A terrific bargin

Norwegian Spirit Cruise Review to Caribbean

ToddR

Contributor Level: Deck Hand

Cruises: 2-3 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 49

Overall rating:

3 out of 5

Verified Review

12 Night Caribbean Escape (New Orleans To Boston)

Sail date: April 19, 2009

Ship: Norwegian Spirit

Cabin type: Inside

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 15 years ago

Review summary

Destination: Central America, Curacau & Bermuda Sailing date: 2008-04-19 (12 days) We recently sailed on the NCL Spirit. This was our 3 cruise and 1st with NCL. We really like NCL's freestyle dining. The Windows main dining offered great views and was far better than the Gardens main dining (too cramped). Raffles buffet offered a good selection but most food was lukewarm. Blue Lagoon offered great comfort food. The nightlife activities were typical. Limited after hours dining. Nice pool with 4 large hot tubs. Nice casino with better than average cruise ship chance of winning. Our inside cabin was cozy for 2 but I wouldn't recommend it for anymore than 2. Overall we have to say the ship was better than expected. The staff was courteous and friendly but didn't always speak understandable English. Unfortunately, you always felt their goal was to get into your wallet everytime you turned around. 15% auto-gratuties on liquor/soda orders unjustified. While we were happy with the cruise itself, customer service prevented us from having a perfect cruise. The rep asked if we were celebrating any special events. We confirmed it was our 39th anniv and she said she would note the account. Unfortunely she never did and we didn't even get a free bottle of wine. After the trip admitted their mistake and said they would try to do better in the future (assuming we book with them again). The rep also suggested our cabin location for its lack of cabins behind it. Turns out the Atrium was behind it with music from the bar keeping us up most of the night. Don't rely on professionals.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

Freestyle dining (eat when you feel like it is a great idea). Buffet food generally lukewarm, Windows main dining was very nice, Gardens main dining too cramped. Blue Lagoon burgers and wings were terrific.

Entertainment

3 out of 5

20% of passengers were 65+ yrs old, many of whom found the SNL touring company comedy performance about seniors insulting and walked out in the first 20 minutes of the show. NCL should have reviewed their act before they upset their passengers.

Children's Programs

3 out of 5

We didn't bring children but they had a very nice kids pool & playground area.

Service and Staff

3 out of 5

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5

Limited storage for suitcases in closet of inside cabins. (2) 110 AC outlets (500 watts max.). Clothesline in shower, wall hair dryer. 13" TV w/ satellite channels. 1 comfortable chair & 1 basic desk chair. No refrig.