All in all, this is just an ok cruise. This was our first cruise, and we had high expectations based on everything we'd been told about cruises. This didn't meet those expectations for certain. We had a good time, but I am hopeful the next cruise vacation will be much better. I would not go to these ports again and wouldn't cruise on this boat again. For the price, it was fine, but it certainly wasn't what we expected. (And, we never got a towel animal! I thought that was standard. We were very disappointed in that.)
Embarkation
5 out of 5
No problems whatsoever. The person taking luggage was very helpful. Luggage arrived that evening as expected.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
2 out of 5
The food was very disappointing. It is very processed and not fresh at all. There is no difference in the quality of food in the main dining rooms and the buffet, so just go to the buffet. Drinks are fine.
Crossings Main Dining Room
1 out of 5
The food is disgusting. They are trying to be fancy, but the food is the same that is in the Cafe - just plated. Most of our dishes were cold or simply inedible. We ended up eating a hot dog later. Skip this!
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
The fitness center is very nice but needed more classes. I was disappointed that this cruise didn't have a yoga or kickboxing class as advertised by Norwegian. The pool is tiny when compared to the number of passengers. I never got in. The hot tubs are nice, but they are so close together. It isn't a good layout.
Shore Excursions Desk
2 out of 5
Never open and changed every one of our excursions (cancelling one and changing another to another day, messing up our plan).
Pools
2 out of 5
The pools are TOO SMALL for the number of folks on the cruise. There are two tiny pools and no areas to sit in the water. They are all deep. They have an even tinier kiddie pool. Bad planning on this!
Entertainment
3 out of 5
The DJ at the White Hot party was great, and the rock show was very good. We went to bingo and quickly learned this was an expensive, not fun game. They made it all about the money and not just having fun winning stupid prizes (which is what I expected). We didn't go back. The games in the Bliss and Mojito lounge were fun, but they seemed rushed and that the personnel was just "going through the motions." I wish there had been more opportunities to meet other people. There weren't any activities that fostered that.
Children's Programs
No kids with us
Service and Staff
3 out of 5
While there were a handful of really outstanding ship personnel, most of the folks working seemed to not be too interested in going out of their way.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The ship was clean and well-maintained. However, I thought it was in bad form to be painting on the main deck while guests were there.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
The room was very comfortable, and we slept well on the bed. The bathroom is tiny, but that was to be expected. There is ample storage. The room was well-stocked with towels and was clean.
Ship tip
Bring your water shoes as there are many rocks on the ground at the Great Stirrup Cay. Also, go to the back bar; it's the best.
We enjoyed Nassau, but it would have been nice to have had a tour that integrated the distillery (which was very cool) and some Bahamian food. We did our own thing and had a very good day there.
Freeport is a dump. I didn't feel really safe there. I would not go back. We did swimming with the pigs there instead of at GSC due to a schedule change by the cruise people. It was fine, but the excursion we signed up for was about 1 1/2 hours. This one lasted all day and included a tour of the island. It was boring and a joke. The tour guide David was rude to myself and my friend. We were dropped off at this :shopping center" for lunch in 45 minutes, and there were few food choices and all were things we could eat back home. Very disappointing.
GSC is beautiful and was a fun day. The bar staff were super-friendly and accommodating. My friends snorkeled and enjoyed that. The paddle board excursion was NOT what was advertised and was simply a rental. That description needs to change. It was a fun day, though, and I would recommend this stop.
Well your down fall was...wait for it, wait... That you set yourself up for the fall before you boarded the ship. You said " This was our first cruise, and we had HIGH expectations based on everything we'd been TOLD about cruises". Sorry your experience may differ, you learn this lesson the hard way. NEVER EVER get on a cruise with any kind of a preconceived notion. Let the ship reveal itself to you as you go. Each ship on any line has it own spirit and personality just like people. Get on, look for the fun, and make the best of it no matter what, KEEP an open mind, smile, laugh at the stupid jokes, go to the shows and talk to as many people all around you no matter who they are. That is my big secret to cruising, oh and dance like no one is watching. 42 cruises and counting. Happy cruising to all! BTW I love this ship and it's sister The NCL Sun. I've had the best times on them.
Definitely a fun party vibe. Perfect for girls trip, couples or an affordable celebration! Ports aren't the greatest as they had to remove Cuba. Maybe I will make it one day....
I never had a bad experience on this ship.. this will be my 4th time..and I'm celebrating with about 40 others on our 30th class reunion, my anniversary, my hubby 53rd birthday.
Sorry you didn't enjoy the Sky. I will be on it for my 3rd time next week for my 50th and I love this ship. I love the staff and enjoy the feel of a small ship for a quick weekend.
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