Overall Score
| BERLITZ'S RATING |
| |
Possible |
Achieved |
| |
| Ship |
500 |
427 |
| Accommodation |
200 |
154 |
| Food |
400 |
234 |
| Service |
400 |
268 |
| Entertainment |
100 |
84 |
| Cruise |
400 |
292 |
| |
Carnival Spirit is the 16th new ship for this very successful cruise line. It has Carnival’s trademark large wing-tipped funnel in the Miami-based company’s red, white and blue colors. The design makes the ship look much sleeker than any other in the Carnival Cruise Lines fleet (except for its sister ships), a process of continuing ship design and evolvement.
Sister ships in the same class and internal layout and design are Carnival Legend, Carnival Miracle and Carnival Pride, and all can transit the Panama Canal.
There are two centrally located swimming pools outdoors, and one can be used in inclement weather due to its retractable glass-dome cover. Two whirlpool tubs, located adjacent to the swimming pools, are abridged by a bar. Another smaller pool is available for children; it incorporates a winding water slide that spans two decks in height. There is also a whirlpool tub outdoors.
The interior design theme is a tribute to the world’s great architecture, from art nouveau to postmodern. The immense lobby space spans eight decks. The atrium lobby, with its two grand stairways, presents a stunning wall decoration best seen from any of the multiple viewing balconies on each deck above the main lobby floor level.
There are two entertainment/public room decks, the upper of which also has an exterior promenade deck – something new for this fun cruise line. Although it doesn’t extend around the whole ship, it’s long enough for some serious walking. There is also a jogging track outdoors, around the ship’s mast and the forward third of the ship.
A winding shopping street contains several boutique stores (selling the usual Carnival logo items). A small wedding chapel is located forward of the uppermost level of the two main entertainment decks, adjacent to the combined library and internet center. Other facilities include a photo gallery, video games room, an observation balcony in the center of the vessel, and a piano lounge/bar. The casino is large (one has to walk through it to get from the restaurant to the showlounge on one of the entertainments decks), and it has all the gaming paraphernalia and array of slot machines you can imagine.
There is a “tele-radiology” system that enables shipboard physicians to digitally transmit X-rays and other patient information to shore-side facilities – useful for peace of mind for passengers and crew.
The information desk in the lobby is quite small, and can become quite congested. It is difficult to escape from smokers, noise and loud music (it’s even played in cabin hallways and elevators). Many private balconies are not so private, being overlooked from various public locations. You’ll need to carry a credit card to operate the personal safe in your suite or cabin – an inconvenience. You’ll endure a stream of flyers advertising various products.
Books and computers are cohabitants in the ship’s library/internet center, but anyone wanting a book has to lean over others who may be using a computer – a very awkward arrangement. Public toilets are spartan and could do with some cheering up.
Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2010.
Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008
