Recent Sky cruisers!?

[cot427]

I've been trying to get my cousin to take a cruise for years and she's finally giving into the idea for her 30th birthday, but with multiple conditions. It has to be a short cruise (perfect because I don't have much unscheduled time off work) and has to include alcohol and food to cut down costs. So I've narrowed it down and suggested the Sky to her. Now I know she isn't the most impressive ship, but with 2 full port days, I doubt we will need anything really fancy. My questions are:

 

-How are the all-inclusive drinks? I don't need top shelf liquor but I don't want bottom either. Are their long lines?

 

-I've never been to Great Stirrup Cay, which is appealing to me. How are the conditions for making it in October/November?

 

-Any other random thoughts/experiences/suggestions?

[rjm11]

we were on the Sky Easter weekend and had a great time. This is my second time on the Sky with the all inclusive- and the system works well. The bar system is really organized- there were occasional lines at the pool bar, and one night at the piano bar, but most of the time you could get something very easily. Drinks were strong- not watered down. They serve wine in the dining rooms, and top off your glass like it's water- I was really impressed with the drink service in both the main dining rooms and Le Bistro (in the past I thought drink service in the main dining room was pretty lousy- but these two times on the sky were really excellent!). Another benefit of this drink system is that you can have a different wine-by-the-glass with each meal course, thus doing your own wine pairing.

 

The island is really nice- we had excellent snorkeling there- saw two squid and a turtle. It's especially nice for the Sky because it's set up to house the Breakaway size ships (4000 pax) and with the smaller Sky there's plenty of extra space/chairs, etc. We went in Oct. a few years ago and had great weather- but of course that can vary. Personally I've been there 4 times, and never had to miss it (June, Oct, January, March)..... but I know it happens. Drink service on the island was fine- you can get them at the bar, or there are servers around a lot who will bring one to your seat ( bring some cash to tip for that). There were also lots of servers in the casino offering drinks at your slot machine. All in all I thought the service was some of the best I've seen.... I really think they have the all inclusive working well.

[cot427]

Thanks, that sounds awesome! Glad you had a great experience. Really leaning towards just putting a deposit down right now.

[ChrisCJSU]

we were on the Sky Easter weekend and had a great time. This is my second time on the Sky with the all inclusive- and the system works well. The bar system is really organized- there were occasional lines at the pool bar, and one night at the piano bar, but most of the time you could get something very easily. Drinks were strong- not watered down. They serve wine in the dining rooms, and top off your glass like it's water- I was really impressed with the drink service in both the main dining rooms and Le Bistro (in the past I thought drink service in the main dining room was pretty lousy- but these two times on the sky were really excellent!). Another benefit of this drink system is that you can have a different wine-by-the-glass with each meal course, thus doing your own wine pairing.

 

The island is really nice- we had excellent snorkeling there- saw two squid and a turtle. It's especially nice for the Sky because it's set up to house the Breakaway size ships (4000 pax) and with the smaller Sky there's plenty of extra space/chairs, etc. We went in Oct. a few years ago and had great weather- but of course that can vary. Personally I've been there 4 times, and never had to miss it (June, Oct, January, March)..... but I know it happens. Drink service on the island was fine- you can get them at the bar, or there are servers around a lot who will bring one to your seat ( bring some cash to tip for that). There were also lots of servers in the casino offering drinks at your slot machine. All in all I thought the service was some of the best I've seen.... I really think they have the all inclusive working well.

 

Thanks for the info! I have a cruise booked on the Sky in December (for my birthday) and it was good to hear all the positive things. I've been on three NCL cruises in the past (2 on the Breakaway and recently on the Escape). This will be my first cruise on a smaller ship.

[mnlakediver]

I just got home from the Sky with my wife and 2 boys (18&25) the included drinks were well mixed not watered down sometimes strong. This was our second trip on the Sky last year was not inclusive I did not notice any difference in the quality of food or drinks. I found the beer list limited but ok and enjoyed the house wines.

[BirdTravels]

We enjoy the Sky. Great short cruise. With the open bar, you can try all of those drinks you always wanted to,,, but didn't want to spend the money on.

 

GSC is a great beach day. We've been there 4 or 5 times. You can sit and relax on the beach. Party in the water. Or book a wave runner tour and hop (as a group) around the island. Or maybe the stingray encounter, which is also great fun!

[flipflopfun]

Hi,

I am sailing on the Sky on April 18th (4night) and am really looking forward to it. Just a quick question, are there still pool servers who walk around to bring drinks or take orders?

Thanks!

[MapGeek]

Hi,

I am sailing on the Sky on April 18th (4night) and am really looking forward to it. Just a quick question, are there still pool servers who walk around to bring drinks or take orders?

Thanks!

 

Sometimes. We got drinks a couple times from a server. It was usually faster to go to the bar yourself though.

[jeff33436]

We returned from our 5th cruise on the Sky last week. Always have a great time and this time was extra fun due to the open bar. We never encountered a long line and you can order ANY drink you want. They were all nice and strong! The island is nicer than ever and it seems like they have upgraded it each time we've been there. Lot's of space, beautiful clear water, etc.

 

For the price, I don't think there's a better deal out there. Sure, the ship is a little older and not as gigantic as the new ships, but she's still really nice!

[RobinKY]

Looking hard at Sky weekend 3-day. So does the open bar apply at the Great Stirrup Key too?

[MapGeek]

Looking hard at Sky weekend 3-day. So does the open bar apply at the Great Stirrup Key too?

 

Yes it does.

[OceanDreaming2]

We were on the Sky last spring and enjoyed her very much. GSC was great! Rent a cabana if you have the extra $$$!

 

We're going again this fall, in early November. We've heard GSC may be undergoing renovations and if that's the case, it'll be a sea day instead.

[RobinKY]

How do the gratuities work on NCL? Can you prepay when booking? What about gratuities for the open bar? just do cash tips?

[flipflopfun]

How do the gratuities work on NCL? Can you prepay when booking? What about gratuities for the open bar? just do cash tips?

We are sailing on the 4day on Monday (the 18th) and we prepaid the gratuities. Which was great, since we paid in CANADIAN! A big plus lately!

I beleive any tips for drinks is just cash, since it sounds like they don't even scan your card with the open bar system.

[jamon]

Does anyone have a copy of bar menu for the UBP so I can see what brands are included in this promotion??? Also, when you order a drink do they scan your card??? Is wine included in this package at dinner?? thanks

[wazzujoel]

Does anyone have a copy of bar menu for the UBP so I can see what brands are included in this promotion??? Also, when you order a drink do they scan your card??? Is wine included in this package at dinner?? thanks

 

I ate at Crossings and Palace only for dinner (these are the two nice free MDR's). For dinner they offer you a free Red or a free White wine with dinner. I couldn't tell you if they were good or not because I am not a wine consoeur. I believe I did red 3 times, and white once. I didn't even bother asking to see if I could get a cocktail with my dinner instead. I'm not the type of person that really wants to make a big fuss over things or make things harder than they need to be.

 

I didn't take a picture of the menu, but I think it is posted somewhere on this site. I'll say though that I thought the selection was great. They offer all your popular normal priced brands.

 

They also have a wine menu at dinner if you want something nicer than the free stuff they are offering. I didn't even bother to look at that.

[wazzujoel]

How do the gratuities work on NCL? Can you prepay when booking? What about gratuities for the open bar? just do cash tips?

 

I drank a lot on my cruise that ended last Friday 4/22/2016. I did not see a single person use their card to get drinks, and I did not see a single person give any sort of tips for their drinks.

 

I personally just assumed that any sort of drink tips were baked into the prepaid gratuities of 13.50 per day.

 

Normally I am a good tipper. I typically would rather error on the side of tipping rather than not tipping if I am unsure; however I feel on the Sky, not tipping extra from drinks is really pretty customary at all your public bars.

[flipflopfun]

I drank a lot on my cruise that ended last Friday 4/22/2016. I did not see a single person use their card to get drinks, and I did not see a single person give any sort of tips for their drinks.

 

I personally just assumed that any sort of drink tips were baked into the prepaid gratuities of 13.50 per day.

 

Normally I am a good tipper. I typically would rather error on the side of tipping rather than not tipping if I am unsure; however I feel on the Sky, not tipping extra from drinks is really pretty customary at all your public bars.

 

I was just on that cruise too that ended April 22. This ship is OPEN BAR, it is NOT the UBP. You do not need your Sea Pass card at the bars. All drinks are included, but some top shelf liquors and are an upcharge. (then you will need your sea pass) This wasn't an issue, as it included everything that we needed. But if you have to have a Grey Goose Martini, it will cost you $5. Wine is included with dinner in the MDR. IF you want a better bottle, you will pay an upcharge. The wines we had that were included were great! We did go to the Il Adagio specialty restaurant for dinner one night and all wines were included. If you go there, ask for Bosco to be your waiter. He is AMAZING !!!

We were one of the lucky ones that made it over to GSC that trip. Only 2 tender boats made it over, then the captain called everyone back cause the sea swells were way too high. The tender rides were very interesting. It was too bad too, cause GSC was beautiful!!!!

[davidnkim]

So are liquor like captain morgan, amaretto, kahlua, crown possibly part of the included liquor or is that concidered top shelf?

[MapGeek]

So are liquor like captain morgan' date=' amaretto, kahlua, crown possibly part of the included liquor or is that concidered top shelf?[/quote']

 

Here is a post with photos of the bar menus. The ones with prices are extra charge:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2301007&highlight=sky+drink+menu

Everything you listed in included as "free"

Edited April 27, 2016 by MapGeek

[flipflopfun]

So are liquor like captain morgan' date=' amaretto, kahlua, crown possibly part of the included liquor or is that concidered top shelf?[/quote']

 

Not sure on Crown Royal, but the others would be included. But if you specifically want Cap'tn Morgan (or other specif brands) you will need to mention that. Otherwise they will probably give you the no-name stuff. And the premixed drinks probably won't have the brand names, but they are still good, and still strong! It really is not as bad as some people want to make it out to be.

[chapchap]

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2301007&highlight=sky

 

this thread includes the pix of the bar menu

[wazzujoel]

I was just on that cruise too that ended April 22. This ship is OPEN BAR, it is NOT the UBP. You do not need your Sea Pass card at the bars. All drinks are included, but some top shelf liquors and are an upcharge. (then you will need your sea pass) This wasn't an issue, as it included everything that we needed. But if you have to have a Grey Goose Martini, it will cost you $5. Wine is included with dinner in the MDR. IF you want a better bottle, you will pay an upcharge. The wines we had that were included were great! We did go to the Il Adagio specialty restaurant for dinner one night and all wines were included. If you go there, ask for Bosco to be your waiter. He is AMAZING !!!

We were one of the lucky ones that made it over to GSC that trip. Only 2 tender boats made it over, then the captain called everyone back cause the sea swells were way too high. The tender rides were very interesting. It was too bad too, cause GSC was beautiful!!!!

 

Did you by chance do the Lucayan National Park Kayak and Nature Tour on Grand Bahama? Your profile picture is so small but you remind me of someone who I talked with when I did that excursion. Just can't be sure from your picture.

[flipflopfun]

Did you by chance do the Lucayan National Park Kayak and Nature Tour on Grand Bahama? Your profile picture is so small but you remind me of someone who I talked with when I did that excursion. Just can't be sure from your picture.

 

Hi waaujoel,

No we did not do that excursion. We did a day pass at the the Grand Lucayan resort, which was wonderful.

How was your excursion? did you also see the beach area in the National Park? Pics that I have seen sure look nice!

How did you enjoy the cruise? It was our first NCL. Lots I loved, a few things I didn't, but looking forward to our Getaway cruise next April!!!

[wazzujoel]

Hi waaujoel,

No we did not do that excursion. We did a day pass at the the Grand Lucayan resort, which was wonderful.

How was your excursion? did you also see the beach area in the National Park? Pics that I have seen sure look nice!

How did you enjoy the cruise? It was our first NCL. Lots I loved, a few things I didn't, but looking forward to our Getaway cruise next April!!!

 

It was my first NCL cruise too! And I loved it. I think my favorite night on the boat was the White Hot Party. If you attended, I was one of the really drunk people dancing in the hot tub and doing occasional cannon balls into the much too cold for swimming, pool... lol. I met a lot of really interesting people, thought the food and drinks were great, and overall just had a great trip

 

The Lucayan National Park Kayak and Nature Tour could very likely be the greatest cruise ship excursion I have ever taken. The reviews on it were spot on. Such a neat excursion. You get to kayak through these narrow streams through the mangrove forest. It was so neat because in parts you were kayaking though small tunnels because the trees overgrew the streams. It was beautiful, peaceful, a nice moderate workout, and was fun "accidentally" splashing my mates. After you get done Kayaking, you end up on a private beach which is (im guessing) on the edge of the Lucayan National Park. They provided a light lunch which I thought was awful.... But don't take that as too big of a gripe because the kayaking and beach were both 10/10. I can make due with a average lunch when the rest of the excursion was so great. If you ever go back to freeport- sign up for this excursion. Well worth the 135 I paid.