NCL Spirit,Daily log/review 2/9-2/19

[SGNY]

Day 1: We arrived at the ship terminal around 12:30. Cabs pull right up to the curb where porters are ready to take your luggage. We packed light so that we could carry our luggage on board without too much trouble (or getting in other passengers way). I highly recommend this if possible-not so much for getting on board, but for debarkation). You proceed to a checkpoint just like at an airport where they check your luggage through the belt scanner. They did not inquire about anything in my bags-including the “iced tea and bottled water” that I brought with me. We waited in line for about 20 minutes –it was a pretty long line, but it moved very quickly. While in line you fill out a customs form and then at the counter you get a computer picture taken, give them your credit card for onboard charges and then on to a table set up for handing out your room pass key-then right onto the ship. Even at this early stage people were friendly and helpful.

 

We went directly to our cabin and unpacked. We had a balcony stateroom (10516) that we found a little small at first, but once we took advantage of all the little shelves in the closet and the ability to put our larger bags under the bed-with coats and other items not needed for the actual cruise-we actually found that there was plenty of room to put everything away. There were 14 hangers in the closet and I asked our room steward for extra hangers-which he was happy to get for me.

 

Then off to explore the ship. The first thing we noticed about the ship was the absolute beauty and style. It’s Asian influence is very striking and although I have never cruised before, I knew that this ship’s style was pleasantly unusual. There are three basic areas to the ship-aft, mid, and fore. Each has it’s own staircase and set of 3 elevators. We quickly learned that using deck 7 or 8 to get from fore to aft was a pleasant walk. Dining is primarily aft-Windows on deck 6 being the most beautiful and largest dining room. Raffles is a cafeteria style buffet –aft of the pool on deck 12. I don’t recommend eating there except for a quick bite or tea. We did go there for breakfast on the first at sea day-and the food was disappointing unless you waited in line for them to make you an omellette or waffles.

 

At 3:30, before we could leave the dock we had a pretty quick lifeboat drill. They announce for all passengers to proceed to their designated areas with life jackets found in your closet. Each area has a crew member who checks off your name. Once everyone is assembled there is a brief explanation and then you are dismissed-it was really quite painless.

 

As we neared departure time we made our way to Galaxy of the Stars on deck 12 fore-where the cover band 60280 was playing for the “sail away party”. It is a very large disco/lounge like room surrounded by windows looking out over the bow of the ship. Here we met our cruise director, Julie, for the first time while we prepared to head out and enjoyed our first cocktail onboard. Right away we started to feel the difference in people. It’s true-once you are on board, people are generally nicer and friendlier. Galaxy of the Stars would end up becoming one of my favorite places to hang out on board-it’s a really comfortable room-lots of space and a large bar and almost always something going on-whether it be music or the cruise staff’s wacky games!

 

After we passed the Statue of Liberty we began to prepare for our Cruise Critics meeting at Henry’s Pub. It was the perfect way to begin to meet people onboard. It was great fun to finally have faces to put with the names of people that I had chatted with on the message board. The best part- after only being on the ship for a short time, we already had friends to plan excursions with and people to run into onboard that we “knew”.

 

Our first night we had dinner at Le Bistro. It was really wonderful-and for only a $15 additional cover charge, we felt like we were in a high end restaurant. We started with the escargot, had a wonderful Caesar salad made at our table, then feasted on the filet mignon. I ordered a bottle of Mondavi Cabernet-which then “followed” me to dinner the next night. When purchasing bottles onboard they store the bottle with your name and cabin #-so the next time you dine they bring you your exact unfinished bottle. It is really the less expensive way to go.

 

After dinner we did a little gambling in the casino (which begins once the ship is about an hour out of port-this is the same every time the ship docks). I was pretty tired from all the excitement-so I tucked in by 9:30.

 

Day 2 at sea: more exploration of the ship. The days at sea are a great time to make reservations for specialty restaurants and plan what excursions you would like to take. If you did fill out and send the excursion sheet in I recommend going to the excursion desk in the Grand Centrum (like the hotel lobby) to confirm. My excursion sheet seemed to get lost in the mail-and the only excursion that I felt strongly about was deep sea fishing at Tortola-it was full and I was out of luck. In hind sight, I prefer exploring the islands on my own. In St. Thomas I did my one and only excursion-to St. John. It was useful because it coordinated ferry times to our schedule, but I did not like being herded as a group. After the first stop I cancelled my other excursions and went out on my own. If you do not like the sense of adventure that comes with independent discoveries or if you like someone else thinking for you-then excursions are for you. If you are like me-and become impatient when being told-now it’s time to go here and now it’s time to do this-then I would stay away from the ship’s shore excursions altogether-they are a lot of money-and generally not worth it in my opinion.

 

Day 3 at sea: By this day we were starting to discover some of the cool onboard activities-and learning how to best use the daily paper, “Freestyle Daily”-which is delivered every night to your room with turn down service.. Everyday there is a 2 hour window of time to do “Spin to Win”. It’s free-and all you do is try your luck at their custom slot machine. You can win a cruise for 2 or dinner for 2 in one of the specialty restaurants. I am never lucky at slots-and on my first try I won dinner for 2. Also with your spin you are given a $5 coupon for table games-so if you bet $5 of your own money-they match it with another $5. If you play a lot of table games this is very handy. My friend Barbara collected quite a few and used then to learn how to play roulette.

 

At The Galaxy of the Stars later that night was a 70’s Disco Groove party. This was our first introduction to the cruise director’s staff really having fun with the passengers. They tried to drag me up onstage, but I declined. We then saw that I missed out on a Gloria Gaynor “I Will Survive” lipsyncing contest and a John Travolta dance contest. These games result in the audience picking a winner-who ever is the wildest, craziest etc.-and that’s how you get all the fun stuff that they hand out. I would eventually accumulate just about every item-tote bag, t-shirt, bottle coolers, Frisbee.

 

Day 4 –St. Thomas. Pay attention to the Freestyle Daily to find out where and when they will be checking out beach towels. We went to the Grand Centrum –filled out the little form and got 2 towels each. When returning to the ship they take your towels and the slip-so don’t lose the slip (although they don’t really seem to care if you lose it).

As previously mentioned, we did the excursion to St. John. I had spent time on St. John before-and knew I wanted to go there. We had to walk FOR EVER –passed 2 or 3 other ships to get to where the ferry picked us up. We also had to wait quite a long time before our excursion group leader started to round us up on the dock-there was a lot of time wasted. By the time we got to the beach we only had a couple of hours-and then it was time to go., This goes along with one of my few-though significant disappointments-not enough time in each port. Back on the ferry-back to the ship and then off we went.

 

Day 5 –Antigua. This was without a doubt my favorite day. I found online, before going, the Grand Pineapple resort. For $50 you can purchase a day pass –that includes food, all alcohol, full use of the resorts facilities (2 pools, beach chairs, changing rooms). Our 2 friends from CC’s also had planned to go so we all shared a taxi-it was about $8 a person. They use vans-so they fill up a van with as many people as they can-together or not-so if you don’t have anyone to travel with-not to worry. About 30 minutes later (after driving through the not so nice part of the island) we were there. We arranged with our driver to pick us up-but he didn’t show, so make sure to leave plenty of time to get back to the ship. Make reservations in advance through Grand Pineapple’s web site-because they do limit the number of passes to keep the place from getting over run.

 

Upon returning to the ship I showered-and got ready for 6PM Trivia in Henry’s Pub. This became one of my favorite things to do EVERYDAY! We had a CC’s team-my favorite people on the whole ship. My recommendation-find this or something like it everyday-it’s a great way to make friends and you can learn a lot from finding out what other people are doing while onboard or in port. We also became big fans of Chris Service –one of Julie Valeriote’s great team who ran trivia everyday.

 

Day 6- Barbados. We rented a moke and explored the island on our own. This is not for the weak of heart-because driving on Barbados is like taking your life out of your own hands. We traveled north along the coast stopping at the Malibu Rum distillery-which has it’s own beach if you want to stay for the day. Barbados is not necessarily one of those “pretty” islands. The port is very industrial and it is very developed. We went south to Oisten’s where the fishing boats come in-and had the best fried fish lunch at a shack/cafeteria. I know others went to “the Boatyard” that day-which is a beach with jetski’s and a party atmosphere. Many of the crew spend their day there because it is close to the ship. I liked the adventure of my day-but I’m sure it wouldn’t be for most people. Later that evening I got suckered into my first cruise staff game-where us 3 women had to take 1 guy back to one of our cabins and dress him up as the most beautiful Carmen Miranda we could-in 10 minutes. It was all part of Caribbean night at the Tivoli pool-complete with a conga line. It was great fun-and after drinking rum all afternoon it was just the party I was ready for.

 

Day 7-St. Maarten. This is one of those picture perfect islands-though it is very developed as far as the town goes. It is immaculate. We went to the Divi Beach Resort on our own. For $5 a beach attendant got us a chair. Unfortunately, that day, the resort had no water. Those who spent the money on the shore excursion to the same place were extremely disappointed. We left fairly early to give ourselves time to shop-and we had a really wonderful lunch on the boardwalk looking out over the beach with a view of our ship in the distance. That lunch was my second highpoint.

 

Day 8-Tortola. We arrived VERY early and left very early, but I was off the ship by 7:30 and rented a scooter to explore the island. Later I found out that our friend’s took a taxi to one of the beaches on the north side of the island –and although I had a great time on my scooter I wished I had gone with them. We departed at 1PM-and then the pool party began. This was probably one of the best days on the ship for my friend Barbara. She was at the pool for almost 8 hours-playing water volleyball in the saltwater pool-where the waves were actually going up and over into the band area and splashing into the hot tubs. I think the cruise staff is very aware of how disappointing it is to leave so early-so they really made the afternoon at the pool a great time.

 

Day 9-at sea. I used this day to really relax-spent most of it napping in the sun on our balcony. (the extra money for a balcony is so worth it). I did attend the debarkation talk in the Stardust Theatre that Julie gave –and I do recommend it. It made the whole process much easier for us.

 

Later that night I signed our CC’s team up for Family Feud in Galaxy of the Stars. My name was picked, but my other team mates weren’t there yet from their dinner at the Japanese restaurant. I pulled up 3 other folks from our cruise critics family-and as the Smith’s we kicked butt. If someone had told me that I’d be sitting onstage with a microphone in my hand-I’d have told them they were crazy, but there I was.

 

Day 10-at sea. Another day to really relax. I did some packing, went over my bill. A day just to chill out. At 6PM Barbara went to retrieve her bottles of rum that she purchased in Barbados. At 7:30 we enjoyed a really fabulous meal at Cagney’s Steakhouse-can’t recommend that enough. We took some time to look at photos that we wanted to purchase in the Photo Gallery (the ship photographers are always taking pictures-leaving the ship, at the restaurants-it’s actually quite handy because you get pictures that you probably wouldn’t stop to take yourself).

 

Day 11 –NYC. Up at 6. Breakfast at 7. Off the ship by 8:15. That’s the express debarkation-and as Julie said-it’s the fastest way off the ship.

 

So-things I didn’t pack that I should have: I wished I’d brought a few more things that were dressy/casual to wear to dinner-and around the ship while at sea. I didn’t really bring my “going out” clothes-forgetting that it would still be cold for the first day and a half-and the last day. There is only send out laundry service-which I didn’t need to do, but I had I brought just a couple of more pairs of pants and dressy shirts I would have been happier.

 

Things I was really happy I brought: my laptop –I bought one of the internet plans which hooks you up to their wireless network in the hotspot areas. I was able to check my e-mail once a day-and it kept me in touch with important things back home. A power strip-to expand the limited outlets in the cabin. My own snorkel gear-even though it was a pain to carry-it was nice to have.

 

If anyone noticed, I didn't review the theatre or it's productions-I spend my life in a theatre-so the last place I wanted to be while onboard was in another dark theatre. For those reviews you will have to look elsewhere.

 

So, all in all-the best vacation I’ve ever taken. We are already looking into booking another cruise on the Spirit. I will definitely take into consideration times to travel when there will be the fewest number of kids-like the cruise we were on-and the weather conditions. Oh, and nearing the end of the cruise-when people are starting to get antsy, be prepared to run into some cranky characters. One of our last night's at Galaxy of the Stars we ran into one of the rudest men, but I will give him the benefit of the doubt and say that he was probably suffering from cabin fever. You will surely run into a few people who will complain, but I think they would have found something to complain about even if they had been on the Queen Mary.

 

If anyone has any questions-feel free to ask. Happy Cruising!

[mike91911]

Things I was really happy I brought: my laptop –I bought one of the internet plans which hooks you up to their wireless network in the hotspot areas. I was able to check my e-mail once a day-and it kept me in touch with important things back home.

 

Where are the hotspots? Can you use the internet in your room? I'm planning on bringing my laptop for the same reasons. Thanks.

Mike

[coloradowahine]

Thanks for your informative review! I learned some new things and appreciate all the info on the games and contests onboard. My husband likes trivia so i will be sending him off to Henry's Pub to take part in that. Plus as you point out, it is a great way to meet people onboard.

 

Glad you had a good time!

[Glamourgal]

:D Thanks so much for, yet another, great and positive review. It is so nice hearing all of the wonderful things about the Spirit. We have to wait until June, and you make our anticipation even more exciting. Thanks Again!!

[cruiser01]

great review. thanks for taking the time. expecially those "things I didn’t pack"....

[jbluemaxie]

Nice detailed report. We're sailing in April on the 7 day cruise so we won't go to the same ports, but the ship info was great.

[intrepid_guy]

I too loved Chris! He was great, not only in his official duties, but he became part of our "group" in the evenings! Such fun.

 

~Intrepid

[johnql]

Hi, Susan! I really enjoyed your company - it was great meeting you and playing trivia with you. It was fun to read your review of our cruise. I just posted my review. I still can't believe I have to cook my own meals again.

[SGNY]

Hey John-right back at ya!!!

 

Hot spots: I used Galaxy of the Stars because it was the most enjoyable spot for me-the internet cafe is right next door. I think the other places were maybe the Blue Lagoon-though honestly, once I read the list I forgot it and just went to my favorite spot. I could sit at the bar or I could go sit at a table by the windows. If I find the piece of paper while I'm unpacking that has the list I'll post it-in the mean time, maybe someone else remembers the hot spots?

 

Off to read John's review-

[Chuckie]

Hi , Susan

It was great meeting you., and I agree it was a wonderful cruise. Your description of the Family Feud was a little inaccurate though- you kicked butt, we just tagged along! We really enjoyed playing the game with you. It's a lot more fun to participate rather than just always watch everyone else, isn't it? Hope to see you again.

 

Arlene

[SGNY]

Arlene-you guys were fantastic! It was also great meeting you and your family-I think we made a great team!

Susan

[BEAN4870]

Is There Anyone That Could Compare The Spirit To Carnival's Fleet? Children's Programs? Food-buffets? Room Size? Internet From Room(if I Bring My Own Laptop)? And Of Course Cell Phone (i Have Nextel)?

[dongordon]

Great review!

 

Future Spirit cruisers are now smiling since the earlier reviews on the Spirit had us second-guessing ourselves on our choice.

 

Don

[obosix]

We found a great place to meet up and have a cocktail before dinner, Charlies Champagne Bar on deck 8. it over looks the promonade and we usually listened to Los Amigos play, they were real good

[SGNY]

Champagne Charlie's overlooking the Grand Centrum is quite lovely. Had a couple of cocktails there myself while I attended Friends of Dorothy meetings that no one else showed up to. :(

[electricron]

Did you come face to face with the :eek: D R A G O N :eek: below th eGalaxy of the Stars?

 

Sounds like you had a great time aboard the Spirit.

[Don Haynes]

For those of you who don't know, the constellation image on the glass and tables in the Galaxy of the Stars onboard the Spirit is Leo. Her sister ship the SuperStar Virgo's constellation image on the glass and tables is the Virgo.

 

I have been telling everyone on these forums that the Spirit is a wonderful, unique ship in its own right. Although slightly earlier and smaller than the Dawn, she is a beautiful ship despite her shortcomings in the American market, many of which were remedied in last year's drydock.

 

Unfortunately, she had to lose her Picture House movie theater for a much larger giftshop and photoshop area. She still bears her smaller gauge electrical wiring limiting the wiring to 500 watts, and it appears she was the last NCL built ship (actually she was built for Star Cruises for an Asian market) without small refrigerators in every stateroom. Even though she lost her movie theater, many cruisers have mentioned that her giftshop area is smaller than other ships. Before her drydock the gift shop area didn't exist, the Port of Calls drug store was it.

 

And I have posted before, NCL had a choice in choosing which would be the second ship out of New York this year, and you'll agree NCL chose well.

[krystall]

Another great review.

 

Makes me wish I were walking the decks right now. Ahhh....

 

;)

[intrepid_guy]

Champagne Charlie's overlooking the Grand Centrum is quite lovely. Had a couple of cocktails there myself while I attended Friends of Dorothy meetings that no one else showed up to.

 

SGNY - Oh, that sucks. We had 10 FOD's during the 11 day cruise and all were pretty well attended 6-18 people. I am really sorry to hear that, but I am glad you enjoyed the SPIRIT otherwise. Too bad you didnt go one cruise earlier. :o

 

~Intrepid

[SGNY]

I did run face to face with the D R A G O N-and at the scariest possible time. One morning I got up at 5:30 -went to the gym and then walked the deck before people were up. It was our second day at sea so it had started to warm up a little bit. It was still dark out. There is something really wonderful about walking around the ship when no one else is around. I made my way down the spiral staircase from Galaxy of the Stars to the captain's bridge. I hadn't explored this area before so I wasn't sure what to expect. The windows looking out onto the bridge were completely black except for a little red or green light here and there. (There were no lights on in the actual room that I was standing in or on the captain's bridge.) I started to look at the walls up close to try and see the pictures of the history of the ship in the dark-and as I followed the wall around to the right I turned to find myself face to face with the dragon. After letting out a little yelp and jumping about 6" back-I scurried back up the stairs- I decided I would return when it was light out!