Norwegian Sky Review
Norwegian Sky is not the newest ship at sea, but it packs a big punch with a fun slate of nonstop activities, lively lounges, a good variety of dining venues and terrific short itineraries. Built in 1999, the ship is one of two in Norwegian's fleet to include a beverage package in the price of its short warm-weather cruises. It's also one off only two ships in the fleet that visits Cuba, giving passengers an overnight in Havana on its four-night itineraries. When not visiting Cuba, Sky sails to the Bahamas.
Pros
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Bottom Line
About
Cuba is what makes this ship exciting, and Sky plays it up, with Cuban drinks, dishes and music on its sailings to Havana. And passengers love it, getting into the spirit onboard and ashore. With just over 2,000 passengers, Sky is right-sized for a visit to Havana, where too many passengers could overwhelm the city. Passengers can stay in Havana well into the night, visiting the city's famous bars and clubs.
Norwegian's Freestyle attitude -- do what you want, when you want -- is in full force on Sky, which has a surprising number of dining options for a ship this size. Passengers can be happy eating only at the ship's complimentary options, or they can visit the specialty dining restaurants for something a little special. Sky also has lounges and bars for every taste, and they stay open late, keeping the party rolling at virtually every venue.
Structurally, there are some oddities on the ship, including Deck 6A, which houses a handful of cabins but isn't accessible by elevator. Likewise, Sky's cabins are tight but adequate for two. But the ship's structure also means it has a gorgeous atrium that spans from Deck 5 all the way to Deck 12. It also has the cool, bright Spinnaker Lounge, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and an adjacent sun deck, covered in teak, that has tremendous views from the bow of the ship.
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Norwegian Sky is a great option for passengers looking to let down their hair, get away from it all for a few days and just have some fun.
Inclusions
Included with your cruise fare:
- Meals in two main dining rooms and at the Garden Cafe buffet, Topsiders Grill and The Local Bar & Grill; also Continental breakfast room service
- Main theater production shows and live music in various venues
- Most onboard activities, except as noted
- Use of the fitness center (excluding most classes and training sessions)
- Use of the sports deck and golf driving nete
- Splash Academy kids club
Not included with your cruise fare:
- Daily service charges ($15 per person, per day for those in standard staterooms; $18 per person, per day, for anyone in The Haven, Concierge-level cabins and all suite passengers)
- Drinks, except water, tea, coffee and select juices from the buffet
- Gratuities of 20 percent added automatically to beverage, spa, salon and specialty dining purchases
- Room service fee of $9.95 (waived for suites and continental breakfast orders)
- Most specialty dining
- Spa and salon services, plus access to the spa's Thermal Suite and hydrotherapy pool
- Most fitness center classes
- Select daily activities including alcohol tastings, arts and crafts classes, bingo, and gameshows like Deal or No Deal
- After-hours kids supervision programs at the Splash Academy
- Shore excursions
- Internet access and packages
- Photos taken by shipboard photographers, artwork from the art gallery
Fellow Passengers
Because the ship is the only one in Norwegian's fleet that sails to Cuba and also the only one to include a drinking package in all cruise fares, passengers on Norwegian Sky tend to be younger American couples eager to explore a new country unseen by many in the U.S. Families are rare -- especially for Cuba itineraries -- though children are more common during the summer and around holidays when school is out. Additionally, the ship's three- and four-day cruises are a draw for Floridians who are looking for a fast, fun getaway out of Miami.
Norwegian Sky Dress Code
Daytime: Anything goes on Norwegian Sky, which doesn't have formal nights or major dress code rules. During the day, it's swimsuits, cover-ups, shorts, dresses and comfortable clothing, both in port and onboard.
Evening: At night, you don't have to dress for dinner, though a few restaurants won't allow shorts in the evening (Le Bistro and La Cucina). Pack white clothing if you'd like to participate in the ship's "White Hot Night," a dance/glow party that takes place at night once per cruise.
Not permitted: Shoes are required in all dining venues and tank tops and baseball caps are also never permitted.
For more information, visit Cruise Line Dress Codes: Norwegian Cruise Line.
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Is Norwegian Sky a good ship to cruise on?
Fairly Decent....but the staff YES!
2-5 Cruises
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Age 20s
Exceptional customer service
6-10 Cruises
Amazing vacation to the Bahamas
2-5 Cruises
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Age 30s
Aft Penthouse Room 0064 good cruise for the money
2-5 Cruises
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Age 50s