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Note - this page contains multiple reviews.
Name: Rick Tordon
Email: tordon@travel-net.com
Age: 39
Occupation: Operations Manager
NumberOfCruises: 2
TravelAgent: No
Ship: NCL-NorwegianSky
SailingDate: March 11, 2001
Itinerary: Easter Caribbean
Cabin: 9345
FoodDiningRoom: 92
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 85
FoodLidoDeck: 75
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets: 90
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 95
DeckService: 95
ShoreExcValue: 90
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 80
PrivateIsland: 99
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 90
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 85
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 95
EntertShowLounge: 95
OverallPortsofCall: 85
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 90
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino: 85
AirSeaProgram: 80
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 99
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 85
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 80
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 92
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 27 Mar 2001
Time: 20:09:57
Remote Name: tri16.travel-net.com
Remote User:
Comments
In order to set the tone, please note that my comparisons are relative to the last cruise on took on the
Rhapsody of the Seas. Overall the SKY is a beautiful ship with everything you could ask for. The
restaurants were top notch and I highly recommend their Freestyle dining. In addition, the food and
service at Le Bistro is worth the $10 cover charge. The ship was extremely clean with the staff always
eager to help. I was a little worried that the tipping policy and the freestyle dining would result in some
questionable service, I would have to say the service was one of the strong points. A note has to be said
for the entertainment on board. The nighly shows were fantastic. I have never been a big fan as I've
always felt the shows were just filler. Not in this case. I eagerly looked forward to all the shows.
As with everything, there were some things I would like to change if possible. I had read that the rooms
were small... and unfortunately they were. Not too small that it was unbearable but definately smaller than I
would have liked. One other thing I noticed was that it seemed that you always had to go through a
lounge/bar/casino to get anywhere. The only other problem I noticed was that people eating after 8:00
occasionally had to line up for their tables, I was glad I usually ate around 7:00.
In summary, I would rate this cruise as highly as the Rhapsody. I would definately cruise on this line and
this ship again.
Name: Harry Spencer
Email: hwspencer@home.com
Age: 50
Occupation: Plant Manager
NumberOfCruises: 2
TravelAgent: No
Ship: NCL-NorwegianSky
SailingDate: 3/18/2001
Itinerary: Eastern Carribean
Cabin: 0027/AA
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 95
CabinComfort: 75
FoodRoomService: 80
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 80
FoodLidoDeck: 75
DiningRoomService: 75
CabinQuietness: 80
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 80
ShoreExcVariety: 85
FoodVariety: 85
DeckService: 95
ShoreExcValue: 90
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 85
PrivateIsland: 90
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 75
TenderService: 60
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 75
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 75
OverallPortsofCall: 80
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 80
CruiseActivities: 75
Casino: 80
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs: 80
DeckSpace: 80
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 80
SpaceRatio: 80
OverallCruiseValue: 85
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 29 Mar 2001
Time: 13:01:09
Remote Name: host-74.mvsw.com
Remote User:
Comments
This was our second cruise, and in fairness to Norweigan our first was aboard Celebrity's Century, so our
expectations were pretty high. Embarcation went pretty smoothly, we arrived at the dock around 12:30 and
waited in two lines, one for the metal detector and the second for the paperwork. It took us about 30
minutes. We were met on board by the usual photographers, then inside and up to our cabin. A steward
took us to the floor and we were issued our keys.
Our room was an outside with a balcony. Do not use this cruise line if you want to move around in the
shower or bathroom. I have never seen such a small bathroom, they are the same in all the cabins, we
took our daughter with us and they had an inside cabin, it was the same. The room was very small but
functional, no room for the two of us to pass each other at the foot of the bed. One electrical outlet so
bring an extension cord. I was very dissapointed in the balcony. It was very small with two chairs on it. The
chairs were undersized, and unless you were a child it was impossible to get comfortable in them. Overall I
was not impressed by the room, it was very small and cramped, I must say, however that the bed was very
comfortable. I have read numerous reviews to the contrary, we found it very firm but slept well.
Freestyle Cruising: I was very unsettled, it seems that you either love it or you hate it, with reviews all over
the scale. Our impression was that it has some improvement yet to be made. It was nice to be able to go
where you wanted to for meals, but I didn't particularly care to be dressed in what they call resort casual,
and have the guy at the next table wearing a Harley T shirt, ball cap, and jeans. The food was excellent
with a very good variety. The problem with Freestyle, in my opinion, is that you don't have the same
waitstaff. The waiters in the two main dining rooms were polite, but didn't really seem all that interested in
our satisfaction and always seem to be hurried. At times we felt like we were an imposition to them
especially if you're asking for iced tea. We sometimes waited as much as twenty minutes between courses,
whereas on Celebrity our waiters were there immediately to pick up dirty items and bring on the next
course. I don't want our experience to be a fast food, however I don't want to wait forever for the waiter to
come around again. We tried all three of the alternative dining options, since we were not happy with the
service in the main dining rooms and found them to be excellent, in both the food and the service. It is just
a shame that they hit you for an extra $10 for what you should be getting as part of your cruise
experience. Of the three we found the Horizon to be our favorite and Emily was one of the best waitresses
we ever had anywhere. The buffet was a buffet. Nothing special about it with the exception of the Pasta of
the day. It was very good and cooked one serving at a time to order. Pizza on this ship was excellent also.
One of the other problem areas for this ship was the lounge entertainment. One of the big things aboard
was Karoke, and it was held in Checkers lounge. You couldn't get a seat in there any night. They also had
one of their big events "70s Flashback" held in Checkers, it is probably rated for about 250 people, there
were so many people in there we just gave up. Always crowded, why not hold something like the 70s night
on the pool deck, or in a larger lounge. The observation lounge is bigger and never seemed crowded.
They also need to enforce some kind on policy on saving lounge chairs on the pool deck. Our room was
directly under the pool deck and every morning at sunrise you could hear longe chairs being drug into
position. People would get up early, drag a chair into place around the pool, throw a towel into it and go
back to bed. There was no way to get a chair on deck. Every chair had a towel in it and the only open
seats were in the shade. Saving chairs with a towel is a big problem on this ship.
Shore Excursions We booked a snorkeling trip on Nassau, it was pouring when we got there, with a break
in the rain now and then. The tour organizers decided to try it and we boarded the boat. Halfway there
they gave up and went back to the ship. To their credit they refunded the money even though we had
already been give two chances to cancel. San Juan was pretty much a wasted stop. Still drizzeling and
most of the tours were cancelled, there were not very many interesting tours available anyhow. I think they
would be better to cancel San Juan and maybe a little more time in either Nassau or St Thomas. St
Thomas was good, again went snorkeling with their Dive In program. Was a good trip. Only problem was
that there were 5 other cruise ships in port and everything was packed. Great Stirrup Cay, private island
was good, beautiful day and more swimming and snorkeling. If you like beaches it was one of the best
stops, if you don't like beaches there is nothing there for you.
One note about the shore excursions, on the private island they drop anchor and tender ashore. This was
the biggest fiasco I believe I have ever seen. You are given tickets and wait until you number is called. We
waited 90 minutes for our number and went to the line waiting to get off. We were stuck in a stairwell with
several hundred of our closest new friends waiting to be allowed past the rope barricade. All in all it took
us over two hours to go ashore, after the ship was given permission to disembark, very frustating, and a
waste of one of the prettiest days we had.
The entertainment aboard was OK. If you like Musicals then the Jean Ann Ryan company was very good.
They had a comedian, whose name I mercifly have forgotten that was just awful. His stuff was tired twenty
years ago. The magicain was excellent, and they had a trio called the Harrington Brothere who were very
good singers, spent too much time trying to make stupid jokes, should sing more, ham it up less.
Overall we came away feeling like our cruise was OK, but nothing special. We will cruise again, but we will
go back to Celebrity next time.
Name: Harry & Rebecca Johnston
Email: Harrry.Johnston@Mirant.com
Age: 48
Occupation: Accounting Manager
NumberOfCruises: 8
TravelAgent: No
Ship: NCL-NorwegianSky
SailingDate: March 18, 2001
Itinerary: Eastern Caribbean
Cabin: Balcony - Aft View
FoodDiningRoom: 98
CruiseDirector: 100
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService: 90
CruiseStaff: 100
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 85
DiningRoomService: 98
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets: 90
CabinSteward: 98
ShoreExcVariety:
FoodVariety: 95
DeckService: 95
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon: 95
CasinoStaff: 95
PrivateIsland: 95
GoodForFamilies: 95
LoungeService: 95
TenderService: 95
GoodForSeniors: 95
BeautySalonStaff: 95
EntertainmentLounges: 95
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 98
EntertShowLounge: 98
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon: 95
EntertainmentPoolside: 95
CruiseActivities: 95
Casino: 95
AirSeaProgram: 85
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 98
EmbarkDisembark: 98
DiscoNightclubs: 95
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 98
ShopsOnBoard: 95
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 30 Mar 2001
Time: 11:40:05
Remote Name: proxy5.scem.com
Remote User:
Comments
NCL Sky
Cruised the week of March 18-25 (2001) on NCL's Sky. It was our 25th anniversary. We started cruising
exactly 5 years ago (20th anniversary) on the NCL Wind(ward). We've cruised eight times, including three
on NCL (Norway in '98). We've always had great experiences with NCL; I guess it's been our favorite line
(including RCI, HAL, Celebrity, & Carnival).
The ship is great, in spite of the small cabins(150 square feet or so; about like on Princess or RCI). It's
beautiful in NCL's usual subdued style. Food, service, and especially the entertainment were all among
the best we've had on a cruise, possibly the best. A slight exception was the buffet dining, which was
better than we've seen on other NCL ships, but still maybe not quite up to the industry average. We don't
care; we never eat there anyway. The LeBistro and Horizons alternative dining rooms were, by far, the
best restaurants we've ever seen on a cruise ship; well worth the $10 per person charge.
The best thing about NCL has always been the frendliness of the officers and crew. You see them out and
about everywhere, mingling with the passengers. Paul Baya is a fantastic cruise director (he was assistant
CD when we were on the Norway). The cruise staff has a just-right blend of "fun" vs. laid-back. They don't
push the Bingo, Art Auctions, etc. too hard.
We think of ourselves as very traditional cruisers. When I first heard about freestyle cruising, I thought
we'd never cruise with NCL again. But while freestyle did make dinner a little bit less of an "event" each
evening, we actually liked it better than the traditional cruising style. The come-when-you-want,
sit-where-you-want and with-whom dining worked out well for us, and the dining rooms handled it
flawlessly. We mostly chose to eat by ourselves, and sometimes there was a short wait (never more than
five minutes) to get a table for two. And when we joined with others, we found we made friendships almost
as good as when we ate with the same people all week.
We didn't mind having the tips charged to us automatically. It's really the only way to go with so many
alternative dining rooms. And we saw NO evidence that it made the waiters any less dedicated to excellent
service. We did add a small tip amount in LeBistro and Horizons because the service there was SO
fantastic. We also tipped our room stewardess $20 at the beginning, when we requested extra towels and
a few other things all week, and another $20 to thank her at the end.
A really great thing NCL is doing now is making the last morning MUCH more relaxing and enjoyable. They
let you stay in your room if you want to, all the dining rooms are open as usual; you can even get room
service. Disembarkation day has been such a joy-killer on every other cruise; this lets you leave the ship
actually feeling happy.
Name: Jim Seladis
Email: jsmaj@msn.com
Age: 42
Occupation: Military
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: NCL-NorwegianSky
SailingDate: March 18, 2001
Itinerary: Nassau, Bahamas;San Juan, PR; St Thomas
Cabin: 0226
FoodDiningRoom: 85
CruiseDirector: 85
CabinComfort: 85
FoodRoomService: 85
CruiseStaff: 85
CabinAmenities: 85
FoodLidoDeck: 80
DiningRoomService: 90
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets: 80
CabinSteward: 100
ShoreExcVariety: 85
FoodVariety: 85
DeckService: 85
ShoreExcValue: 85
GoodForHoneymoon: 95
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland: 95
GoodForFamilies: 95
LoungeService: 90
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors: 95
BeautySalonStaff: 90
EntertainmentLounges: 95
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 90
EntertShowLounge: 95
OverallPortsofCall: 85
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 90
CruiseActivities: 85
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 100
DiscoNightclubs: 95
DeckSpace: 85
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 80
SpaceRatio: 80
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 01 Apr 2001
Time: 16:23:29
Remote Name: 1cust148.tnt2.collinsville.il.da.uu.net
Remote User:
Comments
Embarkation Day: NCL representatives were waiting at the arrival gate for my wife and I. We were
provided instructions on where to catch transportation at Miami IAP. No problems noted. NCL
representatives graciously took our luggage and the bus was comfortable to the Port. Once at the port, we
stood in line for about 20 minutes or so before we reached the NCL desk. Because we had been prepared
(filled out all our paperwork in advance and had the proper documents on hand) we finished our
processing in minutes. Other people forgot to bring either their birth certificates or passports and had
difficulty processing through. As we set sail for the open sea, they had a buffet open at the Garden
Cafe...hotdogs and hamburgers. Not what my wife and I particularly cared to eat as we left the Port of
Miami. NCL, you should be able to do better than hotdogs and hamburgers when you're leaving
port...come on!
The Cruise Experience: This was a second honeymoon for my wife and I. Having never gone on a cruise
before, we were anxious to find out for ourselves what it was like. We did quite a bit of research on the
internet (reading past reviews like this) and also purchased a cruise book in the bookstore to read up on
NCL and various other cruise lines. All in all, I think previous cruise reviews from passengers were on the
mark. The food was nothing to write home about (good food and plenty of it but not 4-star). I've had better
food/more variety in city restaurants. Waiters and waitresses were courteous. Cruise ship personnel were
friendly and helpful. We had a stateroom with a private balcony...and we had fruit and a bottle of
champagne when we arrived...that was a very nice touch. Thank you NCL! :-) While the stateroom was
rather small, it was still pleasant for two. The ship was beautiful and clean.
The entertainment was fantastic. I'm not much of a broadway show person, but I was very entertained with
the shows on board. We thoroughly enjoyed the comedy/magician act! He was hysterical!
Freestyle dining was great...from what I hear, NCL is the only cruise line doing this so far...what a super
idea! My wife and I were NOT tied down to meal times like we read other cruise lines do. Instead we could
dine at our leisure within the confines of the dining hours (530pm-10pm) and we could dine with others OR
be by ourselves...since this was a second honeymoon, it was GREAT to have intimate dinners for TWO!
The alternative restaurants were better than either of the two main dining rooms...I particularly enjoyed the
Asian cuisine of Ciao Chow...my wife, on the other hand, enjoyed the French/Mediterranean cuisine of Le
Bistro. We didn't particularly care for the $10 per person cover charge for eating at these alternative
restaurants, though. They also had an 1130pm Chocoholic buffet on the second night of the cruise...the
chocolate Eiffel Tower was well done! There was numerous types of chocolate delicacies on hand for all. If
you like chocolate, stay up for this.
The Ports: Not very impressive with the ports. Although this was the first time my wife and I had visited the
Carribean, I must say that we weren't impressed. Having been in the military for twenty+years, I have been
around the world. The ports offerred congested traffic, wall-to-wall people (tourists like us), and unfriendly
locals. Next time, we'll stick to secluded shore excursions like spending time at Magan's Bay in St Thomas.
Stirrup Cay: WOW! We definitely enjoyed our time here! Although the food offered was simply hotdogs
and hamburgers, it was good. A lot of fun for all (volleyball, swimming in the beautiful crystal clear bay),
snorkeling, and hiking. We wished we had a couple of days here! It was a good time had by all!
Debarkation Day: Smooth as embarkation day. Our luggage was taken the night before with colored tags.
The process was orderly and structured...no problems noted leaving the ship. You could wait in your room
or wait in the atrium area. We boarded the bus at the Port of Miami...now, that was a challenge! Everyone
wanted to get on the bus at the same time...luggage was everywhere! You really have to have some
patience to get through this!
Overall, it was an extremely worthwhile experience and a memorable second honeymoon! No horror
stories to speak of. Would we cruise with NCL again, you ask!? Yes we would. However, we were informed
that the newer ships coming out later this year are going to be larger with larger staterooms, so my wife
will wait to cruise on the newer ships. Good job NCL! And Bon Voyage to all those getting ready to cruise!
Name: deborah ulam
Email: ulaminga@aol.com
Age: 50
Occupation: administrative assistant
NumberOfCruises: 2
TravelAgent: No
Ship: NCL-NorwegianSky
SailingDate: 3-18-01
Itinerary: nassau, san juan, st. thomas, great stirrup
Cabin: 8343
FoodDiningRoom: 97
CruiseDirector: 95
CabinComfort: 92
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 85
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets: 89
CabinSteward: 89
ShoreExcVariety: 75
FoodVariety: 99
DeckService: 95
ShoreExcValue: 60
GoodForHoneymoon: 90
CasinoStaff: 85
PrivateIsland: 95
GoodForFamilies: 95
LoungeService: 95
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors: 85
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess: 90
ExerciseFacilities: 95
EntertShowLounge: 99
OverallPortsofCall: 70
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 85
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino: 85
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 92
ShopsOnBoard: 80
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 98
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 25 Mar 2001
Time: 20:01:04
Remote Name: spider-mtc-tf052.proxy.aol.com
Remote User:
Comments
We just returned from our cruise on the Sky and I wanted to put in my input while it is still fresh in my
memory. We loved this cruise even though we did not have the best of weather. Three days it rained
and was overcast - something I never thought about but we missed the extra sun time.
My disappointments were few - but here they are. The stops San Juan was terribe - you really don't
have time to do much exploring and we did the city tour - and at $25.00 a piece it seems the only thing
we really got to see was the Burger Kings, Taco Bells, etc. What a waste. If you want to do a tour of this
city - I would just get off the ship and there were tons of people offering trips for $10.00 a head. Yucky
city from what we saw - lots of rundown, or half torn down buildings and you would not believe the traffic
congestion.
We did not get off the ship at Nassau - we had just been there a month before and did the Dolphin
Encounter - it was well worth the money if you are an animal lover. It was pouring when we were there
this time and the ship left at 3 so you didn't have all that much time.
St. Thomas - Virgin Islands - we had a very overcast day - we did the Best of St. Thomas tour - it was
better than San Juan, but not that great in my opinion. And the shopping - did I miss something - people
jammed the stores there are a million and one jewelery stores - but I did not see any bargains. I was
turned off by the whole thing - the only bargains are on booze - although we aren't big drinkers San
Juan and the ship had fantastic deals. More than half off the prices here in GA.
The private island was lovely - my husband did the snorkeling - he saw some good things and felt he got
his $25.00 worth, but it didn't compare to what we saw in Kona Hawaii. I thought the island was pretty -
the water a beautiful color of blue - food was ok - hamburgs, hot dogs and barbequed chicken. Of
course this is ample opportunity to buy drinks. We rented a huge raft for the day $15.00 and it was
heavenly laying on it and just lazing in the sun. There is volleyball, ping pong, hammocks plus of course
all of your chairs, umbrellas and picnic tables. They even have sand wheel chairs - and of course they
have shirts etc. for sale there. But bring your own cash or Visa as your ship card doesn't work there.
The shirts were a better bargain there then other places and unfortunately we only had our ship card.
The ship is lovely - we had a small inside cabin, but it was plenty big for the two of us and everything is
still new looking. They have a hairdryer there - you can store your suitcases under the bed so we had
plenty of room. The rooms also have small refrigs which I thought was nice. We brought our own soft
drinks as they are 1.50 a piece on the ship. The cabin was very quiet -
When I was reading these reviews, I was not expecting the food to be much on this ship - boy was I
wrong!!! The food is outstanding as well as the freestyle dining options. The main dining rooms are
beautiful and all meals are 5 course - they have many choices and each meal there is low calorie
choices, vegetarian choices, always a pasta of the day too. My husband is much more of a gourmet
diner than I am and he also agreed the food was fantastic. We never made it to the chocoholic buffet - it
was offered only the first 2 nights so don't miss it if it is your type of thing. They have ice cream available
from 4-9 - but food is readily available almost always. Needless to say the food in the Garden Spot is
more causal and buffet style - they have nice touches like omelettes made to order every day as well as
waffles made while you wait. We had no trouble getting into the optional dining rooms - in these
resturants you pay an additional $10.00 a piece but we felt it was well worth it. You won't believe how
beautiful the Italian resturant and Le Bistro is - we ate 2 times at Chow Chow's since we love sushi (it
offers Chinese or Japanese - this resturant is not as fancy as the others but if you love sushi you will
love this resturant.) We also had the nicest waitresses in this resturant, Evelyn and Hazel. Anything you
want at any of the resturants - you can have as much as you like. Their aim really is to please you. Be
forewarned on the lobster night which was the farewell dinner - eat early - it is there busiest day and that
was the only time we had to wait for a seat. This night it is evidentally dead in the other resturants so it
might be a good time to check one of those out. The lobster was alittle tough but still good. People
dressed up much more for dinner than I expected - you don't have to but you can not wear shorts or
jeans for the evening meal.
We went to every show and loved them all. The dancers are great and they did 3 shows, they also had
the Harrington Brothers a great singing trio and a great comic/magician - we looked forward to the
shows every night.
We are not drinkers so didn't spend much time in the bars - do check out the observation lounge though
- quiet, lovely and what a view. If you like to kareokee, Checkers Bar had that every night followed by
something else. It was always packed and people seemed to have a ball there.
They have a very nice work out area and great instructors that offer all types of exercise classes. The
6th deck has a lovely walking/jogging area 3.5 times around equals a mile.
Well, I could go on and on - if you have any other questions, feel free to email me - . We purchased this
cruise on egghead.com on an auction - what a steal....
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