Why a Norwegian Spirit cruise is the perfect summer holiday

Norwegian Cruise Line is bringing adult-centric itineraries Down Under for summer.

Norwegian Spirit is 28 years old, making it the most ‘mature’ ship to homeport in Australia. But does the age of a cruise ship really matter? Or, for that matter, the cruisers?

I used to say absolutely, but now I am not so sure.

I am starting to wonder if ships are like wine and people. As long as they are well cared for, routinely attended to and refurbed like Norwegian Spirit was in 2020, they age beautifully.

And it is often only an educated (experienced) few who can truly appreciate the depth and beauty of the ageing process.

To travel with kids, or not?

Spice H20 on Norwegian Spirit — Sometimes it’s better to leave the kids at home.

Ask my cruise-crazy kids, and they are unequivocally in pursuit of the latest and greatest. It’s the exuberance of youth. Their dopamine-hungry brains need to be constantly stimulated by every conceivable activity; dodgem cars, basketball court, electronic game consoles, wave pool, rock climbing wall, indoor sky-diving, go-karts, laser tag, water slides…the list goes on.

And then there is the food aspect: 24-hour pizza, ice cream on tap, a buffet of sugar as far as the eye can. My youngest once had six soft serves on a single day (world’s worst Dad, here).

And the final ingredient, a gang of similarly sugar and dopa-crazed maniacs (I mean friends) to go plundering and pillaging with, trying their best to evade the attention of security.

We (my wife and I) insist on one meal together as a family every two days. Reasonable right? But even that’s exhausting as they agitate incessantly to finish the meal so they can return to their gang of new friends.

And when the cruise ends and we return home to normal life, they are over-stimulated, over-tired, joyous (hardly) humans to be around. The come-down is a good three days. No wonder once a year with the kids is enough for us.

Is Norwegian Spirit adult-friendly?

Norwegian Spirit sailing out of sydney harbour — It’s not adults-only, but it’s certainly adult-centric.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has opted for the complete opposite with Norwegian Spirit. Taking a 28-year-old ship and spending $100m US on a complete refurb, they have delivered an almost new ship without the mania of marauding kids.

It is not adults-only – kids are welcome to sail – but they are not the centre of attention, nor are they directly catered for. So there’s no kids’ club.

NCL call it adult-friendly. I call it adult, relaxed, and easy. This is calm and comfortable cruising with some more elevated options.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

What we loved on board Norwegian Spirit

The refurb brought 14 new venues to Norwegian Spirit. But before we delve into the specifics, it is worth looking at the totality.

Norwegian Spirit carries fewer than 2000 passengers with more than 14 dining options and 9 bars and lounges. That’s a lot of choice and room, particularly when there are few kids to compete with.

And now for an overview of our favourites.

Onda by Scarpetta

The most elevated space on Norwegian Spirit, this intimate specialty dining restaurant is the signature Mediterranean meal across the NCL fleet; it is by far the most sophisticated restaurant experience onboard..

The Local

My go-to lunch spot for the Reubens (yes, I rate it up there with Katz’s Deli in NYC). On Norwegian Spirit is a simple space off the main Atrium on deck seven. It is a little small and simple, but it is still serviceable, and I will forgive a lot for that Rubens.

Magnums Champagne & Wine Bar

Champagne Bar on Norwegian Spirit — Stop by for a sip of Champagne.

You had me at Champagne. Magnums is on deck eight, at the main bar of the old fashioned Atrium. Perched at the bar for a pre or post-dinner glass of bubbles, this is the relaxed yet elegant atmosphere Aussies love.

Spice H20

Spice H20 (deck 10) is one of the ultimate stops for sun worshippers and lounge lizards. The aft pool and bar is surrounded by tiered seating and loungers, creating an amphitheatre that spans two deck and connects easily to the Garden Cafe (deck 12).

Add two plunge pools perched on the aft corners and the gorgeous wake views, and this is the ideal sunset hang. The lounge area transforms into a cocktail lounge and open-air nightclub at night.

Spinnaker Lounge

The indoor bow lounge is another of those discreet, calm spaces for books, cards, tea and coffee. In a sign of some people forgetting they were not at home (that’s how laid-back Norwegian Spirit is), some of our Aussie cruisers took relaxing to new levels with bare feet perched on the balustrades.

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Mandara Spa

You can be old, but investing in a sizable modern spa reiterates that age is only a number. Mandara Spa has added a thermal suite with an extensive steam room, sauna and shower experience, as well as luxuriously warm heated-tile loungers that are positioned to enjoy the endless ocean vistas.

Norwegian Spirit rooms

Balcony Stateroom on Norwegian Spirit — All rooms are well designed.

The room size is unchangeable so the only place where one might notice an older sensibility is in the stateroom size.

The rooms are a little smaller perhaps the latest ships. It is barely noticeable and doesn’t impact the experience particularly as the furniture and fittings are all outstanding, the bathroom design smart and spacious.

Norwegian Cruise Line in Australia

NCL is getting serious about its Australian customers. Not only has it invested the $100m to keep Norwegian Spirit at the premium end of the market, but the company is changing up itineraries locally, and pricing globally.

Norwegian Spirit Australian sailings

Spice H20 on Norwegian Spirit in sydney harbour — Start and end your trip in Sydney.

From 2027, Norwegian Spirit will introduce a lot more shorter sailings designed for the local market.

In previous seasons, they were focused on Trans-Tasman ‘Open Jaw’ (embark Sydney, disembark Auckland) sailings that suited the inbound international market, to whom arriving in Sydney and departing from Auckland is a plus.

While NCL have maintained some of these itineraries, it has inserted many shorter four-day taster cruises, South Pacific cruises and domestic-only cruises. And they’re all round-trip from Sydney.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s new pricing

Famous for their Free at Sea value added pricing (where wifi, specialty dining, drinks packages and other benefits were included), NCL have now introduced a more basic (and cheaper!) fare without any of these inclusions.

This makes it a more apples-to-apples comparison to cruise competitors.

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

1. Gosford’s glow up

room at voco gosford — Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG). Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery, the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal — Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

3. New Central Coast experiences

winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery — Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast, which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

4. Central Coast accommodation

view from a cottage at Noonaweena — Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

Allawah, a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort. This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

5. Shopping on the Central Coast

Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast — Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets, where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics, or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co. This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com.

Why Norwegian Spirit may be the summer holiday you’ve been looking for

Norwegian Cruise Line is bringing adult-centric itineraries Down Under for summer.

To travel with kids, or not?

Is Norwegian Spirit adult-friendly?