Med Cruise on the Spirit-my jet lagged rant

[ConnCruise]

We just completed a 12 days Grand Mediterranean cruise on NCL's Spirit.

 

This trip takes you to Venice, Athens, Izmir ans Istanbul in Turkey, the Greek isle of Mykonos, Napes, and ports nearest to Rome and Florence\Pisa, Toulon in the south of France and finally Barcelona.

 

On a cruise like this, the ship is really not he star, just a moving hotel, a place to sleep, eat, gamble, take in a show, etc.

 

We booked this cruise due to an incredible price for a balcony stateroom, (approx $1600 each) and NCL's very progressive dress code, one that allows you to come to dinner comfortably dressed in jeans (or you can dress up too, many on our trip did.)

 

This was our 4h cruise on NCL, (my 11th total, with others on RCCL, Celebrity and HA). It was also our 4th consecutive cruise on an "older" ship, built at around the turn of the 21st century.

 

What we liked about the ship:

 

Our cabin steward was great. He kept our room maintained perfectly and came to the rescue a few times to help solve a problem or two. Great fellow.

 

Many crew members, especially those on the housekeeping staff greeted you each time you passed their way. Front line crew members were generally very eager to help resolve. Plus the security staff, while still pretty no nonsense in their approach, responded to greetings with a smile and a "how are you today, sir?" most days. Very good.

 

 

The ship was clean. (as it should always be)

 

The dress code. (see above)

The price. (more above)

 

What we did not like:

 

First, and this one has moved up in my list of stuff I'm gonna complain about: The subtle (or maybe not so subtle scare tactics that even senior staff uses to try to intimidate you into buying NCL shore excursions. Many of you have heard it and it goes like this: "...of course if you book a shore excursion with us you never need to worry about the ship leaving you behind..."

Now I understand that when you book your own tours and just use a guidebook and public transport, you are, besides saving $$$ and having a lot of fun and not getting moved about in a big giant tour bus, taking a bit of a risk. Just like life. But I really wish they would cut this out. I'm sure NCL keeps very careful records of passengers who have been left behind, so show me the numbers. If you're trying to sell me what amounts to very expensive insurance when pitching your highly profitable excursions, prove that this risk really exisits!!

If a ship has left just a hand full of folks in port over a six month period then there is not much risk that needs, as the lawyers say, mitigating. If its 100 per cruise, then maybe I do need that expensive NCL supplied trip. Show me the numbers or cut out scare tactics!

 

Another large whine from me goes to the food quality on this trip. We mostly ate in the Windows main dinning room, the other main room (name escapes me) and Raffles buffet.

First impression of Raffles (first lunch after boarding in Venice) was positive. Nice variety, some tasty selections, including Indian and Chinese. But then, day after day, we realized that the menu barely changed, the food presentation was institutional, (my cafeteria at work has better looking food) and the taste was ok, but not much better. (Hey NCL, your individually packaged Carr's Water Crackers were stale most day. Better talk to your supplier:)) NCL, on a long cruise, try a little more variety. (Last time we went, buffet on RCCL's Windjammer was way better than this.)

 

On to the main dinning rooms. Wait staff was very eager to please, but don't ask for something that's not written on the menu. A look of horror comes over their face and generally one of the supervisors comes by and by then you're sorry that you asked. (I like lettuce and tomato and a little warm toast for breakfast. Usually got a wedge of iceburg (ok, really) that almost always had a a nasty brown leaf on the outside. They couldn't clean that up, just a little?)

And what even happened to toast that served at least a little warm? Nothing like soggy, cool "toast" that's been sitting in a try for a while. And why is toasted rye such a problem? I asked for that one morning and the waiter came back and explained that he would need to go up to Raffles to get some rye, none apparently in the Windows kitchen? O.K give me whole wheat. Not such a big deal. But why is this my problem?

Dinner selections that changed each evening were IMO, unimaginative. Entrees were often served cold and presentation was weak. (non existent, what ever happened to a little bit of parsley or maybe a twist of lemon. Looked like hospital food to me. [i know as I've worked for a hospital for 15 years])

 

We went to up charge Shogun a couple of times. Presentation was good, food was average Chinese, nothing special. We also got some stuff from the sushi bar. Very good quality and taste. But of course we were paying extra for this added quality. Makes you wonder, but I won't go there as I have no evidence that NCL prepares average food in its prepaid dinning rooms and buffets to entice you to try something special at upcharge places like Shoguns?

 

But I do I want to say something nice about the food. French fries were good. Good, prepaid popcorn in the pub. Chocolate buffet was excellent. Sushi, as above, was very good.

 

Condition of the ship: We understand that this ship is an "older" vessel, built in the late 1990's. Our last 4 cruses have all been on similarly aged ships, the newest built in 2002. We have not gone on any of the new, floating Vegas style hotels, that have entered service in the last few years so I think I am comparing apples to apples.

 

Mostly the ship was very clean. Most fixtures worked, but our sliding cabin closet door did not an the two sliders in the bathroom barely moved at all. I was almost going to go out and by some WD40 and try to repair myself, but thought better of that idea and just lived with the mild inconvenience.

 

Public address announcements, in public areas were mostly unintelligible. (we found out you can also listen on your room TV) The ships PA system sucks. This could be a safety issue. They need to fix this.

 

And what is up with the persistent smell of what I think was sewerage on the aft public stairway, around decks 7,8 & 9? Also on the Promenade deck, starboard side, to the aft, same smell, every day.

 

Did I mention that the windows in many public places around the ships had failed? (double pane construction, lost its integrity and had fouled the glass, spoiling the view) Needs to be fixed, too.

 

 

Spirit is going into dry dock in January. Maybe these things will be repaired?

 

Entertainment was fine or better. The ships resident dancers and singers were good, talented kids. Nice shows. This was supplemented by a magician, a violinist, a singer and a soul review. We didn't see them all, but I'm sure they were fine, too. Didn't much care for the cruise director, Jebo or Jemo or was is Geo??? Just one name. A little too slick, but I guess that's part of the job.

 

Casino staff was the best ever. Very friendly and engaging. Even the pit bosses.

 

Photographers mostly stayed out of the way (good) except for their annoying habit of hanging out at the end of the gangway everyday, dressed in some idiotic outfits that they thought approximated the local culture, to encourage you to take a few shots. It was easy to shoo them away. Seems so 1995??

 

Special attention to NCL for their totally messed up management of a $12.50 shuttle service from the port in Livorno to the Livorno train station. They sell time stamped tickets, but we still had to wait many minutes passed our supposed departure time. Everyone had a different answer about how many buses they had running. Totally messed up. Some really P.O.d passengers waiting dockside. What did the NCL management on hand do? Nothing. The customer service boss just walked away, tail between his legs, back on to the ship. Guess he didn't want to hear about it? Very poor performance. Left it all to a poor twenty five year old kid from the shore side vendor to take the heat. Later on, we complained to the shore excursion manager. He professed total ignorance, but did offer to refund or $12.50. We took that refund.

 

Speaking of NCL shore excursions We didn't do any. Used Rick Steves Guides and some research here and elsewhere. Easy public transport in Athens, Istanbul, Naples and Rome. Great walking tours. A real treat in Naples. Take the speedy ferries right next to the cruise ship terminal for a great ride over to Capri.

 

In Livorno, as above, the shuttle to the train station killed at least 45 extra minutes, so we basically rode the train to Florence, had lunch and returned. Very economical, but maybe the 1.5 hour, each way, trip was a bit too long. Perhaps a much shorter ride to Lucca or Pisa on the train would have been better.

 

BTW, all trains were clean, fast and comfortable and very economical. They are commuter trains, so they are sometimes crowded and in Italy train announcements were spotty and station signage a bit lacking, but overall, very much worth the effort.

 

Just about done with my rant.

 

Great trip. On this type of trip its really not about the boat. But I think NCL needs to do a bit better.

 

Did I mention, however, that we love the dress code? I think I did.

 

Sorry for any misspellings, nonsense sentences, but I'm in the midst of jet lag recovery. Just wanted to get this done. After all I get from this great site, its always nice to give something back.

[Sundiego]

Thanks for such a detailed review! I appreciate your objective style of writing. Sounds like you had a great time in spite of a few "hiccups".

 

~Denise

[ConnCruise]

We had a great time. Glad you enjoyed my review.

[kcwingwalker]

You have two reviews posted. Why not contact the moderator and have them combined?

 

Cruise Critic Board Moderators

 

HostMama@CruiseCritic.com

 

HostStar@cruisecritic.com

[ConnCruise]

You get a condensed version for those on the run and an extended version for those with the time. But thanks for the thoughtful suggestion.

[Cruiser Bruiser]

We just completed a 12 days Grand Mediterranean cruise on NCL's Spirit.

 

This trip takes you to Venice, Athens, Izmir ans Istanbul in Turkey, the Greek isle of Mykonos, Napes, and ports nearest to Rome and Florence\Pisa, Toulon in the south of France and finally Barcelona.

 

On a cruise like this, the ship is really not he star, just a moving hotel, a place to sleep, eat, gamble, take in a show, etc.

 

We booked this cruise due to an incredible price for a balcony stateroom, (approx $1600 each) and NCL's very progressive dress code, one that allows you to come to dinner comfortably dressed in jeans (or you can dress up too, many on our trip did.)

 

This was our 4h cruise on NCL, (my 11th total, with others on RCCL, Celebrity and HA). It was also our 4th consecutive cruise on an "older" ship, built at around the turn of the 21st century.

 

What we liked about the ship:

 

Our cabin steward was great. He kept our room maintained perfectly and came to the rescue a few times to help solve a problem or two. Great fellow.

 

Many crew members, especially those on the housekeeping staff greeted you each time you passed their way. Front line crew members were generally very eager to help resolve. Plus the security staff, while still pretty no nonsense in their approach, responded to greetings with a smile and a "how are you today, sir?" most days. Very good.

 

 

The ship was clean. (as it should always be)

 

The dress code. (see above)

The price. (more above)

 

What we did not like:

 

First, and this one has moved up in my list of stuff I'm gonna complain about: The subtle (or maybe not so subtle scare tactics that even senior staff uses to try to intimidate you into buying NCL shore excursions. Many of you have heard it and it goes like this: "...of course if you book a shore excursion with us you never need to worry about the ship leaving you behind..."

Now I understand that when you book your own tours and just use a guidebook and public transport, you are, besides saving $$$ and having a lot of fun and not getting moved about in a big giant tour bus, taking a bit of a risk. Just like life. But I really wish they would cut this out. I'm sure NCL keeps very careful records of passengers who have been left behind, so show me the numbers. If you're trying to sell me what amounts to very expensive insurance when pitching your highly profitable excursions, prove that this risk really exisits!!

If a ship has left just a hand full of folks in port over a six month period then there is not much risk that needs, as the lawyers say, mitigating. If its 100 per cruise, then maybe I do need that expensive NCL supplied trip. Show me the numbers or cut out scare tactics!

 

Another large whine from me goes to the food quality on this trip. We mostly ate in the Windows main dinning room, the other main room (name escapes me) and Raffles buffet.

First impression of Raffles (first lunch after boarding in Venice) was positive. Nice variety, some tasty selections, including Indian and Chinese. But then, day after day, we realized that the menu barely changed, the food presentation was institutional, (my cafeteria at work has better looking food) and the taste was ok, but not much better. (Hey NCL, your individually packaged Carr's Water Crackers were stale most day. Better talk to your supplier:)) NCL, on a long cruise, try a little more variety. (Last time we went, buffet on RCCL's Windjammer was way better than this.)

 

On to the main dinning rooms. Wait staff was very eager to please, but don't ask for something that's not written on the menu. A look of horror comes over their face and generally one of the supervisors comes by and by then you're sorry that you asked. (I like lettuce and tomato and a little warm toast for breakfast. Usually got a wedge of iceburg (ok, really) that almost always had a a nasty brown leaf on the outside. They couldn't clean that up, just a little?)

And what even happened to toast that served at least a little warm? Nothing like soggy, cool "toast" that's been sitting in a try for a while. And why is toasted rye such a problem? I asked for that one morning and the waiter came back and explained that he would need to go up to Raffles to get some rye, none apparently in the Windows kitchen? O.K give me whole wheat. Not such a big deal. But why is this my problem?

Dinner selections that changed each evening were IMO, unimaginative. Entrees were often served cold and presentation was weak. (non existent, what ever happened to a little bit of parsley or maybe a twist of lemon. Looked like hospital food to me. [i know as I've worked for a hospital for 15 years])

 

We went to up charge Shogun a couple of times. Presentation was good, food was average Chinese, nothing special. We also got some stuff from the sushi bar. Very good quality and taste. But of course we were paying extra for this added quality. Makes you wonder, but I won't go there as I have no evidence that NCL prepares average food in its prepaid dinning rooms and buffets to entice you to try something special at upcharge places like Shoguns?

 

But I do I want to say something nice about the food. French fries were good. Good, prepaid popcorn in the pub. Chocolate buffet was excellent. Sushi, as above, was very good.

 

Condition of the ship: We understand that this ship is an "older" vessel, built in the late 1990's. Our last 4 cruses have all been on similarly aged ships, the newest built in 2002. We have not gone on any of the new, floating Vegas style hotels, that have entered service in the last few years so I think I am comparing apples to apples.

 

Mostly the ship was very clean. Most fixtures worked, but our sliding cabin closet door did not an the two sliders in the bathroom barely moved at all. I was almost going to go out and by some WD40 and try to repair myself, but thought better of that idea and just lived with the mild inconvenience.

 

Public address announcements, in public areas were mostly unintelligible. (we found out you can also listen on your room TV) The ships PA system sucks. This could be a safety issue. They need to fix this.

 

And what is up with the persistent smell of what I think was sewerage on the aft public stairway, around decks 7,8 & 9? Also on the Promenade deck, starboard side, to the aft, same smell, every day.

 

Did I mention that the windows in many public places around the ships had failed? (double pane construction, lost its integrity and had fouled the glass, spoiling the view) Needs to be fixed, too.

 

 

Spirit is going into dry dock in January. Maybe these things will be repaired?

 

Entertainment was fine or better. The ships resident dancers and singers were good, talented kids. Nice shows. This was supplemented by a magician, a violinist, a singer and a soul review. We didn't see them all, but I'm sure they were fine, too. Didn't much care for the cruise director, Jebo or Jemo or was is Geo??? Just one name. A little too slick, but I guess that's part of the job.

 

Casino staff was the best ever. Very friendly and engaging. Even the pit bosses.

 

Photographers mostly stayed out of the way (good) except for their annoying habit of hanging out at the end of the gangway everyday, dressed in some idiotic outfits that they thought approximated the local culture, to encourage you to take a few shots. It was easy to shoo them away. Seems so 1995??

 

Special attention to NCL for their totally messed up management of a $12.50 shuttle service from the port in Livorno to the Livorno train station. They sell time stamped tickets, but we still had to wait many minutes passed our supposed departure time. Everyone had a different answer about how many buses they had running. Totally messed up. Some really P.O.d passengers waiting dockside. What did the NCL management on hand do? Nothing. The customer service boss just walked away, tail between his legs, back on to the ship. Guess he didn't want to hear about it? Very poor performance. Left it all to a poor twenty five year old kid from the shore side vendor to take the heat. Later on, we complained to the shore excursion manager. He professed total ignorance, but did offer to refund or $12.50. We took that refund.

 

Speaking of NCL shore excursions We didn't do any. Used Rick Steves Guides and some research here and elsewhere. Easy public transport in Athens, Istanbul, Naples and Rome. Great walking tours. A real treat in Naples. Take the speedy ferries right next to the cruise ship terminal for a great ride over to Capri.

 

In Livorno, as above, the shuttle to the train station killed at least 45 extra minutes, so we basically rode the train to Florence, had lunch and returned. Very economical, but maybe the 1.5 hour, each way, trip was a bit too long. Perhaps a much shorter ride to Lucca or Pisa on the train would have been better.

 

BTW, all trains were clean, fast and comfortable and very economical. They are commuter trains, so they are sometimes crowded and in Italy train announcements were spotty and station signage a bit lacking, but overall, very much worth the effort.

 

Just about done with my rant.

 

Great trip. On this type of trip its really not about the boat. But I think NCL needs to do a bit better.

 

Did I mention, however, that we love the dress code? I think I did.

 

Sorry for any misspellings, nonsense sentences, but I'm in the midst of jet lag recovery. Just wanted to get this done. After all I get from this great site, its always nice to give something back.

 

Welcome home. Sounds like the Spirit isn't the ship for you. I posted a review of the cruise just before yours and it doesn't even sound like we were on the same vacation. Here's a link if you'd like to take a look:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1925162

 

I post the link particularly because someone asked me why I tend to favor ship's excursions over doing it myself, and I specifically mentioned Florence as an example. My concern was that I would spend too much time waiting in between transportation services (e.g. the shuttle and the train). You've validated my rationale perfectly! For a little extra money, I had a very efficient, lovely experience in Florence and now I know that extra money was justified.

 

Just a word about how kitchens work on cruise ships. They're designed for mass production of those dishes that are on the menu only. It's generally best for everyone if you stick to the program and order what is available. If you order something for which they don't have the ingredients, it's a huge inconvenience to have to send someone to another part of the ship to try and cobble together something they think you might like. Just because you're on a cruise, I wouldn't think it's safe to expect that staff should just be able to make food magically appear to cater to your whims. Just a thought.

 

Finally, the cruise director on your cruise was Gio, and he's from Costa Rica. I'm a bit envious of Gio because he wears a suit better than anyone I've ever seen. He's also a pretty nice guy if you stop to talk to him.

 

Thanks for posting your impressions of your cruise. It's always interesting to see what a variety of experiences there are of any given itinerary. Cheers!

[punkincc]

We just completed a 12 days Grand Mediterranean cruise on NCL's Spirit.

 

This trip takes you to Venice, Athens, Izmir ans Istanbul in Turkey, the Greek isle of Mykonos, Napes, and ports nearest to Rome and Florence\Pisa, Toulon in the south of France and finally Barcelona.

 

On a cruise like this, the ship is really not he star, just a moving hotel, a place to sleep, eat, gamble, take in a show, etc.

 

We booked this cruise due to an incredible price for a balcony stateroom, (approx $1600 each) and NCL's very progressive dress code, one that allows you to come to dinner comfortably dressed in jeans (or you can dress up too, many on our trip did.)

 

This was our 4h cruise on NCL, (my 11th total, with others on RCCL, Celebrity and HA). It was also our 4th consecutive cruise on an "older" ship, built at around the turn of the 21st century.

 

What we liked about the ship:

 

Our cabin steward was great. He kept our room maintained perfectly and came to the rescue a few times to help solve a problem or two. Great fellow.

 

Many crew members, especially those on the housekeeping staff greeted you each time you passed their way. Front line crew members were generally very eager to help resolve. Plus the security staff, while still pretty no nonsense in their approach, responded to greetings with a smile and a "how are you today, sir?" most days. Very good.

 

 

The ship was clean. (as it should always be)

 

The dress code. (see above)

The price. (more above)

 

What we did not like:

 

First, and this one has moved up in my list of stuff I'm gonna complain about: The subtle (or maybe not so subtle scare tactics that even senior staff uses to try to intimidate you into buying NCL shore excursions. Many of you have heard it and it goes like this: "...of course if you book a shore excursion with us you never need to worry about the ship leaving you behind..."

Now I understand that when you book your own tours and just use a guidebook and public transport, you are, besides saving $$$ and having a lot of fun and not getting moved about in a big giant tour bus, taking a bit of a risk. Just like life. But I really wish they would cut this out. I'm sure NCL keeps very careful records of passengers who have been left behind, so show me the numbers. If you're trying to sell me what amounts to very expensive insurance when pitching your highly profitable excursions, prove that this risk really exisits!!

If a ship has left just a hand full of folks in port over a six month period then there is not much risk that needs, as the lawyers say, mitigating. If its 100 per cruise, then maybe I do need that expensive NCL supplied trip. Show me the numbers or cut out scare tactics!

 

Just wanted to comment on your assertion that NCL and Senior Staff uses "scare tactics" to try to "intimidate" people into buying NCL tours. Perhaps they are just tired of having to wait for passengers and of leaving port late!

 

See the "Missing the Ship" thread for more insight. One poster mentions that on his last two European cruises on the Spirit, they left several passengers in every port including 6 at Liviorno.

 

We often book independent tours in the Caribbean ( and have never felt pressured or intimidated by NCL, by the way ) and never had an issue, but I suspect the incidence of passengers being left behind in Europe is much higher than it is for the small islands of the Caribbean where you are never too far from the ship. And tours of European cities seem ever so much more complicated, often involving train travel or a long bus or taxi ride.

 

Everyone has to asses the risk and make their own decisions, but I can't fault NCL for trying to forewarn passengers of the risk.

[ConnCruise]

You are clearly way smarter than me.

 

Seriously, I've been on 11 cruises. I've gotten plenty of custom made meals. HA and Celebrity don't have any problem doing something special.

 

But if you really would like to know what my special requests were: 1.) Lettuce and tomato at breakfast and a double salad at dinner. Pretty complicated stuff.

 

I'm glad you like the way Geo's suit fit. I didn't get that close.

[kcwingwalker]

Just wanted to comment on your assertion that NCL and Senior Staff uses "scare tactics" to try to "intimidate" people into buying NCL tours. Perhaps they are just tired of having to wait for passengers and of leaving port late!

 

See the "Missing the Ship" thread for more insight. One poster mentions that on his last two European cruises on the Spirit, they left several passengers in every port including 6 at Liviorno.

 

We often book independent tours in the Caribbean ( and have never felt pressured or intimidated by NCL, by the way ) and never had an issue, but I suspect the incidence of passengers being left behind in Europe is much higher than it is for the small islands of the Caribbean where you are never too far from the ship. And tours of European cities seem ever so much more complicated, often involving train travel or a long bus or taxi ride.

 

Everyone has to asses the risk and make their own decisions, but I can't fault NCL for trying to forewarn passengers of the risk.

 

When we were on the Spirit the Captain made it clear that he had zero tolerance for stragglers. We left all ports on time and some a little early.

[ConnCruise]

Never missed a boat yet. Not even close.

 

Anyway, I really appreciate that NCL has loyal defenders. But I stand by my opinions, as I'm sure you stand by yours.

[DMH15]

Never missed a boat yet. Not even close.

 

Anyway, I really appreciate that NCL has loyal defenders. But I stand by my opinions, as I'm sure you stand by yours.

 

I read your review and I appreciate your taking the time to list things you liked and did not like. At least it wasn't all negative. I imagine we do have differing opinions.

 

FYI, my mother and I have had many special requests with food and they have always accomodated us without fail. But I expect that is because we dine in tge venue for suite passengers. It is a little less hectic. Have you ever tried the NCL suites? You might like it.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free

[ConnCruise]

enjoyed a suite on the Dawn and I think the Gem.

 

Very nice. Food was way better on those two ships, too.

[triptolemus]

You get a condensed version for those on the run and an extended version for those with the time. But thanks for the thoughtful suggestion.

 

And honestly you come off trite and condescending in both of them, particularly in responses to others.

 

But you had one part right... Your review? Yeah... so what.

[kcwingwalker]

And honestly you come off trite and condescending in both of them, particularly in responses to others.

 

But you had one part right... Your review? Yeah... so what.

 

This one is going downhill fast........perhaps it's bunny time or anything to lighten things up.

[ConnCruise]

Tripper

 

I'm crushed.

[ConnCruise]

Guys,

 

This is just a vacation review. It's not about war, peace, heathcare or any of the other things that we argue about incessantly in life.

 

If I have offended anyone with my "snarky" attitude, its only because I'm amazed that my honest opinion has generated so much heat.

[triptolemus]

This one is going downhill fast........perhaps it's bunny time or anything to lighten things up.

 

Fine... if you insist! :)

 

[ConnCruise]

Where did you get that picture of me and the little lady? I might sue.

 

Seriously, I like the shirt, alot.

[krewzin]

Great review - thanks. I find it odd that people get so uptight and feel they have to defend. :confused:

[ConnCruise]

Thanks Krew!

[vivian02]

I like the picture. The wife and I leave next Monday for a 15 day Hawaian cruise and the picture really means something to me.

I have been on the Spirt and sailed the Meditterean four times and I would say this sailing was a pretty good deal. I might point out that I know of one cruise line that would up sale their Rome tours by saying "they have relations with people who are close to the Pope and can get you an inside key to see all of the places within the Vatician such as the Pope's sleeping area and royal bath room". I think NCL might have to work harder in order to do an up sale.

The one miss for spirt was not having an inside pool area. This might not be a big deal sailing in the Meditterean since those ports are very intensive and you will get pretty tired after touring for days at a time. I have always found the inside pools to be very relaxing on sea days and in the cooler air tempertures.

Interesting review.

[kcwingwalker]

Fine... if you insist! :)

 

 

Much needed and appreciated:)

[mikewrit]

Thanks for the lively review. We are booked for the same itinerary on The Spirit next October, and hope your review will excite more participants to join in our roll call. Can't help but note how much your negative food review was based on soggy toast and a brown leaf on one special-order salad.

[Big Chippy]

Thanks for the lively review. We are booked for the same itinerary on The Spirit next October, and hope your review will excite more participants to join in our roll call. Can't help but note how much your negative food review was based on soggy toast and a brown leaf on one special-order salad.

 

You forgot to mention the fact that the food was always cold, perhaps the reviewer was referring to the double salad ordered at Dinner;)

[ConnCruise]

Not just those two examples. Overall, the food seemed to us, uh...boring. Bland.

 

I can be more detailed.

 

They had Vegetable Tempura one night in the Windows dinning room. It was soggy and cold. My significant other had the grilled chicken. They put no attention at all to the food presentation on the plate. A scoop of rice, cold broccoli and a hunk of chicken. (Looked like something we serve to patients at the hospital where I work. Just needed some of that special grey gravy.:))

 

S.O. ordered scrambled eggs at breakfast. Got a plate full of the funniest looking eggs I've ever seen. She said they were cold and really salty. Cold toast was the norm and I won't mention the coffee, because on all the cruises I've taken the only way to get a halfway decent cup is to buy one at the cash coffee kiosk on most ships.

 

Eggplant Parm had some real odd tasting sauce. Again, not even approaching hot.

 

When I describe cruise ship food to non cruisers, I usually compare it to wedding food. If its a fancy wedding, can be pretty good, sometimes excellent. A modest wedding, you get stuffed chicken. All mass produced, but mass produced can be tasty, hot, and inventive too.

 

This trip on NCL was a definitely a modest wedding, at best.

 

I