On June 4-16, 2013, my wife, 7 year old daughter, 4 year old son and I sailed on NCL Spirit. This was my 13th cruise, and I have sailed on RCCL, Princess, Disney, NCL and Carnival previously. The 12 day itinerary was our longest cruise yet. We have been to most of these ports previously, but this time we brought my mother in law to celebrate her 70th birthday.
Barcelona- We arrived 2 days early in Barcelona. Good parks for the kids and no issues with pick pockets. Took the subway too. We stayed in 2 rooms at the Renaissance, and found the hotel and its location very good. Rooms seemed large for Europe, but typical for an American hotel. One room had a balcony but no real view though. Quiet, and a good breakfast buffet. A portable bed was provided for the 3rd child in one room. Baths redone in marble, and rooms modern in decor. A business hotel, and noticed United pilots staying there.
Embarkation/Disembarkation: Easy, and organized for arrival but we were early. Others said the line was very long for those who arrived later. Disembarking was delayed/behind an hour, and the area where you pick up your luggage is small and very crowded. My wife commented that NCL could have done a better job there. We transferred to the Alliguana water bus which departs close by but too far to walk with all our luggage and the children. The first stop is at the Hilton where we stayed the next night. Pricey but highly recommended. Pre Order the transfer to the Hilton through NCL which we didn’t realize they had until we which we were off the ship.
Quiet except during some of the shows you could hear the show when it was very loud. Also could hear the toilet flush next door and the wall would actually vibrate.