NCL Spirit One night CTN 9-20-08

[trock]

HI!

Just returned from a one night CTN on board the NCL Spirit out of NYC.

 

It was myself, husband, sister and brother in law and my parents. We did the ctn last year on the Dawn and absolutely loved it. We figured instead of us all going out to dinner to celebrate anniversarys-we would book this!

 

Embarkation in NYC was a pleasure. (Sailed out of NYC 9x- Never a problem-staff is always pleasant and courteous, if at times a big unorganized). NCL has it down! This was the most painless and easy embarkation ever. We were at the pier by 11am and 45 minutes later sitting in the buffet! (Food was ok.. nothing to complain about nothing to rave about but the Indian food was really good!-More on the food later)

 

The Spirit is an older ship -very clean-carpeting all looks new-Staff out and about keeping things in order. We found most of the staff very pleasant and friendly and outgoing.. Couple of oddballs who acted like they had somewhere else to go or something better to do ie:Bartender in bar next to the Blue Lagoon, one of the staff in the photography department.... Tried to order a drink from the Bartender-the bar had one patron- she basically ignored us- In the photo gallery-tried to ask a lady a question- she either didnt understand English or I dont know what but what an attitude! Whatever.. that's their problem not mine.

 

We went out by the pool to relax and get some drinks and await the sailaway party!.. Prism was playing by the pool and everyone was in a great mood. We heard it was going to be pretty 'cold' this weekend and packed accordingly.. I even brought a down vest! Imagine my surprise at how warm and glorious yesterday was in NY Harbor!!!!!!!!!!!!Perfect sailing weather!

 

At about 12:30 I decided to go take a look to see if by chance our cabin was ready as I had to change clothes! And yes it was! Deck 10 Cabin 10126 with a cute small balcony!. I went and got the rest of the family so we could 'dump' our items and go explore.

 

We did an "Evelyn Wood" speed tour of the ship! Hey it's one nighter.. no time to dilly dally!.. The Lobby/Attrium area is beatiful and traditionally designed.

We went back to the pool area to watch the sailaway party. Prism was playing again and had major sound issues. They were ok- they didnt blow me away but did what they had to do.. After we passed the statue of liberty my husband went back to the cabin for a power nap (What! We only have 24 hrs!!) I went shopping with mom.. the stores were opening!

 

What is great about a CTN -there are no duty restrictions... If you can carry it off you can buy it.. unlimited alcohol and cigarettes.. Prices were decent and if you had the need.. they had the stock;) -no customs forms to fill out!

 

Soon enough the casino was open.. Here's where I wasnt too thrilled.. The casino is small with a very low ceiling. I felt like I was in someones basement!.. The dealers looked bored and uninterested..

One Roulette table (min $5 bets) and they did not use $1 chips.. only $5 chips.. :rolleyes:

Minimum bets on BJ and other games started at $25- Never saw this before so early in the day! I think others were quite surprised as these CTN usually attact a lot of gamblers and these tables were not busy!

 

Didnt go near the crap table :( -there was one.. it was crowded and looked like it was hosting a bachelor party :p

 

Played the computorized roulette game but that was boring.. I really dont like slots and especially the video slots.. and by this time most of the slots were busy and I resorted to a 2c slot machine! LOL!

 

We decided to go to dinner at Windows. The staff seemed to be in the twilight zone... they were not rude but just.. i dont even know how to describe it..

 

I know its one dinner meal, but I have to tell you the food was not impressive.. just blah.. The desserts were terrible. 6 of us.. so we had a decent selection..again nothing horrible but I would not go back if I were on the ship longer.. (I knew we should have made reservations for Cagneys!)

 

The waitor brought desert but never came back with the coffee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!hello!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

We decided that we were going to go watch the Quest.. I heard so much about it and youtubed it and I really wanted to see it in action. OMG It was too funny!!!!!!!!!! I laughed so hard the tears were coming down! This is not to be missed!

 

After that we went back to the casino to people watch.. . Went back up by the pool area for some air and coffee!.. Thats something else worth mentioning.. This ship was hot! Felt like there was no AC anywhere we went.. We heard several others complaining of it also...They need to adjust that!

 

Got a great nights sleep- NCL does not rush you off the ship in order to prepare for the next cruise... Had breakfast in the buffet -went back to the room to pack up the rest of the 'stuff'. We had docked in NYC about 9-ish..(I think).. made our way to the lobby and out the door.. Very pleasant experience..

 

I didnt really care for the Spirit.. can't put my finger on it. (Love the Dawn).. I did purchase the Cruise Rewards Voucher.. No brainer!

$250 deposit/voucher good for any cruise 1 night and up-(Cabin Deposit) and when purchased, $100 OBC for the current cruise we were on. So it cost me $150 for a cabin deposit for a future cruise.. We have to book within 12 months and sail within 2.5yrs...

 

Some other info.. I asked how much for a bucket of Corona.. I could have sworn the bartender said $22... It was $27 plus grat/NYC Tax (we didnt leave yet) $31 bucks

 

It is very difficult to get a soda on this cruise..I love Diet coke.. Unless I wanted to walk down to the bar or casino (late last night) I could not get a soda. Could not get one this morning either as all the bars were closed.. They need a couple machines or have a service bar open.

 

Food: Nothing to write home about.. it is what is.. but again... we should have gone to Cagneys!

 

 

It was a one nighter!Had fun with the family! This was a second CTN and would do it again in a minute.. ( on the Dawn.. )

[aceparty]

We was on the Spirit last night, we was team #5 the Quest winners.

 

I agree it was real hot on the ship. We have been the spirit several times for 1 nighters, 4nights, 7 nights(twice), and a 8 nighter. The service on the one nighters are never real good, but for us it is ok. On the longer cruises the service has always been real good. We would go on the Spirit again but would not be the first choice.

 

We are going on the Dawn in Oct.. I do Think the Dawn is a nicer ship. in March we are going on the gem, can not wait to see her.

[oz cleopatra]

[quote name=trock;16353118Couple of oddballs who acted like they had somewhere else to go or something better to do ie:Bartender in bar next to the Blue Lagoon' date=' one of the staff in the photography department.... Tried to order a drink from the Bartender-the bar had one patron- she basically ignored us- In the photo gallery-tried to ask a lady a question- she either didnt understand English or I dont know what but what an attitude! Whatever.. that's their problem not mine.

 

)[/quote]

 

 

And THIS is why I am bringing my own booze. I have dealt with enough bartenders in my life and had enough hassles trying to get a drink in bars all over the world to last me a lifetime. I will not be at their mercy. I shall drink when I feel like it, NOT when they feel like serving me! I am the guest after all.....They don't want a tip from me, that's just fine. I am generous too!

Oh, and if you don't mind me asking, what did you pay for this one nighter?

[trock]

And THIS is why I am bringing my own booze. I have dealt with enough bartenders in my life and had enough hassles trying to get a drink in bars all over the world to last me a lifetime. I will not be at their mercy. I shall drink when I feel like it, NOT when they feel like serving me! I am the guest after all.....They don't want a tip from me, that's just fine. I am generous too!

Oh, and if you don't mind me asking, what did you pay for this one nighter?

Approx 375 for a balcony

:)

 

My sister booked later and paid over $500

[trock]

Whats up with NCL's photo pricing... Embarkation photos cost more than on board photos -same size.. Was it always like this?

 

Prices were a bit ridiculous.. $22 for a 3x5(?).. $15 for one from dinner?:confused:

[mister_bin]

great reveiew.. i'm thinking of taking a cruise of of NY.. by any chance you wouldnt happen to have any pics of the ship or ports would you.. b.c i'm thinking of doing the same cruise as you..

 

Thanks

[trock]

great reveiew.. i'm thinking of taking a cruise of of NY.. by any chance you wouldnt happen to have any pics of the ship or ports would you.. b.c i'm thinking of doing the same cruise as you..

 

Thanks

 

 

This was a one night cruise to no where.. so no ports involved.. Is that what you are interested in?

[mister_bin]

Sorry i had miss-read i saw NCL and assumed it was the 7 Night leaving from NYC.. My appologies

[trock]

Sorry i had miss-read i saw NCL and assumed it was the 7 Night leaving from NYC.. My appologies

 

 

 

 

We took the Carnival Miracle out of NYC last May.. it was awesome!

8 Day cruise

[mister_bin]

We took the Carnival Miracle out of NYC last May.. it was awesome!

8 Day cruise

 

I have been looking at that one as well i really like that one I'm leaning more toward that than the NCL to be honest with you.. Thanks for the info