Norwegian Spirit Review

Norwegian Spirit in need of an overhaul but great staff

Review for the Mediterranean Cruise on Norwegian Spirit
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Deborahkcanada
2-5 Cruises • Age 60s

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Sail Date: Sep 2016
Cabin: Mid-Ship Inside

My friend found this cruise through a travel agent. It fit our budget and itinerary requirements. I've sailed on the Norwegian Pearl and had no qualms about sailing with Norwegain again. This ship, the Spirit, was fairly old and dated. It was clean, and in fair shape but some of the amenities were so shabby nobody ever went there: ie Maharini's lounge and the disco. It looked like the ship had been themed many years before, but changes and re-purposing of the restaurants ie from chinese to a steak house with no changes in decor were a bit odd. And the plumbing had it's issues--the toilets not flushing for hours at a time. Furniture was a bit warn, draperies outdated, the central lobby was uninspiring and there was bit of an odour in the elevators but the beds were very comfortable and the staff were all very dedicated and hard working. We found out that this ship was due for refurbishment a month after our cruise was done. Wish we'd known that in advance.

The food was generally good. The beef and steaks were fantastic, the bbqs were as well. The buffet was a bit repetitive in it's options and we found things over salty but we gained weight and were never without lots of options that made us happy so we can't complain beyond that! Breakfasts were terrific with options galore. The desserts were ok. Also, don't think once you pay for your cruise the paying is over...it's not. There were 3 restaurants (including the cattle call buffet) we could use without a 'sur-charge'. Pay and pay some more if you want a few extras--like a latte after dinner! There were at least another 4 or 5 restaurants that you had to pay more for to use. And the drinks are overpriced-a glass of wine ends up about $13-$14 US incl. tax. AND not including an expected tip. THEN there's the $13.50-$15 per person PER NIGHT room service charge. Don't get me wrong, these folks work long hours for very little wages so you feel obligated to pay this but I think they should just INCLUDE IT already in the price. You end up feeling so nickel and dimed by the end of it it takes the shine of your long awaited precious two weeks of vacation.

Activities were good--we didn't partake in many since we went ashore every day. One exceptions were the Bingo GOUGE--$50 minimum to play 3 cards. And no guarantee the big jackpot would be won. I don't mind doing this for charity..but since when is a cruise ship a charity?? The photographers were EVERYWHERE--it was almost creepy. Of course the pics all displayed but no pressure to buy. They were expensive as well. I had a balcony room before and an inside room this time. Surprisingly, it wasn't as awful as I thought it would be. It was clean and the beds very comfortable, but it had zero personality and an awful painted mural of a window and beach scene. really? bad idea. If you can swing it, always go for a balcony room but if you can't, the inside rooms aren't dungeons especially if you're out and about all day. The gym was small-ish. The saltwater pool was great cuz the kids had their own pool in the back of this ship--YAY. The Pearl had a kid slide in the main pool and it was impossible to use. 5 hot tubs..all great but over chlorinated...REALLY over chlorinated. Also no lack of deck chairs--this was nice.

Cabin Review

Mid-Ship Inside

Cabin IA

I had a balcony room before and an inside room this time. Surprisingly, it wasn't as awful as I thought it would be. It was clean and the beds very comfortable, but it had zero personality and an awful painted mural of a window and beach scene. really? bad idea. If you can swing it, always go for a balcony room but if you can't, the inside rooms aren't dungeons especially if you're out and about all day. And this particular cabin has a larger than usual bathroom.

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