Live on the Christmas Spirit!

[cruzfvr]

Grenada was another gorgeous day in paradise! We were a bit worried because of the hurricane devastaion last year, but it is shaping up nicely and is lush and green for the most part. We took the tour with Mandoo and it was very informative. He is a great tour guide. We went to the Rain Forest and saw a few monkeys in trees. We had stopped earlier for bananas, so Mandoo threw one to a monkey and he came very close to us whcih was a great photo op! We also went to a beach restaurant and had grilled lobster (not included in tour price, but reasonable), and our teens had the grilled marlin which they liked also. For dessert we had banana nutmeg ice cream which was delicious as well. We went to a spice farm, and waterfall too. It was a nice day.

 

Last night we ate at Shogun, which was surprisingly good! We had heard different, but we enjoyed our dinner. The dinner isn't rushed, but didn't take as long as Teppanyaki, Le Bistro or Cagneys.

 

As for bringing an 18 month old baby into the steakhouse around 5:30, I would just go for it. The steakhouse wasn't that busy when we ate there and that was 8:30 pm. I guess some people don't want to pay extra for steak, but I have to tell you, our daughter said it was the best steak she has ever had, and we agree really enjoyed ours as well! I didn't see any high chairs, but they may have them.

 

There is motion on the ship, I won't lie! Especially in the aft, which is where our cabins are. For the first two days at sea, our teens took one Bonine each day, then they were fine. My husband and I were fine without anything, but we heard a few people were seasick. Just bring along some ginger tabs, as they have Bonine in the gift shop here. I think you get used to the rocking as the time goes by, at least we did.

This cruise is definitely not the rockiest that we have been on, but it depends on the weather you will have on yours, I'm sure.

 

Oh, the last formal night, I would say that only about 25% of the passengers dressed formally. We did, and plan to the next formal night, and will dress up a bit for Christmas dinner also. I have seen jeans in the dining rooms with a dressy top and heels. Just wear what you are comfortable with, and you will be fine.

 

More later...Debbi

[cruzfvr]

Yesterday was Dominica, and it was all of our family's favorite port of the cruise. The rain forest and emerald pools, trafalgar falls, were gorgeous! We went with Beno for his tour, and had a great time. We also went to Mr. Nice's fruit stand, and he is a character, very funny. We hiked all the way down the rocks at the falls and pools, and took some great photos.

The only bad thing is that almost every shop/restaurant was closed in town for Christmas.

 

 

Our teens went around last night (Christmas) and gave out candy to some of the staff (their favorites), and they were really happy, and it seemed to add a little Christmas spirit.

 

Last night we ate at the Garden dining room, and it was like night and day compared to Windows. Great service, and not slow at all. We had Peter from Serbia. We keep hearing negative comments from people that ate in Windows, so hopefully they will correct the problems there.

 

Today was Tortola, and we went to Cane Garden beach for a couple of hours. Not in port very long, wish we would have stayed longer, as it is a pretty island. A lot of shops closed here because of Boxing Day.

 

We are having a wonderful time, on a beautiful ship. Only two more days left, and we are just going to relax and enjoy the ship.

 

I did ask about high chairs in the specialty rooms, and they do have them. I would request one when you make your reservations so they will have one available.

 

~Debbi

[NoCruiseBlues]

With just 13 days remaining until WE experience the Spirit, I too hope that all of the kinks have been worked out in the windows. Debbie, I have a physical disabilty & was wondering if the footing in the Grenadan rain forest was extremely uneven, or perchance is there a paved path that can be used? Thanks in advanvance for any information you can provide. Hoping that the rest of your cruise is smooth. Happy Sailing. May all your cruises be PLEASANT & MEMORABLE ones.

[babajer]

We truly appreciate you taking the time to post while onboard. We leave tomorrow am for an overnite in NY and then we board when you get off the Spirit. I just took notes from all the above posts and I have never felt so prepared for sailing. Thank you so much.

[njkate]

Debbi,

 

Thanks for the live posting!!

I will be leaving on 12/29 on the Spirit....first cruise...can't wait :)

[nycruiser1975]

Debbi,

Thank you so much for making me smile again. I am a newbie and read a post a few days ago that just trashed NCL. You have given me hope again. But I have a few questions, if you don't mind. AFT, what part of the ship is that, and what are the parts of the ship. Which part has less movement. Should I be concerned with being see sick, and if I take Bonine can I have a drink. What is the better med, Bonine or other? Last question. Do you recommend the ginger over the meds? Sorry I am a newbie and I am trying to learn all from you vets who have so much knowledge and I have so much. Bless you and yours..HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!:D

[DroopySails]

Entertainment and cruise director/staff are 100% better on the Dawn. NCL Productions are poor and cruise director isn't the greatest. I've had Paul Baya on 2 Dawn cruises and he was really terrific! Julie needs a lot of help from her staff and isn't nearly as visible.

 

Sharon

 

Paul Baya is on the Jewel now, or at least he was last month.

 

Thanks, Debbi, for all the good info. We're looking forward to cruising the Spirit at some point, and all info helps. BTW, agree with you that the breakfast lines in the buffet can be off-putting...for anyone who's not in a suite and would rather not "breakfast in," NCL does a fantastic breakfast in the main dining room, with an unbelievable array of options.

[Len3]

Thanks for the great tip. We've cruising with "newbies" and want them to have a great experience on the Spirit.

[Don Haynes]

Bow and Forward-the front part of the ship

Amidships-the middle of the ship

Stern and Aft-the back end of the ship

Port-a 4 letter word the same as LEFT side of the ship facing forward

Starboard-the RIGHT side of the ship facing forward

 

The best part of the ship to avoid seasickness is amidships, preferrably a low deck

 

Most prefer Bonine

 

Also, when seasick, don't look outside, and don't look at the waves.

[remixernyc]

thanx for the live trip report Debbi!!!!! I'm gettin' more & more excited!!!!! :)

[nycruiser1975]

Bow and Forward-the front part of the ship

 

The best part of the ship to avoid seasickness is amidships, preferrably a low deck

 

Most prefer Bonine

 

Also, when seasick, don't look outside, and don't look at the waves.

 

Thank you very much. I don't know if you read another post I have submitted about me and sea sickness. I have been on party boats in NYC that traveled on the hudson and have not been sick before, and now I am just nervous, want to enjoy trip. With bonine you cannot drink alcohol, do you know anything else where I can have a drink or two DH and I love diaquari's and champagen. I was thinking ginger capsules and wrist band, any thoughts? Also, what is the highest deck cabin I should get in order to try to prevent sea sickness? Thank you

[electricron]

Another double post......

[electricron]

I would stay below the Promenade Deck to avoid sea sickness of I were worried about it.

 

That would mean decks 4, 5, and 6 should be okay. Remember the lower the deck, and the closest to the center of the ship, the better ride you should have.

[nycruiser1975]

Does that mean I will be sea sick,(if it happens when I am eating at the resturants, in the casino, dancing or doing any activities. Please keep your fingers cross I don't get sick. Like I said before, I have been a much smaller boat than the spirt and did not get sea sick. Thank you all

[electricron]

No. All we're saying is that in high seas, when the ship will pitch and roll, even with fin stabilizers, that the best location to be is amidship and low.

 

Think of a tetter-totter. When sitting at the ends, you move significantly up and down, but if you sat in the middle near the fulcrum, you barely move at all.

 

It's the same principles and laws of physics we're applying here.

[lovetheocean21]

Debbie:

 

Thanks for the live review - it's great - We are all enjoying your live review - We can't wait for the rest. I am sailing on the Spirit in 11 days on 1/8/06 - As I am a sunworshipper - I was wondering when do you start get into warm weather so you can lay out in the sun and go swimming -

From NYC and when you sail back - is the last day just cold (TODAY) and

when you left nyc - was it hot by the second sea day (Tuesday).

Please advise. I hope you and your family had a wonderful time.

Any recommedations we should do - We are on deck 11 with balcony.

Cabin 11592

Thanks and a safe trip home,

 

Dave and Marion

11 days to go for the Spirit

[cruzfvr]

Hi Everyone! This is our last day on the Spirit, and we are going to miss sailing on her! Just a note, yesterday was very rough at sea, lots of poeople were in their cabins seasick. Our son was one of them. Bring along bonine, wristbands, ginger tabs, and anything you think you may need to avoid being sick. I have heard that you cannot drink alcohol with bonine, but I didn't use any medication for seasickness, so I enjoyed my champagne! Today is great, very calm, and the pool is even open!

 

As for the person wanting info about the rainforest in Grenada...our driver parked the bus at the top, and you can just walk across the street to see the lake, and not go up the trail at all if you don't want to. The monkeys we saw were right there, we didn't have to walk very far to see them. As for Dominica, I think that would be harder, as the trails are steep and muddy. It is a bit challenging if you want to go all the way to the waterfall and pools where we went. But, we thought is was worth the effort!

 

Tonight is the talent show, and both are teens are in it. Our son is playing his saxophone, and our daughter is dancing to a latin number. Should be fun, so anyone with any talent at all, go for it!

 

Yesterday was the Chocolate Buffet. It was in the Stardust Lounge in the afternoon. Suite guests will get to go in 15 minutes before everyone else, which is a nice touch. It is not a big as on other NCL ships we have been on, but how much chocolate can you eat?

 

To all that are sailing on the Spirit, have a wonderful cruise! I think you will love her decor, and the crew is very friendly.

 

I will check back on the boards after I get home tomorrow night to answer questions.

~Debbi

[palmtre2]

I was feeling the last day blues right along with you!!! Looking forward to more feedback once you are home and settled in, maybe even some pics too (once your son gets his land legs back!!) Thanks for the updates!!

[logcabin]

Hi Debbi: I see from the port cam that your back in NYC. I have enjoyed reading your up-dates. I am so looking forward to reading your final installment and seeing pictures. Especially pictures of suite 9710.

[maurick]

We enjoyed your posts too. We are going for one week on April 2nd. Been on DAWN 4 times. First time on Spirit.

 

Are the shows the same as the Dawn? Thank you

[lovetheocean21]

Debbie:

 

Thanks for your excellent review - I leave in 10 days for the Spirit -

You said the pool was open yesterday - Do you mean on Wednesday the last sea day the pool was open and it was warm out? Please advise.

I would like to know when it got warm going down and back - How llong were you in cold weather both ways. Thanks for all the info. We ALL enjoyed your live reveiw. I plan on doing a live review on the Spirit for the 11 day cruise on 1/8/06.

 

Thanks again.

 

 

Dave and Marion

[bauerdogs]

Debbie:

 

Thanks for your excellent review - I leave in 10 days for the Spirit -

You said the pool was open yesterday - Do you mean on Wednesday the last sea day the pool was open and it was warm out? Please advise.

I would like to know when it got warm going down and back - How llong were you in cold weather both ways. Thanks for all the info. We ALL enjoyed your live reveiw. I plan on doing a live review on the Spirit for the 11 day cruise on 1/8/06.

 

Thanks again.

 

 

Dave and Marion

 

Will be looking for your live review Dave & Marion. We are on the Feb. 9th cruise. Hope you enjoy it :) Ron

[ISEA]

Tonight is the talent show, and both are teens are in it. Our son is playing his saxophone, and our daughter is dancing to a latin number. Should be fun, so anyone with any talent at all, go for it!

 

 

 

My family and I were on The Spirit with you and we saw the talent show. Your kids were wonderful! They are both so talented. It's too bad they didn't win but please let them know we appreciated their performances. I'm sure they will get their 'Lucky Break" one day.

[ISEA]

Debbie:

 

Thanks for your excellent review - I leave in 10 days for the Spirit -

You said the pool was open yesterday - Do you mean on Wednesday the last sea day the pool was open and it was warm out? Please advise.

I would like to know when it got warm going down and back - How llong were you in cold weather both ways. Thanks for all the info. We ALL enjoyed your live reveiw. I plan on doing a live review on the Spirit for the 11 day cruise on 1/8/06.

 

Thanks again.

 

 

Dave and Marion

 

I just got off the Spirit today. The first full sea day was in the low to mid 60's and got warmer as the day wore on. I had a t-shirt and shorts on and ate my breakfast outside on the deck behind Raffles. It wasn't planned that way but since we couldn't find a seat inside we went outside and found it to be pleasantly comfortable. A little cool but bearable. On the way home it was warm enough to swim up until the second to last sea day but the pool was closed due to rough seas. The last sea day it was cool (low 60's and going into mid 50's towards evening) but with the wind it felt a little cooler but it was still tolerable. Many people were laying out on deck that day getting their last bit of sun.

[Brian W]

Debbie,

 

We also were at the talent show and your son and daughter were excellent - I could not believe the quality of the talent on this ship - it certainly made the NCL production shows look pretty "high school". Congratulations. The Spirit is a great ship with a great bunch of people working on board and we miss her already.

 

Brian