Let's discuss the NCL Sky!

[candycaramel]

Okay, I booked two cabins (inside guarantee) on the Sky over Christmas for the 5 of us. I can pay cash and still have a few dollars to spend on the trip. Airfare from the West Coast is not cheap during the holidays but I can make it happen.

 

I'm worried cause some of the reviews of the Sky aren't that great and there is very little discussion in the general forum.

 

What's up? Is it really that bad? I don't mind a smaller ship, in fact I prefer fewer passengers. Food is subjective. As long I don't have to cook it then it's all good.

 

Questions:

How's the Sky spa?

How's the Sky teen club?

How crowded is the Sky? Can I get a chair on deck in the sun?

Recent experiences?

[Lupush]

Not to discourage you, but I was on the Sky last January and it was an awful ship. I don't mind a smaller ship or even an older ship, but the Sky is just plain run down. Was in an aft balcony, without question the worst cabin I've ever been in. The balcony was so filthy my wife and I couldn't even enjoy it. Cigarette butts everywhere, cigarette burns and filth on the balcony furniture. As on all NCL ships the staff was great and we managed to make the best of it, but I would not recommend cruising on the Sky.

[rednose83]

I haven't been recently. I went twice in 2010. I wouldn't say it was a bad ship......it just wasn't my favorite (least liked actually). There's nothing I could really put my finger on. The vibe was just off. We had a good time though still.

[FireEater]

I was on her a few months ago.

 

Here is my quick review posted on CC after I came back:

 

"Tried this line and this ship for a new experience. Turned out to be a good move.

 

First off, Port of Miami and the workers there were great. Great customer service and easy process dropping off luggage with a porter then parking. Staff at the terminal were very nice and smiling.

 

We had a suite and the check in area after checking in at the counter was just fine with something offered to drink and some snacks until you were escorted onto the ship.

 

Ship was clean and shines just fine.

 

Crew workers we came in contact with were all smiles and as helpful as possible.

 

There were plenty of choices for things to do, both on the ship, and for excursions for my liking.

 

Their concierge Karin was outstanding. Nothing was too hard or impossible to achieve when asked of her.

 

Overall, we had a good time and would cruise on the Sky again."

 

To answer a few of your questions:

 

The spa has no special features, just the usual rooms for their basic spa offers.

 

We have no kids, so I do not know anything about the teen club.

 

As with every cruise line and every ship I have been on, it is tough on any sea day to get a seat by the pool. NCL is not any worse then RCCL, Disney, or CCL.

 

We did the 3 day as a trial to find out if our next April cruise was going to be a disappointment. I can say, NO!!! We enjoyed the ship and all it had to offer, and was not disappointed that we went on her....

[Love my butler]

I wouldn't advise flying across the country for a short cruise on NCL's most beat up ship. On the positive side the pain will be over before you know it.

[lovemy3youngens]

I was on her a few months ago.

 

Here is my quick review posted on CC after I came back:

 

"Tried this line and this ship for a new experience. Turned out to be a good move.

 

First off, Port of Miami and the workers there were great. Great customer service and easy process dropping off luggage with a porter then parking. Staff at the terminal were very nice and smiling.

 

We had a suite and the check in area after checking in at the counter was just fine with something offered to drink and some snacks until you were escorted onto the ship.

 

Ship was clean and shines just fine.

 

Crew workers we came in contact with were all smiles and as helpful as possible.

 

There were plenty of choices for things to do, both on the ship, and for excursions for my liking.

 

Their concierge Karin was outstanding. Nothing was too hard or impossible to achieve when asked of her.

 

Overall, we had a good time and would cruise on the Sky again."

 

To answer a few of your questions:

 

The spa has no special features, just the usual rooms for their basic spa offers.

 

We have no kids, so I do not know anything about the teen club.

 

As with every cruise line and every ship I have been on, it is tough on any sea day to get a seat by the pool. NCL is not any worse then RCCL, Disney, or CCL.

 

We did the 3 day as a trial to find out if our next April cruise was going to be a disappointment. I can say, NO!!! We enjoyed the ship and all it had to offer, and was not disappointed that we went on her....

 

So glad to read this! We are taking a mini vacay with the college aged kids. They actually did this cruise a few years ago and I understand that there have been some updates to the Sky since they went. We are in the port area so we are not spending a lot of $ to get to the Sky, but hearing your view is making me feel a lot more secure in our decision.

 

Any tips you have are very appreciated because it has been 23 years since my last cruise.

 

Thanks!

[FireEater]

No tips per say. Just go onboard and read your daily schedules to pick your fun for the day, explore, explore, explore the ship, and enjoy the time. Don't sweat the small stuff. Walk and sit to people watch. Relax and do things that will make your cruise the way you want it.

 

The ship is clean and the staff is very congenial.

[FreestyleNovice]

I wouldn't advise flying across the country for a short cruise on NCL's most beat up ship. On the positive side the pain will be over before you know it.

 

:D

 

Flying transatlantic just for a four day cruise to give the Sky a try: CHECK!

Edited August 31, 2014 by FreestyleNovice

[Love my butler]

:D

 

Flying transatlantic just for a four day cruise to give the Sky a try: CHECK!

 

Well, if that's your game, just come on over the pond for a 1 day CTN.

[FreestyleNovice]

Well, if that's your game, just come on over the pond for a 1 day CTN.

 

Heheh, neh. :D

[lovemy3youngens]

No tips per say. Just go onboard and read your daily schedules to pick your fun for the day, explore, explore, explore the ship, and enjoy the time. Don't sweat the small stuff. Walk and sit to people watch. Relax and do things that will make your cruise the way you want it.

 

The ship is clean and the staff is very congenial.

 

I think those ^^^ are very good tips! :)

 

Do you know if the dailies have changed from this much?

http://www.beyondships2.com/norwegian-sky-programs.html

 

Thanks!:)

[FireEater]

I think those ^^^ are very good tips! :)

 

Do you know if the dailies have changed from this much?

http://www.beyondships2.com/norwegian-sky-programs.html

 

Thanks!:)

 

O yea. I do not remember better then half of what shows/entertainment are on your dailies. My cruise was mid April.

[Barb Nahoumi]

Well, if that's your game, just come on over the pond for a 1 day CTN.

 

I actually did that many years ago. Flew to The Azores, for 1 day, visited friends, then returned home that night. The flight was about 4 1/2 hrs. each way. Being a charter flight, it wasn't too expensive.

[Sinewave4x4]

The wife and I just got back from the 3 day trip and we both thought the sky was just fine. Keep an eye out for my review in the next few days.

[fshagan]

The Sky was our first NCL cruise and we were apprehensive about it due to the comments we had heard. But we had a blast and become NCL converts for life (we rarely sail with any other line).

 

You will have fun. The showers are very small, and we had just an ocean view room, but it was more than fine; we really enjoyed it. We're sailing the Sun in less than a month (sort of the Sky's sister ship), a follow up to our Epic cruise. I suspect we'll enjoy the Sun more than the Epic because we like the tall atriums and the ability to walk around the deck and actually see the ocean.

[david_sobe]

Its been a few years since I have been on the Sky and was on her twice. I don't think she is beat up. The crew is always painting and all the teak around the pool area was replaced just last year. While the Sky is NCL's oldest ship she is still the YOUNGEST ship to sail the Bahamas. So if you choose Royal or Carnival you will be cruising an even older ship.

The Sky keeps an extremely busy schedule with waking up in a new port every day. So while the ship is smaller you don't notice it as much since there are no sea days.

 

Don't listen to the Debbie Downers. The Sky is a fun ship. When I sailed twice before the Sky still had the negative reviews.

 

Please come back and let us know how things went.

Edited September 1, 2014 by david_sobe

[fergusonvt]

Haven't been on the Sky but we took our first cruise on her sister the Sun. Fantastic small ships that are well maintained. NCL does a great job maintaining all their ships and I think you'll have a great time. Can't believe people are giving you crap about spending your money the way you want to. Have a great cruise and enjoy yourself. Have fun in Miami. We are cruising the Sun again in February.

[M0rrie]

The Sky was the first cruise we ever took in Jan 2010. We Figured it was a short enough cruise that if we really hated cruising we would be home soon enough... Boy were we surprised! We loved cruising and we loved the SKY.... It is small enough to be cozy and not overwhelming but large enough to have lots going on. The itinerary is great, no sea days so you are always in port doing something ( LOTS of room at the pool when in port) the crew are super friendly and go out of their way to help and ensure you enjoy your trip. Plus every trip it visits my favourite place on earth: Great Stirrup Cay! We loved it so much that we have cruised at least twice a year since then (all NCL) and have been back on the sky for a back to back cruise and a back to back to back cruise.... ( back to backs make more sense dollar wise for us because we fly down from Ottawa Canada) So far we have sailed the Sky, Jewel, Gem and Breakaway..... Sailing The Breakaway again at Christmas and the Sky for a back to back in the Spring.... I say give the Sky a try... If you don't like it then you try something else next time :0)

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

Edited September 1, 2014 by M0rrie

[candycaramel]

Thanks for all the feedback!

[NoleMini]

We are headed to the Sky in just a few days- we will be platinum on NCL after this trip and have done multiple other lines, so will add my 2 cents when we get back. :)

[sunflower47]

We are headed to the Sky in just a few days- we will be platinum on NCL after this trip and have done multiple other lines, so will add my 2 cents when we get back. :)

 

 

Have a great time!! Can't wait to hear about your trip when you get back.

 

Platinum!! How exciting! Congratulations :)

Our first cruise is next month..... LOL

Edited October 7, 2014 by sunflower47

[NoleMini]

Had a nice trip on the Sky- staff was friendly, drinks were strong. Ship was overall in great condition, we could see some wear/tear in the room (10202) but nothing outrageous. Compared to the Getaway, the balcony was HUGE. Did Seahorse Sail/Snorkel in Nassau, good trip and nice reef there about 30 minutes away. Rum punch included after.

Hubby did paddleboarding in GSC, has a nice bruise to show for it.

However, this cruise was our first 3 day (first less than 7 day) and it was a little weird.

1- age group was MUCH lower, which is not a bad thing. Did not see over the top drinking/vomiting, etc.

2- Latitudes party was the smallest we have ever seen- like maybe 15 people? Bizarre. Last cruise on the Getaway I swear half the ship was there, held in the theater.

3- The ship was full per the CD, but never felt full to us- dining rooms were empty, pool deck empty most of the time, dance floors with plenty of room when we were there.

One tip- don't miss the Adult Quest on the last night (but you have to go with an open mind, it is an ADULT scavenger hunt and clothes, etc do come off). :eek:

Overall a great time, a bit of a haul (6 hr drive each way) so not something we would do again, but if we lived closer, probably go 6-7 times a year.

[$hip$hape]

Had a nice trip on the Sky- staff was friendly, drinks were strong. Ship was overall in great condition, we could see some wear/tear in the room (10202) but nothing outrageous. Compared to the Getaway, the balcony was HUGE. Did Seahorse Sail/Snorkel in Nassau, good trip and nice reef there about 30 minutes away. Rum punch included after.

Hubby did paddleboarding in GSC, has a nice bruise to show for it.

However, this cruise was our first 3 day (first less than 7 day) and it was a little weird.

1- age group was MUCH lower, which is not a bad thing. Did not see over the top drinking/vomiting, etc.

2- Latitudes party was the smallest we have ever seen- like maybe 15 people? Bizarre. Last cruise on the Getaway I swear half the ship was there, held in the theater.

3- The ship was full per the CD, but never felt full to us- dining rooms were empty, pool deck empty most of the time, dance floors with plenty of room when we were there.

One tip- don't miss the Adult Quest on the last night (but you have to go with an open mind, it is an ADULT scavenger hunt and clothes, etc do come off). :eek:

Overall a great time, a bit of a haul (6 hr drive each way) so not something we would do again, but if we lived closer, probably go 6-7 times a year.

Thanks for the review !

Michael

 

NCL Sky November 17, 2014

[unitedgirl]

We had our first ever cruise on the Sky last November, a 4-day bahamas cruise out of Miami.

We had a fabulous time, the atmosphere was fantastic, the crew were super friendly as was the Captain who chatted to us for ages and seemed genuinely interested, the entertainment was excellent, couldn't fault anything (apart from having to leave at the end!)

We were so impressed with NCL we lodged a deposit during the cruise for a future cruise and we are headed off on the NCL Epic next week on a 14-day transatlantic from Barcelona.

[sunflower47]

Thanks for the review-we're heading out on the 4 day in 26 days! (...well at least getting to Miami in 26 days)

So glad to hear you enjoyed your trip :)

Edited October 13, 2014 by sunflower47