Quick review of NCL Sky - March 27, 2015

[meggie711]

We took the 3-night Sky cruise out of Miami to Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay. This was our first time on the Sky, first time to GSC, and first time taking our 5 year old DS on a cruise. I'd love to start with the negatives but... there weren't any!

 

Food: We ate in the MDR every night - twice at Crossings and once at the Palace. The service was phenomenal, and the food was even better. Some of my favorites were the sweet and sour pork, friend brie, szechuan chicken, and the soups (all of which were fantastic)! We found plenty of items both in the MDR and at the Great Outdoors that were pleasing to our picky-eating 5-year old (burgers, fries, fruits, hot dogs, deli meat, etc). He was always impressed at the breakfast bar, as that is his favorite meal of the day. The crew that worked in this area were so wonderful! They doted on DS, loved talking to him, offered to help out with carrying plates, getting seconds, etc.

 

UBP: We had the UBP for this trip as part of the promo that we received when booking. DS had the soda card. I think we sampled every drink on the ship. lol Some of our favorites: Vodka cranberries, Mango Madness, Furious fish (I think that's what it was called), pina coladas, Miami Vice.. bloody mary.. mimosas.. yeah. :) We got virgin/non-alcoholic drinks for DS, which he was really excited about.

 

GSC: Great Stirrup Cay was amazing! As I said, this was our first trip there and we've always been curious to see NCL's private island. We have been to Coco Cay (RCCL's private island) several times, and were anxious to see what NCL's had to offer. Our verdict? GSC blows Coco Cay out of the water. We hiked over to the lagoon to check that area out first. It was extremely beautiful, peaceful, and uncrowded. There were three people out there besides us. DS enjoyed splashing around in the water but quickly decided he wanted to see some waves. We packed up and moved down to the next small beach area. We were pleased to see lifeguards at each area we went to. We had our most fun at this part of the island. There were several rocky areas where DS could stand on top for some GREAT pictures. We had an amazing time taking pics in this area. Can't wait to finish editing them!

 

Lunch on GSC: Warning, when they say they serve lunch until 2:00, they mean it. DH fixed his plate and DS's plate while I sat with DS in the covered area. When he came to put their plates down, I walked over and the food was being shut down. Luckily, I was served anyway, but there wasn't much of an option. Lunch was very good - I had pizza. DH and DS had burgers and some delicious potato skins! Very yummy.

 

Nassau: Nassau is Nassau. We got off of the ship just to show DS around, as he had never been. It was a bit overwhelming for him, as you walk through the chaos of people offering taxis and tours. Once we got out of there, it was more enjoyable. We took DS to the straw market and he had a great time looking at everything that was for sale. He bought a really cool wooden sword that the seller carved his name and "Bahamas 2015" on. Beware, security on NCL snatches these suckers up - no worries though, you can go back and pick it up before you disembark in Miami. ;)

 

The crew: I just cannot say enough good things about the crew. To best illustrate, I have an SD card FULL of pics of DS with so many of the crew members. He made friends with the crew everywhere we went on the ship. They learned his name the first day, and we dared not to go anywhere on the ship without him! "Where's my boyfriend? Bring my boyfriend by to see me!" On dress up night, DS was escorted to his table (we just had to follow.. lol). He wore a blazer, bow tie, dress shirt, khakis, and dress shoes. He got SO much attention! It was so cute! People were speaking in all sorts of languages, stopping, smiling, shaking his hand, and even asking for pictures with him. It was a lot of fun for the three of us, and made him want to dress up every night after that. The maitre d', chef, and others made a point to come by the table and have a long talk with him. DS actually flagged down the chef to tell him how much he liked the chicken nuggets. The chef got a kick out of that. The maitre d' came by to talk with DS and told him that "rules and regulations are that you eat all of your food or you have to wash dishes"! As he strolled around the MDR, he would look over at DS and make sure he was eating. lol I love NCL for their awesome crew! So many memories just off of these small interactions!

 

Embarkation and disembarkation: Both were incredibly easy. We arrived at the port around 11:30, waited in line maybe 5 minutes to check in. We used passports for DH and I, a birth certificate for DS. We didn't get stickers on our cards for UBP, but DS had a soda sticker. This was easily remedied at guest services once on board. We did the easy disembarkation, walking off with all of our luggage at around 8:30 AM. We had to swing by security for DS's sword (this line was actually on the gangway right before we stepped off of the ship). We were on the road by 9. LOTS of traffic in Miami, as it was a Monday morning. We paid approximately $20 to take the turnpike back up towards Georgia. The rest areas/restaurants were expensive and most did not offer kids meals. The convenience stores at these rest areas on the turnpike also cost more for simple items like pretzels, etc. It was money well spent to have more of a straight shot up to Valdosta, GA, but was unexpected.

 

My tips for the Sky: get up around 7 AM. Go to Lavazza, grab a mocha latte, chat with the crew, and then stroll around the ship. I saw maybe 5 people each morning during this time. Breakfast smells amazing in Great Outdoors. Grab a mimosa or bloody mary, put your feet up, and enjoy the peace. The Sky is a fantastic cruise, and I would recommend this over and over to anyone who asked. We will absolutely be going again!

Edited April 1, 2015 by meggie711

[LMaxwell]

Thanks for the review, sounds like a good time was had by all.

 

Did you check out any of the night time entertainment and what kind of cabin did you have/what did you think of it?

[meggie711]

Thanks for the review, sounds like a good time was had by all.

 

Did you check out any of the night time entertainment and what kind of cabin did you have/what did you think of it?

 

We had a balcony on deck 9, and it was great! I do miss the solid shower door that we had on Epic, but it was still great. You have to love sitting on the commode to shave your legs in the shower and brush your teeth at the same time, right?? lol I should add that our room steward was fantastic as well. The room looked brand new every time we came back to it! Towel animals galore! He even talked with DS in the hallway and asked if he had any requests. :) He would take DS's toys and arrange them on DS's bed every evening while we were at dinner. DS would crack up each time he came back to see Thor and Hedgehog under the covers. lol

 

We did go to one of the shows, a Las Vegas themed show. DS LOVED IT! We had no idea how he would feel about it, as he's only 5. He was amazed, loved the dancing and singing. We didn't attend any other shows. We did go to the White Hot Party, and it was a lot of fun. The live band performed disco songs, and we did a lot of singing along. We left early because DS danced until he was ready to drop. I liked the way the deck was set up for this party - plenty of places to sit and watch if you weren't feeling inclined to shake your tailfeather! :)

Edited April 1, 2015 by meggie711
More info on the room and steward

[tinadago]

Awesome! So glad to hear you enjoyed the Sky. My daughter and I will be on her in May! Can't wait! Also very excited about GSC!

Thank you!

[Rochesterboatingdotcom]

Been on the Sky 3x, she is one of our favorites. Have to agree with the crew on her as being one of the best. Cagneys on the Sky is the best one out of the five NCL ships we have sailed. Highly recommend!

[Lisalk12]

Thank you for your review! We will be aboard in June. Looking forward to it!

[valkane26]

Was on the same cruise - had some of the same experiences - great review.

[meggie711]

Was on the same cruise - had some of the same experiences - great review.

 

Thanks, I kinda threw it together on my break! lol I wish I knew how to post pics..

[BrendaInToronto]

Thanks for the great review! My husband and I will be on her in June, can't wait!!!

[dexddd]

Thanks, I kinda threw it together on my break! lol I wish I knew how to post pics..

 

I didn't for a long time either. Best to publish on a place like photobucket then you insert the link.

 

I know DCL is kinda pricey, but their private island is way above both RCCL or NCL if you get the chance.

 

Glad you had a great time.

[meggie711]

I didn't for a long time either. Best to publish on a place like photobucket then you insert the link.

 

I know DCL is kinda pricey, but their private island is way above both RCCL or NCL if you get the chance.

 

Glad you had a great time.

 

We've always heard raves about Disney, but it's just not really our thing. We have friends taking their twins later this year and I'm super excited to see their pics and to hear about it. I know it will be a wonderful thing for them! :)

[dna529]

Thanks for your review! We are going on the Sky on Monday with 2 kids. I'm sure we will have a blast. Did you have any trouble getting bar service with the ubp?

 

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Forums mobile app

[meggie711]

Thanks for your review! We are going on the Sky on Monday with 2 kids. I'm sure we will have a blast. Did you have any trouble getting bar service with the ubp?

 

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Forums mobile app

 

Absolutely not! A couple of tips for bar service: They didn't have a lot of servers walking around to take drink orders like we have always been used to. We saw one or two but it was rare. It seemed pretty clear that there have been cut-backs in this area. The pool bar was always pretty busy. We liked the bar back at the Great Outdoors. Always laid back and easy to order. Also, drinks at Lavazza (you can also order specialty coffee there, although it's not part of the package). They allowed us to use each other's card in addition to our own so that we didn't have to constantly take turns going to the bar or having to go as a group of three each time. At Great Stirrup Cay, if you go to the beach over near the cabanas, there is a small green bar there. MUCH easier to get service than at the Bacardi bar by the busier beach.

 

Also, something I forgot to mention! Free wi-fi at Diamonds International in Nassau. lol Walk to the back of the store and the password is posted there for your use! And they will let you use their restrooms! Came in handy with our 5-year-old. lol

[dna529]

Thanks for the info!

 

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Forums mobile app

[dolita22]

Loved your review! Thank you for writing it. The Sky was my first NCL cruise and my parents' first-ever cruise in 2011 and made me really fall for NCL's product - so much so that I've gotten my DH hooked, too. :-)

 

Glad you had such a fantastic time!

[tiderfan]

I was on the same sailing and agree with a lot of the positives you said. My main problems were the lack of buffet variety, and the horrendously slow bar service at GSC. We tried both bars and waited over 30 mins in line. Also-only certain drinks at each bar-not full service.

[meggie711]

I was on the same sailing and agree with a lot of the positives you said. My main problems were the lack of buffet variety, and the horrendously slow bar service at GSC. We tried both bars and waited over 30 mins in line. Also-only certain drinks at each bar-not full service.

 

Aw, I hate to hear that! You tried the small green bar by the cabanas? I was able to walk up and order right away all day. The Bacardi bar was much less impressive as far as service and variety, and they even closed me IN the bar after we had waited in line for a really long time. They just decided to close the line behind me without warning. Kinda crazy.

I ate crazy-good food at the buffet on the ship, but could agree that if the items weren't your cup of tea one day, they probably wouldn't be the next either.

[Cruzmermaid12]

Was the UBP able to be used on the private island?

[aquarianne11]

Great review! Thanks for sharing. We enjoyed our cruise on the Sky as well. Love GSC!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[FreestyleNovice]

Nice and enthusiastic review of the Sky, thanks!

[bradleyk]

Thank you for your review.... I had been thinking of booking May 2016 for my 40th birthday... Well I pulled the trigger and our TA is working on our booking now!

Do you have any pictures of the ship and cabin?

Thanks,

Brad

[MandyMommyof2]

Great review!! We are gonna try the Sky in November. It will be our first time on her and our friends first cruise ever. :)

[Bases5]

Thanks for the review

We are sailing on her in 2 weeks and need a little get away from the stress.

Your little review has me even more excited.

[meggie711]

Was the UBP able to be used on the private island?

 

Sure was, and very easy to use!

[meggie711]

Thank you for your review.... I had been thinking of booking May 2016 for my 40th birthday... Well I pulled the trigger and our TA is working on our booking now!

Do you have any pictures of the ship and cabin?

Thanks,

Brad

 

Bradley, I will work on getting some pics posted! I've never been good at that, so I will work on it! Make sure you check out the dining at Great Outdoors, located aft. It was a really relaxing and not-too-crowded area! I was pleasantly surprised that we never had to look for a table to sit at, always plenty available. Also, you can take your plate into Longboards at breakfast. Pretty view and again, not crowded at all. They had several sports channels playing for those who might be interested.