Spirit AD Balcony pics?

Hi...I've seen all the pics of the AD penthouses on the Spirit, however, I have not seen a single pic of the aft balcony, i.e. 9210.

Does anyone have pics or a link to pics of the balcony?

Thanks!

Wonder why there's no balcony pics out there for Cat. AD on the Spirit? :confused:

hmmmm.

I have a photo that shows them (from the back of the ship).....if you're interested, send me a PM.

bigsweeps, thanks. Not sure what a PM is, but my email address is:

karen@badministration.com.

I've seen pics of the aft from the port. Yes, you can see the aft balconies, but I was looking for pics of the AD balcony from the cabin or while on the balcony. I do know that they are 84 sq. ft, but would still like to see some pics.

Funny, I've noticed on the NCL boards, (no flames please, everyone I've met here has been great!) there aren't many replies to many posts and very few pics compared to some of the other boards on this site.

I'm very interested in the AD category on the Spirit and just want to get as much info as possible. ;)

Unfortunately since there are only 3 AD's, you won't find many photos out there. I have yet to see anyone post any photos of any of the suites other than AB's.

from this photo, you can see how "shallow" the balcony is. It does stretch the entire width of the room - but it isn't deep. (From memory it was about 5 feet deep). They have teak decks, usually 2 teak lounge chairs and a small table.

http://164.109.173.140/spirit_slideshow/pages/P5220425_JPG.htm

I toured all of the suites - and to be honest, there really isn't much difference between all of them other than decor and the 2 front corner AB suites. The AD and AC's are about the same size - but the AC balcony's are only as big as a standard balcony cabin where the AD balconies are twice as big. The two corner AB's are bigger than the middle 3 AB's, have a bar, 2 balconies (one on the side and one in front) and an extra guest bathroom.

bigsweeps...Thanks again. I have seen that photo and wondered myself. There are also ADs that are forward port and starboard on deck 10. I believe there are 11 ADs on the Spirit. Aft is where I want to be. In my head, I have envisioned the deck as 7' deep, 12'wide, so I'll just let it rest for now. I just booked 9012 for 2006 from NY. Love the windows and the separate shower in the AD bathrooms.

Don't want to spend the bucks for the AB corners, however great they are.

After all, it's only 11 days...;)

Huh? There definitely aren't 11 AD's on the Spirit. There are only 18 suites total. There are 2 AA's, 5 AB's, 8 AC's and 3 AD's (only center aft on deck 9). The suites on deck 10 are all AB's (5 front) and AC's (4 port and 4 starboard).

The balcony is definitely wider than 12'. It's probably 5' x 17' or so.

I wouldn't spend the bucks up front for the AB's either - but definitely consider an upsell if they're available 45 days out. I've been offered upsells in the $100 range. To me, it's worth it for the extra space, extra balcony, bar, extra bathroom, etc. if you're entertaining at all.

bigsweeps...You're absolutely right! My mistake about the ADs.

There will be just DH and me, but I'll still check out the upsells. If I could get the corner AB for $100, I'd do it in a heartbeat!

Thanks for all your help and have a good weekend.

I posted this on the other Spirit staterooms thread - but just in case you don't see it there I'm also posting it here. This will help you see some of the other suites in case they offer you an upsell.

(clip)

I just got an upsell from lower level suite to the Singapore Suite that Mr. Tractor has. Should be fun! Last time I was on the Spirit, I had the 10002 corner AB Suite (which I loved the darker woods). A fellow CC member had the singapore suite, so I got a tour and was able to see everything in person. It's nice - but I like the decor of 10002 and 9012 (Gemini AD suite) better. My husband liked the Singapore Suite better than the one we had last time so he's thrilled. I guess it's just a matter of taste.

All of the suites are decorated VERY differently. Just to show you some examples.....

This was my room (10002 cat AB) on the last cruise (darker woods, wine theme, dark green and gold as the main colors, corner jacuzzi with window overlooking balcony). This suite has a second bath, 2 balconies and bar:

http://community.webshots.com/photo/165039489/165085258SciPdY

http://community.webshots.com/photo/165039489/165085138oBEMqB

http://community.webshots.com/photo/165039489/165085221KJcSRx

Our neighbors room (10001 cat AB) was silver/red theme - but note that the jacuzzi is right next to the bed in the bedroom. 10001 and 10500 do not have a 2nd bathroom, only front balcony with no furniture (because of wind) and no bar.

http://community.webshots.com/photo/165039489/165085060EaJZnO

http://community.webshots.com/photo/165039489/165085088gTpgGm

The middle suite (10000 cat AB) has a more private bath, guest bathroom near entrance hall, classic decor, etc:

http://community.webshots.com/photo/148023323/148045957PJpaoU

http://community.webshots.com/photo/148023323/148054393NXsmUU

http://community.webshots.com/photo/148023323/148050919JdzKrs

One of the AC suites (10518) can be seen here (scroll down):

http://www.maritimematters.com/superstarleo5.html

An AA (9208):

http://164.109.173.140/spirit_slideshow/pages/P5220430_JPG.htm

http://164.109.173.140/spirit_slideshow/pages/P5220431_JPG.htm

http://164.109.173.140/spirit_slideshow/pages/P5220432_JPG.htm

http://164.109.173.140/spirit_slideshow/pages/P5220433_JPG.htm

and an AD (9212):

http://164.109.173.140/spirit_slideshow/pages/P5220420_JPG.htm

http://164.109.173.140/spirit_slideshow/pages/P5220422_JPG.htm

http://164.109.173.140/spirit_slideshow/pages/P5220423_JPG.htm

http://164.109.173.140/spirit_slideshow/pages/P5220425_JPG.htm

http://164.109.173.140/spirit_slideshow/pages/P5220426_JPG.htm

bigsweeps...Thanks again and again. 9212 is still available for my cruise and I've thought about booking it since I'll know exactly what I'll be getting. I do, however, like the fact that 9210 has the little "foyer" inside the cabin door and the whole living area isn't exposed whenever the door is opened.

The "surprise" of the interior will add to the fun. Since the Spirit's due to be refurbished in the Fall of 2005, the interiors could change drastically anyway, right? From what I've been reading about the uncomfortably hard beds, lets hope the mattresses will be replaced. The electrical needs updating also. I like to bring my own hair dryer.

The jacuzzis in the other suite pics are identical to the AD jacuzzi. As long as we have those great bathroom windows and the separate "rooms", I'll be happy. DH doesn't even know I've booked this cruise.

I was staying away from ships older than 2001, but, when I saw a 10-day cruise that I can Amtrak, bus or drive to (NCL cancelled their bus service south of NJ) with that bathroom, my curiosity was peaked. After looking at all the other Spirit pics, I've decided it is a gorgeous ship and I'd like to try her.

I was ready to book the 11-day Western Caribbean on the Dawn, but, IMHO, the AD/AE suites on the Dawn do not compare. The balconies are deeper, which is a real plus in my book, but the cabins are smaller, the bathrooms are the same as the mini-suites and there are no "separate" rooms.

I think I'll be very happy with my choice. ;)

I think you'll be very happy with your choice too. I've been on the dawn (AA Owner's Suite which was TO DIE FOR!!!!) and I think the only way I would do the dawn again is an AB or better. I wasn't impressed with anything below an AB on the Dawn (boy am I spoiled huh).

I found that the service for suite guests is better on the Spirit since there are only 18 of them (compared to a ton on the Dawn).

The mattresses really aren't that bad in the suites on the Spirit. Yes, I suggest asking for an egg crate - but it wasn't so uncomfortable that I couldn't get a good night's sleep.

If I had my choice of an AD or AC on both ships - I would choose the Spirit in a heartbeat. You're going to have a blast and your DH is going to be so thrilled.

Wow, you really are spoiled! LOL! But, I do understand exactly where you're coming from. To many, accommodations are low on the priority list - not to me.

We just did our first cruise in October (Carnival Miracle) in a deluxe balcony. Funny, we never seemed to get in each other's way in the cabin, but we do at home - :D. We were extremely pleased with every aspect of the cruise - food was great, shows were wonderful, cd was hilarious, ship was 7 months old and immaculately clean. We don't do the hairy chest contests and never hung on the Lido deck for more than 10 minutes or so. We spent quite a bit of time in the cabin - room service breakfast every day, coffee on the balcony, afternoon naps, late evening tv and just to get some quiet time on the balcony. We got used to the fact that 2 people couldn't be in the bathroom simultaneously, and it worked out great. So, although DH is very easy to please, he should be ecstatic over the AD on the Spirit. Concierge and butler....he'll be pleased.

Besides the cabin issue, how did you like the Dawn? We were docked next to her in Nassau and shared a shuttle with 3 pax and they loved it.

One thing that does surprise me about NCL is the size of the tv in most cabins, a miniscule 10", I believe, and it's not interactive. On the Miracle, we booked an excursion, checked our balance every day, etc. etc. I can't imagine having to wait in line to check your balance. Just seems very un-state of the art. Maybe that, too, will change with the refurbishment.

Well, if you're ever feeling spoiled enough to book the Dawn or the Jewel Garden Villa, just let me know and we'll gladly share it with you! Now, that would definitely spoil me ;).

We're alot like you - the cabin is very important to us. We don't like lines or crowds and the suites seem to keep you from having to deal with that. I never liked the idea of trying to find a lounge chair on the pool deck - it seems like you never can get one unless you get up at 6am. It's that kind of stuff that bothers me. We like the ability to have dinner served in our suite if we don't feel like going to a restaurant - it's a very intimate experience!! The butler somehow knows exactly when to come and go to serve each course.

We loved the Dawn.....but I don't know if we would have loved it as much if we were in a non-suite cabin. It's a big ship and there can be long lines for things like tenders. In the AA and Garden Villa, the concierge ropes off the 2 best front balconies for the shows (AA's get the left balcony, garden villas get the right). It's so nice to show up to a crowded theater and get escorted to the best seat in the house. You also get special cordless phones that you can carry with you - to call the butler or concierge at any time. That was fabulous! There's really too much to talk about - but once you have the AA, you are forever spoiled. I'm dying to try the garden villa (we got to tour it when we were in the AA), but I have yet to see it at a price I can comfortably afford (the best upsell price we have been offered was in the $12,000 total fare price range). It sounds great if you have 6 people who can afford $2,000/pp., but my husband and I don't have friends willing to spend that much - and $12,000 was too much for just us (it would be complete overkill to have that place for just 2 people).

I'm really looking forward to the courtyard suites on the Jewel - that will be fabulous!!! It will be a step between the AA on the dawn and the garden villa. That's my kind of suite! But you sound like you would be great to share the villa with!

As far as waiting in line to check your balance or book an excursion - you won't have to in a suite. The concierge does all that for you. But I know what you mean about the lack of technology.

Yes, no lines or crowds. Sounds like our kind of cruising. We've never tendered, so not having to deal with the lines will be wonderful. I'm not sure if there's tendering on the So. Caribbean itinerary from NY. Also, we prefer a two-top in the dining room. Makes for a more intimate experience, you're right. That's why we booked the supper club on the Miracle. The ambience was perfect, from the sommelier to the maitre d'.

Hey, you sound like us - lol. You really had the red carpet treatment on the Dawn, didn't you? It must have been great. Not aware of those courtyard suites. I'll have to see what they're all about. If I'm going to book in the high end, I'd prefer to do it on a cruise that's longer than a week. A week just goes by so fast.

Oh, forgot about the concierge services. Thanks for reminding me.

Unless there was a group, I could never justify booking the Garden Villa. Now, if I won Powerball or Megamillions.....hmmmmm. Oh, what am I saying, then I'd just purchase my own yacht and hire my own crew! ;)

The courtyard suites are shown here (scroll down):

http://164.109.173.140/fleet/jewel/dp/jewel_deck14.htm

They will have their own private elevator (to share among the suites), a private lounge, private pool, private outdoor hot tub, etc.

per the press release....

.....including the addition of 10 penthouse suites sharing a private courtyard, complete with swimming pool, Jacuzzi and a small gym. These suites also share a private sundeck with large two-person sun beds and hammocks. Positioned high atop the vessel, these suites tout sweeping views of the ocean and an impressive assortment of amenities usually found only at five-star land-based resorts.

Now those are my kind of suites! LOL!

Very impressive, I must say! Yeah...I'd be happy there.

bigsweeps, I was reading your post about your Alaska cruise and the AA suite. I booked the AD because I wanted to be sure I'd get what I wanted. But, is it better to book a lower priced cabin and keep an eye on the rates to possibly get an upgrade?

Our only cruise was sold out months in advance, so there were no upgrades. Do you have to book directly with NCL to get the upgrades? I use an online TA.

Also, why do you not like the aft? I've read so many great things about aft cabins, I had to try one.

I have two strategies.....if I'm booking WAY in advance, I book the lowest category I would be happy with that's affordable (usually varies between balcony and lower level suites) because you can't be sure of upsells. So far, I'm 6 for 6 - but you never know.

If you're booking in the 30 to 90 day range, I go for a cheap cabin if I see there is plenty of availability of suites - because you can usually tell if you're going to get an upsell at that point. Most people who book full price suites do so more than 90 days out.

It's easier to get upsells if you book with NCL directly, but for my upcoming cruise I booked with a discount agency and still got the upsell (by calling the agent and instructing them on how to go about doing it on my behalf).

It's not that I don't like aft cabins - because on many ships they're great. I don't like the aft cabins on the Spirit for two reasons....they are just below Buccaneer's kid pool (which can be loud and they can see down onto your balcony) and the rumble of the engines is quite loud on this ship. Some ships are quieter than others - but I found the Spirit to be on the loud side and like peace and quiet - so that's why I prefer the forward suites. My post was basically geared towards Alaska - because the serenity and views from the front suites was out of this world. I would have paid $1,000 per person more to have a forward AB suite over aft AA for that cruise. That's how much of a difference it would have made. Most of my comments were comparing the aft AA's to the forward AB's. I just personally would never take the owner's suites over the forward corner AB's - because I don't think they have anything to offer over the AB's and they're more expensive. But the AD's are a different story - because there isn't anything better for the price and they are virtually as nice as the AA's that are back there. (Back when the ship was the Leo - those back 5 suites were the same category)

I also think Aft cabins are better for Caribbean cruises than Alaska - I think you'll love your suite and will be very happy with it. But do keep an upsell as a possiblity for the corner AB suites if they're available as you get closer - because they won't disappoint you!

Well, I'm booking a year and a half in advance. Think I should cancel and wait or just leave things the way they are?

Oh No! The engine is really loud? I won't like that. Is it because the Spirit is older? I had been reading that in the forward suites, the wind is usually too much to even sit on the balcony and also that the motion is really bad. Maybe I should make a change. Just when I thought I had finally made a decision. (Story of my life - lol!)

Yes, I can envision the front suites on the Alaska cruise. I've only seen pics, but they're always breathtaking. I'd love to do Alaska. I just don't like long flights (Seattle is long to me).

I thought about the kids above, but, I trust they won't be making noise when we're trying to sleep. Hopefully, they'll be asleep also.

Point taken. I will keep an eye on the upsell.

Good grief...the next time I post, I'll probably have a totally different cruise booked - ha!

Depends on the price you paid. If you got an insane deal - keep it the way it is.

Yes, the engines are on the loud side (actually the I found the vibration to be more annoying than the sound). BUT.....it's not so bad that I wouldn't be thrilled with an AD suite if I got a good price (and I consider a good price to be in the range of $100-$200pp more than a balcony). I certainly don't want to scare you away. It's just something you should be aware of - but if you are - it probably won't bother you. And keep in mind that most days the ship is not at full speed.....it's only at night and chances are the rumble will only make you sleep better.

As for the forward suites - yes they feel more motion than the aft suites. If motion bothers you then I wouldn't book one of the forward suites during storm season in the Caribbean - but other times of the year should be fine. Even during the rough seas on my trip to Alaska, it was never so bad that I felt seasick. (Unlike my trip on the Majesty in the owner's suite where the waves were 30'.......I don't think any cabin on that ship didn't feel the motion! LOL!)

Anyways - I would keep what you have. The cruises out of NYC seem to be on the expensive side and are selling VERY well. Better to have a great suite locked in than take your chances.

I'm jealous! I've been wanting to take a cruise out of NYC - but so far just haven't booked one.

Still looking....I think there's 4 sea days, and I don't want 4 aft sea days on a loud ship that vibrates tremendously.:eek: From what I've read, the Dawn is smooth and quiet. My TA will kill me if I change again - lol!

BigSweeps:

Do you know if the AFT AD on the Dawn has the same luxury bath as the AD on the Spirit - such as the oceanview Tub & Shower?

Looking to book for a birthday in 2006 and the departure from NY has me very interested - but I too am a "cabin" person - I enjoy the large suite with amenities.

Thanks for any information!

FrankLasVegas.... From everything I've read and seen, the aft AD on the Dawn is the same bathroom as the AF Minisuite. If you look at pics of the Dawn aft, the only windows you will see are the sliders for the ADs and AEs. There are no additional windows.

All of my info tells me that the AD aft bathroom is that same 3-compartment bathroom. Also, the ADs and AEs aren't real suites with rooms that are divided by walls or partitions. There are only curtains that wrap around the bed - like in a hospital.

You'd have to upgrade from an AD to get a larger or different bathroom.

....on the Dawn to get the bath overlooking the ocean similar to the ones on the Spirit. And the ABs on the Dawn are on the side of the ship. They are like the ACs on the Spirit. AEs and AFs are mini-suites with small tubs in the bath away from the outside. The bathtubs in the AD "Romance Suites" are larger and are pretty nice, but if you want the real "luxury bath with a view," you'll have to book and AB on the Dawn.

Bigsweeps,

If you can get an upsell to the AD from a balcony for under $200, I need your travel agent. Supply and demand theory comes into play here. First as you noticed, there are only 18 suites total on this ship. That's just the way it was built. That means low supply. Second, the 9 day itinerary in late January to the Southern Carib is pretty attractive. And those who are accustomed to suite accomodations are clamoring for the few suites available. I booked in August. I wanted an AD. Seemed like those were the best deal on the ship. Much lower in price, nice location, large for two people, all the priviledges of the upper categories. But there are only three of them and they were booked. If fact, there were NO suites available then. So I booked a BB, sandwiched inbetween the ACs to get the teak decking. For another $100 deposit per person, I was put on a priority wait list for an AD.

Check the cruise booking engines if you'd like. There are STILL NO SUITES available on ANY of these 9 day sailings for the rest of the season. (There are some for the 5 day, but a limited number). Or at least they are not advertising the suites on the 9 day. Maybe they are holding them for travel agents?

It wasn't until about a week or so after final payment date that I was able to get a suite. And then they didn't offer me an AD. Like you said, there are only three of them! So I ended up with the AB 10502. That's the good news. The bad news is that is was THOUSANDS MORE FOR THE AB over the BB I originally booked. Luckily, my travel agent accepts my NCL Mastercard points certificates, so I paid "out of pocket" just a little more than a standard balcony. If I had to pay "Ca$h," I'd never be able to afford it!

Madlinerose,

I guess the reason I'm bringing this up is, don't cancel or change your cruise reservation thinking another suite will come available or you'll be able to get a bargain basement price for a suite. There just aren't enough of them to go around! Normally, Bigsweeps is right on the money about upsells. It comes down to supply, demand and timing. If final payment date has passed and you see a lot of cabins in a particular category are available, then your chances of upgrading to that category. But likely you will not be able to move up to a suite on the Spirit or even move up from one suite to another. You may be disappointed and end up with no cruise or a cabin you didn't really want. Also, this may be the first time you are hearing that there is a "priority waiting list." If you aren't on it and you want a particular category, you most likely will not even be made aware that the cabin is available.

What bigsweeps is suggesting about upsells works on almost any large ship with a large number of suites with any of the larger cruise lines. But the Spirit may just be the exception to this rule. I just don't want you to get your hopes up and be disappointed.

I do hope you get the suite you want and have a wonderful vacation!

MrTractor<--------------was dying to get one of those ADs, but will "suffer through" with the AB!..........

mrtractor....

Thanks for the advice. I already have 9210 booked for April, 2006. I wanted to cruise from NY when it's warmer and also after the Easter holiday week. DH's birthday is in early April, but we can certainly celebrate a little later, right?

No, I would never cancel a stateroom that I spent hours researching thinking I may be able to get a better rate. As my luck goes, the stateroom I wanted would be gone by then. So sorry you'll be "suffering" with the AB! ;)

I am, however, concerned about the awful vibration and noise I've read about in the aft on the Spirit. We'll have 4 full sea days in the Atlantic and I don't want a noisy, vibrating cabin. :eek:

We have only cruised once and it was on a 7-month old ship, however, at full speed in the Atlantic, we did feel some rocking and a little vibration but no engine noise. We were starboard, 6 cabins from full aft. With the Spirit being 7 years old when we board, are my concerns warranted?

I hear what you're saying - but I've found the Spirit to be easy to get upsells - especially since most of the suites were never shown in inventory. (I probably shouldn't have let that cat out of the bag). Even the NCL staff thinks they're sold out - but they aren't. They were never put in inventory. (shhhh!) The only way to book them is to go in by room number and book it that way. If you just search for categories, you will never see them. (At least that's true of the 5 and 9 day through May 2005)

That being said - I got my upsell in January for $50/pp to the AB. (I use an agency that gets INSANE deals and really good upsell offers) Granted, it was for the 5 day itenerary - but I helped a friend of mine get one from BB to AB for the 9 day for $100/pp with ease. (and I think it would have been cheaper if she was in an AD instead of BB)

I do agree with most of what Mr. Tractor said and I don't think Madlinerose should cancel what she has. The Spirit is a FABULOUS ship. If I had a choice between an AD or AC on the Spirit or Dawn - I would take the Spirit every time. The only time I would take the Dawn is for the AA or Garden Villa.