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Norwegian Cruise Line

MS Norwegian Sky

Your Rating:
Reviewed by: Ian Fraser
# previous cruises: 8
Date of Trip: April 5, 2002
Itinerary: Transcanal

A superb itinerary from Miami to San Diego on a top-class ship now fully committed to the freestyle dining option which was a massive success.

Main theatre held 1000 but probably only about 800 had a good view of the stage. Other entertainment venues coped easily on our cruise which was fully booked. Only lines were for the free ice=cream at 3pm every day.

Food was simply superb, matching the excellent friendly service. We had read other reviews claiming that freestyle dining gave the staff little incentive to shine because the tips were evenly distributed. This was not the case - the ships crew were exceptionally willing to help at all times. A few Americans griped about the ten buck surcharge on the speciality restaurants but everyone conceded the food was top notch. Personally, we found the freestyle dining option of being able to choose your restaurant and your table every night a very enjoyable bonus. EVeryone was so relaxed, from those who dined in tee shirt and shorts at 5.30 in the outdoor cafe to those who loved the black tie and evening gown scene. Everyone was able to choose what suited them best every night.

Cabins were small but had sitting area, excellent closed-circuit tv system and direct-dial telephone.

This was the only minus point of the cruise as it was pretty obvious that a week's entertainment programme was stretched over a 17-night cruise. Shows were average but that was better than some of the comedians who had the Americans rolling about while the Europeans drifted out in their hundreds. However, "One man and his Duck" played to packed houses wherever they appeared.

Biggest audiences of the week were for Dr Jay Wolffe, who regularly attracted 800-1000 for his lectures on the Panama Canal. The biggest star in the Sky.

Ocho Rios - dodgy, Aruba - paradise, Panama Canal - un-missable, Costa Rica - unbelievable, Acapulco - colourful, Manzanillo - poverty-stricken but interesting, Puerto Vallerta - Mexico at its best

About 60 per cent American, rest European with hundreds of British. We are from Scotland and found nothing but politeness and friendliness from start to finish, even if we did at time find the American ability to complain loud and long over minor issues a bit disconcerting at times.