Carnival Imagination or Norwegian Sky

[Phillygirl59]

I am trying to decide on whether to book the Carnival Imagination or the Norwegian Sky out of Miami. I've cruised on the Imagination's sister ship the Sensation and was wanting to try something different. I know the staterooms on Carnival are bigger but was wondering if the Sky would give a different experience (fun, food, design, amenities) worth the sacrificing size on a stateroom from Carnival to Norwegian, or if I should just stick with Carnival.

 

So does anyone know which one would be better, Carnival Imagination or Norwegian Sky?

[ATL2LAS]

I am an Imagination fanatic so my answer is going to be a bit biased. I have never had a bad experience on this ship. They offer anytime dining now, so thats an excellent plus. They don't offer the specialty dining options like NCL, but they don't need to. The food is excellent. I am looking at doing the Sky next year but feel that Carnival has me spoiled:D

[Phillygirl59]

I am an Imagination fanatic so my answer is going to be a bit biased. I have never had a bad experience on this ship. They offer anytime dining now, so thats an excellent plus. They don't offer the specialty dining options like NCL, but they don't need to. The food is excellent. I am looking at doing the Sky next year but feel that Carnival has me spoiled:D

Wow, 5 times on Imagination, I guess you like it huh? LOL I see you've been on the Norwegian Sun too, is that the Sky's sister ship? If so how was that in general. Would you recommend it even though you love the Imagination?

[ATL2LAS]

I did not have the best experience with NCL. But that was years ago. I am going to give them a shot again.

[BIG_Steve]

I am trying to decide on whether to book the Carnival Imagination or the Norwegian Sky out of Miami. I've cruised on the Imagination's sister ship the Sensation and was wanting to try something different. I know the staterooms on Carnival are bigger but was wondering if the Sky would give a different experience (fun, food, design, amenities) worth the sacrificing size on a stateroom from Carnival to Norwegian, or if I should just stick with Carnival.

 

So does anyone know which one would be better, Carnival Imagination or Norwegian Sky?

 

I cruised both of those ships in 2009. You can find links to my reviews in my signature. Which is better is a tough and subjective question.

 

Overall, I thought the Imagination was better, but I liked them both and would go on the Sky again in a heartbeat.

 

On the Imagination, the food was better, the cabin was bigger, the shower was MUCH bigger, the clubs were hopping, and the casino was fun with lots of low minimum tables. However, this boat was a party hearty bunch. It was hard to get away from the partying and the constant thump-thump lowest common denominator music.

 

The Sky is nice, and although you can party pretty good on board, you can find quiet areas to get away from the party. The balcony rooms are also much more affordable.

 

NCL offers only freestyle dining. Eat in either of the two Main dining rooms or buffet when you want, included in your fare. Or pay more and eat in an upscale restaurant with pretty good food.

 

The Imagination offers conventional and anytime dining. Anytime is somewhat similar to freestyle, except you will be assigned to one of the dining rooms only.

 

Both had okay shows. I would give the Imagination the slight edge in the musical reviews area. Although if Rich Purpura is still the comedian on the SKY, he is a riot.

 

All things being equal, I would choose the Imagination over the SKY, but wouldn't mind going on the SKY again one bit.

 

Does that help? It sounds like it probably doesn't. Oh well.

[leeanninfla]

I have been on the Sky 3 times, 2 times on the 3 nighter and once on the 4 nighter. Had a great time all 3 times.

Don't have to spend extra for the specialty resturaunts as the food is great, however I do tend to do one night at Cagney's anyway, the filet mignon is amazing.

Rich is a great comedian, Matt is a wonderful Cruise Director and Leo is awesome for the sing a long in Captain Cook's Lounge.

[Phillygirl59]

I cruised both of those ships in 2009. You can find links to my reviews in my signature. Which is better is a tough and subjective question.

 

Overall, I thought the Imagination was better, but I liked them both and would go on the Sky again in a heartbeat.

 

On the Imagination, the food was better, the cabin was bigger, the shower was MUCH bigger, the clubs were hopping, and the casino was fun with lots of low minimum tables. However, this boat was a party hearty bunch. It was hard to get away from the partying and the constant thump-thump lowest common denominator music.

 

The Sky is nice, and although you can party pretty good on board, you can find quiet areas to get away from the party. The balcony rooms are also much more affordable.

 

NCL offers only freestyle dining. Eat in either of the two Main dining rooms or buffet when you want, included in your fare. Or pay more and eat in an upscale restaurant with pretty good food.

 

The Imagination offers conventional and anytime dining. Anytime is somewhat similar to freestyle, except you will be assigned to one of the dining rooms only.

 

Both had okay shows. I would give the Imagination the slight edge in the musical reviews area. Although if Rich Purpura is still the comedian on the SKY, he is a riot.

 

All things being equal, I would choose the Imagination over the SKY, but wouldn't mind going on the SKY again one bit.

 

Does that help? It sounds like it probably doesn't. Oh well.

Steve,

 

Thanks so much, your post gave me the exact "detail" I was looking for in how to compare the two and really helped me decide to go with my first thought which is the Imagination. ATL2LAS, is biased for good reason it seems as well. I have a habit of second guessing myself & my instincts at times, only to go with my first thought in the end. I don't know, I gues I like to torture myself in that way!

 

Thanks guys for your help, Imagination it is and I can't wait!

[ATL2LAS]

I hope you have as much fun as I do when onboard. I also see you are leaving the day after my cruise on the Destiny leaves. Embarkation is so fast you won't know what hit you. You will be onboard at at the Lido buffet before you know it. I would recommend taking your bathing suits in your carry on so you can change once on and hit the pool right away:D