybe they were so tired it didn't matter. The cabins were 6002, 6003, and 6004.

I will say that we were very pleased with the location of these cabins. The Oslo 6-A Deck is quite unique. It is in the ship's bow only and really is 1/2 way between deck 6 and deck 7. It did not have elevator access. You could only reach the cabins by walking down a half flight of steps from deck 7. One of the great things about this location was that when you left the cabin and went up the steps you were very near the elevators and Deck 7 Atrium. The cabins were quiet both day and night. We really could not have asked for a better location. I would definitely select these cabins again.

We leave Friday for the 3 night cruise on the Sky, my son has a peanut allergy and I would love to hear your recent experiences with your grandchild!!

We leave Friday for the 3 night cruise on the Sky, my son has a peanut allergy and I would love to hear your recent experiences with your grandchild!!

Cookingqueen I posted about our experience on another thread. Here is the link.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=50623566&postcount=34

I really recommend that you talk with the Manager of the Crossings Ayu. I think that is how you spell her name. She was wonderful. Have a great cruise.

Day 3 Nassau

At this port we decided to take an excursion not sponsored by NCL. We did the Total Package Watersports excursion by Paradise Ocean Sports. The excursion included a sampling of snorkeling, parasailing, wave-runner, and banana boat ride.

My DW and I have been on many cruises, but have never been to Nassau. Can you believe that. After reading many post about Nassau we became concerned about reserving this tour. We were concerned about the aggressive behavior of excursion sales-people that we read about. We began to wish we had decided on a NCL tour instead. That ended up being a needless concern as the Total Package Watersports excursion by Paradise Ocean Sports was wonderful. We did not have to meet the tour group until 11:30 so I think we ended up being behind the mad rush. The tour itself was from 12:00 to 4:00.

The first concern was finding the Tour Company’s kiosk. That ended up being simple. As soon as we exited the pier we turned right and there was the Kiosk directly in front of us. There were posters that included the same pictures that I had seen on their website. Their name was also easy to spot. They had sales people that were trying to sell the tour to walk-up tourist. We checked at the kiosk and was told to step behind the booth and wait for our excursion to be called.

At 12:00 we were escorted to a bus and taken to the marina to catch the tour boat. It was a very nice bus. We then boarded the boat and began our journey to the events for the day. On the way the guide shared information about Nassau and showed us the homes of many celebrities.

We soon arrived for the first event of the day, snorkeling. The boat anchored and everyone exited the boat and had a short swim to the an area where the staff fed the fish. It was a nice introduction to snorkeling. The only thing that could have been better was the life-vests were not designed for swimming or snorkeling. They were the lifeboat style designed to keep your head up out of the water. That was not conducive to snorkeling. A different style life vest would have made snorkling more enjoyable. I will say that the staff did an excellent job making sure that everyone was safe and enjoying the event. The crew allowed my wife and I since we were the oldest to have the opportunity to head back to the ship first as it took us longer to swim there. They did a good job handling the different age groups - 8 to 68.

After snorkeling our family then moved to parasailing. The eight of us were transferred to a speed boat that took us out to enjoy the parasailing experience. I will say that my wife and I enjoyed this part the best. None of us had parasailed before and we all thought the experience was wonderful, The view from the air was unbelievable. They even dipped us in the water as they brought us in. All of us wished we could have done that again.

http://www.grantmkt.com/ncl_sky/20160706_134304.jpg

After completing that event, we were transferred back to the boat and had a wonderful lunch. We then were taken to a beach where our family were able to ride the wave-runners. There were three wave-runners available. Each of the grandchildren rode with an adult. There was no tour. After brief instruction the riders were able to go out and ride on their own. All three of the adults had a great time with this.

When the wave-runner event was done, the group then got to ride the banana boat. My wife and I opted out of the wave-runner and banana boat. It was great watching the group take off behind the speed-boat. THey had a great time and all were excited when they came back to shore.

It was then time to return to the port. The crew tried to get the party going with music, limbo & punch (both alcohol & non-alcohol). There were not many partiers onboard, but the kids had fun. The excursion arrived back about 4:15. We had some time to spend at the market before embarking on the ship. After an active day in the sun the cold face-cloth NCL offered felt good. I highly recommend this sampler for a fast exciting day in Nassau. The staff members were very courteous and really seemed to enjoy their job. Most of all they were concerned with the participants safety and wanted each person to have fun. If you purchase the excursion online through Paradise Ocean Sports you receive a 20% discount.

Day 4 - Great Stirrup Cay

Before the cruise began, I reserved a large cabana for the family. It was so early that we received cabana #1. Was told that there were only 10 large cabanas so needed to reserve early. I guess I accomplished that. With this reservation we also received priority tender tickets. This allowed us to take an early tender to the island and beat the rush.

When we arrived on the island we went to guest services to check in for our cabana. We were escorted to our cabana and the fun began. The large cabana was very nice. IT had 8 chairs/lounges, table, 4 float mats, refrigerator, ceiling fan, hammock and shower. One of the nice things about having the cabana, it was easy for our grand-daughter's lunch to be delivered. We had ordered it the night before. This cabana was not far from the restrooms and buffet area. A server came by frequently to check if we needed any beverages. As on the NCL Sky the beverages were inclusive, so no charge. For those curious, yes we did tip. The refrigerator was filled with water and a fruit tray. Tortilla Chips and salsa were on the table when we arrived. The cabana also included a $50 food voucher which we used for shrimp cocktail and more fruit. The cabana made for a good gathering point when the families went different directions. It was also a nice shady resting spot for us of the older generation.

Six of our group enjoyed the wave-runner for 2 excursion. They really had a fun time. It was a 45 minute escorted tour. After a brief instruction the participants were divided into two groups, those who wanted to go fast and those who preferred a slower pace. Our two sons & grandsons chose the fast group. Our daughter-in-law and grand-daughter selected the slower group. They went out to another island where they got to hold a starfish. They then headed back to GSC. Everyone definitely thought that this excursion was worth the money.

We rented the snorkeling gear. Didn’t really use it until late in the day. We found the best snorkeling area to be near the rocks. We saw many fish there. We never did find the Fate of the Fancy snorkel adventure. We were told later that most of the “artifacts” on that adventure were destroyed during the last tropical storm. The island will be closed for remodeling this fall and will reopen January 2017. NCL is adding an improved snorkeling area, zip-line, additional restaurants, a sports center, theater, boardwalk, and a private area for Haven guests.

Be aware that the buffet area closes exactly when advertised so that they can get the equipment & supplies back to the ship. The bars begin closing about an hour before the last tender. The island was a great day and a wonderful way to end a fun family vacation.

Thanks for your review! We sailed the Sky in June with a group ages 28 to 71 and everyone enjoyed themselves. The Sky is a great ship!

Thanks for your review! We sailed the Sky in June with a group ages 28 to 71 and everyone enjoyed themselves. The Sky is a great ship!

I agree the Sky is a great ship. With it being July 4 week it was fun watching all the young adults enjoying themselves while we also enjoyed our first family vacation. There was something for all ages. This was the first cruise for everyone but my wife and I and the sons are already talking about their next cruise.

HI all!

CardFan ~ really enjoyed your review & pictures.:D I was on the Sky in April & our cruise wasn't able to get to GSC so you were lucky, it looks lovely.

Nice little taste of cruising to get first timers hooked.

~ Jo ~ :)

Thanks for the great review, we're taking our first cruise ever on the Sky next month.

Also love your user name - our son is a U of L grad!:)

Thanks for the great review, we're taking our first cruise ever on the Sky next month.

 

Also love your user name - our son is a U of L grad!:)

30palms you will love your first cruise. That time will go by so fast. If you have any specific questions just ask and I will attempt to answer. Thanks for the compliment on the user-name. Football practice begins this week. It should be an exciting year.

30palms you will love your first cruise. That time will go by so fast. If you have any specific questions just ask and I will attempt to answer. Thanks for the compliment on the user-name. Football practice begins this week. It should be an exciting year.

I do have a few questions! Although I think I'm fairly knowledgeable in technology I'm stumped with how cellphones will and won't work while at sea. We're not buying the internet package and know to turn off data but I'm reading posts on using airplane mode. I don't believe the Sky has functionality for the iConcierge app.

I'd also like opinions on if a power strip and some sort of nightlight is needed for our cabin. We have a balcony so there is access to light.

I do have a few questions! Although I think I'm fairly knowledgeable in technology I'm stumped with how cellphones will and won't work while at sea. We're not buying the internet package and know to turn off data but I'm reading posts on using airplane mode. I don't believe the Sky has functionality for the iConcierge app.

 

I keep my phone in airplane mode when on the ship. When I am port and in a location with WIFI I turn my WIFI on but leave the phone in airplane mode. I was unable to get the iConcierge app to work on the Sky. I have Sprint as my phone carrier. They have an Open World plan that you can sign up for. Freeport & Nassau are on that plan. I did not use it as my family was with me on the cruise. It includes unlimited voice & unlimited text. 3 gig of 3G data is also included. If you use that plan make sure the phone is in airplane mode away from port on the ship.

 

I'd also like opinions on if a power strip and some sort of nightlight is needed for our cabin. We have a balcony so there is access to light.

 

I always bring a power strip. The Sky only has one electric plug. I use a small strip that also has USB charging input. As far as a nightlight I do not bring one. Many times I will turn the TV on to the ship camera (channel 22 I believe) and turn down the sound. That will light up the screen when the sun comes up.

Answers above in red.

Great idea about the TV!

Cookingqueen I posted about our experience on another thread. Here is the link.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=50623566&postcount=34

 

I really recommend that you talk with the Manager of the Crossings Ayu. I think that is how you spell her name. She was wonderful. Have a great cruise.

We just got back and had a wonderful time! The Manager that we spoke to has a son with multiple allergies and was very attentive. We pre ordered his dinner every night and it worked out great. We also spoke with the manager at the buffet and he walked us through and we felt comfortable with my son enjoying breakfast at the buffet as well as burgers/pizza at night. He loves bread and were able to bring him his own basket of french baguettes- he loved them. Thanks so much for the great info!