dales wife

On 9/1/2019 at 8:55 AM, david_sobe said:

 Its now called The Local

Its not open 24/7 like the other ships and opens at 5pm on port days for dinner and stays open late

I believe sea days its open for lunch.  (someone correct me if I am wrong)

 

We are currently on the Sky. The dailies show The Local has not been open for lunch on any day.

Also, we were hoping, with the name change, service might have changed for the better. Not so. It’s the same as the last 2 times we were on this ship. They also got rid of the tomato soup!!! 

Still, we really enjoy the Sky. 

11 hours ago, exm said:

 

Think about the people who disembarked this morning thinking the ship would leave (probably with a Saturday flight). They might have had the expenses of a hotel or stayed in the airport? Not a single word this morning we would stay in Miami, just every 30 minutes a warning to get off the ship before 12:15pm at the latest.

 

I understand Mother Nature is outside of MSC’ control and yesterday they really had the best intentions but they screwed up royally today. 

My husband and I are in total agreement with everything you have posted about this cruise and how MSC has handled things. It infuriates me (I posted my experience and thoughts on the other thread “Dorian?? MSC Seaside Reroute?”). It’s easy for others who were not onboard to say there was nothing else that could have been done, it was all because of the weather. I can accept things happen (like the weather) that is beyond MSC’s or any other cruiseline’s control. But I do not accept the way we were “played”. That is not how you treat “family”. We should have been more informed— by way of announcements, etc - so that we each could have made the best and safest decisions for our own families.

9 hours ago, CruiseLand said:

I don't think MSC handle this great. They  let passengers know last night at 8.30 pm. And they told us we must decide by 11:00.  To leave the ship a day early in Miami or go back out to sea and return tbd. At 11:10 the forms and information packet was deliveries to our storeroom mentioning we could get free internet to reschedule our flights and etc.  It was a long night and morning getting backed and everything rescheduled.  Now we find out that the ship is not leaving the port of Miami until tomorrow.  Then why the big push to get us off the ship. We could of slept the night there got some real sleep and walked off the next day.  MSC there lack of timely information. We spent extra $500+ for the hotel and car rental since we cannot change our flight. We also purchased the fun pass. We only used $78 out of $180 and they said they said we cannot get refund. MSC definitely last time for me.

We were also on this sailing and went through the same things you mentioned above. I felt so sorry for many of the passengers who had no idea what to do about travel arrangements at the last moment (as you said, a couple of hours notice), and had also obviously never dealt with a hurricane situation (evacuation, etc). I have posted here part of the information you mentioned that we all received late Thursday night, so all can see that one choice was that we had to get off the Seaside on Friday morning because the “ship will depart Miami tomorrow”. 

In our case, we were originally due to board the NCL Sky right after disembarking the Seaside on Saturday morn. 

On Friday morning, my husband and I were trying to wait as long as possible to debark because we were waiting to hear if our NCL Sky Cruise on Saturday would be cancelled or not (if it was, then we would have stayed aboard the Seaside). But you are right, CruiseLand, there was a big push to get us off the ship. And of course, that was understandable if, due to weather conditions, and the port closing on Friday, they needed to do this. But when we asked for any kind of details, such as what time the Seaside would be departing, the only response we got, and in a very rude manner, was “are you debarking?”, then “you need to get off the ship”.

We finally disembarked around 11:30am Friday morning when the announcement was made  “if you are disembarking, it is imperative that you immediately make your way to the gangway”. They had also made it clear that they were closing the doors, so if you did not debark, you would have to stay on the ship; also once you did debark, you would not be allowed back on the ship.

Around 3pm we were happy to find out that the Sky would be sailing on Saturday. 👏🏼 Since we were at the airport (in case we needed to rent a car to drive home to Myrtle Beach), and exhausted, we just decided to stay here until time to make our way to the port again this (Saturday) morning.

And now as I sit here, I stumble upon Nymich’s post with a picture of MSC’s “Official Update” dated the evening of August 29, which clearly states that for those booked on the 8/31 sailing of the Seaside, there would be an update for that sailing at noon on Friday. I also now see that while at the same time MSC was telling us that the Seaside “will depart tomorrow” (Friday), and we needed to get off the ship if we didn’t want to sail with them to a safe area, they were also telling the 8/31 (Saturday) passengers that there was a possibility they would sail. 🤔

Even worse, I also learn now that the Seaside did NOT depart yesterday, yet we (and many others), as CruiseLand said, were not allowed to spend the night in our paid cabins and debark, as planned, this morning.

This extremely frustrating and exhausting end to this cruise infuriates me because it seems totally unnecessary of MSC to knowingly put these uncomfortable and costly changes on it’s passengers. Obviously the information related to us was not the whole truth, and my husband and I just keep asking “WHY would they do this ???”.

Even though I had read some bad reviews, I really wanted to give MSC a chance, but unfortunately I found, at least in our case, that, with the exception of three staff members, most we came in contact with was very rude (throughout the cruise, particularly in Guest Services, as well as in the Dining Room). And the best I can describe the way we were treated concerning the last hours on the ship was in a condescending manner, and certainly not as a guest that you would apologize to. We finally did ask, before we debarked, if we would be given any compensation, but were told they don’t know because those decisions are made at the corporate offices (I wonder, will MSC give me a friendly phone call, or do I need to contact them?).

One more side note ... The Sky came back to Miami on Friday, also a day early. But it’s passengers were allowed to spend Friday night on the ship, as well as they already know they will be receiving a refund of a portion of their cruise fare. 

Yes I know, every cruise line does have it’s faults, but MSC is not one I would choose to sail with again. We are only happy that we will have a chance to forget this experience as we sail with NCL today. 

2 minutes ago, bb71 said:

My dh and I both just got the phone call at the same time with this info! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

So happy! 😃

6 hours ago, NyYankees2k3 said:

16 minutes ago, Laszlo said:

To be fair they said 3pm, they didn't say what time zone Lol

 

19 minutes ago, NyYankees2k3 said:

Good luck I'm on the beach in Miami , waiting.

 

We are from North Carolina. Understand.

 

Hope for the best.

 

Hopefully not a conspiracy theory by NCL to not do the last full all inclusive on Sky. Lololol hahah.

We were thinking the same thing! Lol.

1 hour ago, NyYankees2k3 said:

I don't believe it. I'm on this ship.  I called NCL someone on the phone said the same thing. Then i called executive customer service and they said the first place u will be notified is on website. 

I was going to ask if you could check with someone there onboard. I agree with you that it doesn’t make sense not to load up the passengers who are obviously already here in Miami, since the ship will be heading out anyway. Like I said, the MSC Seaside is heading back out (later today) with passengers onboard.

If any are wondering, for us, this is not all about the cruise. I live in Myrtle Beach and my family takes hurricanes seriously, evacuating when told to do so. At this point, to us the safest  thing would be to board the passengers tomorrow, even departing early if need be, rather than all of us figuring out another means of evacuating. 

I also just called the number on the card that NCL’s rep handed me. The person I got said there is no word  that the cruise is cancelled, but like you said, she said check the website, and we should know by three today. Meanwhile, we are sitting here in the Airport’s rental car area, waiting.

This is not good news, and we are hoping it is incorrect ...

We just disembarked the MSC Seaside, choosing not to stay onboard, hoping that the Sky would sail tomorrow. 

Since The Sky was docked right next to the Seaside, we walked over (thinking they just might let us spend the night aboard LOL). They did not allow us to go into the terminal but a Norwegian representative came over to speak to us. She said tomorrow’s 8/31 cruise is cancelled. We couldn’t believe it! I asked why that info is not already posted on the website, but she said she did not know; they are constantly getting updated info.

Anyway, I’m just reporting here what happened about 10 minutes ago. In our disbelief, we are still hoping somehow the rep was misinformed! 

1 hour ago, BirdTravels said:

Norwegian Sky – August 26, 2019 Sailing: Norwegian Sky will no longer call to Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas and instead will return to Miami, Florida a day early on Friday, August 30, 2019.  Guests will have the opportunity to remain on board until 7 a.m. on August 31.  Due to the shortened cruise, all guests will receive a 20% refund from the original cruise fare paid. 

 

Norwegian Sky – August 31, 2019 Sailing: We are closely monitoring the storm and will provide an update by 3 p.m. or sooner on Friday, August 30, 2019.

I believe this may be good news for us. We are currently aboard the MSC Seaside which is now heading back to Miami, a day early. We were told this eve to decide if we want to stay onboard, or disembark Friday morning by 11am (it will depart again that afternoon around 4 until it can safely come back to Miami after the hurricane).

We are booked on the Sky on 8/31, but since NCL has not said whether it will be sailing, we are not sure what to do. But if you say that it will be in Port of Miami on Sat 8/31, does it seem reasonable that it will sail? We don’t care where it goes, just need to decide if we need to get off MSC. 

I know everyone is having to make last minute changes, and hope everything works out for us all. 

Would you happen to have the menu for “The Local” Bar? Can’t remember what the former name was, but it’s my husband’s fav place for comfort food. 

There is no extra charge to eat at the Sports Bar.

Do you know if the Bahama Mamma is included, too? That's one of our traditions when at GSC.

Yes, same drinks as on the ship.

I have not been able to do this since around 2008 / 2009.

Yeah, I did call upsell this morning and she actually sounded like she was checking. (Hope!!!) But then said she can't do that on the day of sailing. I asked if she knew if they can do it at Guest Services. She told me the ship is completely sold out.

Soooooo I just might check at Guest Services to see. At this point, I just want to know for future reference!

We are just arriving at cruise terminal now. (Uber driver got a little turned around getting us here). Excited to try out this smaller Norwegian ship!!! :)

Dales wife, would you be able to please take pictures of current menus, dailies, etc and post them here afterwards for the benefit of we poor souls who don't cruise until later in the year? Sky seems to be the hardest ship to get info for... Thanks!!!

It is the hardest ship, I couldn't find much either! I will do my best - and will figure out how to post pics when I get back.

Totally agree calling ahead of time..

I am certain they keep a few cabins for emergencies. We were flooded in our cabin on carnival the first night. Gave us several options in the same cabin class. Seen people move to another cabin on NCL. Not to better the self but due to a problem.

In my wildest of dreams I don't see them giving away the better cabins and then something happening (like the flooded cabin we had) and then downgrading the person being displaced.

That makes sense. Thanks!

I've never seen them try to sell an upgrade during check in. I have seen other passengers inquire, both times I saw this the representative claimed that, "we always sail full." Seems hard to believe, but I think if you want an upgrade you should try calling the upsell department one last time before you head to port to check in.

Thanks! Will try that. Sometimes they're not very nice over there but I'm going to call and see what happens.

Embarking SKY today!

Last Thursday I called Upsell cause I saw there were lots of balcony's left in inventory, which she verified, but said they had nothing to offer at the moment, but call back on Friday. I called back but they said the ship was sold out! Is it possible that many cabins sold that quickly? Or perhaps Gty rooms were assigned / shifted (whatever they do).

Whatever the reason, now I've been wondering if "sold out" really means "sold out"? Anyone have an experience with upgrading on embarkation day (either at check-in or guest services)? If not, we will be happy in our inside cabin, cause We're Going On A Cruise Today!!!

In JUST OVER 24 HOURS we will be boarding the SKY for a 4-day getaway. Looking forward to this smaller ship and just relaxing for a few days!

What a fun thread this is!

I have seen you ask this question a few times, but no one seems to have an answer. So I will tell you I have cruised this ship a few times and have only seen a small buffet close to this bar. And it only seemed to be a bar.

 

I seem to remembering asking the bartender this question once and was told they no longer offer food there. You can bring in food from the buffet, use the tables and someone was there to clean up after you.

Oh no :eek: "they no longer offer food there"! I have to figure out how to break this news to my DH! A number of older reviews mention Longboards is just like O'Sheehans, and they ate chicken wings. I should have researched this more before booking Sky - but thank you sooooo much for the updated info!! I am sure we will still have a great time, cause we'll be on a cruise!! :)

Longboards has a sliding door that leads to the Great Outdoors to the left. They had lots of great items to snack on (hamburgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, fruit and cheeses). There is also a breakfast and lunch buffet in Italian restaurant next door, as well. There is a bar in Longboards, but it is not open that often. We just got a plate of snacks, a drink at the Great Outdoors and sat in Longboards to eat. If you want a killer Bloody Mary, see Danley at the Great Outdoor Bar.

Thanks for this very helpful info!! We are looking forward to outside dining in the "Great Outdoors", glad to know they have "comfort food" (for the DH) on the food bar there. Did you happen to notice if they ever had chicken wings out there or at the regular buffet?

CardFanDubG:

Not trying to hijack this thread. :D

Thoroughly enjoyed your review and pictures!! Especially appreciated the info on the cellphone use, bringing the powerstrip, and turning the tv to the ship's camera channel. :) Do you happen to remember if movies were shown in any public places on the ship?

Have asked this of other recent Sky cruisers but they didn't know ...

We are departing on the SKY this coming Monday...

Do you know if Longboard Bar serves food 24 hrs (like O'Sheehans on other ncl ships). Also what's on the menu at Longboard besides wings?

And are evening movies shown anywhere on the ship (besides the cabin tv)?

Thanks

No solarium or similar on Escape.

 

On of the options I can think of is:

 

Under the outer sides under/of the upper pool deck?

I agree, if you want to be near the main pool area there are plenty of lounge chairs along the glass outer sides. From the adult pool all the way down to the kids pool section. They may go fast nearer the kids section (as noted by Mike BTN) but I always saw some open loungers closer to the adults part.

If you want to get wet and cooled off without sun, The Grotto in SpiceH20 (adults only area, aft of deck 17) is great for that; it's covered and refreshing. The nearby entrance to SpiceH20 is covered with seating too (could dry off there without being in the sun).

Also love the waterfront area (on deck 8) for lounging (in comfy chairs / loveseats), quiet, and beautiful views. It is completely covered overhead but open on the sides. We had a balcony cabin but did use the waterfront area to relax (even fell asleep!) when our balcony was too sunny and hot. It was never crowded and I wondered why more people didn't use that area.

Enjoyed your review! And pictures!!

We are departing on the SKY this coming Monday...

Do you know if Longboard Bar serves food 24 hrs (like O'Sheehans on other ncl ships). Also what's on the menu at Longboard besides wings?

And are evening movies shown anywhere on the ship (besides the cabin tv)?

Thanks :)

1. I understand Longboard Bar is comparable to O'Sheehans but can't locate this info...

Is FOOD served here 24/7?

What else is on the menu besides yummy chicken wings?

2 - Are evening movies shown anywhere on the Sky (besides the room TV)?

So is it confirmed that the "Free at Sea" Promo is being extended thru August AND "Family and Friends Sail Free" will still be one of the choices?

I'm on the escape right now I have the unlimited internet I have no problems with it so little slow what we use to with fast. And the move of the ship feels like ur just in a big building going now where no motions at all :)

I'm interested in hearing more about the internet service! Hubby will use it at times to play his one online video game, and me for Instagram. You think it would be fast enough to use for that?

Internet on Oasis of the Seas last year was excellent, so I was disappointed to read a few negative reports about Escape. We are still deciding if it's worth it, so any current personal experience accounts you hear about would be helpful, Chechas! We will be on this Saturday's 5/14 sailing. Thanx and have a great cruise!