Just off sky, some observations....

[amscene1]

I'll make it short and sweet.

 

Embarkation:

Super simple, arrived at pier at 2pm and security and check in line both had no one in front of us. The only bad thing was they made us walk in a long un-airconditioned hallway from terminal c to terminal b. It was a very long walk, about 1500 - 2000 feet. The people movers were moving in the wrong direction and did I mention it was hot. (Especially carrying on luggage)

 

 

Stateroom:

We were assigned 9323 an accessible inside stateroom. I loved the space, super big room compared to the rest. This was my first time ever in an inside and I did miss a balcony, however it only was a 3 day cruise so I can deal with it.

 

Ship:

First ship I've been on that had weird smells in it. One area smelled like buttered popcorn and the other, just like spaghetti. I know that's weird and random but it is true.

 

The public spaces were tiny and showing age. The layout was slightly different than most ships were the main theater is usually at the front. I much prefer the layout of the fantasy class carnival ships and now miss them. Just to be clear I never thought I would actually say that and I am by no means a carnival cheerleader but for me, I like carnival for shorter cruises. I think royals majesty ots is the worst out of the 3. I'm looking forward to enchantment ots when she arrives.

 

Bar service / free drinks / nightlife:

Bar service was fine for the most part, there was a few times were the bartender was overwhelmed and a few times were they were relaxed and happy. (I guess if they were not busy they were happy)

 

The free drink package is great to not have to worry about swiping your card. A new policy I saw that was different from all other cruises I've been on is:

 

1. All alcohol is held to the morning of debarkation instead of the night before. I'm guessing this is so no one gets to drunk the last night and becomes a problem getting off the ship.

 

2. Also the main nightclub is horrible, the music was mostly Spanish meringue bachata crap that I hate. The worst part of it is the nightclubs last call is at 1:40 am. I'm guessing so Ncl doesn't lose their shirt in free booze, you could go to the casino bar which closes at 4am which i did and ended up paying off:

 

Casino:

I thought the casino slots payed off well especially late at night, I spent and won back $200. The real fun for me was blackjack where I was up $500.00

 

Food:

Cagneys food was better then on my recent escape cruise. MDR was horrible food all around. (IMHO) buffet was a joke. Longboard bar served the same wings like osheehans so I was very happy about that!

 

Debarkation:

Did walk off, it was announced at 7:45, we left cabin at 8:05am. Literally no line, walked directly to a customs agent. That was the best part of the trip. (Sad)

[czersfly]

Are there flat screen TVs in the rooms and do you have more than 9 channels? Just got off the Getaway in March and looking for a quick July 4th cruise.

[david_sobe]

Thanks for posting. I was encouraged to hear you were able to get drinks without problems. But having last call at the nightclub at 1:30 is stupid. People are on vacation and want to party and dance.

[amscene1]

Are there flat screen TVs in the rooms and do you have more than 9 channels? Just got off the Getaway in March and looking for a quick July 4th cruise.

 

 

Yes for flatscreens with hdmi inputs (think dvd or gaming) very small btw

 

I did think there were only about 9 channels though lol

[amscene1]

Thanks for posting. I was encouraged to hear you were able to get drinks without problems. But having last call at the nightclub at 1:30 is stupid. People are on vacation and want to party and dance.

 

 

Exactly, that's why I give the edge to carnival although you have to pay.

[escentialssoycandles]

Taking Sky for the first time on a last minute booking this weekend. What was so bad about MDR food?

[js]

Thanks for posting. I was encouraged to hear you were able to get drinks without problems. But having last call at the nightclub at 1:30 is stupid. People are on vacation and want to party and dance.

 

 

Ditto. My dd and teo friends will be booking Sky for June and 1:30 am is just as you said..."stupid".

 

OP, did you have to make ressies for Cagneys and the Italian place and does it cost the same on all ships?

 

Thanks.

[MapGeek]

Taking Sky for the first time on a last minute booking this weekend. What was so bad about MDR food?

 

To each their own, but I found the MDR food was good. The first night, the MDR was empty, guess everyone got their fill at the buffet, so we had great service and good food.

 

The other two nights they were pretty full (but no wait for a table of 6) so the service wasn't quite as good, but I thought the food was still good.

Edited April 12, 2016 by MapGeek

[larka]

Refrigerators in the rooms? We are in an ocean view on Deck 9.

[Clarea]

Thanks for the feedback.

[joe/jack]

We also were on the same cruise and we enjoyed the entertainment the service that the crew supplied and the ship is in good shap for its age BUT

The food they served in the Main Dinning Rooms was some of the worst I have ever experienced on any cruise line

Oh Well I guess the free drinks kinda make up for the lousy food

By the way this was out 1st NCL cruise so I'm sure the new and larger ships would have much better cuisine :rolleyes:

[robandana]

Thanks for the info.