Norwegian Spirit Review
Second Norwegian Cruise- Not what I remembered!
Rating by category
Additional details
Being that this was my husband and I's first cruise since 1980, my expectations were mixed as we embarked on this New Orleans Norwegian Spirit cruise. We were invited by friends from Texas to join them (they are experienced cruisers) and were looking forward to our winter getaway. As goes with all trips, there were pleasant surprises and a few let downs. We chose this particular cruise due to its close proximity to our home and its itinerary of 4 ports instead of 3. The last cruise we took so long ago was also on a Norwegian ship out of Miami. Our memories were of a wonderful time and a luxurious treat of fine dining and pampering. This one will be remembered for a nice warm time during the dead of winter and beautiful views of exotic locations.
Upon arrival for debarkation, we chose to drop off our friends at the terminal and the ease in which we drove in was amazing. Because we are platinum members of Harrah's casino we decided to park there and take a taxi back to the terminal. Good choice..no parking fee for the week. The nominal cab fare was perfect. Also when we returned the cab ride from the terminal to Harrah's was done with ease.
We boarded effortlessly and headed to the Buffet called Raffles and had lunch. It was okay, but would become a repeated disappointment throughout the week. Breakfast was the best meal of the day, but choices were basically the same each day and many items (especially desserts) were prepackaged types. It didn't appear that there would be much choice as the days progressed. We did attempt to go to dinner in the dining rooms a few times, but the lines were long and the wait time was more than we wanted to spend in waiting to eat. I think that our next cruise will have a designated seating time. Freestyle is nice, but dining should be a more enjoyable venue. Having to make a reservation to have dinner was not my idea of a prepaid cruise trip which included meals. Room service did not include items served in the dining rooms which were supposedly included in the price of the cruise.
Cabin Review
Mid-Ship Balcony
Adequate square footage, large closet with at least 15 hangers and several corner shelves, locked safe, 2 robes for use, extra drawer space on the corner credenza, space for bags under the bed, king sized bed when mattresses are together, separate shower, lavatory, and toilet areas. Great thermostat control and wonderful balcony. Just enough for two.