It seems like cruise ships are trying to out-do one another, getting larger and larger and adding more and more activities for passengers to enjoy while they're at sea.
So what is it that Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Sky can offer cruisers on their upcoming trip?
In a word - relaxation.
The Norwegian Sky is a smaller cruise ship and therefore just doesn't have the space for all the new gadgets and gizmos other cruise lines are trying to entice passengers with. Instead, they focus on an itinerary that spends less time at sea and more time at places passengers are eager to see - like Havana, Cuba.
That's not to say that the Norwegian Sky isn't a nice vessel to travel on. The ship recently underwent a full renovation earlier this year. And although water slides were not added to the pool area, important updates - like renovating all staterooms - did receive a massive overhaul.
Plus the smaller ship means fewer passengers onboard, which makes it even more ideal for thoroughly enjoying that all-inclusive experience. Eat and drink as much as you want while traveling to multiple bucket list destinations - what could be better than that?
Outfitted with all the major cruise ship 'necessities' - casino, spa, shops, track around the ship, kid's club, teen's club, pool on the upper deck with plenty of seating, a theater with nightly shows, an assortment of culinary options and friendly crew members - Norwegian Sky has plenty of activities for their passengers without leaving you feeling overwhelmed.
Being onboard gives you a chance to just sit back and enjoy your time on the boat - reminisce about the last port of call or plan ahead with excursions offered through the NCL App.
The itineraries of the cruise ship, normally including a mixture of these ports of call - Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, Nassau, Key West and Havana, Cuba - allows for the ship to maximize its program by choosing destinations in close proximity to its home base of Miami. Plus the overnight stay in Havana allows passengers to experience the nightlife of the area like the famed Cabaret Tropicana shows.
Norwegian Sky offers a multitude of restaurants, bars and buffets for their passengers - perfect for its all-inclusive cruises. You don't have to worry about wearing a special wristband or always having your room key with you. Just order your favorite cocktail and head back to your pool chair.
Nor do you have to worry about assigned dinner times. When you feel hungry, just head down to one of the two main restaurants - The Crossings or Palace. Or call ahead to have a place ready for you when you arrive. If formal dining isn't your style, you also have the option of buffets at the top of the ship to choose.
Or if you're looking for a more intimate, upscale setting, guests have the option of paying a little bit extra for Le Bistro, Il Adagio, Cagney's Seafood Steakhouse, or Norwegian's Chef's Table.
Norwegian Sky is a terrific balancing act for providing cruisers, especially first-time cruisers, with exactly what a cruise should offer - enough entertainment to not feel overwhelmed, unique itineraries with a selection of iconic excursions, and most importantly, a space to relax.
Cruising on this vessel with my parents for their first ever cruise had me a little nervous and anxious about what to expect, but after having our fill of fun and relaxation on and off the ship, my parents are now hooked on all-inclusive cruising.
I left feeling rejuvenated, not exhausted and needing another vacation just to recover from my vacation.
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