A Solo Fashionista review of the Norwegian Spirit

[boopsahoy]

Hi everyone,

 

I just thought that given some of the comments asking when and where I'm next cruising, I would come back and let you know that I have a plan!

 

Talking about returning to the States got me thinking and looking at my various options. Taking everything (especially the extortionate flight costs from the UK) into consideration, it looks like I will be venturing into unknown territory and finally trying out Carnival. If my leave from work gets approved I will be sailing on the Carnival Sunshine (one of their newly done, more visually muted ships) at the start of May. I will be staying a few nights on Cocoa Beach, Orlando before departing from Port Canaveral to visit new ports for me in the Southern Caribbean. It will be interesting to see how Carnival compares, but as always, I know I will enjoy myself and come back with another ridiculously blog to tell you all about it!

 

I'd better start planning those outfits... :D

 

Im taking my first Carnival cruise 5/12! I got an offer from my land casino for a free cruise on Carnival so I went for it! I KNOW I will miss my Gem:eek:

Edited March 3, 2014 by boopsahoy
typos

[wichitastatecruiser]

Hi everyone,

 

I just thought that given some of the comments asking when and where I'm next cruising, I would come back and let you know that I have a plan!

 

Talking about returning to the States got me thinking and looking at my various options. Taking everything (especially the extortionate flight costs from the UK) into consideration, it looks like I will be venturing into unknown territory and finally trying out Carnival. If my leave from work gets approved I will be sailing on the Carnival Sunshine (one of their newly done, more visually muted ships) at the start of May. I will be staying a few nights on Cocoa Beach, Orlando before departing from Port Canaveral to visit new ports for me in the Southern Caribbean. It will be interesting to see how Carnival compares, but as always, I know I will enjoy myself and come back with another ridiculously blog to tell you all about it!

 

I'd better start planning those outfits... :D

 

Are you planning on doing the May 2nd one? That has a no single supplement fare. if your interested there is a "hosted" cruise on the same ship sailing out on the 17th, the TA's demographic for that cruise is 20's to 30's. Single balconies are $1500 and includes pre planned activities. If your interested in that one e-mail me at atakpajr@hotmail.com. Heck if you are going on the May 2nd one e-mail me and I may book that one just to meet you as I am already considering a May cruise!

[angelofsin]

Hi everyone,

 

I just thought that given some of the comments asking when and where I'm next cruising, I would come back and let you know that I have a plan!

 

Talking about returning to the States got me thinking and looking at my various options. Taking everything (especially the extortionate flight costs from the UK) into consideration, it looks like I will be venturing into unknown territory and finally trying out Carnival. If my leave from work gets approved I will be sailing on the Carnival Sunshine (one of their newly done, more visually muted ships) at the start of May. I will be staying a few nights on Cocoa Beach, Orlando before departing from Port Canaveral to visit new ports for me in the Southern Caribbean. It will be interesting to see how Carnival compares, but as always, I know I will enjoy myself and come back with another ridiculously blog to tell you all about it!

 

I'd better start planning those outfits... :D

 

I have been thinking about trying Carnival myself but that may still be a couple of years off for me. As I am currently booked with RCI this May. And I am anxiously waiting for summer 2015 itineraries to come out for the Quantum of the seas. After that I am tempted to try NCL Breakaway (I think that is the one that is home -ported in NYC). Unless I find a great deal on one of the other lines first, because these solo balcony trips are taking a lot out of my pockets (oddly enough I won't even consider a different class of cabin).

 

In any case I will be on the lookout for your review of your Carnival Voyage. I hope you enjoy yourself visit stateside.

[wichitastatecruiser]

I have been thinking about trying Carnival myself but that may still be a couple of years off for me. As I am currently booked with RCI this May. And I am anxiously waiting for summer 2015 itineraries to come out for the Quantum of the seas. After that I am tempted to try NCL Breakaway (I think that is the one that is home -ported in NYC). Unless I find a great deal on one of the other lines first, because these solo balcony trips are taking a lot out of my pockets (oddly enough I won't even consider a different class of cabin).

 

In any case I will be on the lookout for your review of your Carnival Voyage. I hope you enjoy yourself visit stateside.

 

Look for no single supplement deals and book off season. I haven't paid more than $1850 for a single balcony yet. I've cruised Carnival Freedom, Oasis of the Seas (Had a Central Park balcony but a few people claimed they got ocean views for 1600-1800 a few months before I booked), have a mini suite with large balcony booked on the Getaway, looking at the Sunshine for May (even before Laura said she was thinking of it)!

[Froggitt]

it looks like I will be venturing into unknown territory and finally trying out Carnival. If my leave from work gets approved I will be sailing on the Carnival Sunshine (one of their newly done, more visually muted ships) at the start of May.

What happened to the NY/Breakaway plan? Wasn't the inclusive Ultimate Dining Plan promo around for your dates?

 

Either way Im sure youll have a great time!!!

 

M

[lara_lox]

What happened to the NY/Breakaway plan? Wasn't the inclusive Ultimate Dining Plan promo around for your dates?

 

Either way Im sure youll have a great time!!!

 

M

 

It just didn't pan out in the end, cost wise, plus the date I was looking at was a bit too soon really. I still want to try the Breakaway or Getaway though. But like you said, I will make sure I have good time wherever I go!

[lara_lox]

Are you planning on doing the May 2nd one? That has a no single supplement fare. if your interested there is a "hosted" cruise on the same ship sailing out on the 17th, the TA's demographic for that cruise is 20's to 30's. Single balconies are $1500 and includes pre planned activities. If your interested in that one e-mail me at atakpajr@hotmail.com. Heck if you are going on the May 2nd one e-mail me and I may book that one just to meet you as I am already considering a May cruise!

 

Yes it's the May 2nd Sailing! I not so sure about doing a hosted cruise, as although I enjoy meeting people, I like to do my own thing and on my own time, so I don't think it would be for me.

[wichitastatecruiser]

Yes it's the May 2nd Sailing! I not so sure about doing a hosted cruise, as although I enjoy meeting people, I like to do my own thing and on my own time, so I don't think it would be for me.

 

On the hosted cruise you can choose to participate in whatever activities you wish. The only major difference is that you would be sat with the group at dinner (which last I check was 40 people; 13 females and 27 guys). Make sure you post which one you choose and if you get the time off because I haven't chosen which one I might do yet and if the single supplement is still on I'm probably going to be on the May 2nd or 17th.

[gelo7]

Nice review.

[Froufie]

On the hosted cruise you can choose to participate in whatever activities you wish. The only major difference is that you would be sat with the group at dinner (which last I check was 40 people; 13 females and 27 guys). Make sure you post which one you choose and if you get the time off because I haven't chosen which one I might do yet and if the single supplement is still on I'm probably going to be on the May 2nd or 17th.

 

the other major difference is the cost? I priced a balcony solo and it's only about $1136? Why are you paying $1500? (I guess this 'includes' something else?)

 

Best bargain for a solo is the 1A porthole cabin coming in around $657 for the week, including taxes, etc....

[wichitastatecruiser]

the other major difference is the cost? I priced a balcony solo and it's only about $1136? Why are you paying $1500? (I guess this 'includes' something else?)

 

Best bargain for a solo is the 1A porthole cabin coming in around $657 for the week, including taxes, etc....

 

The May 17th Sunshine has a solo balcony priced at $1340.54 inclusive of ports fees and taxes. The TA is priced at $1500 and that's inclusive of port fees and taxes and includes a mixer every day, 3 of which include free drinks for an hour, usually two jello shot parties plus other activities that you can choose to partake in or skip. I'm leaning towards booking the 17th simply because if I take the 7th I would be flying back home on Mother's day and I don't think my mom would be too happy if I missed being here for most the day...

[Froufie]

The May 17th Sunshine has a solo balcony priced at $1340.54 inclusive of ports fees and taxes. The TA is priced at $1500 and that's inclusive of port fees and taxes and includes a mixer every day, 3 of which include free drinks for an hour, usually two jello shot parties plus other activities that you can choose to partake in or skip. I'm leaning towards booking the 17th simply because if I take the 7th I would be flying back home on Mother's day and I don't think my mom would be too happy if I missed being here for most the day...

 

Was confused I guess? When you say TA do you mean a transatlantic? Not on the Sunshine I presume - not sure what ship you were referring to! ...and yes your Mom wants you home before Mother's Day :D:D

[wichitastatecruiser]

Was confused I guess? When you say TA do you mean a transatlantic? Not on the Sunshine I presume - not sure what ship you were referring to! ...and yes your Mom wants you home before Mother's Day :D:D

 

TA is short for Travel Agency also!

[Froufie]

TA is short for Travel Agency also!

 

LOL - cheap travel agency if it is only priced at $1500 - I'll take it :):p;)

 

I often take transatlantic cruises - so always think a TA is that!

[lara_lox]

I'm booked May 2nd! :D

[Izzybeff]

I hope you enjoy the Carnival Sunshine. We had considered it for our cruise out of New Orleans at the end of March, but I just couldn't get past all the bad reviews. We ended up booking NCL again and I was glad I did. We cruised in January and ended up having some people on an excursion in Cozumel with us that were on the sunshine. They were not very happy. They said it was extremely crowded and that the publics areas were not large enough for all the people on the ship. They specifically said that the lounge area that the comedian was in was ridiculously small. I will be VERY interested to read your review on it. Happy Cruising!

[wichitastatecruiser]

I'm booked May 2nd! :D

 

Ah shucks! If I book that I would be flying home on Mother's day and my mom won't be too happy! I'm still considering the 17th though! My first cruise was Carnival and it didn't have the fun ship 2.0 upgrades so I'm sure you will enjoy yourself, especially if your a party person. Get the Cheers package if you plan on drinking and maybe start planning a State side visit next year if NCL doesn't station one of their 2 new ships in European waters!

[melody hounddog]

Fantastic review. I really enjoyed all the pictures. Can't wait to read your May review!

[bowbiter]

Great review. I'm actually about to book this for December.

 

If you don't mind answering, what did you pay for the last minute cruise? I dont kbow what the prices normally are for this cruise itinerary. And/or does anyone else have a baseline for price drops for this cruise. How low have you seen it go?

 

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[Froggitt]

For this cruise (1st December 2013?), I booked the day before departure and an inside cabin (all that was left.....but I got a huuuuge family cabin) was £200, which is about $300. Plus 10% solo occupancy. Included all taxes and port charges.

 

I think booking a month before departure was £100 or so extra.

[lara_lox]

I paid just under £400 GBP for an oceanview and I booked a couple of months before. It depends how fussy you are over which cabin type/position you get. The lowest prices are the guarantee cabins, so you have to take what you're given!

[Froggitt]

Are you packed yet lara?

[bowbiter]

Thank you Froggit and Lara for the quick responses!

 

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[lara_lox]

Are you packed yet lara?

 

Started to... just all the outfits to iron and pack ;) Was my last shift in work today so got to get busy this weekend!

[karoo]

I've just revisited this as it came up as a link on another thread. I am now doing this itinerary in January. Once again I love reading your reviews and looking at all your great outfits.