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Why Go?
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 SLIDESHOW: Norwegian Sky Photos
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10 bars and lounges
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Three- and four-day Bahamas cruises from Miami
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Freestyle 2.0 enhancements include new restaurant menus
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Great option for first-time cruisers
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Itineraries and Ports of Call: Bahamas
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Norwegian Sky Review
Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Sky has come full circle. The 77,104-ton, 2,002-passenger ship debuted in Miami in 1999, sailing Bahamas itineraries. But in 2004, the ship met with major change when it was snapped up for NCL America's program of weeklong Hawaiian cruises, reflagged for all-American service and renamed Pride of Aloha.
Now, after spending almost four years sailing in Hawaiian waters, the ship has reclaimed its original name and is back in Miami. And, after an extensive refurbishment and upgrade, it's the youngest and highest-quality ship offering short (three- and four-day) cruises to the Bahamas.
One point of interest is the fact that because Norwegian Sky changed names and homes several times, the ship seems to be in the midst of an identity crisis. Names of rooms on the ship vary from Hawaiian to Bahamian to Caribbean: Captain Cook's Lounge, Longboard's Restaurant and the Maui meeting room. Yet the cheerful, tropical decor -- floral carpets in the panoramic elevators (incidentally among the first at sea); warm, island colors; and a feeling of light and air, made most dramatic by a series of beautiful, brightly hued kites hanging in the seven-story atrium -- works with the Bahamian itinerary.
Just as Norwegian Sky has evolved since its launch, so has Freestyle Cruising, simply defined as the choice to dine where you want, when you want, and participate only in those activities that interest you. May 2000 was the trial period for the line's innovative Freestyle Cruising concept (which proved successful and went fleetwide shortly after). During two months in dry dock, NCL eliminated some of the features that were part of the ship's identity when it sailed Hawaii year-round (like its Kumu Cultural Center) and added others (like a casino). (There wasn't one onboard when it was Pride of Aloha, as gambling was not permissible on the all-American Hawaii itinerary.)
Also, Freestyle 2.0 enhancements were added, including NCL's new, plush bedding called the Bliss Collection. Passengers are greeted with a glass of bubbly when they board the ship, as well as a "Taste of Freestyle" -- a sampling of food choices from the ship's specialty restaurants, all of which now feature new menus. It's a very nice touch. Even though I don't drink, just knowing that it is offered made the welcome that much more gracious.
One of things I loved best was the youthful feeling onboard. The average age on Norwegian Sky is lower than many other ships I've been on recently, probably because it offers such an excellent value. Other cruise lines are seeking this demographic, but NCL is actually getting it, due in no short part to the flexible dining options and multiple venues for late-night drinking and dancing. This ship's short itinerary, in particular, appeals to first-timers (and perhaps those with less vacation time).
NCL has done an especially good job of separating key areas for families and adults on this ship -- with separate pools, programming and even nighttime lounges for both demographics. Also, I was impressed with how amazingly simple embarkation and disembarkation have been made. I've been on five or six ships in the last few months, and Norwegian Sky marked the first time I was actually greeted by a crewmember ready to show me to my cabin -- not one who only said "hello" as I juggled my laptop, purse and rolling suitcase.
Read Complete Norwegian Sky Review
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NCL Ships: Norwegian Dawn • Norwegian Epic • Norwegian Gem • Norwegian Jade • Norwegian Jewel • Norwegian Pearl • Norwegian Sky • Norwegian Spirit • Norwegian Star • Norwegian Sun • Pride of America
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