Norwegian Spirit Review

4.5 / 5.0
2,124 reviews

Great Cruise - Decent, but Small Ship

Review for the Caribbean Cruise on Norwegian Spirit
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The Cruiser 1000
2-5 Cruises • Age 20s

Rating by category

Cabin
Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Entertainment
Fitness & Recreation
Service

Additional details

Sail Date: Dec 2015
Cabin: Balcony
Ship
Stardust Theater after the show Elements.
Atrium
Windows Main Dining Room. Nice windows, but you hear the engine from the ba
In Costa Maya the gangway.
Fitness Center was small and poorly located.
Raffles Buffet
Interior Stateroom

For a tour of the ship: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Wh4VP6rHek . So this was the fourth time sailing with NCL, and as much as I love the whole Freestyle theme, I might try a more traditional cruise line for my next trip. This was the smallest ship I have been on, and a lot different than the NCL Breakaway, (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7momJhjAIc) which I went on when it first came out. The nicest thing about this being a small ship was that it was easy and quick to walk from one place to another. But at the same time, the amenities that I might love were not necessarily there. There was a pool, but it was pretty small, and I had no intentions of venturing to the kids pool aft on the ship. Also, the fitness center (not that I used it or anything...) was really small and intimidating cause you could see through the windows looking right onto the pool. The speciality restaurants were also not always easy to find, and sometimes just in weird places (like the Italian restaurant which was in the buffet). Also, there was entertainment, but not many options at night because there were not a lot of clubs for variety because it was a small ship. And there were a lot of random smoking areas too unfortunately. HOWEVER, it is a very elegant ship, and the things that it did have were really nice. The Windows Main dining room was beautiful (although a little rumbly because it was right above the engines), the lights on the pool at night were very artistic, and the atrium (which is always a draw for me) was grand and exciting. Because it is an old ship, there were neat features like a card room and library that were well kept, a authentic wrap-around promenade and a casino that is bigger than most newer ships. At the same time, it meant that doors, bathrooms and other features were on the older side. NCL does a great job of keeping up to date though, so while some features were not new, the Stardust theater had innovative lights and sets, and the company is clearly maintaining the main attributes of the ship. THE HIGHLIGHT of the ship was the galaxy of the stars lounge. At night, there was always a game show, but during the day there were amazing views of the sea (and a look-in area on the bridge). The lounge was great for activities but also just kicking back and reading.

Cabin Review

Balcony

Cabin BC

The cabin was very similar to the cabin onboard the NCL Dawn (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aG19F6XOQz0). The room had enough room for the three of us staying in it, and there was a lot of storage as well. The balcony was very nice, although you could tell it was old. The pull out couch was strange and not like some of the nicer ones on the newer ships. Also the TV is in a weird location and so the remote did not always connect with it. The bathroom was VERY old and a little gross, and also broken into small compartments that were strange. Overall though, the room served its purpose and there were no issues with it. Even when something didn't work (the air conditioning for a few hours), crew members were there to fix it right away!

Port Reviews

Port Canaveral (Orlando)

It was a very easy port to leave from. Here is a video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNO5BJ6Hu1Q

Costa Maya

Very nice area when you get right off the ship. Also, for a few dollars take the trolley to town where there are nice beaches. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KLscjW2Kbc OR https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9iQX5H9PmA

Great Stirrup Cay

WONDERFUL ISLAND!!! We brought our own snorkels so that we could go to the coral reef, and it was worth it. Great lounge chairs for everyone, just make sure you know when the buffet on the island will be open and not. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wumg9jWBef8

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