Thread: Everything Carnival Spirit

This thread will be for misc information about the Spirit - facts, favorite spots, etc.

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Which side of the ship is better on a cruise to Alaska? I posed the question to someone who just returned. Said in ports, the captain docked port side to the pier most of the time. Always lots going on to view on the port side, but if you want the water view then book starboard.

Here's the response for Glacier Bay:

In Glacier Bay its a round trip, so anything that you cant clearly see on the way in, you'll see coming out. When we were next to the glaciers, they turned the ship 180 degrees, so everyone gets to see it.

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The Supper Club on the Spirit is EXCEPTIONAL. We highly recommend it. We definitely are planning to go one night during the cruise for sure.

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Hal loves their 24 hour Pizza availability up in the buffet area. They also have soft serve ice cream at the back out by the pool area. Sushi served in the afternoons outside the Shanghai Lounge -- Hal wasn't thrilled with it at all, definitely not like we get here.

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The main show room gets an A+ for accessibility. There are NO Steps!!!! Some of the long sofa areas have a space left out for easy access for a wheelchair or scooter to be pulled in. You do need to get to the shows about 30 minutes early to get good seats. Entertainment is good and often filled to capacity.

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Some of the AFT mini suites have amazing wrap around balconies. The aft cabins on Deck 4 have complete cover from what I have read ... perfect for Alaska.

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Pool area -- one has a movable cover. One of the reviews stated this pool was heated and was actually hotter than the hot tub!!!! Said lots of people used the pools and the jacuzzis during the Alaska cruise. Said that the cover really helped keep that area warm too.

The sandwich station was really great, love a good reuben.
I prefer it made with pastrami though instead of corned beef.

Reggie

Oh my gosh, Reggie, I forgot all about that. We LOVE the pannini roast beef sandwiches and ate lunch there almost every day.

And the international station in the buffet featuring a different country or region each day.

If needed, here is the Frequently Asked Question Section on Carnival:

Carnival Cruise Lines - Frequently Asked Questions

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We have had the cabin decorated on two cruises. Once for our 20th Anniversary and once for my birthday. It was great fun and worth the cost.

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The chocolate covered strawberries are WONDERFUL. You can purchase them in the tux rental shop and have them delivered. If they are for yourself tho, just go down to the coffee bar outside of main showroom and they are a bit cheaper.

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If you would like a deck of cards, just go into the casino and asked the cashier if they have any decks available. There is a minimal fee and sometimes have been free. The decks have been used in the casino so are not brand new.

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Carnival serves afternoon tea on sea days. Very nice. Tea, tiny sandwiches, and pastries. If you want decaf tea, it has to be requested but they will get it for you. Always have some type of live music (soft, relaxing music), and a number of times the group has had a CD to sell so bring cash with you.

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If you are interested in a spa treatment, port days offer many discounts.

We will have 2 formal nights during the cruise.

You can rent tuxes on board if you don't want to pack one:

From Carnivals site:

What is Cruise Elegant Attire?

Cruise Elegant Dining Dress Code:
Gentlemen - Dress slacks, dress shirts. We also suggest a sport coat. If you wish to wear suits and ties or tuxedos, by all means we invite you to do so.

Ladies - Cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses; if you‘d like to show off your evening gowns, that's great too!

Not permitted in the dining room during the Cruise Elegant dinner for ladies and gentlemen: shorts, gym shorts, T-shirts, beach flip-flops, bathing suit attire, jeans, cut-off jeans, sleeveless shirts for men, sportswear, and baseball hats.

Is there a dress code for the dining room?Depending on the length of the cruise, either formal dress or casual resort wear is required in the Dining Room. The dress requirement for children is the same. For those not wanting to dress up, the Lido restaurants are open nightly (with the exception of the last evening of the cruise), and have a casual dress code. However, shirts and shoes/footwear (flip-flops) must be worn at all times inside the Lido restaurants.

Cruise Casual Dining Dress Code:

Gentlemen - Sport slacks, khakis, jeans (no cut-offs), dress shorts (long), collared sport shirts;

Ladies - Casual dresses, casual skirts or pants and blouses, summer dresses, Capri pants, dress shorts, jeans (no cut-offs).

Not permitted in the dining room during the Cruise Casual dinner for ladies and gentlemen: gym shorts, basketball shorts, beach flip-flops, bathing suit attire, cut-off jeans, sleeveless shirts for men and baseball hats.

Past Guest Recognition by Carnival:

Carnival Cruise Lines

At Carnival, it is a pleasure to welcome you aboard again, and again. In fact -- starting with your second Carnival sailing -- you will become a Gold Member of our Past Guest Recognition program.

With only your tenth sailing -- you'll qualify for the Carnival Concierge Club benefits of a Platinum member.

And with Carnival's new Milestone program, you'll receive shipboard credit representing 25, 50, 75 and even 100% of your 25th, 50th, 75th and 100th sailing respectively. It's our way of saying "It's good to see you again."

Carnival Cruises to dock at Smith Cove » Magnolia Voice
More information on the link above

More news about the new Terminal 91 cruise facility located below the Magnolia Bridge. The world’s largest cruise line, Carnival Cruises, will begin calling on Seattle’s new Smith Cove Cruise Terminal next year.

The Smith Cove Terminal opens on April 12 at Pier 91. It replaces a temporary cruise terminal near Safeco Field that served cruise passengers for several years before the port converted it back to cargo use.

Map etc:
Port of Seattle: Terminal 30 Cruise Facility

If you are traveling alone, the Spirit has a small number of 1A INSIDE cabins that are priced for 1 person.

They are cabins: 1111, 1247, 1249, 1255, 1257. These are slightly smaller and have an upper and lower berth rather than 2 twin beds.

Description: Interior Bunk Bed Staterooms have upper and lower Pullman-style bunk beds, ample closet and storage space, private bathroom with shower, and a living area with vanity and seating. Staterooms are equipped with thermostat controlled air-conditioning, television, telephone, and personal safe.

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My understanding is that the 4F are the old 5A cabins ... also referred to as the French Door cabins. Here's are some photos and threads that might be of help:

Legend Cat5a - a set on Flickr

Category 5A cabin (oceanview obstructed) on the Carnival Spirit Any Good? - Cruise Critic Message Boards

view in background picture by ncracken - Photobucket

Legend 5a question - Cruise Critic Message Boards

For those who study statistics the Carnival Spirit has six penthouse suites (415 sq. ft. with private balcony); 52 suites (315-360 sq. ft. with private balcony); 624 ocean view cabins (225-245 sq. ft. with private balcony); 68 obstructed ocean view with French doors (185 sq. ft.); 99 ocean view without balcony (185 sq. ft.); and 213 inside cabins (185 sq. ft.).

From Wennfred: There are some cabins that sit inbetween 2 Lifeboats so you do have alittle view, BUT when you open the door, you will get a wiff of Boat Davit Grease, and it smells pretty bad. From some of the newer reviews, some ships are now permanently locking these doors

Here's a thread about things that are free on Carnival: (Thanks Janice for the list)

http://www.cruiselinefans.com/carniv...ival-ship.html (FREE things on a Carnival ship!!)

some FREE THINGS that you can get on a Carnival ship!

1. FREE bungee cord with a clip for your sail 'n sign card at the casino.

2. FREE champagne at the art auction.

3. FREE cappuccino in the dining room during breakfast, lunch and dinner (when DR is open). Have them mix it with hot chocolate and you've got a nice mocha drink.

4. FREE medication for sea sickness at the pursers desk and/or infirmary. And you can also get these items there too:
Aspirin
Ibuprofen
Neosporin
Bandaids
Pepto-Bismol
Little packet of sewing needs
Pens


5. FREE liquor tasting in the shops (usually the first night).

6. FREE deck of cards at the pursers desk.

7. FREE Afternoon Tea on a sea day. There is an assortment of teas, smoked salmon, strawberries and cream, cakes, etc. ---- plus a nice trio playing.

8. FREE soft serve ice cream 24 hr a day, but on sea days (usually for a couple of hours in the afternoon) they also have FREE hard ice cream and all the fixings for making sundaes!

9. If you go to the port talks that are given, they usually have FREE give aways - sit close to the front as they usually throw items off from the stage.

10. FREE drinks and hors'douvres at the Captains Party and Past Guest parties. And if you don't like what is on the servers tray, order whatever you want and it is FREE. (Past guest parties are on the 5 day and longer cruises)

11. The cruise book in the cabin can sometimes be had for FREE if you ask the steward nicely (I would tip him).

12. FREE room service (but don't forget to tip).

13. Travelers checks can be cashed FREE of charge (there is a fee for personal checks).

14. When you buy the drink of the day, the souvenier glass is yours to take home for FREE.

15. Not every ship has a Sushi bar but if your ship does...it's FREE. They are only open for a few hours in the late afternoon, so watch your Capers.

16. If you are very lucky, you can get a FREE facial or other spa treatments if you go on the spa tour when you first get on the ship. Also, go to the talks from the spa and you can get 10 % off.

17. Enter one of their game shows and you will win a FREE bottle of Champagne.

18. You can order as many appetizers, soups, salads, entrees, or desserts as you want in the dining room and it's FREE.

19. The amenities baskets in the bathrooms have sample sized packs of razors, toothpaste, dental floss, Emergen-C, lotion, shampoo, Advil and it's FREE. You can always ask your room steward for more if you run out (they appreciate a tip for supplying you with more).

20. If you run out of bobby pins for your "updo" on formal night, the beauty salon will give you some for FREE.

21. FREE banana splits and mac & cheese in the dining room.....they are not on the dinner menu but are on the kids menu.