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We like this cruise so much we've now taken it three times!  For anyone wanting to visit the Mediterranean, the lineup of ports of call on this cruise just can't be beat and the per-day cost to see so many ports in such comfort and with so little fuss makes it a real value, too.  We've taken it both ways (Venice to Barcelona and the reverse), and either way, it's a great mix of ports, sea days, and onboard experiences.  Spirit is the oldest ship in the NCL fleet and she's showing her age a bit, but she's still a nicely appointed ship, comfortable, fast, and quiet.  Our cruising experience is always about the ports of call and the dining aboard ship, and our dining experience aboard NCL's Spirit and Jewel has been a cut above the others we've sailed with.  We don't choose a ship or a cruise based on whether the ship has rock climbing walls, art auctions, or golf aboard... only where the ship goes and how we'll be living and dining aboard.  Our experience with crew, staff, and room stewards has always been excellent aboard NCL, and although we mostly explore ports and destinations on our own now, NCL certainly has a good selection of ship's excursions available in each port and they are well run.

Our only negatives about the ship have to do with her age.  The cabins have no place to plug electrical appliances and chargers in, you can't use standard hair dryers in the plugs, and the ship's finishes and fit-out are generally showing their age.  Attempting to use internet at sea is a waste of time and money (we go ashore, have a meal at midday, and use the cafe's wi-fi for free while enjoying local cuisine).  Trying to find a quiet place to read and watch the beautiful Mediterranean on sea days can be a challenge sometimes, but patiently waiting for a space in a favorite spot works.  Spirit is still quite decent and serviceable though, and our few negatives are by no means a deal-breaker for sailing aboard this ship.  The evening shows were good to very good, and we went to all of them on this cruise, which is unusual for us.  A good variety, excellent talent.

Do your own shopping around, and you'll find that a 12-night cruise in this many great ports, at this price, is difficult to beat.  And by the way, the ports of Kotor (Montenegro) and Dubrovnik (Croatia) are excellent, charming new additions to this itinerary.  We miss the port of Istanbul that used to be on this itinerary, but the new ones are good.