Cruises tend to be either destination or onboard experiences in that you focus on the ports of call or the ship itself. This cruise had an exceptional itinerary with great weather, and an unbelievable staff. I am glad to see NCL is reinvesting in this and future (smaller) ships rather than the Mega/gimmick that can only dock in a few ports. We will see in March 2020 a new NCL Spirit emerge from an overhall and I am sure it will be top notch because everything else on board and at sea already is!
Embarkation
5 out of 5
We were escorted to our suite and shown every courtesy possible.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
OK, this is the oldest ship in the fleet. And it's going in for a 45 day dry dock that will be the most the company has ever spent on a rehab. So, with that in mind - service made up for the worn fibers. Our only gripe was the lack of variety in food offerings - seems the same menu was in place every night. What we did order was delicious, cooked and displayed beautify by servers that constantly asked if everything was ok.
Cagney's Steakhouse
5 out of 5
Best steaks anywhere! Service was exceptional!
Le Bistro
5 out of 5
Very exotic and flavorful menu! Wait staff really worked hard to make it perfect!
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
NCL has always had the best entertainment. Not only are they good - but they smile and enjoy their jobs. I have been on RCL cruises that had awful talent - and they disappeared when the shows were over while on NCL we actually interacted with the performers as if they were on holiday while tendering or relaxing in the clubs.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
While RCL tends to use things like robot bartenders, robotic tv screens, and other gimmicks to entertain, Norwegian just gets awesome singers, dancers, illusionists, and acrobats that love their job. Most will do a meet and greet after their show, and are very approachable.
Children's Programs
Left them at home.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
They always greeted us with smiles and were constantly asking if there was anything more they could do for us. We were on a first name basis with many of the senior staff.
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
It was well maintained, but it's going into an extensive 45 day dry dock in January where everything will be freshened. Hopefully, the few "dead end" foot paths will be eliminated as well.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
It looked like a far eastern nookie parlor. Way over the top for us - but the ship was originally conceived to server the Asian market where it likely was very nice.
Ship tip
Don't write off the older smaller ships. What they lack in newness is made up for in itinerary and service.
It's a sleepy little town without much other than Normandy near by. Sure they offer Paris as a day trip - but it's an ALL DAY bus ride with only about 5 hours in Paris.
Disappointing in terms of graffiti and trash on the streets. The trip to the Vatican however was a dream. Book it - if only to save the wait for tickets because the crowds are HUGE.
Take the boat across the bay that links to a bus ride to the top of the volcano and visit both cities. Bring all the camera equipment you have because the photos are breathtaking.
Used the hop-on hop-off bus to tour the Acropolis and shopping village. Awesome views from the Acropolis - but take hiking boots - and don''t attempt the climb in summer.
We did the bus tour to the old medieval city and the royal palace but had to give it up half way because we were at lecture overload. Shopping was very good at the pier/port vendors.
Did you go to Cinque Terre on your own or did you do an Excursion? Loved reading your review. We are going on a 14-day Mediterranean on the Spirit on November 7th! 6 days away :-)
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