If you are curious about Cuba, do not hesitate to take this cruise. You will definitely learn a lot and there are lots of pre-1959 cars to admire. The colonial architecture is beautiful and the people are nice. Very safe.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
If you get there around 10-10:30, you have to sit in a large lounge to wait to get on the ship. I wish there was a more simple way where you didn't have to wait around. If you get there later, you then have to get a place number which can mean even more waiting. I don't like sitting in the waiting area listening to the loud conversations. It reminds me of being in an airport. The good news is that the Sky is not a large ship like the Jewel so the wait time seemed a little less.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
The free drinks really made it relaxing and that includes on the Stirrup Cay Island in the Bahamas. The staff works hard to be friendly and efficient and I have nothing but praise for them.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
I did not do many ship activities but the pool and the public areas are pleasant for relaxing. My favorite place is at the back of the Garden Café where you can sit and watch the wake of the ship and get fresh air. I was too tired to stay up for the shows which start around 9:30 pm but in the past the shows have been great.
Entertainment
I didn't stay up till 9:30 pm to watch the shows.
Children's Programs
No Children.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Always friendly and willing to assist. They work hard and I doubt if they make much money so it's good to be extra nice to them.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The ship wasn't too big. I did not get sick but I'm a bit leary because on my last NCL cruise, I got the runs and it seemed like I wasn't the only one. I made the mistake of going to the nurse who was very unkind and quarantined me for one day in my cabin without a doctor's exam. Come on, getting the runs is quite normal when traveling. I do not trust drinking water from the tap on the ship or even the food completely. I just don't think it's possible to avoid germs. The remedy is to bring lots of anti-diarreah medication but I would not go to the nurse again who reported me to the CDC and had me escorted to my room by security - not a pleasant experience. To think I paid for that.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Nice and open. I had a portal which was large and plenty of light. I liked the layout better than on the Jewel which seemed to have a more tight bathroom.
Ship tip
If you can, disembark late because it seems less crowded. I booked pre and post cruise hotels. It might not be necessary to book post cruise but then you have a long trip home.
Cuba was fantastic and the people want you to come visit so are very nice. The private island was beautiful and a good way to unwind after the excitement of Cuba.
Awesome people and sites. Take an art tour if you can which in our case include a band at a community art center. Very touching and exciting. I loved Havana and want to go back to see more. Don't worry about the travel warnings. Lots of regular folks were on the cruise and there was no uptightness at all both in Cuba and coming back to the States.
Beautiful Caribbean island. Great food spread and free drinks there too. Places to swim and lots of lounge chairs. Activities also available but I did not participate in any.
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