Age:61 to 70
Occupation:Retired
Number of Cruises: 11 to 20 Cruises
Ship:Norwegian Sky
Sailing Date:June 4th, 2000
Itinerary:Alaska
Our recent cruise on the Norwegian Sky produced mixed results.We had a Category AA "Superior Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Balcony", which is
the top category other than the "Penthouse" and "Owner's Suite".The biggest problem is the lack of storage space (only 3 small shallow drawers).It was necessary to use luggage under the bed for storage.
Our biggest complaint is that NCL sprung "Freestyle Cruising" on us.The brochure and the documents received before departure indicated there would be two formal
evenings, 3 casual evenings, etc."Freestyle" means dress is optional anytime.We packed our usual formal attire and found we did not have enough casual clothes.Also, "Freestyle" means no assigned tables or meal times.There were occasions when it was necessary wait for dining room seating.We missed having waiters who get to know your needs and desires.Also missed making lasting acquaintances.In our 15 cruises we have always had good luck meeting varied and interesting
table matesAnother concept of "Freestyle" is
that you are basically denied the freedom to tip as desired.They
now charge $9.75 a day per person to your shipboard account for the tip pool.Oh, they say you can make arrangements with the purser to adjust it as you wish, but that
gets complicated.We, and most people we know, tip
according to service rendered - i.e. if outstanding, tip extra.Since the Maitre d' shares in this tip.We
seldom tip them unless they provide actual service other than to interrupt your meal with the
obligatory small talk.Besides, they are on salary.I will admit that the dining room service was generally excellent.This was only the second week of "Freestyle", only time will tell if this level of
service continues when the lack of incentive to earn extra tips dawns on the waiters.Our cabin stewardess was excellent and we did slip her a bonus in cash.Since tips were now on the shipboard account, we brought way too much cash - cash that should
be earning interest in the bank.
The food in the dining rooms was always good to outstanding, and
presentation was generally excellent.We dined one
evening in the Le Bistro alternative restaurant.The
quality of the main course filet mignon was excellent, but the rest of the food was nothing to rave
about.And, the $5 p/p suggested gratuity did not yield
any extra special service.Unfortunately, food in the
Garden Cafe buffet was pretty bad - cold eggs, dry partially toasted toast, etc.And, general cleanliness and table clearing was often lax.
The high point of the cruise was the entertainment.This
was our third NCL cruise in a row and the Jean Ann Ryan Company production shows have always been
outstanding.The three shows on the Sky were even
better.The singers and dancers were very talented and
exquisitely rehearsed.The costumes were fabulous.With superb sound and lighting, the shows were at least of Las Vegas or Broadway quality.Other acts included a hilarious comic Rich Pupura, and the dynamic Jane L. Powell
with a great voice, personality, and back-up band.Even
the ship's show band was unusually good - none of the members trying to out play each other and they
blended well - even the drummer.Unfortunately, the
main show room is less than adequate for a ship of this size and age.The main floor is crammed with uncomfortable bench divans and barrel chairs competing for
space with those pesky drink tables, resulting in some marginal sight lines.The balcony is even worse.Sight lines are also
bad and sometimes non-existent.And, you have to peer
through overly ornate railings giving an "in-prison" feeling.Here, "Freestyle" can be good.You can
arrange to stand in line when the doors open in order to insure decent seats.
The itinerary was to the Sawyer Glacier and included short stops at both Haines and Skagway in a
single day, as well as 1/2 day calls at Juneau and Vancouver.While
weather was cool and wet, the Alaskan Scenery is still outstanding.Our last cruise was around the South American Cape Horn and the highly touted Chilean Fjords.Believe me, nothing compares with our good old Alaska for spectacular scenery.As this was our third Alaskan cruise, we did not partake of any shore excursions.Despite ever increasing prices, many were sold out in advance.Haines, Skagway, and Juneau are open to strolling in town for lots of shopping.They dock at the Ballentine docks in Vancouver which are quite a distance from downtown,
making it difficult to see much unless you take an organized excursion.
In summary, it was mostly an enjoyable cruise.The
relaxed "Freestyle Cruising" is probably a good approach for Alaskan cruising (if you know
about it in advance!).Norwegian Sky is a adequate
vessel for a 7 day cruise; but for heavens sake, the small cabins and lack of storage makes it
inappropriate for any thing longer.Opinions we heard on
"Freestyle Cruising" varied.Younger or first time cruisers seemed to like it, while veteran cruisers almost all
disapproved.I guess Carnival now has some competition
for their "Fun Ships".However, this will be
our last NCL cruise!
