It looks as if the Dawn may be the nicer of the 2 ships w/ more restaraunts and other ammenities but it sounds like the destination of the Spirit to the Southern Caribbean may be prettier and that ship doesn't sound so shabby either. Can anyone offer any insight or words of advice. Jamacia, Belize and others or St Thomas, BVI and others? Also any suggestions for a nice balcony view on either ship?
Posts: 4 | Location: Want to learn about cruises-will be a 1st time sruiser next November | Registered: August 23, 2005
I really enjoyed myself. It would help to know the ages and tastes of your party. I will say that the main dining rooms are quite nice- beautiful, in fact. Windows is gorgeous. The fact that the ship was built for an Asian market lends a bit of subtlety to the interior. The cabins are also very nice. It is a great ship- also spotless. The crew are outstanding and you will feel the high pax/staff ratio of NCL.
I have wanted to sail both the Dawn and the Dream but I haven't yet. I would definitely sail the Spirit again, and I might this fall. When does she reposition, do you know? She is in Alaska now.
I can't speak for the Dawn but the Spirit is excellent. If the itinerary is the same as it was this spring, I will tell you that I hated Cayman but I absolutely loved Roatan. So- if you go, book an excursion in Cayman.
Carla
Posts: 488 | Location: Buffalo, NY | Registered: July 11, 2005
Thanks for the response, Carla. It will just be my husband and myself on the cruise--no kids. I'm not sure when she repositions-hopefully someone will know and answer for us.
Posts: 4 | Location: Want to learn about cruises-will be a 1st time sruiser next November | Registered: August 23, 2005
The Dawn is larger and newer than the Spirit. But, keep in mind that the Spirit was designed, from its design, to be a full fledged Freestyle Cruising ship. In fact, the first to be so.
It's unique Asian decor will make it a happy change in scenery to the Dawn, if you have sailed on the Dawn before.
Both the Eastern and Western Carribean cruises have interesting ports of call. If you have traveled on one before, I suggest trying the other.
I must also add that the Spirit will appear almost brand new this winter Caribbean cruise season, after finishing a month long shipyard overhaul this fall. Amongst the changes planned for the Spirit, is the addition of 22 cabins on the 13th deck and another 14 to 16 cabins on the 4th deck. All the galleries, kitchens, are being reworked, and so is the main 12th deck Raffles cafeteria. I might add, major changes to the casino are planned as well, including adding more shops, card tables, and another club. There's to be another bar added near the swiming pool area too. Not to mention a new paint job on the hull. So, the Spirit should be even better ship after the yard period. NCL is fixing it for the North American market.
Originally posted by Ron Clark: The Dawn is larger and newer than the Spirit. But, keep in mind that the Spirit was designed, from its design, to be a full fledged Freestyle Cruising ship. In fact, the first to be so.
It's unique Asian decor will make it a happy change in scenery to the Dawn, if you have sailed on the Dawn before.
Both the Eastern and Western Carribean cruises have interesting ports of call. If you have traveled on one before, I suggest trying the other.
I must also add that the Spirit will appear almost brand new this winter Caribbean cruise season, after finishing a month long shipyard overhaul this fall. Amongst the changes planned for the Spirit, is the addition of 22 cabins on the 13th deck and another 14 to 16 cabins on the 4th deck. All the galleries, kitchens, are being reworked, and so is the main 12th deck Raffles cafeteria. I might add, major changes to the casino are planned as well, including adding more shops, card tables, and another club. There's to be another bar added near the swiming pool area too. Not to mention a new paint job on the hull. So, the Spirit should be even better ship after the yard period. NCL is fixing it for the North American market.
I had heard that Raffles was getting an update- it needs it. I know exactly where all these changes are taking place- the crew had pointed them out this spring. I guess the problem with Raffles is that the food had to be cooked downstairs and then brought up warm- and yet there was not enough room to even keep it warm.
I have to put in my props for the Spirit- I loved her.
Posts: 488 | Location: Buffalo, NY | Registered: July 11, 2005
Thanks everyone very much for your replies. I think we will try the Dawn and the West Carib for our 1st trip. Maybe the Spirit and the South for the next one b/c I do think there will be many more!!
Posts: 4 | Location: Want to learn about cruises-will be a 1st time sruiser next November | Registered: August 23, 2005
