We are back at it again with our next cruise of the year. We somehow managed to wedge a short four day cruise into our travel plans. This is not just any cruise though; it is a cruise to Cuba. While we booked this cruise only five months ago, it is a trip we have been anxiously awaiting. So, join us as we preview our third sailing of 2017 and count down the top reasons why we are excited to sail on Norwegian Sky.

Why We Are Excited to Sail on Norwegian Sky

Spending Some Extra Time in Miami

Not all trips are just about the cruise. Given that this is a four day cruise sailing Monday to Friday, we are taking advantage of the timing to spend a weekend in Miami pre-cruise. In fact, we are spending the extra days lounging around South Beach. Aside from some brief sightseeing on a Big Bus Miami tour, we have not spent any real time in South Beach, so we are looking forward to exploring the area restaurants, beaches, and maybe even some of the nightlife. We are going to need the extra R&R as we have a pretty packed itinerary planned for this short cruise.

Excited to Sail on Norwegian Sky

Testing out One of NCL’s Smaller Ships

This will be our third cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line in the last year and a half. While we had a great time on both Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Getaway, those are some of line’s largest ships featuring all the bells and whistles. Sailing on Norwegian Sky, we will have a chance to test out one of the brand’s smaller vessels, giving us a sense of how the Freestyle approach to cruising works with fewer people and fewer venues. Will Norwegian Sky be able to deliver the same experience we have come to expect from Norwegian Cruise Line? Of course, we will give the ship a thorough test and report back with our honest review upon return home.

Excited to Sail on Norwegian Sky

Checking out Some Different NCL Venues

Norwegian Sky has three specialty dining venues, Cagney’s Steakhouse, Le Bistro serving up French cuisine, and an Italian restaurant Il Adagio. We have reservations for all three, and while we have eaten at Cagney’s and Le Bistro on other ships, this will be our first time dining at Il Adagio. Also, the ship has a few additional spots that you can’t find on the Breakaway or Breakaway-plus class of ships, including the Outrigger Lounge located at the complete front of the ship and the Longboard Bar which sounds similar to O’Sheehan’s Pub. Not to mention, there are several other unique bars and lounges like the Captain’s Cook Martini Bar. Oh, and it doesn’t hurt that the all-inclusive cruise fare includes unlimited alcoholic beverages. Not a bad deal!

Visiting Great Stirrup Cay for the First Time

This cruise will also mark our first stop at Great Stirrup Cay (weather permitting). It is about time that we finally visit the first ever cruise line private island! This private island resort in the Bahamas is currently going through some upgrades, and we will get to experience a few of them. Along with the newly enhanced beach area, the complimentary Abaco Taco Bar is up and running, as is the new boardwalk that allows passengers to more easily navigate the island. While on the island, we will also be checking out (at least for photos) the new upgraded Cabanas (additional charges apply). The underwater sculpture garden is expected to be ready for our visit as well, so I may have to suit up with some flippers and snorkel gear to snap a few photos below the surface.

Excited to Sail on Norwegian Sky (Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)

Getting to Explore Havana, Cuba

This will be Norwegian Sky’s second cruise to Havana, Cuba, and we will be onboard. Since the major cruise lines started offering cruises to Cuba last year from the U.S., we have been eager to cruise to the island. Yes, those outside of the United States have been able to visit for quite some time; however, it has just become possible for U.S. citizens to cruise to the island as part of educational activities and “people-to-people” travel that is authorized by the U.S. government. Looking at all of the options for cruises to Cuba, Norwegian Sky was an obvious choice given the Freestyle approach, included drink package, and the itinerary.

Excited to Sail on Norwegian Sky

This four day cruise includes an overnight in Havana, Cuba, meaning we will have nearly two full days to venture throughout the city. With our shore excursions already booked, we plan to make the most of our time exploring the neighborhoods of Havana, experiencing some night life, and immersing ourselves in the history and culture…and maybe indulging in a few cigars and rum too. Well, at least I will be partaking in those activities. Be sure to follow along with our adventures on social media throughout the week.

Comments

Have you sailed on Norwegian Sky? Do you have a trip to Cuba planned? Drop us an anchor below to share your enthusiasm for cruising with other avid travelers.