Norwegian Sky Review
Rating by category
Additional details
I would rate this trip between average and very good. We knew the NCL Sky was one of their smaller and older ships with only two stops so we set our expectations at that level. Having said that I was pleasantly surprised. Granted not a grandiose ship but just enough to enjoy a short trip with the family. The “Hassle Free” drinks were a real bonus not because they considered it free but because it was just easy to get a drink without having to show your card each time. Although the ship is small we never found ourselves feeling cramped in public spaces our having any issues finding a table to sit down for a drink or to eat.
Embarkation
We arrived at the port around 12:30pm to enjoy as much of the trip as possible. I went straight to the parking garage, but probably should have dropped off the bags in front of the terminal. FYI its $20 a day. The Embarkation process was simple; I would say 30min from security to room. The ships departure was delayed a few hours due to the water pressure in Port Miami (they said there were too many ships needing fresh water at one time…really?). Not a big deal since drinks and food are available once your on board.
Cabin Review
Mid-Ship Balcony
Stateroom
We stayed on Deck 9 in the 9220 area near the elevators. They were balcony rooms and found them to be very quite. Heads up, but not a real surprise…the rooms are small! I was OK with that because we spend little time in our rooms but really enjoy having coffee and/or wine (depending on the time) on the balcony.
Port Reviews
Great Stirrup Cay
Very, very pleased with NCL’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay. I liked this island much more than the RCCL Coco Cay (only other private island I can compare to). The water was cold for us from Miami but it looked beautiful, the amenities are nicely distributed and the food was good. We had some very good burgers and others in our group had ribs which they said were also very good. I also learned both here and at the ship that you can ask for a special order burger instead of taking them from the buffet line which are usually well done. I am not sure if it is because the NCL Sky is a smaller ship with less passengers but the there was plenty of space to layout and all kinds of lounge chairs set up for you. The Bacardi bar was cranking with music and loaded with the younger passengers…again all having organized fun.
Freeport
Freeport not much to do. I did a little research in advance of the trip and found a small restaurant/bar on the beach. The Red bar in Paradise Cove is a little out of the way and about 30min at a cost of $8 per person each way. We paid the driver a little extra to stick around…you will understand if you go there. It had a beautiful view of the water and you can pay to snorkel, spear fish etc. We really only cared to eat and have some cold Bahamian Beer…it did not disappoint. Grouper sandwich, cracked conch, conch fritters…all very good.