Spirit 1 NT-Review from 1st Time Cruiser

[CatskillsMom]

The normal $10. service charge applied but we also tipped in cash on one occasion and put extra on our sea pass receipts when we had to sign for our drink tabs. I usually added another $1 or $2 (or whatever equalled at least 20%) to each drink receipt on top of the automated 15%. We used to be in the restaurant business so we've always been generous tippers...I feel guilty NOT adding to the tips if the service is good.

[BuddyGus]

THE SODA CARD IS $48.50 ADULTS; $18.00 CHILD; WHAT A RIPOFF.

THE FOOD IS SUB SUB PAR. THIS IS MY THIRD AND LAST NCL CRUISE. MY NIECE HAD A VERY BAD EXPERIENCE HAVING HER NAILS DONE.

THIS CRUISE IS THE WORST I'VE EVER TAKEN.

 

THE TOILETS ARE GREAT IF YOU'RE A MIDGET. THE SHIP IS LIKE RIDING ON A ROLLER COASTER...STABLIZERS REALLY SUCK.

 

SPECIALITY RESTAURANTS HAVE GREAT FOOD, BUT THEY CHARGE YOU EXTRA. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS SHIP.

ROYAL CARIB HERE I COME!!!!:mad:

[CatskillsMom]

I agree it wasn't as great as I expected it to be but it sure didn't 'suck'! The ship movement was barely noticeable to us and we've never cruised before. If anything, I would think we would have noticed that immediately. :confused:

[Don Haynes]

He must have lost money in the casino.....

Yes, Royal Caribbean has larger ships, but their ships are as vulnerable to the seas as any other.

 

If you're not going to drink a lot of sodas, don't buy the soda card sticker. I enjoy Norwegian food, but I never question why others don't.

 

I suspect they would enjoy a McDonalds better, as he didn't give us a reason why the food wasn't good. Different tastes for different folks.

 

As for the toilets, if they are too small in the cabins, use the public restrooms instead.....

[alioness]

I've had a wonderful cruise on RCCL to Hawaii. The Radiance was a lovely ship. Before my trip on the Spirit, I went with an open mind because I knew how much I enjoyed my RCCL trip and I didn't want that to negatively affect my NCL experience. Each line has little things where they outshine the other.

Having said that I love the Spirit. She is so beautiful. The room was wonderful, even though the balcony was a little smaller it didn't affect our enjoyment of it. There was so much storage space, and we packed for a 23 day cruise. I loved the bathroom!! Found there to be plenty of room. I never

found it to be a rough ride at all. the first night out of Vancouver was quite lumpy and would have been on any ship. What I didn't experience on RCCL was the degree with which the staff at all levels made this the most wonderful holiday ever. Yes they have very good staff on RCCL, but it was so much more on NCL. I have never felt so spoiled . Everyone was so generous. The spin to win wheel was even extremely generous. Our party of five won a total of four dinners for two at specialty restaurants. We played lots of games and won so many souvenir gifts we couldn't pack them all, but did bring home t-shirts, water bottles, cards, (totalling I'm sure 30 + items) Nothing was spared to make sure we had a good. The most valued of all were our memoiries of the fun, friendships and email addresses of all our new friends. Would I travel RCCL again? Of coarse, given the right itinerary. Would I do NCL ? In a heartbeat, can't wait, might even take a loan. It was more than a cruise, it was a relationship experience as well.

[IrisF]

I just have to second alioness' opinion of the Spirit. We were only on

board for 17 days from San Francisco to Miami while she and her lovely

family boarded in Vancouver and went on to New York. However, the

experiences were the same. My hubby and I are both in our 70's.

 

We have never been so spoiled by so many people. Everyone went out of

their way to make sure we had a terrific experience. That included the

crew, the wait staff, the stewards/esses, the credit desk personnel, the

cleaning staff, and the maintenance fellows. All were pleasant, smiling

and so very helpful. Any problems were addressed speedily and in great

good humor. (such as a telephone that had no dial tone)

 

I too have sailed with RCL and also tried very hard to keep an open mind

about NCL. Both were wonderful experiences and I would cruise with

either one again in a heartbeat! NCL's staff just barely nudged RCL's

aside though in my opinion.

 

I use a small scooter to help me get around and did not find the doors

too narrow or the room (a balcony on deck 10) too small. The room was smaller than our room on the Navigator, but still very adequate for two people. Getting around on board with the scooter was easy and again the staff was always there to encourage and help if needed.

 

The beds were so comfortable and the duvets and pillows were great!

They are the same size as on RCL but the bedding and decor were a bit nicer on the Spirit. Again, NCL provided hand soap, shower gel, shampoo and hand lotion which RCL did not. Also, they had a shower cap and shoe cloth in the bathroom. Small things perhaps, but very thoughtful and much appreciated. The hair dryer was more than adequate.

 

The music venues on board were really special and it seemed like there

was something that would appeal to all age groups.

 

We did miss having a refrigerator in our cabin, but the coffee pot was very handy. We purchased a small styrofoam cooler in Costa Rico and that took care of keeping things cold nicely.

 

Nothing in this life is "perfect", but we thoroughly enjoyed our 17 day cruise on the Spirit and would do it again!!! :D

 

IrisF

 

p.s. Glad to know you got back to BC safely Barb with all the family intact.

How was NYC?

[SailAways]

 

THE TOILETS ARE GREAT IF YOU'RE A MIDGET. THE SHIP IS LIKE RIDING ON A ROLLER COASTER...STABLIZERS REALLY SUCK.:

 

This is the funniest complaint I have read on these boards since.......

Oh well, it doesn't matter, but it brings such images to mind that

I had to call for help after I fell off of my chair from laughing so

hard.

 

Were you perched upon the throne when the ship was "riding like a roller

coaster".....or were you down below checking out the stabilizers?????

[alioness]

OMG, You look like you're ten years + younger!!.

 

We had an amazing time in NY. The first few hours we were in total shock. There were po many people on the sidewalks and they alwsys walked with such purpose, usually right at us and through us. Once we learned how to manuever the sidewalks (never did learn how to hail a cab) all was great. Oh how I love NY. Once you've been there TV is never the same either. All these squeals of "we were there". We didn't have long so we chose the Hop on Hop off bus to get an overview of the city. Now I'm ready to really start exploring.

 

SailAways, I can just picture you rolling on the floor, but now I have an image of roller coasters and thrones I can't get out of my head. What have you done to me.

 

Barb

[SailAways]

SailAways, I can just picture you rolling on the floor, but now I have an image of roller coasters and thrones I can't get out of my head. What have you done to me.

 

Barb

 

Seems I have this visual (image) problem too.

It was just too hilarious to pass up.

Glad you also saw the humor of the statement.