Norwegian Spirit is back in Australian waters - but this is not your typical cruise ship. In this in-depth review, I take you onboard Norwegian Spirit to see whether this smaller, premium, adult-focused cruise ship really delivers calm, refined cruising without the chaos of today’s mega-ships.
NOTE: I travelled as a guest of Norwegian Cruise Line.
After sailing Norwegian Spirit between Melbourne and Sydney, and with a previous longer sailing under my belt, I break down exactly what cruising with Norwegian Cruise Line in Australia is like - from cabins and dining to service, entertainment, pricing, and who this ship is actually designed for.
➡️ Watch my 2024 Norwegian Spirit Review here:
https://youtu.be/-IGYgKJr_qM
➡️ Watch my Norwegian Spirit Walk Through Tour here:
https://youtu.be/Oh1sln2WCkg
➡️ Watch my Norwegian Spirit Balcony Cabin Tour here:
https://youtu.be/8hXY4Atm5K8
Built in 1998 but transformed by a massive US$100 million refit, Norwegian Spirit feels like a ship from a bygone era - in the best possible way. With no waterslides, no kids’ clubs, and a clear focus on premium experiences for adults, this ship offers something very different to Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, and other mainstream cruise lines sailing locally.
In this video, I cover:
• What makes Norwegian Spirit different from modern megaships
• The onboard atmosphere and adult-focused design
• Cabin size, layout, and comfort
• Dining across complimentary and specialty restaurants
• Service quality and overall cruise experience
• Entertainment, bars, lounges, and deck spaces
• Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Sea inclusions and pricing structure
• How Norwegian Spirit compares to other premium cruise lines
• Future Norwegian Spirit itineraries from Australia, including Tasmania cruises
Norwegian Spirit is positioned as premium cruising curated for adults - crafted for calm. It’s ideal for couples, solo travellers, and experienced cruisers who value atmosphere, space, and refined service over waterslides and high-energy attractions. However, it’s not for everyone, and I explain exactly who will love this ship - and who probably won’t.
Looking ahead, Norwegian Spirit is set to return for future Australian and New Zealand seasons, including roundtrip sailings from Sydney and Norwegian Cruise Line’s first-ever Tasmania Taster cruises. These shorter sailings will give local cruisers a rare chance to experience Norwegian Spirit without committing to a long fly-cruise itinerary.
If you’re considering a Norwegian Cruise Line cruise in Australia, New Zealand, or Tasmania, this review will help you decide if Norwegian Spirit is the right ship for your travel style.
👉 Would you cruise Norwegian Spirit? Or do you prefer larger ships with more onboard attractions? Let me know in the comments - I read every one
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
🛳️ My website hosts one of the world's most powerful cruise search engines where you can research and even book your next cruise or land holiday. Take a look here: www.thecruiseandtravelguy.com.au
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
🛒 Shop my Amazon Cruise Essentials here:
https://www.thecruiseandtravelguy.com.au/cruise-essentials
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
🤳🏼 Follow me on Facebook and Instagram:
www.facebook.com/thecruiseandtravelguy
www.instragram.com/thecruiseandtravelguy
0:00 Introduction
0:17 What is Norwegian Spirit
0:52 Refined Cruising
1:40 Norwegian Spirit Itineraries
2:27 Balcony Cabin
3:09 Who is Norwegian Spirit For?
4:21 Dining on Norwegian Spirit
6:44 Entertainment on Norwegian Spirit
7:55 Pools on Norwegian Spirit
8:21 What is NCL Free at Sea
9:20 Norwegian Spirit Australian Cruises
10:13 Who Competes?
10:28 Final Thoughts
10:55 Michael’s Moment
12:35 Bloopers
Music by Master Planned Music