NCL Spirit - a Suite Experience - Italy and the Greek Isles
Norwegian Spirit Cruise Review to Europe - Mediterranean
Contributor Level:
Purser
Cruises: 7+ cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 56
10 Night Eastern Mediterranean & Greek Isles (Rome Roundtrip)
Sail date: October 12, 2017
Ship: Norwegian Spirit
Cabin type: Suite
Cabin number: 10022
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 7 years ago
Review summary
It had been over 10 years since we last cruised with NCL. Since then, we have cruised primarily with Celebrity and Oceania, both considered more luxurious and yes, more expensive. I did not have great expectations for NCL Spirit and was pleasantly surprised with our overall cruise experience. I will probably book them again in the future, primarily for the itinerary, and would definitely look into a suite, which was moderately priced and offered us an exceptional vacation.Embarkation
The suite perks included being personally escorted to a separate area where our small group gathered. Refreshments were offered and after a VERY short wait, our Concierge Monica, escorted us to check in which was extremely quick and then to our staterooms, which were ready immediately upon boarding at around noon. This was the beginning of the special treatment we received throughout the cruise for booking our first ever suite - Forward-facing penthouse Aries 10022.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
The main dining room food selections and quality were adequate, not exceptional. We also dined at Shogun, which was typical Asian, and at three specialty restaurants - Cagney's Steakhouse (twice), Le Bistro and La Tratoria. We enjoyed Cagney's the most, Le Bistro a close second, the Italian restaurant not so much. Service was exceptional wherever we ate. We also ate at the poolside buffet one day and the regular buffet another, but we are not big fans of buffets, and found these both typical, if a bit smaller than most ships we've sailed.
We enjoyed cocktails primarily at Champagne Charlie's and nightly dancing and nightcaps at the Galaxy Lounge. Drinks will well-prepared and we had the drink package, which is convenient and makes for an all-inclusive experience. We were disappointed to learn that bottled water, espresso and cappucino are an extra-charge, which is different from other lines we have sailed.
Onboard Activities
Our itinerary was very port-intensive, so we didn't participate in many onboard activities, aside from lounging by the pool during our limited sea days. After 20 cruises, we just prefer to relax and enjoy the views and venues.
Entertainment
The stage shows were typical for a smaller ship - one night we saw a Beatles tribute band. They were good. We were impressed with the live music throughout the ship - especially at the bars and lounges and by the pool. We usually cruise Celebrity and they now have a DJ or canned music playing at the the Martini Bar, which is their premier spot for cocktails - so we really enjoyed the piano music and singing by Ian West and the other bands and combos.
Service and Staff
Our concierge Monica was always ready with anything we needed. Our room steward Edison kept our suite tidy and clean. Our butler Jose started out slow but improved once we mention this to Monica. Everyone seemed genuinely happy and friendly, again comparing to Celebrity, where, on our last cruise in January, the staff seemed over-worked and stressed. Dining room and specialty restaurants, pool-side, lots of servers ready with drinks and anything else we wanted.
Ship Quality
The ship is the oldest in NCL's fleet but generally well-maintained. We did return to our suite one day to find a strong odor of varnish which fortunately dissipated quickly once we opened the balcony door. A section of the Blue Lagoon was roped off for maintenance (varnish of chairs and tables) most of the cruise - the odor was strong and seating is limited so not a good situation for this venue.
We didn't like the Italian restaurant because it is basically just a section of the original buffet that has been re-purposed into a specialty restaurant. So not very special.
Cabin / Stateroom
We very much enjoyed the extra space and amenities that were included with our suite. It was very luxurious but showing a bit of age - the windows are scarred and the whirlpool tub controls did not work. The balcony was extremely small, less space than any balcony on any ship.
Bed was very comfortable and stateroom is located conveniently near the forward elevators. Dark wood in cabin shows dust when the sunlight streams in - being a clean freak, I actually took a damp towel and dusted when we first checked in. Closet doors were difficult to slide - we reported it to the steward who sent maintenance - somewhat better but not perfect. Lighting and mirrors were great for makeup and hair. Water pressure and temp controls excellent.
Ship tip
If you enjoy the older, smaller ships with old world ambiance, NCL Spirit is a great option. The officers and crew are very responsive, so don't hesitate to ask for something and they will accommodate you. Bring an empty water bottle to fill as bottled water is expensive and you can't purchase and bring on the ship.
Thumbs up
0
Ports of call
Not much at the port - didn't spend any time there other than embarkation and disembarkation.
We walked around on our own and then took a taxi to the beach - loungers and umbrellas were free at Yialo Yialo as it was end of season. Enjoyed drinks and lunch and then took the bus back to the port area.
Did a private tour on Santorini that included a visit to a winery - We had lots of free time to explore on our own. Beautiful place - must get very crowded at the height of the season.
Took the bus to the city - much more cosmopolitan than expected. We were supposed to leave at noon but were delayed due to a mechanical issue and didn't leave until 9 p.m. This port really has nothing to offer - they should skip it.
Because of our delay in leaving Crete, we did not arrive in Valletta until 7 in the evening and left at midnight. We were supposed to be there from 1 - 9. As a result, we couldn't do our planned private excursion with Amy Pace which was to take us to the Grotto. So we just had dinner on the waterfront and walked around the old city - got ripped off by a cab driver - only place that happened during our entire vacation. Buyer beware!
Messina was lovely - much nicer than Catania, which we visited last year. Did a private excursion with Joe Bananas - the Godfather Tour - our guide Luca Grasso was exceptional and we had a wonderful day.
We did the ship's tour to Capri - we had lots of OBC to use or lose - we took the hydrofoil to the Isle of Capri, then a minibus up to Anacapri where we visited a villa and had free time for shopping, then a pleasant tour of the island and lunch, which was typical for an excursion, and then more time for shopping, etc. in Capri. Then we were on our own and took the finicula back down to the port area. We had visited Capri back in 2005 so it was great to have a return visit.
Disembarkation
Very smooth - we kept our luggage with us and walked off the ship at about 9. I do a great deal of research before we cruise, so had arranged private and semi-private transportation and tours ahead of time - makes for a much more enjoyable vacation. I learned early in our travels that public transportation (especially with luggage) can be very stressful so avoid it at all costs.