Norwegian Sky Review
Rating by category
Additional details
Chose this cruise based on itinerary to Key West and timing available, happened to be peak of hurricane season. Norwegian cancelled Freeport prior to cruise due to devastation, was planned to be a sea day which was fine, but no refund of port fees. Due to worries about Hurricane Humberto, Stirrup cay was cancelled as well, with another sea day, with a $4 credit per person, not sure what that was about.
Balcony room--Super tight on space, smaller than any other ship I've on(6-7?). Cabin would be fine for 2 guests, but 3 adults is not comfortable due to storage space. Basically kept clothes that would go in a drawer in the suitcase, could only be accessed when the sofabed is stowed. Shower is about the size of an RV, smaller than experienced previously. reserved room for 3 people, only received towels for two, but quickly corrected.
Buffets were ok, but expected meals to be kind of themed for locations visited, didn't really see that, seemed to be decent variety, but rather plain. The Local has Pub-type food, wanted to try the fish and chips but serving hours were only 9pm to 5am, too late for me...would have loved to have lunch there once, but not an option. Main dining rooms were good, liked the crossings better, tried each meal in each place. Small thing, but on two separate occasions, we had two salts and no peppers, and not enough settings for our party of three, just seemed like training in progress and not polished, but attendants quickly remedied all issues.
Cabin Review
Balcony
Balcony room--Super tight on space, smaller than any other ship I've on(6-7?). Cabin would be fine for 2 guests, but 3 adults is not comfortable due to storage space, 3 or 4 very small shallow half drawers in the closet. . Basically kept clothes that would normally go in a drawer in the suitcase, could only be accessed when the sofabed is stowed. Shower is about the size of an RV, smaller than experienced previously. Directly under the gym and treadmills, was audible when someone was running, but luckily not a problem early in morning (gym opens at 6am). Balcony has half door, other half is a porthole/wall.
Port Reviews
Miami
Actual port of Miami seems to be very efficient, parked at the terminal for $22/day, which is the most I've ever paid, but I didn't want to mess with other options, doesn't seem to be any reliable discount parking available unless you do a sleep and cruise option, which I didn't find at a reasonable price. There are parking structures and ground parking, recommend upper level in the middle in case a hurricane comes while you're on the ship. Terminal G has a structure.
Key West
Key West was very interesting, Parked at the Naval Station Dock and a free trolley/bus to Mallory Square, other ship parked right at Mallory Square. Easily walkable if you are so inclined and don't want to spend on the excursions. We hiked the length of Duval street to the southernmost point and back through the little White House which has an interesting (free) display at the giftshop or a pricier ~$20 full tour. Nice and quiet in the morning, became more busy in town closer to departure. Full day, about 6 mi walked according to the phone.
Nassau
Not impressed with Nassau, recommend finding an excursion or doing one on your own, they are expensive through the ship, and there are lots of options at the dock. We walked to Fort Charlotte, paid the $5 for the walking tour, lots of good signs with information about the construction of the fort. Walked to the distillery, got a fairly quick free tour (tip only) and an opportunity to purchase bottles or drinks at the end...AC and free wifi at the bar, a good break. Walked to Queen's staircase, which is interesting, but prepare to be accosted by a "guide" who will give a quick explanation of the stairs for a tip. Back to the commercial shopping area and the straw market, about 7 mi total walking with some hills. Talked to someone who did the Atlantis water park and he raved about it, but pricey.