Cruise number 14 for us, a quick last minute (3 days prior to sailing) booking on a 4 day cruise to Moreton Island. Price was better than land accommodation for the same time period. Have sailed once before on the Spirit on its first Sydney season and some things have changed most obviously that the ship is definitely now geared for families. Have never seen so many kids on a cruise ship and was not expecting it, given it was not school holidays.
Food in the buffet and dining room was fine overall, we have had a lot worse on some English cruiselines. As long as you went for lunch after 2pm and dinner after 7pm both areas were not totally manic. If you walked through the buffet between 11-1pm and 4-6pm, it was an assault on your ears due to running, pushing, yelling, crying, shouting kids and parents. Thank goodness for the Sanctuary at breakfast time, too.
all the Spirit crew we encountered were polite, efficient and gracious under the pressure of hyped up kids all over the place. There were a few quiet places to escape to, namely the Jungle Walk and the Library.
Paid for an Inside Guarantee, was given an upgrade to Ocean View so very happy. Located Aft, bottom passenger deck, expected it to be noisy but it was very quiet (and we luckily had quiet neighbours). Would recommend this cabin.