Spirit 4/7/07 to 4/15/07 Fantastic!!!

[bskmom]

Just got back yesterday and I wanted to post some key points. I did a long detailed review last night and then lost my internet. I will try to post the highlights and tips that helped me, but I wanted to thank this board for all the wonderful help they gave me. I can't tell you how much the info was so useful. So if I can answer any questions please ask. I truly want to give back. Here goes and please forgive my typing. I am very tired and still swaying with the boat.

Embarkation: Got driven to NYC about 11:30 (later than I wanted) but was still on the ship by 1:00. Very smooth. Ate lunch at Windows (per suggestion of this board). they will try to steer you towards Raffles the buffet. Had a nice surprise at check in. My daughter and I were upgraded to an ocean view with BALCONY on deck 9 as opposed to our ocean view on deck 5. Husband and two sons were still on deck 5 but it was nice to hang out in our room. Every morning while my daughter still slept I made coffee and sat outside. Boy I didn't know what I was missing. My old cabin was next to my husbands so he was able to retrieve my luggage for me.

Sea Days: Sat./Sun a little rough 4-8 but took Bonine and did not have a problem. No one too bad from what I could tell but they were handing out pills at the reception area. Played bingo and did not win. Ate at Cagneys the first night. Had a 2 for 1 cover charge coupon from a book my NCL travel agent sent me. Absolutely worth it. Our first time paying a cover in 3 cruises but it was really worth it. Heard Le Bistro was good too. Never could get reservations there. Went to all the shows. Daughter 11 used kids club. Husband used Wi-Fi to connect with work. No problems.

Food Allergies: I know some people have asked this so I thought I would address this. My daughter has a peanut allergy as well as some other food allergies. I noted this on my reservation prior to sailing. I was called within 2 hours of boarding the ship to see how they could help me. I was very impressed. One night the Assistant Maitre D at Windows made a special dinner with an awesome dessert just for my daughter. She was very happy. Kids club is peanut free. She ate off the kids menu the rest of the time with no problems.

St. Thomas: Sapphire Beach per this board. Did it on our own. It was beautiful.

Tortola: Virgin Gorda on our own. Used Speedys for ferry times. Smiths looked good. (these are the two recommended by this board). No problems. Worth the effort to get through the baths. It is beautiful.

Samana: booked NCL tour (recommended by this board) to Caya Levantando. Absolutely the best day for me. So relaxing and beautiful

Sea Days back: No problems with seas at all. I was shocked because of the storm.

Miscellaneous: Did all the shows. The Crew show the final night is not to be missed. If you have seen "Fountains" you know what I mean.. Thanks to a poster on this board who said to watch the Dailies for dinner with captain drawing. We entered and won dinner with the Asst. Hotel Director. You have drinks in the Art Gallery and then dinner in Windows with complimentary wine and impeccable service. Great conversation too. You learn a lot about their lives. About 10 people win dinner with different officers including the Captain. Rooms very clean. Service friendly. Two nights dinner was slow but I was in no rush so I didn't care. Lobster night was Friday night. My husband got two. They wanted to bring him a third. I thought food was very good. Raffles was good too, but mind you I am happy anytime I am not cooking. Ship was full and the chairs by the pool are nonexistant but I seemed to get lucky some how a couple of days by people offering me a lounger that someone in their party wasn't really using. ( I guess it helps to just stand next to them for hours on end - just kidding... I really met nice people.)

I know I am forgetting a lot so just ask. I really want to help since I got such good advice here.

Oh- brought our own water on in a suitcase. Well got to get back to the laundry.

Happy traveling

Patti

[Sea Hound]

Husband used Wi-Fi to connect with work. No problems.

 

Sounds like you had a great trip! Thanks for the review!

 

Where did you husband connect to the Wi-Fi? In the room? A common area?:confused: I'm on the 6/10/07 Spirit sailing and (unfortunately) have to connect to work once in a while.:(

 

Thanks!

 

Sea Hound

[KerCar]

Glad you had a great trip!!!! Thanks for the review!!!! I'm sailing the Spirit June 2nd. Can't wait:)

[bskmom]

He connected a couple of different places. He would use the library (which is next to the internet room but less crowded) at night when it was quiet. He could connect by the kids Buccaneer pool bar and have a beer. I know there is a list of hot spots. Not sure if he ever connected in the room. when he gets home I will check it for you. Just an FYI.. Even though your company may be paying for it they did have internet specials during the week. The last two days they had some cheap deals for minutes.

Patti

[Sea Hound]

when he gets home I will check it for you.

 

Thanks - I look forward to what he says.

 

 

Even though your company may be paying for it . . .

 

I wish!!! I work for a public college -- I'm lucky I could get away long enough to go on a cruise:eek:! Education never stops!

 

Sea Hound

[jentroubles]

BSKmom-- did you by chance save any of the dalies that you could share :)

 

I'm gearing up for the Spring on 6/2! And Seahound---two professors from PA here--- I hear you about finding time. Spring break and finals week always works for us!!!

[Surfgirl]

Welcome back! Glad you had a wonderful time on the Spirit. Lucky you winning "a date with an officer." :D

 

What else did you do on the ship?

[Sea Hound]

And Seahound---two professors from PA here--- I hear you about finding time. Spring break and finals week always works for us!!!

 

Jentroubles - Good to meet some colleagues! DW and I are both administrators at the same college here in GA and I teach two classes/semester as an adjunct. Our upcoming cruise is right after me teaching what I know will be a very hectic Maymester:eek: :eek:! We'll need the break!

[jentroubles]

I'm an ABD adjunct in history (cruising instead of dissertating) and friend is tenured in education/math. I've learned that having a cruise scheduled for May/June makes the grading season go MUCH easier!!!! I was actually suppossed to teach an online section this summer, but it fell through. I would have had no issues checking in from the cruise!!

[bskmom]

I don't think I saved the dailies. got to the point where I couldn't fit anymore stuff in my folder. I will look to see if I have some though when I finish unpacking. Maybe some snuck home. There was always things going on. I didn't seem to get to the daytime trivia things or napkin folding/towel folding. There were lectures (my sister-in-law went to one about Thomas Jefferson that she found very interesting.) They show movies during the day in a conference room. They have pretty recent movies running on the tv. I tried to watch Dream girls 3 times but ended up watching the same part 3 times. They had some craft things going on too. Most of this seemed to take place at the Champagne bar during the day. Only got to play Bingo once. We were very fortunate and had sun every day. I don't think it rained a drop. So I was by the pool on sea days. They set up blackjack tables by the pool so my husband was able to be there and the kids could watch. He ended up only down $20.00 for the whole week which to me is very good considering the amount of time he played. They have these casino at sea cards. You really don't get OBC till 25 points. I only got one point and after all that my husband played only earned 2 points. Not sure what you have to do to get 25 points but it wasn't us. I played slots two nights. One night I won $40.00 and the next night I lost $80.00. So that was it for me. As I said I went to all the shows. There usually were two (7:30 and 9:30) but some nights the times were different. Now unfortunately I can't tell you much about the late night activities. I am sorry but I was such a party pooper. Usually back to the cabin by 10:30. I know but I was tired. My 14 year old son and my 11 year old daughter would go to my room order room service and watch a movie. I would fall asleep. My 15 year old teen had a curfew of 1:00 am and would complain about that. I made him call the room at 11:00 and 12:00 and when he got back to his room at 1:00. Girls have been IMing him constantly since we arrived home. Let me just say he had a fun cruise. I barely saw him except on port days. The arcade is very big and kept my other 2 busy when they needed a break from the pool. A note on room service. On other cruises I always tipped them when they came. This cruise I practically had to chase them down the hall. I don't know if they don't expect it but I felt that they deserved it. Just be preprared that room service at night usually takes 45 min to an hour. I am trying to think of what else I did on the ship. They had the usual pool activities. Sexy legs contest etc. Ice carving. They did have the chocolate buffet but I didn't go. I am not one to wait in line for two long. One son went and said it was very good. I am not sure if I mentioned it but we were a party of 8 so we always ate at 5:30 so we would be able to be seated together. If you went at 5:30 or 8:30 there was never a problem. WE opted for the 5:30. Gave us plenty of time to see the shows. If I think of anything else I will post.

Patti

PS I don't think that many people enter the drawing for the date with the officer. Shh! It is a cruise critic secret. But let me tell you the date with the officer was a highlight. You don't really realize all the behind the scenes stuff. I am actually very impressed how they pull everything together each week. He had some funny stories. You know how some people can complain about anything. My room creaks, I don't know where my kids are, etc. Very competitive business too. You could tell the guy we were with had a lot of pressure. He said the busiest day was the turnover day. Everyone getting off and new people getting on. Really pretty amazing they pull it together.

PPS We did express disembarkation. I had no problems. We were off the ship at 8:40 and didn't rush. OF course you hear some people complaining.

[Patpcozy]

Thanks for the great review. Sounds like you had a great time.

[kyleminski]

bskmom-

 

Glad to hear you enjoyed your trip. I will be spending alot of time at the buccaneer pool with my toddler, did you notice if this area is as crowded as the main pool area?

[bskmom]

The Buccaneer pool was not as crowded however the sun area is not as large for sunbathing. There is plenty of "stadium seating" and tables/chairs that are in the shade. I never found a problem finding someplace to sit. I just prefer the sun. Those loungers were a premium. There is a bar at the top of the pool. There are also pingpong tables on one of the levels. All the seating allows for a view of the pool so you will be able to watch your toddler. If you don't mind getting wet you can sit right around the pool area as well. We also went Easter break so I am sure we had the maximum number of kids possible so you should be good. Enjoy your trip. Your toddler will enjoy the two slides at the pool. My 11 year old loved them.

Patti

[goldmom]

Bskmom- Thanks so much for the great review and the tips. We're leaving on the Spirit on Saturday and can't wait!

 

Your great review just whetted my appetite evn more!:D

[Tricias610]

Glad you had a nice trip. We are sailing on the spirit on 7/15/07, was wondering how the music by the pool as and did they start palying fairly early in the day? My husband and I enjoy sitting by the pool and of course love to lsiten to a good band and relaxing.

Also the 2nd night I hear is the formal night, if you want to dress formal, did most people dress for that evening?

Another question, can you be seated with other people if you choose, hey thats a good way to meet others.

 

Pat :)

[jentroubles]

bskmom--- thanks so much for all the info!! just what i need to get me through a snowy day!

[cruiser12]

We were on the the Spirit for the April 1 cruise. We had a great time. Glad to hear you did also. We are going back on the Spirit in Aug. with a large group- they can not wait. They are all counting the days ! ! ! Great review -thanks

[POOHISME2]

Thanks for the Review. It sounds like you had a great time. I can't wait to board her again in August!

[bskmom]

SeaHound - my husband did not connect from the room. He is not sure you can. When you sign up with the internet manager they will give you a list of hot spots. He mainly used the library or MahJOng rooms because they were quiet and had tables. He was afraid of losing connection but yet not being able to log off and lose his minutes. I think that happened once but he told the desk and was given the minutes.

 

Tricia - There was a band by the pool every couple of hours. I am not sure of their schedule. I am sure it is in the daily though. Otherwise they played a radio or had some kind of contest going on. AS far as formal night we dressed in between. The kids did not bring suits but polos and nice pants. My daughter and I wore nice dresses. I thought more people than not dressed. I think most want to get nice pictures done. I really didn't notice the people who didn't dress but the people who did. The only thing I did notice was that kids did wear shorts to the dining room. I didn't allow mine especially since I went our and bought them nice pants to wear only for dinner. I am not sure if you can be seated with other people or not. We went with extended family so we always had 8 at dinner. I think you could probably strike up a conversation at the pool or even if you go early you might meet some people in line waiting to be seated. We always found people willing to talk on the ship. Have fun.

Patti

[Sea Hound]

SeaHound - my husband did not connect from the room. He is not sure you can. When you sign up with the internet manager they will give you a list of hot spots. He mainly used the library or MahJOng rooms because they were quiet and had tables. He was afraid of losing connection but yet not being able to log off and lose his minutes. I think that happened once but he told the desk and was given the minutes.

 

Thanks to you and DH for the info! And thanks for a great review!

 

Sea Hound

[davidwar]

We were also on this cruise (my wife and I; 8 yr. old and 4 yr. old daughter and my mother in law). We had adjoining balcony cabins on deck 11. All in all we had a great trip. Good food; nice people; attentive crew. Embarkation was great. Went into Latitudes area at about 11 AM; got on board (and into the room) by noon. Made the mistake of going to the buffet for lunch. Very few seats to be found.

 

A few things to point out. First, since the dinner in the main dining room on the first night is usually not that great, try to book yourselves in one of the specialty restaurants. Within 5 minutes of boarding, I picked up the phone and got a 7:30 reservation for the Teppanyaki steak house. Also with regard to reservations, everyday I would see a long line at reception with people waiting to make their reservations. You don't need to do this. Just pick up the phone. Not sure if the numbers are the same on each ship, but on the Spirit, it was 7555.

 

Other than that night and Wednesday, when we ate at Cagney's, we either went to Windows or the Garden Room. We would usually go around 7:30 (peak time) and had to wait to get in. A few times we got pagers and once the pager didn't work. The average wait time was about 20 minutes. It seems that every night we got stuck behind the same large group who complained that "it was not freestyle if we have to wait." They did have a point when they complained about the TV screens which show the wait time for the restaurants. They were never accurate. For example the screen would show a long wait at Windows and you would look inside and see a large number of empty tables, and vice versa.

 

Another aspect of Windows that I did not see on any of the boards has to do with seating location. If the ship is moving and you sit in the back (near the big windows), be prepared for an experience akin to having dinner in a subway terminal. The rumble from the engines was really noisy and distracting. We would ask to be seated in the front or in the middle of the restaurant.

 

The ports were fine. Went shopping in St. Thomas and then to Magen's Bay Beach (really wild ride in one of their "taxis"), swam with the dolphins in Tortolla (expensive but worth it to go with my 8 year old) and went to Cayo Levantado in Semana. Great island, beautiful beach, OK food (too many flies).

 

The main pool area on sea days was hard to get a lounge chair. You are better of going to the kids area near the water slide at the back.

 

All in all, we had a great time. I'd be glad to answer any other questions.

[goldmom]

We leave Saturday on the Spirit. I have a question about the Latitudes waiting area. If you arrive before 11am, do you go through the x-ray machine and then go to the Latitudes area? Or is the Latitudes area before you go through x-ray and if so, where?

 

We are also in a suite (1st time, very excited!). Is the suite waiting area and the Latitudes waiting area the same place?

 

Appreciate any advice, thanks.

[jentroubles]

Xray after Latitudes area. Latitudes area is an upper area, overlooking the main area. After exray there is a seperate latitudes line for check in.

 

As far as the suites, can't speak to that :)

[goldmom]

Thanks for the info. If we get to the pier early we'll definitely look for the Latitudes waiting area.