The Norwegian Sky October 21-24, 2016 sailing started-out typical enough. The check-in process at the Port of Miami moves slowly, despite pre-reservation requirements and printed forms; but there's enough time to grab a cocktail and snack before the mandatory Fire Drill if you're on before 3:00 PM.
The original itinerary was altered to skip Great Stirrup Cay, ostensibly because of Hurricane Nicole (Oct 04-18) in the Caribbean, and to rush out to Nassau on Day-1 (Sat 10/22) for a day, only to weigh anchor before 8:00 AM Sunday 10/23 and spend the day meandering back to Miami trapped at sea. Our Cruise Group Coordinator was advised on Wednesday 10/19 of the change in schedule - and the 18-Group Members, on-board for 50th Birthday Celebrations, received no advance notice or information, despite NCL Latitudes Accounts with valid e-mails, Home and Cell Phone numbers registered with the Cruise Line's Online Site. There was a brief description of the change in voyage at the Check-In Desks at the Port of Miami, among the hoards of people, clusters of paperwork and hustle to get everyone aboard that made some reference to changes, but gave little more enlightenment.
Apparently, Shore Excursions planned for the Cay were cancelled and any pre-booked Nassau excursions planned on Sunday were simply accelerated to Saturday - with tickets dropped in envelopes in Guest Staterooms, but no additional on-board announcements or fliers provided in the rooms.
The cabin was adequate for the amount of time and price paid for the three night voyage. The shower took a bit to get warm (so we'd let the water run) and the TV didn't necessarily work well, but that wasn't what we needed to worry about during a Reunion and Birthday Celebration.
Walked to the Beach for about 1/2 mile and enjoyed sun, sand and local stands on the shore selling drinks and food, umbrella rentals and chairs.
Port of Miami is a throw-back to the 1085's with classic Art Deco Buildings and old facilities welcoming you onto your 3-Day Weekend/4-Day Weekday Booze Cruise and Party Vessel