The Sky in Alaska
 

Has anyone out there been on the Sky in Alaska? I would like to know more about the weather in the spring (how to pack), freestyle cruising and just some general information. Thanks!

I too am interested in this cruiseline and ship. We will be approximately 10 people all traveling together...not sure if free style cruising works well with this large of a group or would traditional dining work better? Is Norweigan Cruise Line as nice as Princess or Holland American? It seems like Norweigan maybe nickel and dimes you to death from what I read with all the charges for eating in alternative dining rooms etc. Need to chose an Alaskan cruise for summer 2003.

This is strictly a personal opinion based on observations, not personal experience (not worth a heck of a lot). But I'd rather paddle a leaky kayak to than sail on any NCL ship. That being said, you have to decide what type of cruise you want. NCL is like a Motel 6 whereas Princess and Holland America are like Marriott or Hyatt accommodations. IMHO, cruising is all about getting the maximum value in terms of service, accommodations, food, etc. Low price cruising can subject you to extra baggage you'll wish you could forget.<BR> Alaska in May is typically in the low 50s...can be hotter or colder Pack layers of clothing including rain gear. <BR> Negative comments outweigh the positives regarding freestyle cruising. Personal Choice dining is, IMHO, a much better choice.<BR> Princess and HAL offer the best choice of land and cruise tours. They have the most experience. Princess is a bit more laid back, accommodating a broader spectrum of passengers.

Don't worry-- it's a fine choice.<BR><BR>The Sky (and all of NCL's newer ships) are NOTHING like any motel 6 on earth. It reminded me of a RCI/Princess combo with the beautiful glass and brass atrium which really was the hub of the ship-- and it's a great ship for Alaska.<BR><BR>As for nickel and diming-- EVERYONE, including the lines you mentioned, charges for alternative dining. NCL's policies are no different.<BR><BR>Go, have a great vacation!

We took our family on the Sky last June and LOVED it! We've been on 3 cruises---Celebrity, RCL and this one was our favorite. Book a balcony---the view is incredible! I highly recommend kayaking in Juneau. Freestyle was wonderful. We didn't have to wait in line. You can request a table if you find a server you like. Enjoy!!!

After the Sky turned over on its side not once, but twice last May, I would never sail the Sky or any NCL ship for many reasons - mainly no preventive maintenance.<BR><BR>Paul

Shelly,<BR><BR>Would it be ok for me to email you directly with questions in regards to the Sky? <BR><BR>Paul,<BR>Just a question, do you like anything?<BR><BR>Thanks!!

sure---ask away! I have not heard anything about the Sky turning over---seems like that would make the headlines more than the illnesses of late!

The incident Paul referred to happened in May of 2001. My husband and I were onboard that sailing. It happened just prior to reaching Victoria. NCL's official statement was that it was an 'autopilot malfunction' which caused the ship to make a hard turn (can't remember whether it was to port or starboard) causing it to briefly list to the side twice. The degree of listing was about 8.5 degrees but probably felt a lot worse to the passengers on the higher decks. We were on deck 6 so it did not seem that bad. There were a few injured passengers though who had to be brought ashore to the hospital in Victoria and lots of broken glasses. I was amazed by how quickly the crew was able to clean everything up. It made Seattle news and a few local stations on the west coast - don't know if it made national news. It was an isolated incident that probably could have happened on any ship and wouldn't keep me from sailing on the Sky again. However, lots of first time cruisers on that ship swore they would never cruise again!<BR><BR>Me, feel free to email me directly too if you have any questions.

We were on the Norweigan Sea a couple of years ago. No really major complaints except they announced/pushed their bingo sessions more than the other 2 cruise lines we've been on AND they sold some kind of scratch-off, lottery-like cards during and around these bingo sessions. Another first. At the time I thought it was a gimmick and not in very good taste.

Patty is correct the lay-over was in 2001 and not 2002. The years are going by too quickly. <BR><BR>Since it happened in U.S. waters the coast guard intiated an investigation. But with all coast guard investigations the results are never published.<BR><BR>A roll-over should not happen. The captain or his underlings were not paying attention. <BR><BR>I do not know where NCL gets their captains but I do know that his assistants are all very young and inept.<BR><BR>NCL pulled their ship out of Galveston since they kept grounding in the channel. They also grounded off the East Coast Canada. Those are the only ones that made the news. I do not know how many others.<BR><BR>How could a ship smash into a 2000 foot barge in the North Sea on clear night? Why NCL of course. NCL Dream, August 1999. I was sitting on my veranda and watched as the barge kept coming closer and closer. Where was the captain, where was his assistants? Why did the captain tell us that the only damage was a railing as they were lowering the lifeboats and the helicopters were evacuating the injured and the barge was blazing? But what the heck, they gave us a $200 coupon for a future cruise even though it cost us over $1,200 each to fly home.<BR><BR>I could go on and on but it would take many hours.<BR><BR>Happy cruising.<BR><BR>

Maybe I am mistaken, but didn't the SKY princess get sent to Austrailia and sold to another company in 2000? Or is this another ship? We went on the Skyin 2000 and it was supposed to be the last voyage/ Please inform.

Yikes, I hope we are discussing NCL here and not the wonderful Princess line? One of the best in Alaska.<BR><BR>Paul

Paul - here we go again. I know you know a lot about cruising and cruise ships; but how in the h*** do you know that the NCL captain's &quot;assistants are all very young and inept&quot;. If you would simply stick to the facts and not embellish everything, people might learn a thing or two from you.

Because I sailed every NCL ship up until 3 years ago and I inspect ships thoroughly.<BR><BR>And what happened to the Peter that posted the nice Christmas message?<BR>I now presume it was someone posting under your name.<BR><BR>Paul

Why Paul do you continually degrade NCL...I don't think you have ever had a kind word about any of their ships or the company. Granted I've never cruised Princess, Celebrity, Crystal or Seabourn and just had my first Royal Caribbean cruise experience. Yes, even my experience on NCL has been on the Sea (17 years ago), the NCL Sky and the NCL Majesty (nine times). My treatment on the RC Brilliance of the Seas in September by the staff and their MEDIOCRE food, entertainment as a friend says &quot;suitable for his condo&quot;, disembarking and embarking procedures and I could go on and on... I could go on and on about how superior my experience has been on NCL. As a travel agent your continual put down of NCL is a complete turn off.. Oh yes... we were on the Sky through it's first trip through the Canal when it scrapped the side...is that the Captain's fault or the &quot;donkey&quot; pulling it... BTW one of our best cruise experiences was on the old Premier SeaBreeze and it had nothing to do with the ship or the food...it was entire incredible experience on an old, old boat which was staffed by a crew with a heart that couldn't do enough for you.

Hello people...we are discussing the Sky to Alaska (NCL) and NOT Paul's credentials. Thank you to those who have helped me out and to anyone else who has comments. I am booked on the Sky for June, so that will not change.<BR><BR>

ParrottMom-- I agree with you. I enjoyed the SeaBreeze too even when it was owned by Dolphin Cruise Lines. Even though they were old ships, the food was delicious (Apollo Catering) and the staff was personable and tried their best to please. I sailed on her several times.<BR> I have only been on one NCL cruise many years ago as a repositioning cruise from PR throught the canal up to San Diego. Wasn't that impressed, but any cruise is better than staying home!!

At this time I just wanted to point out that I think it is completelly unprofessional of Paul as a travel agent to slam NCL continually. As for the Sky..I enjoyed our two week cruise (only four ports--yipee). We had been cancelled on a N.E. cruise when it had the accident and my husband dealt personally with NCL executive team in booking and proper renumeration and found them very helpful. My travel agent I might note said she could nothing to help us.. I've never been treated rudly by anybody on an NCL ship opposed to a recent experience on Royal Caribbean. Would I go on any NCL or the Sky again...absolutely...and I would recommend you avoid the buffets..lol

Sky pax to Alaska are being rebooked on Superstar Leo with $25 pp onboard credit.

News Release - NCL Website

&quot;On Thursday, January 22nd, NCL will begin contacting travel agents who have passengers booked on Norwegian Sky to advise them that their passengers have been rebooked aboard SuperStar Leo.

SuperStar Leo features a multitude of outside cabins with 65 percent of those having private balconies, a larger percentage than Norwegian Sky, ensuring that all passengers booked on Norwegian Sky will move to an equivalent or superior cabin on their chosen sailing date. In addition, all passengers currently booked on Norwegian Sky will receive a $25 per person onboard credit when they sail on SuperStar Leo.

NCL will continue to take bookings on Norwegian Sky?s Alaska sailings this week while advising travel agents of the ship change. SuperStar Leo?s voyages will be open for sale for new bookings on Monday with prices beginning at $649.&quot;