Personal Pinpoints of Nor Sky 3-day Recent Cruise

[FirstRodeo]

Hi everyone! :D I just got back home from a recent Nor Sky 3 day cruise to GSC and Nassau that included the all inclusive alcoholic drinks. This was my first cruise. This board and community has been so helpful, so I thought I'd give back. Here are a few personal pin-points/observations of our trip (my mom (52) and I (30) went together) Jan 16-19.

 

We flew into Fort Laud a day early and took a taxi to South Beach where we stayed at Hotel Ocean. It was great - right on the beach and on Ocean Drive and near Collins. This is a great location because you can walk around, see different things, eat at different places, the beach is right across the street. We then took an Uber to the Port of Miami the day of the cruise. As of the time we went, NO PASSPORT IS REQUIRED FOR A CLOSE LOOP CRUISE TO THE BAHAMAS. My mother and I went with our ID, birth certificate, and marriage license - all originals - and no passport. We had no difficulty at all during the whole trip. People will tell you to have one incase you get left behind on one of the islands - but just don't do that, haha ;-).

 

****The boat was clean and never seemed overly crowded. There was a nice mix of ages and people on the ship. No one was insanely drunk, but definitely a lot of happy people! The ship offered hilarious comedy shows. Our favorite was the "Not So Newlywed Game." All of the complimentary food was average, with one exceptional dinner that tasted great in the dining rooms (Palace). The staff was always very friendly and helpful. At dinner you are offered a red and white wine choice (on the house - Chardonnay or Merlot - free of charge), anything off the actual wine list cost extra. We drank the whole trip without paying for liquor/alcohol. So unless you're super picky and want the super premium stuff - you will be a-ok. The bartenders were fast! Do not be alarmed that some of the drinks are pre-mixed - they have plenty of alcohol in them! We upgraded after an e-mail a few days before the cruise to upgrade from a guaranteed inside state room to balcony for 75$ and did it. The balcony was cute with two chairs and small table. We really enjoyed our own balcony and sleeping with the door open every night to hear the ocean. The room was great with all of the things you can find in a hotel (safe, mini-fridge, hair drier, soap, shampoo, lotion). The only downside, was there was a slight sewage smell from the bathroom (that was before even using it! LOL), so we just kept the door closed and had air freshener). Shopping was so-so, the casino so-so (I'm not really a shopper or a gambler so my views may be skewed). You are not required to tip bartenders/waiters, but we did occasionally - because of the great service and friendly demeanor. The only negative is that we planned an airboat/everglades excursion through the cruise line with shuttle scheduled for the way back to the airport on the last day when we got back to Miami Port. We did not find out it was canceled until we were aboard the ship, went down to the shore excursion desk of level 5 to inquire, and then to be informed it is no longer happening. This was a bummer because we were banking on this to get us back to the airport, but we managed. I just didn't like that they didn't give us a heads up BEFORE getting on the ship so we could have planned something else.

 

****Great Stirrup Cay (GSC) 8-5pm. THE BEST PART OF THE TRIP! Had to be back on tender by 4:30 to get on ship. This was the only line we waited in the whole entire trip! No one wanted to leave until the last minute, lol. On GSC all drinks and food included. BEAUTIFUL PRIVATE ISLAND!!! Super clean. Beautiful white sand and teal gemstone water. Super fun to walk up to the bar, order a drink, and never have to pay! We got to the island on the 5-6 tender and still managed to get a front row chair on the main beach. Some of the island was still blocked off due to construction. The BBQ was great. The snorkeling off the beach was actually amazing - plenty of fish, sting ray, sea turtles, and squid! (If you happen to see the sea turtles DO NOT try to pick them up/ride them/pet them/touch them. While snorkeling a young adult attempted to swim down to the turtle while he was eating sea grass grab him by both sides of the shell to ride him. Of course I intervened. That is NOT acceptable. Enjoy the animals in their natural habitat. Why do humans think they have the right to disturb animals in their natural habitat? Selfish and entitled. NOT OK.) I did not have a reservation for SUP excursion, but walked over to the stand and was able to get one. I am from WV, my mom is from PA, and we did NOT think the water was too cold. It was perfect. The sun was warm. Never while snorkeling around or floating around on our 15$ rental mat did we get cold. Just putting this in there for anyone who has been reading everyone's comments about the weather/water in January. It is perfect (at least for northerners like us!).

 

****Nassua 8-5pm. Easy to get off the ship, no line. We did the Seahorse Sail and Snorkel for ~3.5 to 4 hours. It was really fun. The boat was not overcrowded and there was a complimentary rum punch on the way back. The gear was clean. The reef was pretty with much more colorful fish than at GSC. The water here was a little colder. Staff very friendly. Highly recommended for a "cheaper" excursion. We then went to Senor Frogs for lunch and then to the straw market and walked around Nassau. We did this because we never have been before and wanted to see what the island was like. To be honest, although it was an experience, we should have just got a day pass at one of the all inclusive resorts for the day. We weren't really sad to leave Nassua, haha. The people do ask you to buy things often, and will fish for you to come into their store. Just say "no thank you" and they respect you. No one was ever rude. If you like craft beer there is a brewing company on the island with great beer choices! Pirate Brewing Co. or something like that. The IPA and coconut stout was good. WE had some time to kill before 4:30 so we went to Junkanoo Beach. I've read so much about this beach because it's close to the port and free. But honestly- disappointment. Broken glass in the sand everywhere, plastic bags sunk at the bottom of the water. Just not my cup of tea after being at GSC. I also didn't enjoy it was literally in the port where the cruise ships were to the right and shipping containers to the left. You had a nice view of the light house, though.

 

****Got to Miami Port the next morning. We went to guest services to inquire about a shuttle back to the airport. They were able to direct us without an issue. 2 people 60$. Once you get off the ship and go through customs, there is a tent right out the door for the shuttle company that you can walk up to. Very easy!

 

 

 

 

This was just kind of "in a nut-shell." Already can't wait to go on another! Would definitely recommend this trip!

Edited January 23, 2017 by FirstRodeo

[wendycook22]

Thanks for the review! We board the Sky a week today. WE are sailing with my in laws who have never cruised.

 

I love reading reviews to tie me over until our trip. :)

[Dawnya00]

Great review! Sounds like a good time was had by all.

 

I am encouraged by your mention of the upgrade email a few days prior. I'd love to move from the inside to anywhere else, as we have been spoiled in our past cruises to have balcony state rooms.

 

Thanks for mentioning the cleanliness of the ship. I know she is in dry dock now, so she should be sparkling when we go in 3 weeks. :D

[tripleboom]

Thanks for sharing! Our first two cruises were on the Sky and got us totally hooked. Going on the Escape this year for our 10th anniversary!

[kathiewe]

Thanks for your review. We have been on the Sky twice and love her! She is clean, great service, easy to get around, and fun. We always do the upgraded dining and are never disappointed.

 

Now we are headed to the Getaway in March and are very excited. DS, 9, is in major countdown mode. Its been a long time since he's been so excited to go on vacation.

[Carolina Girl 99]

Thanks for the quick and simple review! We are booked on Escape at the end of September and am thinking about doing the 4 day itinerary on the Sky as an "add-on" to extend our vacation a bit!

[stormynow]

Rodeo, on the cruise with you. If wrote a review would be very much like yours. Thanks for taking the time. Stormy

[BlueSkiesinTx]

Is there snorkeling right off the beach at GSC? One that isn't considered an excursion? I have my own equipment, but I don't have a vest. Are they available there?

[DisneyMemaw]

Thanks for the review! We are sailing on the Sky in 3 1/2 weeks and really looking forward to our trip. Love reading all the reviews

[FirstRodeo]

BLue,

It's not really an excursion. More like you rent snorkel gear and have it all day long to do as you please. I reserved it while on ship on Deck 5 at the excursion desk, but I'm sure you don't have to do that. The snorkeling at GSC was AMAZING!!!

Edited February 2, 2017 by FirstRodeo

[FirstRodeo]

Is there snorkeling right off the beach at GSC? One that isn't considered an excursion? I have my own equipment, but I don't have a vest. Are they available there?

 

It's not really an excursion. More like you rent snorkel gear and have it all day long to do as you please. I reserved it while on ship on Deck 5 at the excursion desk, but I'm sure you don't have to do that. The snorkeling at GSC was AMAZING!!!

 

EDITED: Yes they have vests to rent for ~5$. However, vests are NOT required.