Norwegian Sky Cruise Tips

The Norwegian Sky has 3 ports of call: Nassau, Freeport, and Great Stirrup Cay (GSC). If you take the 3 day weekend cruise, you will stop at just two of them, Nassau and GSC.

Freeport: The port is in an industrial area, there isn't much to do at the port itself besides a few shops run by the locals. For $5 per person, you can take a taxi to Port Lucaya, about a 15 minute trip. There is a sign and there will be many taxis lined up, getting one will not be a problem. Port Lucaya is the shopping, dining, and entertainment hub of Grand Bahama Island. Across the street from the marketplace is a beach where you can go swimming, get jet skis etc. (all beaches are public in the Bahamas) There is also a casino at one of the resorts. If Port Lucaya does not interest you, you may want to look at the shore excursions that NCL offers. You can also stay on the ship and enjoy the empty pool deck. It's your vacation, do whatever interests you.

Nassau: Nassau is loaded with things to do right at the port. There will most likely be 3-5 other cruise ships in port that day with you on the Sky. The Atlantis resort offers tours, swimming with dolphins, has a great waterpark (over $100 a person) and is the grand daddy of resorts in the Bahamas. There will be many shops when you step off the ship, a straw market, jewelry stores, local restaurants, and a favorite of cruisers, Senor Frogs. Junkanoo Beach is a short walk past Senor Frogs, for those would like a beach day without paying for a taxi ride. Nassau also has many historical sites to see, the Queens Staircase, Fort Charlotte, and Fort Montagu. There is also a pirate museum located near the port. If you would like to take a private tour of the island, I highly recommend Island Marketing Ltd. They offer customizable tours from 2.5 to 4 hours. You will not be disappointed, they offer great rates and excellent tours.

Great Stirrup Cay: This will be your day to relax on a private beach, go para-sailing, or explore the sea life while snorkeling. Everyone snorkeling must wear a life vest. You can rent them on the island for a few dollars. For $35 you can rent snorkeling gear and a life vest. You may want to consider bringing snorkeling gear with you. For the same price, you can buy it and use it over and over again. You can get great deals on brand new snorkeling sets on eBay. To get to GSC, you will need to take tenders (board smaller boats that take you to shore). If the weather is rough, it can be unsafe to board the tenders. If this is the case, you will have a sea day and not stop at GSC. This happens mostly in the winter months when the cold fronts move in. There will be a buffet lunch served on the island. The locals also run a small straw market on the island. This is the only place where you can and must use cash on the island.