Likes/Dislikes about Sky?

[Valen9]

I cruised on Breakaway last month, and it looks like I qualified for a free cruise on Norwegian Sky sometime before February 27, 2015. (Subject to blackout dates, of course.) Before I spend $400 on a plane ticket and scrape up the vacation days, can anyone tell me what's up with Sky lately?

 

What do you like about Sky? What do you dislike about it? How is it for a short (3 or 4 day) cruise out of Miami?

Edited October 22, 2014 by Valen9

[CruzLover80]

It's been a while for me but it was my first real cruise and we loved it. It was the ship that got us hooked. It's a perfect size ship, the food was excellent and so was the staff. I say if you have the $ absolutely, if not, assign it to me :D!

[Valen9]

Thanks! I guess the whole "free" part of it is throwing me -- why would NCL give me a free cruise if they could sell them?

[ColinIllinois]

Thanks! I guess the whole "free" part of it is throwing me -- why would NCL give me a free cruise if they could sell them?

 

 

You don't know why you got a free cruise? They didn't tell you? :confused:

Edited October 23, 2014 by ColinIllinois

[Valen9]

You don't know why you got a free cruise? They didn't tell you? :confused:

 

LOL, no. They were having a promotion in April where if you bought a cruise on Breakaway or Getaway in a certain window, you'd get a coupon for a cruise on Sky in Sept 2014 - Feb 2015. I live near Boston so getting to Miami isn't as easy at it was to drive to NYC for my Breakaway cruise.

 

Thanks for the Sky review! Glad you liked it.

[janpo]

We bought our cruise on the Getaway during the same promotion. The BOGO free sale.

 

We sailed the Getaway in September and are booked on the Sky for January 2015 for our free cruise. We booked for the 4 day cruise .

 

We live in Ohio so airfare isn't easy to come by also but we booked through Southwest on their $99 sale last week and got airfare non stop each way for $99.

 

I am excited for this free cruise from NCL. All you have to pay is port fees and the DSC. Makes for a good time!

[david_sobe]

Sky has many positive aspects: A good sized ship that is not ancient. There was a very brief time in 1999 that Sky was the largest cruise ship in the world. The Plantation Club bar is my favorite place for a cocktail with live jazz music. Sky has Cagneys which is my favorite NCL restaurant. Sky wakes up in a different port every day so being on a smaller ship you don't miss the sea days and always busy and active. All the cabin categories are a good size. I stayed in a balcony room and penthouse. And each was larger than some of the newer NCL ships like Jewel. Since Sky was not created by NCL but purchased sometime after it was built it does not have the traditional NCL designs of no high atrium. The Sky has a grand atrium with glass elevators that take you several decks high up to the outside decks. The ship has 2 large swimming pools. That is rare on even the newest ships today. They have the sail away BBQ outside too!

 

The only thing I was not crazy about on the Sky was the theater and entertainment. While it was not bad I thought the theater was stuffy and was created with all these metal railings everywhere. They have the traditional cruise ship entertainment. The shows have completely changed since my last Sky trip so I cant comment on the new ones.

I hope to be booking a Sky cruise again.

Edited October 23, 2014 by david_sobe

[Samstress]

Just did a four day cruise on the Sky. It was the first ship I'd ever cruised on years ago and it was wonderful to go 'back'. She is small by comparison to others; but on a four day cruise that's probably a good thing! The staff is uber friendly and helpful (there again; maybe being smaller is better:)).

I went with three discerning friends who'd never cruised before; and they've all already booked another, longer cruise! That in itself is a great recommendation.

Go and enjoy. It will be worth the airfare!

Cheers,

Sandra

[cliffd64]

The only thing I don't like about the Sky these days is the repetitive itinerary...

 

I keep hoping she will get relocated to Charleston or somewhere.

[Rochesterboatingdotcom]

Taking our third Sky cruise next month. As mentioned above, super staff and a great ship for a short cruise. We love the Plantation Bar for martinis and Longboard's for late night wings and beer. She also has a great casino, have always done well there (your mileage may vary!)

[mitsugirly]

We will be on the Sky for the first time in a few weeks and looking forward to it. We have never done such a short cruise and was worried about the vibe of it (hoping it wasn't just a party cruise as others have mentioned in various threads).

 

Those of you that have been on the Sky recently, since it's such a short cruise and you are in port every day, what type of shows do they have on such a cruise? Do they still have the White Hot party? What day? Do they have the normal magician show or comedian? What about the show that is at the end of the cruise that the longer cruises have (can't remember the name...maybe elements?) that has the performers doing acrobats in the air above you and so on. Do they have a show like that?

[david_sobe]

We will be on the Sky for the first time in a few weeks and looking forward to it. We have never done such a short cruise and was worried about the vibe of it (hoping it wasn't just a party cruise as others have mentioned in various threads).

 

Those of you that have been on the Sky recently, since it's such a short cruise and you are in port every day, what type of shows do they have on such a cruise? Do they still have the White Hot party? What day? Do they have the normal magician show or comedian? What about the show that is at the end of the cruise that the longer cruises have (can't remember the name...maybe elements?) that has the performers doing acrobats in the air above you and so on. Do they have a show like that?

Hi there

Are you doing the 3 night or 4 night. The 3 night is usually a little more party party since there are lots of locals going away just for the weekend. The 4 night is usually the same price as the 3 night too. Many don't like Grand Bahama Island but I like it better than Nassau.

There wont be any acrobats in the performances. Think of the traditional cruise ship shows with a talented group singing and dancing. I saw a Broadway show where they sing and dance Broadway tunes and Soul Rocking Nights which they sang rock songs and danced. I believe both have run its course on Sky after over 5 years. They have newer shows that I imagine are similar in nature. You get what you pay for. Sky has very cheap fares and there is not the budget for big Vegas style acts. But they still do a good job.

Yes they have the White Hot Party. Its either the last sea night or the night before. They have an adult scavenger hunt called Quest. The munchkin will have to be in bed for this one since it is adult in nature, late at night and totally outrageous. Lots of fun and the saying goes "what happens at Quest, stays at Quest." They do have a comedian but I never saw any magic but remember reading there could be a comedian/magician on board recently. Did you mean Fountains? Sky did fountains when I last was on her in 2011 (the crew final show). Someone can mention if they cruise more recently.

 

I love the Sky and it is a very active vacation with different ports and different things to do every day. If you are taking the Munchkin there are no water slides and tremendous kid activities like the newer and bigger ships.

 

The best part is you will get to see an almost completed Great Stirrup Cay. Make sure to take lots of pictures!!!

Edited October 24, 2014 by david_sobe

[joteacher]

We did the four-night last February and loved it! It sounds crazy, but for some reason the staff on this ship seemed to be more personable than on some of the other ships. Considering that you are only on the ship for four days, they go out of their way to learn your name and remember it...amazing! The officers were always visible and extremely friendly and approachable. The entire staff works hard to make the cruise a most enjoyable one!

~Joanne

[aubreyc1988]

we got this offer as well, when we booked the getaway this past august. We thought, yeah, this is awesome, as we live in Iowa, and have to fly to any port anyhow.

 

Well, now we are moving to Dallas, TX and we will be within driving distance to the port of Houston/Galveston. Flights to New Orleans are 100 RT. But for some reason, flights to MIA are like 300-350.00 pp

 

SO long story short, we will probably not be using our free cruise, because we would spend more money getting to MIA for a free 4day cruise than we would getting a 7day out of Galveston or New Orleans.

 

Sad, wish it was transferable!

[FireEater]

Here is my write up on the Sky from April.

 

Loved the ship. Crew was outstanding. Food was GREAT.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2041631

[mitsugirly]

Hi there

Are you doing the 3 night or 4 night. The 3 night is usually a little more party party since there are lots of locals going away just for the weekend. The 4 night is usually the same price as the 3 night too. Many don't like Grand Bahama Island but I like it better than Nassau.

There wont be any acrobats in the performances. Think of the traditional cruise ship shows with a talented group singing and dancing. I saw a Broadway show where they sing and dance Broadway tunes and Soul Rocking Nights which they sang rock songs and danced. I believe both have run its course on Sky after over 5 years. They have newer shows that I imagine are similar in nature. You get what you pay for. Sky has very cheap fares and there is not the budget for big Vegas style acts. But they still do a good job.

Yes they have the White Hot Party. Its either the last sea night or the night before. They have an adult scavenger hunt called Quest. The munchkin will have to be in bed for this one since it is adult in nature, late at night and totally outrageous. Lots of fun and the saying goes "what happens at Quest, stays at Quest." They do have a comedian but I never saw any magic but remember reading there could be a comedian/magician on board recently. Did you mean Fountains? Sky did fountains when I last was on her in 2011 (the crew final show). Someone can mention if they cruise more recently.

 

I love the Sky and it is a very active vacation with different ports and different things to do every day. If you are taking the Munchkin there are no water slides and tremendous kid activities like the newer and bigger ships.

 

The best part is you will get to see an almost completed Great Stirrup Cay. Make sure to take lots of pictures!!!

 

 

We are doing the 4 night cruise.

 

I'm looking forward to Grand Bahama since I have never been there. We plan on going to Paradise Cove.

 

Hmmm, we are not really into the Vegas style shows, so I guess if that's what they have, we'll spend more time (and money) in the casino at night. :p

 

No, Fountains isn't what I was talking about. I've seen that several times...and it's getting old now since they are all the same. That's where the staff comes out dressed in a "sheet" and pours water out of their mouths onto each other and it's pretty funny.

 

I was almost positive they called it Elements. They usually have 1 big "farewell" show that has a bit of everything from the week in it (all the shows together) and they always use the entire theater. Then at the end, a bunch of the staff from the ship comes out and introduces themselves and you can get a group picture. It's a pretty nice show and very entertaining.

 

Yea, we know there aren't any of the water slides, but that's fine. She's still happy with just swimming (if there's even time for that with us being in a different port each day I doubt it).

 

Ok, do tell...the almost complete GSC. What else have they done to it? When we were there last, they were working on the cabanas I think. We didn't bother going over there (but will adventure that way this time because I plan on heading to the lagoon area to check it out). What else is new? Do you have any idea where they do the stingray excursion there? I hear it's close by, but yet I thought I had read that it's kinda like Grand Cayman and it located on a sandbar. Then I was thinking I read that the stingrays are actually there at the island and in an enclosed pen. :confused:

[david_sobe]

Good you are doing the 4 night. 3 nights is very rush and you don't have time to relax. Grand Bahama Island is an industrial port. But what makes it so special IMHO is chances are you may be the only ship in port or maybe one more. Once you get out of the port it is really nice. No tourist trap like Nassau. Its really neat to see the "real" Bahamas. We did the bike ride across the island and to this day it is still my favorite excursion ever!

I think you misunderstood my message. The Sky does NOT have Vegas style acts....just the typical sing and dance dare I say "old fashioned" kind of cruise shows.

Very interesting you are on the Sun and Sky back to back. That is going to be one interesting comparison. They are identical outside with only different hull art. But what I saw of the Sun inside it appears NCL has spent more to revitalize the ship. I could be wrong but you will let us know for sure. For example...isn't there a Moderno on the Sun?

 

The only thing about Grand Bahama Island that is not great is the water is COLD. Its one of northern islands and the warm current that hits Nassau is no where to be found :(

The beaches are beautiful but you must be brave to get in the water.

 

Have fun. I don't have to tell you to take lots of pictures because I know you will :eek:

The munchkin is going to love riding those glass elevators up and down :)

[mitsugirly]

Good you are doing the 4 night. 3 nights is very rush and you don't have time to relax. Grand Bahama Island is an industrial port. But what makes it so special IMHO is chances are you may be the only ship in port or maybe one more. Once you get out of the port it is really nice. No tourist trap like Nassau. Its really neat to see the "real" Bahamas. We did the bike ride across the island and to this day it is still my favorite excursion ever!

I think you misunderstood my message. The Sky does NOT have Vegas style acts....just the typical sing and dance dare I say "old fashioned" kind of cruise shows.

Very interesting you are on the Sun and Sky back to back. That is going to be one interesting comparison. They are identical outside with only different hull art. But what I saw of the Sun inside it appears NCL has spent more to revitalize the ship. I could be wrong but you will let us know for sure. For example...isn't there a Moderno on the Sun?

 

The only thing about Grand Bahama Island that is not great is the water is COLD. Its one of northern islands and the warm current that hits Nassau is no where to be found

The beaches are beautiful but you must be brave to get in the water.

 

Have fun. I don't have to tell you to take lots of pictures because I know you will

The munchkin is going to love riding those glass elevators up and down

 

Yea, this was just a spur of the moment add on to our Sun cruise when they were having the KSF promo going on. I figured I would never do a short 3 or 4 day cruise (since it would cost WAY too much to get to the port than it would for the cruise) and since I was already down there...I figured why not add a ship that I have never been on. :D

 

The way you are describing Grand Bahama reminds me of Montego Bay kinda. Yep, we will be the only ship in port the day we are there.

 

From the pictures I have seen online, there is a Moderno on the Sun and not on the Sky. But then again, I had to look that up from my "picture" source (Beyond Ships website) to see what they showed. Moderno (or Cagneys and most of the others) are not really any of the specialty restaurants we go to when on board (I'm not a real big red meat eater). We usually only go to Teppanyaki or an Asian restaurant if the mood strikes us.

 

I have been wondering if the 2 ships are alike. I was thinking that I read they were built for the same company and NCL purchased them?? I know everyone talks about how much they love the Sun because they don't have your "typical" small room on them. A lot of planning went in to the room we picked (we are going back to an interior this time) and it was because of some of the pictures that we had seen of the room. It seems to be a different lay out than your normal interior and a lot bigger. I was hoping that the Sky would be the same, but have never heard anyone mention it. :confused: We actually picked the EXACT same room on both ships and I'm hoping for the best. (And hoping to learn how to get to my room by the end of the first cruise and won't have any problems with what direction I'm going in by the second :p).

 

Awww man! I really hate to hear that Grand Bahama has the COLD water. Yikes. Although I can usually do pretty good in the water once I'm in (and the munchkin don't care one way or the other lol), but the rest of the family just may chicken out! Since we are going to Paradise Cove, I know there is supposed to be excellent snorkeling there, but it's a little bit of a swim I hear. They will take you out in a small boat and drop you off and then come and pick you up if needed (or if you don't want to swim back on your own). If it's really cold water, I'm not so sure I want to just be dropped off out in the water. :eek: Hopefully at least the place we'll be at will be nice to hang out at if it is too cold.

 

Oh and I think I will be the one loving the glass elevators. It's my favorite thing about the ships. I always love when the ships have them and it's all open in the atrium. I think that's why I don't care so much for the Jewel class ships...only a 2 story atrium is just blah.

[jertom]

Grand Bahama Island is an industrial port. But what makes it so special IMHO is chances are you may be the only ship in port or maybe one more. Once you get out of the port it is really nice. No tourist trap like Nassau. Its really neat to see the "real" Bahamas. We did the bike ride across the island and to this day it is still my favorite excursion ever!

:)

 

Thanks for the helpful comments. Can you tell us more about the bike ride? Is it a group escorted thing or individually renting a bike?

[bonnie voyage]

Love the Sky. Dislike the current itinerary

[david_sobe]

Thanks for the helpful comments. Can you tell us more about the bike ride? Is it a group escorted thing or individually renting a bike?

Its a group escorted trip. They drop you off at the bike station and you pick your bike. You can make seat adjustments and then you are on your way with a very good tour guide. The guide will take you past all the good points on Grand Bahama Island. So you stop and learn as you ride. Its amazing how far you go but with all the little stops it never gets too tiring. You get an hour at some beautiful beach and then have lunch at some amazing tropical garden. Its adventurous, fun, exercise, and a learning experience. Still my favorite excursion of all time! Check the NCL website with excursions at Grand Bahama Island to read more.

[jertom]

Its a group escorted trip. They drop you off at the bike station and you pick your bike. You can make seat adjustments and then you are on your way with a very good tour guide. The guide will take you past all the good points on Grand Bahama Island. So you stop and learn as you ride. Its amazing how far you go but with all the little stops it never gets too tiring. You get an hour at some beautiful beach and then have lunch at some amazing tropical garden. Its adventurous, fun, exercise, and a learning experience. Still my favorite excursion of all time! Check the NCL website with excursions at Grand Bahama Island to read more.

 

Thanks ! I will follow up on the NCL website. Sounds like a great tour.

[themnms]

does anyone have recent input on Cagneys? We loved it on the Pearl and were really disappointed on Breakaway. Wondering if we should try it again on the Sky?

 

thanks

[sunflower47]

We're going on the Sky 4 day next week and we are the only ship in port on Grand Bahama Island.

 

We are going to Gold Rock Beach which is suppose to be one of the most beautiful beaches and then going to Ben's Cave while we are there.

 

Looking forward to our first cruise and getting very excited it's getting real close!!

[Bulldog3777]

We got off the Sky Oct 31. Cagney's was great. Dinning room food was very good. Staff was very friendly all over the ship. Casino was never crowded and the buffet for breakfast was very good and never crowded. Always able to find a seat even on debarkation morning. Loved the Sky.