"LIVE" from Norwegian SPIRIT / June 5, 2009

[Leafpeeper]

Rain Rain Go Away...

 

Looks like alot of our Boston RCCL cruise pals look forward to taking NCL to Bermuda. We also have NCL, RCCL, and Carnival cruises planned. We like different ships on each cruiseline. Can't wait to get a balcony to Bermuda.

 

We love sailing out of Boston. They have the fastest embarkation and debarkation we've ever encountered. Even the police were exceptionally helpful as we were unloading our car when we sailed RCCL last Fall.

 

What makes sailing out of Boston so unusual is the airport across from the pier. It is exciting watching the planes flying over the ship as they are landing. Kids really enjoy it.

 

As you sailaway you can look back at the Boston skyline and get a great photo of the sunset reflecting on the John Hancock Tower. It is one of my DD's best photos. Could win a contest.

 

If you never sailed out of Boston, you will be amazed at all the little harbor islands that are part of our National Park Service.

 

Have a great cruise. We will be booking NCL Spirit's Bermuda cruise in 2010.

[bluefintuna]

Hi Radio! Love your live reports. We sailed Spirit May 15-22. Hope you have the beautiful weather and smooth seas that we had. As to the luggage line: it is absolutely ridiculous and totally unnecessary. I didn't see if help was available for people unable to manage their baggage. The line snakes along and the so called porters take your luggage just before you enter the building.

[Parrot Mom]

Hey guys/gals.. I have a neighbor on the cruise with you..her name is Disco Mary.. she will be dancing up a storm EVERYWHERE....she does have a problem with her sight and wears caps to protect her eyes.. but now that your going to be writing.. please tell her that Parrot Mom says Hello... and.. HAVE A BERMUDAFUL DAY...

 

Just did a fast run through the postings.. In case anybody gets sea sick..besides the mint tea... go to the pharmacy in Bermuda and ask for Sturgeron.. it is used by the yachtsmen cruising the Atlantc (We have done this cruise a dozen times).. and Radio..go to the Swizzle Inn in St. George.. don't know about the new one on your side.. As for the "locals".. the original Majesty was the most rebooked ship in the NCL line until the Dawn in NYC.. and we will be on the Spirit in exactly one year from today too.. Also, interested in your feel of the NCL Gem..we are doing that t/a in November. Hope to do the repo of the Spirit next year from Boston to New Orleans..

 

Weather in Bermuda can be strange.. It may not hit the 19 miles your on.. Now, I'm really envious.. We prefer Celebrity after doing the Pacific Princess.. When we go to Bermuda.. we drive to the pier.. drop off our luggage, park the car.. get in the Lattitudes line (usually the longest) and then we party...I hate flying now with the TSA.. Have a wonderful cruise over and let us know what the weather is.. Just don't talk about the Yankees.. with Bostonians and your safe..lol

[weary traveler]

Hi Billy & Rita, Hi Nomie.. Hi Mary.. nice to see you guys are well. hoping for a great weekend here full of Radio's reports.. (we should pay him..lol)

Radio let me know how the casino is.. (dont listen to them about me).. im just cuuuuuuuuuuuuurrrrrrrrrrious.... Thanks smooth sailing..

 

 

Paul (missin the majesty)

[Sea Hound]

Thanks for the "live" posts, Radio! If you're still in BDA Wednesday - we'll see you there on the Dawn!

 

Sea Hound:D

[Radio]

Hello everyone. . .Welcome to Day 2 of my trip to Bermuda on Norwegian Spirit.

 

The welcome Aboard show was very good. Our CD, Paul Scally used to do Stand Up at the London Comedy Store before becoming a Cruise Director.

 

Tonight’s Entertainment will be ”On Broadway” with 2 Shows at 730 & 930.

They will also be having NCL’s Monte Carlo Night, with Freestyle Showgirls, with free raffles, and music. I went to the Monte Carlo Night on GEM, and it was very entertaining. I loved the Maharajah Casino. . . Last night treated me well at the Casino !

 

I have a Cruise Critic Meeting today at 10AM, at Henry’s Pub. (Deck 7) Our Roll Call on Cruise Critic was lively, and it should be lots of fun !

 

There will be a Shore Excursion Presentation in the Stardust Theatre at 10, and Bermuda Port and Shopping talk at noon. There seems to be every type of activity you could think of that are planned for today. Because of the rain showers, I am sure that most of the activities will be jammed.

 

They have already put the “Ooops, I got sick bags" in all of the stairwells for passengers. It all really depends on the weather if you will have rough seas while going to Bermuda.

 

I spoke with a friend of mine who sailed on Grandeur of the Seas last week, and they were surprised that the seas were like a pond.

 

 

I forgot to mention that the Newly Wed, Not So Newly Wed Show will be held in the Galaxy of the Stars Lounge tonight at 845.

 

I spoke to a couple of Crew members, and was told where to find Wi-Fi in the Dockyard. . .I will let you know how it works.

 

Here are a few pics from last night and early this morning. . . More pics later today !

 

 

 

Radio

 

 

 

 

Rainy day at the Tivoli Pool (Early Morning)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stardust Theatre Entrance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deck 8 AFT near Entrance to Shogun

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Internet Café

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grand Atrium

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Position (We are traveling at 16 kts, our Course is 167)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Smellytoes]

Don' they take the luggage from you when you arrive at the port? I will have my mother with me who uses a walker and therefore cannot pull a suitcase also. It looked like everyone was pulling their own suitcases in your picture?

 

You can call NCL ahead of time and request handicapped assistance. I don't know how well it will work in Boston but we've had to do it twice in NYC and it worked great.

[welove2cruise232]

Radio, could you please find out if the cigar bar is still open? DH loves his cigars!

 

Thanks!

[Smellytoes]

Radio, could you please find out if the cigar bar is still open? DH loves his cigars!

 

Thanks!

 

That's funny. My DH will be seeing your DH in the cigar bar.lol

[RnGram]

Is that the kids pool area that is aft on deck 10? I have that strangely shaped balconey room 10686 right next to it for a 14 day cruise in October. It looks like a fair amount of balcony space to use since I don't expect many kids and it will be to Canada and a little too cold to swim. Maybe I can go out there some times! Love your pictures! The ship looks so clean!

[Parrot Mom]

Hello everyone. . .Welcome to Day 2 of my trip to Bermuda on Norwegian Spirit.

 

The welcome Aboard show was very good. Our CD, Paul Scally used to do Stand Up at the London Comedy Store before becoming a Cruise Director.

 

Tonight’s Entertainment will be ”On Broadway” with 2 Shows at 730 & 930.

They will also be having NCL’s Monte Carlo Night, with Freestyle Showgirls, with free raffles, and music. I went to the Monte Carlo Night on GEM, and it was very entertaining. I loved the Maharajah Casino. . . Last night treated me well at the Casino !

 

I have a Cruise Critic Meeting today at 10AM, at Henry’s Pub. (Deck 7) Our Roll Call on Cruise Critic was lively, and it should be lots of fun !

 

There will be a Shore Excursion Presentation in the Stardust Theatre at 10, and Bermuda Port and Shopping talk at noon. There seems to be every type of activity you could think of that are planned for today. Because of the rain showers, I am sure that most of the activities will be jammed.

 

They have already put the “Ooops, I got sick bags" in all of the stairwells for passengers. It all really depends on the weather if you will have rough seas while going to Bermuda.

 

I spoke with a friend of mine who sailed on Grandeur of the Seas last week, and they were surprised that the seas were like a pond.

 

 

I forgot to mention that the Newly Wed, Not So Newly Wed Show will be held in the Galaxy of the Stars Lounge tonight at 845.

 

I spoke to a couple of Crew members, and was told where to find Wi-Fi in the Dockyard. . .I will let you know how it works.

 

Here are a few pics from last night and early this morning. . . More pics later today !

 

 

 

Radio

 

 

 

 

Rainy day at the Tivoli Pool (Early Morning)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stardust Theatre Entrance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deck 8 AFT near Entrance to Shogun

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Internet Café

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grand Atrium

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Position (We are traveling at 16 kts, our Course is 167)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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One thing is for sure for us NCL/Royal Majesty lovers... THIS IS NOT YOUR GRANDMOTHERS MAJESTY..LOL How elegant and sweet..can hardly wait for next June

[Don Haynes]

While the Spirit may not be the newest or largest ship in NCL's fleet, she is a beautiful ship. By no means is she out of date. Her unique Asian decor is wonderful, the only ship which matches her decor is her sister ship, the Superstar Virgo. Knowing how much New Englanders loved the teak on the Majesty, they will be very impressed with even more teak on the Spirit. I love her public areas aft, which most ships reserve for expensive suites. Considering NCL's ten year agreement with Bermuda with an exclusive from Boston, I think she will make a great replacement for the legendary Majesty. Finally a freestyle ship sailing from Boston during the summer season from Boston.

[negc]

While the Spirit may not be the newest or largest ship in NCL's fleet, she is a beautiful ship. By no means is she out of date. Her unique Asian decor is wonderful, the only ship which matches her decor is her sister ship, the Superstar Virgo. Knowing how much New Englanders loved the teak on the Majesty, they will be very impressed with even more teak on the Spirit. I love her public areas aft, which most ships reserve for expensive suites. Considering NCL's ten year agreement with Bermuda with an exclusive from Boston, I think she will make a great replacement for the legendary Majesty. Finally a freestyle ship sailing from Boston during the summer season from Boston.

You've hit the nail on the head. Once those Majesty fans get a look at the

Spirit and have the experience of sailing on her, they will realize just how much they have been missing. I would find it difficult to believe that anyone who enjoyed the Majesty, and there were definitely thousands who did, won't be even more pleased with the Spirit. Radio's photos are a clear depiction of just how classy and beautiful this ship is.

[Radio]

Hello everyone. . . The Cruise is going well. I love the Norwegian Spirit !

 

I have heard that many passengers are staying in their cabins. The seas are still very rough, but the hard rain is gone. It is still very windy, and the temperature is 64f.

 

I will say however, that the casino is packed, and many of the lounges are filled. Some of the Pool Deck Games had to be brought in due to weather.

 

I have been keeping busy playing cards, going to the Maharajah Casino, having a Great Lunch, exploring the ship, and I was able to make it to the Port Talks.

 

We had a great Meet and Mingle at Henry’s Pub this morning. The other Cruise Critic Members there were very friendly. It is nice to put a face to a screen name.

There was a nice D-Day trivia Game with prizes (Sorry, I didn’t win today) The Hotel Director, Cruise Director, and Housekeeping Manager were also there to talk with us. It was a great time!

 

We still have about 340nm to go before we arrive in Bermuda, and I am sure that everyone is hoping for sunny skies.

Here are some pics from today. . .More pics later.

 

 

 

Thanks for tuning in!

 

 

 

Radio

 

 

 

 

 

Here are some of the Great Cruise Critic Members I met today at Henry’s Pub.I have several pics from the Meet and Mingle that I will post upon my return.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Henry’s Pub from the Outside (Port Side)

 

 

 

 

 

 

The water in the Pool was splashing out during our rocking at sea

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The bargains were out today in the Spirit Grand Atrium

 

 

 

 

 

 

The pools were drained, but the spas were working.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Position (We are traveling at 20 kts, our Course is 148)

 

 

 

 

 

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[NanaBet]

We've been following your daily LIVE input! We're sailing on the July 3rd trip.

If you do see some of the folks from your Meet and Greet photo - Mary Lou and Tom ... please tell them that Betty and Richie Cikacz say "hello" and to have a great trip! We were pleasantly surprised to see them in your photo just now! We've known them for many years!

 

Enjoy the rest of your trip - we are eagerly waiting for more info and pics.

[B4andAFT]

I am one of those Majesty lovers who can already tell she will LOVE the Spirit. Only 3 months to go. :D

[beej]

Radio, thanks for the wonderous daily live thru me vicariously reports. I am doing just that and can't wait for tomorrow.

 

Weary, you just stay right where you love and we know where to find you:D Nomie and i will keep a watchful eye to see that you leave a little something in the casino for the rest of us

 

Hope tomorrow hurries cause this fluffy toad can't wait for the next live Radio report from the decks of the Spirit. My only quewstion is, after all the wonderous pix and great reports, how can i wait until October.

 

Ms Toad really wanting to be ribbiting on the deck of the Spirit

[cruzship21]

Radio - I always love your live post - Feel like I am there.

I love the Spirit - I was on her for 11 beautiful days out of NYC a few years ago in the winter and it was wonderful. Sorry to hear about the weather. Very surprised as we had

a perfect sunny day today - I thought you would have a nice day today. I hope the rest of the cruise is sunny. Say hello to the Explorer we take her to Bermuda out of Bayonne every Sept for the last 3 years it's a tradition for us now with the Explorer - This year

September 12th on the Explorer of the Seas for 5 nights to Bermuda Can't wait.

Next cruise - Carnival Destiny - August 10 - Turks and Caicos, Nassau, and Half Moon Cay.

I hope this cruise is good - Haven't done carnival in years but always wanted to go to Turks and Caicos.

 

Have fun Radio and love your pictures

 

Dave

[Gram Cape Cod]

Can you tell me which hotel you stayed in as we plan to drive down from Canada and spend a few days.

 

Will be looking forward to your review as it will be our first time on NCL.

Best Western Adams Inn in Quincy is a great spot to stay. You can leave your car there for the week and they will drive you to the pier/airport and pick you up. Just off the Spirit on Friday, we had a great cruise. Rain was predicted in Bermuda for us too, but it was beautiful. Only rain we had was the last (half day) returning to Boston. Any questions, I'd be happy to help with answers.

[Gram Cape Cod]

Hey Dad! Glad to see you made it onboard! The ship seems pretty awesome so far. I really love how that hot tub is right on the back of the ship and you can look out over the water with an unobstructed view. I could totally use 30 minutes in there right about now! Have fun and don't do anything I wouldn't do! (In that case, you'll have a blast!)

That's the kid's pool in the rear of the Spirit.

[Radio]

Hello everyone. . . Today was a great day. I was able to tour many areas of the ship, and I still have lots more to see. Many pics will be posted as the week continues.

 

I had dinner tonight at Raffles (Buffet- Deck 11). There are many stations offering a wide variety of taste for many passengers. It is quiet, and calm up there. The food all seems fresh (And it taste pretty good too !)

 

My plan is to have dinner someplace different every night if possible.

 

I was invited to a VIP gathering with Captain Kenneth Harstrom, Hotel Director Sean Wurmhoeringer, Concierge Bruce Van Der Boon, and several other Officers on board Spirit.

It was delightful to see all of the Officers, and listen to some of the stories that these dedicated Officers had to share with us.

The feeling of the officers on Board is Pride, and Loyalty. They truly enjoy what they do, and it shows. After only 4 cruises with NCL, it is easy to see that the Officers set the tone for the passion and excellent customer service that they provide.

 

The gathering took place in the Art Gallery (Where the Enchanted Dinner is held). It is on deck 7/8. The Art Gallery used to be the Casino, when this ship was owned by Star Cruises.

I was also told by theCaptain, that Norwegian Dream has been transferred to Star Cruises. (Her outcome has yet to be determined)

 

The Newly Wed, Not So Newly Wed Game was hilarious! It was held up in the Galaxy of Stars Lounge. The Lounge is similar to the Spinnaker Lounge on Norwegian Gem with great views, and great seating. (There is Video Blackjack up there also)

 

 

The weather appears to be clearing up. (No more rain)

I can’t wait to get to Bermuda tomorrow! I may offer a quick post tomorrow morning, but will then spend the rest of the day enjoying Bermuda.

 

Thanks for all of the very nice comments, and thanks for tuning in. . .

 

 

 

Radio

 

 

 

 

 

The Seas were very rough this afternoon

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Gathering with the Officers in the Art Gallery

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Bier Garten up on Deck 13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Raffles Terrace (AFT) There is always sports on the large flat screens at the Terrace

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Newly Wed, Not So Newly Wed Game

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[weary traveler]

Hey Radio.. if you can do me a favor? your picture in Henry's Pub of the 6 sitting.. dead center are long lost friends of mine from Growing up in South Boston Tom and MaryLou Rocha.. if you would pass on a hello from Paul Strobis.. that ought to give them a real start! They are terrific people and never knew they were CC members! what a small world. marylou is the redhead shirley temple type in the middle! lol. great pics great story line (as usual). Hey Nomie i didnt miss that casino remark...good sunday morning gang.. in the old days we'd be waiting for the car to Boston for the sunday sailing of the Majesty.. now friday to friday? cant wait.

 

Paul

[weary traveler]

funny both of us life long friends of Tom and Marylou think maybe we know one another? (Mercer St, South Boston).. hope to hear from you

 

Paul

[goldmom]

Radio,

 

Just loving your reports. And the pictures are great, they really show the elegance of the Spirit. I love that hallway by Shogun. Make sure to check out the bicycles in the Blue Lagoon! Enjoy Bermuda. We'll keep our fingers crossed for good weather for you.

[phabric]

Best Western Adams Inn in Quincy is a great spot to stay. You can leave your car there for the week and they will drive you to the pier/airport and pick you up. Just off the Spirit on Friday, we had a great cruise. Rain was predicted in Bermuda for us too, but it was beautiful. Only rain we had was the last (half day) returning to Boston. Any questions, I'd be happy to help with answers.

 

Thanks for the name of a hotel. Is this hotel near any of the tourist sights. I was thinking of maybe taking the trolley.