NCL Spirit, 1 night to nowhere 10/4/08 Review

[leeanninfla]

Oh were to begin, how about the beginning.

My best friend and I flew up from Florida for the weekend to take over Manhattan for the weekend. WOW did we have fun, the cruise was just a fun part in the midst of the shopping and fun we had planned.

 

Friday our flight was late leaving Ft. Lauderdale, siting air traffic control issues in New York. We made the best of it at the airport and waited to leave. Once we arrived at LGA, we grabbed the Q33 bus to Roosevelt Center and hopped the E train to the WTC site. We then took the PATH train under the Hudson River and exited at the Exchange Place station. Our wonderful Hotel was right across the street at the Hyatt on the Hudson. Holly the counter girl was just great and upgraded us to a room with a view, as we were there only 1 night.

We dropped off our luggage and then hit the train again, next exit Times Square. From 10:30pm until 2am we walked and looked, took pictures, bought some souveniers and had dinner. So strange that Ruby Tuesday's closes the downstairs before the upstairs, but ok, if that's what they want to do. My meal was great, and now I was tired. We hopped the train back to the hotel, and got some sleep.

Saturday morning, we wake up, and out our window is a great view of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan. I am completely amazed as this was my first trip up there, and so far it has exceeded my expectations. Again, train to the city and walk around, watch some of the Korean American Parade, and then grab a taxi to the cruise terminal. We arrived quickly and there was the ship. The Carnival Victory was in dock as was an Aida ship. But the NCL Spirit is what my eyes were on. It was 1pm, and the check in line wasn't bad at all. We had balcony room number 10652 and it was a very nice room. As soon as our cabin steward showed up, I asked him to seperate our beds, yes we are friends and have been for 15 years, but I am not going to share a bed with her. So we dropped off our luggage and went up deck, had the bbq lunch, and it was pretty good. I should have gone into Raffles and had some of the buffet, but I was anxious to see the ship, and make sure had a great spot Starboard side when leaving so I could get some great shots of the Statue of Liberty as we sailed past, and I did.

We went and made our deposit in the casino, one of these days I will learn to stay out of there, but until then, $40 is all it will get. I did a little bit of shopping in the gift shop, picked up my Christmas Ornament, and my tshirt, and I was good to go. We then went and got ready for dinner, and off to Windows we went. I had the Steak, which I asked them for the mashed potatoes instead of french fries. I also had the beef broth with tortellini, this was very good. Ceasar Salad was very good, and the peanut butter pie for dessert. Of course we also ordered the cheese plate, and that was very good also.

The later in the night we made it in to see most of the Quest game, and it was just as funny as it was on the RCCL cruise I had been on last year, I really liked the 2 guys from Team 16, for some reason they caught my eye as soon as I walked in the room, and I was sitting on the other side of the room from them.

We spent the last few hours up deck at Karaoke, we had so much fun, and at first we were a little worried about it. There were about 7 or 8 of us, then i guess the shows ended and everyone else showed up. Before the night was over, there were over 100 people up there, and more joining in for the fun. We then went down to Blue Lagoon to have some late night munchies, and I think that the rest of the ship that was awake was there also, as it was very busy. We finally fell into our room about 4am, and woke up just as we were crossing under the Bridge, what a site that was.

We woke up, got dressed and went to breakfast, made our obligatory photo purchase, and then picked up our luggage, disembarkation was amazing, best on any ship I have ever been on, and then we had to walk 4 blocks to grab a cab, because there was a marathon going on, and the cabs couldn't get to the pier at that time, is what we were told.

Back to the city we go, cab drops us off at Penn Station, where we then head over to the luggage storage building, so that we did not have to lug our stuff around all day. A short taxi ride to the WTC site, in order to pay our respects. Lots of pictures were taken, and tears were shed, items were purchased in the Tribute shop and then we were on our way. Had to stop right next door and grab a slice of NY pizza, wow it was good. Then we hopped a trian to Canal Street. We did a little bit of black bag district shopping, and yes i love my new purse, then we hailed a cab back to our luggage, back to Penn Station, and then we were back on a train to the bus, and back to the airport, where we find out we are 30 minutes delayed. WOW, imagine that.

We got home at 1am instead of midnight, but we had a great time.

This was my first time on an NCL ship, and I can guarantee it will not be my last. I had such a good time, and can't wait to do it again. Next year won't come fast enough.

The ship was very clean, the food was very good, and the service was great. The workers all smiled, and appeared to really like their jobs, and suffice it to say that happy workers will make for a happier cruise.

 

Hope I didn't bore you to much, but wow, we did all this in 48 hours. Planes, trains, automobiles, and cruise ship.

[cruizinwithkids]

What a happy review!!! Glad you had such a good time, though just reading it wears me out.:D

[SailingDeanna]

Were you able to use quarters in the casino for the slots? Or was it all by your card?

 

What time did they make you disembark?

 

Do you remember the entrees they offered in the main dining rooms?

 

Anything you would have done differently?

[NJBeachBabe]

I'm taking this cruise on Saturday - can't wait! However, some of the prior reviews have put me off with regards to the crowds and consistenly long lines for everything. How did you find the wait for the duty free shop, and how jammed was the casino? What time did you guys head to dinner -- did you have to wait for a table? I take it you did not see the comedy show or the magician? Any other comments/tips, etc you have to offer will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

NJBeachBabe

[Salsera718]

Hi..I did the 1 niter on 9/27 and have a review posted on the main boards "Spot On Spirit" which might answer some of your questions.. i do not remeber seeing long lines for anything...the casino was almost empty everytime we went by during the course of the day/nite...don't know why - i don't gamble...we chose to miss the magician but heard that it was okay...maybe try lunch at Windows when you first get there (it opens for lunch at 12:30 and kills time until you can get to your room- and weather doesn't become an issue if you are indoors - and carrying around luggage also is minimized...this way, you can always to go Aqua for dinner and will have tried both no-pay restaurants in one day (if eating at the pay restaurants is not in your plans).. I love the Spirit...it seems that you will have awesome weather for October...any other questions feel free to email me at Salsera7182aol.com....Have a ball...I would've been there to but it' my mom's surprise 80th birthday party on Sunday....take care...Marla

[leeanninfla]

We did not see the shows as it didn't interest us. We did watch the quest, which was great, we were there to party, and that we did.

I didn't go in the duty free shop as i wasn't going to purchase anything there, we went in the gift shop like I stated, bought a couple of items, and no wait in line. I am taking an NCL 3 night Bahamas cruise in December, so I can buy my duty free stuff then for my annual New Years party, and not have to fly it home. Of course I will get my Holiday shopping done on the island at the same time.

We went to dinner at 7pm, walked into Windows, asked for a table for 2 by a window and was immediately seated.

They were putting in new bedding as we were leaving our room, our bed was perfectly comfortable, but hey, new beds, who is going to complain. The casino was fine, we did that about 6pm, used dollar bills not my room card.

We didn't leave the ship until about 10 or 10:30 and we were NOT the last ones off the ship.

 

 

 

I'm taking this cruise on Saturday - can't wait! However, some of the prior reviews have put me off with regards to the crowds and consistenly long lines for everything. How did you find the wait for the duty free shop, and how jammed was the casino? What time did you guys head to dinner -- did you have to wait for a table? I take it you did not see the comedy show or the magician? Any other comments/tips, etc you have to offer will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

NJBeachBabe

[bklynangel]

Oh were to begin, how about the beginning.

My best friend and I flew up from Florida for the weekend to take over Manhattan for the weekend. WOW did we have fun, the cruise was just a fun part in the midst of the shopping and fun we had planned.

 

Friday our flight was late leaving Ft. Lauderdale, siting air traffic control issues in New York. We made the best of it at the airport and waited to leave. Once we arrived at LGA, we grabbed the Q33 bus to Roosevelt Center and hopped the E train to the WTC site. We then took the PATH train under the Hudson River and exited at the Exchange Place station. Our wonderful Hotel was right across the street at the Hyatt on the Hudson. Holly the counter girl was just great and upgraded us to a room with a view, as we were there only 1 night.

We dropped off our luggage and then hit the train again, next exit Times Square. From 10:30pm until 2am we walked and looked, took pictures, bought some souveniers and had dinner. So strange that Ruby Tuesday's closes the downstairs before the upstairs, but ok, if that's what they want to do. My meal was great, and now I was tired. We hopped the train back to the hotel, and got some sleep.

Saturday morning, we wake up, and out our window is a great view of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan. I am completely amazed as this was my first trip up there, and so far it has exceeded my expectations. Again, train to the city and walk around, watch some of the Korean American Parade, and then grab a taxi to the cruise terminal. We arrived quickly and there was the ship. The Carnival Victory was in dock as was an Aida ship. But the NCL Spirit is what my eyes were on. It was 1pm, and the check in line wasn't bad at all. We had balcony room number 10652 and it was a very nice room. As soon as our cabin steward showed up, I asked him to seperate our beds, yes we are friends and have been for 15 years, but I am not going to share a bed with her. So we dropped off our luggage and went up deck, had the bbq lunch, and it was pretty good. I should have gone into Raffles and had some of the buffet, but I was anxious to see the ship, and make sure had a great spot Starboard side when leaving so I could get some great shots of the Statue of Liberty as we sailed past, and I did.

We went and made our deposit in the casino, one of these days I will learn to stay out of there, but until then, $40 is all it will get. I did a little bit of shopping in the gift shop, picked up my Christmas Ornament, and my tshirt, and I was good to go. We then went and got ready for dinner, and off to Windows we went. I had the Steak, which I asked them for the mashed potatoes instead of french fries. I also had the beef broth with tortellini, this was very good. Ceasar Salad was very good, and the peanut butter pie for dessert. Of course we also ordered the cheese plate, and that was very good also.

The later in the night we made it in to see most of the Quest game, and it was just as funny as it was on the RCCL cruise I had been on last year, I really liked the 2 guys from Team 16, for some reason they caught my eye as soon as I walked in the room, and I was sitting on the other side of the room from them.

We spent the last few hours up deck at Karaoke, we had so much fun, and at first we were a little worried about it. There were about 7 or 8 of us, then i guess the shows ended and everyone else showed up. Before the night was over, there were over 100 people up there, and more joining in for the fun. We then went down to Blue Lagoon to have some late night munchies, and I think that the rest of the ship that was awake was there also, as it was very busy. We finally fell into our room about 4am, and woke up just as we were crossing under the Bridge, what a site that was.

We woke up, got dressed and went to breakfast, made our obligatory photo purchase, and then picked up our luggage, disembarkation was amazing, best on any ship I have ever been on, and then we had to walk 4 blocks to grab a cab, because there was a marathon going on, and the cabs couldn't get to the pier at that time, is what we were told.

Back to the city we go, cab drops us off at Penn Station, where we then head over to the luggage storage building, so that we did not have to lug our stuff around all day. A short taxi ride to the WTC site, in order to pay our respects. Lots of pictures were taken, and tears were shed, items were purchased in the Tribute shop and then we were on our way. Had to stop right next door and grab a slice of NY pizza, wow it was good. Then we hopped a trian to Canal Street. We did a little bit of black bag district shopping, and yes i love my new purse, then we hailed a cab back to our luggage, back to Penn Station, and then we were back on a train to the bus, and back to the airport, where we find out we are 30 minutes delayed. WOW, imagine that.

We got home at 1am instead of midnight, but we had a great time.

This was my first time on an NCL ship, and I can guarantee it will not be my last. I had such a good time, and can't wait to do it again. Next year won't come fast enough.

The ship was very clean, the food was very good, and the service was great. The workers all smiled, and appeared to really like their jobs, and suffice it to say that happy workers will make for a happier cruise.

 

Hope I didn't bore you to much, but wow, we did all this in 48 hours. Planes, trains, automobiles, and cruise ship.

Great Review.....Mine was shorter because im lazy...anyway, you got it right. the ship was clean and the workers were great. I was there with my husband and our beds were separated LOL...we had the oposite problem. I loved the food and of all the ships I have been on...this one was the cleanest. I'm glad you had a great time in NYC. I did mostly the same things you did, but i went to the main shows and they were great. Did you see the main shows (magic show and comedy shows?) They were Fantastic. I'm thinking of going on a one nighter in Jan.

[bklynangel]

Great Review.....Mine was shorter because im lazy...anyway, you got it right. the ship was clean and the workers were great. I was there with my husband and our beds were separated LOL...we had the oposite problem. I loved the food and of all the ships I have been on...this one was the cleanest. I'm glad you had a great time in NYC. I did mostly the same things you did, but i went to the main shows and they were great. Did you see the main shows (magic show and comedy shows?) They were Fantastic. I'm thinking of going on a one nighter in Jan.

oh one more thing...I see you didn't go to the shows because you were there to PARTY. They were really good shows.

[leeanninfla]

I am also thinking of coming back for another one nighter. I can get my flights on Spirit from Ft. Lauderdale cheap enough, that it is worth it for a easy weekend. We don't get the one nighters down here, because the 3 nighters rule the water.

[SailingDeanna]

Do you get the champagne when you board on the one nighters?

 

Did you see anything special being done for birthdays? I tried to book the birthday decorations and cake, and the rep said they didn't do it for one nighters!

[leeanninfla]

It seems like everytime we turned around they were singing happy birthday to someone in the dining room. There were several bachlorette parties going on, and there was a 120 member wedding on the ship also.

We did get champagne as we were boarding. I did not notice if rooms were decorated or not, because I didn't look for it. And spent as little time as possible in the hallways.

[NJBeachBabe]

Thanks for the info. I am really looking forward to Saturday's cruise, and so so glad we upgraded to a balcony since the weather forecast rocks!

NJBB

[bklynangel]

Do you get the champagne when you board on the one nighters?

 

Did you see anything special being done for birthdays? I tried to book the birthday decorations and cake, and the rep said they didn't do it for one nighters!

I tried to get a cake.....no luck and at dinner i wanted a candle in my icecream and Had no luck with that either......Champagne was available when you boarded.

[bklynangel]

It seems like everytime we turned around they were singing happy birthday to someone in the dining room. There were several bachlorette parties going on, and there was a 120 member wedding on the ship also.

We did get champagne as we were boarding. I did not notice if rooms were decorated or not, because I didn't look for it. And spent as little time as possible in the hallways.

what dining room where you in? i should have went there....maybe they would sing happy birthday to me too. I was in the garden room for diner.

[SailingDeanna]

I tried to get a cake.....no luck and at dinner i wanted a candle in my icecream and Had no luck with that either......Champagne was available when you boarded.

Thanks for the information! It seems they would make a lot of money on the one-nighters if they allowed birthday celebrations. Oh well. I'm also curious what dining room the other poster was in.