NCL Spirit advice

[celoplyr]

My husband and I have decided in the last week to take a cruise. Since his parents want to come we are pretty sure we're going to do the Spirit out of New Orleans in May (exact week still tbd). We're really excited about the itinerary.

 

He and I have taken a cruise before but a 4 night Carnival. His parents have never cruised. He tends to be an overplanner. So any advice, tips, tricks, things to do etc. would be very helpful. Even if they're basic NCL things- or basic 7 day cruise advice:)

 

What shows would you make sure you went to see? Any traditions I can't miss? Best shore excursions for a first timer to these places (Belize, Costa Maya, Roatan and Cozumel)? How would you recommend to keep costs down- we're both grad students so this is going to stress the budget a bit. But I'd like some tips if there's any must do restaurant (or if they have cheaper lunches etc.)

 

And it looks like it doesn't have minigolf. Does it (we LOVE minigolf!! But too hard to play when the ship is moving)?

[Twin A]

Hi there,

 

My sister and I sailed this itinerary last month to celebrate our birthday.

 

Some Tips:

The embarkation process begins with a wait outside when sailing out of New Orleans, so keep that in mind if the weather is iffy (it was cold, windy, and lightly snowing the day we left).

 

If they're offering Dancing With the NCL Stars on the last night - go! We'd only planned to stay for a short while but ended up watching the whole show. It was pretty funny.

 

The Taste of India dinner ($20) was really good! :) You're served over 20 traditional Indian courses over the course of 2 hours. And the food is wonderful. Just be sure to inform them of any food allergies. I have a nut allergy and they were VERY accommodating - even made dishes especially for me instead of just leaving me out of some of the options.

 

Look for hottubs in the sun. I picked one because it was empty but soon realized it was in the shade and the water was uncomfortably cool (which is probably why the hottub was empty in the first place). :o

 

Roatan's port has a great selection of stores and restaurants, and most of the prices were reasonable. There's also a zipline company there if that's your thing. My sister inherited the adventurous genes, but I went with her because I knew how much she wanted to go. It was fun, exciting, and thrilling, but I don't know if I'd ever do it again.

 

Cozumel's port boasts that it's the only shopping mall in Cozumel. There are a LOT of stores and carts selling tshirts, jewelry, pottery - everything. I'd suggest taking a look through all of the stores first before buying anything. The prices differ from store to store and you can save quite a bit by shopping around.

 

My sister and I weren't impressed with NCL's lack of daytime activities. I'd been on 2 previous cruises with NCL (3 days) and expected to have that same level of excitement. This was my sister's first cruise and didn't live up to the hype that I had created. She's moved on to Carnival :rolleyes: (taking a 7 day in June with her hubby), but I'm not giving up on NCL yet! All of that to say that it might be a good idea to bring a laptop or DVD player with some movies, more than one book, etc., to help those at-sea days pass a little quicker.

 

Take one dollar bills! We weren't prepared for the amount of tipping during shore excursions, cab rides, etc., and had to keep getting change.

 

Some other basics that you might know already since you've cruised before:

Take an alarm clock (cell phones don't keep correct time on the ocean, and my boyfriend and I found out the hard way that the wake-up calls don't always work).

Pack a bathing suit in your carryon if you're a waterbaby - there'll be time to hit the pool before your room is ready.

Irons are not available in staterooms, but you can check one out to use for a short time period.

Extra hangers and an extension cord with extra plugs come in handy (there was only one outlet in our balcony room on the Spirit).

Getting a balcony is totally worth it - just watch out for the sea salt.

 

Shore Excursion Ideas

Our favorite shore excursion was the Mexican Cuisine Workshop and Tasting in Cozumel. The chefs were very personable with a sense of humor who made the event so enjoyable. And it was great to sit and eat a lunch of our own creation while chatting with and getting to know some of the other participants. Plus the resort that hosted the shore excursion was beautiful.

 

I'd suggest booking a shore excursion for Costa Maya. My sister and I didn't, thinking we'd just enjoy the pool area at the port. But we felt constantly harassed by the vendors, more so than at any other place. The vendors just didn't take "no" for an answer and kept pressing us to buy something. We took a cab to Mahajual, the fishing village, thinking things would be better. We only lasted 5 minutes there. After getting mobbed by vendors and having a guy try to kiss us, we hopped in a cab and spent the rest of the day on the ship.

 

I heard from a friend I met on the cruise that the dolphin encounter was great fun and worth the price.

 

We really enjoyed the culture tour in Roatan. I don't remember the names of all of our stops (in my notes somewhere), but we took a canoe ride through a mangrove tunnel and saw a traditional dance being performed, among other things. There was a tour guide on the bus with us who gave highlights throughout the tour.

 

Wow! I didn't mean for this post to be so long :eek:, but I hope it helps!

[GORDONCHICK]

One of the coolest things to do when sailing out of NOLA is to hang out on deck and enjoy the trip down the Mighty Mississippi! In May, you'd have lots more daylight than we did in January and we still enjoyed watching the little towns along the river disappear.

 

The Spirit is a lovely ship - nice size, great design and easy to find your way around the ship. The crew talent show is usually good, but I don't know what the current shows are so I can't offer help there. Try to make it to the MDR for breakfast at least once during the cruise - it's nice to be served instead of the hustle and bustle of the buffet (works best on a sea day).

 

I can't begin to offer specific excursion suggestions because you didn't offer much info about what you like. Belize has the Mayan ruins, Altun Ha, and it's also popular for cave tubing. Belize is one place you will want to take some kind of excursion because there is nothing at the port (tender in) except shopping. We have a guide we contact when we are headed to Belize so that's who we use. Cozumel is a place where you can easily just walk around on your own or even get independent excursions. We've never had a problem with vendors at Costa Maya or Mahajual - a simple "no thank you" was enough, and we've enjoyed going into the little fishing village, enjoyed the beach, massages on the beach, and the swing bars. We haven't gotten to Roatan yet, but I have an old friend who lived there over the summer and she has promised to hook us up with people if we ever get there.

[garycarla]

Good advice above.

 

Also, read some reviews. If you do a search here on Spirit, you will find lots of people that have done this cruise multiple times.

 

Hang back. Relax. Enjoy the ship is my best advice.

[98Charlie]

Spirit is one of our favorite ships. We just returned 2 weeks ago from our 4th trip on her and have booked again for November.

 

Belize is a tender port. The ride in is about 15 minutes and it docks at the tourist village. There is shopping there and there are vendors that can take care of excursions. We personally would not leave the village to walk about the immediate area. Depending on what you like there is cave tubing, snorkeling, trips to ruins, etc. We usually stop by the Wet Lizard for conch fritters and Belikin beer. They have a great view from the balcony where you can watch the bay.

 

Costa Maya we usually take the taxi or bus to Majahual ($3pp to go/$2pp to return) and hang out at one of the beach side restaurants with some appetizers and cold drinks. Tapas bar is our normal haunt for that stop.

 

Roatan we use Ronys Tours (http://www.ronystours.com). They will custom make your tour for whatever you want to do. There are a lot of "attractions" like the Monkey Farm, Butterfly farm, Iguanas, Cameo factory, etc. We had supplies to drop off at an orphanage this past trip.

 

We also ate at Ronys mom's restaurant. It is located in Coxen Hole in the Barrio Suampo (Swamp Neighborhood). It is several streets back from the main road in a local neighborhood. The food was excellent and very fresh. We both had shrimp dishes.

 

Cozumel has tons of shopping along with popular beaches. If you do shop in San Miguel (the port town of Cozumel) you may find better bargains a street or two back from the main street (Rafael E. Melgar).

 

Charlie

[samdham]

There used to be a fancy mini golf place in Cozumel, I don't know if it's still there. I bet there would be some mention of it on the Cozumel board. Not on the ship, but way more stable!

[ProudFossil]

Having just returned from the Western Caribbean (not on the Spirit though) I have two recommendations.

 

In Roatan use BananaRama to get to the beach. Lovely snorkeling, good food and facilities. Google BananaRama to get the link. Cost about $35 for round trip including a welcome drink and beach lounge/chair.

 

In Cozumel go to Paradise Beach. Snorkeling not too good but tons of water play things for the kids, nice beach, lots of food and beach chairs. Any taxi will get you there.

 

Mike

[trouble1964]

We booked a private tour in Roatan with Victor Boden tours after reading the reviews here and on another site that gives "trip advice" and reviews. Everything we read about Boden was good. For the 2 of us, it is $40/pp and $5 extra/pp to go to the monkey place (whatever it is called) and $7/pp extra for the butterfly farm. The tour will last as long as we want it to. We are really looking forward to it.

 

Neither of us are real beach people, but we do want to spend a little time on a beach relaxing in the shade. Not sure which port we will do that in yet. I've read that alot of the safety regulations are pretty lax in the ports---such as not enough life jackets on board fishing boats, etc---so I don't think we will do any boating.

[Susie51]

The White Hot Party is lots of fun. In Oct. on Spirit we had a great cruise staff that encourage pax to get up and dance with them. In 19 days I will be on Jewel and the WHP is on my top 5 things to do on this cruise.

 

The theater arrangement is strange on the Spirit. I suggest entering it on deck 7. The first night we came in on deck 8. It was awkward to find a seat.

 

I did not see a mini-golf on the Spirit, while I checked out all of the decks and did laps on the jogging.

 

If you want to find a quiet place, the forward lounge on deck 7 which is past the casino is a place few people find.

[98Charlie]

The theater arrangement is strange on the Spirit. I suggest entering it on deck 7. The first night we came in on deck 8. It was awkward to find a seat.

The Stardust is odd in that it is located aft. You enter at the front of the theater (next to the stage). We eat early and then make the first show which puts us in the theater usually just a few minutes before show time.

 

We found it better to come in on deck 8 and come down from the back.

 

If you are arriving 15+ minutes before the show deck 7 is probably the better choice.

 

Charlie

[martinchem]

Try to find which port the ship will use in Roatan, there are two, it could affect the cost of your excursion. Remember to bring sand flea bug repellent to this Island if you plan to go to any beach.

[fridaythe13th]

The bridge viewing room is really interesting. The only way you can get there is go to the Spinnaker Lounge and go down the spiral staircase. We enjoy Henry's Pub and the entertainment there. They also have draft beer, popcorn and soft pretzels! They have a few tables right outside on the promenade deck if you'd rather be outside. I have pictures in my webshots link below, not sure if they're under Bermuda or Spirit. Enjoy a beautiful ship!

[alwalaska]

The White Hot Party is lots of fun. In Oct. on Spirit we had a great cruise staff that encourage pax to get up and dance with them. In 19 days I will be on Jewel and the WHP is on my top 5 things to do on this cruise.

 

The theater arrangement is strange on the Spirit. I suggest entering it on deck 7. The first night we came in on deck 8. It was awkward to find a seat.

 

I did not see a mini-golf on the Spirit, while I checked out all of the decks and did laps on the jogging.

 

If you want to find a quiet place, the forward lounge on deck 7 which is past the casino is a place few people find.

 

Is there a way to get into the lounge on deck 7 without having to walking through the casino?

[ahaught]

Where is Cigar smoking allowed on Spirit?

[98Charlie]

Where is Cigar smoking allowed on Spirit?

The Smoking Lounge is deck 12 Fwd on the starboard side between the Library and Observatory.

 

I know we saw some cigars on the Port side of the open area of deck 12. Cigars and pipes are prohibited in staterooms.

 

There is no mention in the Freestyle Daily about cigars on balconies.

 

Charlie

[fridaythe13th]

Is there a way to get into the lounge on deck 7 without having to walking through the casino?

 

Not that I'm aware of.

[Ms belp]

One of the coolest things to do when sailing out of NOLA is to hang out on deck and enjoy the trip down the Mighty Mississippi! In May, you'd have lots more daylight than we did in January and we still enjoyed watching the little towns along the river disappear.

 

The Spirit is a lovely ship - nice size, great design and easy to find your way around the ship. The crew talent show is usually good, but I don't know what the current shows are so I can't offer help there. Try to make it to the MDR for breakfast at least once during the cruise - it's nice to be served instead of the hustle and bustle of the buffet (works best on a sea day).

 

I can't begin to offer specific excursion suggestions because you didn't offer much info about what you like. Belize has the Mayan ruins, Altun Ha, and it's also popular for cave tubing. Belize is one place you will want to take some kind of excursion because there is nothing at the port (tender in) except shopping. We have a guide we contact when we are headed to Belize so that's who we use. Cozumel is a place where you can easily just walk around on your own or even get independent excursions. We've never had a problem with vendors at Costa Maya or Mahajual - a simple "no thank you" was enough, and we've enjoyed going into the little fishing village, enjoyed the beach, massages on the beach, and the swing bars. We haven't gotten to Roatan yet, but I have an old friend who lived there over the summer and she has promised to hook us up with people if we ever get there.

 

The Mississippi River absolutely amazed me. Something I was not expecting at all. As posted previously, I love the Spirit and hope we can sail her one more time before she goes.

 

Swing bars?

[98Charlie]

The Mississippi River absolutely amazed me. Something I was not expecting at all. As posted previously, I love the Spirit and hope we can sail her one more time before she goes.

 

Swing bars?

I didn't see them last time. But there were bars that had swing seats (before the hurricane at least).

 

We're also sad to see Spirit leave which is why we booked our 5th cruise on her for November:p

 

Charlie

[98Charlie]

Found a picture of a Swing Bar

 

 

Charlie

[marci4tony]

My husband and I have decided in the last week to take a cruise. Since his parents want to come we are pretty sure we're going to do the Spirit out of New Orleans in May (exact week still tbd). We're really excited about the itinerary.

 

He and I have taken a cruise before but a 4 night Carnival. His parents have never cruised. He tends to be an overplanner. So any advice, tips, tricks, things to do etc. would be very helpful. Even if they're basic NCL things- or basic 7 day cruise advice:)

 

What shows would you make sure you went to see? Any traditions I can't miss? Best shore excursions for a first timer to these places (Belize, Costa Maya, Roatan and Cozumel)? How would you recommend to keep costs down- we're both grad students so this is going to stress the budget a bit. But I'd like some tips if there's any must do restaurant (or if they have cheaper lunches etc.)

 

And it looks like it doesn't have minigolf. Does it (we LOVE minigolf!! But too hard to play when the ship is moving)?

 

Once you get your voyage booked, head over to the ROLL CALL and find your cruise - this will enable you to meet (via internet/CC) other persons that will be on the same ship. Whether or not you actually hang out with them on board will be up to you, but I guarantee you will discover and learn stuff that will be of help.

 

Major Tom - Belize - Cave Tubing. I have been with them three times; they remember me every single trip. They use "older" equipment, but the passenger/staff ratio is amazing. Trips are typically pretty small - there were 14 in our group and 4 staff. No big un-airconditioned bus for us - a small van (and even a stop at a convenience store for someone to buy some bug spray...) About an hour ride out and back, the walk is long, (Water shoes, no flip flops) but they take is slow and teach you about the jungle along the way. You can even stop for a snack of termites! (Minty Fresh!) :eek: The river goes through one or two caves - it is a very slow moving river (unless its been raining, then they are faster) - Typically pretty shallow, slow moving trip. The caves are very DARK but its something you dont get to see and experience every day. There is a gift shop and food at the site - the ride back will be a nice break; everyone is usually tired!

 

Coz - if you like beach/relaxing - I say Nacchi - about 50pp for AYCdrink and a great deal of food. Quiet. Non-crowded. That's if you want a "beach" day - Coz has some amazing places to explore - just make sure you plan ahead.

 

CM - had a rotten experience there the first time and not too excited to go back - but...I'll give it another shot. We did a "ruins" trip through Carnival - kind of a last minute deal. Very un-physical; even boring for some of the younger crowd that likes to zip line and etc. Just depends on what you want to do.

 

ROATAN - Mahogany Bay is nice - but if you do not take the opportunity to explore this paradisaical island, you are committing a grave injustice! Make sure your cab driver SPEAKS ENGLISH TOO! We made the mistake of one that didnt; made for a long day. But that is one beautiful island. We were with kids and went to Victor Boddens monkeys and zip lined there. Not terribly high - not terribly strenuous. Lots of adventure for an old coot like myself. And the kids - Well, I have photos... The MONKEYS are so much fun! Take a couple boxes of raisin bran from the ship - they will sit on your shoulder and dig out the raisins.

 

We will be going on the Spirit in December - still have a long time to wait. But I will enjoy everyone else's adventures until then! Bon Voyage

[schittenden]

Anyone remember when and if they saw latex balloons being used on board? I know somelines use them on doors for birthdays and such and bounce them around in the audience before the crew show. Any guidance you could provide would be helpful.

[98Charlie]

Anyone remember when and if they saw latex balloons being used on board? I know somelines use them on doors for birthdays and such and bounce them around in the audience before the crew show. Any guidance you could provide would be helpful.

Can't recall them ever on the Spirit.

 

Charlie

[phelios2]

On one NCL ship I saw a whole bunch of latex condoms blown up and taped to someone's door... does that count? Maybe not what you were looking for :confused:

 

Take care,

Phelios

[Abear2]

I was on the Feb.6th sailing of the Spirit for the third time and decided to book it for a fourth. Actually, I just got off the phone and it's booked for May 29th. I love this ship and the crew are some of the best you will find on any ship ! You will love this ship and the people on it. I will be back later to talk about the ports. :)

[tkportersat]

So glad to hear it :) We leave on the Spirit March 13th. Can't wait to sail on Norwegian! :D

 

I was on the Feb.6th sailing of the Spirit for the third time and decided to book it for a fourth. Actually, I just got off the phone and it's booked for May 29th. I love this ship and the crew are some of the best you will find on any ship ! You will love this ship and the people on it. I will be back later to talk about the ports. :)