New Cruiser about to take Spirit & I'm concerned

[roc1847]

Hi all, I am new to this site and pretty new to cruising. I have only been on one cruise and it was the NCL Dawn and LOVED it.

It was a total accident that I ended up on that trip. My friend who's name happens to be Dawn was in her mid 20's planned on going with her best friend also in her mid 20's but a few weeks before the trip her friend, a NYC police officer was wounded in the line of duty. Her neck was shattered and she would have to wear a metal contraption for months to come. Since it was a few weeks before the cruise they both would have lost money so NCL allowed her to take someone else. So Dawn asked me to PLEASE come with her as she didn't want to take her first cruise by herself. I was never interested in cruising but decided since I would be turning the big 40 five days into the cruise,,,why not! I never imagined that a 25 year old would have a good time with a 40 year old on a cruise. Well I was wrong. Age was never a factor on the NCL Dawn and we both had a ball.

 

Now....

My 22 year old daughter graduated from collage this weekend!!!! The first of 23 grandchildren!!!! It's a huge deal in my family. So I saved every penny to take her and her best friend (who also lives with me & my husband & is very much like a daughter to me) on a WELL deserved trip.

Here is the problem...

I wanted to book NCl because of my experience on the Dawn. The 8 day's we could all sail was June 14th and the Spirit seemed to have a good deal. So without doing much research I booked it. I started having a huge problem with my cabin information. I paid an extra $50 for an each for an unobstructed full window view. I was looking at our cabin on a travelosity site and noticed they said my cabin # was a porthole. I called NCL and they confirmed it, they also told me I had to move up a floor to get a window they suggested Icall the agent I booked with and he will deal with them to fix it. I did..He was very nice and he explained how the problem happened and that NCL moved me to a cabin with a full window but NCL wanted $140 more... I know I should have put up a fight but was told the Spirit was sold out so i just said OK. He later told me he got them down to $20 instead of the $140. Still this annoyed me but said nothing.

Now I was nervous...being a virtually new cruiser I started reading more about the Spirit and looked at my new cabin it was then I noticed they only moved me to the cabin right next door to my original. I remembered what the women from NCL told me about moving up so I .clicked the information on the new cabin and it too was a porthole. This started a big issue because charging me ANOTHER $20 on top of the original $150 only to move me into the same problem really upset me. The issue is still not over. They moved again this time this time i did change FLs, but the floor is down a flight instead of up...and thats not what the women from NCL said so I won't really know till I get on the ship. Like I said I started doing some reading on the spirit after all th mess and I am a little worried after reading some things on other review sites. Some were very negative about the Spirit but what concerned me the most was the information on the nightlife for young adults. Like I said I have been on one other cruise and can not share enough about how wonderful it was. So my girls are expecting the same nightlife.

I have saved every penny for the last 2 years for this gift for my girls and I'm starting to fear I didn't do enough homework researching what ship would be best for their age group. I am much more worried about their good time then ANYTHING else.

I am praying they find other people in their age group to dance the night away. That is what they are looking for, it's what my friend found on the Dawn, and what they heard me say over and over after my trip.

So my questions are.....Is the Spirit good for their age group?

Does the Spirit have a good nightlife for young adults

 

the window issue is out of my hands for now but finding information for my daughters is most important and I'm losing sleep over it.

I just want them to feel the same way I did after my first experience with NCL. They worked so hard and deserve a wonderful first cruise.

I really believed that cruising was the way to vacation for now on after I got off that boat and pray the same when they get off the Spirit.

Any information you give me will be SOOOO appreciated.

I did write about my concern for the girls good time on another site (never mentioned the cabin mishap) and only one person responded. I hope someone takes pity on me and answers even if the information is not what I want to hear.

I just want to be prepared.

Thanks in advance for any info.

Tee

[slotaddict]

Tee I think there will be plenty to do. we just came off the Spirit, there are things going on all over the ship. Marharini's nightclub is behind the casino and there always appeared to be a crowd. I notice alot of young people on board and certainly looked like they were having a good time.

 

I think worrying about it at this point is fruitless, go with a positive attitude and all will be well.

 

What itinerary are you doing?

[CruisnGram]

First, I'm really sorry for all the problems you have encountered. It really sounds like there is some miscommunication between your TA and NCL. Sorry that you are stuck in the middle. I know that rooms with the picture window are more expensive then the porthole windows, but if you end up in a porthole room, the view will still be okay. If they have moved you to a room wih a picture window, but it is on a lower floor, that will be just fine. However, if the room still has a porthole, I'd take pictures, and keep all your documentation cause SOMEONE owes you that $20 back...either the TA or NCL

 

Regarding the Spirit, I've never cruised her but there are a lot of people here who have and they LOVE her. Toyz is one that comes to mind and I'm sure she will post on this thread when she sees it. The Spirit is evidently a lovely ship and I'm sure you will be very pleased.

 

Remember too that since 2.0 kicked in, the nightlife is supposed to be even better. They have a special night in the casino with champaigne, and the white hot party in one of the lounges. So I think that the nightlife for the young ones will be excellent.

 

Please don't pay any attention to the naysayers. NCL (as you know) offers a fine product and if you go with the attitude that you will all have a wonderful time, you will.

 

Enjoy this trip of a lifetime with your family!:D

[electricron]

Yes, the Spirit has a disco, and that's what young adults like.

 

Check out photos of the Maharini's Lounge & Nightclub, just forward of the Maharajah's Casino on Deck 7.

 

 

 

[susanema]

We just got off the Spirit yesterday and 20 year old DD had a GREAT time. She was out late almost every night and really enjoyed the Toga party held in Maharini's on the last night.

[slotaddict]

There is no evidence of 2.0 on the Spirit yet, we did get new pillows on the 2nd day of our cruise. I saw them loading mattresses when we disembarked. I'm sure it will be in full swing by the time Tee cruises.

[roc1847]

With-in 5 minutes of my post you guys have made me feel sooooo much better and I and my girls (althought they have no idea how much i was panicing) can't thank you enough for responding.

Let the positive post continue.

You both are right as far as attitude goes positive ones have the best time. We do have fun together so it will be the same on the boat too.

 

hugs and kisses to all who made me feel better.

 

PS

itinerary is

PR-San Jaun

BVI-Tortola

DR-Samana

[KerCar]

We are just off the Spirit too. Two in our party were in their early 20's. They had a GREAT time as did everyone else in our group. When you sail mid June, there should be plenty of other young adults your DD's age onboard for her to socialize with.

[Hockey19]

You are way to good to your kid...LOL. My DD is graduating on Thursday from Temple U. and we are not being as nice-although we did take her to Hawaii on our 25th anniversary in July.

 

We sailed the Spirit from NOLA and it is a great ship. There is no way to predict what atmosphere will be on your particular cruise so all you can do is hope that everything works out.

 

Do not try to predict your trip. NCL (and the Spirit in particular) is a great way to go. You will make the trip what you want. Party the night away and celebrate your family joy.

[peanutJMV]

I have sailed the Dawn 3 X. Last year we sailed the Spirit,

I was quite hesitant and wasnt sure what to expect, smaller ship but

nice. 10th deck and up, Aft, they have an open area with tables to just sit and relax. The Dawn doesnt have this. The Maharini's Lounge is where your daughters will spend most of there time if not by the pool soaking up the sun.

 

Although I adored the Dawn, we really enjoyed the Spirit and would go again.

 

--I understand they are in the process of putting in new bedding which will be nice. The food wasnt bad especially in the dining rooms and specialty restaurants. I enjoyed breakfast in the buffet, you name it they had it.

 

--I would get hold of my agent and see what she could do about offering a free upgrade, since there was such a mix up, maybe they could

satisfy there return customer. Doesnt hurt to ask...

 

Have a wonderful time.

Peanut

[roc1847]

Ok..lol new to ling...what does DD stand for?

[cruizinwithkids]

We just got off the Spirit yesterday and 20 year old DD had a GREAT time. She was out late almost every night and really enjoyed the Toga party held in Maharini's on the last night.

 

I think the white hot night is the Toga party. I'm not sure, but it looks like fun for young people. This is James' "advertisement" for it.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=771709

[cruizinwithkids]

Ok..lol new to ling...what does DD stand for?

 

Darling daughter

[CruisnGram]

Ok..lol new to ling...what does DD stand for?

 

Dear Daughter. You will also see DH, (dear husband) DW (dear wife) etc. etc. :D

[roc1847]

Thank you all again. I was not expecting so many nice people who would actually care about answering me. Like I said I did post on another board and only 1 person responded.

Peanut you made me lol. I did ask about a upgrade when i was told there was no windows available. i said I would have to pay for a balcony room but again was told ALL BOOKED! I have a bit of claustrophopia and told the agent at the start that I need a big window that's why i was shocked when they had the mix up. I swear I will sleep on a deck if i don't get a window. Someone did share the portholes are big so that's comforting.

thaks again all,

Tee

[kat89447]

Roc,

I am on your sailing with my extended family, and we are ages 2-72. From everything I have read on these boards, there seems to be something for everyone to do. I don't know if anyone mentioned it, but there should be a channel on the tv of the bow camera which should also make you feel less closed in. It helps me. lol Also, please join our roll call, more are starting to sign on and it seems our sailing is fully booked.

[sailingnut]

I am a first - time cruiser. I will be on the Spirit on June 14th. I have a balcony room on deck 11.

[garycarla]

The Spirit is great. room is not really that big of an issue.

 

I think you might have had some other problems, but the post was really long and I just did not figure out what it was.

[Toyz711]

how many are in your cabin? that may be part of the problem....the spirit has limited cabins that can sleep more the 2 or 3. it does sound like your TA doesn't know a pothole from a full window. i wonder why they didn't make sure a window cabins was available before they canceled your 1st cabin.

yes, the balconies sell out fast...very popular.

the spirit is a lovely ship, she is getting a facelift this november...

if you want to see some photos of her, i have then in my signature..in my webshot link.

there should be plenty to do, the cruise director and staff will host parties during the week...just read the daily every night...everything for the next day will be listed. trivia games, karoke...plenty to go, for all ages.

if you liked the dawn and know "freestyle" the spirit will not be a problem.

[terrymtex01]

ROC..I have to say.. I think this is the sweetest post I have ever read.. That you are so sweet to save up for this as a gift to your DDs.. and that you are so concerned that they have a good time..

 

Listen to me.. from the heart.. no matter what.. for the rest of their lives, they will have this wonderful memory of a Mother who gave them a wonderful gift. No.. I'm not talking about the cruise. I'm talking about a Mother who loved them so much she lost sleep worrying if they would have a good time on a vacation she was giving them. That is the true gift. Memorys of cruises, etc, will fade. That memory never will.

 

I hope this cruise is EVERYTHING you want it to be. I hope, some how, that you end up with that picture window.. :)

[roc1847]

Hey Kat,

How do i do this Roll Call thingamajobbi!! i don't know much about the lingo but want to get involved!

Thanks

Tee

[Toyz711]

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=354

just find the date you are going

[roc1847]

yes we have had some problems. If you think that was long you wouldn't want to hear the whole story..lololol

50 calls back and fourth. They figured out what was wrong, fixed it, found it it was still wrong, fixed , still wrong. Last i heard from the travel agent...it will work out blah blah blah.

I didn't mean for it to be so long i just started venting...

Tee

[kat89447]

Toyz gave you a link. click on it, find the Spirit thread and then you will see dates listed for the different cruises.

[roc1847]

Terrymetx,

Thank you so much, you made me get tears in my eyes.

I really have never seen two girls in collage that worked so hard in and out of school. They both live at home and once a week fill up the fridge no questions asked even though i tell them not to. They go to school all week, both work at least 15 hrs a week for their schools ,bartend 5 days a week at night after school. They started their own biz and dress like clowns and do children's party every Sat & Sun from 11am and don't get home till after 10pm they have no time for fun. My 22 yr old that just graduated from a film school was nominated for best picture and best director of the year at the film festival. On top of that they intern. I'm not bragging just explaining why it means so much to me for them to have a good time.

What you said will be in my mind and i will remember that after every call from my TA...loll

Tee