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

Hi everyone

We have just booked our first NCL cruise (Spirit, round trip Barcelona in March).

We have read many reviews and posts but would be grateful for any hints and tips for cruising on the Spirit.

We have a very small amount of OBC, included gratuities and UBP.

We were thinking of waiting until we board to book the specialty restaurants - is this a good idea?

Which speciality restaurants should we book?

Will the MDR be open on embarkation day?

Which bars are the best/quietest?

Anything else that we should know?

Many thanks in advance.

The Spirit IS our favorite NCL ship.

Enjoy her!

If it is a totally Inter-European cruise, check BEFOREHAND about being charged VAT on any kind of purchases you make (including alcohol) while cruising and while in port.

oops: I just realized you are from the UK so being charged VAT should come as no surprise to you. Sorry, my bad.

The Spirit IS our favorite NCL ship.

Enjoy her!

Since this is an Inter-European cruise, check BEFOREHAND about being charged VAT on any kind of purchases you make, including alcohol while cruising and while in port.

Thank you!

We are used to smaller ships and though the Spirit is larger I am hoping that it will have the feeling of a smaller ship.

I have been following the threads about Spanish VAT ( or not Spanish VAT.. that is the question!)

I have asked my TA but haven't heard back yet. He is in the US and had never heard of it.

The Spirit will NOT disappoint you.

Much like Carnival's Elation, to us the NCL Spirit has a homely feeling to it.

She was built in the late 90s, originally for Star Cruises in Asia.

Have a great time on her!

PS: To many inexperienced "travel" agents here in the US, there is no world beyond the end of Main Street, USA. wink, wink

We were on the Spirit this past December. We booked our specialty restaurants before we left home. I think you can book them within the 90 day window except for Teppanyaki which you have to do on board. They do not take reservations online. We really enjoyed the Spirit, it never felt crowded. As for the bars, we mostly had drinks in Champagne Charley's where alot of the trival was held. We also loved the Galaxy lounge. As you know there is a lot of chatter about the Vat tax charged on drinks while in spanish waters. We had the UBP and Speciality dining and we did have to sign a receipt when it was charged. We are from the U.S. but I really didn't think it mattered. When we didn't have to sign for it most of the bartenders just looked at my card and served me even if I ordered for my wife. We have been on the Epic out of Barcelona and that felt somewhat congested at certain sections. I hope you have a great cruise and enjoy the ports. flip

Hiya

We did the Spirit in May 2016 for my 50th bday from Venice to Barcelona.

We stayed 2 nights in Venice before the cruise and Barcelona two nights after the cruise. The Spirit is a lovely little ship..bit tired but I liked it's charm. We are booked for beginning of June for a 10 night cruise on the Spirit.

If you go to the NCL website, you can sign up on My NCL and book your restaurants and excursions through your reservation booking number. At the moment the restaurant booking aren't open yet and yes, it is advisable to book before you get on board. My cruise is almost sold out so it will be a clamour for specialty restaurants whilst on board.

If you are looking for good excursion company recommendations I can highly recommend Rome in Limo and PK Tours if you are going to Athens. We used Rome in Limo in 2016 and quite heavily in June this year. They are picking us up from the airport and taking us to hotel in Rome, excursion that night, a full day excursion the next day and transfers to the ship and back to airport and a full day excursion in Naples.

The best bar is the one at the back of the ship. Think it is called Galaxy?? Also on a at sea night they have the White Hot/Glow party which we found really fun as we like to dance. Before we left for the cruise we went to the pound shop and got cheap glo sticks...we were really popular on the dance floor handing them out...lol..plus that night at midnight I turned 50 so the party was really in full swing. :)

We are on the Isle of Man but have booked our cruise in Florida with NCL and I queried the VAT/Tax charge and he told me we shouldn't have to pay anything more the gratuity we have already been charged on the UBP. But who knows.

If it is a totally Inter-European cruise, check BEFOREHAND about being charged VAT on any kind of purchases you make (including alcohol) while cruising and while in port.

If the OP is on the Spirit in March then they will be doing the Canary Islands itinerary which leaves the EU VAT area, so there is no problem with being charged VAT whilst cruising. It is just when in the Spanish ports that it may apply.

The best bar is the one at the back of the ship. Think it is called Galaxy??

Galaxy of the Stars is at the front of the ship. Are you thinking of Raffles, which is behind the buffet and looks out over the the aft. We love that bar and usually have breakfast or snacks on the terrace out there.

The Spirit will NOT disappoint you.

Much like Carnival's Elation, to us the NCL Spirit has a homely feeling to it.

She was built in the late 90s, originally for Star Cruises in Asia.

Have a great time on her!

 

PS: To many inexperienced "travel" agents here in the US, there is no world beyond the end of Main Street, USA. wink, wink

Thank you!

I don't expect to be disappointed and hope to be surprised!!

We have only cruised once on a "larger" ship ( Celebrity Silhouette) and really enjoyed the choices ( dining,bars etc.) and the variety of entertainment so are hoping this will be similar.

I am sure that we will have a great time.

We were on the Spirit this past December. We booked our specialty restaurants before we left home. I think you can book them within the 90 day window except for Teppanyaki which you have to do on board. They do not take reservations online. We really enjoyed the Spirit, it never felt crowded. As for the bars, we mostly had drinks in Champagne Charley's where alot of the trival was held. We also loved the Galaxy lounge. As you know there is a lot of chatter about the Vat tax charged on drinks while in spanish waters. We had the UBP and Speciality dining and we did have to sign a receipt when it was charged. We are from the U.S. but I really didn't think it mattered. When we didn't have to sign for it most of the bartenders just looked at my card and served me even if I ordered for my wife. We have been on the Epic out of Barcelona and that felt somewhat congested at certain sections. I hope you have a great cruise and enjoy the ports. flip

Thank you!

We were hoping to wait and book a Speciality restaurant package once on board to use our OBC ( it isn't very much!)..

Do you think we should book online and in advance.. we don't know what else we would use the OBC for?

Thank you!

 

We were hoping to wait and book a Speciality restaurant package once on board to use our OBC ( it isn't very much!)..

 

Do you think we should book online and in advance.. we don't know what else we would use the OBC for?

You can book your meals online anyway and then buy the dining package once you get onboard.

You can book your meals online anyway and then buy the dining package once you get onboard.

Thank you so much!

Being totally new to this I thought that you would have to pay for the package (in GBP) before you booked the restaurants.

In the theatre wayyyyy up on the very top row on the far left and far right are a row of seats with only 3 or 4 seats ...so if the show is not to your taste you can make a quick exit ..and because there are not many seats you have no one trying to get past you once the show has started ....Now some people like to be right front and center but these were the perfect seats for us

Hi everyone

 

We have just booked our first NCL cruise (Spirit, round trip Barcelona in March).

We have read many reviews and posts but would be grateful for any hints and tips for cruising on the Spirit.

We have a very small amount of OBC, included gratuities and UBP.

We were thinking of waiting until we board to book the specialty restaurants - is this a good idea?

Which speciality restaurants should we book?

Will the MDR be open on embarkation day?

Which bars are the best/quietest?

Anything else that we should know?

 

Many thanks in advance.

Have you joined the ships roll call what date cruise are you on I am on 15 March 2018 one.

Have you joined the ships roll call what date cruise are you on I am on 15 March 2018 one.

Yes, we are on that one too!

Haven't joined the roll call yet.

Hiya

 

We did the Spirit in May 2016 for my 50th bday from Venice to Barcelona.

 

We stayed 2 nights in Venice before the cruise and Barcelona two nights after the cruise. The Spirit is a lovely little ship..bit tired but I liked it's charm. We are booked for beginning of June for a 10 night cruise on the Spirit.

 

If you go to the NCL website, you can sign up on My NCL and book your restaurants and excursions through your reservation booking number. At the moment the restaurant booking aren't open yet and yes, it is advisable to book before you get on board. My cruise is almost sold out so it will be a clamour for specialty restaurants whilst on board.

 

If you are looking for good excursion company recommendations I can highly recommend Rome in Limo and PK Tours if you are going to Athens. We used Rome in Limo in 2016 and quite heavily in June this year. They are picking us up from the airport and taking us to hotel in Rome, excursion that night, a full day excursion the next day and transfers to the ship and back to airport and a full day excursion in Naples.

 

The best bar is the one at the back of the ship. Think it is called Galaxy?? Also on a at sea night they have the White Hot/Glow party which we found really fun as we like to dance. Before we left for the cruise we went to the pound shop and got cheap glo sticks...we were really popular on the dance floor handing them out...lol..plus that night at midnight I turned 50 so the party was really in full swing. :)

 

We are on the Isle of Man but have booked our cruise in Florida with NCL and I queried the VAT/Tax charge and he told me we shouldn't have to pay anything more the gratuity we have already been charged on the UBP. But who knows.

Many thanks for all the advice.

Our ports are mostly in Spain and the Canary Islands but many thanks for the information for Rome and Athens which we will keep in mind for the future.

I'm looking forward to the White Hot/Glow party and hope the weather will be good enough to enjoy it on deck. Was yours held in port or at sea?

As soon as we board we always try to find the best bar/ bartender.. so thanks for the tip about the bar at the back of the ship.

In the theatre wayyyyy up on the very top row on the far left and far right are a row of seats with only 3 or 4 seats ...so if the show is not to your taste you can make a quick exit ..and because there are not many seats you have no one trying to get past you once the show has started ....Now some people like to be right front and center but these were the perfect seats for us

Thank you!

Those sound like the perfect seats for us....

A quick question...

Are bathrobes/slippers provided? Shower gel/shampoo/conditioner etc etc?

We are trying to travel with just one checked in suitcase (not sure this will be possible!) and are trying to keep the weight down. ( DH says "Just don't take so many shoes!!" )

Yes, we are on that one too!

Haven't joined the roll call yet.

Come on over not a great roll call still places on a few tours, link

https://boards.cruisecritic.co.uk/showthread.php?p=55340448&posted=1#post55340448

See you soon I added you to the roll call already spreadsheet under my name.

By the way our first time with NCL also we are mainly Celebrity folk, but liked this trip.

John

We were on the Spirit this past December. We booked our specialty restaurants before we left home. I think you can book them within the 90 day window except for Teppanyaki which you have to do on board. They do not take reservations online. We really enjoyed the Spirit, it never felt crowded. As for the bars, we mostly had drinks in Champagne Charley's where alot of the trival was held. We also loved the Galaxy lounge. As you know there is a lot of chatter about the Vat tax charged on drinks while in spanish waters. We had the UBP and Speciality dining and we did have to sign a receipt when it was charged. We are from the U.S. but I really didn't think it mattered. When we didn't have to sign for it most of the bartenders just looked at my card and served me even if I ordered for my wife. We have been on the Epic out of Barcelona and that felt somewhat congested at certain sections. I hope you have a great cruise and enjoy the ports. flip

Thank you for this information.

Did you leave from Barcelona and did you actually have to pay the extra tax on anything you purchased in Spanish ports/waters?

Come on over not a great roll call still places on a few tours, link

https://boards.cruisecritic.co.uk/showthread.php?p=55340448&posted=1#post55340448

 

 

See you soon I added you to the roll call already spreadsheet under my name.

By the way our first time with NCL also we are mainly Celebrity folk, but liked this trip.

 

John

Thank you!

I noticed that this was also your first NCL.

We have only cruised with Celebrity once in 2016 ( we really enjoyed it) and have mostly sailed on smaller ships.

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!

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 someI 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!

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!

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.

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.