You might think going from sailing aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's newest Norwegian Joy to one of its oldest (Norwegian Sky) only days later would be a bit of a letdown.
However, there remains a charm to the 1999-built ship and an intimacy in size that is pleasant in its own right.
It just so happens that the Joy preview cruise was scheduled the week before the cruise line's inaugural sailing to Cuba aboard the Sky. So, the opportunity to go on both ships in such a short timespan provided a fascinating juxtaposition.
For one, the Joy is a 3,883-guest, 167,725-ton mega-ship while the Sky is a 2,004-guest, 77,104-ton vessel. That's a substantial size difference, but the Sky is still the largest to carry US citizens to Cuba-also impressive.
Once onboard, the scales are perhaps even more noticeable than the vintages.
The cruise industry has matured considerably in the nearly two decades that have passed between their launches. That means private accommodations on Sky are smaller-particularly bathrooms and skimpy showers-and storage is also more limited.
[READMORE]READ MORE: Norwegian Cruise Line Delivers Cuba in Grand Fashion [/READMORE]
Most other comforts remain, however.
Specialty restaurants familiar to Norwegian loyalists like Le Bistro for French and Cagney's Steakhouse are along for the ride, while Il Adagio serves up great Italian specialties as well. The breadth of dining choice beyond that, (the main dining rooms and buffet), is understandably not as extensive.
However, the Sky does uniquely feature an inclusive beverage program for a wide selection of free drinks available at a dozen bars and lounges. That's something the Joy doesn't even have.
The Sky is interesting in its decor. Some of it is a bit dated, but the old-school cruise aesthetic is also a nice reminder of the past.
What may surprise those not familiar with the ship's history is its decidedly Hawaiian design. The ship operated as Pride of Aloha between 2004 and 2008, sailing among the islands of the 50th state. So, its lei hull graphics, Hawaiian artwork and other tropical motifs make more sense accordingly. Now, its vivid colors blend in quite nicely with the vibrant Cuban atmosphere.
For a ship of its moderate size, Sky's soaring atrium and four glass elevators are a nice grand touch, while a pair of main dining rooms is equally impressive at servicing the smaller passenger complement.
For anyone who's a sucker for a great observation lounge, the Outrigger Lounge is a beautiful example, with rich woods keeping to the Hawaiian theme. Proving that space is indeed at a premium, the adjacent spa is a bit abbreviated without any thermal suite, but steam rooms and saunas are still there. Meanwhile, those looking to take a dip have the option to enjoy two midship pools as well as a fun splash pool under a waterfall at the very front and top of the ship.
[READMORE]READ MORE: See the Beautiful New Norwegian Joy[/READMORE]
As for entertainment, the main Stardust Lounge is located at the stern instead of the bow-as on most ships such as the Joy these days-freeing up forward space for the kids facilities. There's also a teens facility upstairs opposite the Garden Cafe buffet. Adults also have the Dazzles Nightclub and casino to frequent, and shopping abounds at a surprisingly large selection of stops throughout.
Of course, the Norwegian Joy is filled to the brim with many more activities, but it's also a more sprawling ship. The Norwegian Sky is easier and quicker to navigate from point A to point B.
Both ships represent the Norwegian Cruise Line brand equally well while offering distinct experiences each worth considering.
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