Spirit vs. Dream (retired I think)

[dubi1015]

Hello all,

 

I was wondering if anyone could comment on how the Spirit compares to the Dream.

 

I sailed on the Dream last year and hated it. It was poorly designed, old (hence it has been retired I believe) and the food wasnt any good. The "main" pool area should have actaully been the hot tubs (the one with the stools in the water). I call this the main area, since the other pools had no entertainment and only one had a bar.

 

That was my first, and I had said last, NCL cruise, but lately I have been thinking about giving the line another shot. However, if the Spirit is anything like the dream, then I do not want to bother.

 

Thanks for your help.

[Toyz711]

the wind was retired, i sailed her a long time ago when she was the windward. after that they stretched her, after that people say it was more difficult to get around. none of the older ships are made for "freestyle" and were re-style to include the different restaurants. i am doing the spirit in less then 3 weeks. looking forward to it...i don't care what the ship's layout is...i go for the fun and the ports. last year we did the NLC star, the spirit has a couple less restaurants choices..but we can live with that.

[Grandpaul]

I was on the Dream before and after it was stretched. Being that they were some of my first cruises you could have taken me on a tugboat and I would have been happy. So I had no problem with the Dream. I've been on the Spirit several times and I really like it. Some things to consider; if you want to stay away from kids then don't sail on her when kids are out of school. I've heard of as many as 700 kids on her. I like the staff on board. They always have at least one musician, and usually more, that I make a nightly listen. The Freestyle dining is to my liking. And the Spirit is bigger than the Dream without being too big. The rooms on the SPirit are nicer. The casino is better. More dining options. You'll enjoy it.

[SHOTPAR]

We sailed on the Dream in 2004 and did not find any problems with the ship. We are booked on the Spirit 11/25/07 and my DW didnt realize that the Dream was rated 3 and the Spirit a 4. This should make some difference. We are booked on Deck 9 and I have never been that high in a ship before so I am wondering if I will feel the motion. I too have read all the reviews and think that a cruise is that you make of it.

[Grandpaul]

The front and the rear of a ship has more motion than the center. Being up a little can cause a little more too. Late Novermber Hurricane season is about over so Hopefully that won't be a problem. Spirit handles the water pretty well. I feel that late November and early December are good times to cruise. You're so right about a cruise being what you make of it. Smooth sailing.

[greywillow]

We sailed on the Dream in 2004 and did not find any problems with the ship.

We've sailed Dream twice, spending 27 nights on her, and will sail her again to Bermuda sometime next year. Nothing wrong with her at all. Food was terrific, crew was great, oceanview rooms are very comfortable, with a nice sitting area--unlike most newer ships. Very attractive dining rooms with great views at the stern of the ship.

 

I don't understand what the problem is. There is one deck where, if you are in a very forward stateroom, you at times (e.g., during rehearsals) would have to go up or down a deck to get around the Stardust theater. No big deal. Mountain out of molehill.