Need Info: 1 Nt Spirit 11/18 Nyc

[CatskillsMom]

I'm considering booking the 1 night 'dinner & dance' on 11/18/05 mainly to check out the Spirit for a potential 11 nt cruise in January. (we're 2 couples/1 kid who have never cruised before).

 

My best friends birthday is next weekend so I thought this could be a GREAT b-day gift (she would be on the 11 nt cruise also) for her and give us both a chance to look over the ship, cabins, try the food, etc.

 

Is this a good opportunity? What if just the two of us go (2 woman) and we just want to chill out and fully 'investigate' the ship and not necessarily dance? Will we seeem like two weirdos?

 

It would be about $340.00 for two of us in an inside on Deck 9. Is it worth it?? Will we have fun?

 

I don't know what to expect...please advise!

[shoreguy]

You will have a blast. Lots of groups doing girls night out on the Dawn last week. It is a great chance to explore the ship. Keep in mind it will be a lot more relaxed on the 11 day. I found everyone trying to do everything in 24 hours on the Dawn.

 

The specialty restaurants will be jammed. The bars packed. The shows were empty. Lots of first time cruisers.

[CatskillsMom]

Thanks Shoreguy! I knew I could count on you for a response.

 

So does the entire ship run as usual, even on a 1 nighter? You mentioned the shows...we can still catch a show if we choose to? Neither of us are heavy drinkers....although, out by ourselves without the families & we don't have to drive home...hmm, maybe that bottle of Tequila is calling our name!..LOL!

 

How is boarding? Should we arrive much earlier than the 6pm embarkation?

[shoreguy]

Thanks Shoreguy! I knew I could count on you for a response.

 

So does the entire ship run as usual, even on a 1 nighter? You mentioned the shows...we can still catch a show if we choose to? Neither of us are heavy drinkers....although, out by ourselves without the families & we don't have to drive home...hmm, maybe that bottle of Tequila is calling our name!..LOL!

 

How is boarding? Should we arrive much earlier than the 6pm embarkation?

 

They should star boarding the ship around noon - get there early enjoy lunch onboard in the main restaurant. If you want to book a specialty restaurant book it as soon as you board in the lobby.

 

Spa opened at noon. Murder Mystery diner sign up a 1 pm. Guided ship tour at 2 pm, cation open ed an hour out of NYC. 2 shows in the main theater, other shows in alternative locations, Art Auction, Trivia, sailaway party, in short every thing on a regular cruise packed into 22 hours.

 

Even though the ship docked early they served breakfast until 10 am. No need to rush off the ship

[CatskillsMom]

Sounds great, I think I'm going to book it! Now to figure out how to get down to the pier. If we take the train (from upstate)how far from there do we have to go to catch the 'boat'?

 

Anybody?

[mustymom]

A cab from the train station to the NY pier cost between $7.50 and 9.00. It's the easiest way to get

there.

[CatskillsMom]

Great, I just looked up all the train info and we would go to Penn Station. So the cab fare isn't bad at all. Good to know, Thanks!

[kingtns]

I'm booked too...girls night also, my sister & Mom!! Wow, no kids & no hubby!! BTW we also took an inside (although I only do balconys...who's sleeping that night) and it was $129.00 pp

[CatskillsMom]

Your rate is better and it seems like all the interiors are gone now so I may call NCL direct and see what they can do for me. I'd rather pay closer to 129.00 per person for a 1 night thing. It does sound fun though. I'm excited and now I have to start making a creative 'card' to give my friend. I'll have to try to find a great picture of the Spirit....

[naragonl]

Hi Catskillsmom,

 

You have to do it!

 

My reasons are very much like yours. I'm actually going to take a good friend of mine and his wife as a 50th birthday present (we got them the a more expensive room than us so they could get a better feel for a cruise ship and what it offers).

 

We cruised on the Dawn August of this year. We had a real blast. We've been starting to speak about a next cruise and saw this ad for the one nighter on the Spirit.

 

What a deal, we were able to call on Friday and get an inside for $99 per person. It would be hard to beat that price for a night on the town anywhere? We booked an inside. How long are we going to spend in the cabin anyway? I doubt we'll sleep either way.

 

I just want to know how the Spirit measures up as an alternative to the Dawn. Some say the Spirit is quite nice. I'd also like to see how a ship built for the Asian market looks and feels.

 

I can't wait. I hope you take advantage of this. I didn't realize anything about these 1 night cruises until I was reading Shoreguys description of his night of Bliss in the Garden Villa on Dawn. Lo and behold I check out my e-mail and here's this Latitudes e-mail with the Spirit offer.

 

I imagine they go out far enough into the ocean to open the casino's.

 

I was wondering if they just anchor (or float) out there, or do theycruise around (why would they waste the fuel).

 

Anyway, hope to see you on board.

[CatskillsMom]

I am, I am!! I will be booking this either today or tomorrow. I just have a few loose ends to figure out. Going into the 'big' city for us country bumpkins takes a lot of thought!:D

 

I think we're taking the Amtrak from Rhinebeck to Penn Station and then a cab to the ship terminal. I plan to get there around noon (shoreguys suggestion) to get onboard early if we can. I want the MOST time on ship as possible!

 

Can't wait. I wonder how I'll find the best 'deal'...through NCL or an online 'gnome';) ? Either way, paying $129 nt plus taxes is fine too especially if we get on for lunch, have dinner AND breakfast the next morning.

[Don Haynes]

Keep us informed about the newly redone public areas around what used to be the picture house, the new photo gallery and giftshop areas. I suspect the covers will come off by the time she reaches New York City. Pictures will be greatly appreciated....

[CatskillsMom]

Hi Don,

 

I will do my best. I am a completely new cruiser so hopefully I can figure out what you want to see as well as figure out my way around the ship in one stinkin' night!

[Don Haynes]

This area I am most interested in is forward of Champaigne Charlie's on deck 8...the former Picture House and Business Center. On the west coast this area was still under covers and was still under construction for a larger giftshop and photo gallery.

 

I'm curious whether this new construction consumed only the Picture House and Business Center area on the old deck plan or whether this new construction also included the meeting room areas behind to port, too.

 

While I don't really like the idea of losing the small Picture House movie theater, the Spirit was drastically missing space for a larger giftshop and photo gallery area. Losing the Picture House and Business Center is a small price to pay, but I am concerned about the meeting rooms behind them. It would be a greater loss to lose the meeting rooms too for the enlarged shopping area.

[intrepid_guy]

Don-

According to the newest brochure I have, the conference rooms are still there.

 

CatskillsMom-

Arent you on my roll call for 1/29/06?? Have you not yet decided to go? Only 80ish days to go!

PS - If you do go next week, can you find out who the CD and ACD are. And perhaps the Port and Cruise Consultant too?

 

 

~Intrepid

[CatskillsMom]

Hey Intrepid..

 

I am on the roll call for 1/29/06....However, my work situation only allows me to book at the LAST minute. I'm talking the end of December, beginning of January. This could work out great as far as a good deal but cabin-wise, it makes me nervous. Anyway, we're 95% sure we are going. I even have the cash set aside!

 

I am definitely doing the Spirit on 11/18 for the 1 nt to check the ship out. As a matter of fact I'm booking it right after this post is finished! Yay!

 

I will find out who the directors are...

[kingtns]

Thanks for everyone's replys...I am sooooo looking forward to this!! I will be relaxing, eating, drinking & massaging & catch a show too...but you can all defiinitly find me in the casino until they come up to me & tap me on the shoulder & say "Maam...we will be closing in 5 minutes" I've heard that too many times...& hey, I didn't think I was old enough to be called Maam...LOL

Have a great time everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Susan

[CatskillsMom]

Hi Susan,

 

So you'll be the one getting escorted out of the casino...and I'll be the blonde clinging to the side of the ship at disembarkation!

 

I'm booked and I also got my inside (who cares for 1 nt!) stateroom on deck 10 for $129.00 ,plus taxes, of course. It should be a fun afternoon & evening, & later evening, & even later evening, and morning!:D

 

We're going to try for Le Bistro for dinner. How about you guys?

[kingtns]

I'll be on deck 11...well actually everywhere but...not sure where we will be eating, didn't really decide. What is LeBistro...I was on the Dawn 2 years ago, are the resturants the same?

I really can't wait, I'm going with my Mom & sister, 1st time away from the hubby & kids...somehow I think I will be fine.LOL

[CatskillsMom]

Le Bistro is the French Restaurant. Many people on these boards seem to recommend it. Figured we'd give it a shot since we don't really have a nice French place in my neck of the woods. Shoreguy also mentioned that all the specialty restaurants will likely be packed on a 1 nighter SO hopefully we'll be able to get a reservation. If not, we'll just deal with whatever is available. I'm more interested in the ship than what food we'll eat.

 

We plan to be in NYC at 11:30ish, hopefully we can board the ship between 12-1. Are you guys going early?

[brooklynphil]

Hi all,

 

I'm going too and I received my tickets last week. NCL considers it a full cruise because you receive the same paperwork as a full cruise. The funniest thing is that they still send you 8 luggage tags each. Oh well, a hop on the subway with no luggage in 10 days. Can't wait.

 

Phil:)

[DLH]

My wife and I will join the party. It's a suprise for her, she has no idea where we are going or what we will do! I'm planning to take the Metro North Train into the city from Beacon NY to Grand Central. I too would like to get to the port at about 11:30 AM. I don't know what restaurant we will eat at that night, but I'm sure we will get in somewhere!

[kingtns]

Le Bistro is the French Restaurant. Many people on these boards seem to recommend it. Figured we'd give it a shot since we don't really have a nice French place in my neck of the woods. Shoreguy also mentioned that all the specialty restaurants will likely be packed on a 1 nighter SO hopefully we'll be able to get a reservation. If not, we'll just deal with whatever is available. I'm more interested in the ship than what food we'll eat.

 

We plan to be in NYC at 11:30ish, hopefully we can board the ship between 12-1. Are you guys going early?

The last of my kids are on the bus by 9am...at that point I'm heading up...should be there by 11...I ate at LeBistro on the Dawn, it was good but my favorite was the Japanese!!

Just can't wait!!!

[CatskillsMom]

DLH,

 

Our trip is also booked as a complete surprise for my best friend..I guess there will be lots of happy people on this cruise!

 

We're taking the Amtrak from Rhinecliff to Penn Station. I feel a little nervous since I usuaully go to Grand Central and somewhat know my way around there. We've never been to Penn...but it seems close to the port so that's good.

 

Maybe there won't be a tremendous amount of people there early since it's a work day...and we'll luck out with our early embarkation.

 

To everyone who is going on 11/18..Have a great evening!

[CatskillsMom]

Hmm, that's strange, I posted but it wigged out or something..apologize if I have more than one of the same.