The Norwegian Spirit was our first Norwegian cruise. My husband and I usually cruise with Princess or Celebrity. When I saw this wonderful itinerary for the Baltic with so many ports, we decided to book it.
When we arrived on the ship we were taken aback how dated it was. The decor, colors and public restrooms were all very very dated. The spa was decorated with Egyptian style decor. ...
First, our impression of the ship. The ship is not the newest or largest so usually it did not have priority to tie up a the closest piers and we almost always had to take a shuttle.The entire ship is decorated in a Chinese style. Even Cagney's steakhouse looks more like a Chinese restaurant than the Sushi Bar. La Trattoria is a section of the Raffles Buffet that is closed off in the evening ...
First let me say that my wife and I are not active cruisers, having taken fewer than 8 in our 50 years together. We prefer to plan our own trips and see things on our own. We chose the Baltic cruise on RCI because of the 3 days in St. Petersburg and we didn't want to try Russia on our own. It was a mistake we will not make again. If we ever cruise again, it will not be with RCI.
Embarkation ...
My 80+ year old mother and I always wanted to take a Viking Cruise. SO we decided the Homelands Cruise would be it. We paid 1300/ea for round trip tickets and about 750/ea for insurance to Viking along with the hefty cost of the cruise itself. Trusting Viking to provide a full service trip. A day prior to departure the Icelandic Air cancelled the flight to Sweden and booked us on a two leg ...
It is pleasing to learn that you found your cruise to be excellent, Kris, however we do recognize your disenchantment with the flight delays you’ve described. We’re sorry to hear you were...
This was our 9th cruise with Regent and much anticipated. We embarked in Stockholm and sailed the Baltic returning to Southampton. We looked forward to being on the new ship having watched the programme about it's construction. The decor is dark wood everywhere and lots of old fashioned bling. Regent missed a real opportunity to tap in to the younger age group who can afford luxury all inclusive ...
My husband and I wanted to show our granddaughters 13 and 16 the capitals of Northern Europe and in spite of cheaper options of Holland America and others ($90 a day per person) chose Serenade of the Seas ($150) thinking the quality of food and entertainment will be better. It was just the opposite. Lots of canned/frozen vegetables, cheesy-greasy dishes at Windjammer, not even the once-per cruise ...
The itinerary of multiple ports including 3 days in St. Petersburg was outstanding. We were at sea for only 1 day and that was fine for some down time. Royal Caribbean reminds me of a cost cutting US airline; I was not happy with several key points:
1) Shore excursions were very pricey including Russia, $325 to visit Egskov castle in Denmark and $179 for Schwerin Castle. I think they ...
We chose this cruise because of the wonderful itinerary, and this never disappointed. However, Let me say this was not the usual Royal experience. We purchased the beer/wine/soft drink package but really was rarely able to use as pool bars were not opened. Had to hike over to one of the other bars to fill a soda. Didn't bother. The Adult pool was always filled with families and their children. ...
Worse ship I've sailed on yet. We booked this for the amazing itinerary - lots of port days and only one at sea day. We booked private excursions on most of the ports - did "on our own" in Riga, Klaipeda and Fredericia. The ship gets the 2 star rating. I found it old & out dated ( with a few exceptions in the public bars and lobby) We had a balcony on level 7. The teak railing was warped, ...
I have never been so disappointed on a cruise. I choose this cruise because of the itinerary because it had 3 nights in St. Petersburg, Russia. The ship is well worn. It really needs to be refurbished. It was the smallest balcony cabin I have ever seen. The beds were like sleeping on a rock, because there are no box springs, the bed sits on a metal platform. Every couple of days, the water, ...