When it comes to Cruising Holidays I used to believe you fell into one of two camps; those who love to Cruise and those who would rather swim to their destination. That was until my Mum recently took the plunge and booked a Carnival Cruise holiday – when she returned she requested I add a third camp,

‘those who have not yet tried cruising, who when they do, will be sold on this style of holiday’.

I have mentioned previously that my mother is an intrepid traveller – enjoying comfort, yet seeking out options that take in the essence of a place without necessarily following a well-worn route. On a trip to India she camped on banks of The Ganges, a trekking trip to New Zealand and she was carrying her own cooker and squeezing into share bunks in a far-flung mountain lodge. When I was a kid she would pack the boat for the Christmas Holidays with supplies, depositing us on a remote island in The Marlborough Sounds of New Zealand – fish soup, homemade bread, eggs and milk from the lone farm would sustain us for a month.

So when she announced she had ‘cabin fever’ (as a result of being house-bound from a knee operation), felt the need to travel, and was off on a cruise – I had my doubts.  She chose a large ship and ‘getting away’ from it wasn’t part of the equation. Nevertheless she returned a convert to cruising and shared her experiences.

CARNIVAL SPIRIT

12 Levels high with capacity for 2124 passengers.

BEFORE

Why did you go on this Cruise?

Needed a break that didn’t involve flying.

Was it easy to book?

Found an amazing price on Just Cruises, $990.00 for 12 days.  Be prepared to book as soon as you see a good deal as they disappear quickly.

DURING

Was check-in seamless?

Pre-boarding documentation can be completed over the phone or online which saved time prior at check in. Although check-in times are staggered so generally large queues are avoidable.

Well organised, professional, all made very easy for the 1st time cruise traveller.

First impressions?

Felt it was going to be a trip where we were well looked after.

How was check-in handled?

Immigration took passport details…at this point we given our boarding pass on a lanyard which we wore for the remainder of the trip. This was used as the room key, for charging any additional items on board the ship and also as identification for disembarking at each port.

How may we help you? (service and staff)

Directed to rooms by staff member, given allocated time to meet at a particular life raft for the safety briefing prior to sailing.

Bags arrived very promptly in the cabin.

ROOMS

Ta da – how was the room?

Cabin 8120 – Balcony.

Fist impression was it was more spacious than anticipated. Note: A twin bed  cabin was requested however a King bed was allocated, it didn’t turn out to be of concern however worth checking when receiving your keys (most beds can be converted to twin).

Balcony added to the overall size of the room, additional outdoor furniture.

Welcome – anyone saying this?

The steward assigned to our cabin greeted us, demonstrated cabin facilities, and highlighted how he might assist during the cruise.

Sleep – bliss or blah?

King sized and very comfortable. Fabulous pillows…

Unpacking – is there room for everything?

Wardrobe space limited, however one wardrobe for each guest (2 x). Not much room to store suitcases away, one had to remain on the small couch. Two drawers per person. Plenty of hangers.

WI/FI – techie bright stuff?

Writing desk for sending postcards home (note from The Urban Mum – I am still waiting for my Postcard to arrive… anyone else lament the demise of receiving postcards…).

Made to feel at home? (robes, bottled water, tea/coffee)

Terry robes, drinking water in bottles replenished on demand. No tea/coffee facilities in the cabin, however room service would deliver (included in the tariff).

Keeping it clean – bliss or blah? (amenities, decent hair dryer)

Bathroom adequate size, hairdryer good, and nice quality shampoo and soap.  Rooms made up twice a day with fresh towels (at night an animal shaped towel which kids would love).

RESTAURANTS

With nine dining options you would never starve on a Cruise Holiday onboard the Carnival Spirit.

Fact: did you know passengers on Cruise ships gain an average of  1/2 kilo per day?

Main Restaurant

The balcony room allowed dining in the A La Carte restaurant.  Food was superb, as was presentation and quality (quantity was perfect not huge – just as well…). Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Standard menu available with specials  each day for each sitting.

Reservations were not required, occasionally we waited, no long than 5 minutes for a table for two.

Wine selection was adequate (additional cost – however they stored your bottle from meal to meal, prices standard).

High tea also served everyday, which we chose most days instead of lunch, canapés, sandwiches, little cakes, tea and coffee. Served on trolleys by passing waitstaff.

International Food Plaza – Buffet

We enjoyed a couple of lunches, it wasn’t the zoo you would expect if visited off peak (about 1.00pm), international food stations around the room,  enjoyed the Indian, Italian, Cakes,and good coffee.

ACTION/RELAXATION – what activities were on offer?

Recommended by Mum

Adults Pool area – serentity retreat. Lovely spot to relax with musician, huge deckchairs, cosy hammocks, and lounging pods, pool and heated spa with stunning views

Evening entertainment in the Atrium with live music.

Boutiques were good to browse in, each day there were specials.

Tutorials for beauty and hair were fun.

Art Auctions (dreadful).

Movies not New Releases, nevertheless regular sessions.

Games Room well stocked

COST

Balcony Room -$990.00, 12 days.

Would I go on a cruise again with this company?

Without question. Sold on cruising and planning another later this year. Could find no fault with Carnival; with the special offer it was an absolute bargain.

HAVE YOU BEEN ON A CRUISE?

ANY SUGGESTIONS?