Annmeat

We used the Concierge on the Escape to take care of a couple show and dinner ressies when we could not get in via the normal route. We were just Platinum, not in a suite. I don't recall whether there was a letter or something in the cabin with the number, but I obviously got it somehow.

 

Not going to let the fact that they cater to Suites stop me from using the perk NCL has said I am entitled to. I will track them down!

Yup. I will do the same. Spent enough and earned my perks! As for catering to suites- - have had two o the last 4 concierges ignore us. Certain Haven guests seem more important ( gag) than others😁😁

Concierge service for Platinum perk is almost non-existent since they are busy with suite guests. Our last four cruises we were platinum and didn't even receive the concierge phone number.

 

What kind of service were you hoping for?

That's pretty cruddy of them!

We never use them for anything but getting comedy reservations. Our last concierge was useless in the Haven , but his assistant changed a dinner for us on our anniversary and switched some comic reservations. We decide to go with 2 mini suites with large balconies for less than 1/2 the price of staying

In an H anything.

Going in peak summer and have had crappy co- quests in the Haven and perks totally NOT a worth the price . Went on a half -empty Getaway in September and it wasn't worth the extra bucks either. Taken over by loud idiots.

With 4 ports and 3 teens we got a nice price on the larger balconies-and we always gladly take the laundry perk .

Happy New Year!

Do they still offer concierge service? Cruising first time in Non Haven on Escape.

Thx

What has your experience been with motion in these cabins? Is there an up and down effect felt?

No. We had no problems. It's a beautiful suite and quiet location, not far to Haven.

How far is it from the private villas to the pool, etc? We ditched the Haven this coming summer but did get a villa. I know the husband and I will love it, is there a way to get to the pool and other activities without walking an hour?

Thanks

The Illusionarium show is still on. There was doubt as to whether it would continue, but it is definitely still an option. I have reservations on Nov 20 sailing on s to Getawas

The cast changes but the show is not leaving at least while she remains in Miami. Don't know how they will handle it when she leaves for Europe. I asked about Miami but not the other while on her in Sept.

No, there is not a 50 dollar deposit on suites. And the future cruise Haven only credit offered on board was simply too pricey. They said they are beta-testing. Yeesh

It is the same 50 dollar deposit they offered 3 weeks ago- excludes suites.

People would put down a 150 bucks total for 3 people in an H6 and cancel right before final as it is easier to let NCL use 150"$ of your money than $1500 dollars whilst you make up your mind.

No, there is not a 50 dollar deposit on suites. And the future cruise Haven only credit offered on board was simply too pricey. They said they are beta-testing. Yeesh

I see you are on the Jewel. They have bright yet nice 2 rooms.There is NOT a restaurant, etc in the courtyard, but you eat elsewhere for bkfst and lunch as I recall. Ours were young the two or 3 times on Jewel class, read some reviews and then make a decision. The balconies are biggger than on the mega ships.

And still have fun!

Depends on ship and how many suites available. The getaway 2 bedroom has a balcony the size of a drawer . Our last 3 Haven trips on Getaway have been OUTSIDE the Haven. You can check the price history. If you have 4 stops like we did, you wont be needing the Haven.

If the price is right when added to you r original- why not?

You can always make a counter -offfer. See how many are available.

Have fun!!!!!!

I traded my diet cokes for Tomas. Oh, yeah!!

Seriously, I also add lime slices to diet Pepsi. I used to prefer diet coke, but I go in spurts.

I dont know how it works with the non-diet soda- the lime, I mean.

Even with the crazy increases over the past year(s), the Haven can still be done for under $2K per person (family of 4) total. Prices tend to be the best when bookings are released then climb over time. The trick is to be ready to pull the trigger when new dates are released. People waiting for Spring/Summer 2018 on Escape (if it is still in Miami) will get better prices than those currently booking for Spring/Summer 2017.

 

Some people taking up-sells aren't getting the huge savings that they are seeing. For example, I priced a Haven at a current price and compared to what it was months ago and the exact same sailing/category is over $1000 more total. If someone takes an up-sell and "saves" $1000 over the current price, it is exactly the same price as someone who booked months ago.

 

Plus, people who are particular about which stateroom they want, don't have to risk getting a less desirable stateroom if they book early.

 

Even though I won't be able to actually compare until 2018, MSC's Yacht Club easily beats NCL's Haven on price but with similar perks. The staterooms are smaller but I'm really looking forward to Seaside.

 

NCL has to do something or they may continue to lose Haven guests.

Well, they lost this family! The price for the suites we priced- DOS, H4, 2H5s- are the same as when the price for the cruise was released. The went up about 18% for a few months, but dropped a week or so ago- if one can consider 14.5 K for an H4 with a teensy balcony a "drop". For less than half that for 2 connecting large balconies is a no brainer for us. If we were cruising without kids we would have gone not in summer and on a different line.

with 4 shore days in a row, the room seems like an after thought at this point. Hubbie and I were more casual and slow, but these teens are gonna want to GO!!!

And we get our Platinum laundry bonus still! And that meal in wherever they will give it next summer...

The kids don't care about the Haven and they are more excited about he ports.

I had a little sticker shock - thought is boook a cabana on Belize. The 499.00 was we person. So was the 299.00. Think it was an error.

Um- no.

 

We'll see what folks have to say about Harvest Cay and maybe just hang out and do nothing .

 

Thanks for your helpful advices. Kids are excited about a different ship , it's cheaper than RCL, and the deposit was peanuts .

 

We had not even thought of taking another NCL cruise as the Haven is so obnoxiously priced - then realized we didn't need it. Hubby doesn't do sun bathing, kids will do the slides but hate Haven pools, and the price so far is terrific.

 

Have a great weekend

Ann

Just now when I looked at cabanas again, it did allow me to book for only one person. Not doing it, but when I tried to the first time ( as Belize day is my birthday) the website wouldnt let me. Gotta wait and read some reviews first...

The kids don't care about the Haven and they are more excited about he ports.

I had a little sticker shock - thought is boook a cabana on Belize. The 499.00 was we person. So was the 299.00. Think it was an error.

Um- no.

We'll see what folks have to say about Harvest Cay and maybe just hang out and do nothing .

Thanks for your helpful advices. Kids are excited about a different ship , it's cheaper than RCL, and the deposit was peanuts .

We had not even thought of taking another NCL cruise as the Haven is so obnoxiously priced - then realized we didn't need it. Hubby doesn't do sun bathing, kids will do the slides but hate Haven pools, and the price so far is terrific.

Have a great weekend

Ann

Hello:

My husband and I quite enjoyed out anniversary trip on Getaway last month. As usual we were in a suite. As I wrote my review, it occurred to me that the Haven had nothing really to do with our enjoyment. While the aft suite was the BOMB!, we AGAIN used the Haven very little as the most obnoxious critters on earth seemed glued to it.

With the 50 dollar deposit sale as a hook and prepaid grats, I was intrigued We can take our family of 5 in connecting, large balconies for less than we spent for our aft suite. Its a summer cruise, of course, so I know about the crowds. We have 4 stops and even if the Haven had a decent price, there is so little time spent on the ship.

Has anyone gone from Haven to non and been happy? I am clausterphobic-ish, so need at least a large balcony. But Im not dropping 13K for a Haven suite when most of our time will be off ship or passed out.

We are platinum and afforded the "benefits" of that status, early debarkation and help in booking meals may be a plus.

This policy NCL has of keeping the suite prices out of reach but allowing upsells at a ridiculous price has finally stuck in my craw.It is a stupid policy.

I dont feel that people who usually sail in balconies are going to suddenly start booking Haven suites for 3 times the cost. I don't care about special seats in the theater, dont care about a cabana in Harvest Cay. I will miss the big bathroom, but so what?

The cabins are on deck 9 and have a 72 sq foot foot balcony as opposed to the 52 sq foot in the H4

Any of you summer, Escape sailing folks. have any advice? Final is not until late April and I m not even sure if my kids can get away then. But the cheap deposit was cool.

Any comments, hints, lashings at my snotty behaviour and poor typing are welcomed.

I think that we will have a blast.

Thanks

AnnM

You had Tequila shots with Frank Del Rio? Maybe I'm not understanding right.

No, Frank Townsend, a comedian. I had no tequila, my husband ,another comedian and Frank Townsend had the Patron.

But images of DelRio doing tequila shots is quite amusing!

I love your review. I'm another that thinks NCL has improved, and I love knowing it's not just me.

 

Did Frank Townsend also sit in with the Howl players? He was on the Escape TA, and he played drums and sang nearly every night. He's great!

Its true- the improvement in the NCL product in just one year since we sailed Getaway last is remarkable. To those considering a cruise- please don't let the naysayers who are preemtively pi$$$ed off dissuade you from cruising NCL. The staff, the food, the entertainment is top notch. The ship was also SPOTLESS!

Frank didn't sit in when we attended, but he was at the bar in headliners. Had a great chat with my husband and I believe that there was a round of Tequila shots involved. We also ran in to him in Belize. Such a nice guy. Would have loved to hear him sing!

We were deck mates! That poor woman- we found her the very first night and hoped that she would be in better hands after that. She was naked when we found her..so terribly sad

I KNEW that I should have tried the Dover sole! After the ad nauseum lobster talk on this forum , I had to try it at Ocean Blue.

The lobster rolls made up for any disappointing whole lobster.

We didn't do much that involved the CD, but now that you remind me, Silas was at the gangways and very engaged with the aren't hijacking anything!

This is a forum and I love your comments!

Glad that you had a good time as well. 😀😀😀😀

I found the best waiter on the Getaway. Horice Miller. Honestly the best waiter I've ever had anywhere. Requested his section many times. Also surprisingly I thought the food in the Main Dinning room were so good I was upset I missed a few nights menus due to having the dining package.

 

The Spa pass was my best purchase of the cruise. My GF convinced me to get the pass and had to admit it was a true highlight.. It was a little piece of heaven. The pay magic show Illusionarium was really really good( the included meal just ok) It was very cool seeing an act from the Illusionarium soon after on the tv show America's got Talent. They got 2nd.

 

Sadly I have heard that the flamingo grill is gone. This was one of my favorite places for breakfast and lunch. The rope course and slides are good. If you wait till in port to try they are empty no wait time.

 

Also this has worked multiple times on multiple cruises... Call from your room phone an officer like head of food and beverage and tell them about a great experience or a server you had and I have always received after a plate of chocolate covered strawberries from them delivered to the room.

 

I loved the Getaway so much am currently booked 12/4/2016 because was so much I didn't do that I wanted to do. Spent so much time in the spa.

But that thermal spa is the BOMB, is it not? OMG! I was addicted!

Awesome review Ann! We'll be on the Getaway on 10/9... I'm going to book the Passion island tour tonight. Thanks for sharing your experience

Have fun! It's a great place to really relax - but you can use the ware trampoline if you dare!

We are on the 10/16 sailing.

 

Breakfast on the balcony is what I am looking forward to the most!

 

Is the YouTube video of 11908 identical to 11308?

 

 

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Yes It is! Rex will take great care of you. Such a gentleman! You can order anything you want for breakfast. There are suite breakfast hang tags for the door, we just added anything else that we wanted

Rex will call you when he is about to deliver so that you can toss on a robe. White tablecloth and everything.

Loved it!

That's the room I will be in :)

If your husband happens to have any pictures of the room or any of the haven areas I would love to see them.

There is a YouTube video of the suite on the other side of the 11th deck. But the suite looks nicer in person than in the video.

You will love love love this suite .

It is so quiet, a perfect size and very convenient to all the action on 6-7-8.

I'll see what we can dig up.

We had breakfast on the balcony several times and it was lovely.

The service that comes with the Haven is just as good as in the actual Haven location.

Sailing away with the aft view is stunning.

I'm ready to go back!

When are you sailing?

When we booked the Western itinerary we were supposed to go to the Harvest Caye. I am not a fan of Belize City, I did not want to do the cave tours, zip lining or a long drive to pyramids. We have spent a bit of time at the major Mayan sites on other trips And the thought of a long bus ride didn't sit well.

First stop was Roatan. On our prior visit here we docked at Coxen Hole. This trip we were at that other place. We had the excusrsions credit with NCL so did choose 3 of their excursions, one of them the Jolly Roger catamaran in Roatan.

We docked and had an hour or so before our meet up time. IT WAS HOT !!!!-

I had a specific item that wanted to buy for one of my sons. He had a wooden guitar-shaped puzzle box with a secret compartment that was damaged during a move that we made.

WE found him a lovely one as well as a monkey box for son #2, some cute small purses and a shirt. We had ample time to return to our room and deposit the goodies, re-apply sunscreen and head to the meeting point.

Our favorite snorkeling tours via NCL and RCL have been in St John and St Thomas. We were divided into groups of 25 or so, herded onto small buses and taken to the pier. It was an interesting 20 minute ride . Our timing coinciding with elementary school release, so many adorable school kids in their plaid uniforms were walking, biking or scooter in home from school. The lower grades attend in the morning, the afternoon is for upper grades.As we passed through each village , the plaid pattern of the girl's skirts changed.

The poverty was very apparant. The beaches on the way to the pier were filthy. Garbage was everywhere- in the water, on the sand. Quite yucky and very sad.

We reached the pier and were swiftly loaded on to the "Betty". One of my bassets is Betty so I knew that we would have a great trip!

While many signed up for this excursion, there were at least 5 different vessels so there was not any crowding. We took a lovely trip to the snorkel site and were the first boat to arrive. You are divided into novice ad experienced snorkelers and must follow a guide. While I appreciate this as in St John we saw idiots standing on coral and destroying the reefs, I like a little more freedom. But it was not a huge issue.

ALSO- if you have snorkeled once when you were 7 and are now 58, you are STILL a novice.We had several gals in our group who really had a difficult time and needed assistance from the guide in the kyack more than once. You will have a better time if you take it slow-snorkeling is NOT the same has doing the the crawl!

We saw a lot of fish but none of the cool turtles and lobster like we have seen on previous snorkel trips. It was lovely just the same. We snorkeled at the edge of a shelf and it was breath taking and very cool.

The trip back was filled with a substantial meal of rice, beans, pastas and chicken as well as all the rum punch or just plain rum that one wanted! Sodas are also available. There was no pushy tipping-talk, just a quick mention of the tip jar. Tee Shirts were also for sale, hubs always gets one from our snorkel trips but never seems to wear them!

You will be accosted by many kids and adults selling stuff as you walk to and from the buses.

Our trip back to the Getaway was marred only by another LOUD talker. Seriously- we are in an elongated van, everyone is happy, we don't care that 30 years ago you found a nurse leaving your on-again, off again obstetrical resident semi-boyfriend's apartment during a surprise visit so now you DONT drive a Mercedes. And all nurses are NOT tramps, BTW, lady!!! She went on about the slutty nurses- not the fact that her boyfriend was a pig. I MAY have had to whisper to her that not all nurses are loose as we exited the van-Hubby almost died trying to stifle a laugh.

Marred is not the proper word. We actually find this type of guest entertaining.

The grade for this excursion was a B+- would have been an A if we had more freedom and time in the water. A good trip, I would do it again.

BELIZE was our next port. We had a pleasant tender ride after all the excursions had left. If you are not leaving early in the morning you do not need a tender ticket. We left around 11am and walked righ on. The tender filled within 10 minutes and the ride was a blast. Our tender team was quite entertaining.

If you don't have an excursion poked there is little to do in Belize City. YOu are advised to stay behind the gates. We did exit after a security guard pointed us to the "flea market". It was the same shops as in the gated area at the pier.

Prescription drug sales are a big hit in this port-stopped for some Chapstick and was met with crowds using all sorts of pills. Some of them were handed out in zip loc style bags! Whatever, folks!

We tendered back after about an hour. VEry pleasant day despite Belize City being BLAH. AGAIN- we did not do an excursion so your mileage may vary!

Pleasant and relaxing day on the ship with zero crowds.

NOTE TO HAVEN GUESTS- you have a priority tender from 3pm-4pm back to the ship. We did not stay that late but hopped right on a tender and we're back on the Getaway swiftly.

COSTA MAYA

For this stop we scheduled the Segway tour. It was AMAZING! We have Segwayed(?) in the past and our 8:30 am group had only 4 of us.

What I did not realize, nor did the other couple, is that you can Segawy to the beach AND STAY THERE, taking a pre-paid cab back at your leisure. This is not well explained in the description. Since none of the 4 of us were beach ready, we had the treat of also taking the Segway ride back to the pier.

This was one of the best excusrsions that we have ever done. The guides took us to a light house, to several beaches, through small towns with colorful and wonderful shop! We stopped at 2 beached for 30 minutes each and walked the sand, shopped, had beverages. The prices at this strip of beach were lower than at the port itself. Not by a huge amount, but at least 10 percent.

We decided to go back to the ship, get our bathing suits on and return to the beach area by taxi but we didn't. We did some shopping on the way back to the ship, had a too-leisurely lunch in the HAven and then decided we didn't want to cut it too close.

The cab ride is 2 dollars and 5 minutes. I would have returned to either the Crazy Lobster or Kimbara beach. If we go again we will again take this tour and then stay at the each or simply take the cab on our own, bypassing the SEgways. Our small group made it fun- we were able to go full speed and had a blast! The guides will carry anything that you purchase. Excellent time.

The group leaving at 11:30 or so had 15 people in it. The guide told us that on the last tour of the day, they do 3, there are sometimes 25 people so the SEgway line is almost two blocks long.

While we worried about not having enough beach time, others were a little less concerned. All aboard was 4:30 pm and we watched folks strolling down the long pier until at least 4:55pm. I was disappointed not to see any runners!!!

This is a long , long pier walk, by the way. Give yourself at least 12 minutes walking time if your excursion mets at the end of the pier.

COZUMEL:

We had our best excursion here.

One warning, food smiling folks- your bags will be sniffed by dogs when you leave the ship- not at the gangway, but at the end of the pier. OH MY GOODNESS! I cannot believe how many people IGNORE the explicit warning not to take fruits or meat products off the ship! Every 4th person seems to be a smuggler. It was fun to watch. I had two packs of saltines and they were allowed- it is okay to take pre-packaged crackers.

I forgot that they were in my cross body bag but that cute doggie caught me! I was able to keep them. I tossed them anyway. While I had a memory lapse, I doubt that the family with the 5 bananas and sandwiches ahead of us "forgot" that they were in the backpacks. So in Cozumel, fools- buy your won lunch or go back to the ship!

We chose the Passion Island beach day. It is actually 3 hours on the island and boat rides back and forth.

THIS WAS THE BEST BEACH TRIP WE HAVE EVER TAKEN ON A CRUISE>EVER!

Although 4 ships were in port, we were the first to arrive to this amazing beach. The sand was like baby powder, no rocks or sticky junk in the ocean, very, very clean. Vendors do not come up to you, you can go to their shops. Lunch and certain drinks are included . We stuck to diet cola but free alcoholic beverages were of questionable brands. After the headache we got in Miami we weren't drinking any brain basement alcohol. Hubby didn't even feel like a cerveza, I did have one.

There is plenty of shade from tikis to umbrellas and hammocks . There are also water hammocks. Best thing ever. TIP_ if your hammock is too low in the water, simply swing it over the wooden bar above you to shorten. We had delightful naps on these.

I also had an amazing massage on the beach. I believe it was 60 dollars for over an hour. Whole body plus extra time on face ,neck and scalp. Truly relaxing and good, deep tissue coverage if you so desired. I did so desire and was very pleased.

There are also monster inflatables in the water but we left those for the few kids as we looked lie fools trying to climb them- hubs was on one side, didn't see me swim up on the other and as he jumped off it smashed my head- but just a little.

We arrived at Passion Island at 10. Two other ships came and still there was no crowd. I had been skeptical about this tour as I imagined the Dsiney and RCCL private islands with every inch of beach covered by loungers smushed in together and throngs of hungry cruisers clamor in for chicken. This is not owned by the crusie lines and isn't free, so there was none of that nonsense.

We feltt as though the beach was our own. Waiters would bring drinks if requested and cleared the launch plates from our under-umbrella table.

LOVED this tranquil island and would return in a heartbeat.

We went back to the ship- our transfer vessel was a great trip with music and cruisers line dancing on the top deck. REally great crown and lots of fun.

We returned to Getaway, showered and headed back out to Cozumel. Did a bit of shopping and had an amazing snack, which turned not our dinner, at Senor Chiles. It is about an 8 minute walk from the escalators. We order stuffed jalapeño and ceviche. The peppers were 6-8 inches long and so yummy. The ceviche was srimp, octopus and cilantro with lime. It was served on a platter with enough for 6 people. But we did our duty and ate it all. Heavenly. Simply delicious food.

We walked back to the ship watching a fantastic lightening storm in the distance. This was such an enjoyable day that I am almost embarrassed that I had second thoughts about the western itinerary.

Excursion wise we were completely satisfied. Two A pluses and one Bplus is a pretty excellent EPA- excursion point average!!

We are doing a transatlantic sailing and booked a Haven suite for a few reason...

The Haven pool has a retractable roof so hopefully our 3 year old will be able to swim whenever she wants

 

The $7.95 room service charge is included and with a 3 year old we will be using that

 

Bigger cabin with a small dining room table and living room area

 

I hear ppv movies are included (yet to be confirmed) and snacks are readily available

 

Having said this it's our first Haven sailing and sure hope it works out as well as I am imagining lol

 

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PPV movies are free in Haven suites. Depending on the suite and ship, however, in room dining can be dicey due to size of table. We could not eat meals with our 3 kids in a 2 bedroom H4 - tried breakfast once and it was quite a balancing actYou can have any snack or meal delivered to your room. You have a 24 hour butler service , no room service fee either. Just got off Getaway and had 2 late night deliveries which took no longer than 15 minutes.

I haven't read this entire thread, just addressing your post

If your kid wants gummy bears , then gummy bears it is. Ours liked the cookies and after a first request they were delivered several times a day.

The butler even noticed your coffee/ tea choices and brings extra if what you like.

BTW Getaway has no retractable roof if it is she you are sailing . Her Haven is open air.

We have been in suites on RCL, Disney and NCL

Disney has amazing 2 bedroom suites but the price is insane. Ours are too old for Disney and-

While they have longer kids care hours we found the clubs absolute chaos when our kids were between 3 and 6. Literally had to wander among throngs of children trying to find ours. Service was great ,suites were great but after 3 trips we were Disney done.

Have a great trip

NCL - with one exception when the concierge told us he despised kids ( prior to the Haven concept)-treats the kids very, very well.