Cruise Ship Review: Norwegian Sky

Norwegian Sky departing from Miami, Florida.

Issued into service in 1999, the Norwegian Sky has been a true crowd pleaser for over a decade now. In 2004, the Norwegian Sky was renovated and transformed into Pride of Aloha. While Pride of Aloha, she operated under NCL America Line, and sailed the Hawaiian Islands all year round. After servicing NCL America for four years, she was transferred back into the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet and given her original name back, Norwegian Sky. Upon her return to Norwegian Cruise Line, she has been servicing the Bahamas from Miami alternating three and four night cruises.

Sister to the Norwegian Sun, the 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, so the Hawaiian theme still remains all throughout the vessel (Including the hull work on the exterior of the ship which is a beautifully designed Leigh).

The Norwegian Sky offers ten dining options as well as ten bars and lounges. In addition to that, the Norwegian Sky has five hot tubs (Jacuzzis), two swimming pools, and even a separate children’s pool. Of all the ships that frequent the Bahamas, I rate the Norwegian Sky is the 2nd best, after the Disney Wonder which I rate as the best ship that voyages to the beautiful Bahamas Islands.

Prices on the Norwegian Sky are very reasonable. I have seen the price for a three night voyage, to the Bahamas, on this vessel as low as $109.00 per person (four night cruises have been priced as low as $129.00 per person)!  Yes, that is a definite deal that cannot be beat! Be sure to check out the Norwegian Cruise Line’s website (www.ncl.com) for the latest deals on this vessel.

To date, of the 23 cruises that I have been on, the Norwegian Sky ranks in my top five, as #3! The Disney Wonder ranks #1, and sister to the Norwegian Sky, the Norwegian Sun, ranks #2. The brand new Norwegian Epic ranks #4, and the Carnival Miracle ranks #5. Overall, the Norwegian Sky gets a 4.35 out of 5.00 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

They have the youngest fleet afloat, and are changing the face of cruising every single day. Norwegian Cruise Line has truly become an innovative cruise line and has made a definite name for themselves over the past couple of years. Norwegian Cruise, founded in 1966, has been the forgotten cruise line, the dark horse if you will, but not any longer.

 A Norwegian Cruise ship 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, before issued into service (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 (Now all year round on their newest vessel, the world's 3rd largest cruise ship, the Norwegian Epic), Europe, and Canada, just to name a few. They even offer all year round service to Hawaii on the colossal Pride of America Ship through, NCL America Line. As well as, all year round service to Europe on the Norwegian Jade.Norwegian Cruise Line was awarded, Best Cruise Line, In the Bahamas, by the Bahamas Tourism Ministry in 2009, and has been said to be the best value for your money. The Norwegian Gem even received the honor of being named one of the best large cruise ships in 2009. Most of Norwegian Cruise Ships have a contemporary feel when it comes to interior design and overall decor. Overall 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 1st hand how awesome NCL is! I highly recommend NCL for any first time cruisers, or single cruisers who want to relax and not party.

Their latest vessel, the 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 any other major main stream cruise line, if you don't have another passenger traveling with you, they still charge you for the price of two). Other amenities that can be found throughout the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet include, Bowling Allies, Rock Climbing Walls, Golf Courses, and even more! (Note: All these amenities are not on all Norwegian Cruise Ships) . Take a dive into "Freestyle Cruising " today!


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.