Cruisers onboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) smallest ship will delight in both Norwegian Spirit’s mega refit and its Alaska itineraries.
Sailing between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Seward, Alaska, seven-night cruises offer several less-traveled stops with intriguing excursions. Docked at Icy Strait Point on day three, I jumped at the chance to spot humpback whales, otters and porpoises in one of Southeast Alaska’s liveliest marine playgrounds. Hours earlier, I found myself soaring above the treetops, strapped into a seat on one of the world’s largest ziplines. On the last full day in Valdez, Alaska, a small boat excursion navigated through the floes to Columbia Glacier, a massive icefield renowned for its rapid retreat.
In between, the ship called at the popular ports of Juneau and Skagway, then cruised to Hubbard Glacier. Disembarkation in Seward offered one final adventure, a scenic five-hour train journey to Anchorage where cruisers headed for Denali and beyond, or flights home.
Renovated Spaces and Amenities
Time onboard Norwegian Spirit added to the excitement in unexpected ways. Carrying 2,032 passengers, the ship was built in 1998 for Star Cruises’ Asia market. Ship age, however, is relative, as the decor, furnishings and public spaces are new again following a 2020 bow-to-stern refurbishment priced at more than $100 million.
In contrast to NCL’s colorful, family-oriented mega ships, the refit intentionally caters to upscale adult cruisers. The ship’s Mandara Spa is double its original size, and now offers an extra-fee Thermal Suite sporting heated tile loungers, a coed sauna and a steam room. Plus, the adults-only Spice H2O pool and hot tub retreat on Deck 10 is a quiet spot at the base of the terraced aft decks. And traditionalists will love the wraparound promenade deck and the Spinnaker Observation Lounge for whale and glacier viewing.
The Spinnaker Lounge offers great views.
Credit: 2023 Norwegian Cruise LineStaterooms have been redone with minimalist decor and muted colors. Most welcome is the bathroom shower with its glass (not plastic curtain) door.
For those who appreciate a variety of dining options, the revamped Norwegian Spirit offers 14 venues. Le Bistro features tempting French classics. Onda by Scarpetta serves Italian. Cagney’s is primarily a steakhouse, though I loved the cedar-plank steelhead trout. Teppanyaki’s enlarged footprint is set in the three-part Asian venue that includes the Sushi Bar and complimentary dinner at Silk. A variety of dining packages are offered for the a la carte or set-charge hot spots.
The ship’s Atrium provides a comfortable place to relax.
Credit: 2023 Norwegian Cruise LineFor included dining beyond Silk, clients can check out the Garden Cafe buffet or The Local’s fast-food menus. Of the two main dining rooms, the remodeled, aft-facing Windows is the classier, featuring views on three sides. Smaller, dinner-only Taste stretches from port to starboard, midship.
Attention-grabbing evening entertainment ranges from Elements — a mix of aerial feats, illusion and dance — to World Beat’s international songs and dances. And the new Social Comedy Club is a vibrant, multi-use theater. Clients should be aware there are no kids’ clubs, and not all sailings offer youth activities.
Staterooms on Norwegian Spirit have all been redone.
Credit: 2023 Norwegian Cruise LineAs cruise director Jerry Kubli so aptly put it, Norwegian Spirit gives guests “the experience of a big ship while on a small ship.”
I couldn’t agree more.
