REVIEW: Norwegian SPIRIT 1/29-2/9/06

[jetstream flyer]

Hi there,

 

I'm home in England from the same cruise as IG. Here are a couple of my views.

I was travelling with an elderly relative so I was glad it was really easy to get on board, no hold ups not alot of walking and very smooth. As was all the organised trips we went on - full marks for consideration.

 

Unfortunately the embarkation was totally different and in my opinion a complete mess up putting it politely!!!!:(:confused:

Why we were called to the Starlight Theatre at 8.20am with several hundred other passengers only to end up waiting over an hour and a quarter before we could go through the immigration process remains a mystery to me. Everyone had heavy carry-on luggage with them and had to climb up the theatre steps to sit down, not easy with the elderly relative at the best of times let alone when you have luggage and coats, bags aswell. Ofcourse everyone else just sits at the end of the rows as they can't be bothered to move up with all their luggage (can't blame them) so you have up keep going up and up and up before you reach the seat!! NCL need to review this process and make it much more user friendly, this alone would put me off booking next time!!

 

The only other disappointment was after becoming a cruise critic I wasn't given a welcome on board party by the NCL (CC members did have a party on their own though) or a little badge like I got from the Royal Carribean - I know it seems silly but it was a nice touch for all the cruise critics who take part - instead it seems NCL just singled out IG to lavish their gifts upon, shame.

 

Apart from that a smashing cruise enjoyed - still not convinced about freestyle though?

 

Bye now.

[Toronto Guy]

I actually had the totally opposite impression of the debarkation on Thursday. I too was asked to go to the Stardust Theatre and thought it was the best debarkation process I have ever gone through. We were originally given green tags and asked to be there for 8:00am, so I went to the front desk and they gladly gave me white tags so we could go to the lounge at 8:45am after our breakfast in Windows. They were very polite about it and no questions asked in terms of switching the tag colour. Of course, having gone through debarkation before, all non-US citizens should know that there will be a wait. On most other ships I have sailed, they have made Non-US citizens be in the lounge to clear immigration well before 8am - leaving no option for breakfast and you had to be "out of your cabin" by then as well. On the Spirit, we were allowed to get up and go have a nice breakfast, return to our cabin and finish packing smaller items, relax....and then go to the lounge. It was great. We were in the lounge for just over an hour I would guess before we were called to leave the ship. I very much appreciated that NCL didn't throw us off the ship only to stand in lines in the terminal building and fight for our luggage. It was well organized and in my opinion efficient. Sorry to hear you had the opposite view.

[Toronto Guy]

Jetstream:

Also forgot to ask - what did you think was the problem with the embarkation? We were only in the terminal building for 20 minutes and were on board eating lunch at Windows at exactly 12:00pm. Perhaps you arrived at a later time when it was much busier? I thought it was quite busy when we came through - but there were so many agents to process, I can't believe it could have taken long at all regardless.

[Seago2]

Hey Intrepid! Just tried to send you a private message but it appears I can't do that... just wanted to know how NCL knew you were a CC member/reviewer. Thanks!

[intrepid_guy]

Hey Intrepid! Just tried to send you a private message but it appears I can't do that... just wanted to know how NCL knew you were a CC member/reviewer. Thanks!

 

Carla - The only thing I can tell you is that the Hotel Director on the SPIRIT reads CC and she made the decision to do these "nice" things for me. I certainly did not feel it was my right to get these things, and often found it quite funny. I also did not feel that this would make others quite so jealous, especially since I really wasnt expecting it nor did I ask for anything. I have never boarded an NCL ship that has had an "official" CC party, although I have heard of them happening. I have never rec'd anything before this just for being a member of CC. NCL has no obligation to do anything for any members of CC. To some this is shameful I guess. I was just lucky this time, and it will probably never happen again. :o

 

~Intrepid

[WaldosPepper]

Intrepid Guy - it's a shame that so many are jealous, and even sadder that they think you received these perks simply because you are a member of CC.

 

The truth is more likely that the HD recognized not only how truly informational and helpful your posts are. It is not simply a matter of being a "poster", but rather a matter of accurately providing factual and helpful information with regard to NCL.

 

A "glowing review" of a particular sailing is not going to generage the attention of an HD. Those who think it is will be sadly mistaken.

 

Please, all of you who are jealous - let it go! :rolleyes: It's really no big deal - simply a gracious gesture of appreciation. And whatever you do, don't expect any cruise line or staff member to "recognize you" simply because you are a member of CC.

 

Let's all be happy for IG, and thankful that staff at NCL do read these boards. Lots of good change has come as a result of things they've read here. :)

[Seago2]

Anyone who would begrudge you your experience... well, let's just leave it there. I was just curious, for the obvious reason that if there is a way to save myself from embarking with a giant neon sandwich board saying "I LOVE THE SPIRIT! SIGNED, CC GIRL, AKA CARLALENA1, AKA FRIEND OF INTREPID GUY" then, you know...

 

Here's my small story of personal attention on the Spirit: I was an Admiralty attorney until 2003. My father was a naval architect. I have a love of ships (obviously). When I was on the Spirit the officers would have a drink at night in the Galaxy of the Stars. One night I went over to talk to the Safety Officer, Mats Something-or-Other. He was so incredibly nice- they all were. I asked a bunch of questions and they acted like I was an invited guest in their living room. Having had a few I had the guts to ask if I could visit the bridge during the trip. Mats Something said it was highly unlikely, HIGHLY unlikely, but he would ask. The next day I was dressing for dinner in my cabin, the phone rang, and it was Mats Something calling to confirm that the answer was no. Obviously he did not have to do that, but he did. It just went soooo far toward making me feel like- a guest.

 

I hate to diss a cruise line, but when I compare that trip to the 5 grand I spent taking four kids and my mother on Carnival last summer I want to scream. I needed the quad cabin with rollaway deal that CCL has. My mother only decided to come about three weeks before we left- otherwise we could have done NCL.

 

Intrepid- I am so energized by your positive review. It will probably generate some negative backlash but dude, sing it! You are still on a high and it is great to read.

 

Here is my old review, in case anyone wants to read even more. Mine is a bit less effusive but still informative: http://www.cruisereviews.com/NorwegianCruiseLine/NorwegianSpirit14.htm

[intrepid_guy]

Carla,

 

Maybe just a small (or not so small) button on your shirt that says "Intrepid_guy sent me" or "Intrepid_guy's buddy" you never know, it could work! :p

 

~Intrepid

[RMS9601]

Intrepid Guy, this is my first time posting (rather than reading everyone else's post!) but I just wanted to thank you for your informative review. We are going on the Spirit in May and some of the things I have read (not just on Cruise Critic) had me a little discouraged! But it sounds like you had a wonderful time, and hope we will too. Thank you again!

[elg]

You got it, so be careful. Oh, and dont be afraid to send it back if it wasnt what you asked for!

 

~Intrepid

Hi,

I too had the experience. Went to Champagne Charlie's for a Cosmo each night and had no prob. Went to Galaxy and ordered the same and got the Grey Goose upgrade w/out asking. Should have sent it back..........darn.:cool:

[apanj]

intrepid guy,

Thank you so much for that great review. Going on the Spirit in July and wanted to know if NCL offers anything special to passengers who are celebrating special anniversary's (we are celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary).

[intrepid_guy]

Thank you so much for that great review. Going on the Spirit in July and wanted to know if NCL offers anything special to passengers who are celebrating special anniversary's (we are celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary).

 

I dont know if NCL will do anything on their own, doubt it. I purchased the anniversary/honeymoon package from NCL. It was 79.00 and included champagne and strawberries in your cabin at embarkation, dinner for two at Le Bistro with complimentary wine (which you can upgrade), champagne and cake party, free 5x7 photo, a tray of canapes in your cabin one afternoon and a certificate signed by the captain. I think it was a pretty good deal myself.

 

~Intrepid

[intrepid_guy]

Thank you so much for that great review. Going on the Spirit in July and wanted to know if NCL offers anything special to passengers who are celebrating special anniversary's (we are celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary).

 

I dont know if NCL will do anything on their own, doubt it. I purchased the anniversary/honeymoon package from NCL. It was 79.00 and included champagne and strawberries in your cabin at embarkation, dinner for two at Le Bistro with complimentary wine (which you can upgrade), champagne and cake party, free 5x7 photo, a tray of canapes in your cabin one afternoon and a certificate signed by the captain. I think it was a pretty good deal myself.

 

~Intrepid

[1sttimecruiserlady]

Hi I am new to CC and NCL. I will be leaving on my first cruise on the Spirit I just to say thanks to Intrepid Guy for your great review.

It was very helpful. Can you please let me in on any advice about the dress code in the restruants during dinner and in the clubs? I love to dress but my other half is a casual guy. Thanks.

[Seago2]

Hi I am new to CC and NCL. I will be leaving on my first cruise on the Spirit I just to say thanks to Intrepid Guy for your great review.

It was very helpful. Can you please let me in on any advice about the dress code in the restruants during dinner and in the clubs? I love to dress but my other half is a casual guy. Thanks.

 

He will be fine in casual dress in either place. No jeans or shorts in the dining room, but beyond that, anything goes.

[EXBRIT]

Hi Cafe Rose

 

I just got off the Spirit on Feb 9 also and had my 2 kids with me 5 & 10.

 

I have both good things and bad things to say about it but would like to know how old yours are so that I can tell you the relevant information.

 

I also have the activities sheets for the 2-5 and 10-12 group that I can post depending upon the age of yours.

[intrepid_guy]

No jeans or shorts in the dining room, but beyond that, anything goes.

 

Carla -

Just to be really specific, NCL actually allows jeans in the dining rooms now. They request that the jeans are not ripped or tattered. On the two formal nights, they do however request no jeans at all.

 

~Intrepid

[abbyndrewmom]

Carla -

Just to be really specific, NCL actually allows jeans in the dining rooms now. They request that the jeans are not ripped or tattered. On the two formal nights, they do however request no jeans at all.

 

~Intrepid

 

Thanks for the great review intrepid, it was nice to read such a positive review for a change, we will be sailing on the March 12th cruise.

 

I am disappointed to hear that they are know allowing jeans in the dinning room!! I know it is a small thing but I hate to see the cruising experience being dumbed down.

 

EXBIRT- I would like to hear about the kids club experience, my children are 6 & 8.

[Angiebear]

Dear Intrepid_Guy - Thanks for the informative review:D . We will be going on the Spirit in May and are really looking forward to it

 

Exbrit - I would love to hear your comments on the children's program. My daughter is 8. I am not sure if she is going to want to join the children's activities as she is somewhat shy. I will leave it up to her but perhaps your comments and observations will help us make the decision. Thanks!

[Seago2]

Re: jeans in the dining room... IMHO when you consider all of the different cruiser body shapes and sizes, the colors and furnishings in the room, the... personal style... of different cruisers, the ocean going by, the fact that one's attention is usually drawn to the people one is eating with and talking to, and of course the table, you would really need to concentrate pretty hard on someone's lower half to let a stranger's jeans be an issue for you.

 

I have seen people on cruise ships that look like they can't afford bus fare, let alone cruise fare. I have seen outfits that are truly K-Mart circa 1985. IMHO, again, a nice pair of jeans on a good looking guy... IMHO IMHO IMHO... would be a drastic improvement! If I were looking. Which I'm not.

 

I think also that this brings home the "personal vacation" theme that Freestyle is trying to create. You want to dress up? Go for it. Just got back on the ship and don't feel up to it? Go ahead. Eat when you want, wear what you want, make it YOUR vacation. Not for everyone, of course, but there it is.

[dongordon]

Thanks for a great review that was objective and informational.

 

As you know, very few cruises are perfect in every way. Logcabin and I are on the same Spirit cruise in July and we were awaiting your comments. You have made both of us more comfortable after hearing some of the negative comments back in November.

 

Any suggestions for the best place on the ship to hand out and get a suntan away from the maddening crowd (preferably near a bar and perhaps some food?)

 

The Dawn's best kept secret was by the Bimini Bar....where is that spot on the Spirit.

 

Thanks again.

 

Don

[SueSun]

SueSun :) <<<<<<<<<< Is looking for the "Intrepid_Guy Sent Me" button for her upcoming cruise.

 

Finally kicked the kids outta M & D's cabin to across the hall....M & D get to enjoy the balcony to themselves ;) Wouldn't mind some of IG's perks to go with it!!!

[dongordon]

Did they get rid of those "ugly" barrels in the Bund?

 

I heard that it is a sports bar...is that correct? Your comments?

I promised my son-in-law that he and I would hang out together a few times on the cruise in the sports bar...we both love sports!

 

Don

[intrepid_guy]

Any suggestions for the best place on the ship to hand out and get a suntan away from the maddening crowd (preferably near a bar and perhaps some food?)

 

The Dawn's best kept secret was by the Bimini Bar....where is that spot on the Spirit.

 

Don - Good places to lay out away from others: All the way forward on deck 13 surrounding the Celebrity Disco - the Bier Garten is not too far away. Also, all the way aft on 13 in the area around the helipad, the only food nearby here though is Raffles 1 deck down.

 

Not sure what you mean by best kept secret? Do you mean what is equivalent to the Bimini? If so, that is the Bier Garten again, not usually a big crowd around there. They have a real good Bavarian buffet every so often. If you mean, where is the place no one knows about? I dont know either then!!! :D

 

Did they get rid of those "ugly" barrels in the Bund?

 

I heard that it is a sports bar...is that correct? Your comments?

I promised my son-in-law that he and I would hang out together a few times on the cruise in the sports bar...we both love sports!

 

Don - the barrels out side the Bund are gone and it is now called the Shanghai Bar, still a sports bar! It is on deck 7 starboard just behind the casino.

 

Have a great time.

 

~Intrepid

[dongordon]

The Bimini on the Dawn and the lounges nearby were our favorite hangout. It was never crowded, never a problem getting a lounge, and the Bimini provided great burgers and fries as well as drinks. Most of the crowd starts laying claim to their lounges early in the morning by the pool. We never were concerned, there were always lounges available by the Bimini...thus, what I call "one of the Dawn's best kept secrets!"

 

How crowded was the Shanghai Bar...in the pictures it looks kind of small.

 

Thanks for the suggestions..... forward - Deck 13 near the Bier Garden will probably end up as my replacement for the Bimini location on the Dawn.

 

Don