Norwegian Spirit

Norwegian Spirit is a unique case when it comes to Norwegian Cruise Line. For one, it was the very first ship in the brand, launched in 1998 and later given a major refurbishment in 2022. It’s also considered by many guests to be the quietest and most peaceful ship in the fleet, offering special itineraries in Australia, Japan, and even Hawaii. If you’re a fan of Norwegian but want a fresh twist on the usual mega-resort formula, and prefer exploring unique destinations without people screaming in waterparks 24/7, it might be a good idea to travel back in time and give Spirit a chance.

What we like about Norwegian Spirit

Norwegian Spirit is the quietest and most peaceful ship in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, designed for a very particular type of traveler. It sails unique itineraries to Asia and Oceania, catering to travelers who want to visit these destinations without paying the premium prices charged by lines like Holland America or Celebrity Cruises. Visiting countries like Japan or Australia is never cheap, but prices start at around $700 for a 4-day Australia cruise on Norwegian Spirit. Not bad for those looking to skip the Caribbean and try something more niche.

As you can probably imagine, this is a ship that adults will love. It isn’t a mega-resort at sea and takes you back to a time when cruising was simpler. There are no waterparks, go-kart tracks, or even a mini-golf course onboard. You do get a swimming pool, a fitness center, a comedy club, and a small theater. Again, this ship is for travelers who want to enjoy a more intimate atmosphere and focus on exploring unique destinations on week-long vacations in Asia and Oceania.

Let’s not forget that Spirit went through a major refurbishment in 2022, right before the pandemic. It now features glass elevators, and the kids’ facilities and pool were replaced by what many guests call the best Spice H2O Bar in the fleet. It’s intimate, adults-only, and a fresh, amazing place to relax. It helps that travelers on Spirit are usually seeking peace above all else, making the environment quieter and even more upscale than on other ships.

What we don’t like about Norwegian Spirit

Norwegian Spirit is for a very particular kind of traveler. It’s perfect for adults and those who want to explore unique destinations around the world. As you probably know by now, this isn’t a ship meant for children, so much so that even the kids’ facilities were removed a few years ago. This is one of the rare cases where a Norwegian Cruise Line ship isn’t a mega-resort designed for families. Are you traveling solo, with a group of friends, or with the love of your life? You’ll have a great time onboard. But if you plan to bring children, there are thousands of better options across Norwegian and other cruise lines.

There also isn’t much to do onboard. Remember, this is primarily a ship for travelers who want to relax and explore different destinations. There’s no waterpark, the shows are usually smaller and more intimate, and most guests stick to the casino and the single pool for entertainment. Even the dining venues and spa feel smaller compared with other cruise ships, serving as a reminder that this ship is nearly thirty years old.

Conclusion

Norwegian Spirit is designed for adults and those who want to primarily explore Asia and Oceania. It’s the most peaceful ship in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, featuring what might be the best Spice H2O Bar at sea. It’s a perfect ship for travelers who aren’t looking for crazy entertainment or high thrills, and would rather relax with a margarita in hand while watching the sunset.