Norwegian Sky Review
JAFM
6-10 Cruises • Age 50s
Rating by category
Cabin
Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
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Additional details
Sail Date: Jan 2019
Cabin: Oceanview Picture Window
This review is from the perspective of a husband and wife, middle-aged, and "half glass full" kind of people.
We sailed out of Miami and the embarkation was smooth and pretty quick, as we were in the first boarding group, from 12-12:30pm. Disembarkation was also quick and going through Customs was a breeze - all they did was check our passports. I was surprised they didn't check our luggage or that we didn't have to fill out any declaration paperwork. Maybe because of the (as of this writing) government shutdown they are not fully staffed. Anyway, it worked in our favor.
Our cruise was open bar, so you could just walk up to any bar and order something with no need to show your cabin card. And the liquor was quality stuff, not some no-name, off-brand offering. Bloody Mary's were made with Tito's vodka, for example, at least when I watched them make them. Like Jack Daniel's on the rocks? No problem. My only issue - and this is admittedly minor - was that they didn't make Cuba Libre's (rum & Coke) with Coke, only Pepsi, since they have an agreement with Pepsi. Drinkers can taste the difference so if you typically order something mixed with Coke, it'll be Pepsi. The bar staff were not particularly friendly but I imagine that's because they were getting pummeled with requests and were more intent on providing fast service, than service with a smile. We understood, liked the quick service and didn't take offense.
Cabin Review
Oceanview Picture Window
Cabin OB
Our cabin was a small starboard stateroom with a huge window, not a porthole. It was tight (I'm 5'10" and 210 pounds, my wife is 5'4" and 130) but clean and came with a vanity & chair and a small loveseat. The bed was not very comfortable for us and I ended up tossing and turning every few hours, although it could have been from the excitement of the upcoming new day's events (we are early risers). The bathroom was also tight, but clean and manageable, and the toilet was powerful. Ventilation from the bathroom was excellent and shower steam cleared quickly. We had plenty of space for hanging clothes and there was an in-room safe, although it was on the small side, approximately 12"x8", with a light that illuminated when opening. The hair dryer that was provided was adequate at best, so those with a lot of hair may spend a bit more time drying after their shower. The HVAC controls were responsive and we could make our room cool or warm with no issues. The TV was a small LCD type and had the bare minimum of entertainment, so in bed we didn't watch much prior to retiring for the night. Our stateroom attendant, Sandy, was excellent and fulfilled all of our requests with a smile.
Port Reviews
Great Stirrup Cay
The Great Stirrup Cay excursion, which is NCL's private island, was easily the best excursion. There is plenty of space to find your little piece of paradise, the drinks were still at no cost & there were several bars, palm and fig trees everywhere for shade and the water was excellent. They keep the island clean. Great place to snorkel, although they no longer let you get too close to the rocks. It would have been a perfect experience had it not been for the smokers everywhere, so be prepared to move if a couple of smokers set up upwind behind you. (I smoked for 20 years and no longer care to smell someone else's.) Scope out the island and have a couple of options laid out, as there are different beaches you can occupy.
Key West
Had a great time walking around Key West. If you are a cat lover and miss yours, go to the Hemmingway house to get your cat fix! It's $14 per person and there are lots of polydactyl cats to pet. And the house was very interesting! Go to Sunset Pier for lunch, great view and excellent craft beers!
Miami
Not much to say, we just embarked/disembarked in Miami. Didn't make time to explore.
6 Helpful Votes
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