Norwegian Spirit Review
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Overall, a great experience on this cruise. The ship was lovely and well maintained, food in the dining rooms was excellent, buffet slightly less so, but still OK for snacks.
The entertainment was generally very good, however I got bored watching dance shows most nights and would have preferred some more variety. They had a Beatles band in the showroom a couple of nights and they were really good. Lounge acts were varied, but catered well to a mixed audience. All of the staff were exceptional except for a proactively rude waitress at the Shanghai bar, but like most other passengers we just didn't go back there. The only real downside was the endless cacophony of screaming kids 24/7. I realize it's not the Cruise line's responsibility to supervise children when the parents are incapable of doing so, however some of the adult fare paying passengers would like to enjoy their hard earned vacations too.
I was hit by an errant dart thrown by a 10 year old in Henry's pub, and kids were in every bar and often in the casino. A relaxed quiet meal was impossible and I found myself constantly dodging unsupervised kids running all over the ship, amusing at first; but tiresome after a 12 day cruise. Screaming brats aside, this was still a great cruise, the itinerary was excellent and we enjoyed most ports (it was very crowded at some ports, however it was the height of the tourist season). I would cruise with Norwegian again, particularly because of the excellent (in general) staff, quality ship and dining. I just wish they could allocate a few square inches of the ship to those who don't want to deal with other peoples kids all day.
Cabin Review
Mid-Ship Inside
Went for the guaranteed cabin option which turned out to be a mistake. Not only did we not get an upgrade (fair enough) but we ended up with 2 skinny single beds with a giant pole in the middle of the cabin...we had at least requested 2 beds pushed together, but this turned out to be a non option also. Otherwise it was satisfactory, clean, reasonably well appointed and fair size. If you really listened hard late at night you could just hear the speakers from Champagne Charlies below, but it was not really an issue for us. TV channels boring and repetitive (same movies same time every day) but we didn't go on vacation to watch TV.
Port Reviews
Florence (Livorno)
Tour failed to turn up, just left us standing on the pier, with no prior notice they had cancelled our tour. Called the listed number, girl who answered kept pretending her I phone was cutting out and hung up on me. Concierge on ship kindly called emergency number and they gave her the runaround too. We ended up getting a taxi with a few other dumpees and the driver was really good. Price ended up better than the one we had booked and we had a good time despite the fiasco.
Naples
Caught hydrofoil to Capri. Lovely Island but Way overcrowded. we were used to crowds by now but this place was over the top, it was impossible to place one foot in front of the other. The queue for the furnicular was ridiculous so we opted for the easy way, a 1 hour wait for a taxi into Capri, quick lunch, and back down the hill where they gave us much incorrect information as possible regarding the return boat ride to Naples (wrong pier). We made it back anyway, no thanks to ticket office.
Athens (Piraeus)
Like most Hop on/off tours it covered the major sites with English/multi lingual commentary along the way.
Athens (Piraeus)
Like most Hop on/off tours it covered the major sites with English/multi lingual commentary along the way.
Mykonos
Simply took the tender to the port and strolled around. A tour is really not necessary as Mykonos is quite compact. Had the best anchovies ever at a seafront café, shopped a little but didn't see the famous pelican
Istanbul
Guide was excellent and knowledgable, glad we took this tour (Same as Cruise line tour at a fraction of the cost). Covered all the main points of interest, with clear directions and sufficient independent time to explore.
Istanbul
Guide was excellent and knowledgable, glad we took this tour (Same as Cruise line tour at a fraction of the cost). Covered all the main points of interest, with clear directions and sufficient independent time to explore.
Istanbul
Guide was excellent and knowledgable, glad we took this tour (Same as Cruise line tour at a fraction of the cost). Covered all the main points of interest, with clear directions and sufficient independent time to explore.
Istanbul
Guide was excellent and knowledgable, glad we took this tour (Same as Cruise line tour at a fraction of the cost). Covered all the main points of interest, with clear directions and sufficient independent time to explore.
Venice
We caught a Water Bus to St Marks and walked around. Square was magnificent but I would avoid the Waterbus at all costs.