Norwegian Sky in Havana
Norwegian Sky in Havana / NCL
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Main pool deck
Main pool deck / Norwegian Cruise Line
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Mark Twain Library
Mark Twain Library / Norwegian Cruise Line
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Outrigger Lounge
Outrigger Lounge / Norwegian Cruise Line
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Longboard Bar
Longboard Bar / Norwegian Cruise Line
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Stateroom Balcony
Stateroom Balcony / Norwegian Cruise Line
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Norwegian Sky in Miami
Norwegian Sky in Miami / Norwegian Cruise Line
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Cruise

Norwegian Sky Review

Our Ship Review
by Nancy Dunn
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger

The 2,004-passenger Norwegian Sky has flower leis painted on the outside, but don't let that fool you. While the ship, built by Norwegian Cruise Line in 1999, once cruised Hawaii, following a bow-to-stern refurbishment in 2019 and further enhancements in 2022, it has a world of itineraries to offer. From three-to-15-night sailings in the Caribbean and the Bahamas to 10-to-17-night itineraries in the Mediterranean, Africa, and Asia, Norwegian Sky is home-away-from-home for travelers who want to see bucket-list landmarks and explore an array of cultures.

What We Love

Mojitos & Japanese Beer: The ship has eight terrific bars, many with live entertainment, and the adult libations flow. You’ll likely wish you had more time to try all the cocktails at the Sugarcane Mojito Bar and perhaps the different sakes at the Pinnacle Lounge and Sushi Bar.  

The Refreshed Staterooms: While Inside and Oceanview staterooms are admittedly on the small side (at 121 to 147 square feet and 149 square feet, respectively), recent refurbishments have made them feel brighter and more contemporary. Balcony staterooms average 202 square feet and feature the same cream-and-turquoise décor with touches of coral and brown.

The Mark Twain Library: Forgot your book or finished it on the plane? No worries, Norwegian Sky has a well-stocked library named for Missouri-born American satirist and world traveler, Mark Twain.

Best Known For

Live Nightly Entertainment: When it’s time to relax before or after dinner, you can head to the Sky Theater to enjoy the high-energy production “Rock You Tonight,” a tribute to musical icons such as Queen, Journey, and The Who, Another option is “Showdown,” where four singers vie for your vote as they belt out chart-toppers from the past 50 years. Are game shows more your thing? You can participate in live versions of Deal or No Deal and Wheel of Fortune.

Freestyle Dining: With six complimentary dining venues and four specialty restaurants priced a la carte, it’s not possible to go hungry on this ship — especially with Norwegian’s Freestyle Dining concept that lets you dine when you want in the included venues. If you want to pay extra, simply reserve a table at the ship’s Italian, French, Japanese, or steakhouse specialty restaurants.

Who It's Best For

Curious Travelers: The Extraordinary Journeys itineraries in particular attract culture vultures of all ages, looking for an affordable way to conveniently visit a wide range of fascinating destinations. 

But It Also Kind of Depends: For first-time cruisers, Sky’s shorter Caribbean and Bahamas sailings offer a great-value option for anyone intimidated by a massive megaship with more than 4,000 people onboard. 

Don't Say We Didn't Warn You

There are No Adrenaline-Rush Thrills: Norwegian Sky was constructed before cruise lines began adding thrill-based amusements like waterslides, ropes courses, and laser tag to their ships. But some cruisers like the old-school vibe that comes with having just pools, hot tubs, and a basketball court onboard.

Smoky Casino: We're not much for gambling, but we occasionally found ourselves passing through this space to get elsewhere, and we had to hold our breath. Smoking cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and vape devices are allowed in the Sky Casino.