We are avid cruisers, this cruise being cruise #27, on multiple cruise lines. Despite the fact that the reviews were questionable and having just gotten off the Allure of the Seas for a one night, fundraising event, we thoroughly enjoyed our cruise on the NCL Sky. I would probably disagree with most reviews on all aspects of this ship, with perhaps a couple of exceptions. One being, the ship, built in 1999 is definitely showing her age and is in dire need of dry docking and overall renovations. The ship is clean and beautiful in a very general view, but when detailing things such as carpets, furniture, window frames and such smaller objects, it is definitely time to renovate! The other point could very well be said for most cruise lines, i.e, they are definitely cutting corners here and there, some quite obvious, other in a more subtle way. No more cocktail parties for Latitude members (only on ships 5-days or longer); no more champagne at embarkation, roulette tables up to $2.00 chips/$10.00 minimum instead of $1.00 chips/$5.00 minimum. Besides those small, insignificant issues, the rest is all good. I am going to rate embarkation a "1," but that is not NCL's fault. Two things happened that were beyond their control, (1) the luggage attendants outside put the wrong ship's tag on my luggage, sent us to the wrong terminal and were only told we were on the wrong ship after a long line wait and at the check-in desk! We then had to rush out to find my luggage, hoping it wasn't on the Dawn yet. We had to get on a very long line of people because embarkation for the Sky had not yet begun because of problem #2. There was a gas leak at the terminal for the Sky. After an exhausting hour search for my luggage, it was found and brought back to me (which I then did not check in). Once the line started moving, NCL graciously brought us to the front of the line for our troubles. All's well that ends well. Food: Excellent on all three nights at both Crossings and Palace Main Dining Rooms. Did not try buffet or any of the specialty restaurants but did have lunch on the pool deck on Sunday (as we were unable to tender to Great Stirrup Cay). Barbecue lunch was excellent.

Staff: All exceptional, knowledgeable, courteous and efficient...at all levels.

Entertainment: All over the ship, music, games, bingo! Coming off a 16-night cruise aboard one of the most boring ships I have ever been on, the Sky was the complete opposite. Lots to do, lots of energy late into the night. Three-day cruises are definitely for people who like the night life and partying. The casino was fun, the machines are all new since that is the one part of the ship recently updated and the tables, while very hard on the players, always full and buzzing. Read more