Cruising to the Caribbean for some sun and sand just got a lot better after Norwegian’s massive renovation to their Sky ship.
The Sky’s complete bow-to-stern makeover is part of the Norwegian Edge program, which aims to update its fleet with a “new level of contemporary style.”
“Last year was an exciting year with the record-breaking launch of Norwegian Bliss, the announcement of Norwegian Joy’s redeployment to the U.S. and the unveiling of four ships which benefited from our comprehensive Norwegian Edge bow-to-stern refurbishment program,” said Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “We are continuing the momentum and starting 2019 with the reintroduction of Norwegian Sky. She returned home to Miami unveiling new designs and experiences that showcase our dedication to providing guests with meaningful experiences across our fleet.”
The 2019 upgrades, which Norwegian has billed as its most extensive ship renovation, happened during a three-week dry dock in Freeport, Bahamas.
The heart of the ship, its two-story main atrium, has been completely revamped, featuring updated flooring and additional lounge area seating.
Norwegian also refurbished the reception and shore excursion desk areas for an enhanced customer service experience.
The pool deck was revitalized as well with new flooring and furniture, additional canopies and a modernized beach area.
Once guests step away from the public spaces, they’ll find their private cabins have also been upgraded.
All 1,002 of the Sky’s staterooms have been enhanced with new carpeting, furniture, lighting, televisions, USB outlets and balcony decking.
The four 835-square foot Owner’s Suites received the same treatment as the staterooms as well as updated bathrooms and private hot tubs.
But what’s a cruise vacation without the food and drinks, right? Well, besides updating all dining and bar options throughout the vessel, a total of eight new venues were added. The venues are as follows:
The Local Bar & Grill
La Cucina
Sugarcane Mojito Bar
Topsiders
Bliss Ultra Lounge
Spinnaker Lounge
Pinnacle Lounge and Sushi Bar
Starbucks
The Norwegian Sky, a year-round resident of PortMiami, has a guest capacity just over 2,000 and offers three- and four-day cruises to the Bahamas or four- and five-day cruises to Cuba.
Norwegian isn’t just renovating their ships. The cruise line company was given the green light by Miami-Dade County to begin construction on a sleek new terminal at PortMiami.
Dubbed the “Pearl of Miami,” the 166,500 square foot terminal will have enough space to accommodate ships carrying up to 5,000 passengers.
Miami-Dade’s mayor believes the $100 million project will be a boon to Miami’s economy.
“As Miami continues to develop as a global tourist destination, we view investing in PortMiami’s infrastructure as imperative to sustainable growth,” said Mayor Carlos Gimenez. “The construction of a new cruise terminal with the capacity to berth an additional 5,000-passenger cruise ship allows for the creation of thousands of jobs and increased opportunities for our community. We are eager to witness the incredible beauty the terminal will bring to our city skyline and grateful for Norwegian Cruise Line’s steadfast partnership.”
The terminal is expected to be completed by fall of 2019. The Norwegian Encore, which is currently under construction, will debut at the new facility.
Chris began his writing as a hobby while attending Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. Today he and his wife live in the Orlando area with their three children and dog.
