What exactly does it mean to ‘Cruise like a Norwegian’? I’m spending a week discovering what this term means aboard the Norwegian Sky in the Bahamas.

Embarking the vessel formerly known as Pride of Aloha in stormy Miami, I am impressed with the streamlined operation at the port and am escorted swiftly aboard the ship.

Having expected much warmer weather this time of the year, I’m disappointed to find the storm getting progressively worse, but that didn’t stop some die hard cruisers relaxing in the hot tubs and pool as my guest and I enjoyed our first cocktail pre-Sailaway.

If you’ve ever read my cruising ‘On Locations’ before, you would know that I have some bad luck when it comes to selecting my cruising companions as they all have a tendency to get sea sick. This is finally not an issue with this particular sailing buddy, Doug Parker of Cruise Radio fame.

With four metre swells predicted as we sail toward Freeport, this is a very positive thing in my books!

We check into our oceanview cabin on deck nine which is, luckily, more spacious than I expected, with my three suitcases taking up a majority of the room, unfortunately for Doug. Thems the breaks when cruising with this addict though!

A tradition for both of us it seems, is participating in the pub crawl and the popular activity is off and ready to go at 6pm just after sailaway.

The perfect choice for a solo cruiser, or those wishing to make friends quickly, the ‘pub hoppers’ started at ‘Breakers Bar’ and we play drinking games throughout the ship as we discover who is the best at ‘sucky sucky’ (don’t ask) and ‘tip cup.

Cocktails including the ‘Alien Orgasm’ and ‘Bahama Mama’ are served for the bargain price of USD$25 (for one beer and four cocktails) and we meet the most entertaining fellow passenger from the mid-West.

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Words: Natalie Aroyan