NCL Spirit passengers - BEWARE room # 6067 !

[Hillbilly Bruce]

If you are determined to sail on the NCL Spirit (though I wouldn't recommend it - NCL has many other much better ships) and if you are assigned room #6067 (or any room near it) INSIST THEY ASSIGN YOU A DIFFERENT ROOM!

 

Unless you are stone deaf, you will be VERY unhappy campers. And even then, vibrations of THUDS, THUMPS and general kitchen noise above you shaking the ceiling and walls will probably still bother you.

 

Turns out that this room is directly underneath the Blue Lagoon's kitchen. The Blue Lagoon is the only 24-hour “cafe” onboard, so they never close. And they never stop making noise. A LOT of noise.

 

Even my “Pollyanna” cabin mate was angered before long. On some of the noisier nights, our friends in neighboring cabins were also annoyed by the noise, though it was not nearly as loud in their cabins.

 

To their credit, the NCL staff at the reservation desk eventually offered to move us, after they sent their people to our cabin to verify the noise really and truly WAS so bad that it could be clearly heard THROUGH EARPLUGS. We were even given a choice of two different rooms – after refusing the first one offered.

 

(By the way, the reservation desk originally claimed the ship “was full” and they were unable to move anyone. They even had a sign placed right on the desk claiming the ship was full and therefore they wouldn't be able to reassign any cabins. Just goes to show you can't believe everything you read – or most things cruise ship staff tell you!)

 

I fully understand and accept that all cruise ships have some noise you have to tolerate in any and all cabins. However, this amount of noise was way beyond acceptable. And there is probably no solution to this cabin's problems, as it will always be extra-noisy due to its proximity to that kitchen. My question is: How can NCL expect ANYONE to ever be satisfied with that cabin? Why not convert it into ANYTHING else, since it will never be an acceptable cabin for guests to sleep in?

 

NCL, you will lose money in the long run... By angering passengers (like us) so much that we won't sail any NCL ship ever again.

[d man]

If you are determined to sail on the NCL Spirit (though I wouldn't recommend it - NCL has many other much better ships) and if you are assigned room #6067 (or any room near it) INSIST THEY ASSIGN YOU A DIFFERENT ROOM!

 

Unless you are stone deaf, you will be VERY unhappy campers. And even then, vibrations of THUDS, THUMPS and general kitchen noise above you shaking the ceiling and walls will probably still bother you.

 

Turns out that this room is directly underneath the Blue Lagoon's kitchen. The Blue Lagoon is the only 24-hour “cafe” onboard, so they never close. And they never stop making noise. A LOT of noise.

 

Even my “Pollyanna” cabin mate was angered before long. On some of the noisier nights, our friends in neighboring cabins were also annoyed by the noise, though it was not nearly as loud in their cabins.

 

To their credit, the NCL staff at the reservation desk eventually offered to move us, after they sent their people to our cabin to verify the noise really and truly WAS so bad that it could be clearly heard THROUGH EARPLUGS. We were even given a choice of two different rooms – after refusing the first one offered.

 

(By the way, the reservation desk originally claimed the ship “was full” and they were unable to move anyone. They even had a sign placed right on the desk claiming the ship was full and therefore they wouldn't be able to reassign any cabins. Just goes to show you can't believe everything you read – or most things cruise ship staff tell you!)

 

I fully understand and accept that all cruise ships have some noise you have to tolerate in any and all cabins. However, this amount of noise was way beyond acceptable. And there is probably no solution to this cabin's problems, as it will always be extra-noisy due to its proximity to that kitchen. My question is: How can NCL expect ANYONE to ever be satisfied with that cabin? Why not convert it into ANYTHING else, since it will never be an acceptable cabin for guests to sleep in?

 

NCL, you will lose money in the long run... By angering passengers (like us) so much that we won't sail any NCL ship ever again.

Before booking a cabin, one should always look at the deck plans and see what is above and below a cabin. All cruise ships have rooms that are less desirable than others. Do your homework!

[ukbecky]

I'd like to thank the OP for the warning.

 

Warnings about specific cabins enable us to do our homework - since all cabins above or below a specific space (such as a restaurant) do not always have the same noise issues.

[Don Haynes]

All ships have cabins that are in less desirable locations, either under restaurants and by music venues, game machines, laundry rooms, stairwells, swimming pools, and elevators. Before you book a cabin, check its location on the deck plans.

[watchdiva]

OP obviously hated his cruise - especially the Port of New Orleans. He posted a scathing thread on the Departures Board using words, beware, etc., etc.

[Toyz711]

the OP is, also, not aware of the fact that the ship is full, even if they have cabins available? the OP should learn that when the amount of people equals the seats of lifeboats (including infacts) the ship is FULL...does not matter if cabins are available or not.

if the ship is carrying a lot of couples or singles, then more cabins will be used..they if are carrying many families of 3 or 4, using the same cabins, then the ship can just as full, yet have cabins empty.

 

now for the other part, the Spirit is still my favorite ship and the port of new orleans was a breeze to get around. all the ports have problems with getting passengers through, once in a while. it gets better if you wait until the last call. (usually)

when we did the spirit, last year, we docked very early...before 5am and still didn't start letting passengers off until after 7am. the ship has to be cleared by officials.

sorry the OP didn't enjoy their cruise, sounds like they had many problems?

[jjgoo]

thanks, I will avoid this room.

[CruisnGram]

To their credit, the NCL staff at the reservation desk eventually offered to move us, after they sent their people to our cabin to verify the noise really and truly WAS so bad that it could be clearly heard THROUGH EARPLUGS. We were even given a choice of two different rooms – after refusing the first one offered.

 

.

 

I don't get it. You didn't like you cabin cause of the noise. Perfectly understandable. This could have been avoided had you researched where you cabin was, but regardless of that, they offered a new cabin, and you refused. You were then offered a choice of two other cabins, which I'm assuming you accepted one of them. So why so angry that you won't sail NCL again? Seems to me they were very accomodating to your complaint.

 

CG

[ukbecky]

The OP is angry because he was in a cabin that could not be used for sleeping.

 

Unfortunately, there are alot of those cabins out there (I had one on the Dream) and we don't know about it unless others post here. It's not just simply being above or below a certain venue since other cabins don't have such extreme problems.

 

Example:

My Dream OS was above the disco. Some noise was expected but the problem in my cabin was vibration from the speakers which were directly attached to the ceiling under my bed. Cabins around mine did not have this problem, just mine.

 

It took days of complaining to get any result (we were given a sleeping cabin and small OBC).

 

My complaint then - and now - is the same as the OP's: NCL should not be selling cabins that cannot be slept in.

 

We are giving NCL another chance this month and had the opportunity to book an AB on the Jade. Research on that specific cabin showed that it is/was under the weight machines in the fitness center and has specific noise issues. Other ABs aren't as bad, being under quieter areas of the gym and spa. We passed on the AB and are in a regular BA balcony between two cabin-only decks.

[bahama-momma]

I'm booked on the Spirit for a Jan cruise (used a TA) and did not know the location of my cabin until 2-3 weeks ago, unfortunately it's below the casino - I haven't complained, but since I know the location I will get earplugs to wear just in case - sometimes I can sleep thru anything! and with the hours I keep while cruising a couple of hours of sleep will do me just fine!! BTW, the room I'm going to be in is 6017. I'll let everyone know if there's a problem!

[slotaddict]

Although I can't comment on the specific room that the OP is warning of, I loved my cruise on the Spirit. I thought the ship was great. :D

[newmexicoNita]

the OP is, also, not aware of the fact that the ship is full, even if they have cabins available? the OP should learn that when the amount of people equals the seats of lifeboats (including infacts) the ship is FULL...does not matter if cabins are available or not.

if the ship is carrying a lot of couples or singles, then more cabins will be used..they if are carrying many families of 3 or 4, using the same cabins, then the ship can just as full, yet have cabins empty.

 

now for the other part, the Spirit is still my favorite ship and the port of new orleans was a breeze to get around. all the ports have problems with getting passengers through, once in a while. it gets better if you wait until the last call. (usually)

when we did the spirit, last year, we docked very early...before 5am and still didn't start letting passengers off until after 7am. the ship has to be cleared by officials.

sorry the OP didn't enjoy their cruise, sounds like they had many problems?

 

Yes, this ship was sold out, it holds 1977 and there were 2017 on board or something like that. I think his problem started with a lousy hotel in New Orleans and just sky rocketed from there..All ships have cabins that are less disirable the same as hotels. We have had a few ourselves...

 

Nita

[Toyz711]

that's what it sounds like, one thing went wrong and it was hard to let go of that? too bad, had family like that...just couldn't step back, take a breath and find their smile.

i do agree with the hotels, i perfer to stay near the french quarters...or totally out of town and drive in. but that's just me and my experiencees.

as for airport, we are getting so tired of airports and taxi. one reason we were/are so happy with the spirit...close enough to drive to.

am glad to hear you, nita, enjoyed your cruise.

[Sea Hound]

the OP is, also, not aware of the fact that the ship is full, even if they have cabins available? the OP should learn that when the amount of people equals the seats of lifeboats (including infacts) the ship is FULL...does not matter if cabins are available or not.

if the ship is carrying a lot of couples or singles, then more cabins will be used..they if are carrying many families of 3 or 4, using the same cabins, then the ship can just as full, yet have cabins empty.

 

Cathi's right but, even if the ship was not at capacity, I'd still put out the sign saying the ship was full. Why? Because you'd get a run of people with (real or imagined) reasons why they need another cabin, an upgrade, etc.

 

Too darn many headaches!!

 

Sea Hound:D <-- is not a hotel manager but once played one on TV!

[live2dive45]

Frankly, they sound like folks that can't ever be satisfied. We've all met them. I sailed on the Spirit this past Sept before her rework in drydock and absolutely loved this ship. I can only imagine how much nicer she is now. I just brush aside comments like those above and say "oh well". Can't wait to sail on her again

[terrymtex01]

I don't get it. You didn't like you cabin cause of the noise. Perfectly understandable. This could have been avoided had you researched where you cabin was, but regardless of that, they offered a new cabin, and you refused. You were then offered a choice of two other cabins, which I'm assuming you accepted one of them. So why so angry that you won't sail NCL again? Seems to me they were very accomodating to your complaint.

 

CG

 

I have to agree with you CnG. While it is completely understandable being upset that you are in a cabin you can't sleep, they did make it right. I think some people just can not be happy no matter what because they are just not happy people. Would rather those people choose another cruiseline so we don't ever have to cruise with them. LOL

[raudacruise]

We were on the same cruise as OP and actually had a legimate problem. We had an OS and when the ship went from the river into the gulf the ship started going back and forth sideways. That was expected and not a problem.

 

Problem was each time back/forth we heard this great big SLAM. Got up to make sure all of the doors were closed. No good. Rock-Roll-SLAM.

 

There was an emergency exit/work area right outside our suite. Some yahoo had left a ladder lying up against the outside wall (which was the inside wall of the bedroom). Every tilt moved it back and then wham metal against metal. Didn't figure it out until the next morning. Didn't want to go through the emergency door at 3am and get locked out ;).

 

It was taken care of the next day. Ladder was out there each night but laying flat on the deck.

[newmexicoNita]

We were on the same cruise as OP and actually had a legimate problem. We had an OS and when the ship went from the river into the gulf the ship started going back and forth sideways. That was expected and not a problem.

 

Problem was each time back/forth we heard this great big SLAM. Got up to make sure all of the doors were closed. No good. Rock-Roll-SLAM.

 

There was an emergency exit/work area right outside our suite. Some yahoo had left a ladder lying up against the outside wall (which was the inside wall of the bedroom). Every tilt moved it back and then wham metal against metal. Didn't figure it out until the next morning. Didn't want to go through the emergency door at 3am and get locked out ;).

 

It was taken care of the next day. Ladder was out there each night but laying flat on the deck.

 

George, you seem to have taken it in stride.

 

Nita

[raudacruise]

George, you seem to have taken it in stride.

 

Nita

 

The three bottles of booze showed up the next day. After that we could sleep through anything:D.

[boltnut55]

My complaint then - and now - is the same as the OP's: NCL should not be selling cabins that cannot be slept in.

 

Exactly. Passengers don't all have the ability to look in brochures and on the internet especially if they are booking a special. I think there should be some reasonable expectation that a room would not be noisy 24 hours a day. We are much more sophisticated now, but even yesterday when I talked to the travel agent, she gave me a bunch of "category" and "deck #" etc, but she didn't tell me and I forgot to ask for room numbers. I decided to hold off on booking and took the chance of losing out on a special because I needed to do some research, but not everyone has that ability. I did research and emailed her last night w/my choice of deck and room number (making some assumption that it was available, and it was).

[MrsLeo]

I too like the Spirit, to the extent I have sailed her twice. HOWEVER, the OP is exactly correct, when you get one of these cabins in locations with noise issues it is a miserable experience. The 2nd time we cruised the Spirit, we were in a cabin below the buffet, which should have been fine since the buffet was closed late at night. However they had trolleys and carts that would roll through at wee hours in the morning and sounded like a roller coaster overhead. This is a fact. I actually was using my camcorder in the cabin and you can hear the roar overheard that sounds like a roller coaster, I have it on tape. Luckily in my case earplugs did help block out the noise to the extent I could get some sleep. But the first couple of nights until I found earplugs (thats a whole other story) were miserable.

 

I cannot imagine spending 2 weeks in that loud cabin without something to buffer the noise. Being sleep deprived is awful and can ruin a vacation.

 

I always have to laugh at people who feel it is their sworn duty to defend the cruise line and disparage the OP because they dared to post about a loud cabin. Some of you are unbelievable! I fail to understand why anyone would choose to take offense to the fact that someone had an issue with a noisy cabin.

 

The OP never said the Spirit was an awful ship, they said they would recommend one of their newer ships because they are much nicer, which I would agree. The Spirit holds a special place in my heart and I enjoyed the time I have spent on her, but that does not negate the fact that she has some cabins with major noise issues, the inside cabins are very small, and for folks like me with a family of four your cabin selections are very limited, since there are no quad suites, balconies, and if memory serves only insides and portholes are available. This is a reality. It is not a personal attack on people who love the Spirit or NCL, so there is no need for the so called "NCL Loyalists" to come out with claws and teeth bared defending the cruiseline and ship by maligning the poster who dared to mention these shortcomings. Please!

 

I fail to understand why anyone would choose to take offense to the fact that someone had an issue with a noisy cabin. Big whoop! Personally I would have appreciated it if someone would have warned me before I had been assigned my loud cabin on the Spirit.

[slotaddict]

I too like the Spirit, to the extent I have sailed her twice. HOWEVER, the OP is exactly correct, when you get one of these cabins in locations with noise issues it is a miserable experience. The 2nd time we cruised the Spirit, we were in a cabin below the buffet, which should have been fine since the buffet was closed late at night. However they had trolleys and carts that would roll through at wee hours in the morning and sounded like a roller coaster overhead. This is a fact. I actually was using my camcorder in the cabin and you can hear the roar overheard that sounds like a roller coaster, I have it on tape. Luckily in my case earplugs did help block out the noise to the extent I could get some sleep. But the first couple of nights until I found earplugs (thats a whole other story) were miserable.

 

I cannot imagine spending 2 weeks in that loud cabin without something to buffer the noise. Being sleep deprived is awful and can ruin a vacation.

 

I always have to laugh at people who feel it is their sworn duty to defend the cruise line and disparage the OP because they dared to post about a loud cabin. Some of you are unbelievable! I fail to understand why anyone would choose to take offense to the fact that someone had an issue with a noisy cabin.

 

The OP never said the Spirit was an awful ship, they said they would recommend one of their newer ships because they are much nicer, which I would agree. The Spirit holds a special place in my heart and I enjoyed the time I have spent on her, but that does not negate the fact that she has some cabins with major noise issues, the inside cabins are very small, and for folks like me with a family of four your cabin selections are very limited, since there are no quad suites, balconies, and if memory serves only insides and portholes are available. This is a reality. It is not a personal attack on people who love the Spirit or NCL, so there is no need for the so called "NCL Loyalists" to come out with claws and teeth bared defending the cruiseline and ship by maligning the poster who dared to mention these shortcomings. Please!

 

I fail to understand why anyone would choose to take offense to the fact that someone had an issue with a noisy cabin. Big whoop! Personally I would have appreciated it if someone would have warned me before I had been assigned my loud cabin on the Spirit.

 

The fact that the OP is complaining about his room and the noise is a perfectly legitimate complaint. However he is recommending that no one book the Spirit - :confused:

[MrsLeo]

If you are determined to sail on the NCL Spirit (though I wouldn't recommend it - NCL has many other much better ships) and if you are assigned room #6067 (or any room near it) INSIST THEY ASSIGN YOU A DIFFERENT ROOM!

 

He is actually recommending that you book one of their other ships, because in his opinion they are better. On certain aspects, I would agree that some of NCL's newer ships are better, even though I still like the Spirit. I don't think that qualifies the guy for tar and feathers lol.

[newmexicoNita]

I too like the Spirit, to the extent I have sailed her twice. HOWEVER, the OP is exactly correct, when you get one of these cabins in locations with noise issues it is a miserable experience. The 2nd time we cruised the Spirit, we were in a cabin below the buffet, which should have been fine since the buffet was closed late at night. However they had trolleys and carts that would roll through at wee hours in the morning and sounded like a roller coaster overhead. This is a fact. I actually was using my camcorder in the cabin and you can hear the roar overheard that sounds like a roller coaster, I have it on tape. Luckily in my case earplugs did help block out the noise to the extent I could get some sleep. But the first couple of nights until I found earplugs (thats a whole other story) were miserable.

 

I cannot imagine spending 2 weeks in that loud cabin without something to buffer the noise. Being sleep deprived is awful and can ruin a vacation.

 

I always have to laugh at people who feel it is their sworn duty to defend the cruise line and disparage the OP because they dared to post about a loud cabin. Some of you are unbelievable! I fail to understand why anyone would choose to take offense to the fact that someone had an issue with a noisy cabin.

 

The OP never said the Spirit was an awful ship, they said they would recommend one of their newer ships because they are much nicer, which I would agree. The Spirit holds a special place in my heart and I enjoyed the time I have spent on her, but that does not negate the fact that she has some cabins with major noise issues, the inside cabins are very small, and for folks like me with a family of four your cabin selections are very limited, since there are no quad suites, balconies, and if memory serves only insides and portholes are available. This is a reality. It is not a personal attack on people who love the Spirit or NCL, so there is no need for the so called "NCL Loyalists" to come out with claws and teeth bared defending the cruiseline and ship by maligning the poster who dared to mention these shortcomings. Please!

 

I fail to understand why anyone would choose to take offense to the fact that someone had an issue with a noisy cabin. Big whoop! Personally I would have appreciated it if someone would have warned me before I had been assigned my loud cabin on the Spirit.

I do agree with you and I have met the OP, he seemed like a really nice person. I think the problem here, if you haven't read his other postings, is his constant complaints about everything from the hotel he stayed in, to the port, the ship etc.

Had he just complained about the cabin I doubt anyone would disagree with him much.

Also there is a way to complain and a way not to complain.

 

Nita

[MrsLeo]

Nita I saw the port complaint and it was legit according to corroborating posts. Someone even emailed the powers that be who acknowledged there were issues and problems at the port. It is good he has warned ppl about these issues so they can plan accordingly.

 

It honestly sounds like several disappointing events on this trip for this gentleman. and he pretty much has stated it like it is. I don't know why people feel they can dictate how another person should complain. What exactly is the right way to complain?

 

I will be cruising out of NOLA in less than two months and to be honest I appreciate the heads up about these issues. I will definitely avoid the La Quinta in Gretna, I will also give myself some extra time for my post cruise arrangements in the event the port is backed up and will probably take my time getting off the ship before I line up with the herd. To me, this is helpful information and I certainly would like to know about any potential hiccups so I can avoid them.

 

Now I hope for the OP's sake that there were some highlights to his trip and at some point he will have time to write a full review. While his initial posts have been negative, his posts here have some value and may save others headaches.