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

[milolii]

Aloha,

 

I had enjoyed your pictures before. We took the Med cruise in August and stayed in 9212. I agree these suites are among the best on NCL. We had Mary Jane and she was great.

 

Thanks again for the pics.

[Jfultz81]

Ron,

 

One more question on the rental cars (I say that now...). In Funchal, you mentioned that they (Rodavante) don't normally pick up/drop off at the pier. How did you arrange it with them and was there an extra cost?

 

Thank you!!

[computerworks]

Ron,

 

One more question on the rental cars (I say that now...). In Funchal, you mentioned that they (Rodavante) don't normally pick up/drop off at the pier. How did you arrange it with them and was there an extra cost?

 

Thank you!!

 

I spoke with Rui at rodavante@netmadeira.com ... he arranged pick up and return right outside the Port Entrance. (they cannot pass the security there).

 

No extra charge. Great people to work with...

[PJames]

What can I say? WOW!!

After seeing your photo-album of the ship (on another thread) and now your photos of your journey, we're really looking forward to our cruise in a couple of weeks:

http://www.gummy-stuff.org/Barcelona-cruise.htm

 

You and your wife are real adventures...no crowded buses with instructions:

"We'll stop here for fifteen minutes."

 

I also appreciate that you are back here to answer questions, months after your cruise ended. I'm hoping you can answer (at least) one more:

 

Our daughter and her husband want to do some scuba diving in Lanzarote, Canary Islands. The ship arrives at 12-noon.

How quickly can they disembark? Do you recall?

They are being picked up at 12:30 which seems a mite rushed.

What do you think?

 

P.S.

I admire your adventuring Spirit.

[Big Chippy]

What can I say? WOW!![/

I admire your adventuring Spirit.

 

I will follow your Blog/review with interest we are back on the Spirit to the Canaries next April.:)

[computerworks]

You and your wife are real adventures...no crowded buses with instructions:

"We'll stop here for fifteen minutes."

 

That we are...we really try and wring the most out of every cruise and every port.

 

 

Our daughter and her husband want to do some scuba diving in Lanzarote, Canary Islands. The ship arrives at 12-noon.

How quickly can they disembark? Do you recall?

They are being picked up at 12:30 which seems a mite rushed.

What do you think?

 

With a mid-day arrival, weather in your favor...you will probably arrive early. If port traffic is also in your favor, the ship will certainly be ready to disembark very near Noon.

 

The pier is very short and an easy walk to the security gate. Are they on their own? ...or taking a guided scuba tour?

[PJames]

The pier is very short and an easy walk to the security gate. Are they on their own? ...or taking a guided scuba tour?

 

They have some scuba diving outfit meeting them at the pier.

They both have scuba diving "certificates" (whatever that means) and are looking forward to diving at "the best scuba diving in Europe".

 

My wife & I watched them dive here:

http://www.gummy-stuff.org/RoyalHaciendas.htm

Aah, ain't it nice to be young!

 

(We used to rent a car to bomb about Europe, Japan, Caribbean Islands, etc. ... but now we is too decrepit and sit in a ^#$@!*? bus)

[computerworks]

They have some scuba diving outfit meeting them at the pier.

They both have scuba diving "certificates" (whatever that means) and are looking forward to diving at "the best scuba diving in Europe".

 

Wonderful... should be no problem meeting them at security by 12:30, barring unforeseen weather.

[PJames]

Wonderful... should be no problem meeting them at security by 12:30, barring unforeseen weather.

 

Many thanks...that'll make 'em happy!!

[Marilyn08]

Your review and pictures are magnificent. Thank you so much for posting them. We leave on oct 26 and can't wait.

 

May I ask what type of camera you used for your photos. They are beautiful.

 

Would much appreciate knowing.

 

Thanks again.

 

Marilyn

[computerworks]

Your review and pictures are magnificent. Thank you so much for posting them. We leave on oct 26 and can't wait.

 

May I ask what type of camera you used for your photos. They are beautiful.

 

Would much appreciate knowing.

 

Thanks again.

 

Marilyn

 

Have a great trip!

 

Thanks for the kind words...no secret on the camera. I have had this one for about a year...and is the best pocket-sized camera I have ever seen.

 

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX30V

 

18 megapixel, 20x optical zoom, GPS, WiFi, and a gazillion features ...and shoots HD movies to boot.

 

 



 

[Stu K]

Thanks for great review and pictures. I may get to cruise spirit on similar itinerary for free next April with 4 Virgin cruisers.

 

Stu K

[PJames]

I've been surfing the net (my favourite exercise) to find a nice slideshow of the Spirit. Your photos are clearly above-and-beyond...so I made a slideshow here:

http://www.gummy-stuff.org/NCL-Spirit.htm

 

If you object, I'll remove it immediately

(but they're SO GREAT).

 

P.S.

The photos are in (almost) random order.

That's what my software done did.

Edited October 7, 2013 by PJames
forgot something :^)

[computerworks]

...so I made a slideshow ...If you object, I'll remove it immediately

 

Nice job... no problem at all. I post my pics for all to enjoy.

 

Thanks for asking.

 

Ain't she a great ship? :p

[SteveH2508]

I've been surfing the net (my favourite exercise) to find a nice slideshow of the Spirit. Your photos are clearly above-and-beyond...so I made a slideshow here:

http://www.gummy-stuff.org/NCL-Spirit.htm

 

If you object, I'll remove it immediately

(but they're SO GREAT).

 

P.S.

The photos are in (almost) random order.

That's what my software done did.

 

 

Nice - only 2 and a bit months until we see it for real!:D

[PJames]

Nice job... no problem at all. I post my pics for all to enjoy.

 

Thanks for asking.

 

Ain't she a great ship? :p

Thanks again.

We're looking forward to our cruise!

 

We prefer smaller ships and (after looking at your photos)

I know we'll love the Spirit!

[AquamarineBreeze]

Your photos are great!!! They're convincing me that maybe I should try the Spirit... Absolutely beautiful! Thanks

[AquamarineBreeze]

Nice - only 2 and a bit months until we see it for real!:D

 

Hi SteveH2508,

I remember reading your review of the Jade last winter because I'd noticed

that you liked the Jade a lot.... Like me :D only 3 times on board ;)

Is there anyway I could get in touch with you after your cruise on the Spirit so I can ask you a few questions comparing it with the Jade? I hope to book in January/February for a spring cruise on one of these two ships and it would be a big help with my decision!

I'd really appreciate it.

Thank you!

[SteveH2508]

Hi SteveH2508,

I remember reading your review of the Jade last winter because I'd noticed

that you liked the Jade a lot.... Like me :D only 3 times on board ;)

Is there anyway I could get in touch with you after your cruise on the Spirit so I can ask you a few questions comparing it with the Jade? I hope to book in January/February for a spring cruise on one of these two ships and it would be a big help with my decision!

I'd really appreciate it.

Thank you!

 

I shall take that as an invite to write a comparative review - however I shall need to negotiate the distraction of a day on the Getaway soon after!:D

 

I shall be more than happy to answer questions on both the Jade and the Spirit after a Christmas/New Year cruise on both.

 

Note to self - keep a set of daily notes otherwise the Martini tastings cause me to forget things...

[AquamarineBreeze]

I shall take that as an invite to write a comparative review - however I shall need to negotiate the distraction of a day on the Getaway soon after!:D

 

I shall be more than happy to answer questions on both the Jade and the Spirit after a Christmas/New Year cruise on both.

 

Note to self - keep a set of daily notes otherwise the Martini tastings cause me to forget things...

 

Yes, yes to the comparative review - thank you!

Please make sure you taste ALL of the martinis so we know which ship makes them the best ... Sorry you have to be the one to make the sacrifice ;)

 

Thanks again!

[mumdswimmer]

should we book for speciality resturant for xmas eve?

Is xmas day celebrated with a xmas lunch or dinner do you have to book for casual dining room?

Really just need to know if celebrations for xmas are to be expected ?

should i take some decs for cabin I like xmas so not cruising to avoid it just like to be warm

Thanks for helping if you can :)

[mumdswimmer]

should we book for speciality resturant for xmas eve?

Is xmas day celebrated with a xmas lunch or dinner do you have to book for casual dining room?

Really just need to know if celebrations for xmas are to be expected ?

should i take some decs for cabin I like xmas so not cruising to avoid it just like to be warm

Thanks for helping if you can :)

[SteveH2508]

This was basically the Christmas Day MDR menu from the Jade last year.

 

CHRISTMAS APPETIZERS

Shrimp and Crab Parfait

Roasted Peppers, Avocado, Cumin Wafer

Mango in Pomegranate Cantaloupe Broth

Ginger Panna Cotta

Smoked Duck Breast with Mushroom Paté

Salad of Cheese Ravioli with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

SOUPS AND SALADS

Butternut Squash Bisque

Anise Profiteroles

Oriental Chicken Soup

Barbecued Pork, Chicken Won Ton, Spinach, Mushrooms, Rice Noodles

*Chilled Vichyssoise with Smoked Salmon

Chives and Pistachio

Carpaccio of Marinated Beetroot

Crumbled Blue Cheese, Romaine Hearts, Pear “Croutons”, Olive Oil and Basalmic Reduction

Norwegian’s Signature Caesar Salad

Housemade Dressing, Shaved Parmesan

ENTRÉES

Roasted Turkey

Braised Red Cabbage, Sautéed Mushrooms, Apple and Apricot Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, Rosemary Jus

Honey Glazed Black Forest Ham

Sautéed Spiced Apples, Sweet Potato Mash, Maple Syrup and Plump Raisin Jus

Boneless Beef Short Ribs Braised in Red Wine

Roasted Cipollini Onions and Chestnuts, Cheddar Cheese Polenta

Salmon and Scallop Mousse in Flaky Puff Pastry

Creamed Leeks, Sautéed Spinach, Grain Mustard Sauce

Ratatouille Crêpe

Feta Cheese, Arugula, Olive Paste, Sun-dried Tomato Sauce

DESSERTS

Pumpkin Soufflé

Chocolate Sauce

Chocolate-Orange Christmas Yule Log

Orange Crémeux, Cointreau Chocolate Mousse, Bittersweet Chocolate Glaze, Citrus Syrup

Pear and Chestnut Torte

Chestnut Flan, Caramelized Pears, Pear Mousse, Caramel Sauce

No Sugar Added Strawberry Napoleon

Diplomat Cream, Poached Strawberries, and Puff Pastry

Frozen Peach Yogurt

Pineapple Sherbet

Ice Cream Selections

Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry

A Sampling of Cheese

Brie, Sharp Cheddar, Blue Cheese

[TracieABD]

Thank you so much for the review. I am going on my first NCL cruise on the Spirit in just under 2 months. You review has me very excited!:)

[Bakery4dogs]

Thanks for this review it was great to read. My husband & I are taking this cruise this December and are very excited. We are also staying in a penthouse so it was nice to see the pics. We wanted the aft but even 15 months out they were already so out. This has given he so much to look forward to.

Thanks

Amy