Had a good time on the Sky 4 night

[LMaxwell]

We had the exact same experience on the Sky's sister ship, the Sun, last year. We never saw the steward until nearly the end of the cruise. That's unusual for NCL. On the Gem that we just got off of, we met the room steward just as we walked into our cabin; he came to introduce himself and ask if we had our luggage yet. We saw him a lot during that cruise, and he got a "hero card" and extra recognition from us. That's more the norm on NCL. I wonder if they are trying the concept of high service with little visibility on the Sun and the Sky or something.

 

Either that, or they have more rooms than in the past and just don't have the opportunity for that "personal touch". Things breaking in the room aren't the stewards fault and anything that was under his control in terms of make up of the room was handled as well as anyone could have hoped for so I was happy with the service overall. I just feel like Royal does a better job with the steward providing a business card with a direct phone extension. Thinking about it now it is kind of inexplicable that there was no chair at the desk, but it was handled during first evening service so it was fine really. Had it been a bigger deal I guess we could have called instead of leaving a note.

 

I guess I should say it was "ninja" service because whenever we left the room and then came back it was made up and that makes me happy. I really hope my comments don't come across as complaints. They aren't complaints. Just relating what our first hand experience was; the ups and downs. But overall I was very pleased.

[LMaxwell]

I thought I'd address the nickel/dime reputation NCL has and the comments that get thrown around. I hate feeling nickel and dimed. I hate contracting to pay for X, but then being charged Z. Even if something is optional, too many fees or "opportunities" to spend more can feel very off putting.

 

I'm glad to say I didn't feel nickel and dimed on NCL. Yes, there are the same opportunities to spend more for extra services that exist on ALL the cruise lines. And yes, the Sky doesn't have as many features and amenities as the biggest ships so maybe it's not as "in your face", but I felt like everything that was included is the basis of what makes a cruise a cruise and never felt like sales were being hawked in my face or that there was ever pressure to spend money for things we didn't want. It a dramatic talking point on the boards that didn't play out in reality. I *may* feel differently after sailing the Escape because there is more "everything" but at least for the Sky I did not have that feeling of nickel/dime and believe me, it is a feeling I HATE and a prime reason I avoid Disney/Theme Parks. So...myth busted.

 

I will say this though; plenty of people commented about Room service charges (I think it was a stupid move to charge), bottled water and coffees, and at least a a half dozen people all unsolicited told me how if I liked NCL I absolutely must go try Carnival. Found that a little surprising.

 

Since this was a short cruise with a younger crowd I did not ONCE hear about anyones Latitudes status. That was nice. Royal Caribbean Diamond and Diamond Plus members love to start and end sentences with their status. In case you forget, they pepper it in the middle once or twice ;)

Edited October 11, 2015 by LMaxwell

[NLH Arizona]

They obviously didn't use the separate card for complementary room service of continental breakfast items. We just got off the Gem on 10/3 and there were at least five of the cards with our room service menu.

 

I wonder if they ordered something "hot" ... like toast ... that isn't on the complementary menu?

Thanks.

[DGP1111]

LM: Very glad to read you had an enjoyable time onboard Norwegian Sky. :) I've been on that ship numerous times, but it's been a while since the last, so I'm looking forward to one that's upcoming soon.

 

I'll not be exiting the ship at all between embarkation and debarkation, so it's good to read about your onboard experience being over-all positive. Glad that you mentioned about the pool bar area being properly staffed in anticipation of numerous passengers skipping the dismal experience that is Freeport. That has not always been the case.

 

I have both UDP & UBP for the cruise.

 

.

 

. . . Captain Cooks is used for trivia during the day and early evening and has a piano player/singer in the evening. We found our favorite bartenders at Captain Cooks and left cash tips and a hero card for them. Bonus; during music trivia the Cruise Director Drew played the piano and sang the songs as opposed to just hitting play on a music track. This was an unexpected touch and he is talented at singing and playing piano.

 

I've always enjoyed the evening experience in CC's, and will certainly check out the cruise director's addition to the daytime use if he's still onboard next month. Thanks for the heads-up.

 

. . . Service was almost universally good . . .

 

There was some poor service, but nothing worth complaining about onboard. For instance the atrium bar had one bartender and he couldn't keep up with 4 guests. Just over his head.

 

I don't think I've ever seen more than one staffed at the Atrium Bar. I like to visit this location because it's only a few steps to my cabin, and there's occasional evening entertainment nearby, just outside the casino entrance. Hopefully there will be a better multi-tasker scheduled there while I'm onboard.

 

Thanks, again, for sharing the positive/fair feedback on your vacation! :)

 

.

[LMaxwell]

 

 

 

I don't think I've ever seen more than one staffed at the Atrium Bar. I like to visit this location because it's only a few steps to my cabin, and there's occasional evening entertainment nearby, just outside the casino entrance. Hopefully there will be a better multi-tasker scheduled there while I'm onboard.

 

Thanks, again, for sharing the positive/fair feedback on your vacation! :)

 

.

 

Yes, it is not a very large bar, just that particular bar tender seemed very overwhelmed. Perhaps the drinks that were ordered required more work. I do know we tried to order some exotic type martinis at Captain Cooks and they didn't have the ingredients and had suggested the atrium bar for a bunch of the martinis on the list linked below.

 

They had a solo musician outside of the atrium bar and I saw him elsewhere but can't recall where...he sounded quite good. I think his name was Melvin.

 

I had found this drink list on CC, printed and brought it with me. This will earn you friends amongst strangers and bartenders http://www.grantmkt.net/star/NCL_UBP_Favorite_beverages.pdf

Edited October 11, 2015 by LMaxwell

[Socalev]

I had found this drink list on CC, printed and brought it with me. This will earn you friends amongst strangers and bartenders http://www.grantmkt.net/star/NCL_UBP_Favorite_beverages.pdf

 

Printing drink list to take with me on my Escape 14 Nov cruise! Thanks so much. Love it!:):):)

[LMaxwell]

Although we did not purchase internet the Freestyle Daily has it listed as

 

"Unlimited Cruise Plan $24.99 per day for your entire cruise". I've read on here that it would be $29.99; so maybe they haven't switched pricing yet. The wording doesn't seem clear to me if you can buy it for $24.99 for a single day, or if you have to buy all days of the cruise, but at $24.99 per day.

 

I thought I had all 4 days of dailies, but it appears I am missing day two. If anyone has any questions I'll try to answer.

[janpo]

So glad you enjoyed your cruise!

 

I know a lot of people love the Sky. My husband and I aren't one of them . We did the 4 day cruise this past January. Agree about the ports. The crew was very friendly. Our cabin had some issues. We won't sail her again.

[LMaxwell]

So glad you enjoyed your cruise!

 

I know a lot of people love the Sky. My husband and I aren't one of them . We did the 4 day cruise this past January. Agree about the ports. The crew was very friendly. Our cabin had some issues. We won't sail her again.

 

Yeah the selection of Freeport as a destination makes no sense to me.

[niborHS]

Thanks so much for your comprehensive review. I sailed on the Sky twice, in 1999, the first year it was in service, we got a fantastic deal on the Owner's Suite when we were on board the year before. Then once again after that. What I can't understand about people's complaints is, they cruise on an older, smaller ship, then complain because it's a bit worn, a bit dated, not as great this, not as spectacular that, whatever. You certainly got a great deal, though, although it's not uncommon for people from Florida to get great deals.

The best thing about your review, I was a last minute add on sailing with 4 girlfriends. I took an inside cabin across from them on Deck 8, because I am paying double, and didn't think it was worth the extra to pay for the porthole window. Based on your comment about the window, I am really glad.

[LMaxwell]

Thanks so much for your comprehensive review. I sailed on the Sky twice, in 1999, the first year it was in service, we got a fantastic deal on the Owner's Suite when we were on board the year before. Then once again after that. What I can't understand about people's complaints is, they cruise on an older, smaller ship, then complain because it's a bit worn, a bit dated, not as great this, not as spectacular that, whatever. You certainly got a great deal, though, although it's not uncommon for people from Florida to get great deals.

The best thing about your review, I was a last minute add on sailing with 4 girlfriends. I took an inside cabin across from them on Deck 8, because I am paying double, and didn't think it was worth the extra to pay for the porthole window. Based on your comment about the window, I am really glad.

 

For us selecting oceanview got us the free ubp. OV is also about 25% larger than interior room. We did nap a lot but had blackout shade closed. I thought the bed was great as we're the linens. Way better than the large superior ocean view on Majesty of the Seas. We were forward between forward and atrium elevators and near forward staircase. It was a good spot. I would select deck 8 again. We had cabins above and below and only heard noise from music in the atrium very briefly early one evening. Situated between the two elevator vestibules forward meant a minimum of foot teaffic. 150 Sq feet with or without a window is plenty for me and I don't feel cramped at all.

 

I'm not very picky about room type but I avoid guarantees as it is all about location, location, location for me.

[Debde]

Thank you so much for this review!! You have stated many things that besides the promos that are out, that made me want to try NCL. Now more excited then ever!!

[LMaxwell]

Thanks. I'm guessing that they didn't ask you about any service issues, because they knew that your issue was that you couldn't pay for it on the website. Please let everyone know how long it take to get the overage back from NCL.

 

Submitted the form today to modify the amount and immediately received back an auto-response.

 

The Auto-Response includes a Case number and the following text:

 

"Thank you for contacting us. Your service charge refund will be processed within 2 weeks from receipt."

 

Will update this thread so that you get the answer to your question.

[NLH Arizona]

Submitted the form today to modify the amount and immediately received back an auto-response.

 

The Auto-Response includes a Case number and the following text:

 

"Thank you for contacting us. Your service charge refund will be processed within 2 weeks from receipt."

 

Will update this thread so that you get the answer to your question.

Thanks, will be interested when you get the check, hopefully it will be within 2 weeks, meaning that they are keeping their word.

[herdingdogmom]

Although we did not purchase internet the Freestyle Daily has it listed as "Unlimited Cruise Plan $24.99 per day for your entire cruise". I've read on here that it would be $29.99; so maybe they haven't switched pricing yet.

Did you happen to notice if there is a wifi option on Great Stirrup Cay?

[LMaxwell]

Did you happen to notice if there is a wifi option on Great Stirrup Cay?

 

Sorry don't know the answer to that

[chapchap]

Stateroom: Deck 8 Oceanview cabin (large porthole). Approx 150 square feet. Two swing open closets with about 10 hangars, 3 drawers, and push button code safe. One of the closet doors has a body mirror. Bed had a heavy vinyl luggage mat. Nice touch.

 

I would recommend an oceanview cabin and I would stay on deck 8 again. I'd probably say something about the "not a view" window though if it happened again.

 

 

would you happen to have pictures of your cabin?

[imakemistaeks]

Just for my clarification, if the cruise stops at Grand Bahama Island, that just means Freeport basically, right?

[LMaxwell]

would you happen to have pictures of your cabin?

 

I did not personally take any but Cruise Critic has a 1500 photo review of the ship. Here is an oceanview cabin. Mine had a round window instead of the bigger square one

 

http://gallery.cruisecritic.com/ships/norwegian-sky-150/oceanview-100343/

 

Also Cruise Line Rooms (dot) com has actual photos of various rooms

Edited October 14, 2015 by LMaxwell

[DGP1111]

Just for my clarification, if the cruise stops at Grand Bahama Island, that just means Freeport basically, right?

 

Correct.

 

.

[LMaxwell]

Just for my clarification, if the cruise stops at Grand Bahama Island, that just means Freeport basically, right?

 

Yes, Grand Bahama = Freeport

[katiecat]

Just to do this while it is fresh in my head.

 

Did not utilize following areas or offerings:

 

Excursions

Specialty Dining

Onboard Shopping

Kids Club

Spa

Gym/Sauna

Library

 

In fact, we had a zero bill and had to scramble the last night to burn off $25 OBC in the Casino. We were in and out of the casino in 3 minutes with that OBC gone in the few pushes of a button. Due to lack of excursions (and nothing at GSC to spend money on) literally spent $2 in cash between all the ports ($1 each entrance for Fort Fincastle in Nassau). I lied. it is now $1.08 to enter the fort. Hand them $3 and they say 'oh, that's a problem." and they hand you some random amount of useless Bahamian change. Not a big deal with $3, but the guy next to me paying with a $20 wasn't amused.

 

Loving your review because I've never booked a short cruise before or even been on a private island owned by a cruise.

When your in GSC do you need cash or you charge with your card from the ship? Like I said this is new to me and thanks a head for your reply.

[janpo]

Cash to the vendors on the island.

[LMaxwell]

Loving your review because I've never booked a short cruise before or even been on a private island owned by a cruise.

When your in GSC do you need cash or you charge with your card from the ship? Like I said this is new to me and thanks a head for your reply.

 

There is a tiny vendor village section that I think is cash only, but as far as charging for drinks or water toys, etc., you use your ship card. I never shop in the trinket villages so no need to bring cash.

[katiecat]

Printing drink list to take with me on my Escape 14 Nov cruise! Thanks so much. Love it!:):):)

 

I printed it too I have two cruises booked with UDP and this will be useful. Thanks:)