Pros & Cons of Spirit Class ships

[MelBCroozer]

We are planning a group cruise of family and friends for next year. We have chosen the Miracle since she goes to some different ports and is relatively close to the New Orleans area. We have all been on different class ships, but none on a Spirit class ship. It seems different, but hopefully a good different!! I would like some input that I can pass on to my fellow cruisers and especially my kids. They like the idea of a new class of ship, but still want the fun they have had on the Conquest & Glory on their last two group cruises.

[LHP]

We have been on most of the different class ships and love the Spirit class.

 

A great arcade for the kids. Relaxing spaces for the adults. Party places for the "young at heart". I tell folks it has all the amenities of the Conquest without the extra walking.

 

We did the Spirit last July, the Pride in March and we are headed out on the Miracle in October. Now if I could just squeeze a Legend's cruise in there somewhere...it would be complete!!

 

Happy Cruising!

[MelBCroozer]

Thanks for the comments. We have fun on any kind of ship, but just getting extra input. Thanks a lot. I look forward to more info!!

[Caliber1]

We have only cruised on the Fantasy and the Miracle. The Miracle was a very clean ship and very easy to navigate. Fantasy was nice as well, but we really loved the layout of the Spirit class better. Sailing under the Skyway bridge was pretty awesome, just overall a fantastic experience. I have no doubt that you will have a great cruise.

 

Jess

[WorldCruzer]

Con of Spirit Class right now - no waterslide...at least on the Pride on spirit i think...

[deejae]

Can anyone tell me the difference between the Conquest & Spirit class?

I was on the Miracle a year ago and we are sailing on the Liberty in March.

 

Thanks,

 

Janet

[HeidiHo]

Con of Spirit Class right now - no waterslide...at least on the Pride on spirit i think...

 

Miracle slide is fine (or was in March and I haven't heard anything different since). Only the Pride and Spirit are having problems with theirs. I believe the design of the slide on the Miracle is different.

[MelBCroozer]

Thanks again for all the info. Every little bit helps!!

[big_duck]

Can anyone tell me the difference between the Conquest & Spirit class?

I was on the Miracle a year ago and we are sailing on the Liberty in March.

 

Thanks,

 

Janet

 

Completely different layout. Go to the Carnival site and compare floor plans. Primary difference, would be that on the Conquest class, all the bars, shops and Casino are on the same deck (Promenade).

[celticd1]

We have been on both classes, and liked the Spirit class better. Mainly the layout, seems easier to get around. No dead-ends.

 

As for the "Funship" feel, no difference. Your kids will love it!

[Guest LetMeGo]

Primary difference, would be that on the Conquest class, all the bars, shops and Casino are on the same deck (Promenade).

 

Another major difference is the cabins. Conquest ships are wider and therefore have much more inside cabins than Spirit. Also for some reason there are less balconies. :confused: (Which probably means that upgrades are less likely to happen on your particular reservation.)

 

But they do have the Lido(?) deck cabins on Conquest, which might be of interest to some people...

[finoky]

I love the passenger space ratio. No matter where you go the ship never seems crowded. The layout of the lido buffet is nice too. The different stations are spread out so the lines are never long. I wish the lido deck was more open. It seems sort of closed in and doesn't seem as festive as when we sailed the Victory. The lounges are more spread out too so the ship has a more laid back feel to it. We have done the Legend and the Miracle and would not hesitate to sail either one again.

[yst347]

Spirit class ships have a much better topside deck space ratio than Conquest class. They also have a nicer shopping area IMHO, though this isn't a major issue.

 

The Spirit class has only one dining room however and it is all the way in the back. This is great if your cabin is in the back but means a long walk if you are up front. I also don't like being forced to walk through the casino to reach the lounges in the front of the ship. I enjoy my time in the casino but it gets very smokey in the evening and I prefer to avoid it then.

 

If I were going on a cruise where I want to relax and get alot of sun Spirit Class wins hands down. If I want to party hardy and sleep late it's Conquest class all the way! :)

[Wennfred]

We have all been on different class ships, but none on a Spirit class ship.

 

You're in for a great surprise, The Spirit Class ships are so easy to navigate around, You will find that they are the perfect size with the right amount of people. They will grow on you fast and you will soon see why most Carnival Cruisers love the Spirit class ship the most.

 

Fred

[tef43]

Pro: It's Carnival.

 

Con: It's Spirit-class, the worst.design.EVER for a cruise ship.

[Wennfred]

Pro: It's Carnival.

 

Con: It's Spirit-class, the worst.design.EVER for a cruise ship.

 

Do you mean because of the Motor Pods? I dont see a Design flaw on these awesome ships.

[yst347]

Do you mean because of the Motor Pods? I dont see a Design flaw on these awesome ships.

 

It would be more helpful if tef would say what he dislikes about these ships, but it still comes down to personal taste. I'd rate Spirit class slightly better than Conquest class for reasons I have stated above. They are both "awesome" ships in my opinion.

[campdaan]

PRO'S: Easy to Navigate. Never feels over-crowded.Adult Pool Aft is not surrounded by glass. Ice Cream toppings on Sea-Days. Spacious F-Deck.Multi-Showerheads in Spa Showers

 

CON'S: No Fish and Chips. No Chocolate Buffett.

[Wennfred]

CON'S: No Fish and Chips. No Chocolate Buffett.

 

OH NO !!!! Forgot about that :(

 

[MelBCroozer]

Looks like a lot of people like the Spirit class. I do like the idea of less people. We went on the Elation for a 5day cruise during Mardi Gras season for us and eventhough it's an older ship, we liked having less people around. Looking forward to exploring a new ship and different ports. Thanks to everyone for your opinions!! Keep them coming!!

[silentbob007]

Thanks everyone for helping me look forward to my Miracle trip even more ... definitely time for me to try a Spirit class ship. :)

[Marmarjudy]

We haven't sailed yet, (we are booked on the Legend) but based on my research (which I do ad nauseum--just ask my husband and travel agent/ sister!) unlike the Conquest class ships, or any other class, the Spirit class has Cat 11 suites on the back of the ship with the wrap around balcony AND a separate bedroom and living room. I believe this class of ship is the only one to have the very affordable suites with two fully separate rooms...very hard to find on any ship, on any cruise line.

We can't wait!

Judy

[LizaMM]

Great thread!

 

I have yet to actually sail on a Spirit Class ship - although one is up next. I have really enjoyed the ships that I have been on and appreciate hearing the comments!

[popcorngal]

PRO'S: Easy to Navigate. Never feels over-crowded.Adult Pool Aft is not surrounded by glass. Ice Cream toppings on Sea-Days. Spacious F-Deck.Multi-Showerheads in Spa Showers

 

CON'S: No Fish and Chips. No Chocolate Buffett.

 

No fish and chips, but there was absolutely a chocolate buffet on the Miracle. I believe it was held around lunch time on the last sea day in the buffet area. They even had a chocolate fountain!

 

We love the Spirit class because of the layout and the aft wrap-around balcony cabins. To us, there's nothing that compares!:D

[Ev1995]

Spirit Class all the way , less crowded and easy to navigate, and the Miracle had a chocolate buffet when we were on her.

 

It is too bad they cant come up with a place to serve fish and chips, they do look delishious, dont they?

 

Oh well , will just have to put up with the fact that you can actually get a reuban on these ships , because they are less crowded.

 

We loved the Miracle, and are booked to sail on her in 2008, you will love her , I'm sure.