The CHEAP Challenge: Results in from the Sky

[jazzinj]

Thanks for sharing, such a great story - you have convinced me to try a cheap challenge with my family, too! I'm going to look for something for 2013, hopefully I can find something close to home so we can save on airfare!

[SuiteRose]

So happy that you enjoyed your cruise... I have been pricing cruises to Bermuda and can't justify the price of a suite since you spend so much time on shore... Your post gives me the incentive to book a more afordable cabin.. thanks!!! And of course we can drive to the pier since we are from PA..

[lanikeekee]

The Situation: A couple of weeks ago I posted here regarding my decision to take the four day SKY cruise to the Bahamas in an inside cabin with no excursions, no up-charge restaurants, and no shopping—in other words—as cheap as possible. Budget airline, budget transports, no pre-cruise shopping for the new bathing suit. Many people from CC encouraged my efforts, asking for a report back.

 

About Us: My favorite part of cruising is having a balcony and especially enjoying coffee in the morning on my balcony. In the past years we have been fortunate enough to have suites, and greatly enjoyed the perks. I totally bought the line, “Once you cruise in a suite you’ll never go back.” And I myself had often said, “I cannot cruise without a balcony.” Well, not sure if some of you have noticed that the economy has not been so great lately. So in my winter doldrums I was dreaming of a cruise, really wanting to spend some time with my kids (home on college break). But I just could not rationalize spending that much money. I was also noticing that the four day cruise prices were dropping drastically about two weeks out from sailing date. So I decided to closely monitor the only week that would work for us—January 9th. Low and behold prices fell. With great encouragement from CCers I decided to go for it.

 

Questions We Had: As I contemplated the “cheapo challenge” some interesting questions arose. I wondered if my positive feeling about NCL service was because I had been in suites, where it is reasonable to assume that service would excel? Had cruising gone to a “class system”? Or was service good regardless of your room type? Also, on a personal level, how much had I convinced myself that I needed to have the balcony, this amenity or that amenity? What was most important—enjoying my kids and spending time together or being in the best suite?? Did I HAVE TO have a balcony? What WAS the real value of having a concierge to make my restaurant reservations? And food snob that I am—did I really want to eat in buffet lines and MDRs for five days? Would an inside cabin drive me crazy, or would it drive us out to more and broader experiences? Was a four day cruise somehow “less” that a 7 or 10 day cruise in terms of service?

 

So this is what we did: We booked the absolute bottom price—a guarantee inside room. Price: $179 each for two of us, and $109 for the third plus the port charges and $12 per da/person service—about $900 total. No insurance—we were 10 days out, it was a four day cruise, and only to the Bahamas. A risk I know—but one I was comfortable taking. No day ahead flight with added hotel and meal charges. Again—a risk—but one worth taking since I was able to get a direct flight. Discovered that a limo pick-up was cheaper than pay parking and taking a bus to airport—some of my price research surprised me. We were hoping for a room upgrade—didn’t get one—but did get on the 7th deck which was actually a great location—near elevators, and on deck with dining room, shops, and casino (oh no!!)

 

And this is how it went: No kidding, it was the best cruise of my life. Even I am not believing I am saying this. The service was fantastic—no way I felt that anyone looked at my key card thinking “cheapo lady”—LOL. The room was adequate, tough for storage, but there actually was sitting space and the beds were very comfortable, and the bedding was of good quality. I cannot say enough about the food on this cruise. The buffets were kept in perfect shape, good variety. Table cleared quickly. Service in MDRs was incredible. Even the much maligned lobster was really good—but salmon was the real winner. Caesar salads incredible. I could go on and on. Being in an inside cabin definitely meant we stayed out of the room. We took advantage of everything—kids pored over the schedule and planned every day out. They LOVED all the entertainment. Shows, games, activities—gosh, everything was just so much fun.

 

Top Ten List:

10) Two for one martinis at aft bar between 6 and 8 —never listed in the daily—but I read it here on CC

9) Workout room with great views

8) Caesar salads

7) Great Stirrup Cay beach to the far left

6)Sail away party on deck

5) loungers by the pool (very few towel hogs)

4)discovered breakfast in IlDagio (Italian restaurant) that no one seemed to know about

3)DJs and dance parties each night—fovorite of my kids

2)White Hot Party (everyone was up and out and dancing like CRAZY)

1) Buffalo chicken wings at Longboards every morning at 1AM with my two faves

 

Over the Top Experience:

There was a note in the daily that you could register to have dinner with one of the ship’s officers and they would have a drawing. Well we registered and on Wednesday morning received a lovely invitation. A Guest Services rep met us and then took us to our table with the Captain of Staff—(under the Captain there is the Chief Engineer, Hotel and Food Director, and the Captain of Staff). He was a wonderful gentleman from Croatia who answered all of our questions and was really interesting. The meal was in the MDR but included lovely wines and then he ordered deserts for us from Cagney’s that they brought in and served. It was just us, a lovely woman from Jamaica with her college age daughter—I had mistakenly expected a big table of people. It was just one of the most lovely experiences!!

 

What We Learned: As many CCers suggested, we found that we really did get out and about and really participate much more in the ship activities. For instance, I always sat on my balcony for sail away. But this time we were up on deck, with a great band, everyone dancing—so much fun. We definitely found that we could have great food and great fun without adding a lot of charges. I am thrilled we ahd this challenge—and am totally thrilled that I did not dismiss this opportunity because I could not afford a balcony. I did not NEED a balcony. We learned that a four day cruise attracts a bit of a younger group (though all ages were represented) and to me this is great and means high energy and great entertainment and participation (for example, I have been to a couple of really dead White Hot parties).On the other hand—I encountered no rude or drunken behavior. But there is just a nice high energy feel to this cruise. Finally, who you cruise with is much more important than all the rest—and I value every moment I was able to spend with my two kids who have now both gone back to college. We danced every night, went to all the shows, ate great food, laughed ourselves crazy, and ate us a fare’s worth of hot chicken wings.

 

So wonderful I love your review so positive and i loved the energy...most of the fun on any cruise is being involved....congrats on being that person:D

[david_sobe]

We did a very similar type of cruise. We cruised the Sky in Oct. We had a free balcony upgrade from an interior. The cruise prior we were in the Epic Haven suites. I was bracing myself for lots of changes. We had a good time and did not do any excursions in Nassau and stayed on the ship.

But we did splurge on two occasions :) We at at Cagneys TWICE. We could not resist ;)

We went to relax and we did. We did not even go see any of the entertainment.

 

But so glad to hear they brought back the 2 for 1 martinis in Plantation lounge. Can you believe when I sailed was a test sailing to see if business would go down and they cancelled the offer. I told the bartender that it would greatly impact their business since I remember my first Sky sailing the lounge was packed. This time, it was almost empty. It IS the best deal at sea and great lounge to just kick back and talk and listen to the great music.

[davesgirl51]

Jumping Up and Down Waving My Pom Poms !!! :D

[Derckert82]

A great review, this is how we usally crusie to , we have 6 kids so vacationing on the cheap is a great thing. I would rather crusie every year or every other year then only once in my lifetime. Our last crusie with the six kids we only spent 300 out of pocket once on the ship and 250 of that was for the next crusie.

[yoyocruiser]

Derckert--yes, with six kids I'm sure you have to do it as cheaply as possible--but so great that all your kids get that experience--and generally speaking kids just love it and have NO IDEA what you are spending!!

 

David--The Plantation Lounge was PACKED. This was the one drink (okay--two drinks) I got each day--LOL--and they were fantastic!! But it was odd--the special was NOT advertised in the dailies and when you went in you had to ask--but plenty of people seemed to know!!:D

[johnmpcny]

We have some tickets that must be used by March and looking at quick 3day on the sky or going to London. Having just done a 7 day on Jewel inside I loved your post and am sending to my wife.

 

Thank you

[puddles99]

I'm so glad to hear you had a fantastic experience. I'm a suite-addict, but reading your post just made me grin from ear to ear. A vacation really is what you make it!

[Norwegian Cruise Line]

Dear yoyocruiser,

On behalf of our CEO Kevin Sheehan (who read your post), thank you for your kind words about Norwegian Sky.

 

We are so happy you had a great experience! Norwegian Sky is a wonderful option for a short cruise (no matter what category stateroom you are in).

 

Best,

Norwegian Cruise Line Public Relations

[cliffd64]

My parents achieved the same or better when they accompanied us on a 9 day cruise on NCL Dawn... They had a zero bar tab, no excursions, or gift shop, or photos.... Basically no on board purchases at all... In fact, they had to purchase a Cruise Rewards Certificate (which they gave to us later) in order to use up their OBC... I was amazed...

 

 

---

I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=41.648915,-72.724425

[yoyocruiser]

Cliff, Well we did not do quite as well as your parents!! We too bought a cruise certificate--so that was most of our onboard cost. We did however have some bar charges--but very reasonable.

 

Oh wow, really nice to hear from Norwegian Cruise Line--and happy to know that Kevin Sheehan read my post, because I do want him to know how fantastic the staff are on the SKY!! And indeed the Sky is a great option for a shorter cruise--regardless of the type of cabin!

[jertom]

Thanks for posting the results of your experiment and we are glad that it worked out so well.

Inspiration for people who think they can't afford a cruise !

[sparks1093]

Dear yoyocruiser,

On behalf of our CEO Kevin Sheehan (who read your post), thank you for your kind words about Norwegian Sky.

 

We are so happy you had a great experience! Norwegian Sky is a wonderful option for a short cruise (no matter what category stateroom you are in).

 

Best,

Norwegian Cruise Line Public Relations

 

Impressive!

[Mooder]

A wonderful post! Thank you for reminding me that I was very, very happy in my inside cabin lo those many years ago. I've always thought that while I love my balcony, I don't spend as much time on it as I might because I love to be out and about. You confirmed that I can always go back to the inside cabin if needs be. I loved that total darkness for sleeping.

[youngestof9]

this makes me so happy! We are the same way "balcony people" and then got upsold to a suite. Ack! So you get spoiled and wonder if you could ever go "back".

Contemplating 2 oceanviews right now and this just makes me more convinced we should do it.

So glad you had such a great time!

[mrsfiona613]

Hi..Thanks for all the info on the NCL SKY...My sister and I along with her family are booked on the SKY for 4 nights in August. We have only sailed with Carnival (2x) and hope that this was the right decision to sail with NCL....We wanted to try the 'freestyle' dining and NCL had the better route then Carnival for a short cruise.....Here's hoping that we like NCL!!!!:):rolleyes:

[yoyocruiser]

Fiona, I do think you will like the SKY a lot. Freestyle dining is great. There are two main dining rooms, the garden buffet (inside), the Great Outdoors (outside on aft of ship), and from 5 pm to 3AM Longboards (a bar that serves comfort food and great hot chicken wings!!). There is an upcharge Italian restaurant for dinner that is only $10 extra per person if you want to eat in a more initimate venue and not pay much more. then there are other charge restaurants that have higher charges. Also, the Italian restaurant is also open for breakfast serving from an omelet station and waffle station--but a very small and intimate interior with ceiling to floor glass windows. So anyway--lots of choices.

Youngestof9: Oceanview is high end!! LOL!! Go for it.

[flashdog_1]

[quote name='yoyocruiser'][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3]The Situation: A couple of weeks ago I posted here regarding my decision to take the four day SKY cruise to the Bahamas in an inside cabin with no excursions, no up-charge restaurants, and no shopping—in other words—as cheap as possible. Budget airline, budget transports, no pre-cruise shopping for the new bathing suit. Many people from CC encouraged my efforts, asking for a[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3]college. We danced every night, went to all the shows, ate great food, laughed ourselves crazy, and ate us a fare’s worth of hot chicken wings.[/SIZE][/FONT][/quote]

Thanks so much for posting! Sometimes you see ads for a bargain basement price and it seems too good to be true. It was the same for me with my first time share. I was offered a free 3 day/2 night stay. I resolved not to spend a penny (I did end up renting a bucket of tennis balls) and other than that dollar spent on tennis balls came away convinced this was the way to vacation for young famlies who could take lots of friends with them.

I have stayed in every type of cabin except full suite, and I have to say I agree wholeheartedly. This business about "you can't go back after a suite" is just not realistic in this economy. If you see a special on a 7 night cruise for $298 in an inside, grab it and go! Use your airline miles for free seats etc! You will find lots of new friends aboard who are also just getting away "on a dime" like you are.

And it never hurts to have a future cruise credit on your latitudes number so you really can go for almost nothing therefore. Thanks again.

[Medtech2]

Oh how wonderful! I SO want to do that with my kids--one is graduating college this May and one is in vet school. I have always loved traveling with them, from cub scout campouts to away soccer games to school trips....sigh...it goes by SO fast!

[halos]

[quote name='WaldosPepper']That is absolutely fantastic, and I'm grinning from ear to ear. So glad you had such a fabulous cruise! :D:D:D[/quote]
I must agree!!
I have goosebumps!

I have been anticipating this review...I must say it doesn't surprise me.
I have yet to have a suite on NCL and I have always felt like I was treated royally whether in a balcony or an inside (I also had an inside on the Sky!!)
I am [B]so [/B]happy you had such a great cruise with your kids!!!!!!!!! :D

[Seago2]

I was wondering how it went! Good for you- glad you had a great time.

[yoyocruiser]

ahh--honestly--such nice sentiments being expressed here--and I have tears in my eyes just remembering that this time last week we were dining with the "Staff Captain" and he was just so interesting and my son and daughter were just mesmerized!! You just have the opportunity to make such good times. (It is so sad to me to read all these relentless negative posts about tipping and the lettuce leaf that was limp--LOL). Halos you have always been enthusiastic about your good times. Medtech--do it, I am much like you, have always LOVED traveling with my kids and they are even MORE FUN now that they are like adult people!! Flashdog--yes, indeed, you can go back!!

[just4kixx]

Came over (from the dark side... "Royal boards" jk :p ) to see what I could find out about The Sky and have to say I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post!

I am currently researching a 4 night trip in July, just DH and myself to celebrate our 50ths. It is between The Sky and Royal's Majesty. Being more familiar with Royal, I was leaning towards the Majesty, but DH would like a balcony, and at the moment, that would be The Sky.

Thank you for you post, it helps put things in perspective!

I'm off to read other posts in hopes of making my final decision easier!

A~

[yoyocruiser]

Well obviously I am biased after having such a wonderful cruise on the SKY--but having been on both, I would definitely choose the SKY. Of course I really like "freestyle" cruising and for this reason prefer NCL in general. But I also like the ship itself better. Anyway, just have a great time whatever cruise you select.