You’ve all been at that dinner party with that exasperating couple who share in a type of ping-pong conversation between themselves all about that tiny bistro in Paris.
They only know about it and boast about how special they are because they’ve made this discovery. And while you listen, roll your eyes and can’t seem to get a word in, you also secretly wish you were them.
I’m that exasperating couple and Norwegian Spirit is my bistro.
Having had the pleasure of sailing on this – one of my favourite ships – three times, I will talk incessantly to anyone who will listen about why Spirit has that unique combination of elegance, great food and wonderful itineraries at a price point that is affordable.
My most recent 11-night cruise to the South Pacific (Noumea, Lifou, Port Vila, Mystery Island, Dravuni, SavuSavu and Suva) – the final voyage before leaving Australian waters until next season – cemented my resolve that Australians have been spoilt to have her here this wave season and should book a cruise, post haste, upon her return in December this year.
Here’s why, three sailings under my belt, I’m still obsessed.
The Vessel
Measuring 268 metres long, Norwegian Spirit packs big ship energy into a sleek, mid-sized frame.
Featuring 13 decks – yes, there is a Deck 13 – she carries about 2,000 guests, creating an intimate, adult-centric uncrowded atmosphere. While Spirit was built in 1998, a $100 million+ makeover a few years ago completely transformed her into a chic, modern ship.
While it’s hard to pick a favourite spot, the adult-only Spice H2O pool retreat at the aft of Deck 10 is where I spent most sea days enjoying the expansive wake views.
Another spot where I most frequently imbibed in a tipple or three was the Magnum’s champagne and wine bar on Deck 8.
With its beautiful Art Nouveau design and grand piano, I found myself drawn to this spot most evenings after dinner, settling into the plush surrounds imagining I was in an old Hollywood film.
I was also a big fan of Spinnakers on Deck 12, with its striking bar and forward-facing, floor-to-ceiling windows. This spot offers the absolute best panoramic ocean views on the ship.
Flooded with natural light during the day, the venue is a peaceful, scenic retreat perfect for reading or watching the waves – or joining in activities such as dance classes. At night, the space completely transforms into the ship’s vibrant social hub, packed with dancing and live music.
The Cuisine
Rarely on my voyages do I rate all the dining venues on a ship as top class, but I can honestly reveal that it’s quite difficult to fault the selection and variety onboard Spirit.
I had the pleasure of touring the main galley and chatting to the Executive Chef Zeno Goes, who has that unique combination of passion and creativity to keep 2,000 guests’ taste buds tantalised.
There are 10 dining choices, split between complimentary venues and specialty restaurants.
The complimentary restaurants include the two main dining rooms, Windows (featuring majestic panoramic windows) and Taste (slightly smaller, contemporary) plus the Garden Café buffet (with the best selection of ice cream) and The Local, which is open 24/7.
I’m a little sheepish to admit that The Local, with its moreish wings and superb Rueben sandwich, was a much-frequented haunt in the early hours of the morning when I was feeling like a little piggy.
I could write another 1,000 words just on the speciality restaurants, but for brevity, Cagney’s Steakhouse is one of the best steakhouses at sea, the Italian Onda by Scarpetta will have you bursting at the seam, Teppanyaki is delightfully entertaining and the Sushi Bar is almost unbelievable fresh.
But, if I was to pick a fave, the sumptuous and romantic Le Bistro is spectacular with refined French gourmet classics. Do not pass up on indulging in the Lobster Thermidor.
The itinerary
Most Aussie cruisers have sailed the South Pacific and know the ports well. It’s almost our backyard and many times I’ve heard cruisers reflect that after a few cruises there, there wasn’t much else to explore.
I admit, I might have agreed, until I sailed with Spirit, whose shore excursions allowed me to enjoy new experiences and appreciate parts of New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Fiji in a new light. There are moments that will stick with you forever.
For me, riding a horse bare-back on the beach in Port Vila was a day I will never forget. Admittedly, I was nervous as I’d never even ridden a horse, but the shore excursion was so well organised and the guides reassuring professional that all my fears disappeared. It’s a rare occasion when the expectation surpasses the reality.
It’s no secret Fiji is probably my favourite place on Earth and I have been privileged to have travelled there numerous times over the last 24 years.
I thought I’d seen it all, or most of it, but two of the ports on this itinerary (and especially two of the shore excursions) completely blew me out of the water.
Dravuni island is a literal paradise and I pushed myself to hike to the peak – 150m above sea level – and was rewarded with incredible, panoramic views of the Great Astrolabe Reef at the summit of the challenging trek (it is steep and you must wear good shoes).
I was stunned by views of the world’s fourth-largest barrier reef. Vibrant turquoise lagoons sharply contrasted against the deep blue of the open Pacific Ocean and neighbouring volcanic islands in the Kadavu group.
I’ve always dreamt of swimming in a waterfall and it was in SavuSavu where this dream became a reality. It was a pinch me moment to be immersed in the intoxicatingly powerful magnificence of creation.
I honestly didn’t think it could get any better…that is until the next day in Suva where I embarked on an adventure in a longboat on the Navua River.
The trek, filled with all the thrills and spills of rapids and amazing scenery. culminated in yet another waterfall swim. This was the Fiji I had not yet discovered and is a must for every traveller.
It might sound like I’m exaggerating, but I’m counting down the days until Norweigian Spirit returns to Australia.
I’m excited for cruisers, who might not have experienced NCL yet, to be spoiled with all she has to offer. The only thing that makes me a little sad is that she isn’t here year-round. But, I guess the best things in life are always worth waiting for and while I impatiently await her return, the promise that she’ll be back is enough to lift my spirit.
