Norwegian Sky Cruises Review

The Sky, one of Norwegian Cruise Line's most famous ships, offers four-night Bahamas cruises out of Miami starting at $169 ($42/person/night), making it one of the better value cruises around. Norwegian Sky reviews by passengers and experts consider this low-cost cruise ship a stand out deal. On sites such as Expedia, travelers rave about the casual atmosphere, abundance of activities, spa facilities, comfortable accommodations, and tasty food. The youthful atmosphere appeals to one industry expert, whose Norwegian Sky review on Cruise Critic reports the average age of travelers trends lower than on other ships and may reflect the range of late-night bar and party options and the open, casual dining policy. Passengers posting on the same site award this ship four out of five stars. Far less impressed are those who chose to air their views on Cruise Reviews. These Norwegian Sky reviews gripe about mediocre food, unfriendly service, and low-budget entertainment. Still, the entire cruise line earned high marks with Porthole Cruise Magazine, where it was honored with a number of readers choice awards for 2011, including best short duration cruises, best alternative restaurants, best casinos, and best itineraries for Hawaii and Bermuda.

Norwegian Sky's passenger capacity is 2,002. Trips are for three or four nights and depart year-round from Miami, with ports of call at Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay, a private island for Norwegian Cruise Line passengers; the four-night trips also stop at Freeport. The ship features what's known as freestyle cruising, which means you can eat anywhere at any time and dress as you please. There are six specialty restaurants that assess an extra fee and where the dress code is less casual, and 10 bars and lounges. Staterooms range from basic cabins to deluxe villas and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows. Families appreciate the greater number of connecting cabins available on this low-cost cruise ship and entertainment options for every age bracket.

No luxury cruising here, but for short hops to the islands, the Norwegian Sky is a worthy vessel. It's been around since 1999 and ventured as far afield as Hawaii before settling back in the Bahamas. A good choice for party-loving first-time cruisers and weekend vacationers.