Just Booked NCL Spirit

[niki1785]

Just booked a cruise on the NCL Spirit... the sailing is on January 8th leaving from NYC! I was on the NCL Dawn last January from NY, and loved every minute of it, and thought the ship was gorgeous. I would like to get more info. on the Spirt (since I don't know too much about it) if any one has any to offer! I believe it is the same set up as the Dawn?? I would like any advise, tips, etc. any info. at all that may help me to have the best vacation possible! Are there any shore excursions that I should look at? The ports of call are as follows:

 

St. Thomas, Antigua, Barbados, Grenada, Dominica, and Tortola!

 

Thanks!! :)

[mortysmama]

We were on the Dawn last Feb. for the 11 day So Caribbean sail. It was wonderful. We didn't take too many excursions but we did do something really special in Domenica. Our intentions were to just take a walk around but as we came off the ship there was a long line of private taxis asking if we wanted a tour of the island. There were 2 ladies from the UK already in one of the cabs. They asked if we'd like to join them...we agreed and left right away. It was the absolute best tour I've ever been on. For $15.00 the driver took us all over the island giving us a very colorful history and education about the gov't, the people, the plants, customs...everything. He took us to the Rain Forest with beautiful falls for an additional $4.00. (this included a private guide) and then to a botanical garden. When it was over we had a bottle of their local beer. It was a very enjoyable 3 hours and I would do it again in a heart beat.

 

I hope this helps.

 

Happy cruising!

[Cruisinbunnies]

Try this link.....

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=174984&highlight=spirit+april+2005

 

Vertually the same itinerary and leaving out of Miami. Jeff did a great job with the review and he has a site that contains tonnes of pics.

 

This should give you a good start!

 

We were on the same cruise and had a wonderful time. Too bad they don't extend this itinerary into the spring.

[niki1785]

Thanks so much for that wonderful idea. It's hard to try and plan out what to do, there are so many options! The taxi ride sounds wonderful, I think I may do just that! Thanks so much!!

[niki1785]

Crusinbunnies--thanks for the website, I'm guna check it out right now!

[electricron]

Her's another web site with Spirit's (Leo's) pictures.

http://www.maritimematters.com/superstarleo4.html

 

I like to add that this fall the Spirit will undergo a month long shipyard drydock period, when many changes to the Spirit will be done. All the galleries, kitichens, will be reworked, with major changes to the Raffles cafeteria. 22 additional cabins will be added onto the 13th deck, 14 to 16 more stateroom on the 4th deck. Near the casino, more shops, another club, and more card tables to be added. Another new bar near the swiming pool. Last, the new paint job on the Spirit's hull.

The Spirit should be a better ship this winter than it has been, and its been getting fairly good reviews already.

[Aimarg]

niki1785 - there is a roll call for the Jan. 8th Spirit sailing.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=4590983

[ScoobyJuls]

Here's a link to a GREAT slideshow of the Spirit:

 

http://164.109.173.140/spirit_slideshow/pages/P5220341_JPG.htm

[blong2200]

HI all you helpful people!

 

Hope to meet you all in January. My Husband and I are thinking of booking this cruise. Have never been on this line, but have cruised with Celebrity three times and loved every minute of it. Before we book I have question and hope someone can give me some answers and ideas.

 

We live in Georgia and have to fly to New York. Which airport is best to fly into to get to cruise terminal?

 

How do I get from airport to cruise terminal and then is it a big problem getting back to airport from cruise terminal on arrival day?

 

Does anyone have any idea of air fare to New York. Right now I can find round trip from Atlanta to New Jersey for $234.00 round trip per person, but don't know if I should book now or wait and see if fares go down. With the gas situation as it is now, and the airlines facing bankruptcy, I have know idea what to do about air and that is why I am hesitant to book.

 

Any help is appreciated. Again, hope to meet you all soon.

 

Beth In Georgia!

GO DAWGS!

[dongordon]

Could someone provide a synopsis of some of the restarurants and its comparison to the Dawn?

 

What is the Bund and Bier Garden? What do they serve?

Is there a Bimini Bar-type area as on the Dawn that serves hamburgers and hotdogs in the upper sun deck?

 

Is there all you can eat sushi fro $10?

 

Don

[niki1785]

Thank you all for your responses!! I just figured out how to go back and check old threads to see what people wrote back... :o All of your info. has been halpful, and the slideshow was really great to watch. I am getting very excited!!

[Tatka]

We also just booked Spirit 8 days cruise out of NY to Eastern Caribbean. I love to be able to drive instead of flying, especially after checking recent flight prices.:)

 

I wonder what is an average age for such cruise at the end of August? We are 34-33, and our kid is 14. Is there any disco for teens?

 

When do pools usually close at night?

[electricron]

The Spirit's restaurants:

1) The Garden Room (Main Dining Room)

Cuisine: Continental

Dress Code: No shorts or jeans after 6:00 p.m. in the dining rooms.

Surcharge: No

Reservations Required: No

Hours

Breakfast: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Lunch: 12:00 noon – 2:30 p.m.

Dinner: 5:30 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.

2) Windows Restaurant (Main Dining Room)

Cuisine: Light Modern Continental

Dress Code: No shorts or jeans after 6:00 p.m. in the dining rooms.

Surcharge: No

Reservations Required: No

Hours

Breakfast: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Lunch: 12:00 noon – 2:30 p.m.

Dinner: 5:30 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.

3) Shogun Restaurant

Cuisine: Japanese

Dress Code: No shorts or jeans after 6:00 p.m. in the dining rooms.

Surcharge: Yes, $12.50 per person

Reservations Required: Yes

Hours

Dinner Only: 5:30 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.

4) Maxim's Restaurant

Cuisine: French

Dress Code: No shorts or jeans after 6:00 p.m. in the dining rooms.

Surcharge: Yes, $20 per person

Reservations Required: Yes

Hours

Dinner Only: 5:30 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.

5) La Trattoria

Cuisine: Italian

Dress Code: No shorts or jeans after 6:00 p.m. in the dining rooms.

Surcharge: No

Reservations Required: Yes

Hours

Dinner Only: 5:30 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.

6) Tai Pan Restaurant

Cuisine: Chinese

Dress Code: No shorts or jeans after 6:00 p.m. in the dining rooms.

Surcharge: Yes, $15 per person

Reservations Required: Yes

Hours

Dinner Only: 5:30 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.

7) Raffles Lido Cafe

Cuisine: Buffet

Dress Code: Casual

Surcharge: No

Reservations Required: No

Hours

Check onboard

8) Blue Lagoon

Cuisine: Food Court, Grill

Dress Code: Casual

Surcharge: No

Reservations Required: No

Hours

24 Hours

 

The Bund and Bier Garden lounges serving mainly beer. The Bund is the main sports bar on the ship. The Bier Garden also serves knockwursts and hot dogs, etc.

[electricron]

The Spirit's restaurants:

1) The Garden Room (Main Dining Room)

Cuisine: Continental

Dress Code: No shorts or jeans after 6:00 p.m. in the dining rooms.

Surcharge: No

Reservations Required: No

Hours

Breakfast: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Lunch: 12:00 noon – 2:30 p.m.

Dinner: 5:30 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.

2) Windows Restaurant (Main Dining Room)

Cuisine: Light Modern Continental

Dress Code: No shorts or jeans after 6:00 p.m. in the dining rooms.

Surcharge: No

Reservations Required: No

Hours

Breakfast: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Lunch: 12:00 noon – 2:30 p.m.

Dinner: 5:30 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.

3) Shogun Restaurant

Cuisine: Japanese

Dress Code: No shorts or jeans after 6:00 p.m. in the dining rooms.

Surcharge: Yes, $12.50 per person

Reservations Required: Yes

Hours

Dinner Only: 5:30 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.

4) Maxim's Restaurant

Cuisine: French

Dress Code: No shorts or jeans after 6:00 p.m. in the dining rooms.

Surcharge: Yes, $20 per person

Reservations Required: Yes

Hours

Dinner Only: 5:30 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.

5) La Trattoria

Cuisine: Italian

Dress Code: No shorts or jeans after 6:00 p.m. in the dining rooms.

Surcharge: No

Reservations Required: Yes

Hours

Dinner Only: 5:30 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.

6) Tai Pan Restaurant

Cuisine: Chinese

Dress Code: No shorts or jeans after 6:00 p.m. in the dining rooms.

Surcharge: Yes, $15 per person

Reservations Required: Yes

Hours

Dinner Only: 5:30 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.

7) Raffles Lido Cafe

Cuisine: Buffet

Dress Code: Casual

Surcharge: No

Reservations Required: No

Hours

Check onboard

8) Blue Lagoon

Cuisine: Food Court, Grill

Dress Code: Casual

Surcharge: No

Reservations Required: No

Hours

24 Hours

 

The Bund and Bier Garden are lounges serving mainly beer. The Bund is the main sports bar on the ship. The Bier Garden also serves knockwursts and hot dogs, etc.

[Tatka]

What does it mean "No reservations"? Does it mean that we can just walk in and be seated? Is it easy to get table for 2 people in the main dining room?

 

Thank you! :)

[electricron]

Yes, when they just opened up, for about 30 minutes. Then there's about an hour or so when all the seats are filled. Then seats start opening up again as the early diners finished eating. If you arrive when the seats are full, check out the other main restaurant. The smaller restaurant, amidships, usually has the longest lines, because it has fewer seats.

Freestyle Dining, eating when and where you wish to.

[NoCruiseBlues]

Blong: To answer your question about flights into NY, suggest you fly from Atlanta to LaGuardia Airport, and then take a taxi to the cruise terminal. The taxi should run no more than $40, with no tolls to pay, whereas, if Newark is cheaper (doubtful), you would have to pay toll for abridge crossing. In addition, LaGuardia is about 1/2 hr. taxi ride, where as from Newark it can take from 3/4 of an hr to 2 hrs, depending upon traffic. The same is true for getting back to Harts field. Hope this answers your question. May all your cruises be PLEASANT & MEMORABLE ONES.

[Don Haynes]

No reservations are needed in the main dining rooms, but are needed for some of the speciality restaurants such as Maxims, Taipan Bistro, and Shogun on the Norwegian Spirit.

 

And by the way electricron got it wrong. Maxims may have been a French restaurant on the SuperStar Leo but on the Norwegian Spirit its a steak restaurant similar to Cagneys, the Taipan Bistro is the French Le Bistro restaurant on the Norwegian Spirit. I wish he would stop posting the false information....

 

It appears after the drydock, and in the new Caribbean brouchere that the Spirit's speciality restaurants may be renamed to match the rest of NCL's fleet. Cagneys, Le Bistro, etc.

[Armchairtravelwoman]

the Taipan Bistro is the French Le Bistro restaurant on the Norwegian Spirit.

 

Actually, the Le Bistro thing is a bit confusing. On the Spirit it was still called (before drydock) Taipan Bistro and it served Mediterranean food. At least that's how it was billed on its last sailing to Alaska on 9/17.

 

As for seating in the main dining rooms which are Windows and the Garden Room: When they're full they do give you a pager thing that flashes and buzzes when your table is ready and if you're really antsy (like my DH) the staff tells you to get one from each dining room and then you can take whichever one opens up first!

[Seago2]

 

What is the Bund and Bier Garden? What do they serve?

Is there a Bimini Bar-type area as on the Dawn that serves hamburgers and hotdogs in the upper sun deck?

 

Don

 

Luckily enough for future cruisers, the Bier Garden/Bund is GONE. It was pretty bad!

 

That slide show is terrific! Reminds me of what a BEAUTIFUL ship she is. Outstanding, understated... I can only imagine how nice she will be after drydock.

 

There is a drydock thread on here that you all might want to check. I also have a review here: http://www.cruisereviews.com/NorwegianCruiseLine/NorwegianSpirit14.htm

[pratzert]

What ??? The Bier Garten is GONE ??? WHat happened to it ?

 

We sailed the Spirit 8/20 and it was one of my favorite places for a beer and some German Food.

 

Tim

[Seago2]

I hated it! Oh well, to each his own, right? Try this:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=235932

[Phamer55]

Does anybody know how the private karaoke rooms work on the Spirit? Can you make a reservation? Or is it 1st come, 1st serverd?...I will be bummed if they've taken off the German beer. I was really looking forward to that. On most cruises, the beer selection is usually pretty lame.

[Seago2]

Does anybody know how the private karaoke rooms work on the Spirit? Can you make a reservation? Or is it 1st come, 1st serverd?...I will be bummed if they've taken off the German beer. I was really looking forward to that. On most cruises, the beer selection is usually pretty lame.

 

As of last April they had the exact same selection in the Blue Lagoon and Henry's Pub. Very good selection of German and Aussie beers.

 

I asked about the Karaoke rooms out of curiosity and they were not available. I'm sure that space has been put to better use now.

[mrscruisequeen]

Just booked a cruise on the NCL Spirit... the sailing is on January 8th leaving from NYC! I was on the NCL Dawn last January from NY, and loved every minute of it, and thought the ship was gorgeous. I would like to get more info. on the Spirt (since I don't know too much about it) if any one has any to offer! I believe it is the same set up as the Dawn?? I would like any advise, tips, etc. any info. at all that may help me to have the best vacation possible! Are there any shore excursions that I should look at? The ports of call are as follows:

 

St. Thomas, Antigua, Barbados, Grenada, Dominica, and Tortola!

 

Thanks!! :)

 

If you would like to send me your e-mail address, I will e-mail you after our 5 night cruise.

While I am not a fan of Norwegian Cruise Lines,(we have been on 19 cruises, but only 1 with Norwegian)we could not resist this 5 night cruise from San Francisco.The price was great and we live only about 2 hours away,

Jeanne

 

cyberfish2@ncws.com