Norwegian Spirit to Mediterranean

This short weekend break gave me the chance to sample the most unique and distinctive ship in the Norwegian fleet. Originally built for Star Cruises for the Far East, the ship came across to Norwegian in 2004. In terms of style and design, she is very much a one off.

Her original, gorgeous oriental style interiors were left largely unchanged. The vast, rectangular lobby, with its sweeping grand staircase, is perhaps the most beautiful afloat. Glaring Chinese dragons front the entrances to some public rooms. Truth be told, Norwegian Spirit is probably the most distinctive mega ship sailing anywhere in Europe.

Inside, however, she showcases the classic 'Freestyle Dining' across a range of free and for a fee venues alike. The two main dining rooms are grand, expansive affairs, with great food and service. In terms of the  extra charge venues, Le Bistro offers outstanding, French themed fare in a richly intimate environment.

Built for the Asian market, Norwegian Spirit has standard inside, outside and balcony cabins that are slightly smaller than the norm. The suites, however, would satisfy any Emperor of old, with their whirlpool baths and expansive terraces.

With some of the public rooms slightly smaller than on her siblings, Norwegian Spirit runs a slightly pared down version of the flash, lavish entertainment roster that the line typically hosts. Still, you will find indoor and outdoor bars, including an English pub, a show lounge, and a disco that looks as if it was lifted intact from an Indian Maharajah's boudoir.  At every turn, the Norwegian Spirit is a quirky, delightful ship just to walk around.

At the stern, a series of graceful tiered terraces form a perfect amphitheatre to watch the sunset. Up top, the pool complex is modelled on an ancient Roman baths, with twin pools and hot tubs. One deck above, a forward facing Bavarian style  beer garden serves hot dogs and, of course, excellent German beer.

Norwegian Spirit has all the bells and whistles you could possibly want for a big ship cruise, with just enough distinctive charm of her own to always keep you smiling. A truly lovely ship.