Norwegian Sky this weekend (4/1-4/4)! A few questions...

[Sdmurry]

We booked this cruise only a few weeks ago and now as we're getting all ready to head down to Miami on Friday we have a few questions. Any answers, tips, etc are appreciated!

 

First, we saw a few recent bad reviews but those seem to stem from the huge number of college spring breakers. We don't mind a party but we do appreciate good service and friendly bartenders, can we expect this from the Sky?

More importantly with the drinks, are there any bourbons available with the inclusive drinks? My hubby loves a good old fashioned and sipping bourbon, but we probably won't spring for it if the bourbon is extra.

 

Also, my husband and I are hoping to get a few workouts in on over the weekend cruise, can anybody comment on the gym? Also, is there a track on this ship?

 

Finally, we're still deciding what to do in Nassau! We don't want to do Atlantis or any other expensive excursions. We are thinking about going to Junkanoo beach (The tiki bikini bar) and maybe seeing the rum distillery. Are these walking distance from the boat? Any additional opinions?

[Sdmurry]

Also, any opinions on the MDR? Is one better than the other or do they serve the same menu each night?

 

Thanks!

[Nola26]

No clue on the alcohol, but service was wonderful on my November 2014 trip.

 

The gym was well equipped with good space. The waking track is on a lower deck, very useful and out of heavy traffic flow.

 

I did some shopping, walked to The National Gallery of Art and took a taxi to Atlantis during our Nassau stop. Small entry fee for gallery, Atlantis taxis and casino cash was all I spent for my excursions. Last trip we just shopped a bit and returned to ship early.

 

I believe Junkanoo beach is walking distance. I made a left up the hill for gallery, you'd continue right for beach.

 

There are also some resort day pass options. Check the Ports board for Nassau.

[2ManyCruises]

The Tiki Bikini Hut is a great idea. We paid I think about $55.00 total for 2 chairs an umbrella and all you can drink. The beach was clean and the atmosphere was nice. The prices are set but you may be able to bargain for a lower price.

Edited March 30, 2016 by 2ManyCruises

[khiggs]

I was on the Sky this past weekend. I really enjoyed it. Very little spring breakers. The all inclusive alcohol was wonderful. I never really saw anyone out of control. There were extra bartenders which helped with the free drinks. I don't drink bourbon so I cant answer that question. There are plenty of bars on ship, so if there is a long line at one take a little walk to the next one. The pool bar usually always has a line but it goes by fast.

 

Overall the service on the ship was great. The only issue I had was with our room steward. There were three of us in the room and the towels never reflected that. Nor did she ever replace our striped towels, had to go to the pool to have those replaced.

 

Junkanoo beach is within walking distance of the ship. Nice beach, crowded, good drinks.

[Sdmurry]

I was on the Sky this past weekend. I really enjoyed it. Very little spring breakers. The all inclusive alcohol was wonderful. I never really saw anyone out of control. There were extra bartenders which helped with the free drinks. I don't drink bourbon so I cant answer that question. There are plenty of bars on ship, so if there is a long line at one take a little walk to the next one. The pool bar usually always has a line but it goes by fast.

 

Overall the service on the ship was great. The only issue I had was with our room steward. There were three of us in the room and the towels never reflected that. Nor did she ever replace our striped towels, had to go to the pool to have those replaced.

 

Junkanoo beach is within walking distance of the ship. Nice beach, crowded, good drinks.

 

Thanks for the input! Glad to hear from someone who just went! When you say that Junkanoo is crowded do you man like towel to towel, annoying to swim crowded? Of course I don't mind people but we went to a miserably crowded beach on St. Thomas our last cruise and don't want to do that again.

[Sdmurry]

The Tiki Bikini Hut is a great idea. We paid I think about $55.00 total for 2 chairs an umbrella and all you can drink. The beach was clean and the atmosphere was nice. The prices are set but you may be able to bargain for a lower price.

 

 

Great! Thanks for the input! Did you walk there from the ship? How long of a walk is it?

[LMaxwell]

The Rum Distillery is walking distance from the ship. The tour is free. The bar at the end will offer specials like 3 drinks for $20 or so.

 

Both MDR's the same. Thought MDR Breakfast and Lunch were excellent. MDR dinner about average. We liked the aft MDR; they always gave us a window table for breakfast and lunch.

[khiggs]

Thanks for the input! Glad to hear from someone who just went! When you say that Junkanoo is crowded do you man like towel to towel, annoying to swim crowded? Of course I don't mind people but we went to a miserably crowded beach on St. Thomas our last cruise and don't want to do that again.

 

I wouldnt say towel to towel crowded. If you want more room I would go further down the beach pass the tiki hut, less people.

[2ManyCruises]

Great! Thanks for the input! Did you walk there from the ship? How long of a walk is it?

 

Yes. We enjoyed walking there. It's about a 15 min walk. Unless you stop in shops along the way.

Check out Tiki Bikini Hut reviews on tripadvisor for more information.

Edited March 30, 2016 by 2ManyCruises

[samiam0403]

We booked this cruise only a few weeks ago and now as we're getting all ready to head down to Miami on Friday we have a few questions. Any answers, tips, etc are appreciated!

 

First, we saw a few recent bad reviews but those seem to stem from the huge number of college spring breakers. We don't mind a party but we do appreciate good service and friendly bartenders, can we expect this from the Sky?

More importantly with the drinks, are there any bourbons available with the inclusive drinks? My hubby loves a good old fashioned and sipping bourbon, but we probably won't spring for it if the bourbon is extra.

 

Also, my husband and I are hoping to get a few workouts in on over the weekend cruise, can anybody comment on the gym? Also, is there a track on this ship?

 

Finally, we're still deciding what to do in Nassau! We don't want to do Atlantis or any other expensive excursions. We are thinking about going to Junkanoo beach (The tiki bikini bar) and maybe seeing the rum distillery. Are these walking distance from the boat? Any additional opinions?

 

We sailed on the Sky earlier this month and I can answer a few of those questions. Can't help on the rowdy spring breakers - we were on a music charter cruise and only heard horror stories about the previous cruisers from the crew. The stories involved tossing deck chairs overboard. :eek: :mad:

 

I didn't check out the gym terribly closely, but it's got pretty much everything you could expect. There is a short track though.

 

Bourbon selection isn't huge, but there is some. Our sailing was more focused on the whiskey as a whole. I can confirm that Jameson is included - if there's any left after our St Patrick's sailing. :eek:

 

We walked to the rum distillery (John Watling's Distillery) and it was a bit of a long walk (hangovers may or may not have contributed to this assessment) but easily doable. It was absolutely worth it. They will give you a free tour of the distillery (they do tell you that they appreciate tips though) and walk you through. It was pretty good, I thought. At the end, you exit to the shop and the bar. We tasted the 'flight' of rums and then discovered the world's best pina coladas (no really, they were amazing!) It was a nice spot to sit and visit with friends for a few hours, as we had all done Nassau multiple times previously. The bartender was a hoot and offered to let us come behind the bar for pictures. :)

 

Enjoy your sailing - we had a fantastic time as usual. The music was incredible, the crew was fabulous, and we had beautiful weather. Couldn't ask for much more.

[KirkNC]

Also, any opinions on the MDR? Is one better than the other or do they serve the same menu each night?

 

Thanks!

Welcome to Cruise Critic!

[Clarea]

Wishing you have a great cruise!

[jeff33436]

Hi-

We were also worried about the Spring Breakers, but this was a totally relaxing and "quiet" cruise with a nice family crowd. Didn't see one person out of control.

 

All drinks are free and the lines were not bad at all and went fast. The bartenders were friendly and service was great!

 

I am a gym guy, and the gym was totally adequate and never crowded. Not huge, but big enough. Numerous cardio machines, small free weight area, and separate weight machine room with a few decent machines.

 

We have taken the walk to the distillery on our last trip and it is not a very long walk, but more than a couple of blocks. Agree with Samiamm- the most amazing Pina Coladas we ever had and we got more than buzzed on just one!! This trip we walked all the way down past Junkanoo and kept going down the sidewalk to Arawak Cay and there are amazing little fish shacks where you get Conch fritters, and other amazing seafood cheap! We had an order of fritters and 2 local beers and it was fantastic. Another time, we took the water taxi from the dock for just a few bucks each and rode over to Atlantis just for the ride around the marina area. We didn't go into Atlantis but walked in to see the casino, which is about all you can see there without having to pay. Then took the taxi back and it was pretty cool!

 

Don't miss the production show in the showroom on Sunday night. One of the best shows we have seen after 15 cruises!

 

Any other questions- Just ask! Have a blast!

[Keith1010]

Wow, your cruise is almost here. Just wanted to wish you a great cruise.

 

Keith

[Sdmurry]

Hi-

We were also worried about the Spring Breakers, but this was a totally relaxing and "quiet" cruise with a nice family crowd. Didn't see one person out of control.

 

All drinks are free and the lines were not bad at all and went fast. The bartenders were friendly and service was great!

 

I am a gym guy, and the gym was totally adequate and never crowded. Not huge, but big enough. Numerous cardio machines, small free weight area, and separate weight machine room with a few decent machines.

 

We have taken the walk to the distillery on our last trip and it is not a very long walk, but more than a couple of blocks. Agree with Samiamm- the most amazing Pina Coladas we ever had and we got more than buzzed on just one!! This trip we walked all the way down past Junkanoo and kept going down the sidewalk to Arawak Cay and there are amazing little fish shacks where you get Conch fritters, and other amazing seafood cheap! We had an order of fritters and 2 local beers and it was fantastic. Another time, we took the water taxi from the dock for just a few bucks each and rode over to Atlantis just for the ride around the marina area. We didn't go into Atlantis but walked in to see the casino, which is about all you can see there without having to pay. Then took the taxi back and it was pretty cool!

 

Don't miss the production show in the showroom on Sunday night. One of the best shows we have seen after 15 cruises!

 

Any other questions- Just ask! Have a blast!

 

This was so helpful, thank you! For walking to the Distillery do we need to do some research on how to get there, or is it pretty clear? I need to get my hands on those Pina Coladas!

Any other must see or do activities/shows on the boat? Thanks!

[jeff33436]

When you get off the ship and out into the street, walk to the right (as you face the street away from the ship). Follow the sidewalk, go past Señor Frogs and continue around the curve. A couple of blocks up, you will see a big sign for the distillery. Make a left up that block and walk about 10 minutes. Nice easy walk through a residential neighborhood. Funny story- when we were done there, be still have our drinks with us and were quite buzzed. We started walking back and came across a police woman and being the nerd I am, I went up to her to ask her if we were "allowed" to walk with our drinks. She looked at me like I was crazy and then laughed at me. "of course you can drink in the streets here in Nassau!". I laughed at my stupidity!

That one drink carried us through for about the next hour or two!

[jeff33436]

OMG- So sorry- just realized that this is too late since you have already cruised! Hope you had fun.