ncl spirit cruise critic

• Norwegian Cruise Line

First Time On NCL Spirit...

By Rick&Jeannie , January 4 in Norwegian Cruise Line

Recommended Posts

Rick&Jeannie

We have over 20 cruises under our belts...only 2 with NCL.  We have our first booking on the Spirit for this April (South Pacific).  First time to this area of the world.  I know that the Spirit is supposedly the smallest ship in the NCL fleet...that somewhat appeals to me; the huge megaships just are NOT our cup of tea.  I know it underwent a HUGE retrofit here a while back...so it *should* be in very good physical shape.  That being said, what can we expect as far as the ship is concerned?  Any comments from anybody who has been on recently?  Service? Crew?  (We're in an OceanView w/Picture Window cabin)

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

There are a number of YouTube videos on the Spirit ..... here is a fairly short

tour of the Spirit done by Chris Frame that shows most of the ship

This video by Iconic Adventures is also very good

Several YouTube vloggers were on the Spirit Honolulu to Alaska cruise last year.

Stef (Sean & Stef), Ben & David and ParoDeeJay all posted a variety of videos.

We're on the Honolulu to Alaska cruise this year so have really enjoyed watching them.

• 4 weeks later...

Hi there. We just returned yesterday after being on the spirit to tour Australia and New Zealand. We are actually heading back to the ship in April for probably the same cruise you are booked on. We liked the ship, smaller which was fine by us but of course doesn’t have the slides, go carts etc. The refurbish was done well. The entertainment was really good. Food was good. 

itsnotjustme

21 minutes ago, abuys said: We liked the ship, smaller which was fine by us but of course doesn’t have the slides, go carts etc. The refurbish was done well. The entertainment was really good. Food was good. 

Glad to hear this report.  We depart Sunday for Sydney for the 9 Feb Australia - New Zealand sailing.

We were on the Spirit years ago.  Smaller ship are OK with us also.

CptBoatface

Spirit was great in summer 2022

On 1/4/2024 at 9:46 AM, Rick&Jeannie said: We have over 20 cruises under our belts...only 2 with NCL.  We have our first booking on the Spirit for this April (South Pacific).  First time to this area of the world.  I know that the Spirit is supposedly the smallest ship in the NCL fleet...that somewhat appeals to me; the huge megaships just are NOT our cup of tea.  I know it underwent a HUGE retrofit here a while back...so it *should* be in very good physical shape.  That being said, what can we expect as far as the ship is concerned?  Any comments from anybody who has been on recently?  Service? Crew?  (We're in an OceanView w/Picture Window cabin)    

I sailed on the Spirit in September of 22. I feel it had the friendliest crew of all the NCL ships. It seemed like it was a modern old ship if that makes sense. I hope it still is that way because I will be on her for 28 days next May.

On 1/31/2024 at 9:03 PM, itsnotjustme said: Glad to hear this report.  We depart Sunday for Sydney for the 9 Feb Australia - New Zealand sailing.   We were on the Spirit years ago.  Smaller ship are OK with us also.

We probably did the same itinerary. We went Jan 16-28. We left from Sydney as well

We sailed Hawaii to Alaska in May. The refurbishment made it like new. Almost perfect except bathroom is tiny—that can’t be fixed by a refurbishment—and the buffet is the worst ever experienced. Tiny, which I understand, but the food and presentation was uninspired. As a result we ate lunch in the MDR almost daily. I think all my MDR lunches ever before Spirit, can be counted on one hand.  MDR and specialty restaurant food was excellent as well as a couple of other complimentary options.

6 hours ago, vidsmart said: We sailed Hawaii to Alaska in May. The refurbishment made it like new. Almost perfect except bathroom is tiny—that can’t be fixed by a refurbishment—and the buffet is the worst ever experienced. Tiny, which I understand, but the food and presentation was uninspired. As a result we ate lunch in the MDR almost daily. I think all my MDR lunches ever before Spirit, can be counted on one hand.  MDR and specialty restaurant food was excellent as well as a couple of other complimentary options.

If you think Spirt buffet is small, don't sail Sky or Sun.

Spirit buffet actually innovative for the time.  Pretty big, spread out for a ship at that time.  Things like action stations.

CaptainBazz

We have sailed on the Spirit twice...pre and post refurbishment. They did a fabulous job...it is like a new ship. We did the 16 night South Pacific last year...always lots to do and great entertainment. Food was great...made use of Cagney's, Le Bistro, Silk, Onda and The Local. Main dining was also very good. We found the Buffett to be fine, lots of choice...and the nice thing was you could take your food out to the back of the ship and eat outside. Magnums was a great bar for cocktails, with music on most nights...down to Henry's for Trivia then off to a show. Definitely one of our favourite ships.

We took our first NCL cruise this past September 2023 on the Spirit from Hawaii to the French Polynesia.  We really enjoyed it a ton. The food in the main dining room and Cagneys was excellent. Crew was great. The adult pool area was so wonderful at the back of the ship.   

We are going to the South Pacific in December but unfortunately for us it is not the Spirit. Wish it was in the Spirit. We are goin on the Sun. No adult pool. Bummer. Hope it is almost as good as our Spirit experience.   

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in

• Welcome to Cruise Critic
• ANNOUNCEMENT: Set Sail Beyond the Ordinary with Oceania Cruises
• New Cruisers
• Cruise Lines “A – O”
• Cruise Lines “P – Z”
• River Cruising
• Cruise Critic News & Features
• Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
• Special Interest Cruising
• Cruise Discussion Topics
• UK Cruising
• Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
• Canadian Cruisers
• North American Homeports
• Ports of Call
• Cruise Conversations

Announcements

• New to Cruise Critic? Join our Community!

Write Your Own Amazing Review !

Click this gorgeous photo by member SUPERstar777 to share your review!

Features & News

LauraS · Started 22 hours ago

LauraS · Started Yesterday at 12:53 AM

LauraS · Started Tuesday at 07:17 PM

LauraS · Started Monday at 10:08 PM

LauraS · Started Monday at 09:45 PM

• Existing user? Sign in OR Create an Account
• Find Your Roll Call
• Meet & Mingle
• Community Help Center
• All Activity
• Member Photo Albums
• Meet & Mingle Photos
• Favorite Cruise Memories
• Cruise Food Photos
• Cruise Ship Photos
• Ports of Call Photos
• Towel Animal Photos
• Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos
• Write a Review
• Live Cruise Reports
• Member Cruise Reviews
• Create New...

• Norwegian Cruise Line

By ur_calvin_klein_guy , February 24, 2021 in Norwegian Cruise Line

Recommended Posts

ur_calvin_klein_guy

Has anyone sailed on the NCL Spirit since it had a major overhaul in 2018 and then a upgrade in 2020?

Looking for the Hawaii / Tahiti 12 day cruise May 2022.

Thanks in advance

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

ColeThornton

What is it that you are trying to find out?

4 hours ago, ur_calvin_klein_guy said: Has anyone sailed on the NCL Spirit since it had a major overhaul in 2018 and then a upgrade in 2020? Looking for the Hawaii / Tahiti 12 day cruise May 2022.   Thanks in advance

i dont think it has sailed anywhere as yet. i was booked on the spirit this coming march, but obviously it was cancelled. to bad, though, i was really looking forward to seeing the new upgrades

KeithJenner

There was a very brief period between the refurb and Covid. Just one or two cruises I believe.

https://boards.cruisecritic.co.uk/topic/2734128-new-spirit-beautiful/

There are videos on YouTube with post refurb ship tours

We were on the refurbished Spirit last March from Dubai to Cape Town. This was dubbed the cruise to nowhere as once we left Oman we floated down the Indian Ocean for 17 days not being allowed to dock anywhere due to the virus outbreak! However nobody was ill and the crew treated us very well despite their ongoing difficulties with supplies etc. and the ongoing changing situation.

With regards to the Spirit it was lovely, nicely refurbished and very comfortable. We had no complaints with the ship!

We were on board for the first "post drydock" cruise.   Rome to Dubai ) Only "Major" difference was the expansion of the casino.  (We were told this was because the INTENT at the time was to position the ship in the far east, and the Chinese do love their casino's)   Aside from that not many changes.   Just a lot newer, cleaner, and "more updated" (Is that a word?) feel to the entire ship.  

Markanddonna

Just an FYI, I was on the sailing just before drydock and would have been very happy to sail on it again, even without rennovations. I could see where some areas of improvement could have been made (and were) like some of the garish Asian artwork and all those heavy drapes in the casino lounge area. I believe it was refitted to make it more appealing to adults, not children. They removed the never used video game room to modernize the cafe.

Thanks everyone for the comments.  Appreciate it.

I sailed on her many many years ago, my first NCL cruise. I'm booked for her May Hawaii to Tahiti and have an Oct Hawaii to Tahiti in the wings as well, all though I may flip that to Tahiti to Hawaii, can't wait.

I'm happy to hear that after her refurb she is geared more to adults.

9 hours ago, SpainAlien said: There are videos on YouTube with post refurb ship tours    

ive looked at them, they're superficial, and not very comprehensive. i wanted to see if i could get an actual look at my cabin.  no such luck

We were on it from Dubai to Nowhere/Cape Town March 2020.   The ship was great; looking "new" and shiny; the crew excellent, the three senior officers abominable.

If it comes to Australia/New Zealand at the end of this year we are looking forward to being on it again; especially if the officers have been changed.

7 hours ago, complawyer said: ive looked at them, they're superficial, and not very comprehensive. i wanted to see if i could get an actual look at my cabin.  no such luck

click on the link in post #4 - this takes you to the thread full of pictures of the new Spirit taken by me. There are a few cabin pictures there.   

2 hours ago, bluesea777 said: click on the link in post #4 - this takes you to the thread full of pictures of the new Spirit taken by me. There are a few cabin pictures there.    Cheers.  

i commend you on a fantastic job. on the other hand, now i'm po'd that my cruise was cancelled. we had a haven aft penthouse suite booked

19 minutes ago, complawyer said: i commend you on a fantastic job. on the other hand, now i'm po'd that my cruise was cancelled. we had a haven aft penthouse suite booked

Sorry about how you are feeling, but if you need to use up your FCCs and FCDs I would suggest you find a cruise the furthest away from now, like the latter 1/2 of 2022 or even 2023.   

We’re not booked to cruise this year, but might consider a last minute cruise WHEN cruising resumes, and there have been a few cruises.

We are being vaccinated - DH has had both and I had the first one yesterday - with 2nd one due in 3 weeks time. Son is getting his 2nd one on Saturday. Pfizer from the UK.   

Spirit doesn’t have Haven, so your Suite is just a suite with Butler service.

2 hours ago, bluesea777 said: Thanks!   Sorry about how you are feeling, but if you need to use up your FCCs and FCDs I would suggest you find a cruise the furthest away from now, like the latter 1/2 of 2022 or even 2023.    We’re not booked to cruise this year, but might consider a last minute cruise WHEN cruising resumes, and there have been a few cruises.   We are being vaccinated - DH has had both and I had the first one yesterday - with 2nd one due in 3 weeks time. Son is getting his 2nd one on Saturday. Pfizer from the UK.    Spirit doesn’t have Haven, so your Suite is just a suite with Butler service.    

already taken care of, 10 day cruise from copenhagen to southhamton, oct 2022, ncl getaway.  also booked on jade this coming july baltic 10 day amsterdam to copenhagen overnight in st petersberg

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in

• Welcome to Cruise Critic
• ANNOUNCEMENT: Set Sail Beyond the Ordinary with Oceania Cruises
• New Cruisers
• Cruise Lines “A – O”
• Cruise Lines “P – Z”
• River Cruising
• Cruise Critic News & Features
• Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
• Special Interest Cruising
• Cruise Discussion Topics
• UK Cruising
• Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
• Canadian Cruisers
• North American Homeports
• Ports of Call
• Cruise Conversations

Announcements

• New to Cruise Critic? Join our Community!

Write Your Own Amazing Review !

Click this gorgeous photo by member SUPERstar777 to share your review!

Features & News

LauraS · Started 22 hours ago

LauraS · Started Yesterday at 12:53 AM

LauraS · Started Tuesday at 07:17 PM

LauraS · Started Monday at 10:08 PM

LauraS · Started Monday at 09:45 PM

• Existing user? Sign in OR Create an Account
• Find Your Roll Call
• Meet & Mingle
• Community Help Center
• All Activity
• Member Photo Albums
• Meet & Mingle Photos
• Favorite Cruise Memories
• Cruise Food Photos
• Cruise Ship Photos
• Ports of Call Photos
• Towel Animal Photos
• Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos
• Write a Review
• Live Cruise Reports
• Member Cruise Reviews
• Create New...

Norwegian cancels more than a dozen cruises on 7 ships in 2025

Norwegian Cruise Line canceled more than a dozen cruises on seven ships.

The sailings were scheduled to take place in 2025. The changes “are a result of varied events including the ongoing situation in the Red Sea and Israel, modified dry dock schedules for ship enhancements, a full ship charter, and lastly, to accommodate the demand for shorter close-to-home voyages to the Bahamas,” according to a spokesperson for the line.

The following itineraries were canceled:

Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.

• Norwegian Spirit: Jan. 21, 2025
• Norwegian Jade: Feb. 20 through and including March 24, 2025
• Norwegian Sky: April 19 through and including June 5, 2025
• Norwegian Star: May 17 through and including June 9, 2025
• Norwegian Viva: May 18 and 27, and Sep. 20 and 29, 2025
• Norwegian Pearl: Oct. 15, 2025
• Norwegian Epic: Nov. 1 and 11, 2025

“We are committed to providing exceptional vacation experiences, both aboard our ships and by taking our guests to some of the most sought-out destinations around the world,” the spokesperson said in an emailed statement. “While we try to maintain original itineraries as much as possible, at times modifications are made to optimize the itinerary, enhance the guest experience or accommodate certain circumstances.”

Your cruise was canceled: Now what?

Guests whose cruises were impacted were given full refunds of their fare and a 10% discount in the form of a future cruise credit. The credit can be used on any of Norwegian’s published itineraries through Dec. 31, 2025.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Norwegian cancels more than a dozen cruises on 7 ships in 2025