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Itineraries and Ports of Call: Bermuda • Canada & New England • Caribbean - Western • Cruise to Nowhere
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Norwegian Spirit Review
Norwegian Cruise Line pumped millions into Norwegian Spirit during a late-2008 refurb, and the nearly 11-year-old ship emerged from its makeover with its 13 passenger decks practically sparkling. You won't find a rock-climbing wall or bowling alley or some of the other whiz-bang features offered by some of the fleet's bigger, newer ships, but enjoyment doesn't always have to come in an ultra-modern package.
Spirit has 11 restaurants -- as befits NCL's Freestyle 2.0 concept -- as well as plenty of family features and eight bars and lounges. And, it's a lively, friendly ship to boot. It spends its time in sun-seeking destinations, cruising from New Orleans to the Caribbean in winter and from Boston to Bermuda in summer.
The ship debuted in October 1998 as Malaysia-based Star Cruises' SuperStar Leo. As such, Norwegian Spirit was designed for the Asian market; Star Cruises is the Far East's biggest cruise line as well as the owner of NCL (along with Apollo Management). Sister ship, SuperStar Virgo, still cruises around Southeast Asia out of Singapore.
Transferred to NCL in 2004, Norwegian Spirit still boasts a pleasing, Asia-inspired decor that includes artifacts on display -- an antique vase here, a mannequin in Samurai costume there (little museum-like plaques tell you what's what). Staircases have wood and iron railings, the atrium boasts glass elevators and waterfalls, and the color palette is more mellow than over-the-top (no neon tones as on newer NCL vessels). The overall effect is that Norwegian Spirit feels like a fancier ship. Excellent service enhances the experience -- from the moment you board, there are touches of pampering, such as a welcome glass of Champagne.
During its 2008 renovation, the ship was outfitted with a new diesel engine, and 11 cabins were added (eight with balconies). The Stardust Theater got new red-velvet seats, and nearly all the upholstery and carpeting on the ship was replaced. (The carpet in cabin hallways varies by deck, so you can tell you're on the right one by looking at the carpet color.) Also added were a new phone system and wireless Internet access.
But the biggest change is that teens now control the Celebrity Disco, giving them their own private hideaway on Deck 13, at the opposite end of the ship from the younger kids' facilities -- something teens will, no doubt, hold over their younger siblings. The video arcade has also moved, from Deck 10 to a more prominent spot on Deck 7, and is geared toward the teen crowd with games like Downhill Bikes and Target Terror.
But the thing we enjoyed most on this ship was its lighthearted attitude and a prevailing sense of humor. Example? A Captain's invite read "free drinks on the Captain (we mean, with the Captain)."
 Read Complete Norwegian Spirit Review
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NCL Ships: Norwegian Dawn • Norwegian Epic • Norwegian Gem • Norwegian Jade • Norwegian Jewel • Norwegian Pearl • Norwegian Sky • Norwegian Spirit • Norwegian Star • Norwegian Sun • Pride of America
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