12 Day Spirit Mediterranean Cruise Review (September 2014)

First a little back ground information: Our names are Terry and Lori we are in our LOW 50’s and were from Minnesota. We have two girls ages 21 and 26 but they will not be traveling with us this time. This will be our twelfth cruise, three on NCL, and nine on Carnival. During this cruise we will be celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary; this will fulfill a lifetime dream of going to Europe. What a great way to see Europe in a short amount of time. I am not a writer; I’m a traveler, runner, and biker. Please keep this in mind when reading.

J

Friday, Sept. 12 Minneapolis

After nine months of researching and planning the day has arrived, were going to Europe!

Everything is going smoothly this morning, the taxi arrived on time, check-in was a breeze, the plane was on time all we have to do now is wait, and this is the hard part.

Saturday, Sept. 13 Barcelona

Arrived in Barcelona at 8:30 a.m. Spent the entire night watching 3 movies and three Big Bang Theory shows, no sleep for me on this plane. This is going to be a very interesting day.

Customs /baggage were easy and quick. Being in a foreign country, no English spoken, we still chose to use the city bus (Aero) as our form of transportation to our hotel (it was easy and cheap 6€).

Got to our destination - no major problems – now all we have to do is venture a few blocks to find our hotel (easier said than done). The map showed an easy route to our hotel somehow we still manage to get lost. Lets follow the street signs, Oh, there are no street signs and streets are diagonal/not straight. So much for being easy. After asking 2 different Spaniards who spoke little English, we were sent in different directions but somehow we found our hotel (10:30 am) and just in time because the sidewalks are cobblestone and the luggage was getting harder and harder to pull in the hot humid morning. The hotel we chose was the Acta Arium Palace Hotel. Nice hotel in the center of all the action. Were lucky they had our room ready; put our luggage in room and then ventured off to see the city. We had already purchased our hop on hop off bus tickets on-line so waiting in line to see the city, was quick an easy. Today were going to do the orange bus line. The weather was perfect 80 degree’s and sunshine. The bus went by site after site lots to see but, to tell you the truth we really don’t remember much of what we saw. I had a major case of head-nodding and staying awake was almost impossible. We need to get off this bus!

What we really need is some food and beer to wake us up. J We decided to stop at this little cafe for a Spanish sandwich--thin sliced beef and cheese on baguette roll--Yum, and the local beer Estrella (sp).

That didn’t work the food and the beer only made us more tired. J We gave up and decided it was time for nap (a 3 hour nap). After our nap were hungry again and decided to walk down the La Ramblas-hoping to find a place to eat. After walking for what seemed like miles, we ended up eating at a little dining spot a block from our hotel. We had Paella--Seafood and Chicken and a few Tapas. It is the dish of Spain. For dessert we had our first taste of Gelato---we decided it’s better than ice cream (Carmel, raspberry, coco loco, milk choc, vanilla) it was all good.

After filling our tummies it was time to call it a day. Time to get some sleep!

Acta Arium Palace Hotel

Beach in Barcelona

Arch going into the park

I understand the language and direction issue, we experienced the same thing on our visit a few years ago. However the country is beautiful :D

CT

Interested in your experiences. This is on our list to consider for 2016.

Sunday, Sept.14 Barcelona

So much for sleeping I was up at 6 a.m. to listen to Husker Football game -thank goodness for free Wi Fi at our hotel. It was halftime and the Huskers were up 34-5 so the day is starting off great. Today were planning to go to the Familia la Sagrida (Gaudi's church in progress), we purchased on tickets on-line for 9:00 am hoping to avoid the long lines (it worked no line for us!). We also decided to walk to the church since it was only about 2 mile. We left the hotel at 7:30, on the way we stopped at a café for fresh pastries and coffee. YUM! On the way we took a few wrong turns -Thank goodness the church has high steeples. We spent 45 minutes walking around the outside of church and viewing it from different angles. 9:00 has arrived time to go inside. Were the first ones inside and all I can say is WOW! Hard to describe. What an amazing site to see.

After the church we got on Hop on Hop off bus and ventured on the green line to Gaudi Park. Gaudi is a master building designer that creates his building in curvature lines instead of straight line. We thought his building looked like WhoVille from Grinch. J For lunch we had another of my favorite sandwiches--this time salami and cheese. Terry is still asking where's the meat. J

After visiting WhoVille were back on bus to see more of the city. Once we got close to our hotel I was in a much needed break, its cervesa time with San Miguel.

After cooling off we ventured out on foot to the port area, about 3 miles. It is a warm humid day and decided we need another beverage to cool off. Our waiter decided to spill Terry's beer right in his lap-now that is a great way to cool off quick! Remember Terry only packed 5 pair of shorts.

While sipping our cervesa and drying off, a couple next to us commented on our English and asked where we were from. They were from Canada. He was Justin Morneau's (former MN Twin) babysitter....had nice chat with them.

Time to head back to hotel to shower and get ready for dinner.

We already had our dining site selected from the previous day so not to walk an hour to eat. When we got there, we decided we didn't want to eat there--only had Tapas to our dismay. OK, let’s just go to next place we see and eat. Easy. Had Tapas-garlic prawns, calamari, tomato bread and again Paella. Our waiter has a very good friend from Minneapolis-Ricky Rubio (MN Timberwolves). Back to the Gelato place for dessert.

It’s been a long hot day and we’re still trying to adjust to the time change. Tonight were going to bed early 9:00 pm. Terry is up again at 12 am, on internet checking out Vikings game. Lost to Patriots (Boo!). I am up now with Terry, downloading pictures and writing this log. Still haven’t adjusted to the time change. Goodnight.

Familia la Sagrida

More of Familia la Sagrida

Inside of Familia la Sagrida

Gaudi Park

Us in Gaudi Park

We did this cruise in September, but went from Venice to Barcelona. It's an amazing cruise.

Can't wait to read more. We are booked on this same cruise in May!

Thanks VERY much for the travelog !! We're sailing RT Barcelona in Dec'15, our first time in Eur. and first time on Epic. We've been on the Spirit twice and loved her. Looking forward to more from you. Steve

Following! I am on the Spirit Dec 6th sailing and we arrive in Barcelona a few days early.

Sent from my SM-G900T using Forums mobile app

Looking to hear more. We are doing this cruise in reverse next year.

Monday, Sept.15 Board the Norwegian Spirit

Up at 6 a.m. to get in a 5 mile run in on our last day in Barcelona. After seeing how close we were to the port, we ran their along the boardwalk- beautiful morning. Taxi to port was 10 or 11 euro--only about 4 miles because hey- we just ran it- but driver charged us over 20 euro/rip off (lesson learned). We got to the ship around 12:30 and it was a breeze checking in. We waited for about 15 minutes and our number was call. A Quick stop to look at our room - nice-but smaller than Carnival (OK I will try not to compare the two anymore). We were expecting a smaller room per CC---Cruise Critic. But all is good our balcony gave us a great view and the room was in the perfect location starboard side (Deck 11 mid ship room 10256). Note: starboard side is the way to go on this cruise; we had a view of the port city on every stop.

While checking out the room we noticed a bottle of wine on ice. It had a note - To Terry and Lori - Happy 30th Anniversary - Love Lisa and Jo. Of course I start to cry. Nice way to start the cruise! Headed to the buffet to get a bit to eat and then journeyed around the ship -Terry had camera in hand. Toured the ship and lounged on the deck till luggage came. The fire drill was at 4:00 so we stopped unpacking and went to that. Quick and easy, 15 minutes later we were back in the room.

Tonight we ate in the Window dining room. Dinner was OK - steak/baked potato-American food. Disappointed in the Bread Pudding---sorry but I do have to say Carnival has THE best bread pudding. Watched some live music in Champagne Charlies Lounge and then met up with our CC pals for a Pre Meet and Greet at 10 p.m. It was nice meeting folks we have been conversing with the past 7 months. After making sure everyone knew what tours they were on and where to meet we were off to bed. Goodnight!

Walking deck goes all the way around the ship

View from back of the ship

A few more pictures of the ship

Our room

Looks like they had one of those newer leather looking chairs by the balcony to be used as a bed for a 3rd person?

We are sailing this itinerary in June. We're really looking forward to hearing about your trip. Like you, we have a history with Carnival. This will be our first trip with NCL.

Looking forward to your review.

Brian and Codruta

dexddd,

Your right the couch folds out to make a single bed.

Tuesday, Sept 16 Toulon France

Today started with a 6 mile run on the top deck track----a great way to see the sunrise and enter the next port. Beautiful day to just walk the city. No tour planned. Went to info desk in Toulon and got a great walking map. We ported right in Toulon so need for taxi. Went into some quaint little shops, to the farmers market with dozens of stands of meats, fruits/veg, and clothing. Terry and I bought hats to wear for the upcoming days of hot sun. After touring the city for about 3 hour we ate lunch at local café, had my first glass of wine in France. Terry had the local beer - we ate the ham/cheese sandwich and they put the cheese on the top of the bread---Terry's had fried egg on top of his, yummy french fries of course in France-ha. Terry found a Tour de France t-shirt -his one main purchase on his list of things to buy. With tired feet we decided to go back to ship and find a place to take a nap, the back of the ship is the perfect place it’s in the shade with a light sea breeze.

Dinner menu was basically same as previous night-Terry had Steak I had Chicken---skipped dessert tonight (dinner was OK nothing special). Went to show in theatre after dinner it was your typical song and dance number. After the show we decided to call it a night. We had a big day planned for Florence and Pisa. Goodnight.

View from our balcony

Farmers market

Downtown area

Lunch time

Great review so far! We're doing the same cruise in reverse in July… your review is just making me more impatient. ;) Thanks for sharing!

Wednesday, Sept. 17 Livourno Italy:

This day was our first of 3 scheduled tours with Rome & Limo. Tour started at 8 am so up early again for a 5 mile run. Terry was excited and couldn't sleep so he was up on deck 12 running before the sunrise---dedicated he is. Met our group for the tours at 7:30 in the Grand Atrium/all were prompt and we were off ship by 8. Our group included-Chelsea/Preston-newlyweds from Virginia, Ron/Shirley- Arizona, Dave/Karen- Arizona. We will be touring with them next 3 days and we all get along great. Our guide met us as we exited the ship---Her name in Carla (we think). She spoke good English for the most part.

First stop 30 min ride to Leaning Tower of Pisa. We were one of the first tours there so it was nice and quiet and got some great pictures. We were really amazed at the Cathedral -beautiful. Terry thought the tower was bigger than he expected and very clean/white marble. Only 30 minutes there but got some fun photos of us holding up the tower.

Off to Florence- another1 hour drive through the wine/olive country. First stop was on top of hill to see Green David (one of 4 David statues we will see) and overlook the city of Florence -500,000 population, 500,000 tourists ha, Carla joked. It was beautiful view. Next stop was Florence Square –Carla dropped us off to spend 3 hrs in the heart of a bustling city. Everyone is our tour group went their own way and did their own thing (just don’t get lost HA!). The streets full of vendors and cafes -no cars-only people. We were amazed when we saw the Duomo for the first time--- green/white marble cathedral. Terry had a wonderful lunch at a restaurant Carla recommended Spaghetti/meatball; local beer and we got free glass of wine for dining there. After lunch we did a little more site-seeing and went into a few more churches. One of the souvenirs we bought was a CD of a man playing the guitar he was amazing (Tadewsz Machalski – Love Songs).

After 3 hours Carla picked us up and took us to the Arrcadia Museum to view Statue of David- finally get to see the original. The line to get in was three block long, I’m sure glad we all purchased our tickets on-line at the request of Rome in Limo. Carla took all of tickets and said to follow her. We walk right in SWEET! He is impressive. Bigger than I imagined (big hands and big feet don’t equal big wee weeJ). Saw so many beautiful paintings on our way out of the Arrcadia museum. Carla then took us to a church that she described as the most beautiful church in Florence. She was right, it was very beautiful. This was the last thing we saw in Florence, our tour of Florence is about over, so sad. We really hope to return someday. It was time to head back to the ship. Booo!

Were back on the ship by 6:15 pm and decided to eat right away. Tonight we went to the Garden Room, more casual as we were hungry and tired. Can’t remember what we had but I’m sure it was good. We never had a bad meal. After dinner we went up to Raffles bar to listen to live music as ship sailed away from Liverno.

After the sail away we headed back to our favorite bar “Champagne Charlies” we enjoy listening to live music, tonight was the piano man Ian. Nice and relaxing after a fun day. Chow

Our group for the next three days. This picture is in Naples.

PISA

Had to do it! :D

More Pictures from Pisa and Florence

Over looking Florence

More from Florence

Green David

Duomo! Awesome! :D

Duomo

Small church next to the Duomo

Final five picture from Florence

Statue of David, Big Hands and Feet.

Painting in the museum

Center of Florence (Drop off place)

Chow!

Can't wait to read more. We are booked on this same cruise in May!

I wish I was going with you, your going to have a trip of a lifetime. Have fun planing.

Thursday Sept. 18 Rome--Port of Cittachavia

I can’t believe this day is really here, we get to see the city of Rome and the Vatican.

Up at 5:30 for a 5 mile run, then it’s time to get ready to meet our same group for another Rome & Limo Tour to Rome. Left ship promptly at 8:00. We are very impressed with the orderliness and speed of getting off the ship every morning. Our guide was waiting for the Mackel group -Enrique. He impressed us gals with his typical Italian look-tight pants, suit jacket, Italian shoes. He also had cold bottled water for us so we did not have to purchase any in Rome. Off to Rome, about a 1 1/2 ride in our Mercedes van.

First stop in Rome was a view overlooking the city. Then on to the Pantheon-more amazing than we thought it would be. The City of Rome is similar to Florence -lots of cafe's and narrow streets, bustling with people.

2nd stop the Romantic Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. The Trevi Fountain was under construction which we knew but still was a little let down as it would have been amazing to see the actual fountain (I guess a reason to come back). Back to the van and on to the Coliseum. More good advice again by Rome and Limo purchase Coliseum and Vatican ticket on-line. The lines were Hugh!

Enrique dropped us off at the Coliseum for one hour and told us to meet him at the exit. The Coliseum is just the way I pictured it. You could almost hear the Gladiators fighting and the lion roaring. Very interesting, historical place.

Lunch Time -Enrique took us to a local restaurant Dino & Tony's. This was the Best lunch we had for the entire cruise!!! We all sat at a big table being served red and white wine and many family style dishes from the 2 owners --They were old Italian men singing and laughing all the while serving us. First course was proscuitto, salami, pizza, fried cheese rolls, cheese/spinach roll, 2nd course was tomato pasta, 3rd course was penne pasta stuffed with sausage. And then came the desserts---an assorted plate of pastries. Along with food we got unlimited wine and some shots of something very lemony (lemonchello). Terry wanted to take the unfinished bottle with us on the van. J Everyone was feeling very happy on our way to the Vatican (Hope God forgives us for being a little tippies J).

We had 1 1/2 hour in the Vatican. Went through the art museum first, then through Cistine Chapel, and St Peter Basilica. Words cannot express the way you feel walking through this sacred place. Prayers were said and thinking of our daughter’s boyfriend AJ who was having surgery today -----Got a text from Erika saying all went well. Amen. Didn’t get to see the Pope but he was there. One of Terry’s favorite movies is Angles and Demons so he enjoyed seeing all of these sites that were the movie. Terry also went to a catholic school for 8 years; he says he full of useless informationJ. But some of the info came in handy after all. J

What an unbelievable day, we saw so many things it’s hard to put it in context. Let’s just say I will never forget it and leave it at that. Time to head back to ship.

Got back to the ship at 5:00 plenty of time to get ready for dinner. Dinner was nothing special, decided to go listen to Ivan on the piano while Terry ordered/drank 6 samples of Martinis' - a $15.00 special of six 3oz glasses. Le Fizz, Aviation, Going Coco Nuts, Cosmo, Apple, Iceberg. Maybe a long or short night here in the Champagne Charlies Lounge. J Chow

What a way to start the morning.

Pantheon

Downtown

Trevi Fountain

Spanish Steps

More from Rome

Arch in front of the Coliseum

Coliseum

Inside Coliseum

Last one of the Coliseum

Lunch at Dino and Tony's

These pictures are from our visit to the Vatican.

Cistine Chapel

Ceiling leading to the Cistine Chapel