NCL Spirit~A GREAT ship for kids

Our family just returned from the 6/2-6/10 sailing of the NCL Spirit. Our children ages 14 months and 4 years old had a BLAST! This was cruise #4 for hubby and me (2 carnival, 1 celebrity), but our 1st with our children and our first time on NCL. I would highly reccommend this ship to anyone with young children. Reasons:

Price: Since we only had to pay port charges and taxes for my daughter and my son's rate was very reasonable, this cruise cost us $600 less than Carnival from NY for the same week and cabin cat (even with Carnival's generous military discount). We LOVED our two previous Carnival cruises, but decided to give NCL a try mainly because of the price difference.

Kid's Facilities: The Kid's Crew area and staff were amazing. Even more incredible was the children's pool area. There was a decent sized pool with two slides and a pirate ship. A smaller wading pool. And, my son's favorite, a childrens' hot tub! Next to the pool was an enclosed play area for babies. I would read the freestyle dailies here while my DD ran around and played on the equiptment. It was great to have an area to keep her contained!

Time For Tot's: The Kid's Crew staff opened up their facility EVERY day of our 8 day cruise for 1-2 hours for the 'under 2's' to run around and play with their parents. All of the equiptment and toys were available for use during this time.

Freestyle Dining: Couldn't imagine doing it any other way with two little ones. Most nights hubby and I made it through all 5 courses without having to remove either or both of our children! Service was not rushed, but very efficient. Most nights we were in and out in 1 hour. We had several people come up to us and comment how well behaved our children were! Although we usually ate dinner right at 5:30 each night, I loved not being confined to early or late seating. We chose to get dressed up for the optional formal night, but loved that the rest of the nights were resort casual. Made packing a whole lot easier!

Service: Everyone we encountered throughout our entire trip provided us with GREAT service. Several went out of their way to make our little guys smile every day!

Arcade: If you ask my son, his favorite part of our entire trip was the ship's arcade!!!!

Sleeping: Because of the motion of the ship and our dark inside cabin, my DD slept really well, both during the day and at night!

Fellow passengers: This cruise had a great mix of people. Lots of families! Even though there were a lot of children, teens, and college kids, everyone was very well-behaved! Everyone seemed to be having a really great time! We didn't encounter any rude people, thankfully!

Things I'm so glad I had:

Over the door organizer for all of our toiletries

Our own booster seat. We couldn't always get one with a tray, so we were glad to have our own: Ours folds and has a strap so we just hung it from the back of DD's stroller.

My DD's sheet and blanket from her crib.

Two sippy cups.

Things I didn't need:

So many tights and sweaters for DD.

Our Laptop: We brought it for DVD's but ended up only watching one!

Things I needed more of:

Wipes!

Area of Improvement: I would love it if NCL would offer babysitting for the 'under 2's'.

We had a wonderful trip!!!! I'm already planning my next trip on NCL!!!! I'm looking at the Dawn next year out of NY, going to Bermuda. I will gladly answer any questions:):):)

KerCar~

Hi - Thanks so much for the review - very helpful! I was wondering, what did you do in the evenings? I have a toddler (20 months) and my husband and I were wondering what options there were.

Thanks!! Maybe this will convince my DH to go!!

KerCar ~ what an awesome review!! Be sure to post it on the NCL board, too. If you liked the Spirit, you'll LOVE the Dawn!!! We sailed the Dawn 2 years ago with our 2 kids (2 and 7 then). We're going again in 2 days!!! Bermuda is one of the most beautiful islands I've ever seen. The zoo there is spectacular! There are animals and marine life I've never even heard of before. And, the people are so friendly and LOVE tourists. If you choose that cruise next year, you won't be sorry. And, just think, your DD will be 2 and you and hubbie can enjoy some time alone!!! Imagine THAT!

Eki ~ no matter what ship you choose, you'll have plenty to do at night. Especially if you wait until your little one turns 2. That way, you can use the Kid Crew after dinner and you two can go off and see a show, or watch the "Newlywed, Not So Newlywed Game" (hilarious!!). Or, you can do some gambling. Have a nice quiet drink in one of the many bars and lounges on board. There is also a library, game room (board games), the spa. It's endless. When I return from the Dawn, I'll post the Dailies that shows all the activities, along with my review over on the NCL board.

Happy Sailing!! And, KenCar, glad you had such a wonderful time. It sucks coming home, though, doesn't it?

KerCar~

 

Hi - Thanks so much for the review - very helpful! I was wondering, what did you do in the evenings? I have a toddler (20 months) and my husband and I were wondering what options there were.

 

Thanks!! Maybe this will convince my DH to go!!

Hopefully you can convince DH!!! My DH needed a little convincing, but ended up having a great time!!!!

My DH and I would take turns going out at night. Most nights one of us would go back to the cabin with DD while the other would take our son to the nightly show. One night we all went to one of the performance shows and it worked out really well. DD loved the music and bright costumes! I was usually so tired by nighttime, that I would volunteer to be the one to go back to the cabin! A few nights DH went to the casino or for a drink. Most nights we were so tired from our fun filled days, we were all in bed and asleep by 9pm!

KerCar ~ what an awesome review!! Be sure to post it on the NCL board, too. If you liked the Spirit, you'll LOVE the Dawn!!! We sailed the Dawn 2 years ago with our 2 kids (2 and 7 then). We're going again in 2 days!!! Bermuda is one of the most beautiful islands I've ever seen. The zoo there is spectacular! There are animals and marine life I've never even heard of before. And, the people are so friendly and LOVE tourists. If you choose that cruise next year, you won't be sorry. And, just think, your DD will be 2 and you and hubbie can enjoy some time alone!!! Imagine THAT!

 

Eki ~ no matter what ship you choose, you'll have plenty to do at night. Especially if you wait until your little one turns 2. That way, you can use the Kid Crew after dinner and you two can go off and see a show, or watch the "Newlywed, Not So Newlywed Game" (hilarious!!). Or, you can do some gambling. Have a nice quiet drink in one of the many bars and lounges on board. There is also a library, game room (board games), the spa. It's endless. When I return from the Dawn, I'll post the Dailies that shows all the activities, along with my review over on the NCL board.

 

Happy Sailing!! And, KenCar, glad you had such a wonderful time. It sucks coming home, though, doesn't it?

You're so lucky!!!! Have a great trip!!!!

So glad to hear the Dawn's another great option for kids. I loved the Spirit, but really want to do 3 days in Bermuda next year. DH and I did 4 days in Bermuda in 2005 and loved it. We only had 1 day on our past cruise and didn't have nearly enough time to do everything we wanted to do with the kids. Although, we really did enjoy having the Snorkel Park within walking distance of the ship.

The review I posted on the NCL board got buried on page 2, but has been ressurected now so check it out!!!!!

Be sure to let us know how your trip is:)

KerCar,

Thanks for the info - my DH is warming up to the idea!!

One question - what kind of room did you have - we're debating balcony vs inside room :)

Thanks!!

Thanks for the info on NCL, I was wondering how they were with infants/toddlers.

We just took our DD (19months) on her 3rd cruise (2 carnival 1 rccl). They also have the "under 2" time everyday and babysitting from 12-2 pm on sea days and every night from 10pm to 3am. They have a children's pool, no hot tub though and a playhouse for toddlers. We brought out own booster seat too, so much easier than flagging down a highchair.

We took our DD to a few shows, she really liked the magic show, I think the action and the music and lights kept her entertained. She had a great time just walking around the ship and climbing up & down the stairs. We did bring a dvd player for dinner, that really helped.

Julie

One question - what kind of room did you have - we're debating balcony vs inside room :)

We just got off the Spirit and had an inside room and had no problems with the size. How many are you traveling with? We had an infant with us and there was plenty of room when the beds were pushed together to have the pack n play off to the side. There are insides that are bigger than others. We had room 10531 and I think it's about 30sq ft. bigger than the normal insides.

Here are some pics when the room wasn't made up.. (the door would be where you see the stroller on the bottom right of the first pic.)

KerCar,

 

Thanks for the info - my DH is warming up to the idea!!

 

One question - what kind of room did you have - we're debating balcony vs inside room :)

 

Thanks!!

We had an inside cabin on deck 9 and it worked out great for us. Even during the day, insides get so dark. Very good for long naps!!!! I even got to take a few myself with DD. . .something I NEVER get to do at home!

Whatever catagory you decide on, be sure to avoid cabins that are above or below noisy public areas (nightclub, casino, etc). This could make for a really bad night's sleep:eek:

Good luck with hubby! Keep us posted:)

KerCar & mkiei20,

Thanks so much for the info. DH is almost convinced – so hopefully we’ll be setting sail soon!!!

The difference between an inside room and balcony is $350. It’s just my DH, me, and our 20 month old. We have always had inside rooms – so I’m not worried about the space (and the darkness would be great). Our attitude is – you hardly spend any time in the room anyway. (But, we've never been with a toddler!)

The main reason we’re considering a balcony is for naps (2-1/2 hours) and bedtime (around 9). I don’t think our DS would fall asleep with us in the room. (So, for an inside, I guess we’d stand right outside the room until he’s asleep.) Is there any type of curtain that divides the room? Were you able to stay in the room and read while you DC was sleeping?

(Btw – my DH’s biggest concern is cost – so that’s the debate on the balcony :))

KerCar & mkiei20,

 

Thanks so much for the info. DH is almost convinced – so hopefully we’ll be setting sail soon!!!

 

The difference between an inside room and balcony is $350. It’s just my DH, me, and our 20 month old. We have always had inside rooms – so I’m not worried about the space (and the darkness would be great). Our attitude is – you hardly spend any time in the room anyway. (But, we've never been with a toddler!)

 

 

The main reason we’re considering a balcony is for naps (2-1/2 hours) and bedtime (around 9). I don’t think our DS would fall asleep with us in the room. (So, for an inside, I guess we’d stand right outside the room until he’s asleep.) Is there any type of curtain that divides the room? Were you able to stay in the room and read while you DC was sleeping?

 

(Btw – my DH’s biggest concern is cost – so that’s the debate on the balcony :))

Wow. . .for only $350 more, the balcony might be the way to go!!!! We would have had to pay a lot more, so we decided to stick with the inside.

For naps and bedtime in an inside, I would turn off all the lights and put DD in her crib with her fave blankie. I would wait in the bathroom until she fell asleep. Between the pitch black cabin and the rocking of the ship, she was usually out cold in 5-10 minutes. At naptime I would usually need to take a shower from being at the pool or beach anyway so it worked out great! At bedtime, I would spend the time getting ready for bed and reading through the freestyle daily for the next day. I read my book in the cabin after she fell asleep. My husband was even able to catch a few of the Yankees games on ESPN on the nights he watched her.

Good luck:)

Things I'm so glad I had:

Over the door organizer for all of our toiletries

Our own booster seat. We couldn't always get one with a tray, so we were glad to have our own: Ours folds and has a strap so we just hung it from the back of DD's stroller.

My DD's sheet and blanket from her crib.

Two sippy cups.

 

Things I didn't need:

So many tights and sweaters for DD.

Our Laptop: We brought it for DVD's but ended up only watching one!

 

Things I needed more of:

Wipes!

 

Okay so now I'm quoting myself:eek: but I just thought of two more items to add to the 'so glad I had' list:

small ziplock bags for disposing of stinky diapers

a small backback for carrying all of DD's essentials. This went with me everywhere including formal night!!!!

KerCar and other posters -

Just wanted to say a big THANK YOU!!! We're now setting sail on the Spirit July 29th to the Bahamas. I'll be sure to come back and post a review. In the meantime, I'll be researching!!!

KerCar and other posters -

 

Just wanted to say a big THANK YOU!!! We're now setting sail on the Spirit July 29th to the Bahamas. I'll be sure to come back and post a review. In the meantime, I'll be researching!!!

That's great!!!! Let me know if you have any more questions:)

We had a great time on the NCL Spirit last year. Our kids are a bit older, 8 and 11, and they loved the ship, Kids Crew, the kids pool, and the arcade.

We are on the Dawn this August. We are really looking forward to another family cruise.

Enjoy the NCL Spirit.

Kerry,

Hi! Got to read your review, and the NCL Spirit sounded great! I will be looking into that one as well as the NCL Dawn (my friend is going on the Dawn this Sat.). Would you know what the main difference is between the two?? We are looking to sail out of Hoboken (Cape Liberty) NJ or NY.

Anyway, thanks for giving me the link to your review. :) If I think of any other q's, I won't hesitate to ask. ;)

P.S. is there a curtain that you can put up to separate where the kids sleep versus where you sleep? I'm a little nervous about them sleeping while we're still up, as I'm afraid they'll get up. I know someone else asked here, but not sure if it was answered.

Thanks!

Kerry,

Hi! Got to read your review, and the NCL Spirit sounded great! I will be looking into that one as well as the NCL Dawn (my friend is going on the Dawn this Sat.). Would you know what the main difference is between the two?? We are looking to sail out of Hoboken (Cape Liberty) NJ or NY.

Anyway, thanks for giving me the link to your review. :) If I think of any other q's, I won't hesitate to ask. ;)

P.S. is there a curtain that you can put up to separate where the kids sleep versus where you sleep? I'm a little nervous about them sleeping while we're still up, as I'm afraid they'll get up. I know someone else asked here, but not sure if it was answered.

Thanks!

I think the Dawn and Spirit are pretty comparable. The Dawn is a bigger ship with several more public rooms than the Spirit. Several people have told me that if I enjoyed the Spirit I will LOVE the Dawn.

Look at post #11 on this thread for more info on bedtime! There was no curtain in our room, but I don't think we would have needed one. My kids were so tired by the end of the day getting them to sleep was not a problem! If you get a cabin with a balcony you can hang out there while your girls sleep.

Thank you for your review! We are going on the Dawn in Jan. with our DS who will be 15 months. We are so looking forward to our first family vacation. What did you do for shore excursions? We are going to the Eastern Caribbean.

Any chance you can fill me in on something called Port Play, a fellow CCer just told me about it but I would like more details. Every other cruise I've done has no activities for the kids when at Port. But we're considering a Bermuda cruise that will be at Port for the better part of 3 days and I'm thinking if the kids programs don't operate, that one will be out. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

There are activities for kids while in port. Most ships do operate on port days. I Princess, Norwegian, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean do (among others).

Great review. I am sailing on the Spirit Dec. 9, DD will be 11 months old. I saw that another post mentioned Malaria, should I be concerned? Belize and Honduras are on our itinerary.