Cruisermom2nick

I'm resurrecting this thread because we are looking at this cabin. Has anyone stayed here?

I just reviewed our Sky Suite and posted photos of several other deck 9 cabins on the Sky- one is an OV similar to 9074- http://thecheerfulcruiser.blogspot.com/

they use the different cards in their promotion of the club

 

They are all predominantly white on the front with just the top section having the appropriate colour.

 

I believe the Black cards you saw are the original cards given out when they were earned by cruising. they were delivered to you home in a lovely presentation box along with a gold MSC pin in a velvet purse.

 

 

Pete do you know what a gold NCL card equals for MSC? 55 points to be specific...:confused:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

this what I mean by used in promotion of their club

 

 

 

Pete

 

PS

 

in post #6 I wrongly described the red card as Wellness; it is of course the Welcome level

Hello! I hope you had a good successful cruise and we all look forward to reading your "suite life" full review of the NCL Sky. Thanks in advance !!

We had an AMAZING time! :) I am slowly uploading blog posts- my son just moved away to college so we have been super busy! Here is a post with lots of pictures- esp. of the "bump out" room in 9002! I will be posting more soon too!

https://thecheerfulcruiser.blogspot.com/2017/08/norwegian-sky-cabins.html

My FB page is where I post updated blog articles-

https://www.facebook.com/The-Cheerful-Cruiser-1713812358872821/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel

Anyone just off the Sky that has a all inclusive bar menu to post? I found one from January 2016 but was hoping for a more current one.

 

Also, interested in the wine selection. Are there any included sparkling wine or proseco that is included.

 

Any alcohol information would be appreciated

I just posted the menus from the Sky bars on my FB page- please Like my page too!! I will be blogging about lots more on the Sky! :) It is about halfway down the feed...https://www.facebook.com/The-Cheerful-Cruiser-1713812358872821/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel

I just booked MSC Divina for 1st time . I don't see anything about picking a dining time, or is it anytime ? Thank You for any info...

 

 

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The times are usually early (6) and 8:15 (late). If you are Bella or Fantastica you can request your time via your MSC cruise planner. Aurea guests have anytime dining and Yacht Club guests have a dedicated restaurant.

This is a difficult review for me. This was our first time cruising with MSC and we deliberately chose them because we've mostly cruised with RCCL but I was very interested in trying something different, in particular international and MSC seemed to be the right way to go. I'll keep this review restricted to the ship only and not the destinations or ports we stopped at.

 

Let me first highlight what I liked about the cruise:

 

THE GOOD:

1. Boarding

The boarding process went smoothly. My wife and I had chosen a package they gave us a priority boarding and because our daughters were with us they were allowed to join us and avoid the long lines.

 

2. The Ship

The Divina was absolutely beautiful. I definitely like the artistic design and effort that was put into the ship. It had a very unique layout which in some ways it was good and in other ways bad. But I'll get to that in a minute.

 

3. The Food

For the most part food was delicious but in the dining rooms it definitely lacked in the area of presentation. It also seemed that as each day went by they (the kitchen) weren't trying to impress us with the next day's meal. One of my daughters actually up-charged her dinner every day to Surf n Turf because she was afraid of being disappointed by an upcoming meal. But overall the dinner offerings were varied such as prime rib, duck, and lasagna. The buffet on the other hand offered a wide variety of foods both domestic and international. Of course the problem as with most buffets you are fighting with the crowds during busy times but good news is we were able to usually find a seat without a problem.

 

4. The Price

On this one I would say it's great and I'd also say you get what you pay for. There were a few times when I up charged my meals because I wanted something a little better than what was being offered for dinner. On some cruise lines I may have to pay more money but I would've gotten more consistency with the quality and presentation of the dinner selection.

 

As far as our accommodations were concerned they were fabulous. We were in room 10005 which is toward the fore of the ship. Even though we didn't have a balcony we had an expansive view from the front of the ship in a very large room which gave us a table, couch, a desk and plenty of room to move around. The bathroom was also a full-size bath instead of one of the standup glass showers.

 

5. The Casino & Bingo

Hallelujah for a non-smoking casino! That was rather moderate and size and had quite a variety of games and tables available for passengers to try. There was also a bar nearby for those who wanted something to drink and refresh themselves. We also had plenty of time to enjoy daily bingo games which I wish we're done a little bit differently. There were were only two games played and only three prizes per day that could be won. They should have staggered the prizes from $10,000 to $5,000 to $2,500, to $1,000 to $500 and $250 (considering cards were $20 each or 3 for $50).

 

6. Entertainment

We truly enjoyed the entertainment on the Divina. It was an interesting mix of pop music, opera, and theater. We saw a tribute to Freddie Mercury and Queen, a take on the Pirates of the Caribbean, excerpts of Italian opera and lastly a tribute to Michael Jackson. Each show was better than the one before. Lastly, I cannot say enough about the cruise director. He made every performance and day awesome aboard ship!

 

 

THE BAD

1. The Demographic

Traditionally we've always taken our cruises during the month of June. Let me say first that I realize that families for the most part may travel during this time and also the children are out of school but Divina had more than his share of families on board. Maybe it's because on RCCL there seem to be plenty of areas designed for young people and small children to spend most of their time. Our ship had a few areas for them but they didn't seem to cater to children on an 12-16 hour basis. This put parents in a tough situation. For example, at night when most adults like to relax and enjoy jazz, karaoke or conversation in a bar or lounge we often found ourselves accompanied with families with children under the age of eight years old down to small kids in strollers running back-and-forth playing skipping yelling across dance floors and bar room areas. And I'm not talking about in the earlier part of the evening I'm talking about 10 PM to midnight maybe even later sometimes. I understand that for the parents to be cooped up in their rooms with their kids all evening might be a bit nerve-wracking but I grew up in a time where after 9:00 pm small children would be in bed. This was rather frustrating throughout most of the trip.

 

2. The Invisible Valet

During the whole trip I never saw my room valet. There were occasions when our room wasn't even made up, I never saw a note or anything until the very last day when he left his name card. I was a little perturbed by this considering my wife decided to pay the gratuity fee before the cruise and he left his card as an afterthought or a reminder that we should leave something for him.

 

3. Ship Noise and Motion

As far as the ship noise I'm referring to whenever the ship was reversing into port. Whenever the engines were put into reverse there was a huge amount of cavitation which vibrated throughout the entire ship. As I mentioned earlier our room was in the front of the ship and it was loud enough that it would wake me in the morning when I was sleeping and that's how I knew we were pulling into port.

 

Also there was a tremendous amount of motion with the ship. Don't get me wrong it didn't bother me swaying left and right. Walking down the hall never got me to a point of feeling seasick but that feeling of the ship waving back-and-forth was felt quite often in the evening. I don't know whether it was because we were in rough waters or the design of the ship. I will say this the ship is extremely narrow you can literally stand on one side and easily throw something across to the other side of the ship. Wider ships seem to be more stable and I attributed this rocking motion to that.

 

4. Design/Layout

Earlier I stated that the Divina was a beautiful ship and it is but I think there are flaws in the design. I'm not referring to the mechanical or technical design as much as I'm talking about operationally. For example on one deck three or four lounges are located inside the length of the ship. Instead of them being located down the middle of the ship with doors enclosing them they actually extend the width of the deck and people who need to walk to the ship walk through the lounges this is whether you're listening to music dancing or participating in a karaoke contest. So there's a constant foot traffic of adults, children, strollers and people in wheelchairs walking through these areas. I would think and prefer to be secluded from the public in these areas. It felt like you were more in a common area instead of a closed space.

 

Overall my family enjoyed their time aboard the Divina but aren't too thrilled about returning anytime soon. They are a relatively new cruiseline and from what I've read from earlier reviews they are getting better each year. My wife and I are willing to give it a try again (during the time when school is in session). While playing Bingo we won a trip for 2 for a 7-10 day cruise anywhere MSC goes and we're still debating on whether to use it. Their international destinations look great but to go through all we did for 10 days would be challenging to say the least. If we go I'll be sure to post a review and let you know!

 

So do I recommend MSC and the Divina, yes. They have a lot more to do to make it a #1 cruise in my book but they're at a 7 out of 10 for me.

Did you have the Aurea experience? If so how was the drink package it comes with?

8077

I want our next cruise to move up a level and my husband and I to stay in a suite level. I know NW has the haven and msc had theirs etc, but which in your guys opinion is the best and worth the extra money. We are interested more for the more VIP level like suite only lounge bar and restaurants etc. Want to plan for a Dec or Feb cruise.

NCL and the Haven/Suites are truly the best experience! Norwegian offers more perks for Suites/Haven guests comparably.

We were not able to use our classic drink packing one of the bars back in January. Can't remember which one but it was a mixologist martini bar type menu and drinks were about $8.50.

 

 

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Was this the drink package with Aurea?

We've been on the Sky 5 times and 3 times in the last 8 months. We've also been on the Getaway and Escape twice apiece. Other people's assessment have been as mine. The larger ships have the budget for the fantastic entertainment NCL is famous for: "Legally Blonde the Musical", "Million Dollar Quartet", etc.

 

With respect to dining, the large ship's MDRs are exemplary and if you didn't do Cagney's or Moderno, etc would still have an enjoyable cruise. The buffet is quite good also.

 

The Sky is different, especially since it went to include the beverage package. It's somewhat of a "booze cruise" (who doesn't like that?) and food and entertainment are a couple notches below the mega ships. For me the buffet just doesn't cut it and the MDR is marginal. We ate in Cagney's or Le Bistro every night. We made the mistake (Ha!), of getting a suite last cruise and I am forever ruined. Cagney's for breakfast and lunch rocks!

 

Internet, I can't comment on but it doesn't have "NCL Concierge" so I suspect it may be suspect. Luckily, our T Mobile plan includes service on the Bahamas although it's 2G or 3G. It worked well enough on GSC to download a NOOK app to my phone so my wife could read while on the beach.

 

Overall, just because it plays second fiddle to the the mega ships doesn't diminish the charm it has. Why do you think we'e been on it 5 times. She's a great ship and being smaller means more intimate and less hurried. The staff have always been gracious and accommodating.

What suite did you have?

I have taken about 18/20 cruises but not with Ncl.

I always wanted to see Cuba so when things opened

Up I starting looking & Ncl had the best deal.

I have a Aft facing penthouse cabin with large balcony.

Could anyone tell me what perks come with this cabin.

Ncl web site didn't help much.

 

Thank you for your time

Papae- what is your cabin #?

Our first cruise is just over a week away, and i just trying to finsh last minute planning. Where do you go to book the comedy shows after you board? We will be on the Escape.

You will be able to book on the ship- I would advise doing so on the Kiosks (touch screen) on the ship near the elevators. We always set ourselves up as soon as we board on the big ships as the comedy shows frequently get sold out.:cool:

Maybe someone can answer a few questions

for me about the Sky and Ncl.

I have been on 18 cruises but not on Ncl.

I'm booked for a December cruise on the Sky.

I have always wanted to see Cuba & Ncl

had the best price and the right time.

I booked a rear facing penthouse w/ large balcony.

My ? Is what are the benefits of getting this cabin.

Not a lot of info at the web site.

 

Thanks Papae

i take it your room is a Suite Papae?

SUPER excited to have just booked my first NCL cruise on the Getaway in Oct 2018! My go-to line is RC but we were looking at TAs and found one on NCL we liked. Figured we should do a shorter one to try them out first. Haha. I had a couple of questions about the adult only areas. Am I correct that the Spice H2O is adult only, open to all, but no water features? And the Vibe is by limited-pass, also adults only, and has waterfall areas that are kinda sit and chill spots, no pool, and there are also hot tubs? That sounds like where I'd like to be. [emoji41] Since this is my first NCL cruise, I have no priority status, so how quickly do the vibe passes sell out? Would I be dreaming thinking I could snag one? I believe you cannot purchase until you board? Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

 

Vibe passes are usually all sold by the time group 3 is called- the first folks boarding are Haven guests and then guests with the highest status as cruisers-then you are placed in groups by when you arrive at the port. We have always arrived by 9:30 and been placed in groups 3-6. I have seen folks charge the door and race (literally!) down the corridor to get to the ship and purchase the Vibe passes. It seems stressful!! :o

 

 

 

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Vibe passes are usually all sold by the time group 3 is called- the first folks boarding are Haven guests and then guests with the highest status as cruisers-then you are placed in groups by when you arrive at the port. We have always arrived by 9:30 and been placed in groups 3-6. I have seen folks charge the door and race (literally!) down the corridor to get to the ship and purchase the Vibe passes. It seems stressful!! :o

Hello! My husband and I are looking at booking a cruise in February 2018 to the Caribbean. Currently we are looking at two cruise lines - NCL & Royal Caribbean - as my husband has only sailed Carnival and we'd like to see what a mega ship on another line is like. We are looking at two cruises over Valentine's Day, and I was wondering if anyone knows if either line does anything special for the day. For NCL I've looked at their specialty dining package promo, but saw that it mentioned it might not be redeemable on holidays such as Christmas and Thanksgiving, does anyone know if it would be valid on Valentine's Day at a specialty restaurant? :confused:

 

Specifically we are looking at the 2/10-2/17 sailings for the Norwegian Escape (St. Thomas, Tortola, Nassau) and Royal Harmony of the Seas (St. Thomas, San Juan, Labadee) out of Miami/FLL. If there are any thoughts on the ships or itineraries, I welcome those as well. We've never been to most of these places, and I've been wanting to go to San Juan and Nassau for awhile so both seem interesting. Though, I'm not 100% sure what is worth seeing in the ports, or if we should go for the Norwegian Getaway on the 2/11 sailing to Mexico. Decisions are difficult. ;)

 

In advance, thanks for taking the time to provide any feedback!

 

(I apologize if posting this in the NCL forum isn't best as I couldn't find a place that seemed more fitting.)

I have only cruised NCL, MSC and Carnival so far- but I can wholeheartedly rec. NCL! The stops of St. Thomas and Tortola are beautiful and Nassau is fun too! Check out my blog in my signature and search for Nassau, St. Thomas and Tortola and you can see some ideas. :) We did the NCL Tortola tour "Land and Sea" and in St. Thomas we have done the island tour and Magen's Bay (those should be easy to find on my blog too!) In Nassau we have done the beach, and island tour and the super fun John Watling's Distillery. The nice thing about the NCL perks are the alcohol and dining packages-which are awesome!:cool:

We have on board credit we want to use to purchase an additional 3 nights of specialty dining on the breakaway. Once we board, where do we go to do this? Also, since the online system would only allow me to make dining reservations for 4 instead of 3, what is the easiest way to change the number in our party? Finally, the obc is a combo of credit from NCL and our travel agent (who said it might not show up on our account until day 2) so will our on board account then be adjusted? Thanks in advance.

You can do this at Guest Services as soon as you board...i have always reserved 4 for a party of 3 and that is fine- it just means you will get a table for 4. There are no 3 person tables that I know of! :)

We are going on the Epic in January with 6 friends. Looking for something fun to do in St. Thomas. Any suggestions??

I blogged about 2 of our St. Thomas adventures-

http://thecheerfulcruiser.blogspot.com/2016/06/spirited-st-thomas-sightseeing-tour.html

http://thecheerfulcruiser.blogspot.com/2016/06/marvelous-magens-bay-beach.html

Hi all, perhaps my search is not working correctly, but I could only find really old threads on this topic. Do suites (categories that start with an S) still get breakfast and lunch in Cagney's? We've only done the Haven on Getaway and not sure if the Haven this time it is worth twice the cost over the same type of room on the Pearl.

 

Thanks

 

Ty

 

 

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We LOVED our suite on the Pearl in March! The special dining for breakfast and lunch in Moderno was awesome!!! Here is my review-

http://thecheerfulcruiser.blogspot.com/2017/04/our-first-suite-experience-norwegian.html

Hi all - I booked my cruise during the tax free promo (no taxes and port charges). I see now that my cruise is part of a Latitudes reward promo. We are before final payment and I am wondering if I can this promo applied without losing my current promo?

 

Thx,

 

Kyle

To my knowledge it only applies when you book originally as a latitude perk. Unless you can cancel and get your $ back and rebook...

:cool:

Anyone just off the Sky that has a all inclusive bar menu to post? I found one from January 2016 but was hoping for a more current one.

 

Also, interested in the wine selection. Are there any included sparkling wine or proseco that is included.

 

Any alcohol information would be appreciated

Hi there! I will be on the Sky next week and reviewing the ship in detail! I will post menus too! :) Please follow me~

http://thecheerfulcruiser.blogspot.com/

https://www.facebook.com/The-Cheerful-Cruiser-171381235887…/

https://www.pinterest.com/amoy1/

https://twitter.com/CruiserMom2Nick

I am sailing on the Victory and staying in a balcony cabin on Deck 10. I believe I read somewhere that they have updated all of the rooms on the Victory at this point. Is this the case? If so, have they replaced the trundle beds with a pull out couch or a pullman bed? I ask because I have never seen one on a ship before and I would hope Carnival would have replaced them to pleasr their guests. If they have not replaced the trundle beds can someone please comment on how comforatable they are?

 

I believe all the balcony rooms on the Victory-other than the suites-have trundle beds for a 3rd guest.:cool:

Looking for hints about navigating the decks. We are old and looking to prepare ahead of time since we are slow on the uptake.

 

What decks can't you cross through?

 

What elevators are the quickest?

 

What was annoying about getting around!

 

And any other hint you would love to know before you go!!

 

 

 

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I have a detailed list of hints and tips here-

http://thecheerfulcruiser.blogspot.com/2016/07/ten-tips-and-truths-about-msc-divina.html

I will be back on the Divina in OCT and will review our week long cruise too! :) Please like my FB page too for updates- https://www.facebook.com/The-Cheerful-Cruiser-1713812358872821/

My wife and I are considering taking our first MSC Divina cruise in late September. Have been on a bunch of cruises before mostly Royal Caribbean. Looking for something different, a little change. I have read a lot of reviews and watched a lot videos. It seems some people love some hate it. I'm a little concerned about a thousand kids on the ship with kids sail free program. what does everyone think. Appreciate any thoughts.

We loved the Divina and will be back on her in OCT with the Aurea experience. Please check out my detailed reviews http://thecheerfulcruiser.blogspot.com/search?q=divina

and like my FB page too where I will post updates! https://www.facebook.com/The-Cheerful-Cruiser-1713812358872821/

Glad to hear you for everything straightened out! Do you happen to know what their house white is? I know they have 2 choices for white, but no one has been able to tell me the brand. Hope you guys are having a fantastica time. Thanks in advanced!

 

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On our cruise the wine was Mondavi Woodbridge and the beer on tap was Heineken only.

Can you use the choice dining credit to buy a dining package on board?

Yes you can! :)