Norwegian Spirit Review

Splendid Grand Mediterranean Cruise

Review for the Eastern Mediterranean Cruise on Norwegian Spirit
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Happy1211
6-10 Cruises • Age 70s

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Sail Date: Jun 2012
Cabin: Large Oceanview Picture Window
Traveled with children

Norwegian Spirit is a beautiful ship that I have sailed on three times - Southern Caribbean out of New York in 2006, Western Caribbean out of New Orleans in August 2011 and now the Grand Mediterranean cruise out of Venice. I have sailed two other times on Norwegian, once each on Disney, Holland America and Royal Caribbean. The Grand Mediterranean itinerary is clearly the best of the nine cruises. Boarding the ship in Venice was easy, so was disembarking in Barcelona. The overall impression that I took away from the trip is that Norwegian has done an excellent job in focusing the staff on the experience s of their customers both aboard and on shore. Their smiles and winning attitudes are contagious and made a great trip even more enjoyable.

LAUNDRY SPECIALS : My wife (45), son (9) and I (60) traveled to Paris and Venice for a week prior to boarding the ship, so getting laundry done was essential to having fresh clothe in a summer climate (two days were close to 100 degrees Fahrenheit). On days 5 and 10 out of Venice, the ship ran a laundry special of $25 to wash and fold as much as you could stuff into an oversized paper bag. The laundry is returned two days later. By having ours in the bag in the morning, we got it back a bit sooner. With airline baggage limits, laundry service made it possible to travel lighter than usual without having to wear soiled clothes or wash them in the sink.

MEALS : We dined in Windows every day and never went to any of the upcharge restaurants (all of which we have dined in and enjoyed on prior cruises). The service in this main dining room is as brisk or slow as you want it to be. Most passengers seemed to go to Raffles (buffet restaurant) or upcharge restaurants. Windows was rarely, if ever, full. Lobster tails were served on the first and 11th nights and my wife had four each time and enjoyed them. Steak , chicken, salmon and pasta were always on the menu with another five or more changing entrees each dinner. Plenty of choice and the waiters encouraged us to mix and match side dishes with any entree. Very flexible and accommodating. We loved Kwasi, Santiago and Nieva among others - everyone was excellent. On days when we had early tours, we ordered room service (no extra charge but a tip) - fruit, juice, croissants, muffins, toast and coffee, tea, hot chocolate and other items. We could have run up to Raffles, but preferred a calmer start to the day. Blue Lagoon is great for tomato or wonton soups, chicken wings, burgers, fish and chips, salads and other snacks/light meals - and open continuously until you dock in Barcelona.

Cabin Review

Large Oceanview Picture Window

Cabin O3

Cabin 8000 is a category 03 cabin all the way Forward on deck 8 - one of only two on the Spirit (other is 8500). This ocean view cabin is 287 square feet - far larger than most cabins, even balcony cabins. The king size bed has a second bed that comes down from the all affording our son a perfect lair of his own with a view out the large window. Oversized bathroom area with a large shower . The closet was 6 feet wide with over 10 hangers and many drawers. Many other drawers to tore things.Plenty of room to hide the luggage, too.

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