Today, Norwegian Sky returns to Miami and will begin sailing three and four-day Bahamas cruises on Monday, July 14, 2008. The ship recently underwent a two-month wet dock in Freeport, Bahamas and now features a casino and NCL’s Freestyle 2.0 enhancements, the company’s fleet-wide initiative to further improve the guest experience across all guest touch points from food and beverage to staterooms.
“NCL pioneered the first Bahamas cruise from Miami more than 41 years ago and last had a ship in the three and four-day cruise market from Miami in 2003. By reintroducing Norwegian Sky and positioning the ship in Miami sailing short cruises to the Bahamas, we are returning to our roots. At the same time, we are raising the bar by offering a modern Freestyle Cruising ship that features a variety of accommodations, including balconies and suites, a multitude of on-board amenities and a choice of seven restaurants,” said Colin Veitch, NCL’s president and CEO. “In addition, we have outfitted Norwegian Sky with the Freestyle 2.0 enhancements currently being introduced across our fleet. This, coupled with the port-intensive itineraries, offers guests seeking a quick getaway an unmatched cruise experience. There is no doubt that NCL’s three and four-day Freestyle product on the industry’s newest ship offers the highest quality and best value for money in the market.”
Norwegian Sky, the youngest and highest quality ship sailing these Bahamas cruises, departs Miami on Mondays sailing four-day Bahamas cruises with full-day stops in Grand Bahama Island, Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas. On Fridays, the ship sails a weekend getaway three-day Bahamas itinerary, departing Miami at 5 p.m. with all-day stops in Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay, returning to Miami at 7 a.m. on Monday mornings. Fares are from $229 per person for an inside stateroom and from $329 per person for a balcony stateroom. Sailings are currently scheduled through April 17, 2009.
Originally launched in 1999, Norwegian Sky has more than 240 balcony staterooms, a choice of seven different restaurants, nine bars and lounges, multiple entertainment venues, two pools, extensive children’s facilities, a sports deck and a variety of spacious public rooms. Norwegian Sky had been reflagged and renamed Pride of Aloha in 2004 and sailed Hawai`i inter-island cruises until May 2008.
Culinary Delights
Upon embarkation, guests are greeted with NCL’s new Freestyle 2.0 welcome “bubbly” to celebrate their arrival and are then treated to a ‘Taste of Freestyle,’ a sampling of culinary creations from the ship’s specialty restaurants.
Norwegian Sky features seven restaurants with all new Freestyle 2.0 menus offering expanded choices. In addition, guests will experience lobster in the main restaurant and in every specialty restaurant. New menu selections include broiled lobster tail, 32-ounce porterhouse and Alaskan king crab legs in Cagney’s Steakhouse, an NCL guest favorite; and in Le Bistro, NCL’s signature French restaurant, guests can choose from the Côte de Boeuf, a 32-ounce premium gold angus rib eye steak; Plateau de Fruits de Mar, a cold seafood platter including mussels, lobster tail, shrimp and raw oysters on the half shell; and Cardinal of the Seas, braised lobster tails. In addition, Norwegian Sky also offers culinary experiences in its two dining rooms: Palace and Crossings; Il Adagio, a casual Italian trattoria; the Garden Café and Great Outdoors, where NCL chefs cook fresh, prepared-to-order food as guests watch.
Guests can enjoy sipping cocktails and dancing the night away in nine signature bars and lounges including a martini bar; a sports bar; a champagne bar; two outdoor bars, as well as Dazzles Bar & Night Club.
Luxurious Accommodations
Norwegian Sky offers four Owner’s Suites complete with a private balcony with hot tub, living room, dining room, bedroom, a luxury bath with whirlpool tub and separate shower along with butler and concierge service to cater to the guests ever whim. Ten Penthouses feature a sitting area, private balcony, dining area, separate bedroom with two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed and luxury bath with whirlpool tub and separate shower, along with butler service and concierge service.
Also on board are NCL’s latest amenities in balcony, oceanview and inside staterooms including televisions, hair dryers, safes, mini-bars, as well as the new Bliss Collection by NCL bedding, Elemis luxury bathroom amenities and a new room service menu.
With the implementation of Freestyle 2.0, guests staying in a balcony stateroom or above are treated to a customized fruit menu, NCL insignia bathrobes and a warm chocolate chip cookie at turndown on the last night of the cruise. Those staying in an Owner’s Suite or Penthouse are treated to a complimentary bottle of champagne upon arrival, a pillow menu, the Bliss Bed by NCL, customized daily treats, and exclusive meals in Cagney’s.
Relax and Rejuvenate
The Body Waves Spa is the perfect place to unwind with unique and exotic spa treatments reflecting the beauty, spirit and traditions of rejuvenation from around the world. Guests will find everything from the traditional to the exotic in spa and salon treatments.
Guests can get their heart pumping at Body Waves Fitness Center using the state-of-the-art cardiovascular workout equipment while enjoying a view through floor-to-ceiling windows. In addition, aerobics, spinning and exercise classes are available.
Guests can cool off at two large outdoor swimming pools with sun beds, deck chairs and four hot tubs. Poolside attendants are ready with cold towels and refreshing Evian mists when the temperature rises.
Rock Around the Clock
Norwegian Sky features two productions in the Stardust Theater: “South Rockin’ Nights,” a high energy party celebrating the sounds of southern rock, R&B and pure rock ‘n roll; and “On Broadway,” a lively production of today’s current Broadway smash hits including “Wicked,” “Mama Mia,” and “Hairspray.”
In addition, music by three bands keeps the energy going into the evening when guests can party until the wee hours of the morning at two new themed experiences: White Hot Night, the ultimate dance party at sea set in a wonderland of white; and Monte Carlo Night, a sizzling casino party with the glitz and glam reminiscent of the French Riviera.
Get Lucky
The Sky Club Casino features Blackjack, Roulette, 3-Card Poker, Texas Hold ‘em and Craps. For slot lovers, there are more than 160 of the newest video and traditional slot machines. The ship also features less traditional games including Pai-Gow Poker, Pai-Gow Tiles and Mini Baccarat, on request. Guests can also join NCL’s Casinos at Sea Players Club – the most rewarding players program at sea
Kids Rule
Norwegian Sky offers Freestyle family fun for children of all ages, and parents can enjoy the ship with extended Kid’s Crew hours. The Kids Korner features areas for arts and crafts, movies and computers. The Zone serves as a hip place for teens from 13 to 17 to hang out complete with video games, jukebox, fooseball table and air hockey. By night, The Zone turns into a teen disco and bar serving non-alcoholic drinks. Splashes Kid’s Pool is just right for pint-size splashing and playing and features a waterfall and a children’s hot tub nearby. In addition, the popular Nintendo Wii is available for play in the Atrium.
