First time on NCL - Spirit out of Barcelona - Grateful for any advice!

I am going to sound like a broken record on this one but in case anyone hasn't seen my previous comments I'll paraphrase them again here.

 

 

 

On Saturday I leave Barcelona on MSC Orchestra, doing a very similar Canary itinerary to what Spirit would do. NCL is my 'go to' line as I have completed the most cruises with them. I strongly considered Spirit for this route and discounted her due to her age and the tired looking cabins.

 

 

 

I have reviewed many comments from people for whom Spirit is their favourite ship. Although the public areas seem reasonably updated, for me the cabins are just a bit too shabby to be comfortable. I know you generally don't spend a lot of time in a cabin, when there is so much to do on the ship, but the images I have seen have been so off putting I will forgo the entire, familiar, NCL experience because of this.

 

 

 

I recognise I made a compromise by choosing MSC, as the food offering isn't as good, but the ship is newer and I can get a larger 'Suite' cabin for the same price as a (small) balcony room on Spirit.

 

 

 

Time will tell if I have made the right decision. I hope those choosing Spirit have a fantastic time.

As you say, you have made this point quite often. That’s up to you, and I certainly wouldn’t criticise your decision, but I would suggest to anyone who is considering the ship that experiences from those who have actually cruised on it are better than those who haven’t.

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As you say, you have made this point quite often. That’s up to you, and I certainly wouldn’t criticise your decision, but I would suggest to anyone who is considering the ship that experiences from those who have actually cruised on it are better than those who haven’t.

 

Well said, thanks

We were on the Spirt from NYC many years ago and we feel in love with her!! We seem to enjoy the smaller ships. Can you tell me if there were children on board? Thanks again.

There were very few children😀

Yes we did pay a tax when we were in Spanish waters, NCL didn't charge us when in Casablanca or Funchal. I"m trying to get my wife to find the receipts from those days ( she saves everything). The charge wasn't alot but I don't remember the terminology whether it was VAT or something else.

Sorry I didn't read your post correctly. We didn't buy anything when we weere in Spanish portsand we did leave out of Barcelona We love barcelona!!!!

DH and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary on the Spirit- Venice to Barcelona in July '15. We loved the Spirit- we haven't been on a million cruises, but she is, by far, our favorite ship. She is definitely older and smaller- which charmed us. The Bier Garten was a great place to grab a drink, watch the sail away, and relax after a busy day making our way around the various European ports. I'd not hesitate to sail on her again! ;)

DH and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary on the Spirit- Venice to Barcelona in July '15. We loved the Spirit- we haven't been on a million cruises, but she is, by far, our favorite ship. She is definitely older and smaller- which charmed us. The Bier Garten was a great place to grab a drink, watch the sail away, and relax after a busy day making our way around the various European ports. I'd not hesitate to sail on her again! ;)

Many thanks for your helpful reply.

We have mostly sailed on older and smaller ships so we hope we will feel "at home" on the Spirit!

Hi working to cruise,

We’ve been on Spirit twice in past couple of years. Had to request bath robes and didn’t notice slippers. Shower gel and shampoo are from dispensers fixed to the wall in the shower unit.

Very good tip about seats in theatre a few posts back. We find NCL generally like to pump up the volume to max (assuming we’re all deaf?. For us that tends too ruin most shows.

Champagne Charlie’s our favourite evening bar. Wait staff are very good early evening but it can get a bit hectic from around 9 onwards once pianists are on. We’ve had Tricia Watson, 60s music onwards, and a Brit guy called Ian, forget the surname, often wider oldie range. Both gave very good evenings.

Galaxy of the Stars very good in day time or pre evening meal, assuming no entertainment on.

Loved Le Bistro!

Many thanks for your very helpful reply.

Will try to remember to pack slippers and request robes (and bring shower gel, shampoo and conditioner ... just for me ... those in the dispensers will be fine for DH!!)

Thank you for the information about the bars & entertainment. We are very content to sit in a bar with a nice drink (or two!) and listen to a pianist/guitarist.

Sorry I didn't read your post correctly. We didn't buy anything when we weere in Spanish portsand we did leave out of Barcelona We love barcelona!!!!

I think that I may have not made myself clear as I meant while on the ship and your first reply answered my question.

Thank you!

Just returned from a 10 day Canary Island cruise on the Spirit. It was without a doubt one of the best vacations we've ever had. We embarked in Barcelona and from there headed to Morocco. I would highly recommend booking the ship tour to the Hassan Mosque and that will allow you to see the city safely and without a doubt immerse you and what it's like there. We had an 80-year-old tour guide who had great passion for his country! From there we headed to the Canary Islands. Beautiful beautiful beautiful ! Funchal, Madera was beautiful as well we chose to do the hop on hop off bus here and without a doubt was awesome. When you book through the cruise line they take you on the full loop with a couple planned stops and then it runs for the three loops at the end guaranteeing you a trip back to the ship at the end of your day. We enjoyed Malaga and opted to do the Gibraltar tour there. Long drive to get there but worth it! In Alicante we opted to wander and very easy port to hit the key points. Santa Barbara Castle is a must see. Take the he elevator up for about 3 euros and the rest is free. Go early as the elevator opens at 10 and the que gets long. Incredible panoramic views. From there we went to the old city and then to the promenade for some shopping, sangria and tapas. As you figure it out, we did the ship because of the itinerary! Having said that, the Spirit is an amazing ship. The staff is among the best of the best and although this tends to be a training ship all the staff were amazing. We opted for 3 specialty restaurants and they were great. Cagney and Le Bestro were perfect. I would not do Teppanyaki there again. Not much interaction with guests and rushed. The main restaurants were great, with Windows our preference. Service in Garden was good but felt cramped and dark. Our reservations at 7:30'were perfect and never waited to be seated! Great variety on the menus. The Shows are great. Do not miss World Beat or Elements. All shows are good but these were great! We liked Champagne Charlie's in the evening. Great place with great entertainment and bartenders. Yes to the VAT. In all ports except Madeira and Morrocco and 3 hrs or so after leaving ports. Doesn't matter much to us, but it really bothered some��I felt bad for the staff. The buffet was ok for lunch. We usually did breakfast in Windows. The other venues were good. We enjoyed Galaxy and Henry's from time to time. The casino was limited and seemed pretty poorly attended. A few smokers noted. The cruise director was very good. You will enjoy yourself. Cabins are smaller than wat we are used to but liked the set up of our BC Balcony. SMALL toilet area. Not sure whose idea that was. We gave done many NCL ships. Although the Spirit doesn't have all the bells and whistles that many of the bigger ships have,we found our experience perfect. We left this vacation feeling rested and very satisfied! We would definitely cruise the Spirit again! Enjoy your trip!

Many thanks for the reply.

Just what we needed to hear!

Everyone has been so positive about the ship ... we board three weeks tomorrow (eek!) and,as we booked very late, we seem to have had no time to think about the cruise and plan things as we normally do.

Your post has been most helpful. We have been to some of the ports before. We have never visited Casablanca but had an "interesting experience" in Tangiers on Oceania some years ago... I imagine it will be similar.

We are looking forward to our first time in Madeira.

Thank you for the advice/information about the restaurants,bars & entertainment.

Hoping to leave as rested and satisfied as you, obviously, were.

Thanks again!

:cool:

Many thanks for the reply.

Just what we needed to hear!

Everyone has been so positive about the ship ... we board three weeks tomorrow (eek!) and,as we booked very late, we seem to have had no time to think about the cruise and plan things as we normally do.

Your post has been most helpful. We have been to some of the ports before. We have never visited Casablanca but had an "interesting experience" in Tangiers on Oceania some years ago... I imagine it will be similar.

We are looking forward to our first time in Madeira.

Thank you for the advice/information about the restaurants,bars & entertainment.

Hoping to leave as rested and satisfied as you, obviously, were.

Thanks again!

:)Have a great time!

Here are some cabin pics.... we did not find it at all in poor condition. Adequate storage and clean.

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Just over 4 months until we are on the Spirit! We have done the Pearl and the Escape, loved both for different reasons. One thing we loved on the Escape was the District brew pub, we would hang out at night and listen to the piano guy, and sing along with Sweet Caroline and the like... sounds like we need to head to Champagne Charlie’s for a similar experience?

Not quite similar. Champagne Charlie's was more subdued than the Brew Pub. There is not a true match to the Brew pub on Escape on the Spirit, but with the right crowd and entertainer you might be surprised!

Not quite similar. Champagne Charlie's was more subdued than the Brew Pub. There is not a true match to the Brew pub on Escape on the Spirit, but with the right crowd and entertainer you might be surprised!

Thanks... heck we may be subdued with all the port days!

Whilst still very different, I would say that Henrys Pub is closer to the Brewhouse than Champagne Charlie’s. It’s a lot smaller, but has more of a pub atmosphere. The guitarist often plays in there as well.

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Thank you for starting this thread! I leave in May for 11 days...I cannot wait! I love to read everyone's tips...but my question is where would you go to sit, read and enjoy the ocean in a quiet area? This is such a post intensive cruise and after a long day in port, my daughter and I both love to relax, read and enjoy the scenery...I like to enjoy an adult beverage too!

Here are some cabin pics.... we did not find it at all in poor condition. Adequate storage and clean.

 

 

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Thanks for those pictures. The tiles in the bathroom look freshly grouted and I agree that she doesn't look in too bad shape.

I have spotted a reasonably priced SE suite available on Spirit, which I am seriously considering booking - I do like the NCL product (food etc.)

KeithJenner - I note your comment earlier in the thread and I hope I am not misunderstood. I am not trying to influence anyone either way and was just outlining my thought process, when faced with a similar set of circumstances (itinerary, price, time of year etc) in the hope it be helpful to others who were considering a cruise on this route. What I prioritise is different to what others do, but I thought I was reasonably clear that I was outlining my thought process and decision, not trying to detract from the experience of others.

It so happens Spirit has been discussed a lot recently but in the interests of fair and balanced discussion I believe I am able to give my views on what I have read and seen, without having been on her yet (which I make clear).

As noted above, there is every probability I will sail on her at one point (in a cabin category that appeals to me) and therefore my opinion will be more qualified and first hand after that.

It's almost incumbent upon me to sail on Spirit now to find out how I really feel when experiencing it for myself, after all of the conflicting opinions about her! What a hardship that would be, to take another cruise....... in the interests of research! :D

Thank you for starting this thread! I leave in May for 11 days...I cannot wait! I love to read everyone's tips...but my question is where would you go to sit, read and enjoy the ocean in a quiet area? This is such a post intensive cruise and after a long day in port, my daughter and I both love to relax, read and enjoy the scenery...I like to enjoy an adult beverage too!

Raffles Terrace has great views from the aft, with tiered seating. There is a bar there. It is our go to Outdoors place on the Spirit, both for drinks or breakfast/snacks from the buffet.

The only issue is that it can be a little noisy at times. There is a kids pool at the bottom of the terrace plus a hot tub and also there is table tennis to one side.

The noise is not a problem to us, and less than the main pool deck, but may not be ideal for some.

Quieter is the promenade deck, which does have some seating. Views aren’t as good and may not be in the sun.

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Thank you for starting this thread! I leave in May for 11 days...I cannot wait! I love to read everyone's tips...but my question is where would you go to sit, read and enjoy the ocean in a quiet area? This is such a post intensive cruise and after a long day in port, my daughter and I both love to relax, read and enjoy the scenery...I like to enjoy an adult beverage too![/quote

 

Would that be a cuppa Tea :D:D

Thank you for starting this thread! I leave in May for 11 days...I cannot wait! I love to read everyone's tips...but my question is where would you go to sit, read and enjoy the ocean in a quiet area? This is such a post intensive cruise and after a long day in port, my daughter and I both love to relax, read and enjoy the scenery...I like to enjoy an adult beverage too![/quote

 

 

 

Would that be a cuppa Tea :D:D

 

 

 

There are some chairs on the promenade end certainly when activities not going on Galaxy was perfect for this.

 

 

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Would that be a cuppa Tea :D:D

Surprisingly, for my 22 year old daughter, probably yes! For me, a margarita, champagne or a nice glass of wine...aaaaahhhhh!

My wife and I did an Eastern/Western Caribbean b2b on the Spirit in 2015 (I believe.) We both love the Spirit, she is one of NCL's smaller if not smallest ship, but very cozy and comfortable. I think the smaller ships service to passenger ratio is better. We loved the aft terraces for dining and lounging. The kids pool at the base of the terraces was quiet but there weren't many kids in early February at the time.

I found plenty of nooks in the sun or shade for reading on sea days. I loved daily uncrowded walks on the Promenade deck. The sun deck was nice too, I can't think of any thing we didn't like. Henry's Pub was a nice Euro atmosphere and I believe it opened out to the Promenade where a smoking section was available. Several people leisurely read or napped on the wide Promenade We really liked the layout of the ship, not exotic but roomy enough. We just got off the Dawn and we would prefer the Spirit's upper deck's anytime. Though a bit smaller we didn't notice any unusual rocking or movement. I think you will enjoy it immensely.

Moby Dick

My wife and I did an Eastern/Western Caribbean b2b on the Spirit in 2015 (I believe.) We both love the Spirit, she is one of NCL's smaller if not smallest ship, but very cozy and comfortable. I think the smaller ships service to passenger ratio is better. We loved the aft terraces for dining and lounging. The kids pool at the base of the terraces was quiet but there weren't many kids in early February at the time.

I found plenty of nooks in the sun or shade for reading on sea days. I loved daily uncrowded walks on the Promenade deck. The sun deck was nice too, I can't think of any thing we didn't like. Henry's Pub was a nice Euro atmosphere and I believe it opened out to the Promenade where a smoking section was available. Several people leisurely read or napped on the wide Promenade We really liked the layout of the ship, not exotic but roomy enough. We just got off the Dawn and we would prefer the Spirit's upper deck's anytime. Though a bit smaller we didn't notice any unusual rocking or movement. I think you will enjoy it immensely.

Moby Dick

Many thanks for your very helpful post.

We are very much looking forward to sitting at the aft terraces and, hopefully, in March it shouldn't be too noisy.

We don't have a balcony so it is very good news that we will be able to find some nice places to sit and relax.

We booked this cruise only recently but all the replies and posts have been very positive and we are certainly hoping to enjoy our first MCL cruise immensely!