Coming home |
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Reviewed By: Raffle, Sunderland on 22nd Jun 2009
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| Cruise Line: Spirit of Adventure |
Times cruised before: 1-2 |
| Cruise Ship: Spirit of Adventure |
Sailed:
March,
2009 |
| Destination:
Panama Canal
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Age: 65+ |
| Cabin: Inside |
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If you are old enough (you have to be over 21) you should certainly try a Spirit of Adventure cruise. Having last year sailed from Venice to Istanbul via the Corinth canal, we chose the Panama canal and the Carribean, preceded by three days in San Jose de Costa Rica.
The Spirit is not for those who want glitzy entertainment or Butlins style facilities. We think of the ship as a good compromise between a comfortable but mature club and a rather gracious old country inn. The cabins are small but comfortable and the public rooms are styled in an understated and comfortable manner. The staff without exception are courteous without being familiar and any request is facilitated with charm and efficiency. Of special note was our request to have a table for two rather than six or eight at main meals and for chefs to cut up my blind husband's food in the kitchen.
The included excursions, a choice of two or more in every port, were sometimes not to places we would have chosen, but always they gave us a hassle-free overview of what was to be seen in the area. The organisation of about 300 departures to upwards of five tours was faultless and the little extras like included drinks stops on beaches and in town squares really enhanced the occasions. We even enjoyed the statutory steel bands.
The enhancement programme of talks, films, recitals and deck parties was spiced with classes in painting, snorkelling and keep fit. A marvellous feature is that all talks and latenight films are saved onto the in-cabin television system so they can be viewed at will if sunbathing or snoozing has taken precedence. The library is a gem and free use of computer facilities with expert support for processing ones digital photographs is a real plus. The food on board is of good quality, well-cooked and beautifully served. On many cruises, including ours, lunch and dinner included unlimited wine. Much appreciated.
We are going through the Suez to Mumbai next via Eritrea and Djibouti: true Spirit of Adventure!
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| Quality of Food |  |
| Always acceptable, sometimes outstanding | | Entertainment | |
| Liked the classical music performances | | Shore Excursions |  |
| Antigua, but this was the fault of the guide who was excessively laid back. | | Staff |  |
| Joselito our dining room waiter | | Children's Facilities | n/a |
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| Had to remember to find time to relax. Always plenty to do. | | Cabins | |
| Fridge very useful and toiletries copious and good quality | | Overall Rating | |
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