Cruise Ship Review: Norwegian Sky

Norwegian Sky at sea.
Photo Credit: http://www.ncl.eu/agents/bildmaterial.php?g=55&show=1

Issued into service in 1999, Norwegian Sky has been a gracing the high seas, dazzling thousands, for a little more than a decade. In 2004, Norwegian Sky was renovated and transformed into Pride of Aloha. While Pride of Aloha, she operated under NCL America Line sailing the Hawaiian Islands all year round. After servicing NCL America for four years, she was transferred back into the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet and rechristened with her original name. Upon her return to Norwegian Cruise Line, she has been servicing the Bahamas from Miami alternating three and four night cruises.

Sister to Norwegian Sun, Norwegian Sky boast a very vibrant décor and sails with a vivacious and inviting staff and crew. When she returned to the Norwegian cruise Line fleet, she kept the design she acquired when she was Pride of Aloha—the Hawaiian themed motifs truly make you feel you’re sailing the paradise of the pacific (including the hull work on the exterior of the ship which is a beautifully designed lei). Norwegian Sky offers ten dining options as well as ten bars and lounges. In addition to those great amenities, she sails with five hot tubs [Jacuzzis], two swimming pools, and even a separate children’s pool. If you ever plan to voyage to the Bahamas, Norwegian Sky would come as my top recommendation.

Norwegian Sky’s cruise rates are extremely reasonable—the perfect place to have a weekend getaway for the right price. I have seen prices for three night Bahamian voyages, as low as $109.00 per person (four night cruises have been priced as low as $129.00 per person)! Be sure to check out the Norwegian Cruise Line’s website (www.ncl.com) for the latest deals they are offering for sailings on Norwegian Sky. Overall, Norwegian Sky gets 4.4 out of 5.0 from me and is one of my all-time favorites, hands down. Take a cruise on this beautiful vessel to the Bahamas, and begin to enjoy nothing but sky!

Cruise Line Review: Norwegian Cruise Line

Photo Credit: Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has become an innovative cruise line and made a definite name for themselves over the past couple of years. A Norwegian Cruise Line vessel can be spotted in any cruise port, whether crowded or not. Every ship is finished with a beautiful hull work design, normally surrounded by the vessel's name or itineraries (this trend was piloted on the Norwegian Dawn when she was issued into service in 2002).

The cruise line is also known for having the largest suites at sea. Norwegian Cruise Line gets a 4.45 out of 5 stars from me. I have sailed on 7 of their innovative vessels, and there have been no disappointments yet, and I don't plan on any either. Norwegian Cruise Line sails ships from New York City All Year Round, and travel to a variety of destinations. Alaska, The Mexican Riviera, The Caribbean , Europe, and Canada, just to name a few. They even offer all year round service to Hawaii on the colossal Pride of America ship via NCL America Line. As well as all year round service to Europe on the Norwegian Jade. Norwegian Gem even received the honor of being named one of the best large cruise ships in 2009. The 'Freestyle Cruising' fleet have contemporary feels when it comes to interior design and overall decor.

Norwegian Cruise Line is the best cruise line for those who just want to relax and not deal with the hassles that other cruise lines can put one under while on vacation. If you have taken a 'Freestyle Cruise,' then you know first hand how awesome NCL is! I highly recommend NCL for any first time cruisers, or single cruisers who want to relax and have a great time. Their latest vessel, Norwegian Epic, features Nickelodeon at Sea, An Aqua Park, performances by the Blue Man Group, and even cabins solely for single passengers (this is a plus because on many other major main stream cruise lines, you don't see this heavily--but that may all change with the launch of Norwegian Epic). Other amenities that can be found throughout the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet include, bowling allies, rock climbing walls, golf courses, and even more!

Unlike some of the other mainstream lines, Norwegian Cruise Line does not have an assigned dining time for their passengers. In fact, all of their innovative vessels come equipped with many restaurants that cater to an eclectic array of cuisines from all over the world. The attire on board is normally resort casual. Some cruise lines do not allow shorts to be worn past a certain hour in the evening, but NCL allows guest to dress, change clothes, and entertain themselves as they please! Dive into to 'Freestyle Cruising' today and experience a cruise vacation that's unique and addictive! Your ship awaits, and an NCL vessel may be the one for you--Bon Voyage!