Our First cruise... NCL Spirit... tips or tricks?

[1stTimer02/2011]

Okay, so we JUST booked out very first cruise... EVER!! We're headed down to New Orleans on the 27th of Feb.. can't wait!

 

We've been A.I. people, so this is very new to us.. anything you can share about the Spirit in particular? I'm a little obsessive about knowing almost everything about the place i'm going to be staying in for a week, BEFORE I get there..

 

Best time to dine? Is there anywhere we can go to just chill out without being crowded? Drinky-poos cheap on certain days / nights? Duty free on ship that we can purchase a bottle for the cabin? Can you buy a bucket of beer? Better bars? Food or restaurants to stay away from?

 

Any info would be terrific!

 

Thanks! :)

[toomuchluggage]

Best time to dine? Is there anywhere we can go to just chill out without being crowded?

 

Now your asking for secrets

[1stTimer02/2011]

lol... but would be very appreciative of them.... and won't share them...

[pengu1n]

We were on the Spirit last spring. There are always uncrowded places, just keep exploring. The lounges tend to be empty during the day, like Maharini's Lounge, forward of the casino (but I don't think it has any windows) and the Galaxy of the Stars (be sure to go down to the Bridge viewing area and read all the stuff on the walls). At night, the library and card room tend to be empty. When it's not meal time, it is often fairly empty on Raffles Terrace, deck 12 aft. On deck 7, Henry's Pub is seldom crowded during the day and there are many little alcoves on deck 7 (& I think on 8, too). The promenade deck has little tables & chairs, and deck chairs. Sometimes, as I wander, I wonder where all the people are (probably all packed like sardines around the pool - ok with me, that's not my thing!)

 

Other things a first timer may not know:

• The 2 main (free) dining rooms on deck 6 serve the same food, may have a different dress code, & may open at different times & usually only one is open for lunch. While they are both on the 6th floor, you can't get to them from there. You have to go up from 5 or down from 7. Windows is the fancier one, but if you're prone to seasickness, or it is rocky, the Garden Room may be the better choice.
  

• Your Freestyle Daily will have all the info you need for dining room hours, activities, dress code, etc. You can get an extra copy at the Main desk.
  

• The Blue Lagoon restaurant is open almost 24 hours (closes for an hour at 2 or 3 am). Like a diner with soups, salad, chicken wings, burgers.
  

• If you go to the bridge viewing area when you're docking, you can see the captain and the pilot at work and have a view of the scenery (at least at Costa Maya - didn't try anywhere else).
  

[NewYearsBaby]

If you haven't already, be sure to join your roll call. We have a lively one for our upcoming Valentine's Day cruise. You'll be able to get to know some people you're cruising with.

[Aquaphobic]

One of my favorite hangouts on the Spirit is the Quiet Zone on deck 13 forward.

It's away from all the noise and commotion of the pools and is a great place to relax, read or just chill. Best of all, it's close to the Bier Garten, so a nice, tall cold one is never too far away.:D Oh, and they do have buckets o' beer there.

 

Hope you have a wonderful cruise!:)

[Natanni]

Okay, so we JUST booked out very first cruise... EVER!! We're headed down to New Orleans on the 27th of Feb.. can't wait!

 

We've been A.I. people, so this is very new to us.. anything you can share about the Spirit in particular? I'm a little obsessive about knowing almost everything about the place i'm going to be staying in for a week, BEFORE I get there..

 

Best time to dine? Is there anywhere we can go to just chill out without being crowded? Drinky-poos cheap on certain days / nights? Duty free on ship that we can purchase a bottle for the cabin? Can you buy a bucket of beer? Better bars? Food or restaurants to stay away from?

 

Any info would be terrific!

 

Thanks! :)

 

We are new to the Spirit & NCL, but we are not new to cruising! Our first cruise was out of New Orleans and of all that we have sailed from, our definate favorite! So much amazing pre-cruise ambience :D We are really excited for the Spirit! When you see so many people book her over and over, you know it is a great ship. Enjoy your cruise!

[1stTimer02/2011]

Thank you to everyone for the info! The countdown begins!

[sjbdtz]

Although Windows & Le Bistro are identified as 'dressier', a clean neat pair of black jeans were acceptable at both.

 

It was a 'whew' moment, since we booked Le Bistro for NYE, and I failed to bring any dress pants. :)

 

.

[roger001]

share about the Spirit in particular? I'm a little obsessive about knowing almost everything about the place i'm going to be staying in for a week, BEFORE I get there..

Any info would be terrific!

 

Thanks! :)

 

If you want to have a look at the Spirit before hand, many pics at the following. Or you might want to just wait and be surprised.

 

http://s241.photobucket.com/albums/ff281/roganderson60/Spirit/?start=all

[fridaythe13th]

They have beer on tap in Henry's Pub. You can sit inside or outside. Popcorn, soft pretzels and a limited menu which I believe includes fish & chips. I think you will love the Spirit. I also have pictures in my link below. We did Boston to Bermuda twice on her. This year it will be the Dawn as the Spirit is staying in NOLA.

 

You will likely encounter waiters walking around with the "drink of the day" in a souvenir cup. You do not have to get the souvenir cup unless you want to pay the extra $2 for it. Order it in a regular glass once you have collected the cups you want. People pay for them and don't realize they are theirs to keep and leave them sitting around for the waiters to pick up (or you if you want) and sell it to another unsuspecting guest.

 

You will also be given a daily paper which will let you know what is happening the next day. You cabin steward will deliver this when they fold down your beds at night. I enjoy going over it that night before bed and hi-liting the things I would like to do the next day. Enjoy your first experience cruising!!