Spirit Suite Life Was So Sweet (review 2/20-2/27)

[russianmom]

yep, we are going on the Sun in Feb, next year. BTW, I really have been here with my mouth flapping all the time as usual.

 

Nita

 

 

Ok, I guess we just haven't been on the same posts. I was worried maybe someone was sick or something had happened.

What is your itinerary for next year?

[newmexicoNita]

Ok, I guess we just haven't been on the same posts. I was worried maybe someone was sick or something had happened.

What is your itinerary for next year?

 

Not anything really new, but Pat hasn't been on the Sun and I love the ship. We will be going to Nasau, ST Thomas, San Juan and the private Island. It has been years since we have done any of them and Pat has never been to the private Island.

 

Nita

[luv2c00k]

Not anything really new, but Pat hasn't been on the Sun and I love the ship. We will be going to Nasau, ST Thomas, San Juan and the private Island. It has been years since we have done any of them and Pat has never been to the private Island.

 

Nita

 

 

I want to go with one of you guys next year!!! August 2012 for Hawaii seems so far away I can't even get interested in planning yet.

[russianmom]

I want to go with one of you guys next year!!! August 2012 for Hawaii seems so far away I can't even get interested in planning yet.

 

 

I'm trying to finagle (?sp) something for August this year out of NY or someplace driveable... Come join us!!!:D

[luv2c00k]

I'm trying to finagle (?sp) something for August this year out of NY or someplace driveable... Come join us!!!:D

 

 

Let me know what you decide. We have a couple bicycle trips planned for July/August so would depend on what/when you decide to go. I wish NCL went out of Baltimore.

[maximusprime22]

If you could make a recommendation, would it be that we plan for going to the specialty restaurants? I have a feeling they will be much better than main dining rooms (especially when things like waits are included in the equation).

 

Do you recommend room service? We have a balcony and I think it'd be great to just do mornings in our room with some eggs.

[luv2c00k]

If you could make a recommendation, would it be that we plan for going to the specialty restaurants? I have a feeling they will be much better than main dining rooms (especially when things like waits are included in the equation).

 

Do you recommend room service? We have a balcony and I think it'd be great to just do mornings in our room with some eggs.

 

If you like Indian food I highly recommend the Taste of India dinner - just fantastic! We ate at Shoguns, Cagneys & Le Bistro. We felt the food in Le Bistro was the best however there was a long wait between courses so if you have plans for later keep that in mind. Cagneys was great - food & service. Shoguns was probably our least favorite - that was due to a food issue. My DH ordered the Kung Pao Chicken - which he gets many places. This version was loaded with green & red peppers that were not listed in the menu description. He has an aversion to them so had to pick them out. I know - he could have sent it back -but that is just not his thing.

 

We did not have long waits for Windows or The Garden restaurants. The message boards they have around the ship are great for helping decide where to eat.

 

Can't answer room service questions since we usually do not use it.

[russianmom]

If you could make a recommendation, would it be that we plan for going to the specialty restaurants? I have a feeling they will be much better than main dining rooms (especially when things like waits are included in the equation).

 

Do you recommend room service? We have a balcony and I think it'd be great to just do mornings in our room with some eggs.

 

 

We did 1/2 of our dinners in the main dining rooms. In 3 cruises on NCL I have never had to wait more than 5 minutes for a table. The other 1/2 we did specialty dining. The food in the MDR is not bad- it's just plain and uninspired.

 

I agree with Luv2cOOk- the Taste of India was outstanding.

 

I believe the room sevice menu for non-suites is very limited. I only ever got chicken soup and chicken fingers once for my son.

[davesgirl51]

What a joy to read your review ! Though I have only been on the Spirit twice, she remains my favorite ship thus far. The only complaint I ever had was that the hair dryer usually burned my hand long before my hair was dry. Has she been refurbished with new dryers ?

 

Perhaps we will sail together 1 day or pass each other in the grocery store - especially if your Snow Cty, CT is the same as mine :).

[russianmom]

What a joy to read your review ! Though I have only been on the Spirit twice, she remains my favorite ship thus far. The only complaint I ever had was that the hair dryer usually burned my hand long before my hair was dry. Has she been refurbished with new dryers ?

 

Perhaps we will sail together 1 day or pass each other in the grocery store - especially if your Snow Cty, CT is the same as mine :).

 

 

Thankfully I have long thick straight hair that never requires a blowdryer!!!! They are still the old vacuum hose ones but maybe that will change after the Sept drydock:confused:

 

 

I really live in Fairfield County which has had more than it's fair share of snow this winter:(

[kcfoxy]

I've really loved this review, so many good, detailed bits and descriptive enough that one feels they rather 'know' your DS and the amazing concierge, Belle.

 

You mentioned Belle would be leaving the Spirit for her next bid/ship...do you know when that is supposed to transpire??? BTW: we are sailing this same itinierary May 1st and although I'm an RN, a hobby of making my own from scratch soaps, lotions and creams has me adding some special little gifties in addition to tips for those who raise the level of service to a fine art.

 

For example, Victor Bodden of the wonderful Isla Roatan tours and monkeys, happens to have a pretty fantastic wife, (name?). When I read she baked a special birthday cake for an 80 year old woman who happened to visit during this special event, I was duly touched.

She likes the scent of vanilla according to DH Victor...

 

Of course this will not take the place of any well earned monetary tip. Loved your story and pictures of school supplies donated/give out to the orphans as well. What wonderful ways of expressing friendship and true kindness!

 

Now, for the main question, I haven't seen answered in over 7 months of weekly pouring over CC boards and other travel forums. For those pax flying into Nola/not driving their own vehicle, exactly what happens when you reach the Erato Cruise Pier?

 

I've read that pax on foot cannot 'cut' through the Convention Center, a lot of stairs are involved, and there's a lengthy walk going around the CC looking for the entrance to the Cruise Dock entranceway. Alternately that pax with their own vehicles are dropped off inside the parking structure on such and such a level.

 

Is there a closeby entrance for pax arriving by taxi? I ask, because frankly getting around with a tripod cane is a bother...can walk about a long city block at one time but that's about it. So for airports/lengthy amounts of standing walking then I need rely on other transportation.

 

Don't need a special on-board accomodation..others much more disabled require that, and know the suite life will help cut down waiting for tenders, chocolate buffets and the like, and now that both Costa Maya and Cozumel (e.g. the long docks) have helper transport for those of us falling between the cracks in terms of able bodied vs WC or ECV/scooter pax.

 

If there's something like the airports where loaner manual WCs can be used/and or a quick way into the cruise dock building itself that would be so helpful/reassuring to know. And yes, I have posed this question-in brief-in both specialty and home port sections of CC, but so far no responses.

 

(BTW: simple use of well known antibiotics caused a patellar (knee) rendon rupture, which I was able to recognize in the early stages last Summer. Fortunately for others, this far from rare adverse effect is now listed in the drug handout's 'black box' warning for Doctors and patients alike.

 

At first this meant my knee was highly unstable when walking, and although I immediately stopped the medication, damage can progess for up to 6 months afterwards. If you think of not having the connection between your thigh and lower leg in the front, then getting up from a standing position, turning over in bed/trying to put on pants or shoes, walking et al becames both painful and difficult.)

 

Not trying to steal the OP thread, which is adventures of a wonderful nature on NCL Spirit, but just background into these specific but particular questions affecting our upcoming cruise. Now, as my tendon begins repairing itself, there is much less discomfort, plane travel is doable once again but a knee brace and cane remain necessary so that both of us can enjoy life to its fullest.

 

Thanks once again for this excellent and very newsy review and the super photos as well.

And you've got less than one year to go for your next cruise adventure!

[Mindy1]

Just off the Spirit last week. Belle is leaving on vacation in June and will be back on Spirit until at least Feb. I booked the same suite for Jan. 8 just to cruise with Belle again.

[kcfoxy]

Just off the Spirit last week. Belle is leaving on vacation in June and will be back on Spirit until at least Feb. I booked the same suite for Jan. 8 just to cruise with Belle again.

 

Oh that's so fine to hear she will still be on board for May cruisers to experience!

[russianmom]

Just off the Spirit last week. Belle is leaving on vacation in June and will be back on Spirit until at least Feb. I booked the same suite for Jan. 8 just to cruise with Belle again.

 

 

Are you sure? I emailed with her last week and she again mentioned her next contract is going to be on the Star...

[Mindy1]

We just got off the ship on the 3rd and said we would see her in Jan. She said she know's she will be there until Feb.

[russianmom]

I've really loved this review, so many good, detailed bits and descriptive enough that one feels they rather 'know' your DS and the amazing concierge, Belle.

 

You mentioned Belle would be leaving the Spirit for her next bid/ship...do you know when that is supposed to transpire???

. Loved your story and pictures of school supplies donated/give out to the orphans as well. What wonderful ways of expressing friendship and true kindness!

 

Now, for the main question, I haven't seen answered in over 7 months of weekly pouring over CC boards and other travel forums. For those pax flying into Nola/not driving their own vehicle, exactly what happens when you reach the Erato Cruise Pier?

 

I've read that pax on foot cannot 'cut' through the Convention Center, a lot of stairs are involved, and there's a lengthy walk going around the CC looking for the entrance to the Cruise Dock entranceway. Alternately that pax with their own vehicles are dropped off inside the parking structure on such and such a level.

 

Is there a closeby entrance for pax arriving by taxi? I ask, because frankly getting around with a tripod cane is a bother...can walk about a long city block at one time but that's about it. So for airports/lengthy amounts of standing walking then I need rely on other transportation.

 

Thanks once again for this excellent and very newsy review and the super photos as well.

And you've got less than one year to go for your next cruise adventure!

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it! I'm almost sure Belle said she was going to the Star. I can email her again tomorrow.

 

We took a cab to the terminal because of stopping at Walmart and stroller, luggage etc. They dropped us off just a few short feet from the entrance door to security. We only waited a few minutes as we walked thru the line and into the screening area. Then it was a few more steps to the check-in desk.

 

The terminal is quite large and the walk to the restrooms was long. The walk from the VIP lounge onto the ship was not very long but for regular passengers it may be a bit further. Not sure if they have hweelchairs for use like in an airport. maybe email the access desk before hand and ask??

 

I'm sorry about your knee- being unable to walk freely must be so discouraging. Hopefully you will continue to mend!

 

Enjoy- I'm counting down until my next trip 311 more days!!

[slowroller62]

I am sad to report Belle is going to the Star for her next contract:(

 

I will be on the Star for April 30th cruise. Hope I have her for my cruise.

[Mindy1]

If you hear something different from Belle let us know and enjoy your cruise.

[davesgirl51]

Thankfully I have long thick straight hair that never requires a blowdryer!!!! They are still the old vacuum hose ones but maybe that will change after the Sept drydock:confused:

 

 

I really live in Fairfield County which has had more than it's fair share of snow this winter:(

 

LOL I used to live in Fairfield and moved up to Litchfield in December but I still spend a lot of time in Greenwich with my grandson :)

[russianmom]

I just got an email from her and she WILL be back on the Spirit instead of the Star....

 

I’ll be onboard the SPIRIT until June and then coming back home onboard the Spirit August, 2011 – Feb 2012.

[russianmom]

LOL I used to live in Fairfield and moved up to Litchfield in December but I still spend a lot of time in Greenwich with my grandson :)

 

 

I live in Darien. I'm sure in Litchfield you saw quite a bit more snow than we did down here on the coast...

[kcfoxy]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it! I'm almost sure Belle said she was going to the Star. I can email her again tomorrow.

 

We took a cab to the terminal because of stopping at Walmart and stroller, luggage etc. They dropped us off just a few short feet from the entrance door to security. We only waited a few minutes as we walked thru the line and into the screening area. Then it was a few more steps to the check-in desk.

 

The terminal is quite large and the walk to the restrooms was long. The walk from the VIP lounge onto the ship was not very long but for regular passengers it may be a bit further. Not sure if they have hweelchairs for use like in an airport. maybe email the access desk before hand and ask??

 

I'm sorry about your knee- being unable to walk freely must be so discouraging. Hopefully you will continue to mend!

 

Enjoy- I'm counting down until my next trip 311 more days!!

 

That makes me feel much better knowing we would be dropped off very close to the security entrance at the Terminal, AND that Belle really truly will be there...now I just need to know whether she'd like Lavender, Lilac, Vanilla, Mango or Pomegranate lotion/soap giftie with her well-deserved tip ;-)

 

Casey and Richard will be 2 huge fans even before meeting her. Suite Life 10022 can't wait...just 3 more weeks till we fly into Nola and then our very first NCL cruise!!!

[davesgirl51]

I live in Darien. I'm sure in Litchfield you saw quite a bit more snow than we did down here on the coast...

 

Four feet easy that hung around awhile with the ice :eek:

[1luckycruiser1]

This is my first review... I will try to cover the things that were important to us and also answer some of the questions I saw on here before we left.

I am going to try uploading some pictures:confused:

 

Travelling was myself (40), my husband (42) and our son who turned 5 while onboard. This was my son’s and my 3rd NCL cruise and my husband's 1st. I have previously travelled on Crystal, Celebrity, Princess and the now defunct Cruise West.

 

We flew down to New Orleans early Saturday morning from NY. Took a cab to the Drury Inn- it was $14/person. Dropped off our luggage and set out to explore. We walked to the Louisiana Children's Museum and spent about an hour and a half there. It was $8/person. We wanted to have lunch at Mother's but the line was out the door and around the corner. We walked down towards the French Quarter and my son wanted to eat at Hard Rock (not my first choice with so many other fun/good restaurants available but it was fine and fast)

 

We walked around some more and then went into The New Orleans Wine Institute and purchased 9 bottles of wine to bring on board. I asked if they would ever deliver to the port and the sales girl said “no”!

 

We walked around some more and stopped in CVS for a few last minute supplies. This was the first night of Mardi Gras so we hightailed it out of the French Quarter by about 5pm as we did not want to blind our 4 year old!!!! Back to the hotel for “Kickback” which included a card for 3 free drinks plus appetizers like salad, hot dogs, baked potato, meatballs, chicken fingers, chips/salsa. My son took a quick swim in the roof top pool- pretty fun as we flew in from cold and snow! We were exhausted after getting up at 4am to travel and went back to the room and fell asleep without dinner!!

 

Woke up for the free hot breakfast- eggs, sausage gravy and biscuits, Belgian waffles, fruit. Hopped on the St Charles streetcar and rode it to Tulane- very beautiful houses/gardens. Walked around a bit and back to the hotel to head to the port. We grabbed a cab and asked to stop at Wal-Mart which is very close to the port (we were getting school supplies the bring to Roatan-more on that later) Cost with waiting time was $35+$10tip- for waiting for me for 20 min!!

 

DAY 1 EMBARKATION

We got to the port around 10:30-porters took our luggage- we tipped $2/bag. Went thru a very short security line and were directed to the table to pay for the wine- $15/bottle, no questions asked. Then we headed to the line for suite check-in. This was quick and easy. We were directed into a side room where there was coffee, tea and pastries. Here we met Belle. She explained what she was able to do for us and asked if we had any specialty restaurant reservations we wanted. We told her we were celebrating our son’s 5th birthday and would like to go to Teppanyaki Friday night. She said no problem- it’s all set. Then we were escorted right to our suite. We went in, dropped our carry-ons and set off to explore. I would say it was 11 or maybe 11:30 at the very latest.

 

We were in aft Penthouse Suite 9210- It had a living room with table and 4 chairs, 2 smaller side chairs, a couch that opened to be a twin bed for our son. There was also a large flat screen tv(?32”) and dvd player. The “hallway” had a “closet” with 5 shelves. The bedroom had a pocket door to close it off from the living room. King size bed, closet w/ sliding doors and a few shelves plus 2 safes. There was a smaller flat screen(19”?) and more shelves plus 5 drawers. The bathroom was separated from the bedroom by heavy curtains- made it nice and dark for sleeping. The bathroom had double sinks, a Jacuzzi and a separate area for the shower plus separate toilet area. There was also a small vanity area with 4 drawers.My only complaint here was that I wish the vanity had a larger mirror over it. The TV had CNN, BBC, E, plus a few others I can’t remember plus a few “cruise” channels and also played movies on a rotating schedule.

 

 

After a bit of exploring, the ship did not look run down to us, we went to Cagney’s for lunch. I had the veal ragu over papardelle, my son had the crab cakes and my husband the ahi tuna burger. All were tasty and the servers were friendly and efficient.

 

We next headed to the kids pool- this is one of my few complaints. The pool is supposed to be for 12 and under. There were a lot of bigger kids running and horsing around on the slides with no parents in sight and I worried that my small build 4 yo was going to get hurt. I also saw a few younger children with pampers or swim diapers in the pool and hot tub. I decided to investigate further as the last thing I want or need is my son with a gastrointestinal illness. An activity staff member came by and I asked him what the rule was- his answer was “we have a sign posted”. I went to look for the sign and found a very small sign with rules and “no diapers” was one of the last rules. I also saw a note at the bottom of the back page on the daily and a small note in the 3 ring binder that was in our room…. I can now see why people claim to not know this rule but the pool had to be closed twice for accidents… You would think that the staff time and effort would make them enforce this more but …. I guess not.

My husband enjoyed a Mojito while I had a Bloody Mary- also both tasty! (each was 8ish dollars in that plastic souvenir glass)

 

We went to the quick and painless muster/lifeboat drill. We were supposed to have an informal meet and greet w/ fellow CC’er’s in the Bier Garten. The band was playing by the pool so my son wanted to go down there and dance so we didn’t get to meet our fellow CC’er’s. Our luggage was in the room before the drill.

 

We met Mansur our butler and told him that our only request was cheese, crackers and fruit for our evening hors ‘oeuvres. He explained the Lavazza coffee maker (we don’t drink coffee- but it made tea as well so we were happy) and told us about the DVD library.

 

For dinner we went to Windows so I could meet the Maître d’ regarding my food allergies... NCL is very good with this- more on that later. There was no wait to be seated- just a few people in line in front of us that moved quickly as they were shown to tables. I had a steak, my son had fish and my husband had… I can’t remember. All were fine but plain- in 3 cruises I have never found the food to be terrible, disgusting or inedible. Even with my multiple food allergies I have always been able to find plenty of things to eat and always leave feeling full. It’s plain but as my husband said- what do you expect when they are cooking for 1000 +/- people. My son fell asleep during dinner so our night was over!

 

The ride down the Mississippi was not rough but there was a lot of vibration in the cabin that night until we hit the open water- my husband slept thru it!

 

The staff that we encountered were all very friendly and everyone took the time to say hello or high five my son. He was excited to get right to kid’s club but that was not to be this night! Our balcony was perfect for us to enjoy a drink and snacks and we watched the sunset while smiling!

 

1luckycruiser1 here to as you some questions,,,, i have really enjoyed reading your review and looking at all your pictures... your shore pictures were faboulous!!! I will be going with my Aunt and we want to only do the Beach excursions.. your pictures showed us exactly what we want. Can you give me the names of the excursions for me to book. And did you book on the ship or before you left?

[russianmom]

1luckycruiser1 here to as you some questions,,,, i have really enjoyed reading your review and looking at all your pictures... your shore pictures were faboulous!!! I will be going with my Aunt and we want to only do the Beach excursions.. your pictures showed us exactly what we want. Can you give me the names of the excursions for me to book. And did you book on the ship or before you left?

 

 

I booked everything way before we left.

I usually only do private tours not ship sponsored ones

 

Costa Maya- Maya Chan booked on their website 6 mos in advance(already booked again for next year)

 

Belize- my husband did the discover scuba thru the ship. No beaches are close to the port you will need to go to one of the tendered beaches such as Caulker Caye etc

 

Roatan- West Bay beach area- booked Rony's tours ahead 6 mos in advance via their website

 

Cozumel- Nachi Cocem booked 6 mos in advance thru their website