Jump to content
Cruise Critic Community

Sprit Review(long) April 13 Sailing

welikepalms

By welikepalms,
in Norwegian Cruise Line

Recommended Posts

welikepalms

welikepalms

Posted
Posted

:) We sailed the Norwegian Spirit April 13 – April 19, 2008. NYC to Port Canaveral, FL to Nassau Bahamas to Grand Bahama Island to NYC.

Embarkation was good. We arrived at the Terminal early. Dropped off my Wife, Son and Mother and went to park. We had to park at a different pier then the one we sailed from. (We sailed from pier 88 and returned at pier 92). I just noted it so you are not confused if it happens to you. The place was crazy with people getting off the Spirit and us getting on. It was organized chaos so don’t worry. The lines were long but it moved quickly.

We boarded and had lunch at Windows. Nice lunch during which they announced the cabins where ready. We went up and got settled. We had a Balcony room aft, on Deck 10 with connecting doors to the cabin next door (my parents). This was great for us. We shut the doors for privacy but opened them mostly during the day. Makes both of the cabins seem bigger. As for the cabin, it is not huge but it worked for us. We had 3 people in ours so when the pull out bed is out it is tight. Hard to get to the balcony but we managed. Unlike some reviewers we spent some time in our cabin on sea days. (Oh how I already miss our afternoon naps) and it was a beautiful place to spend some time. I really recommend a balcony room if your budget affords. Never had one before but will in the future if possible.

Moving on, we left NYC in overcast and cool the trip down the Hudson went quick and we where on the Ocean heading south. I will note here that the sailing was not always smooth, I didn’t mind it much but my wife and son did. No one in our group got sick but it was rough a few times. A little on the way south and a bit more on the way north. Remember it can happen on any cruise you just have to work around it.

Ports of Call:

Port Canaveral was really nice, still a little cool but not much anyone can do. We all wore sweatshirts to Disney. Nice excursion. Not enough time for us in the park but still a great day. (It was still spring break according to our tour guide. The park (Disney Studio’s) was PACKED.) Travel to and from the port was simple and getting around Disney was simple too. Please remember if you do this excursion and the tour guide will remind you, if you miss the bus back to the port its $144.00 by taxi to get back to the ship. Needless to say, we where very careful to make it back on time.

Nassau:

Our favorite stop on the cruise was Nassau. What a beautiful city. We docked near the NCL Gem so that was cool. What another beautiful NCL Ship. Our group took the Pirate Museum Tour. It was much more then I thought it was going to be. I would say the best bang for your buck we have ever had on an excursion. We toured the city and saw most of the major sites. Stopped at Fort Fincastle, walked down the Queens Staircase, went to Fort Charlotte and then onto the Nassau Pirate Museum. The tour brochure said 2.5hours but it was longer then that. After which we walked back to the ship. The straw market was huge. We all noted that it seems like a lot of the same stuff along the way but good selection. We did get a chance to walk through town after the straw market; this is one of my favorite things to do in a new place. Lots of little shops and different things to see. Make sure if you can stop at the rum cake shop. Free Samples and very good. We bought some to bring home.

Grand Bahama Island:

You dock about 15 miles from the major shopping/attraction area, Port Lucaya Marketplace. We tried to book an excursion but it was full so we got a shared taxi ($5.00 per rider) and went into Port Lucaya. The island is still recovering from the last hurricane(s) so there are some things that still need repaired but over all a beautiful place. Went shopping and did the beach there. Like everywhere around the Bahamas the water is so beautiful. We only had about 5 hours there so not a bunch of choices on what to do. They have a great shopping area at the Port Lucaya Marketplace, Straw Market area to small shops of all sorts.

On to the ship review:

I read about everything I could before we went so I had lots of uncertainty before sailing. I will put this disclaimer in now, I am just one person but the negative things I had heard I never found?? I looked but still couldn’t find them. The ship was clean, kept neat and the staff was great.

Folks this ship is beautiful. Yes it’s not brand new but the design and look inside and out is fantastic. The ship Staff and Personal are top notch. I had the opportunity to attend a party on board with many of the Senior Staff. I was really impressed with them and their attitude. We had wonderful Cabin Stewards Gene and Russ they always a smile on their face and would do anything to make our stay nice. The Restaurant Staff was just as good. If you eat at The Garden Restaurant ask for Dean Walker. Dean is from Jamaica and has such a great attitude and manner. The food as far as our group found was good to great. Always a good selection and choice. We never had to wait more then 5 minuets for a table. The Buffet was nice. It is after all a buffet, lots of choice and lots of food. Always seemed to be crowded. My son loved the Blue Lagoon Café on deck 7, as well as the burgers and dogs at the Beir Garten. The shows at night are good. Had a great juggler act Root Berry. The Ship dancer/singers really give it their all. We had a gentleman named Chantz Powell who sings dances and plays the trumpet. If you get a chance to see him it is well worth the effort. The ship orchestra is very good too.

I do have a few negatives about the cruise. Getting off the ship in ports is a mad rush. I don’t have the answer but maybe more exits or something could be worked out. In your cabin you can’t hear the announcements unless you have your TV on to one of the ship channels. Using the speaker in your cabin too would be better. Next I think they should have the buffet lines better marked. It is hard to tell where it starts or ends.

Disembarkation:

Sailed into NYC on Saturday Morning a little late. This is another issue I had. We used express disembarkation (this is where you carry all your luggage and get off first) didn’t really have much trouble. Everyone was in a hurry so my advice to all would be just relax a little and it will go so much better. A late note: I just found out that after we got off their was a major delay in getting everyone off. We didn’t see this because we where out and to our car. So I guess the express didn’t work well for all. We must have gotten lucky to get off early. It did seem busy maybe because the Gem was in port at the same time?

I could go on about this cruise and this ship but its getting a bit long. So I will end with, you may read negative things about this ship and freestyle. You may read a bad review about this same cruise. I can’t concur with them and I will stand by my review. This is a beautiful ship, great staff, great food, clean, well kept and a wonderful choice. Some people I suppose will never be happy so don’t let them spoil your chance to see some wonderful places and sail on a great ship. I know this might sound too good to be true but we really had a great time so I’m just sharing our experience.

If you have any questions let me know. Happy Cruising.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
napafredonia

napafredonia

Posted
Posted

I am writing to describe my experience I have had on my cruise with your line on April 13, 2008 – April 19, 2008 on the Norwegian Spirit. I was in a balcony room on the 10th deck

I traveled with a group, which consisted of 60 guests. This was the 23rd cruise I have taken with my wife. It was the first cruise I have taken with this cruise line. I have cruised many times with RCCL, Celebrity, and Carnival (mostly with RCCL). I have diamond status with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, and am considered a valued client.

I experienced some first time events on this cruise.

First let me say that we had excellent service from our cabin steward. He was very attentive, and always made us feel special with his level of service. In addition, the casino staff was excellent. We dined pretty much exclusively at the specialty restaurants, which were also excellent, in the quality of both food and service.

On the first day of our voyage, there were very loud noises emanating from our hallway. I came out and saw a work crew two doors to my right, towards the aft part of the ship. I thought it was something minor, and gave it no further scrutiny. However, the construction continued for 3 days into the cruise, and was very disturbing on several levels:

1. The noise was rather constant, as construction took place for a very prolonged period of time.

2. One particularly disturbing event was the toxic gas cloud from the welding that was being done to our area of the ship. I expressed concern, and took some photos, which I will be more than happy to provide you with via email. As I am sure you are aware, the procedure of welding produces toxic gases should NEVER be done without proper ventilation. At the bare minimum, this should NEVER be done while passengers are on board. This needlessly exposes us to health risks associated with breathing in these fumes. When I expressed concern, a maintenance representative came to my room. He informed me that there was an emergency, and the work was mandatory. I told this to a concerned friend, who was part of our group, and curiosity got the best of us. We both opened the access door near the work area and found that a wall was welded to close access to the chef’s office from the main hallway, and made access available only via the crew hallway. I also took photos here. I feel that this was not an honest explanation for the welding taking place.

3. In addition, my travel companions, has a respiratory condition, and is currently experiencing respiratory discomfort from the toxic gases from this welding that was taking place. I also have a respiratory condition, and I am experiencing the same respiratory discomfort due to the toxic gases from this welding.

As I have photos of the welding taking place on this one day, I am certain that there are many more available on the surveillance tapes as well. I have been asked by our travel companions to write this on their behalf.

I will be having a physical evaluation with my family physician regarding this respiratory discomfort. My travel companion will be doing the same.

I believe that because I complained about this, we were labeled “problem passengers”. We were dealt with very curtly from this moment on.

The ship experienced stability problems virtually the entire trip as well. When we inquired about this, I was told by several members of the crew that there was a problem with a stabilizer on the ship, as well as a problem with an engine. This was repeated to us by numerous other guests on the ship, as they were told the same story. This seemed plausible, as I had never experienced this intense instability on any other of my many cruises.

On the second day of the cruise, my wife and I were in the casino, and we witnessed many people falling in the casino. I left the casino to attend an art lecture, and every person in the room was very anxious, and was concerned about their well being it was so bad. Upon leaving the art lecture, I noticed that we were in calm seas.

On Thursday, April 17, 2008, there were once again problems with the ship’s stability to the point beyond anything I have ever experienced . My wife and I were in the casino, gambling with friends, and having a few cocktails. My wife decided to leave the casino because of the amount of instability, as she became nauseous, and decided to return to our stateroom. On her way to the room, she fell in the hallway. As chance had it, I was not far behind and came upon the scene. I witnessed my wife being attended to by 4 or 5 crew members. The crew members were insisting that she go to the ship hospital, and she refused, asking for help to the stateroom instead. The crew refused my request to help her to the room, and took her to the hospital against both of our wishes. When we arrived, the doctor wanted to administer care to her. We both were emphatic in refusing this treatment, since we have no basis for the qualifications of the physicians on your ship. My wife wanted to simply return to our stateroom and rest after this harrowing experience. Crew members may have solid “sea legs”, but passengers do not have the same. Since it was me and my wife’s request to return to the stateroom, the doctor seemed to be insulted that we did not want him to give her treatment. The doctor became belligerent to the point that I did curse at him, which I am sorry for. I was so frustrated that the crew members would not simply heed our request.

I received an invoice from the hospital. I am disputing this charge for several different reasons.

1. We did not ask for medical intervention.

2. We specifically declined medical care.

3. The ship’s instability caused my wife’s fall.

4. As my wife fell due to the condition of this ship, it is outrageous that she be held financially liable for this fall.

 

In addition, my wife suffered severe bruises to both of her arms at the hands of the crew. I have photos of these injuries, which I would be happy to supply you with at your request via email.

I called to complain about this, and demanded an explanation for this. I was told that my wife was giving difficulty to the crew that was attempting to move her. When I came upon the scene, she was crying and obviously frightened by these events. I reached out a hand to my wife; she took it and lifted herself off the ground immediately without difficulty. I consider what happened to her as an assault, and I expect NCL to investigate by looking at the security camera tapes.

When I called about this, I was shocked and outraged by the indifferent attitude from the crew that they would simply “look into it”. I was with my travel companion when the staff came to inform me that the decision to post the charges was final. In addition, as we spent much of the time on this cruise with our friends they are shocked and outraged as well.

I am certain that this will not be the only concern in regards to this cruise. I would strongly consider it before booking it again..

I am certain NCL does not condone treatment of its passengers in such a manner. Having said that, it was the most harrowing experience of our lives while on vacation.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
dreadlockjack

dreadlockjack

Posted
Posted
You may read a bad review about this same cruise. I can’t concur with them and I will stand by my review. This is a beautiful ship, great staff, great food, clean, well kept and a wonderful choice. Some people I suppose will never be happy so don’t let them spoil your chance to see some wonderful places and sail on a great ship. I know this might sound too good to be true but we really had a great time so I’m just sharing our experience.

 

Hi!

 

i was on the cruise before this! Just felt like you! It was wonderful! The Spirit is a great ship!

 

Thanks for this review!

 

DJ

Link to comment
Share on other sites
welikepalms

welikepalms

Posted
  • Author
Posted
napafredonia you should have wrote you own review on you own post instead of hacking into welikepalms review. Not a very nice thing to do (JMHO)

 

noahsmom,

Thanks for the support.

 

To napafredonia,

To echo noahsmom you really should have posted this on your own thread. But your here so....

I am sorry for the inconvience you had from the work, we where just down the hall and didn't acutally hear anything and where not around or didn't notice when the welding was being done. I did see a hole in the wall one day and it was fixed and welded the next but missed the acutal welding. You are right about the fumes if they where present. Like I said we must have been lucky because we never smelled or saw them?

I do hope your alright and no lasting effects.

Sorry to hear about your wife falling, I didn't seem to mind the stability issue. Yes it did rock and roll some but compared to the Crown which is half the size I thought it was bearable. I hope you and your wife do well and hopefull someday you will find another trip you can enjoy.?

 

Happy Cruising

Link to comment
Share on other sites
welikepalms

welikepalms

Posted
  • Author
Posted
Gee, you would think after 23 cruises one would know that rough seas can't be controlled by the cruiseline.

 

I did reply to him but was probably a little soft. I thought the same thing.?? Well it just proves the old saying half full or half empty. Attitude is so much of the experience.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
8thlivewire

8thlivewire

Posted
Posted

Hi Andy & family !

 

Thanks again for setting up our meet and greet - it was great to meet you guys ! I'm getting ready to post my review, too ! We had a great trip, too ! Speaking of falling - I feel I have to share my story now ! My daughter slept in our pull down bed - she said, Mom you have to try it - it's so comfy ! So, I did try it - it was comfy, that is until I tried to get out of it ! I fell off this ladder and splat - I hit the sit of the bed below ! lol - image that scene ! My leg was bruised from top to bottom - after that I was almost glad the weather was cool so I didn't have to wear my shorts !:D Glad to hear you guys had a great trip, too !

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Loves2Stamp

Loves2Stamp

Posted
Posted

Hi WeLikePalms and 8thLiveWire! Nice meeting you at the meet and greet - thanks for setting that up! Plus 8thLiveWire and I met up lots of times during the cruise too for a quick hello!

 

I have to concur with Welikepalms review....we found the same things to be true....and I think we went with a similar set of expectations having read reviews beforehand. His review is very similar to what I would write so I won't add my own thread but am glad to answer any questions anyone might have as well.

 

We had a balcony stateroom on deck 10 and also did not hear or experience the welding issue but we were more towards midship. I, too, would have to agree that, if you can afford it, a balcony room is the way to go. My husband is convinced I am now spoiled for that and won't want a regular oceanview room anymore! Probably true! Wayne and Santos took good care of us throughout the trip...we did tip them extra so maybe that helped?

 

We also had a teenage daughter with us and although we registered her for the teen activities, she chose to stay with us and do what we were doing. I didn't push it as its not often your teen actually wants to spend time with you so we took advantage of it! She soaked everything in and had a great time.

 

We attended the cooking demo and got to speak to Chef Amy afterwards (my daughter is interested in becoming a pastry chef) who was very encouraging and had good specific things to tell her about her experiences aboard ship as a chef. We saw her later in the week at Le Bistro when we had dinner and she took the time to greet us again even though she was busy in the kitchen....it meant alot to my daughter and was one of the highlights of her trip. As to the food which was a source of some of the negative reviews, we just did not see cause for the negative comments. Our food selections in both main dining rooms, the Raffles buffet and at the speciality restaurants ranged from good to excellent and the service was wonderful.

 

The Spirit is a wonderful ship and I would recommend her to others! Sorry Welikepalms - I didn't mean for my reply to end up being a mini review!!

 

Again, great to meet everyone........

 

Karen

Link to comment
Share on other sites
welikepalms

welikepalms

Posted
  • Author
Posted
Hi Andy & family !

 

Thanks again for setting up our meet and greet - it was great to meet you guys ! I'm getting ready to post my review, too ! We had a great trip, too ! Speaking of falling - I feel I have to share my story now ! My daughter slept in our pull down bed - she said, Mom you have to try it - it's so comfy ! So, I did try it - it was comfy, that is until I tried to get out of it ! I fell off this ladder and splat - I hit the sit of the bed below ! lol - image that scene ! My leg was bruised from top to bottom - after that I was almost glad the weather was cool so I didn't have to wear my shorts !:D Glad to hear you guys had a great trip, too !

 

Can you tell by my review we had a good time?? lol

Glad you all had the same. Its amazing how we all had a good trip but you still read the negative?? Oh well better us them them I guess.!

Sorry to hear about your acrobatics in the room. Do you have video??

 

seriously hope your alright and getting along back in the "real World"

Hope we cruise again together.

 

Happy Cruising

Link to comment
Share on other sites
welikepalms

welikepalms

Posted
  • Author
Posted
Hi WeLikePalms and 8thLiveWire! Nice meeting you at the meet and greet - thanks for setting that up! Plus 8thLiveWire and I met up lots of times during the cruise too for a quick hello!

 

I have to concur with Welikepalms review....we found the same things to be true....and I think we went with a similar set of expectations having read reviews beforehand. His review is very similar to what I would write so I won't add my own thread but am glad to answer any questions anyone might have as well.

 

We had a balcony stateroom on deck 10 and also did not hear or experience the welding issue but we were more towards midship. I, too, would have to agree that, if you can afford it, a balcony room is the way to go. My husband is convinced I am now spoiled for that and won't want a regular oceanview room anymore! Probably true! Wayne and Santos took good care of us throughout the trip...we did tip them extra so maybe that helped?

 

We also had a teenage daughter with us and although we registered her for the teen activities, she chose to stay with us and do what we were doing. I didn't push it as its not often your teen actually wants to spend time with you so we took advantage of it! She soaked everything in and had a great time.

 

We attended the cooking demo and got to speak to Chef Amy afterwards (my daughter is interested in becoming a pastry chef) who was very encouraging and had good specific things to tell her about her experiences aboard ship as a chef. We saw her later in the week at Le Bistro when we had dinner and she took the time to greet us again even though she was busy in the kitchen....it meant alot to my daughter and was one of the highlights of her trip. As to the food which was a source of some of the negative reviews, we just did not see cause for the negative comments. Our food selections in both main dining rooms, the Raffles buffet and at the speciality restaurants ranged from good to excellent and the service was wonderful.

 

The Spirit is a wonderful ship and I would recommend her to others! Sorry Welikepalms - I didn't mean for my reply to end up being a mini review!!

 

Again, great to meet everyone........

 

Karen

 

I forgot to mention in my review, our 16 year old son like your daughter chose not to do much with the teens. Like you I kind of liked him spending time with us. Glad you alos had a wonderful time. Hopefully we will meet again.

Don't worry about the long reply. You are part of the group anytime is fine with me!

Like you I am glad we all got a chance to meet!

Andy

Link to comment
Share on other sites
napafredonia

napafredonia

Posted
Posted
Gee, you would think after 23 cruises one would know that rough seas can't be controlled by the cruiseline.

 

I am very aware that rough seas can't be controlled by the cruiseline. However, if you read the post, seas were pretty calm. I am convinced something was wrong with the ship.

 

In addition, the only reason I "pirated" onto someone's post was because it was the most recent one I saw.

 

I will say, this was the only cruise we ever had anything remotely resembling this experience, and I am in contact with a representative with the cruise line as we speak. I emailed the entire story and sent photos of the bruises and welding that was taking place to them.

 

No cruise line is perfect. No company is perfect. I was not attempting to villify a cruise line or an industry, as it should be obvious that we have enjoyed cruising.

 

Having said that, I thank all of the sympathetic posters who took not one opportunity to inquire as to the seriousness of the injuries, but instead found it necessary to attack the post.

 

My intent was to point out there may possibly be something wrong with the ship, and to inform anyone of that possibility.

 

My mistake. Have fun.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
muwarr90

muwarr90

Posted
Posted
I am very aware that rough seas can't be controlled by the cruiseline. However, if you read the post, seas were pretty calm. I am convinced something was wrong with the ship.

 

The original post did reference rough seas. I am comforted by the fact that none of the other passengers on that cruise who have written reviews felt the situation was as dire as you found it to be.

 

Also, I think most of us assumed the injuries must have been very minor considering how vehemently you refused any treatement.

 

But be that as it may, sorry to seem to have jumped on you. A wholly negative post sometimes seems to draw out more negativity in response than is sometimes intended.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Ricanicole

Ricanicole

Posted
Posted

Hello all! I am glad to read that most of you have had a wonderful cruise. To the one that did not, I am sorry you didn't.

My family and I are cruising the Spirit in Aug out of NY. For those of you on deck 10, what cabins were you in OR whas anyone in 10166 or one very similar? That is the cabin I have booked for our 1st cruise:D . It is the one RIGHT next to the childcare center. I am looking for any pics someone can offer.

Thank you all for the great (and not so great) reviews. The hints, tips and tricks are great and I can not wait for our 1st cruise!! That is all my DD talks about is a cruise for her 5th b-day!:p

Link to comment
Share on other sites
maryln

maryln

Posted
Posted
Hello all! I am glad to read that most of you have had a wonderful cruise. To the one that did not, I am sorry you didn't.

My family and I are cruising the Spirit in Aug out of NY. For those of you on deck 10, what cabins were you in OR whas anyone in 10166 or one very similar? That is the cabin I have booked for our 1st cruise:D . It is the one RIGHT next to the childcare center. I am looking for any pics someone can offer.

Thank you all for the great (and not so great) reviews. The hints, tips and tricks are great and I can not wait for our 1st cruise!! That is all my DD talks about is a cruise for her 5th b-day!:p

We'll be on the Spirit next week with our 4 year old DGD. I'm sure I'll write a review when we return so keep an eye out for it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
KerCar

KerCar

Posted
Posted
Hello all! I am glad to read that most of you have had a wonderful cruise. To the one that did not, I am sorry you didn't.

My family and I are cruising the Spirit in Aug out of NY. For those of you on deck 10, what cabins were you in OR whas anyone in 10166 or one very similar? That is the cabin I have booked for our 1st cruise:D . It is the one RIGHT next to the childcare center. I am looking for any pics someone can offer.

Thank you all for the great (and not so great) reviews. The hints, tips and tricks are great and I can not wait for our 1st cruise!! That is all my DD talks about is a cruise for her 5th b-day!:p

 

The Spirit is a great ship. You're DD is going to have a blast! My son was 4 last year when we sailed her and he LOVED it. For our May 11th cruise, we opted for a cabin right down the hall from the kid's area. My DS is so excited that we'll only be a few doors down from the arcade! Be sure to bring plenty of quarters!

 

Here's a link to my review (posted on the family board) from last year:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=572026

 

I'll post another when we get back in a few weeks.

 

Have a GREAT trip:D

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Forum Jump
    • Categories
      • Welcome to Cruise Critic
      • New Cruisers
      • Cruise Lines “A – O”
      • Cruise Lines “P – Z”
      • River Cruising
      • ROLL CALLS
      • Cruise Critic News & Features
      • Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
      • Special Interest Cruising
      • Cruise Discussion Topics
      • UK Cruising
      • Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
      • Canadian Cruisers
      • North American Homeports
      • Ports of Call
      • Cruise Conversations
×
×
  • Create New...