NCL Sky Review 6/1/15

[Lisalk12]

Just back home from our Bahama cruise. This is my disclaimer! I have NEVER reviewed ANYTHING in the past! But have lived on Cruise Critic the past 6 months and really want to somehow pay it forward to those waiting on their trip.

 

First a little about my family.

"We" consist of my husband (40yrs), me (39 and staying) and our sons 13yrs and 9yrs. DH and I have sailed before on NCL Star through CAS (7 night ocean-view to the Western Caribbean) in 2012. Because we had free drinks in the casino bar we didn't partake in any of the other promotions (UBP, UDP..). So we ate and drank the "included" places and had an amazing time.

 

We booked this cruise to see if the boys acclimated to boat life. To make a week of it we spent two days in Miami pre-cruise and two days in Fort Lauderdale post-cruise.

 

Our accommodations:

This trip we booked a forward penthouse suite that included all of the plans and some OBC to top it off. We felt a little spoiled ... Ok maybe very spoiled but it was vacation right?!?! I eat gluten and dairy free so sometimes eating out can be a chore but I called 90 days out to inform NCL and they tagged my file.

 

Dallas: For our pre-cruise trip we flew from Dallas to Fort Lauderdale on Spirit airline. In Dallas we used a park and stay with the Sheridan DFW hotel which we had stayed the night before. At the Sheridan we had a large room on the lounge floor along with free breakfast. While printing out the boarding passes my husband noticed that we had already paid for three suitcases for the flight instead of the two we brought. You know what that means!!! Shopping!!!

We went to Grapevine Hills Mall and picked up a new suitcase and a few things to fill it up. Of course we wouldn't want to take an empty one. Lol! Plus now I have room for souvenirs.

 

Fort Lauderdale: Upon arriving in Fort Lauderdale we used super shuttle to take us to Miami. It was $95 for the four of us. Earlier in the day they made contact with us to confirm our reservation. We had a link to check in when our flight landed. We knew exactly where our shuttle was due to a GPS system. He was very knowledgable about the area and gave us great tips on where to eat and other activities we might try during our stay in Miami.

 

Miami:

We stayed two nights at the Miami Four Seasons Downtown. It is beautiful but a little bit over the top and intimidating! Very impressive decor which we do not see a lot where we are from. But we managed to get a good deal online. Our room

consisted of two double beds, a large bath, and plenty of room to move around. It had a double view of both the intercostal waterway and downtown. The restaurant downstairs was amazing and worked with my dietary needs. The next day we slept in then ventured out to find something to eat. On the way we walked by a CVS Pharmacy (incase you forgot anything). We found reasonably priced and more expensive restaurants close by. We used uber to take us down to South Beach Miami to see the ocean. $12 for the trip down. and she showed us how to use the app to get an uber driver for the port. She said that in most cases the car would be there in 3 minutes. When we were ready to return to the hotel we tried the app and waited for 30 minutes and no one showed. Ended up getting a taxi which is more expensive but we were hot and ready to go.

[Lisalk12]

More photos from the Miami Hotel.

[Lisalk12]

Cruise day!!

We decided to get up around 9:00 and be on the way to the port around 10:00. BUT the next morning. my husband decided that he needed to take one more web presentation for work. It started at 9:30 and shouldn't take long right? No...it lasted forever! We got ready and tried once again to use über to find a ride to port. However, after 15 minutes of waiting no one showed so we forgot uber and took a cab. There seemed to be something holding up traffic today. Maybe I was just ready to be there already or maybe the traffic just was heavy but it took about 30 minutes to get there Anyway we made it there and the ride was $17. When we arrived we walked right threw security and into the priority waiting room. Treats and COFFEE (thank heaven!) were provided and we were checked in quickly and given our room cards with ultimate dining package and the ultimate drink package (soda for boys) stickers already attached. We and another amazing family (it was great meeting them) were lead directly on the ship. The whole process took less then 15 minutes! And we were ushered into the plantation lounge and met our new best friend Suzana our concierge. She was at almost every meal to check on us and make sure we had reservations for the next day and I had my meals preordered. She helped us register boys into entourage and kids club and then took us by 1:00 to eat at Cagneys for the first of many yummy meals. For appetizers we had shrimp cocktail, salad, & smoked salmon. Entrees were hamburger/fries, roasted chicken/polenta & steak/fries.

[Lisalk12]

After that we found our room #9202

ready for us. Our butler Randy was new this sailing and was in a mandatory meeting but we meet him soon after sail off. And he was always willing to go above and beyond. Mario our room steward was all smiles and made our time perfect. We believed that the mandatory safety drill would be at 4:00 for some reason. Not sure where I heard that info but it was actually 4:30. This is us at station A about ready to pass out due to no air!! Some passengers did not show so I guess they will have the opportunity to do this tomorrow again. After we were finished we went to our balcony for sail away. We enjoyed our bottle of sparkling wine that come with the room and unpacked everything.

[Lisalk12]

We decide that we wanted to go to Il Adagio for dinner and I tried to make reservations on one of the touch screen boards. Made my choice put my card in and everything but no go. So we just got ready and chanced it. They had us eating at three different restaurants that evening. That's what happens with me and technology and with not asking our concierge. No problem and everything was worked out quickly. For dinner we had bread with dipping sauces. Of which my family consumed three whole loafs. The waiter was wonderful and brought me some gluten free bread also. Which wasn't bad at all granted I haven't even had gluten free bread in seven months so the toast was a big treat. For apps we had salad, minestrone soup, bruschetta, beef carpaccio (which was the only thing not devoured). For entrees the boys had lasagna, chicken Parmesan, and rigatoni with meatballs. I had grilled shrimp with rice. For dessert the boys had chocolate ice cream and I had a fruit plate. After dinner we talked the boys into going to the Kids club and Entourage teen club. They had a great time playing dodge ball and scavenger hunts. While we managed to set up the unlimited Internet (hunted everywhere before we found the Internet cafe and I could of done all on my phone) to allow us to talk on FaceTime and send iMessages back home to check on my Mom and Dad. For awhile we were able to use the wifi without being attached to anything but that was short lived. It takes until around 2:00 to get the passengers loaded then you can attach to the wifi and choose the plan you need We found the service to be at times temperamental. Not sure if that is just user error or because of cloudy days. But it served the purpose we needed and helped me feel at ease with being away from home. We then found a bar and enjoyed a couple of drinks.

[Lisalk12]

We decide that we wanted to go to Il Adagio for dinner and I tried to make reservations on one of the touch screen boards. Made my choice put my card in and everything but no go. So we just got ready and chanced it. They had us eating at three different restaurants that evening. That's what happens with me and technology and with not asking our concierge. No problem and everything was worked out quickly. For dinner we had bread with dipping sauces. Of which my family consumed three whole loafs. The waiter was wonderful and brought me some gluten free bread also. Which wasn't bad at all granted I haven't even had gluten free bread in seven months so the toast was a big treat. For apps we had salad, minestrone soup, bruschetta, beef carpaccio (which was the only thing not devoured). For entrees the boys had lasagna, chicken Parmesan, and rigatoni with meatballs. I had grilled shrimp with rice. For dessert the boys had chocolate ice cream and I had a fruit plate. After dinner we talked the boys into going to the Kids club and Entourage teen club. They had a great time playing dodge ball and scavenger hunts. While we managed to set up the unlimited Internet (hunted everywhere before we found the Internet cafe and I could of done all on my phone) to allow us to talk on FaceTime and send iMessages back home to check on my Mom and Dad. For awhile we were able to use the wifi without being attached to anything but that was short lived. It takes until around 2:00 to get the passengers loaded then you can attach to the wifi and choose the plan you need We found the service to be at times temperamental. Not sure if that is just user error or because of cloudy days. But it served the purpose we needed and helped me feel at ease with being away from home.

[Lisalk12]

We then found a bar and enjoyed a couple of drinks. Now on CC I have been reading about the drinks recommended and even want to take a list. Didn't and regretted it! But since we had the UBP we did explore and over the cruise we had the following drinks all covered by UBP- cranberry & grey goose vodka, la fizz, pisco punch, strawberry daiquiri , rum runner, whiskey fizz, painkiller, moscato, crown & Pepsi, grey goose screwdriver, Moscow mule, ginger beer, bud light, Stella, cagneys signature martini, margarita, coffee, water, ginger ale, orange crush, rootbeer, tequila sunrise, basil cucumber twist, sea breeze, orange juice, and my personal favorite a Mango Meltdown. I think we did great for not having a list!

[quillwercruisers]

Great review so far. Looking forward to more. We haven't been on the Sky since 2009. Booked in Dec with my BFF, and am looking forward to being onboard again.

[Lisalk12]

Great review so far. Looking forward to more. We haven't been on the Sky since 2009. Booked in Dec with my BFF, and am looking forward to being onboard again.

 

 

You will have a wonderful time!

 

Day 2 Freeport Grand Bahama Island

We were up and ready for breakfast by 9:00 and ate at Cagneys (reserved for only suite guests breakfast and lunch). The boys had pancakes, and steak and eggs.

I had eggs over easy, bacon/sausage and yummy potatoes. They also offer a food bar with fruit, various fish, cereal, yogurt, and pastries. The staff had me pre-order my dinner for that evening which helped out the restaurant staff.

[Lisalk12]

We toured the boat and checked everything out. Then got off at the port around noon and looked around. I knew not to expect a large port area but man it was very small!!! We could of gone to a number of places but had decided to treat this day more like a day at sea so we hopped back on and decided we might like a snack from the buffet. The boys decided they were ready to go back to the room and watch tv & rest. This is my youngest writing about his day in his journal. So DH and I went to see if any specials were available in the spa. We love getting massages (every since my way of eating has changed this is now my go to for date nights, stress relief, and to relax). So we found no specials but they could get us in for a couples message (in two different rooms) right then. Sounded awesome to me! Now like I said I love massages and I do not fall asleep because I don't want to miss out on one minute. But this time I was out and woke myself up snoring. Yelp it was so relaxing!! I have heard they try to sell you things which they did my husband (but he did put that he was having back & foot pain on his registration form) but she said nothing about products to me. It was thank you sign here and your husband is waiting in the lobby. Just a heads up they add gratuity to the bill. After the spa we ran back to the room to get ready for the Captains party at 6:00. We met all of the officers and had a picture taken with the Captain. Enjoyed a drink and appetizers while we chatted with officers and other passengers. I really liked the atmosphere and thought is was a great way to meet and greet especially for a short trip. But we had to hurry to our dinner reservations to Cagneys at 7:00.

[Lisalk12]

At Cagneys we gave them our room number to expedite my food order and the boys ordered their food. For apps they had beef short ribs and the chicken drumsticks. I had a salad and shrimp cocktail. For entrees we had bison steak and filet mignon. It was the best steak I have ever had! So juicy and cooked just right. The boys had macaroni &cheese or potatoes and green beans. And for dessert the chef surprised me with a mango and leche dessert with a lemon sorbet on top. It was so good! At the end of the service they asked where we would be eating the following night and made suggestions for my meal. I placed my order and after dinner we were stuffed and ready to get some much needed sleep.

[Lisalk12]

Dessert pictures from Cagneys:

[MandyMommyof2]

Loving what I am reading!! We are booked on the Sky in November. Reviews like yours, with lots of great pictures makes may day :D

[Kingmaker_inc]

Loving what I am reading!! We are booked on the Sky in November. Reviews like yours, with lots of great pictures makes may day :D

 

 

Me too!! Loving the review and can't wait to be aboard myself!!

[ksmcali]

Thanks so much for the review! We have a cabin on hold for jun 28th, that we have to pay for or lose it today. I've been trying to decide if the Sky was a good option for a quick getaway for us, and your review is excellent. Please continue! Thanks for all the great info!

[Lisalk12]

Glad you are enjoying reading about our journey.

Day 3 - Nassau

For the next morning it looked the same with breakfast at Cagneys however we did have an NCL excursion planned for the Blue Lagoon Beach Day at Nassau but the golden ticket in our room said to meet the group at the pier dock at 9:50. We were there but had to wait while the LARGE group of passengers assembled. At least the day was overcast and cool so waiting wasn't a big deal but for some reason the birds or maybe it was humans thought that dropping fruit on us would be a good idea. Apples & oranges seemed to be falling out of thin air. I suggested maybe birds were picking it up and dropping them when they realized they were to heavy but the NCL excursion rep went and got security to stand outside and watch the ship. Anyway by 10:30 we were on boat for a 25 min ride to the blue lagoon.

On the way we had restrooms onboard and a cash concession. We were entertained by stories about the local area and saw many Beautiful homes and landscapes.

[Lisalk12]

We got to our excursion destination and found it hard to find four lounge chairs together. However we settled on two and the boys tried to get into the water. It was so cool outside but the water would of been nice if the sun would of just popped out. The boys had a choice of what they would like to do so they decided to kayak. We rented two clear bottom kayaks for 30 minutes. We really didn't see any fish but the boys had a great time and I managed to make it back onshore without getting my phone wet. After our 30 minutes they wanted to go see the Dolphins and it started to rain. Not a gentle shower but the sky opened and buckets of water come down (and it managed to do this the rest of the day) We ran for our beach things and then to the dolphin discovery center. We were drenched!

[Lisalk12]

We found shelter and stayed and watched the Dolphins and tried to dry off a little. Remembered at this point I had an umbrella in my bag so we decided we would take the 1:00 tender back (1:00 2:00 & 4:00 was the choices). We could of stayed and had a meal on the island (part of the package) but we were soaked and had done what we had set out to do) so after a 30 minute trip back on the tender stopping once to let the hotel guest off we went and put on dry clothes and picked a snack up at the Buffett.

[Lisalk12]

DH had missed Deal or no deal yesterday and had decided we would not miss it today to we set an early 6:00 reservation for Le Bistro. This was the only time we drank something not covered. We had a glass of champagne the only cost us $6 over the UBP price which was fine with us. Thought is was a nice touch for the French dinner. Here I had scallops, lobster with lemon and olive oil, grill veggies, and a fruit plate.

[Lisalk12]

The boys had French onion soup & seared duck salad. Entrees included burgundy chicken and pork tenderloin. I have to mention that my youngest was shown a child's menu but always ordered off the adults menu with no problem at all. They would even cut his steak for him in the mornings. He tried so many new things and I think gained some much needed weight during the trip. Also I was so impressed with the wait staff. On land I have never been asked if I would like gluten free bread. And they just seemed like it happens all the time and it was no problem at all.

[Lisalk12]

Husband made it on time to see deal or no deal however we didn't win but it was still a great time. Leaving from the theater we stopped to see if we could find any of our pictures and heard show tunes coming from the Captains Cooks Bar. We stopped and had a couple of drinks and listened. Barry was a wonderful cross musical genre piano Player and entertainer. We loved listening and singing along.

[Lisalk12]

Day 4- GSC

Woke up to sunshine!!!! So expected to hear that it was rainy or the waves were to high to tender. I was one happy cruiser! We had a golden ticket today to tender at anytime due to getting a small cabana. So at Breakfast we met Suzana and she walked us through the staff stairway onto the tender. We filled the boat and we're off to the cay. We landed and found the information desk and signed in with our shore excursion ticket and followed the guide We were assigned small cabana #20.

[Lisalk12]

I'm not sure how far we walked but it was a good trek. I know I've read there is a tram but I never saw it. Upon arrival we see our little piece of paradise for the day at least. We had four loungers, towels, four chairs with a table, floating mats, frig and an outside shower for the day. A fruit platter, chips/dip, and water were their waiting for us. Waiters came by and brought us drinks and refilled the chips and dip throughout the day. They asked what time we would like our $50 worth of food we had ordered from menu the day before (included in the package). They brought our dairy free/gluten free sushi and shrimp at 12:00. There was a buffet available also but we had plenty of food and chose not to go.

[Lisalk12]

After eating my husband and oldest son decided they wanted to try and snorkel. The problem was they have to rent them back at the information desk. That was a long walk back but they saw lots of beautiful things around the rocks during their first snorkeling adventure. My youngest son and I floated in the water and enjoyed the yellow floating mats. We knew the last tender back for the boat would be at 4:00 so around 3:00 we started picking up and walked back to the docks. Evidently everyone else did also. The line was terribly long after dropping off our snorkel things but they had cups of water available and music playing as hot, sweaty, very sunburnt people waited to get on the tender. We had to show picture ID's and our sail card to get on the tender. They filled and I mean FILLED the tender to the point of no more room in the inn with everyone sitting down we were ready to go back.

[Lisalk12]

This allowed for more time to take some photos of the ship on the way back. We went to the room, showered, and DH and boys went to play bingo and find out if we won a free cruise from deal or no deal raffle tickets. I walked through the duty free shops and looked at pictures before meeting them there. We did win $10 on the pull tabs but had a fun time. We had given the boys a choice to pick which restaurant they would like to eat the last night. They chose Italian. We enjoyed the wonderful dinner of bruschetta pizza, chicken parmesan, lasagna, and my shrimp with rice.