Spirit Surprise! Review Boston to Bermuda 9/4/09 -9/11/09

[Don Haynes]

Never-the-less the casino is open four nights during the cruise. The first two nights and the last two nights. Friday and Saturday nights, Wednesday and Thursday nights the casino is open. Its the three overnights in Bermuda the casino is closed. Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday nights. More nights the casino is open than closed. He'll have plenty of opportunity to donate to NCL....

[DSA]

Great review. We will be on the Spirit in 2011 - I know it's far away but vacation choices must be made... I loved your picture of the kid's pool. How big / deep is it ? What age group would you see in that pool ? My kids will be 15 / 11 / 9 by then - will it be too 'kiddee' pool for them ? (I guess the answer is probably yes for the 15 yr but for the two others ?)

 

Thanks

[Cubechick]

Hi Aimee' date='

Sounds like you had another incredible cruise with lots of special touches. Sean is just top notch in every way and doing so many innovative things on the Spirit.

 

The Enchanted Dinner sounds great. But I love the looks of that Indian dinner and would do it in a heartbeat. We were invited to a private dinner in that tatami room in Shogun and it is such a fun experience. The table goes up and down. Of course, you remove your shoes before entering.;):D

 

Can't wait to hear some feedback about that. Anyway we're Bermuda bound as well with a big group of CC'ers but on the Dawn. Your review is getting me excited.

 

How was the entertainment? Modal Magic has been on the last few cruises we've been on.[/quote']

 

Hi Barb! You know, we don't necessarily get out much and see a lot of entertainment. We enjoyed the guitar player at Henry's Pub. Wandered through the Galaxy of the Stars one night and caught a bit of Amadeus' show. I know that Jane L. Powell (the Chocolate Goddess of Love) was performing and I know a lot of people love her.

 

I think I knew you were sailing on the Dawn. I seem to recall looking at your sailing, but since it's not over the holiday weekend, I couldn't swing it (not enough vacation time). Glad to see you liked Bermuda enough to return!

 

Great review. We will be on the Spirit in 2011 - I know it's far away but vacation choices must be made... I loved your picture of the kid's pool. How big / deep is it ? What age group would you see in that pool ? My kids will be 15 / 11 / 9 by then - will it be too 'kiddee' pool for them ? (I guess the answer is probably yes for the 15 yr but for the two others ?)

 

Thanks

 

I'm sorry I don't know how deep the pool is. I saw kids of all ages using the pool (even some adults). It is small though. Hopefully someone with children around the ages of yours will chime in!

[drsb]

I am beginning to regret my decision to sail on the Pearl this Thanksgiving instead of the Spirit. Maybe next year. I still don't know if I want to go to Bermuda, but the ship sounds wonderful.

[nlt46]

Thank you for your great review. I have never been on the Spirit, but we are going to be on the January 24 sailing out of New Orleans. You make the ship sound so inviting.

 

Nancy

[Don Haynes]

I don't recall how deep the children's pool aft is, but I do recall its not very deep. Appeared to me children of elementary school age would enjoy that pool the most. I am sure teenagers would prefer the other lido deck pool instead. However, teenagers may get in that pool with their younger brothers and sisters. From my eyes that aft pool isn't deeper than three feet at its deepest...

[Cubechick]

Thank you all for the lovely compliments! Drsb, I think you'd have a wonderful time with both the Spirit and Bermuda. Bermuda remains our favorite island and has the best snorkeling from the shore that we've encountered so far!

 

Day Five:

 

Today was another hot day in Bermuda and a lazy day. After two days of snorkeling in the sun, DH didn’t feel like hitting the beach. Warwick Long Bay would wait until next time (my sunburn rejoiced!). The guys had brought along fishing gear, so after breakfast they headed out to fish off of the pier (DH said the girl at security asked him on the way back why he had a frog in his bag and he had to explain that is was a lure!). I walked out with them so that I could do a little shopping.

 

I checked out the pharmacy that had opened since our last visit in October. It is large and has a good selection of items to meet your needs. It also boasts a decent selection of souvenirs (naturally) and a small deli counter that sells sandwiches and coffee. (I’m sure it sells more than that, but that’s what I noticed at first glance.)

 

The mall has a number of shops ranging from t-shirt shops to an art gallery, jewelry store and a high-end purse shop has replaced the Swiss Connection, which was the Internet café (you can find Internet access at the Frog and Onion and at the new visitor’s center). The best thing about the mall is that it’s blessedly cool and offers a respite from the Bermuda sun!

 

Across from the mall, on the water, is a small convenience store and I went there with the mission of buying some Perrier. It’s the only place that I’ve found at Dockyard that sells sparkling water. We always bring some with us when we board the ship, but look for places to replenish the supply when we’re in port. Keeps the weight down in the luggage!

 

On the way back from my exciting water purchase, I stopped in the visitor’s center to see what it offered. You can of course buy transportation passes (which you can also buy at both Heritage and King’s Wharfs), they have the aforementioned Internet café and a small supply of souvenirs and water and soda.

 

For the first time in numerous cruises, security actually asked to see my bottles of water, thinking I’d bought wine. I showed the bottles and a girl at the end of the x-ray machine asked what was the difference between my water and theirs (she gestured to the ice-cold bottles of water they had available for sale). I just responded that my water had bubbles…I didn’t mention that it was also half the price!

 

After the guys were done fishing (and had caught a few “aquarium” fish) it was time to head to the Swizzle Inn. I’d read elsewhere that it was about $40 each way to the Swizzle via taxi. Since we normally spend $20 pp for a 2-day bus pass, the four of us opted for the non-stop service of a cab. Taxis are lined up at the end of the pier so it was simple enough to hire one. It was a slow day for the cabbies though. Ours told us that she’d been there for an hour and a half before we showed up, and she’d figured we were just stopping to ask a question.

 

It took about 30 minutes to arrive at the Swizzle Inn. We immediately (and stupidly) found a table outside. Without a breeze stirring the air, we were soon sweating despite being in the shade (for reasons I don’t understand, it never occurred to us to move inside…tradition, I guess). It didn’t stop us from have a jug per couple along with conch fritters and cheese fries! (Actually my friend’s DH and I split an additional half jug of rum swizzle…the Swizzle Inn makes the best!)

 

 

DH wanted a new t-shirt so I shopped the Swagger Out gift shop (air conditioned, thankfully!) while waiting for our taxi to arrive. The shop is much smaller than the shop at the original Swizzle Inn at Bailey’s Bay, but they met our needs.

 

We’d all agreed to take the night off from sumptuous dining and hit the buffet for dinner. Erika called while we were in our cabin to check on our dinner plans for the evening (she’d noticed that we didn’t have reservations). We told her we were going to lie low that evening, but would love to return to Shogun the next night. It’s so nice to have these details taken care of for you without having to think about it!

 

DH and I weren’t yet hungry for dinner, so we stopped in for the 7:30 magic show. Richard Burr and his wife Josette, were a talented and entertaining couple. We enjoyed about a half hour of their show before going to the buffet for a light dinner. Just enough dinner consumed and a small soft-serve ice cream cone in hand we walked around the pool deck looking for something to do.

 

 

We must have hit things at an in between time, but finally found Mario Blanco playing in Henry’s Pub and the Yankees game on the tube. We enjoyed listening to Mario play Jimmy Buffet, the Beatles, etc while rooting against the Yankees.

 

Day Six:

 

This was going to be a busy day. We had breakfast at Cagney’s then went for a long walk on the Promenade deck.

 

At 1:00 was the Silver, Gold, and Platinum Latitudes Party. It was a cheese and wine party rather than the typical party with passed appetizers and cocktails. The party was at the Galaxy of the Stars and probably the least entertaining one we’ve attended. The cheese table was a help yourself affair tucked in a corner well away from the guests (and out of our line of sight). Also, I only saw two officers chatting with the guests. They were Bruce, the Group Services Coordinator, and our new favorite concierge, Erika. While there, our friends expressed an interest in dining at Shogun that night, and I told them Erika had already hooked us up.

 

At 2:30 we returned to the Galaxy of the Stars to watch the talk on the Epic. We figured (correctly) that we wouldn’t learn anything we hadn’t gleaned for ourselves online, but had some time to kill before our 3:00 martini clinic at Champagne Charlie’s. The talk did remind me to purchase a cruise rewards certificate though!

 

I thought the turnout for our clinic was pretty good. Only five of the people from our roll call did not show up (and one of those had been a “maybe” anyway). We were surprised to find that it was the bar manager giving our clinic (I apologize for not getting his name). He didn’t mix the drinks, but gave us a detailed history of the martini, spirits and cocktails in general. He also did a trick, pouring about ten martinis at once to show he still had his chops! (I noticed that the clinic following ours did not have nearly this much flare.)

 

 

 

We had an excellent time trying the five martinis served (I actually enjoyed the vodka martini, a first for me) and had an even better time talking with our fellow cruise critics. Everyone seemed to be enjoying their time on the Spirit. We lingered until about 6:00 and realized that we really needed to get ready for dinner. We decided it was more a matter of changing shoes than clothes, which left us time to have a drink at Raffles Terrace. Probably not a good idea to have mojitos after the martini clinic, but they were cool and refreshing.

 

At dinner I ordered a bottle of Prosecco to try. We all like sparkling wine with Asian food and after the Art Manager had recommended it, we thought we’d give it a try. We had a winner. The Prosecco was a smooth, balanced wine that went well with all of our meals. I went back to my old fallback the sweet and sour pork. It’s so much better than the sweet and sour they serve in restaurants back home!

 

After dinner we hit the casino and I’m happy to report that DH took back his donation to the craps table and came away a little ahead. By now it was almost 11:00 and I’d hit the wall. DH was rarin’ to go however and went to the White Hot Party at Galaxy of the Stars while I went to bed.

 

DH said the White Hot Party was fun and everyone seemed to be having a great time. Cruise Director, Paul Baya was dressed in resplendent garb ala Elton John. HD Sean was also present, but stuck to wearing his uniform. :)

[snorklinbarb]

Cubechick,

Tks for the info about Swiss Connections closing because Bob went over there last yr and planned to do the same.

 

Where is the new visitors' center? Did you happen to notice prices at the internet there?

 

On the last several cruises we've been on, we've had both the traditional latitudes party held up in Spinnakers with the passed appetizers and cocktails/wine/beer as well as an evening wine & cheese for silver, gold and platinum. Are you saying now they've discontinued the regular parties and are doing only the wine & cheese - and in the afternoon? Hope that's not the case on the Dawn.

 

Oh, and I'm reading about no more chocolates on the pillow. Is that fleetwide?

[jimswims]

Cubechick' date='

Tks for the info about Swiss Connections closing because Bob went over there last yr and planned to do the same.

 

Where is the new visitors' center? Did you happen to notice prices at the internet there?

 

On the last several cruises we've been on, we've had both the traditional latitudes party held up in Spinnakers with the passed appetizers and cocktails/wine/beer as well as an evening wine & cheese for silver, gold and platinum. Are you saying now they've discontinued the regular parties and are doing only the wine & cheese - and in the afternoon? Hope that's not the case on the Dawn.

 

Oh, and I'm reading about no more chocolates on the pillow. Is that fleetwide?[/quote']

 

Hi Barb,

 

We had both Latitudes parties on the Spirit in August. One was earlier in the week and the other later. We also had the chocolates. I am sure Aimee will give the more recent info since things may have recently changed.

[Cubechick]

Cubechick' date='

Tks for the info about Swiss Connections closing because Bob went over there last yr and planned to do the same.

 

Where is the new visitors' center? Did you happen to notice prices at the internet there?

 

On the last several cruises we've been on, we've had both the traditional latitudes party held up in Spinnakers with the passed appetizers and cocktails/wine/beer as well as an evening wine & cheese for silver, gold and platinum. Are you saying now they've discontinued the regular parties and are doing only the wine & cheese - and in the afternoon? Hope that's not the case on the Dawn.

 

Oh, and I'm reading about no more chocolates on the pillow. Is that fleetwide?[/quote']

 

Hi Barb, do you recall the gazebo that is to the right of to the ferry terminal? The Visitor's Center is just on the other side of the gazebo. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get close enough to the terminals to read their rates. Hopefully they're competitive since the Frog and Onion also offers Internet terminals.

 

There was another Latitudes party the first sea day, but it was also at 1:00 in the afternoon and we missed it (so we can't say what was served). I dislike these parties being held in the afternoon. That said, that wasn't the case on the Pearl in June. I don't recall when the Latitudes party was held on the Pearl (I think it was also earlier in the day), but I know that the silver, gold, and platinum party was in the evening and with the traditional passed appies and cocktails.

 

We didn't have chocolates on the Spirit either, but did on the Pearl, so I don't know if this is a fleet-wide change. I understand the need to cut costs, but I hope they haven't eliminated that small ammenity. I can't say that I eat every chocolate I receive, but I definitely eat a few and love having that small bite of sweetness available. You'll have to report back on what you find on the Dawn.

 

What I would love to see (perhaps others won't agree) is that they should ask people what they want in order to save costs. You could even fill out an order form before the cruise indicating your preferences (not on tiny items like the chocolates but on larger items like robes and fruit baskets) like you can do with hotels. I feel badly because we barely touch the fruit baskets we receive (although I was disappointed to find that our basket this time did not come with wine for the first time).

 

HTH!

 

Aimee

[bluesea777]

Great review. We will be on the Spirit in 2011 - I know it's far away but vacation choices must be made... I loved your picture of the kid's pool. How big / deep is it ? What age group would you see in that pool ? My kids will be 15 / 11 / 9 by then - will it be too 'kiddee' pool for them ? (I guess the answer is probably yes for the 15 yr but for the two others ?)

 

Thanks

 

We were on Spirit when our DS was 12 - he stayed away from the kiddo's pool and used the adult one with us.

[asirign475]

We just got off the Spirit on the 11th & my 4 year old was so dissapointed in not having the little chocolates on her pilow at night. This was her 5 th cruise so she was waiting for them. The room stewarts said all boats in NCL stopped them. Anyone know if this is true? The room stewarts did try to make her laugh by making towel monkeys for her every night.

[debjo]

What cabin or cabin category did you sail in on the Spirit? I'm a bit confused because you said you didn't have a refrigerator, but were able to eat b'fast/lunch at Cagney's. I thought all the suites had refrigerators and only "suite" guests could eat at Cagney's.

 

Being a chocoholic, I'm going to miss my pre-slumber chocolate tidbit...I really don't want that tradition to be taken away from my cruises.

 

Debjo

[biker@sea]

We just got off the Spirit on the 11th & my 4 year old was so dissapointed in not having the little chocolates on her pilow at night. This was her 5 th cruise so she was waiting for them. The room stewarts said all boats in NCL stopped them. Anyone know if this is true? The room stewarts did try to make her laugh by making towel monkeys for her every night.

 

There is a chocolate fountain in raffles at times where the staff will dip marshmallows, pineapples, cookies and such for you.

[pratzert]

I don't recall how deep the children's pool aft is, but I do recall its not very deep. Appeared to me children of elementary school age would enjoy that pool the most. I am sure teenagers would prefer the other lido deck pool instead. However, teenagers may get in that pool with their younger brothers and sisters. From my eyes that aft pool isn't deeper than three feet at its deepest...

 

Don,

 

As I remember it, the kids pool was not very deep at all....only about knee deep.

 

Tim

[Don Haynes]

One can buy those little chocolates at many grocery stores. If you have to have one before going to sleep, one can always buy and bring them. They aren't that expensive..... Improve your cruise yourself.....

[coka]

Hi Cubechick! Enjoyed your review and pictures. Will there be a day 7 and hopefully more photos? I think the Spirit is an absolutely beautiful ship.

 

coka

[mbisson]

Hi Cubechick! Enjoyed your review and pictures. Will there be a day 7 and hopefully more photos? I think the Spirit is an absolutely beautiful ship.

 

coka

 

It might be a while for a reply. New England is on TV and Aimee is a big Patriots fan ;)

[Cubechick]

Monte knows me well. :D You'll have to wait 'til half time. ;)

[Cubechick]

Okay, here is the final installment (I need something else to think about besides this nail-biter of a game!):

 

Day Seven:

 

Mother Nature gave me a wake-up call at 3:30 am. The ship was rockin’ and rollin’ and the door to our balcony had slid open a bit and was whistlin’ up a storm. Got up, shut balcony door, locked it this time, went back to bed and tried to sleep. Storm outside increased its force, and the ship added a shudder here and there to top off the rolling. The Captain later confirmed that we were going through a Force 9 storm with 12-16 foot seas and 50+ mph winds. Seems we can sail the Spirit without passing through a bit of a storm. :rolleyes: By mid-afternoon, the waves had subsided, but the ship was still rolling as the winds were broadsiding us at 40+ mph.

 

But I’m getting ahead of myself. We went to the buffet for a quick breakfast and ran into Sean. We had a nice conversation about cruise ship life and his upcoming vacation (he leaves on September 25th). He brought up the Indian dinner again and we expressed regret that we couldn’t make it. He asked what our dinner plans were that night and we told him we’d just hit the buffet since we had packing to do. He paused and asked “Would you like to try some of the Indian food?”, a few more questions followed (what time we like to eat, etc) and next thing I know he’s telling us to show up at the Garden restaurant at 7:00. Surprise!

 

I called our friends’ stateroom and left a message letting them know about our new dinner plans and to confirm what time we were going to meet in Henry’s.

 

Packing begins (boo!), we walk around the ship,

 

(love the teak Promenade deck)

 

 

(Promenade Friend)

 

 

(Secret Room)

 

 

then go to Henry’s for our last listen to Mario.

 

We arrive at the Garden Restaurant not knowing what to expect. People are in line, being given pagers, and when I approach the podium I say, “I believe we have a reservation.” I provide our cabin number and, of course we did. We were quickly led to a table for four and there was a bit of confusion as we weren’t given menus. Then a keen eyed waiter noticed we didn’t have menus and brought them. When our waitress appeared to take our order we had to explain that the HD had set something up for us.

 

All I can say is if you have a chance to try the Taste of India on the Spirit, do not hesitate! My past experience with Indian cuisine has been okay. I can take it or leave it. The wife of the couple we were sailing with had only one experience with Indian food and she hated it (but was there to be a good sport). The “meal” began when the waitress brought out a drink composed of yogurt and a fresh mango puree. This was beautifully presented in a champagne flute with a mango garnish and a swirl of raspberry in the glass for a pop of color. A delicious and soothing drink (and I don’t even like mango). Then the food began to arrive. OMG. This was the best food ever. Appetizers that were some sort of dough filled with potato inside one type and a spicy filling in the other and fried to perfection. We sampled multiple types of curry chicken and lamb. Had a soup that was a vegetarian broth with a lentil base that was simply amazing. I don’t think I’ve ever experienced such an explosion of flavors from something so seemingly simple. More curries came out (chicken and fish this time), a delicious vegetarian rice, a sauce with a leek base and a potato filled flat bread. Dessert was a warm rice pudding and almond toasts in a buttery saffron sauce (how the toast managed to retain a crunch in the center is beyond me).

 

The Executive Sous Chef, Baiju Ravindran, was kind enough to come out and explain to us what we’d enjoyed and the methods of preparation. His excitement at being able to create these dishes was contagious. I’m so grateful to him and to Sean that we were able to have this spectacular meal. All of us agreed that the meal was fantastic and there was not one element that we did not enjoy.

 

Back to reality. It was time to finish packing and begin our farewell to the Spirit. At least we had some football to watch since they were broadcasting the opening game of the NFL season.

 

Day Eight:

 

Two surprises…one pleasant, one not so much. The not so much one was that it was 61 degrees and overcast when we arrived in Boston. Yuck! Where was my Bermuda sunshine?

 

Good surprise, the Dawn was backing in right behind us.

 

 

We’ve now seen the Dawn more times in port than we’ve actually sailed her. :D

 

A final buffet breakfast…a final check of the cabin to make sure nothing had been left behind, then it was off to meet Erika one last time.

 

I can’t say enough about Erika. She really made our cruise a delight.

 

We were pleasantly surprised to find Sean standing on the Promenade deck wishing the departing passengers well. After another profuse thanks on our part for a great cruise and a final handshake, our cards were swiped the final time and we followed the ramp down to our luggage.

 

 

Each time I think that NCL can’t get any better is does. They have real jewels with Sean and Erika and the rest of the Spirit crew. We hope to sail with them both again soon!

[veggie59]

Thanks for the rest of your review.....we sail Friday!

 

Also.......go PATS!.........they better score soon. :)

[biker@sea]

Great review. Thank again for setting up the M&G It was the best one I have been to. So good to meet you all.

Gary

[Cubechick]

WooooooHoooooo Patriots!!!!!!! I never doubted!!!! :rolleyes:

 

BTW I realized in my rush to post I left off a couple of nice surprises from our room stewards Miller and Lee.

 

First I had never had the Gorilla towel animal before:

 

 

Two thumbs up! But then, the next morning...my gorilla, had become a monkey of leisure:

 

 

 

It is truly the little things that make life great!

[Cubechick]

Great review. Thank again for setting up the M&G It was the best one I have been to. So good to meet you all.

Gary

 

Thanks, Gary, it was great meeting you and Cheryl (and running into a few times that last day! :D). We'll definitely make sure to check out your friend's shop!!! ;)

[debjo]

Cubechick...Thanks for taking us along on your cruise...in just a few more days, I'll be able to experience it for myself. It was nice that you got the red carpet treatment from everyone...it really makes a cruise special when that happens. Like everyone says, the SPIRIT has great officers, staff & crew members!

 

And for Don Haynes...Thanks for the tip about the pillow chocolates...rather than bring my own along...I may just pick some up in Bermuda to treat myself!

 

Debjo