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Sky Review - A Newbie's Review...

JLBKL

By JLBKL,
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JLBKL

JLBKL

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Sky review - March 31-April 4, 2014 - A Newbie's Review (it's very long, sorry!)

 

I'll start off by saying, we have never cruised before so we had nothing to compare, zero expectations. And we were very very happy! This was a trip for myself (44) and my two kids (14 & 16). We had never been on a tropical holiday (we are from cold Canada!) nor had we actually flown together before (I have flown, and the kids had flown once each, on a school exchange). So lots of firsts were going to occur!

 

Without any idea where to start, other than I had "X" amount of money in my budget and knowing I wanted a hot holiday that was kid friendly and had lots of adventures and things to do. I've always loved the water and have always wanted to cruise, so checked it out online to see if it was for "old people" like it used to be?!

 

Norwegian Cruise Line was one of the first to pop up on my search, and I started with them, no particular reason, other than it met my criteria... Shorter cruise as I didn't want kids to miss any other days from school other than their spring break; it was out of Miami; the price seemed very reasonable! It was the "freestyle" that attracted me, we weren't looking for a formal vacation where we had to dress up or do certain things or eat with certain people, we wanted a relaxed casual do whatever vacation and freestyle suited us!

 

I searched and hunted and roamed around the internet, and nothing was jumping out like the Norwegian Sky. I read a million reviews, lots were not favourable, but I also noted that these were reviews by people who did a lot of cruising and perhaps had much higher expectations. You can't stay at the Hilton repeatedly and expect the Days Inn to meet your personal needs. Both are very good hotels and do meet everyone's needs, but it's all about perspective.

 

So, I said why not, just go for it, so I booked a "guarantee" inside stateroom, cheapest room on the ship. The guarantee means you don't know which room you're getting until closer to sail date, but they will guarantee the room you paid for, or better, it's a gamble, but you know you are guaranteed the minimum of what you paid for. I'm a gambler, so went for that, cause again, it was cheaper! We wouldn't be in room much, so why do we need to pay more for windows or a balcony?!

 

Took the plunge, booked the cruise, booked online flights to miami (that cost more than the cruise !) and searched hotels that had shuttles from airport to hotel, and from hotel to port of Miami. Apparently not as easy or as available as one would think I found out later. I stumbled across LaQuinta Airport East. I've heard of that chain before, it had breakfast included, it had the shuttles, so I booked it. We were coming in one day before the cruise and staying one day after the cruise.

 

Cruise, air, hotel all taken care of....now it was time to sit back and read and research and get excited! Cruise Critic became by best friend and travel partner! Everyone was so helpful and friendly (ok there is the odd one that is just an unhappy soul, but not to worry, the other 99% are awesome!) They all answered my silly newbie questions with exactly what I needed to know, so don't hesitate to ask, they want to help!

 

Called NCL with silly newbies questions, and the lady says I am eligible for upgrade as prices dropped and would I like a room with porthole window for no cost, oh yes please?! Called NCL again to ask more questions about a month from departure and after that was done, the lady advised that prices dropped and would I like to upgrade to a balcony room for a minimal cost? It was $86, so of course I upgraded! So here we are, from the broom closet in bottom of ship to a balcony room! Wow! I LOVE NCL SO FAR!

 

I prepaid the gratuities (do this!), I prepaid the kids drink (pop) package, I also pre-booked two excursions.

 

Day 1, Monday, March 31, 2014 -

We booked the 11:00 shuttle from the hotel to the Port of Miami, we were too excited to stay at hotel and hang out, we wanted to be there near the ship even if we had to wait for hours! We were dropped off at the main entrance for the Sky, greeted by a lovely gentleman who took our bags (we tipped here) went through a check at the door, then another check on way in second doors (quick painless edoc check) and into main area. We had to sign declarations that no one was sick or coughing etc (since we are all living in a Petri dish for a week, I'm ok with them checking!) and we were directed up to the desk. She checked our documents, our passports, my credit card for any future charges on board, she took our pictures and gave us some information sheets for "Day One" and we were directed down a hallway to the waiting area to board. Had our group picture taken as we walked in and then sat with hundreds of people who were early arrivals too! Our wait was less than 10 minutes and they began boarding, according the number you were given as you came into room. Very smooth and painless and suddenly we are on our way up the gangway and heading to our ship!!

 

We were greeted by entertainment/music/dancers and it made it fun and exciting as we walked onto the ship! And the "washy-washy" girl! You will be asked, 800 times a day, to washy washy your hands and they spritz hand sanitizer into your hands, take it, do it, and have fun with it, it's all for our own good!!

 

Up to the pool deck, found the buffet, kids were in heaven, eating and drinking and checking out Miami sites! Laid by the pool and read and people watched until we heard our room was ready, one of the first floors ready, yay! Off to our room (Deck 10, room 0212, Starboard side, mid to front of ship) and wow, was more than we expected, sure it's small, but that we knew! And the balcony.... Oh wow! Our excursion tickets and amenities receipts and onboard credit notes were all waiting in room, just as they said they would be!

 

At 3:00 we took the tour of the ship and learned and saw what was available, was very informative and we enjoyed it!

 

We did the sail away from Miami on our balcony and had the time of our lives, it was spectacular to see, what a view we had! We slipped upstairs one floor to the sail away party and enjoyed the music and fun by the pool as well!

 

We did the life boat and safety drill with everyone at their Muster Stations and that was quick and easy and we were off to explore!

 

We wandered and checked out the ship, and tried some golfing and made our way around and got the lay of the place, it was crazy to believe we were on a ship on the ocean?!

 

We went to the comedian that night, and they introduced the officers of the ship there as well, and they are funny and entertaining and good sports! Comedian was great, kids really enjoyed too! We went back to the buffet for supper Which was fantastic, great selection for a growing boy and a picky girl which makes for a happy mom! Checked out the party on deck, checked out the stars in the sky and eventually made our way to our room where we found it all set up for bedtime by our lovely cabin steward! Time to unwind on balcony and listen to the water and relax and enjoy the moment!

 

I thought sleeping on a train was amazing and peaceful, it's nothing compared to the gentle rocking of the water and the sound of the waves and the smell of the good clean air! Ordered room service for morning and hung the card on the door. Comfortable beds surprised me, and It was a great night!

 

Day 2, Tuesday, April 1, 2014 - Great Stirrup Cay

Wow what a sleep! :)

Wow what a sunrise! :)

Wow how blessed am I, having coffee and fresh fruit delivered to my room, sitting on the balcony watching a spectacular sunrise over the ocean and turning my head and seeing my kids laying In bed, both have woke up and are silently watching the sunrise from bed through the open door. What more can a person ask for?

 

(During morning announcements, Captain Pelle said welcome to Cuba....hahah it was April Fools Day...!)

 

This was our beach day, kids have never swam in ocean, so I didn't book anything, just wanted to take it easy and relax and see what the day brought! After such a fantastic start to

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JLBKL

JLBKL

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Last of my review.... I messed up the post sorry!

 

....the day, we got up and ready and headed to the buffet for real breakfast, and it was not a disappointment, something for everyone! Leisurely breakfast and back to room to eventually get tender to Great Stirrup Cay, their private island. Purposely did leisurely morning so as to avoid the rush and waiting for the tender. Right onto the tender and off we went, beautiful day, super hot for us Canadians, but was perfect! Found loungers together, 2 in the sun and one in the shade for mom and we were set! Wandered around their shops and checked out the goods and then changed into bathing suits and off for our first swim together in the ocean! Whoops, mom forgot to warn them about salt water in the eyes or mouth, haha! They won't forget now!!

 

Built sand castles, searched for shells, laid on the shore, relaxed on lounger, perfection! Had the BBQ they offered for lunch, was great again, lots of selection and made everyone happy, and that's all that matters! Mid afternoon we headed back on tender to the boat to see what was happening there and avoid the rush back. The offer of cold water and cool cloths as you're boarding the tender was a nice treat and unexpected.

 

Back to ship, we cleaned up, golfed, relaxed, played bingo (there's a first!), checked out art auction, had supper (great meal again!), played ping pong, relaxed by pool! Took kids to Teen club to see what it was about and they were gone and having fun in no time! So mom checked out the casino, walked in with $80 and out with $347!

 

Towel animal in room made our night! We watched a movie and had room service fruit tray and called it a night....what a day it was!!

 

Day 3, Wednesday, April 2, 2014 - Nassau

Early morning, another ridiculously amazing sunrise over the Atlantis Resort as we came into Nassau! Breakfast, made to order omelettes, eggs benedict, and everything else you can think of!

 

Had to meet for excursion at 8:50, and it was easy, they are there with signs waiting for you! Nassau is big and scary and beautiful! The scary went away quickly! Today we booked the Segway Adventure. I was having second thoughts as we were going, wondering if I had made the right choice, could we do it, would it be fun, etc. Best day of the week, hands down!

 

Would highly recommend this excursion, the guides/instructors were great, very patient and very funny and friendly. Lots of practice until group was comfortable, then off down the beach we went, we were on segways, in the Bahamas, along the beach....what?! Stopped and got a history lesson, which was unexpected and very welcome, they did a lot of stops and information sharing which I really enjoyed. Took pictures and they took pics of us, it was great. Off we went again, they stop traffic for us to cross, and to a little part of the island that was beautiful and we stopped for a drink and/or something to eat if anyone wanted, into a great little bar we went and it was a lot of fun! Then carried onto this park by the fort and we had free reign to zip around on segways and do our thing, and a bunch of the group played catch while on segways and my kids had a great time! Off to an obstacle course after and then eventually made our way back to the start. It was well over two hours, so worth the price! They will Shuttle you back to the main area if you like or you can walk two seconds over to Junkanoo Beach. We took shuttle and did some shopping (yikes, the straw markets are intimidating but fun!) and stopped for conch fritters and a drink (and free wifi, what a bonus!)

 

Made our way back to ship, went hot tubbing and laying in the sun on the pool deck, had another great meal, played some golf, and kids were off to teen club again!

 

Day 4, Thursday, April 3, 2014 - Freeport

Early morning again, sunrise in Freeport! (In hind site, I wouldn't book such early excursions, sleep is needed!)

 

Breakfast was great once again, and off the ship to meet our excursion group, today is the Catamaran/Snorkeling adventure!

 

Bus tour through Freeport, so much damage from hurricanes in 2004 and a bush fire a couple of weeks ago, was sad. It's very noisy and very industrial, shipping port and oil refineries.

 

Boarded the two deck boat and off we went to Snorkeling site, I have to admit, I was doubtful again, how can they guarantee we will see fish?! Well.... We saw fish! Again, Canadians who never see fish like this, it was out of this world! Amazing and beautiful fish, thousands of them! And we also saw a barracuda! Kinda freaked me out, but was more amazing than scary!

 

There was a rock climbing wall on the boat, a water slide, a BBQ a DJ and dancing and drinks available, beautiful day, another great excursion!

 

Back to island and shopped and ate lunch and then met the bus to go back to our ship, was a fantastic day! Up to Deck 12, quiet zone and laid in the sun and relaxed! Back to room to organize our belongings to have suitcases outside room for that night, it's almost over, we are sad!

 

Went to Crossings for supper, was fancy schmancy compared to the buffets, it was great! Son and I Had steak, daughter had lamb shank, why...because why not, it's the time to try stuff! She didn't like it, actually me and son didn't either, well they insisted on bringing her something she liked so steak it was, they are amazing staff, they want you happy and you can eat and try anything, it doesn't matter! Dessert was cheesecake and was delicious!!

 

We played shuffleboard, some golf, enjoyed the view and each other's company and then Kids went to final night of teen club, I went to the Vegas Show which was good! Got our stuff ready and outside our door for pick up, did room service again for a late night snack, cause we could, enjoyed balcony and stars and then late to bed!

 

Last day, :(

Up early as the sounds of Miami port are very loud! Got ready and off to breakfast and enjoyed our last meal on board and took our time to get every minute we could! Last group to leave ship, we were in no rush, it was a long line, but moved fairly quickly all things considered! Low and behold, there is our luggage, yay! Through customs without a hitch, and waited for our hotel shuttle and that was that....it was all over far too quickly!

 

I cannot say enough about the staff of NCL, from the call centre before my trip, to every person on the ship, they are friendly and fun and really truly seem to love their jobs and the people they see each day. You can only fake a smile and enthusiasm for so long, they are genuine and I very much enjoyed each and everyone of them.

 

I'm a norwegian now...I know I haven't tired other cruise lines, and I may in the future, but for now, they have me hooked, on cruising and their cruise line. Customer service to me is key, and they have it perfected!

 

For those that have bad reviews about the sky, take those reviews with a grain of salt, we all have our own likes and dislikes. We loved our ship and our cruise....thank you NCL for giving me and my kids the time of our lives and memories we will have forever! Freestyling is the way to go, do as much or as little as you want, when you want, how you want....they have a million activities if you wish to participate, or you can sit back and relax and do nothing....a perfect vacation and I recommend a cruise as something that everyone needs to try.

 

I've made my deposit and can't wait for the next cruise....!

 

Sorry for the length....hope this helps another newbie and it would answer any questions you have!

 

 

 

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ksimpso3

ksimpso3

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Great review. Glad you had a good time. We are considering the Sky to bring my husband's nephew and his kids (girls age2 & 6) on in Jan or Feb next year. We have been on 6 NCL cruises (7th to be next month) and absolutely love it!!! I am just nervous that the Sky might not have enough to do for the little ones?? It will be their first cruise and we want them to enjoy it as much as we do. Your review is leading me towards booking it.

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PCLMassachusetts

PCLMassachusetts

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Great review. I especially liked your comment regarding Hilton vs Days Inn. I think too often people will go on a cruise with pie in the sky expectations. When they don't have a crew member kissing their back side every second of every day they get a hair across their back side and then tend to write the negative reviews about having to wait 15 minutes to get a table at the MDR at 6pm (oh the horror!)

 

Certainly some complaints are valid but you doo need to read the reviews and try to read between the lines to determine if the complaints are valid or not. So glad you enjoyed your cruise. I'm sure you will enjoy the next one even more.

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JLBKL

JLBKL

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Great review. Glad you had a good time. We are considering the Sky to bring my husband's nephew and his kids (girls age2 & 6) on in Jan or Feb next year. We have been on 6 NCL cruises (7th to be next month) and absolutely love it!!! I am just nervous that the Sky might not have enough to do for the little ones?? It will be their first cruise and we want them to enjoy it as much as we do. Your review is leading me towards booking it.

 

 

There were lots of kids that age on ship, having a blast! We checked out the little kids club too just to see everything the ship offered and it looked great, I am certain they won't be bored with you guys or with the club if you so choose! And excursions to meet every need and age group! If my kids were that age or friends had kids that age, I would not hesitate to recommend it!

 

The older groups of young adults, drinking age folks, we're having lots of fun, but didn't do any harm at all, they were fun to be around and were respectful and kind and didn't get out of hand. I was concerned about it being spring break for colleges etc and there was no reason to worry!

 

I found it to be the perfect family ship, small and friendly and helpful and fun and plenty to do and plenty of quiet areas!

 

 

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sunflower47

sunflower47

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What a great review. That is so awesome that you got 2 upgrades!!! I love your detail and your comparison on the Days Inn and Hilton. We have stayed at both and understand what you are saying. Perfect phrase.

 

We have never cruised before either and are booked on the Sky for this coming November. Glad you loved your first cruise and want to go again!

 

I just checked out the LaQuinta and I think we may stay there as well. Thank you for the recommendation. I had two other hotels I was looking at but this may work out better with the shuttle situation and free breakfast.

 

I am curious since you originally booked an inside cabin, did you happen to go and take a look at one while you were on the ship? We have an inside cabin booked as well purely for economic reasons. I can only hope for an upgrade by the time November comes around :)

 

Hope to be a Norwegian one day myself.

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j-9

j-9

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Awesome review, very refreshing to read and brought back memories of our first NCL cruise. It was also on the Sky (when she was called the Pride of Aloha). Thanks for sharing!

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ksimpso3

ksimpso3

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There were lots of kids that age on ship, having a blast! We checked out the little kids club too just to see everything the ship offered and it looked great, I am certain they won't be bored with you guys or with the club if you so choose! And excursions to meet every need and age group! If my kids were that age or friends had kids that age, I would not hesitate to recommend it!

 

The older groups of young adults, drinking age folks, we're having lots of fun, but didn't do any harm at all, they were fun to be around and were respectful and kind and didn't get out of hand. I was concerned about it being spring break for colleges etc and there was no reason to worry!

 

I found it to be the perfect family ship, small and friendly and helpful and fun and plenty to do and plenty of quiet areas!

 

 

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Thanks. I think we will definitely book it. I think 4 nights will be a good length for a first cruise for their family.

 

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OnTheGoMom921

OnTheGoMom921

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Terrific review!! Glad you had a great time. You made a great choice of finding cruise critic before you sailed as well! This site is a wonderful way to educate a new cruiser, turning you from a "newbie" to a "seasoned vet" before you've even stepped foot on the ship! I'm sensing that cruising will quickly become your newest obsession!

 

Of course, any seasoned vet knows that you will be planning your next cruise immediately upon your return (or sometimes before you even embark ;) ). This is the only way to combat "post cruise depression" :D...So next time, you may even decide to purchase a future cruise credit while you are on board. A $250 credit ends up costing you $150 and can be used toward your next NCL cruise within the next 4 years!

 

Happy cruising! :)

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JLBKL

JLBKL

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Terrific review!! Glad you had a great time. You made a great choice of finding cruise critic before you sailed as well! This site is a wonderful way to educate a new cruiser, turning you from a "newbie" to a "seasoned vet" before you've even stepped foot on the ship! I'm sensing that cruising will quickly become your newest obsession!

 

 

 

Of course, any seasoned vet knows that you will be planning your next cruise immediately upon your return (or sometimes before you even embark ;) ). This is the only way to combat "post cruise depression" :D...So next time, you may even decide to purchase a future cruise credit while you are on board. A $250 credit ends up costing you $150 and can be used toward your next NCL cruise within the next 4 years!

 

 

 

Happy cruising! :)

 

 

haha guess what?!! I did book before leaving the ship and have my cruise credit! Can't believe I did it, but I agree, it'll be my obsession! I'm already working on a group of friends to go for a friends 40th bday!

 

 

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JLBKL

JLBKL

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What a great review. That is so awesome that you got 2 upgrades!!! I love your detail and your comparison on the Days Inn and Hilton. We have stayed at both and understand what you are saying. Perfect phrase.

 

We have never cruised before either and are booked on the Sky for this coming November. Glad you loved your first cruise and want to go again!

 

I just checked out the LaQuinta and I think we may stay there as well. Thank you for the recommendation. I had two other hotels I was looking at but this may work out better with the shuttle situation and free breakfast.

 

I am curious since you originally booked an inside cabin, did you happen to go and take a look at one while you were on the ship? We have an inside cabin booked as well purely for economic reasons. I can only hope for an upgrade by the time November comes around :)

 

Hope to be a Norwegian one day myself.

 

 

I had a chance to peek across the hall into an inside cabin and I walked back into our room and said to the kids, oh thank goodness we have natural light and a balcony!

 

I understand your decision fiscally to book the inside room, same reason I had! I will have a window for sure but most likely a balcony next time too; coffee in the morning and a drink at night, it can't be beat. It's definitely my thing, may not be everyone, but I liked the private time and not having to be up on deck all the time to see the water or sunrise!

 

 

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JLBKL

JLBKL

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It was wonderful to read about your first time cruise! You sound like a great mother and I am certain that your children will remember this trip always!

 

 

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Wow... Thank you very much for that :)

 

 

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gardiner41

gardiner41

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This came in just at the right time. We leave on Thursday to sail on the Sky for the weekend Friday - Monday.

With so many mixed reviews I have taken note of "quiet" areas on ship, and have been assured we won't have any issues with the party crowd. Your review confirms that once again.

This is our Anniversary getaway. Looking forward to a nice relaxing weekend filled with great food and entertainment. We opted for the UDP this time and will be eating in CAgney's all 3 nights :)

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