Norwegian Cruise Line: Norwegian Spirit

Overview

In a curious East-goes-West journey, Norwegian Spirit was originally built for the Freestyle Cruising concept and launched as SuperStar Leo for Norwegian Cruise Line's Asian parent, Star Cruises. In winter 2004, NCL's Hawaiian venture nearly sank when a freakish storm filled its almost-completed flagship with water while it was nearing completion in Germany. With a month's worth of bookings and no new ship, arrangements were made to deploy a substitute in Hawaii and transfer SuperStar Leo to fill the gap it left in its wake.

Rechristened in spring 2004 and updated to better suit American tastes, Norwegian Spirit still retains fine examples of Asian artwork as well as a few elements that may seem a bit out of place. In addition to the usual array of shipboard bars and lounges, passengers may be puzzled to find a mahjongg room and a huge amphitheater area overlooking the children's outdoor pool. As is customary in Asia, facilities for children and teens are particularly extensive, only rivaled by the Disney Cruise Line ships.