Last Minute Cruise on Sky

[gail-s]

Good Afternoon All,

 

I've got a question, and I know this is the best place to find the answers. DH and I have cruised RCCL and my parents have done a ton but love NCL. Our 10th anniversary is coming up and I'm thinking about booking a 3 day cruise on the Sky leaving Miami and going to the Bahamas. I'm not worried about the ship or the service, I'm worried about logistics.

 

I'd like to fly into Fort Lauderdale, we've had too many bad experiences with MIA so I'd rather avoide it. It's less than 2 weeks out so from the website, I'm seeing that I can't book transfers through NCL, is this correct? If I can't, what is the best way for 2 travelers to get from FLL to the port in Miami?

 

Also, besides the anniversary package (which looks great!) what else would you definitely recommend not missing? Oh, and is there a "formal" night on a 3 day Bahamas cruise? We've always done 7 days on RCCL and they always had 2.

 

Thank you in advance for any help and direction you can share!

[lawyergirl25]

Just returned from the Sky on Monday, hopefully I can answer some of your questions. Except the transfer question - I've never flown into FLL (although I can see why you want to avoid MIA!!) so I can't help with that.

 

The anniversary package is definitely worth it. I would also try to make it to Cagney's for dinner. It's $25pp, but we feasted on shrimp cocktail, lobster bisque, filet w/bernaise sauce, and NY style cheesecake - definitely a great deal. It was delicious too.

 

Don't miss the Quest game the final evening...unless you're easily offended. :) The nightly parties were a lot of fun for those who love to dance, but not quite our speed. There was no dedicated formal evening, although plenty of people dressed up for specialty restaurants or for photographs in the atrium so you won't feel out of place if you decide to dress up one evening.

[islandgirlejfan]

Good Afternoon All,

 

I've got a question, and I know this is the best place to find the answers. DH and I have cruised RCCL and my parents have done a ton but love NCL. Our 10th anniversary is coming up and I'm thinking about booking a 3 day cruise on the Sky leaving Miami and going to the Bahamas. I'm not worried about the ship or the service, I'm worried about logistics.

 

I'd like to fly into Fort Lauderdale, we've had too many bad experiences with MIA so I'd rather avoide it. It's less than 2 weeks out so from the website, I'm seeing that I can't book transfers through NCL, is this correct? If I can't, what is the best way for 2 travelers to get from FLL to the port in Miami?

 

Also, besides the anniversary package (which looks great!) what else would you definitely recommend not missing? Oh, and is there a "formal" night on a 3 day Bahamas cruise? We've always done 7 days on RCCL and they always had 2.

 

Thank you in advance for any help and direction you can share!

 

We did a last minute on the Sky and LOVED it! As long as you are on the ship two hours before it sails, I think you will be fine, so you need to plan your flight times accordingly. Unless there is some kind of shuttle, and there may be, the cost looks pretty hefty for transportation from FLL to the pier, but then I think $30 to the pier is not cheap myself. The only time I really use taxis or shuttles are in NYC and Miami, so I admit to being shocked by the prices. I can understand not liking certain airports....luckily, I don't fly into the one I don't like often....Heathrow:eek:! Miami is a airport from the past that is trying to function for today's passenger traffic. They are working on it, but it's slow.

 

The *dress up or not* night on the 3 day Sky cruise was Saturday night. We LOVED the Newlywed/Not So Newlywed game. The Anniversary package is a true bargain. The Sky is fun for the weekend...it beats staying home doing yardwork!:p

[GrammyEm]

Just returned from the Sky and used SAS transportation. It was the cheapest and most reliable. If you call them or visit their web site they will quote a price. 954-600-0240 http://www.ridesas.com

[coll32025]

we used SAS about 3 weeks ago when we went on the Sky and they were great. i beleive they were have a "summer special" on their rates and its cost $13 each way from FLL. very easy and quick as well. before we landed our driver had called and left a voicemail saying he was right outside the airport and to call as soon as we could use our phones and he would head in. we waited maybe 1 min before him and we were off. only took about 25 min i would say to get to the boat.

[gail-s]

You guys are the best! I'm just waiting on work to ok my extra day off and I think I'm booking it.

[just_us]

Just got off the Sky on June 8th, we flew in to Miami. I wish I would've known about hte flying to FLL "trick" because we paid quite a bit for flights. Our cruise was pretty last minute too - well, 3 weeks prior. We paid I think $22 from the airport in MIA to the port.

 

Try the specialty restaurants if you bore easily (or see their menus and decide it's not for you - the menus are posted daily). We didn't do them, I kinda wished we had.

 

No formal night.

 

Get there early to GSC to get a great seat!

 

I wouldn't recommend the QUEST game show at all, it was far too racy for DH & I. But that's JMO. The newlywed show and comedian were a scream. Must see!

 

Don't forget, on the first day there, try lunch in il adagio for pizza and pasta. It'll break up the monotomy of the other meals. TRUST ME!

 

HTH?!

[just_us]

Also, check reviews at:

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/getreviews.cfm?action=ship&ShipID=150

 

And check for my previous threads about the sky, I have posted pics!

[acandon_8592]

everyone is right about SAS. I used them on my cruise 6/1 and 6/5 to get back to fll. $15 pp each way. They were there when you needed them! the cheapest and most comfortable transportation. they know what they are doing and it's obvious that they have been doing it for awhile now.

[gail-s]

Thank you! I just booked the trip and got the last balcony available. I put it on hold while I was at work and when I called back the rep on the phone couldn't believe I got it. :D Then I booked the flights from Providence to Fort Lauderdale....now to tell MIL she's watching the kid and the dog for the weekend. :lol

 

We'll probably end up using SAS to get to the ship and take the NCL transfer back. I'm a creature of habit and prefer going that route. I'm SO excited that we land at 10:05 am so I won't be worrying about getting to the port on time.

 

Yippeeee!!!!

[familyof4cruising]

It is so much easier to fly in and out of FLL.

 

We always use SAS and never had a problem.

 

We are also celebrating our anniversary on our Sky cruise. I would recommend doing Cagneys or Le Bistro...excellent restaurants and excellent service. Have a great cruise!

[islandgirlejfan]

And if you really want a not as crowded experience at GSC, when you get off the tender, turn right and walk around and over the bridge. The area there stays pretty sane for sometime.

 

We usually stay at GSC until after lunch, and then we head back to the ship and enjoy being there in the quiet as everyone is still hanging out at GSC!:D

 

Have fun!!

[vegasvic88]

Just spoke to Steve at SAS and was quoted $15 per person each way for tomorrow from FLL. I booked it. $10 per person each way cheaper than NCL. That's an extra $40 we can spend in the casino. :D Every little bit helps!!