My husband and I cruised on the NCL Sky in early December with four other couples. Sky was chosen based mostly on price - we all live in SW Florida and wanted a short cruise getaway with friends. The rate was ridiculously cheap - even after the tip add-on and port charges.

Embarkation was pretty quick - we boarded around 1:30pm. Check-in agent was not particularly outgoing...some of us received the daily activity guide, others did not - were told they "ran out". Seemed to be a bare bones welcoming committee. Not many crew members available for questions or directions. Interestingly we were not hit with the barrage of spa service people or drink special hawkers which was actually kind of nice. Our bag did not arrive to 7:30pm that night - we were convinced it was lost. Guest Services was really not helpful...just kept telling us to wait til after 7pm to file a report. We were told at check-in our bags would be delivered by 4pm. We carried our bag off the ship at the end so we wouldn't have to wait. Self-carry was highly encouraged - must be a cost-saving thing for NCL.

Sky is TIRED and BADLY in need of a make-over. The ship felt small and cramped compared to other ships we've been on. The decor still reflects the Sky's old assignment in Hawaii. The buffet dining area (lido) was particularly cramped feeling since one entire side has been converted into specialty restaurants and the Longboard Sports bar. Apparently NCL felt it was better to add the Free Style dining options at the expense of space on the Lido deck. Lines were LONG and converged on each other in the middle. The food was decent but often items were in need of replenishing. Dining Room service was ok but nothing special. We did not have two table attendants as we have on other cruises so service was slow and the server seemed overworked. We don't care for NCL's Freestyle Dining...dress code is not very strictly enforced and the ambience is lost when the folks at the table next to you are wearing flip flops, tanks and shorts. went to Il Adagio one night. Our server was beyond rude and the food was just ok. Some of our group ate breakfast in the Main Dining room one morning - took TWO HOURS serve was so bad. Read more