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The Land of Ice and Fire
 
Reviewed By: Martin, Aston on 16th Apr 2009
Cruise Line: Spirit of Adventure Times cruised before: 3-5
Cruise Ship: Spirit of Adventure Sailed: June, 2008
Destination: Northern Europe Age: 56-65
Cabin: Outside
From the moment you are picked up by taxi at your own front door and your luggage is whisked into the boot, everything about the Spirit of Adventure is well organized and comfortable. As returning cruisers. we were welcomed on board by name by several of the staff and greeted as old friends. The smallness of the ship makes for a very convivial atmosphere especially as the restaurant's open seating policy means that you meet as many (or as few) different people as you wish for meals. Somehow the maitre d', Trevor, always manages to seat people with like minded souls. In fact all of the staff (without exception) are polite, friendly, cheerful and will go out of their way to be helpful. The cruise director, Neil, is a particular asset to the ship - energetic, versatile and resourceful. The captains too are very sociable with the passengers.

The itinerary of this cruise included Dublin. Cork, Tobermory and Falmouth but the main destinations were 4 ports in Iceland. At each port we were the only cruise ship so the 350 passengers were able to explore in a fairly leisurely way. Each port day excursions from the ship were included in the price so consequently most passengers left the ship on these trips. Disembarkation was speedily and well organized by the ever efficient Angela. We particularly enjoyed a tour of Heimay in the Westermann Islands, where a volcanic eruption destroyed most of the town in the early 1970s. Our tour guide/driver had been there as a child at the time so it was fascinating to listen to his account as he drove us around in his ancient coach (one of the very few on the island!) The entrance to the harbour was so narrow that the Spirit only just squeezed in so arrival and departure were quite spectacular. Another highlight was a tour along the coast from Isafjordur, which included an accordian recital in a tiny church, a local fisherman demonstrating how fishing was carried out before the days of trawlers, a dancing display by local children and finishing with a visit to a local waterfall for a cup of fresh spring water. This was a perfect trip as it gave us a true inside into local life and was so organized that no 2 groups from the ship were ever in the same place at the same time - definitely the way to do things! From Reykjavik we went on the 'Golden Circle' trip which included the geysers, waterfalls and truly amazing landscapes of Iceland, stopping for an included Icelandic lunch. Again the size of the ship meant that we did not overwhelm the sights we had gone to see. Every trip is accompanied by a member of the ship's crew (anyone from a waitress to a musician!) who brings a bag from which hot/cold towels, sweets, drinks etc are dispensed - every comfort is catered for!

However fascinating the excursions it was always a delight to return to the comfort of the ship where there was invariably a delicious lunch or afternoon tea waiting, an art class, a talk or just a sofa in the inviting library. This is a lovely feature of the ship - light, airy and contemporarily furnished with an excellent selection of books, magazines, dvds games and jigsaws. It would be hard to find a more attractive library than this! although the ship is small by modern standards, it certainly does not feel crowded, even when full. The unfussy, cool, modern decor gives it an uncluttered feel. Entertainment is low key (no casinos, broadway shows or art auctions) but just right for passengers whose main emphasis is the destinations, the conversation and the wining and dining. All in all the perfect cruise for us.

Quality of Food5
Entertainment4
Shore Excursions5
Staff5
Children's Facilitiesn/a
Onboard Activities4
Cabins4
Overall Rating5
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Opinion: Agree Comment by Mulcock, Angmering (01 Jun 09 20:49) about this REVIEW
We did this trip last year, and have done others, on Spirit, with another booked in October. This ship is a delight to sail on, and has got better and better with each cruise we have done. The staff are terrific, Neil is an outstanding Cruise Director, and other Cruise Directors with some other cruise lines could learn a huge amount from him. The waiters are superb, food is terrific without being pretentious, and afternoon tea is beautifully staged in the Main Dining Room. I have looked back through the reviews, and the feedback is terrific. Success is well-deserved, and there are many loyal passengers that re-book with them.
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Opinion: Agree Comment by HUME, KNUTSFORD (25 May 09 16:02) about this REVIEW
We too were on this cruise and enjoyed exactly the activities referred to also the reference to those members of staff who contribute so much to the enjoyment of cruising with the Spirit. Itineries are so well planned but even if the ship has to divert Neil and his team always end up locating at short notice a superb alternative programme. These are the benefits of the house party style of cruises that we return to shortly for a fouth time
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