What a pleasant surprise awaited us on our 3 day Norwegian Sky sailing from Miami to the Bahamas in August. This was our 20th cruise from a list that includes Holland, Carnival, Celebrity and Princess as well as the old Norway from Norwegian. We arrived at the port early around 11:00. Parked across the street from the cruise terminal. Walked in waited until around 11:30 to be let into the check-in area where as Latitude members we were ushered right up to a check-in clerk who was extremely happy and upbeat through the process. Then waited another 20 or so minutes before being allowed to board. After being greeted by some very happy staff with flutes of champagne or orange juice, We found our way to the restaurant andby 12:05 we were having lunch. The choices weren't as many or diverse as most lines but what they did have was a good variety. By one o'clock we decided to see if we could get into our room. It was open and we unpacked our carry-ons. The storage on this ship is rather limited to 4 drawers, 2 closet sections, and a 2 shelf nightstand on either side of the bed. It worked for the short cruise but on a 7 day one would be hard-pressed for storage. The steward did stop by to welcome me and gave me his name and said if I needed anything just to contact him. He and his team proceeded to keep our room meticulous for the remaining of the 3 days without us ever encountering them. Like ghosts they came and went..even left a towel critter one night on the bed to greet us one night Dining-Cagney's the first night with our 2 for one coupon was a best buy. My crabcake was absolute heaven with no filler. The beet salad was paper thin and the presentation stunning. The chopped salad was so large our waitress suggested we may want to specify a small portion. I'm glad we did as this too was plenty. The T-Bone was the best I've ever had, I sent my kudos to the chef. The Speakeasy Martini was a great addition to this meal. My ending was the cafe creme brulee-excellent the sugar crust was browned to perfection. Hubby's oysters rockefeller, ahi tuna, and primerib were all beyond wonderful. The presentations were flawless and the service impeccable. Well worth the extra charge.

That being said the second nite in the Palace Restaurant was nothing special with portions being small and not very special in the presentations. The lobster and grouper special turned out to be a slipper lobster with a 2 oz piece of overcooked grouper. This restaurant seemed to be casual with lots of families. The last night we went to Crossings. This restaurant they say is more upscale in dress code. The food seemed to be more up scale in presentation and preparation as well. The salmon and New York Strip from the special order side were both excellent. The ceaser salad was large and well made. The ice cream desserts were good but nothing very special. I decided this ship is a great example of getting what one pays for as the Specialty Restaurant was exactly that--Special. Entertainment-The comedy of Tim Kaminski was terrific be it the late night adult show, or the evening theater show which could be enjoyed by everyone including the children. Tim can be hysterical without being crude. Something that is hard to find in comedy today. don't miss him if he is on your cruise.

The late night entertainment was really great including the White Hot Night on deck the second night. The first night was a Mardi Gras party on deck with lots of dancing and fun for everyone. The Plantation piano bar was a great place for a nightcap as it was quiet and sparsely populated. The staff and entertainers were all very gracious and friendly with great service. Read more