We enjoyed the itinerary but needed more time in most ports. However, if this had been our first NCL cruise, we would not cruise NCL again. The Sky is too outdated and needs to be retired. We paid for the unlimited drink package but found no value, as the bars were closed more than they were open. The Entertainment was very disappointing from our previous NCL cruise experiences. The stateroom was not worth the money. We were trying to enjoy the Observation Lounge each afternoon upon our return from port but several times we were asked to leave for a private event. And the ceiling in the Observation Lounge was leaking on one side, so they had to close it off a couple of times and ask us to relocate. The Garden Cafe selection was disappointing and the hours were too limiting, especially considering most guests returned from port around 4pm or 5pm looking for a snack. The Outdoor Garden Cafe was open but it was always the same thing: hot dogs, burgers and really gross sandwiches. Not much selection at all and most of it not edible. The Outdoor Cafe and Local bars weren't open until 6pm and most of the time even then they did not open on time. Most disappointing experience we have had on NCL.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
2 out of 5
NCL's complimentary dining has steadily declined in taste and variety. The speciality dining is 5-star quality but this used to be the quality received in the main dining and other venues. Unfortunately that is no longer the case. For this particular cruise, the Local had very limited hours and the bars were often closed most of the day, rendering our drink package useless.
Onboard Activities
2 out of 5
This is the first cruise where we felt there was very little organized activities and those were often overlapping/conflicted with each other so we usually ended up only being able to participate in 1 or 2 activities each day/evening.
Entertainment
1 out of 5
What happened to the Broadway Shows NCL has always been known for? Our previous cruise we saw Six and Jersey Boys. This cruise? Not a single broadway show, a not funny comedian and a sub par magician. Entertainment was the most disappointing of any cruise on NCL we have experienced.
Service and Staff
3 out of 5
It was very hit and miss with the Staff. Emmanuel on the Cruise Entertainment Staff was excellent! Personable, he made trivia fun and engaging. Ankita in the Crossings Dining Room was excellent and deserves a raise! Our room steward was subpar with cleaning. He left our breakfast tray on our balcony for 2 days and we had to ask him to remove it. I never felt our bathroom was very clean. Bartender Virgil was also excellent and went above and beyond. However, almost all of the bartending staff (esp the Local & Outdoor Cafe) were slow and not attentive. I usually had to wave them down to get service or just be pushy, which is not my style. It made me feel bad for a service I "prepaid" to receive.
Ship Quality
2 out of 5
This ship needs to be retired!
Cabin / Stateroom
2 out of 5
Old style balcony with partial door and a porthole. Not worth the money we paid for a balcony. It was no bigger than our friend's inside cabin.
Quaint town but no taxi or ride share service available to get to Acadia NP. We ended up renting one of the little electric "ATVs" and made it work. Also a tender port, which we understand always takes much longer, but it didn't feel well organized.
Thanks for the review. There are pros & cons to every ship and every itinerary. Always research to death so you understand what you’re getting into. Appreciate your feedback.
I'm not sure what you expected. Yes, the Sky is an older ship, and we cruised on her March for 10 days and is in great shape since being refurbished. Personally, I liked the balcony door and port hole. As for bars being closed, the pool deck bar is always open, and also the great outdoors bar. On the smaller ships, the theater is too small backstage to support Broadway type shows. Those of us who enjoy cruising for the ride and experience appreciate smaller ships without all the amusements. I have been on more than 24 NCL cruises on all of their ship categories and love the smaller ships.
Not sure why many people say they needed more time in the ports. When you booked the cruise the itinerary tells you the hours you are in port and you know you have to be back on the ship maybe an hour or 2 before leaving. So, don’t complain. Cruising is the best vacation ever!!!!
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