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Cruise Review 4/27/08 – 5/3/08 Norwegian Spirit Florida & Bahamas from NYC (long)


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Ok, first let me state that my family (immediate) and I are first time cruisers. We had a total of 9 on board with us. We had 3 cabins all inside, 2 right next door to each other, the other 3 doors away. Only my MIL & SIL have been on a cruise before. We have been on land –All Inclusive vacations before but never on a cruise. With that said, this was by far the best vacation we have ever been on. We- especially I, as I’m the one who read the boards all the reviews and on the NCL Spirit, was very concerned about the bad reviews and complaints from past cruisers. PLEASE TAKE ALL THOSE BAD THINGS WITH A GRAIN OF SALT. It would seem that they just had to complain about something, we found very little to frown upon (I’ll explain that later). Your on vacation relax and enjoy.

First- we left our hometown of Buffalo around 2am Sunday, as we needed to stop & pick up the MIL in Staten Island on the way to the pier. We should have left straight for the pier at 10am but thinking that was too early we didn’t leave until 11:30 am and hit the traffic jam to the parking garage on the Westside Highway. No biggie- took us until 1pm to get to the pier to unload the bags, then DH & SIL went to park the cars and the boys DS17, DS11, DS9 & DS8 along with MIL & I flagged a porter to take the bags. Already had the blue tags they mailed me on them- everything was set. Called DH to meet us inside the terminal 2nd floor.

1st Day (Sunday): Have your ticket & passports and/or photo ID/birth certificate in hand as its required to enter the security line, and what a line this was-everyone must have had the same idea. Since I had all 6 of the immediate families passports in my hand- I keep them as we shuffled along in the line- took about 15-20 minutes. Since DH had the wine (2 bottles) in his bag he got pulled aside to get the corkage fee assessed- he also sent the scanner off 3 times (turned out to be his watch) and I think that’s how they noticed the wine, but my MIL who by this time was in a wheelchair-long story here, didn’t get stopped with her 1 bottle. From security- you stand in another line this time for check-in and setting up of the on board account. Again-since we had 2 cabins & 6 people took a little time. Everyone has his or her picture taken and cards issued. With the wheelchair still being used my MIL, SIL & SIL’s BFF got thru quicker than we did-got to use the Latitudes line. Once everything was in order got a fold out map of the ship then off to take the Welcome picture- bought this one, great picture of the family. Everyone has a smile on there face as we board the ship- finally we are truly on vacation. Since it is now after 2 pm, we stop at the cabins and drop off our carry on bags. I ordered the anniversary package so Sparkling wine was on ice and chocolate covered strawberries were waiting for us in the room. Sandro, our room steward greets me by name Mrs. … and lets us know we can go to Raffles for lunch, from the boards I know Windows is open and want to go there but I get out vetoed by the rest of the family, so off to Raffles we go. We find the rest of the family; they are saving seats for us. Grab a bite to eat- nice selection, something for everyone. Then we hear the muster drill announcement that you need to get your life jacket from your room soon and it will begin in 15 minutes. So we head back get the jackets find out that even though we are next door to each other that 1 cabin is in 1 area and the other is in another. We all go to the same location and advise 1 (actually 4 as everyone keep telling us we were in the wrong area) of the staff of our situation- they took the info and we all stayed together. The drill is over very quickly, then back to the cabin to drop off the jackets and up to deck 12/13 for the send off party. Went and purchased the soda cards for the kids. We told them to make it worth our wild they needed to drink 4-5 sodas a day. Since they don’t get to drink soda like this at home- they all thought this was a wonderful idea. Time to eat again-they gave a BBque- I know I gained weight-all we did was eat! Sailing past the Statue of Liberty & under the Verrazano Bridge was the best!!! After a little eating, drinking and music we head to the children’s center to get everyone signed up. I made all of the boys go to the get acquainted night. This way they could see whether or not they wanted to go back even the 17 year old. This was my only rule- try it- you might like it and guess what they all did. We had to make them spend time with us. They wanted to be with their newfound friends, even the 17 year old!!!. I head back to the cabins to unpack for everyone, while everyone else plays video games in the Arcade. Then its dinnertime, we eat at Raffles again, quick so the kids can go to the Kid’s Crew Center. While they are there, DH, SIL, SIL’s BFF & I head to see the show- Chanz- only 20 years old and very talented-tap dance, horn & singing. See him if you can. DH went to get the kids since the show lasted past the 10pm pickup time. After the show it’s off to bed. Sandro, has the rooms made up- the boys in 1 cabin, DH & I in the other- GREAT since our anniversary was yesterday! No towel animal tonight. L

2nd Day-1st Sea Day (Monday): Got up early, got everyone, but DS17, out of bed to have breakfast. Went to Raffles- great selection-eggs to order, omelets, waffles, French toast-awesome, turkey sausage, everything you might want- they have. Sat outside but was too windy, so moved inside still cool outside. Took the kids to the Kid’s Crew for morning session. DH & I went to the Meet & Greet- what a nice bunch of people I have been talking with. Met a few officers- Marc from South Africa filling in for the Hotel director was quite impressive. Great Guy! It didn’t get warm until about South Carolina, we saw the funnel in Virginia though-dark clouds, rained a little. But once we got to about SC the sun came out. Ship was a little rocky, but that’s to be expected since we are in the ocean and going against the current! No problem, no one got sick, but I had medicine just in case. Spent the day exploring the ship. We went to Galaxy of Stars to check out the Captain’s Bridge. What a great find, they even waved to the kids-which I thought was very nice. Ate lunch at Raffles but dinner at Windows- it was lobster night! Didn’t dress up with a gown or anything but we all looked nice so we did the family photo. Last one before the oldest leaves for College in the fall, very nice photo if I do say so. We had the most fabulous time at Windows- ask for Jerome & Anju, they work well together. They make wonderful suggestions-even before I know what I would like and they were never wrong. Say hello to Monica & Issac the matri de’s they were wonderful!! My youngest just loved Monica-if you see her tell her “Gabe” say’s Hi! Great dinner from the appetizers to the entrée to the dessert-everything was wonderful. Including the wine we brought with us. Since somehow they found out our anniversary had just past they song “Let me call you sweetheart” and brought out a small cake. It was very nice. We went to Galaxy of the Stars for a drink and to listen to some music, then off to bed. Still didn’t drink the Sparkling wine, Sandro, did fill the bucket again with ice, along with the cooler filled with Diet Pepsi. Got a towel animal in each cabin-a Seal. J

3rd Day Port Canaveral, FL (Tuesday): Didn’t do any excursions. We decided to stay on the ship and take advantage of the pools. What a lovely day! We sunned and the kids played not only at the kids pool which we did in the morning but then used the adult pool in the afternoon. It was like having the place to ourselves. My color was really starting to come out, yeah! Kids decided to have dinner at Raffles. DS17 decided he would take them so the adults could have dinner together. We went to Windows again but didn’t ask for Jerome & Anju- that was our mistake. L This was my only true frown. I couldn’t even tell you the waiter’s name because he didn’t tell us. Didn’t make any suggestions not even from the chef, didn’t speak most of the time. We needed to ask for butter, rolls and then for more when they were gone. Since I am one of those people that don’t like confrontation I chalked it up to he might be having a bad day. We all do- don’t we. We didn’t linger over dinner tonight; we eat and went to the Casino. Lost a little money not much since I don’t gamble a lot. Then back to the room to relax. Still didn’t drink the Sparkling wine but Sandro keeps the ice in the bucket- bless him. Received another towel animal- a Snake. J

4th Day Nassau, Bahamas (Wednesday): Again Raffles for breakfast-there is defiantly a pattern here. Sunning in the morning- God knows I love the sun. Lunch at where else, Raffles. In between breakfast & lunch and after the kids use the Kids pool until about 3pm when we arrive. We got in late- no biggie- we just don’t get to do the Pirates Museum this time since we arrived late. We get dressed and go shopping. Quick exit off the ship- no line. Straw Market- reminds me of Downtown LA shopping- haggle, haggle, haggle. The first price is not the best price. After some shopping we head to the beach we saw from the ship. Next door to the Hilton is a free beach. We had brought a sheet from the ship & towels and everyone already had on their suits so into the ocean we went. What a fun day! Back to the ship for dinner at Windows-never had a line, never had to wait. Asked for Jerome & Anju- wonderful serve is back. Kids decide they want great serve too so they eat with us. Went to the Broadway show DH & the younger boys, wasn’t Broadway, which we didn’t expect but was very good-just my opinion though. Took the kids back to the cabin to get ready for bed. DH & I went back out to listen to music in Champagne Charlie’s-nice 3 person band. Had a small bit to eat at Blue Lagoon- great fries! Still didn’t drink the Sparkling wine but got a towel animal-a Elephant. J

5th Day Grand Bahama Island/Freeport (Thursday): Raffles of course for Breakfast, then sunning. No excursions, no getting off since the closest town is a 30 minute cab ride and we are only in port a short time. Kids go to the kid’s pool, I watch from a chair with my suit on. Life is great! After lunch back to sunning and swimming. Since this is Kids Crew Dinner night the kids get ready for their dinner. They are so excited. DH & I go to LeBistro for our anniversary dinner. We opt to upgrade to Surf & Turf-which was very tasty. Nice and romantic, wine wasn’t bad either. After Dinner we walk the deck on a nice stroll, holding hands. Life is good. Pick up the boys from Kid’s Crew and head to the line for the Chocolate Buffet- WOW!!! It was great, delicious. Chocolate dipped banana bread & pound cake-both of which are good without chocolate but even better with.J The canapés where delivered today-not bad. If they where not included though I wouldn’t have ordered them. Still have to drink that Sparkling wine-maybe tomorrow. Got a towel animal today-a RabbitJ

6th Day-2nd Sea Day (Friday): Breakfast – Raffles. Nice outside. Kids wanted to get up early-they had a full day planned at the Kid’s Center. They went to the morning session. After lunch they went to the afternoon session- Cookies with the Captain-although because of a mix up with nuts being in the cookies, no cookies, just punch & the Captain. We read & sunned, of course. They-the kids rush us to dinner at Windows as they were having a PJ party with the Kid’s crew and wanted to make it. We finally decide to bring the Sparkling wine to dinner with us- this way it will get drunk. After they-the kids finish dinner, I take them back to the room to change and then off to their party. I was able to get back to Windows in time to have dessert and say goodbye to my favorite servers-Jerome, Anju, Issac & Monica. After some photo’s, my oldest DS heads off to his friends and DH & I go to Galaxy of the Stars to listen to some music. Picked up the kids and went back to the cabin. We had a crocodile & the boys had a monkey hanging from the ceiling- it was so cool! Sandro rocks! I finish packing everyone’s stuff then off to bed.

Disembark: We picked a late color-Orange since we don’t have a flight. Breakfast at Raffles. Then video games at the arcade, we still had quarters left. Then back to the cabin to wait to be called. We got off a little before Noon. No line, got our luggage, gave it to a porter who got us through the customs line in 5 minutes and that’s only because the agent had to scan all 6 passports. The other line for those without a porter looked to take a lot longer. That was best tipping I ever spent- off to the rooftop parking to put the luggage into the car.

I have to say NCL is a great organization. Everyone (OK almost everyone) was great. They knew our names-it was great, and it had nothing to do with a tip because we didn’t tip everyone. You can tell those on the cruise who came to have fun and relax (meaning cruisers not workers) and those that thought they were worthy of more, better than others-they were the ones not smiling and complaining about everything. I didn’t meet a lot of these type of folks- I guess I draw those who are having a great time. I would defiantly recommend NCL and I have- to everyone who will listen. Happy Sailing!!!!

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Glad to hear it went well. Sounds like what we will be doing in June. Sun and pool versus excusions. How was kids club? I have a DD (10) and am curious to know more details if you have any. Thanks.

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I haven't read the entire review yet, I just wanted to say I think your son Gabe(Gabriel, right?) was playing with my son Nathaniel during the trip! They were in the same Kids Crew sessions together! We saw you guys by the Buccaneer pool a few times! Gabe was trying SO HARD to get Nathaniel to play with him and his friends...at one point, they were playing hide and seek or tag and Nathaniel didn't want to play. Gabe was so cute, trying to get Nathaniel to participate! :D

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What a wonderful review! Thanks for posting it.:)

I can't wait till I sail the Spirit in 2 weeks.

Do you have any idea when the Hotel Director Frank will be back from his vacation?

Any clues when the 2.0 upgrades will start?

Can the teenagers come an go from the kids club without being signed out? And where do you sign them up?

Thanks again for that really super review!

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What a great review! We did the same thing as you on Disembarkation day...it was so relaxing waiting, and getting off without lines or crowds, wasn't it? We did the SAME thing with the porter, too. Money well spent, IMHO! On departure morning, we also went to Raffles and the Arcade...and got off the ship just before noon! Great minds think alike...:cool: .

 

I am glad you had as good of a trip as I did! I, too, loved the trip and couldn't BELIEVE some of the negative reviews I read before I left. I felt like those people MUST have been on a different ship!

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Yes- Gabe is our social butterfly. He believes everyone should play. It seems Gabe learned every child's name he came in contact with along with the staff. I don't remember a day when he wasn't saying Hi so & so, what's up so & so!! Gottta love him.

 

As for the answers to questions:

1. Kid's Crew 6-9 ages & 10-12 ages were great. Stephanie (from Canada) was in charge of the Kid's Crew the week were on, she actually was in charge of the 10-12 group. My DS11 loved being in kids crew. I'll get more specific answers from him if you need them as to what they did.

2. I believe Frank,Hotel director is back. Marc was only on for 13 days and they ended when we were in Nassau. His family came aboard for the night in Port Canaveral and then flew back with him the next day.

3. 2.0 is suppose to occur by June. We didn't see any of it but you can't miss what you've never had, so I thought the cruise was great even without the upgrades of 2.0.

4. Teen club- you have to enroll them only. So make sure you get the form from the kid's crew on deck 10. Fill it out and make them go the first night. That's when they make friends. If they miss that night it can be hard to find someone as they are already paired up by then. They can come & go as they please. Also- no curfew on the ship- which I thought was strange. We gave him one anyway- he's not grown yet! Any other questions-please ask away.

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:D You sound like a family we would want next to us on our next cruise!!! So happy you all had a great time, thank you for the review, we are thinking Aug. 2009 the Spirit out of Boston to Bermuda, it sounds great!!!So glad you had a wonderful time, I have a feeling this will be the first of many cruises!!!:o

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Great review. Nice to have met you and your husband at the meet and greet.I also relaxed by the pool on port days. I saw your kids playing on the pool very nice well behaved boys. You should be proud.

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Great review. Nice to have met you and your husband at the meet and greet.I also relaxed by the pool on port days. I saw your kids playing on the pool very nice well behaved boys. You should be proud.

 

thanks Coach D it was great meeting you too. I appreciate the compliment on the kids I am very proud of them- they are good boys- or at least they try to be. :D

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Very nice review, thanks for covering as much as you did. Getting very excited now, 4 days to go. (not packed yet)

 

One question, since they did not charge you the corkage fee, what happened when you went to dinner, shouldn;t the bottle have a sticker on it, or didn;t the waiter care???

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Very nice review, thanks for covering as much as you did. Getting very excited now, 4 days to go. (not packed yet)

 

One question, since they did not charge you the corkage fee, what happened when you went to dinner, shouldn;t the bottle have a sticker on it, or didn;t the waiter care???

 

She mentioned this above...

 

"Since DH had the wine (2 bottles) in his bag he got pulled aside to get the corkage fee assessed..."

 

The other bottle of sparkling wine comes with the Anniversary Package and is in the room when you arrive.

 

The one not caught with the wheelchair was probaby enjoyed in the room!

 

All speculation, of course! :D

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She mentioned this above...

 

"Since DH had the wine (2 bottles) in his bag he got pulled aside to get the corkage fee assessed..."

 

The other bottle of sparkling wine comes with the Anniversary Package and is in the room when you arrive.

 

The one not caught with the wheelchair was probaby enjoyed in the room!

 

All speculation, of course! :D

 

Actually she never used her's-she took it back home with her. :p

Since we had 2 bottles, 1 bottle Sparkling, 1 bottle @ LeBistro and we purchased a nice French wine- there was no need. This way when her and the girls have card night she's already prepared- at least that's what her son told her. :D

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We just sailed the same itinerary on the Gem for our first cruise, and had the same reaction you did - this is a great family vacation. The only reason I paid more for the Gem was because I read that the beds, counters, etc were all scaled smaller on the Spirit because it was built for an Asian market. Husband is 6'2" and hates being cramped. Were the beds too short for a tall person? Were the sink and counters too low? I'd consider a Spirit cruise next if this is not an issue.

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We just sailed the same itinerary on the Gem for our first cruise, and had the same reaction you did - this is a great family vacation. The only reason I paid more for the Gem was because I read that the beds, counters, etc were all scaled smaller on the Spirit because it was built for an Asian market. Husband is 6'2" and hates being cramped. Were the beds too short for a tall person? Were the sink and counters too low? I'd consider a Spirit cruise next if this is not an issue.

 

My husband is a bit over 6 feet and didn't have any issues.

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We just sailed the same itinerary on the Gem for our first cruise, and had the same reaction you did - this is a great family vacation. The only reason I paid more for the Gem was because I read that the beds, counters, etc were all scaled smaller on the Spirit because it was built for an Asian market. Husband is 6'2" and hates being cramped. Were the beds too short for a tall person? Were the sink and counters too low? I'd consider a Spirit cruise next if this is not an issue.

 

I have to agree with ilovewdw-my son who is 6'3 didn't seem to have a problem and we put him in the bunk bed. :D

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Wow, what a wonderful review! It's nice to hear you had a good time.

 

Does the arcade use quarters and your ship card or one or the other? If it uses quarters, we'll have to start saving them. It will give the kids some incentive! We leave July 20th - can't wait!

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GREAT REVIEW!!! I am so excited to go in few days. I am so glad you had a great time with your family. You had the right attitude. You appreciated everything and didn't let anything bother you. As my DH always says "Don't sweat the small stuff." I think alot of people should think that way when they're on a vacation.

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Wow, what a wonderful review! It's nice to hear you had a good time.

 

Does the arcade use quarters and your ship card or one or the other? If it uses quarters, we'll have to start saving them. It will give the kids some incentive! We leave July 20th - can't wait!

 

I thought I saw a strip to swipe the card but with that said we did use it so I'm not sure if it worked. Each machine does take quarters. They all have a sticker telling how many from 1-8 quarters per game. We had the kids save their quarters & dollars then prior to leaving we went to the bank with the bills and got more quarters. This worked for us since I took charging privileges away from the younger 3 because you cannot set a dollar limit. :confused: They either can fully charge or no charge.

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Excellent review. We had a wonderful time too. Looks like you guys might be hooked???? When's the next cruise planned. It was very nice meeting you and the meet and greet.

 

I would love to do NCL Dream out of Boston in August, but with the oldest leaving for school that month-might be tricky, still I'm going to try. We could leave after we drop him off or within a week of that. :D That way we're back when the other ones start school. Doesn't that sound like a great plan. Any guys out there buying it? :confused: I'm going to try and use that line on DH- think it will work?

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