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, occasionally turned or exercised, 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 – 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.

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 21 dining and bar options. 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.

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Onda by Scarpetta

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

The Local

My go-to lunch spot for the Rubens (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.

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.

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Norwegian Spirit rooms

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

Despite the extensive overhaul, some things cannot be changed, and the room size is the only place where age is noticeable.

Having said that, the furniture and fittings are all outstanding. The bathroom design is smart and spacious. The only note is that the rooms are a little smaller than standard newer ships. Not by much, but just enough to notice.

Norwegian Cruise Line in Australia

NCL is getting serious about its Australian customers. Not only has it invested the $100m to keep Norwegian Spirit servicing 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.

Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.

Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.

Where to stay

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney . The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.

Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom — Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.

Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.

Where to drink & dine

1. The Bar

the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at the bar — Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea .

Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.

The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.

On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce. ⁣

2. The Place

the Fullerton Hotel the place dining — Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.

On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.

3. Local gelato

Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks — Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.

What to do/see

1. GPO Heritage Tour

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby — Be awed by the building’s history.

Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.

2. Circular Quay

aerial of circular quay sydney — Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)

An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens

view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden — Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.

It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.

4. Theatre Royal

Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).

Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.

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?