Marella Spirit Review
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Thought the destinations were good so booked in full knowledge of this being an older ship with no balconies. Thomson travel arrangements, transfers, boarding etc all slick. Ship was small so comparatively very little queuing for anything. Cruise does all it says, and pretty well all the usual things that cruise lines do. The staff (and fellow guests) are friendly, service good, and entertainment enthusiastic. Open dining is fine, and speciality restaurant worth a shot (although menu doesn't change). Prices on board reasonable. No big push on art, photos or merchandise. Few public address announcements and the decks are spacious, as are the cabins.
However, the ship`s age cannot be hidden, and diesel and soil pipe fumes are never far away, along with a constant vibration. A lot of space is allocated to smokers on deck, including all outside tables in the promenade deck bar. On sea days unless you are up early you will find it difficult to get a sunbed at all, never mind one away from the various fumes or Lido deck entertainment. Extras are not excessive but include the safe, soft drinks/juices and bottled water.
Good value for money cruising in friendly company, but probably go elsewhere if sophistication is expected.
Cabin Review
room 021 deck 9
Paid for choice of cabin through travel agent, but allocated by Thomson to this cabin. When challenged they asked for a further charge for choosing, despite us not getting our choice in the first place. As it happens this cabin is particularly spacious due to its position near the stair and was perfectly acceptable. A service room backs onto the cabin, but was not noisy during our stay. Inter cabin insulation is frankly poor, so hope for quiet neighbours (albeit only on one side for this cabin). Window view is unobstructed. Corridor noise might have been intrusive due to poor insulation, but top deck and short corridor did not produce any issues. Lifts always readily available.
Cabin is below sundeck, so expect sunbeds above to be dragged to position at circa 9am.