My husband and I just came back from our first cruise experience and enjoyed the Norwegian Sky. Two weeks leading up to this trip, I had done a lot of research on reviews and was worried based on what others said. However now after returning, I feel we owe it soooo much more justice than what others have stated about this ship and energetic crew.Although this ship isn't as large as others, it was more than efficient for our 4 days/3 nights trip. Everyday we were given a daily schedule that included the events (dance parties, Karaoke,entertainment shows at the stardust lounge, bingo, movie trivia, art auction, ABBA tribute band, friends of Dorothy, piano and other performances) and drink specials (2 for 1 martinis/margaritas, etc.) and there always seemed to be something going on even if we were ported and you could move off the boat. In general this trip was great for my husband and I to find romantic options (Cagney's steakhouse for dinner), fun adventures (walking around Nassau and Atlantis at Paradise Island, snorkeling at Great Stir-up), and social events. However to make our trip better there are some tips I wished someone would have shared with me and will include them below.TIPS AND ADVICE:Alcohol- You are only allowed to bring one bottle of wine and if you do they will charge a $15 "corking fee." Also if you buy duty free/tax free alcohol while ported they will take the bottle when you re-board the ship. You are then allowed to collect it the morning you leave. Therefore my advice on alcohol is to try to find the best specials on the ship, we could always find a buy one get one somewhere. Or (not that we tried) some confessed they were able to smuggle alcohol in the ship by pouring liquor in mouthwash bottles, shampoo bottles, etc. and to each his own...Tour the ship- We by chance walked into a tour of the ship and were glad we did! I highly recommend it in order to familiarize yourself with locations and options during the trip.White Party- Really wish someone would have mentioned there will be a huge party on the pool deck at night called the "White Party" and you are suppose to wear white if you have it. I was very close to bringing a white dress and didn't know about this event and kicked myself for it later!Dining- The free restaurants (Palace and Crossing)were actually not that bad! We were each able to select our appetizer, main course and desert. (And if you really wanted to pick two appetizers for yourself or two deserts they don't care). The menu options changed every night and varied from shrimp cocktail, cheese platter, salmon tartar, escargot, soups, salads and more for appetizers; and duck, steak, fish, chicken, etc. for dinner and so much more. I've always wanted to "try" escargot and some other options and felt "I guess it's free to try!" However I HIGHLY recommend Cagney's Steakhouse for dinner! It was worth the extra $25 per person charge, just make sure you make a reservation for any "specialty dining."Boarding the Ship- When you first get on the ship they take your bags and will try to load them into your rooms between 2 and 7 PM. However since we got on the ship at noon and didn't get our bags until 4, I wished we had worn our swimming suits under our clothes (or took them from the bags). It was so hot waiting for our rooms and luggage and would have been nice to enjoy the pool while waiting! Maybe other people knew this trick of the trade, and in the future I will remember this before handing over my bags!