Anyone back from the latest Spirit cruise?

[dongordon]

Any reviews on the latest Spirit cruise?

 

We are anxiously awaiting your comments!

 

Don

[judyf]

I'm been watching to read what they had to say also! where are you guys? Please report to us still waiting to sail the Spirit.

[YvetteJeannine]

Hello! I just got back from cruising the NCL 'Spirit' (6/24/06-7/02/06: St. Thomas, Tortola, Bermuda). What would you like to know? I'll happily reply to any/all questions!!

[naxos]

Hope you had a great trip- we sail on Saturday and I have a few questions-

 

Did you dock or tender in Tortola? St Thomas?

 

Did you dine in Windows dining room for dinner and if so, were you able to make reservations and if not, how long were the wait times?

 

Also any secret quiet spaces to pass on?

 

Any tips you think would be useful would be appreciated. Thanks

[logcabin]

We sail on the 22nd.. Tell us your general opinion of the ship, crew, service and food. What did you do at the various ports?

[dongordon]

Welcome back!

 

Overall, how was the cruise?

 

Are you a Lattitudes member?

What time were you able to board the ship?

 

How were the seas going and coming?

 

How were the specilaty restaurants?

 

Thanks.

 

Don

[judyf]

Questions, Yeah, we have questions! Hope you had a great cruise and we all would love to hear (read) what you thought of everything. lol

 

 

1) Is there any other hot tubs besides the 4 by the main pool?

 

2) What's the story with the indoor swimming & spa area. What's available at no extra charge and the hours?

 

3) Any deals on spa treatments on port days?

 

4) What movies are playing?

 

5) Any tips where someone can sit in the sun while another sits in the shade?

 

6) What's the price of a can of soda if you don't get the soda deal?

 

I know there's more I wanted to ask but I can't think of them now.

 

Thanks

[mypyr]

YvetteJeannine-

Will you post a detailed review? I hope so!

Here goes with my questions:

 

Who was the cruise director? Did you like him/her?

 

How was your weather and how were the seas?

 

Which excursions did you do and which would you recommend?

 

Food, Food ,Food- How was it?

 

How hard was it to get a pool chair on sea days?

 

Was there a piano player/bar playing Frank Sinatra type music? where?

 

What was the best part of the trip and what was the worst part?

 

How was the entertainment? Casino?

 

Thanks for your time in answering my questions!!

[bigfoot88]

YvetteJeannine, I have some of the ame questions but a few more,

 

How did you get to the terminal, drive, taxi? If you drove how was the drop of, singage on were to go?

 

What time did you get to the port?

 

How was the food? In past postings there was some questions, In the past few the comments were positive.

 

All the others have great question as well.

 

I look forward to your post and review of the cruise.

 

Bigfoot88, Sweetp790...... Spirit 8/19

[cantwaitt]

What's the deal with Snorkel Park?

 

Is the snorkeling worth doing there? We would love to avoid a bus ride if we can. We have already been to Horseshoe Bay and Hamilton on a prior cruise.

[HLP]

If you intend to do snorkling,better get it done at either

St. Thomas or Tortola. The water was pretty rough at Bermuda.

Went to snorke at Horseshoe bay and it was rough. Didnt get to

snorkle park,sorry,but the water around that end of the island was

pretty rough as well.

 

There seems to have been a major upgrade in the food for our cruise

compared to the prevous NCL cruises I was on. I didnt find one meal

I didnt care for in the free rest. Didnt care ofr some of the food in

Shogun,but the free rest. were great. Beef Wellington was back on the

meanu for formal night which I was happy with.

 

I liked Ricky the cruise director. Loved most of the entertainment.

Dr. Tranch was great. What were some of the other questions again.

 

Oh yeah, One more hot tub at the rear by childs pool.

 

seas were really calm.

 

We docked at Tortola

 

Movies Pirates of the carb. the only one I remember.

 

HLP

[judyf]

Oh yeah, One more hot tub at the rear by childs pool.

 

One hot tub in the back that's great.

 

seas were really calm

 

I hope the same for our sailing!

 

Movies Pirates of the carb. the only one I remember.

 

This must me the first one with Johnny Depp not the new one coming out this week.

 

Thanks for the info!

[dongordon]

What happened to all the cruisers on this Spirit cruise?

 

They must have stayed onboard for the next cruise!!

 

Don

[judyf]

What happened to all the cruisers on this Spirit cruise?

 

They must have stayed onboard for the next cruise!!

 

Don

 

Or doing wash and unpacking and forgot about us waiting for all the info here on cc. lol

[mypyr]

If you intend to do snorkling,better get it done at either

St. Thomas or Tortola. The water was pretty rough at Bermuda.

Went to snorke at Horseshoe bay and it was rough. Didnt get to

snorkle park,sorry,but the water around that end of the island was

pretty rough as well.

 

There seems to have been a major upgrade in the food for our cruise

compared to the prevous NCL cruises I was on. I didnt find one meal

I didnt care for in the free rest. Didnt care ofr some of the food in

Shogun,but the free rest. were great. Beef Wellington was back on the

meanu for formal night which I was happy with.

 

I liked Ricky the cruise director. Loved most of the entertainment.

Dr. Tranch was great. What were some of the other questions again.

 

Oh yeah, One more hot tub at the rear by childs pool.

 

seas were really calm.

 

We docked at Tortola

 

Movies Pirates of the carb. the only one I remember.

 

HLP

 

 

Thanks HLP,

A few more questions:

 

Who is Dr. Tranch?

 

What did you do in St. Thomas and Tortola? Excursions?

 

How had was it to get a chair by the pool?

 

Was there a piano bar?

 

Did you use a tender for any of the ports?

 

How was Horeshoe bay in Bermuda?

 

Do you know anyone who did the SNUBA in Bernuda?

 

Thanks for you help. If you forget the questions, push "quote" and then the original text will appear in your reply screen(that's what I do)

[HLP]

Sorry for the miss spelling, it was DR. Trance. He was

a hypnosis who hypnotize many people in the audience.

He had everyone laughing. It was quite funny. Other

emtertainers were Ed Alonzo he was a comic magician.

He was great as well. Second city for improv comedy was

very good.

 

St. Thomas we did the St. Johns beach escape. While good

it did not give you enough time at the beach. The ferry ride

was about 1 hour each way.

 

Tortola we did Brewers bay beach which was great. Great beach

very private and good snorkling.

 

It was very very difficult to get a chair by either pool.

 

I dont think there was a piano bar. I remember a piano in the

atrium. Dont remember if there was one in Charlies bar or not.

 

Docked at all ports even though my docs said tender in tortola.

 

Horsehoe bay was ok , not as great as evryone else said.

Frankly I liked both Trunk bay at St. Johns and Brewers bay

at Torltola better. My wife liked horseshoe bay better.

It was a more upscale place as was Bermuda itself.

The water was very rough at horseshoebay. There is a very small

cove on the side for small kids to swim and snorkle.

 

Sorry ,dont know anyone who did snuba.

 

It was a great trip.

 

HLP

[cruzfvr]

Just finished all our laundry after the 6/24 cruise, so thought I'd let you know what we did in the ports!

 

St. Thomas~ We went with Rumbaba for a daysail, which was awesome. We sailed around St. John and anchored by a cove to snorkle, and swim. There is a small sandy beach that Capt. Bobby and Karen called, "Six Butt Beach," because that is the amount of people that could sit on it. It was gorgeous, though. For our lunch, Capt. Bobby prepared filet mignon, ahi, and mahi mahi, pasta salad (yumm!). Since we had to take our son and his friend to the ferry dock in St. John they had to be back on board to play in the band), they changed the schedule for us, which was nice.

 

Tortola~ We took a cab to Smuggler's Cove, which is about 20-30 minutes from the ship. This is one of the most beautiful beaches we have ever been to. White sand, shady areas, and water so clear you could see your feet. Also, there is a reef very close to the shore, so bring your snorkel mask. There is a "shack" on the beach and Steven will make you a frozen drink that is delicious (I had the mango with banana rum). He also has soda, beer, water, chips, and will grill you a hamburger (my husband had one), or hot dog. Be sure to ask your driver to come back for you because there are no cabs at Smuggler's Cove. This was the highlight of our trip, just wish we could have stayed longer.

 

Bermuda~ It was raining as we got into port, or I should say, pouring down rain. We took the ferry (you can get all day passes for ferry and bus right at the dock for $12/adult, half off for kids 5-16) to Hamilton to check it out. Walked around a bit, and then walked to the bus terminal to take the #7 to Warwick Long Bay. We asked the bus driver to drop us off there. It was very rough water, so we walked to Jobson Cove (which is to the right of Warwick), and enjoyed the day. The water is very calm there, great for small kids, or snorkeling. Took the #7 bus back to the dock, and had fish and chips at a restaurant right by the ship.

 

Great cruise, and an awesome show band!!! We also enjoyed the Love Brothers and Lira in the atruim. We had an AB penthouse (10502) and loved it. Lisa the conceirge was wonderful (she is leaving for vacation this week), and Erlindo our butler was great as well. Our room stewards (Ferdinand, especially) were very friendly. One of the smoothest sailing we have been on. The ocean was like glass on the way back from Bermuda to NY. Happy cruising!!!

[mypyr]

Just finished all our laundry after the 6/24 cruise, so thought I'd let you know what we did in the ports!

 

St. Thomas~ We went with Rumbaba for a daysail, which was awesome. We sailed around St. John and anchored by a cove to snorkle, and swim. There is a small sandy beach that Capt. Bobby and Karen called, "Six Butt Beach," because that is the amount of people that could sit on it. It was gorgeous, though. For our lunch, Capt. Bobby prepared filet mignon, ahi, and mahi mahi, pasta salad (yumm!). Since we had to take our son and his friend to the ferry dock in St. John they had to be back on board to play in the band), they changed the schedule for us, which was nice.

 

Tortola~ We took a cab to Smuggler's Cove, which is about 20-30 minutes from the ship. This is one of the most beautiful beaches we have ever been to. White sand, shady areas, and water so clear you could see your feet. Also, there is a reef very close to the shore, so bring your snorkel mask. There is a "shack" on the beach and Steven will make you a frozen drink that is delicious (I had the mango with banana rum). He also has soda, beer, water, chips, and will grill you a hamburger (my husband had one), or hot dog. Be sure to ask your driver to come back for you because there are no cabs at Smuggler's Cove. This was the highlight of our trip, just wish we could have stayed longer.

 

Bermuda~ It was raining as we got into port, or I should say, pouring down rain. We took the ferry (you can get all day passes for ferry and bus right at the dock for $12/adult, half off for kids 5-16) to Hamilton to check it out. Walked around a bit, and then walked to the bus terminal to take the #7 to Warwick Long Bay. We asked the bus driver to drop us off there. It was very rough water, so we walked to Jobson Cove (which is to the right of Warwick), and enjoyed the day. The water is very calm there, great for small kids, or snorkeling. Took the #7 bus back to the dock, and had fish and chips at a restaurant right by the ship.

 

Great cruise, and an awesome show band!!! We also enjoyed the Love Brothers and Lira in the atruim. We had an AB penthouse (10502) and loved it. Lisa the conceirge was wonderful (she is leaving for vacation this week), and Erlindo our butler was great as well. Our room stewards (Ferdinand, especially) were very friendly. One of the smoothest sailing we have been on. The ocean was like glass on the way back from Bermuda to NY. Happy cruising!!!

 

Cruzfvr-

 

I am SO glad to hear from someone who was in an AB Penthouse! We will be in 10500 later in August. How was the motion? I get scared because I am prone to seasickness.

 

Also, will Lisa be back from vacation mid/late August? And was Erlindo very helpful? I have readmixed reviews about him, but nothing but good things about Lisa. Tell me about the suite perks(in detail if you can)-I need to convince my DH that we didnt make a mistake by booking NCL...

 

And the food? embakation/disembarkation? VIP cocktail party?

 

Were there tenders or did you dock at each port?

 

How was the ship-as beautiful as everyone says?

Thanks!!

[dongordon]

That is our suite (10502) on the July 22nd cruise!

 

Tell me more......

How was the view from the balcony, or should I say balconies?

They appeared small when I was on the one-nighter and peered into the suite for a quick peek.

Was there much wind on the balcony?

Any other details on the suite?

 

How was the food and the specialty restaurants....any problems with reservations. We have a group of 10 and wondering if this will present any problems?

 

Thanks.

 

Don

[YvetteJeannine]

Welcome back!

 

Overall, how was the cruise?

 

Are you a Lattitudes member?

What time were you able to board the ship?

 

How were the seas going and coming?

 

How were the specilaty restaurants?

 

Thanks.

 

Don

 

Hello! Since there are so many questions, I will respond to all of these seperately.

I had a really good time overall. It was my very first cruise. I cruised w/ my two sisters and my niece. Michele, my older sis has cruised about five times before...once w/ NCL. Other sis, Yvonne, like me was a cruise virgin.

I was not a Latitudes member; but I am NOW! I booked a cruise in 03/07 for me and hubby on the Dawn (11 days).

We were able to board around noon. Embarkation was really fast and smooth.

Seas were really pretty good! Going to Bermuda was a wee bit rough, as expected (going from sea to ocean, a little surf was expected).

I thought the specialty rest. were really quite good! I was quite dissapointed w/ the buffet. Sis Yvonne and I are both Ovo Lacto Vegetarians, and we always found something good at the specialty places (and Windows)...Not so w/ the buffet, however!!!

Will respond to the rest of questions w/ seperate posts.;)

[YvetteJeannine]

YvetteJeannine, I have some of the ame questions but a few more,

 

How did you get to the terminal, drive, taxi? If you drove how was the drop of, singage on were to go?

 

What time did you get to the port?

 

How was the food? In past postings there was some questions, In the past few the comments were positive.

 

All the others have great question as well.

 

I look forward to your post and review of the cruise.

 

Bigfoot88, Sweetp790...... Spirit 8/19

 

Hello..Sorry to delay w/ posting (I will post a full review soon)...I'm embarrased to say that after an eight day vacay, I'm exhuasted! Anyway, on to your questions!

I got to the terminal by driving. I live in CT. We took two cars (four gals on the cruise..my two sisters, and my 13yr. old niece). My hubby drove w/ me to drive the car back. Drive there was pretty hairy. I HATE HATE HATE those Jersey barriers on the Saw Mill Pkwy. It rained SOOOO badly! Drop off was very simple..we just pulled over to the side, got our stuff out, said our good-byes, and we were off! The signs are pretty clear as to where to go...and they also have security pointing the way.

We left on 6/24 (Sat.) and had two 1/2 sea days. We got to our first port (St. Thomas) in the late a.m.

The food..HMMMMMMM......Well, first of all, the buffet SUCKED (for lunch and dinner...IMO, breakfast was very good, however). To be fair, though..I must state that I am Vegetarian, and there wasn't enough offered. Meat eaters may have fared better. I must say, I have a sweet-tooth, and I was thinking the desserts at the buffet would be a helluva lot better than they were. Some were ok, while others were barely palatable. The buffet gave me reminiscences of high school cafe food.:rolleyes:

Windows (and Garden Room..same menu) were pretty good, however. I must say that I didn't have a bad meal there. Some of the food was good, other things excellent. I thought portions could have been a bit bigger (and I'm not a big eater). My sister (also a Veg) and I always seemed to find SOMETHING decent to eat there. I went to a few specialty rest. and I thought the food was very good. Of course, with the surcharge, it's going to be of a higher caliber. At first the Japanese rest. "Shogun" wouldn't accomodate me (there was nothing I could eat on the menu for entrees that a Vegetarian could eat (except a really spicey dish, and the Tofu and Veggies-which was what I ultimately picked)..so I wanted Sweet n Sour Shrimp instead of S&S Chicken)..they refused to make me the S&S shrimp, and so I got the Tofu and Vegetables. This came in a Indian-style perfumy broth (which wasn't stated on menu..I thought it would be more of a stir-fry style dish). Well, I couldn't eat it. My sister couldn't understand why they'll put three kinds of meat on one dish, but refuse to put something together to accomadate a special diet. The server came back, and said something about my not being able to eat my meal. I politely told her why...there was no choice for me (my other Veg. sis got the spicey dish..the only other Veg. dish on there besides the Tofu and Veggies. I cannot eat spicey food, and it was even too spicey for HER!). So she came back and said she spoke w/ the chef and he made me a simply WONDERFUL Sweet and Sour shrimp dish. I don't know why they couldn't just do that to begin with:confused: ...I HATE wasting food.

Anyway, there's my two cents for the day!!!! Any more questions...just ask away! Like I said, I'll be posting a more detailed rewiew later on.:)

[judyf]

Any more questions...just ask away! Like I said, I'll be posting a more detailed rewiew later on.

 

I have the following questions if you know any of them maybe you can just include them in your review. I can't wait to read it.

 

Questions, Yeah, we have questions! Hope you had a great cruise and we all would love to hear (read) what you thought of everything. lol

 

 

 

 

2) What's the story with the indoor swimming & spa area. What's available at no extra charge and the hours?

 

3) Any deals on spa treatments on port days?

 

4) What movies are playing?

 

5) Any tips where someone can sit in the sun while another sits in the shade?

 

6) What's the price of a can of soda if you don't get the soda deal?

 

 

Thanks

 

Thanks for all the info.

[cruzfvr]

For those that requested info about the AB suites...

The one we were in (10502) had two balconies. One very small side one off of bedroom, which had one lounger. You could probably put a chair out there too, but it is a very small space. You enter through a sliding glass door.The other balcony in the living room is long but not very wide. Two loungers, and no table or chairs. You enter through a door and then a second "door" that is air tight and you need to turn a "wheel" to open it. It was a bit windy during sailing, but not while in port. We still went out even when we sailed and got some sun. It was great watching the sunset when we sailed from Bermuda. Our suite had a gorgeous full bathroom and a second half bathroom (toilet/sink only)

As for perks, we received water and soda of choice throughout the cruise, little treats each evening such as chocolate strawberries, shrimp cocktail, canapes. Some sort of champagne was chilled when we arrived (we gave it to our neighbors), and I believe we had some red wine also. We were able to order a full breakfast...just wrote in what we wanted on the card, and then placed it on our door. The card doesn't have eggs or pancakes, but we just added it. Also, we love the banana bread, and wrote that down as well. They call it banana cake. I believe you can order lunch and dinner, but we didn't do this. As for Erlindo, he was great. He has his own way of doing things, but he was very professional and even brought us towels for the ports. We were spoiled last Christmas when we had an AA and AD suite on the Spirit, and had Armando as our butler. He was supposed to go to the Spirit, but went to the Jewel instead.

As for motion in the front, none of us got seasick or needed any preventative meds. I think there is more motion in the back of the Spirit along with vibration. We would book the AB cabin again in a heartbeat.

Lisa is on vacation for at least two months. She is such a nice person. Sorry, I can't remember the name of her replacement.

I would suggest if you want to eat at Teppanyaki, make your own reservations when you first board the ship. There are only ten spots, three times a night (5:30/7:30/9:30). We waited, and only had to take a 9:30 slot, which was a bit late. The other restaurants we had no problem getting resos for with the exception of the last night, which filled up quickly.

If I forgot to answer any questions, let me know. The Spirit is gorgeous!

~Debbi

[judyf]

(I tend to be long-winded).

 

Most of us love long winded!

 

Great info! Thanks so much for taking the time to answer our qustions. Great details. I looking forward to the spa treatment it sounds great!

 

Thanks

[mypyr]

Debbi- Thanks for your lenthy reply- I love hearing about it. A few more questions if I may...

 

-you say that we should only book the Teppanyaki when we get on the ship, but what about the other restaurants...did Lisa book them for you?

 

-how was the bed in the 10502? It looks SMALL for 2 large people(my DH is 6'2" with girth and I am 5'8" with MUCHO girth! Did you have to request the egg crate matress pad? Is it really a "queen"? From the pictures it doesn't look too big.

 

-Can you be more specific when you say that "Erlindo had his own way of doing things"? I do NOT want a butler with attitude. A friend of mine had Rey Davas and supposedly he ruined their cruise. If you heard about another great butler who you think would be better or more accomodating, please tell me his name and I will request him upon boarding, before they are assigned.

THANKS!

 

I don't want to sound snooty, but we did pay a lot for this cruise and want the best, of course!