| NCL’s renewed Spirit

NORWEGIAN Cruise Line (NCL) has introduced the new Norwegian Spirit (pictured), following its US$100 million revitalisation through the Norwegian Edge program.

Spirit, which was previously scheduled to sail Asia in 2020 until the coronavirus outbreak (CW 12 Feb) will now homeport in Athens for the first time, offering seven-day voyages to the Greek Isles, Turkey and Israel, beginning 19 Apr.

All public areas, staterooms and dining areas were touched during the revitalisation, with the ship emerging from her 43-day dry dock also boasting 14 new venues, additional staterooms and new hull art.

Spirit, which underwent the company’s “most extensive bow-to-stern renovation” in its history, will also offer a series of sailings from Civitavecchia on 14 Feb, Dubai on 02 Mar, and Cape Town on 22 Mar.

Elements of the revitalisation include a double-sized Mandara Spa with a new thermal suite and relaxation area, an expanded Pulse Fitness Center, a daytime lounge featuring two new hot tubs, and an additional main dining room.

The ship now also features the second Onda by Scarpetta restaurant at sea, after the venue first appeared on Norwegian Jewel, as well as additional complimentary dining venues, such as 24-hour eatery Taste; The Local Bar and Grill; all-day outlet Garden Cafe; the Great Outdoors Bar; Waves Pool Bar; Bliss Ultra Lounge; Spinnaker Lounge; adults-only Spice H2O; and a daytime lounge featuring two new hot tubs and a dedicated bar.

The ship is now also free of single-use plastic bottles, which sees NCL as the first cruise line to eliminate them from across its fleet, through its partnership with JUST Goods.

Spirit will be the line’s seventh ship in Europe in 2020, including Dawn, Epic, Escape, Getaway, Jade and Star.