I had a great time. Despite being a "party cruise," I didn't see anything crazy. I recommend this for history buffs who are excited to see Cuba and soak up the culture. The Cozumel crowd is going to be disappointed in Havana, although I hear there are great beaches a cab ride away.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
We arrived around 1 and the process was fairly fast. We weren't herded to the waiting area. Instead, we just moved quickly through the long lines.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
The two main dining rooms, Palace and Crossings were virtually identical except for decor. Service was great as always. I enjoyed all the food and got to try some new things. The prime rib was excellent. I didn't eat at the Garden Cafe much. Despite being small, there weren't crazy lines when I walked through. When restaurants aren't open, The Great Outdoors serves hamburgers and hotdogs buffet style. Plenty of free drink options. Unlike the Ultimate Beverage Package where drinks are included up to a certain amount, on the Sky, drinks are listed as "included" or "premium." Almost everything is included. If you want included wine, just order the varietal (merlot, chardonnay, etc.) and they'll give you the house wine. If you order a brand off the menu, you pay. The sauvignon blanc I drank during the cruise is $12 at the store, so you're not drinking swill.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
It's a small ship, so there aren't a million activities. We never got bored because there wasn't a sea day. There was the typical bingo, game shows, shows, art auctions, dance lessons, etc.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
The singers were great - the dancers, too.
Children's Programs
I didn't travel with kids but I did see lots of facilities for them and staff with funky names like "Jumper."
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Great service. We interacted with our steward but our friends say they never met theirs.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Despite being the oldest ship in NCL's fleet, you couldn't tell aside from some colorful decor. Who cares? Have a drink. I didn't see anything dirty or raggedy or worn.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Small but fine. We had a little love seat. Slept great.
Ship tip
Check out the whole ship. Try every bar. Eat in the main dining rooms, especially for breakfast. It's nice to be served. Walk off with your luggage.
We stayed in the colonial downtown and did a walking tour. Keep in mind much of the city is ... authentic. We chose not to see one of the shows because we saw so many bands in the bars downtown. Be prepared to walk a lot on cobblestone streets and it is HOT. Handicrafts are cheap with lots of art, wooden things, and jewelry. Walk to the San Jose market that's on the water nearish to the port (turn left when you get off the ship). People are very nice and helpful but I speak Spanish.
I'm spoiled because I've been to Harvest Cay, the newer island. The tender ship was big but try to sit below deck because the sun is HOT. There's a free buffet and most drinks are included (like on the ship). The shopping area is a joke, so don't expect to purchase anything good. This is a beach day.
We walked off around 9:30 and it went fairly fast. There were people behind us even though we thought we were running late. Have breakfast and walk off with your luggage.
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