Reviewed by: Kieran Van Bunnik

Date:  23 July 2018

Cruise line and ship: Carnival Cruises – Spirit

Passenger capacity: 2,124

Size of ship and passenger capacity: 88,500 GRT

Year Built: 2001 (an ‘Ozification’ was made in 2012 with the addition of slides, proper coffee and vegemite. There was another significant refurb in mid-2018)

Where the ship cruises: South Pacific, New Zealand, Australia

Currency onboard: Australian Dollars

    

Main features: The Green Thunder Slide, ‘Serenity’ Adult Retreat, the Kids Water Park (the largest at sea) and Kids Club facilities.

Most suited to: Families and people who want to have fun for a reasonable price. Carnival puts a huge emphasis on making your cruise a fun and enjoyable experience.

Atmosphere: Depends on where you go. There are plenty of places on board where you can quietly relax by curling up on a deck chair and reading a good book. Alternatively hit the casino or dance the night away listening to a good band.

Encounters with Service Staff: Staff were great, they really go above and beyond to make sure everything is perfect for your holiday. No matter where you went if you told a member of staff your name they would remember it and in passing you they would greet you by your name.

  

Staterooms: Decor is a bit dated but everything was clean and in a good condition. There is room under your bed to store your luggage and more than enough wardrobe space. The bathroom came with body wash and combined shampoo & conditioner.

Cabins are fitted with Australian power points. You have a good array of television programs. You can even book your shore tours and check your onboard account through your interactive TV. The interconnecting cabins are a great option for families.

Dining options: Carnival Spirit has seven free options for dining. The food is good quality with amazing variety.  I was impressed by the International Food Court again it has a good variety and high quality food from your traditional dishes to Thai and Indian. The fresh Fish & Chips are not to be missed.

A standout is the Empire Restaurant where you have great choice from the a la carte menu. The staff also put on a bit of a show, singing and dancing, joining in is optional but you can’t help smiling and clapping along.

Guys Burger Joint was outstanding I could quite easily say it is the best burger I have ever eaten and you will find this on the Lido Deck (where you’ll also find 24-hour a day ice-cream) near the Dome Pool.  There are quite a few different bars and offerings including a sports bar and the Alchemy bar which make a great espresso martini.

Entertainment: Through the day, the Carnival staff really did interact with the children and families around the Dome Pool. The Sun Pool was quieter and more subdued. There is a casino, a video arcade, bingo sessions, dance classes, trivia get-togethers, a lolly shop, comedy acts, stage shows, live music, poolside movies and three pools.

Night time shows in the three-level Pharaoh’s Palace were great. There was plenty of room for everyone without having to rush and line up. In the various pubs and lounges onboard they had great solos or pairs singing a range of tunes.

In the Shanghai Piano bar you usually hear the guests singing Karaoke or if you hang around you can expect to hear a pianist tickling the ivories later on in the evening. Dive In Movies are by the Dome Pool where you will be served popcorn and be given a nice fluffy blanket for the cooler nights while you’re watching the latest Hollywood Blockbusters.

 

Activities: You have the Dome Pool and the Sun Pool. The Splash Zone is for kids who are under 11. The mighty Green Thunder slide is not for the fainthearted as you are in a capsule where the floor drops away leaving you zooming down at great speeds. Yellow slide is a much tamer scenic ride down. The ship also has a fitness centre, ping pong, basketball courts and putt-putt, mini-golf – all of which are included in your cruise fare. A jogging track is found on the outside of the top deck where you will see the early morning walkers taking advantage of the great views.

Family Facilities: Carnival has a pretty comprehensive children’s program on board.  The new games room, and arts & crafts room look fantastic. The Dr Suess themed activities and breakfasts are a great hit with the littlies, as is the new lolly shop!

Camp Ocean/Camp Carnival is split into three age groups and clubs: Penguins is for the 2-5-year-olds and is decorated with igloos and other soft mat playthings; Sting Ray’s is for 6-8-year-olds; and the Shark enclosure for 9-11-year-olds.

There is also ‘Circle C’ for young teens between 12 and 14 years old and ‘Club O2’ for teens between 15 and 17 years old. The older kids have Play Stations and karaoke in their areas which are decked out like mini nightclubs.

Daily Activities – Camp Ocean/Camp Carnival are free of charge and run daily activities from 10am to 5pm on sea days.

Babysitting – Night Owls babysitting service runs from 10pm-1am in the Kids Club with a fee per hour.

Self Service Laundry: Self-service launderettes are located are on each stateroom deck. There are two or three washers and dryers, and one iron and ironing board in each launderette.  Vending machines dispense small boxes of detergent and water softener also for a minimum cost.

Insiders Tips:  Take the stairs as much as you can. For a visit to the spa on board, hold out for the daily deals as you will find the one that you want will be half price by the end of your cruise. Also – remember – this ship is all about FUN!