NCL Spirit 9-Day Canary Islands- Nov 6-15, 2012 - Review and Pictorial

[computerworks]

NCL Spirit 9-Day Canary Islands- Nov 6-15, 2012 - Review and Pictorial

 

This was our end of year vacation and we enthusiastically planned it for more than a year in advance...for several reasons.

It was a return to our favorite ship, the Spirit...and it was a chance to do an itinerary that we had never done. A chance to visit new ports, like Madeira and the Canary Islands.

 

And the best part: to plan a pre-cruise visit to Madrid for the main purpose of seeing our favorite soccer team, Real Madrid, play a game at home in Spain.

 

 

I have a separate thread dedicated to the Spirit, with a photo tour:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1740735

 

This thread will be an album of the trip.

 

Superstorm Sandy almost put a damper on the trip, with our flights on 10/30 being cancelled. We did not have the cruise part of the trip in jeopardy, since we had planned 5 days in Spain prior to embarkation. But, it sure looked like we would miss these days because of the storm.

Long story short, after several re-books and cancellations, we decided that the smartest thing was to head South away from the storm...so we flew from NYC to Washington DC, and got a flight to Paris, then Madrid. We arrived on the originally planned day, so pre-cruise was saved.

[jdvmd]

NCL Spirit 9-Day Canary Islands- Nov 6-15, 2012 - Review and Pictorial

 

This was our end of year vacation and we enthusiastically planned it for more than a year in advance...for several reasons.

It was a return to our favorite ship, the Spirit...and it was a chance to do an itinerary that we had never done. A chance to visit new ports, like Madeira and the Canary Islands.

 

And the best part: to plan a pre-cruise visit to Madrid for the main purpose of seeing our favorite soccer team, Real Madrid, play a game at home in Spain.

 

 

I have a separate thread dedicated to the Spirit, with a photo tour:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1740735

 

This thread will be an album of the trip.

 

Superstorm Sandy almost put a damper on the trip, with our flights on 10/30 being cancelled. We did not have the cruise part of the trip in jeopardy, since we had planned 5 days in Spain prior to embarkation. But, it sure looked like we would miss these days because of the storm.

Long story short, after several re-books and cancellations, we decided that the smartest thing was to head South away from the storm...so we flew from NYC to Washington DC, and got a flight to Paris, then Madrid. We arrived on the originally planned day, so pre-cruise was saved.

Look forward to seeing more!

[computerworks]

Pre-Cruise

 

We had such a great pre-cruise stay in Spain that I'd love to share some of the highlights before we talk about the cruise itself.

 

Madrid was amazing...a big city with a town mentality. I loved it and didn't want to leave. We planned 4 days there with a car, so we could explore. The plan was to drive to Barcelona the day before embarkation.

 

Of course, our highlight was visiting the "cathedral of soccer"...the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu. We took a tour of the stadium on Friday and watched a game Saturday night...it was simply amazing.

 

 

 

 

 

[computerworks]

In Madrid, the Plaza Mayor is a must see, day and night... as well as the fabulous markets and museums.

 

 

 

As you will see, I love the markets and all the great food to be had.

 

 

 

 

We stayed at the cafes late into the evening and just people-watched.

 

[computerworks]

As a Real Madrid fan, the game was as good as it gets...70,000 fans and a night to remember.

 

 

 

 

 

[computerworks]

We took a day's drive to Toledo, about an hour away.

It is the heart of La Mancha and the the former capital of the Spanish Empire and a delightful mixture of Christian, Muslim and Jewish cultures.

 

The Gothic Cathedral and the Alcazar were great places to walk around in awe.

 

 

 

[computerworks]

Toledo Cathedral is ranked among the greatest Gothic structures in Europe. Inside, the cathedral contains important masterpieces including a spectacular baroque high altar and two paintings by El Greco. It was built from 1226 to 1493.

 

 

 

 

 

[computerworks]

The entire old town had the feel of a theme park... original in every way.

 

 

 

 

 

After a full day, we returned to Madrid for another great meal (late in the evening..."when in Spain, do as...") at one of the local restaurants.

 

[xenagurl]

Very cool! Thanks for posting, looking forward to reading more.

[computerworks]

Finally, the day before the cruise, it was time to make the trek to Barcelona. The Autovia was a great highway for the full day's drive. We stopped in Zaragoza, about halfway there, for lunch.

 

 

 

This landmark was crossing the Prime Meridian...and you thought it was invisible, eh?

 

 

[computerworks]

We arrived in Barcelona in the evening and I had to run the rental car out to the airport to drop it off (saving the massive surcharge if it was returned in the city).

Took a cab back and arrived just as the activity on La Rambla was warming up.

 

 

 

We had a relaxing late night tapas dinner at what I consider to be one of the best places in Barcelona, just a few block walk from the Plaça de Catalunya

 

 

 

 

[computerworks]

Now for our pre-cruise hotel...

 

In the past, we have stayed at some pretty fancy hotels in Barcelona. This time, we knew we were getting in late the night before the cruise and just needed a place to get a good night's sleep... no frills.

 

We booked the Hotel Continental, after reading about it in the Ports of Call board. No frills expected and we just booked the cheapest room.

 

We had a chuckle when we almost couldn't fit our overnight bags in the room, but it did fit the bill.

 

All kidding aside, the folks there were great, the WiFi was free, all night food and drink on the house, free wine on tap in the "lobby." The room was spotless. They will store your large bags so you don't need to bring everything to the room. For about a hundred bucks, staying right on La Rambla, it was perfect.

 

Old style European hotel, with a wooden bat on your room key so you don't leave with it.

 

 

Our terrace. We requested a room away from the frontage on La Rambla.

 

 

Yes, it is as it looks, the bed has about 6 inches from each wall.

 

 

In the morning, before we left for the ship, I visited La Boqueria. (I told you I have this thing for markets.)

 

 

 

[computerworks]

Day 1 - Embarkation

 

Loaded up the taxi and headed for the port.

 

I don't care how many times you cruise, there is no greater thrill than the first glimpse of your ship as you approach the port.

 

 

We arrived early and boarding was a snap. The Barcelona terminal is modern and beautiful.

 

This trip, we were fortunate to be in an Aft Penthouse, 9210.

 

Belkys, the concierge, and her crew were amazing from the minute we got to the terminal.

 

In my opinion, the Aft Penthouse on the Spirit is one of the nicest cabins in NCL's fleet.

 

 

 

 

 

[computerworks]

The balcony had seating for two, plus a lounger.

 

 

 

Off to Cagney's for Lunch

 

 

We had a relatively small Roll Call for this cruise, but a great bunch of folks. We agreed to informally meet topside at the Bier Garten on sailaway day for a quick hello and a drink....mosskins, HudandPug and notsavvycruisers joined us.

 

 

 

Time to enjoy the balcony and prepare for sailaway.

 

[computerworks]

Once we were away, the ship started to buzz as folks explored the public spaces. We remembered the Spirit just fine from our last two cruises on her.

 

 

The Windows Main Dining Room was our destination for dinner. I was biased for the Roast Beef, but asked for a few 'tails' on the side, not wanting to miss lobster night.

 

 

...ending our first day in our favorite spot Aft.

 

 

The itinerary started with 2 Sea Days, then three ports in a row: Madeira Island, Tenerife and Lazarote. Then a Sea Day back to the Med, a stop in Malaga, another Sea Day and return to Barcelona.

 

More to follow about each of these days later.

[computerworks]

Day 2 - Sea Day

 

There was a full social calendar for us on the first Sea Day.

 

We began the day with our Meet and Greet. Ana, the Guest Host did a great job reserving LeBistro for the event and providing a nice spread of snacks.

 

Gio, the Cruise Director kicked it off and introduced the staff of officers and crew that came to welcome us.

 

 

 

 

Armando, the Hotel Director, gave my wife some tips about where to go on Madeira, his home.

 

 

Well under full steam now...

 

 

That afternoon, we met Captain Lars at the Latitudes get-together in the Galaxy room. He is a charming man, fun to talk to.

 

[computerworks]

The forward lounge, the Galaxy of the Stars, is a great multipurpose room.

 

 

Dinner for us in La Trattoria, where we found all new "La Cuchina" menus.

 

 

After dinner, another social in the Galaxy for suite and VIP guests...more formal and more social than the Latitudes meeting.

 

 

First Sea Day in the books...we are fully into the cruising mode now.

 

[computerworks]

Day 3 - Sea Day

 

I think it is great to start a cruise with a sea day or two, especially after the busy pre-cruise activities. It lets you settle in before the ports.

 

We slept in on this Sea Day and had Mary Jane, our butler, set up a breakfast for us. She was perfect in every way, taking care of all special requests for goodies and keeping us in a worry-free mood all trip. We told her all that we needed just once and she never missed a beat the whole cruise.

 

 

This was a big day for me, since we were going to do the Chef's Table tonight. Prior to this trip, we had not been on an NCL ship that offered it, so I was ready.

 

The weather constantly improved as we headed South

 

 

Started to get warm enough for the pools to become active.

 

 

It was fun to discover a German Fest held for lunch in the Aft area outside of Raffles. Full Bavarian treats with carving stations, etc.

 

 

We spent the afternoon planning our attack on Madeira for tomorrow.

 

 

Next up...the Chef's Table dinner.

[www3traveler]

Thank you for your pictures. The Spirit is a very special ship and Captain Lars is The Best.

[Sunny904]

So, so excited to read your review. Thank you so much for taking the time to do it! A week from now, we'll be packing up and getting ready to depart for the same trip, just longer in Barcelona instead of Madrid. Your missus is lovely! I'm so happy you had a great time in Madrid. Happy Thanksgiving! Hope all is back to normal for you post-Sandy.

[mypleasure]

This is great. I can't wait to see more.

[mypleasure]

So, so excited to read your review. Thank you so much for taking the time to do it! A week from now, we'll be packing up and getting ready to depart for the same trip, just longer in Barcelona instead of Madrid. Your missus is lovely! I'm so happy you had a great time in Madrid. Happy Thanksgiving! Hope all is back to normal for you post-Sandy.

 

Sunny, can you ask Armando something for me when you are on the ship please? I have something for him. So I need to know if he will be on the ship when I sail 4th Feb or whether to save it until I sail in May. It is a piece of glass from Stourbridge in the UK, where I am from, Armando has visited the town in the past and is a great admirer of Stourbridge Crystal glassware. I don't want to risk taking it if it might get damaged.

 

I can't wait for our sailing to the Canary Isles in Feb, wish it was next week and this wonderful review and pictures are really making me I wish I was there right now. Got to email my sister about this thread. She will be going on her first cruise when we go and this will really let her see the ship and hear all about it.

[computerworks]

The Chef's Table

 

I really was looking forward to our Chef's Table experience. If I recall, the Chef's Table began as a local experiment on just the Spirit a few years ago.

It gave the Exec Chef a chance to show off his skills in a very exclusive dining event for 12 people. I think the success motivated NCL to make it a fleet-wide experience and thus they took it corporate. I believe the menu is now standard across all ships and the wine pairing has been dialed in by the Corporate sommelier.

 

We were able to sign up for the event at the Specialty Dining table prior to boarding. On this 9-day cruise, they offered it twice during the cruise.

 

The culinary event I had been anticipating began with a meet-up in Champagne Charlies at 5:50pm. It was there that we were intoduced to our ten other dining partners and shared a before dinner drink.

 

 

Guests were then escorted to a private dining room that was part of the Cagney's venue.

 

 

Once seated, we met the crew that would be preparing and serving our meal. Executive Chef Baiju Ravindran greeted us and explained how the meal would progress.

 

 

At your place setting was the menu of the night's courses.

 

 

The sommelier explained the wine pairings and the reasons for the choices.

 

[computerworks]

(Thanks to a fellow CC'er for posting the menu items, so I could copy them here.)

 

Basically the courses were:

 

Amuse bouche “Molecular Gastronome” – which was spherical mango, vodka, & jalepeno

Ahi tuna tartare with orange wasabi glaze & sesame crisp

Asparagus Cream – Cauliflower flan, crispy beetroot & saffron angel hair

Short Crust Tartlett – Goat Cheese/Sun Dried Tomato Chutney/Basil Oil/Kalamata Olive Tapenade

...a palate cleansing course of grapefruit & moscato ice

Pan seared sea bass – plaintain crusted/mango, papaya & avocado salsa/lobster veloute

Milk Fed Veal Chop, Anna Potatos, Sauteed Spinach Truffle Veal Jus

Cheese Platter – St. Andre Crème & Stilton/Honey Comb/ Port Wine Infused Figs/Bagel Chips/Pickled Watermelon

and for dessert:

Yogurt Mousse Dome – Lychee raspberry crème/hazel sable lime vanilla reduction

Chocoholic’s delight – spiced dark rum infused banana cocoa mousse

 

Here's a glimpse of some of the dishes... the presentation was amazing, the service was white-glove.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We were done at about 10 pm. The Table carried a hefty surcharge of $89 per person, but that is not out of line with tasting tables on many luxury lines.

 

Although I am the foodie in the family, my wife is the cook...and she absolutely raved about the whole experience. Hearing how each dish was prepared and how the ingredients interact was a real treat for her. Baiju introduced each course and gave a thorough "lecture" on the preparation involved.

 

We had a fun group of dinner partners and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. My wife said it was better than any show or meal we have ever had onboard.

 

At the completion, we were presented with autographed menus and individual photos with the Chef as souvenirs.

 

It did not disappoint.

[boopsahoy]

Great pictures and great review! The Spirit is a very pretty ship. Ive been on many ncl cruises on ships I really loved but the spirit really has a nice look to it. Looking forward to sailing her one day! Cant wait to read more :D