Norwegian Spirit, Norwegian Cruise Line

Just returned from my first ever cruise with NCL and it rates as one of my best yet (out of 10 previous cruises in past 3 years). We had the premium drinks package and pre-paid gratuities and I have to say they were very generous with the quantity and quality of the drinks available (any drink up to the value of $15). I rarely drink alcohol but was always served with a smile every time I asked for any type or mix of non-alcoholic drinks and Pepsi and 7 Up were served from cans. Previous cruise ships have usually only offered fizzy drinks from the tap or sickly sweet virgin cocktails. Food was excellent in both Raffles buffet and Windows dining rooms. There was an amazing selection which was always fresh and tasty. Orange (tasted like freshly squeezed), Apple, Cranberry juices and lemonade were available 24/7 in Raffles. There were a good number of food stations to have your food cooked just how you like it. We ate in 3 of the specialty restaurants - Cagney's Steakhouse, La Trattoria and Le Bistro. Food was excellent in all but service wasn't quite up to scratch in Le Bistro. The staff were so happy and friendly throughout the ship and service was generally excellent. We were onboard in time for lunch on embarkation day and never once had to queue for anything - restaurant tables, embarkation, disembarkation - everything was very well organised and very relaxed. Our outside cabin was a bit on the small side but seemed much roomier after we asked for the double bed to be made up as 2 singles. It was lovely to have full sized shower with a sliding glass door. There was more than enough room for everyone on the ship. Even on sea days there were plenty of free sun-beds and buffet dining tables. The only downside for me was the quality (or lack of) entertainment in the Stardust Theatre. eg, the singer/impressionist was very dated and boring. Also I wasn't attracted by many of the daily activities. Of course one of the best things about the cruises was having a zero stateroom bill at the end of it all. I'd definitely look to sail with NCL again. It just had a such lovely relaxed and friendly atmosphere and we wanted for nothing

Sailed 18.5 2017. 2nd time on this ship. Its immaculate and beautiful, and clean. Food is 5 star as is the customer service. This is the smallest ship of the fleet, so there are no race tracks or fairgrounds on board. Just a sophisticated cruise experience, where you can be as casual or dressy to suit you. What we particularly like is the fact that you can eat at whatever time you wish. Western Med itinerary was fantastic. Have just booked again for next year.