Coastalbreezes

Once upon a time, hosts always offered to make dinner reservations for me based on my play. Now with it being easier to book online in advance of your cruise or when you get on board, restaurants do tend to sell out quicker than in the past. Not sure why you'd ask the host to make the reservations when you'd have a better chance of getting them yourself?

In my recent experience having the Premium+ package, Aqua Panna was available in the Haven and also throughout the ship.

Upon arrival speak with the Haven maitre d' and he/she will work with you and the chef to accommodate you. The chef may even come out and speak with you directly. I'm sure you will be offered more than only a couple of selections. It's one of the reasons I love the Haven.

15 hours ago, Jodi H said:

We got on the ship this morning. Embarkation from curb to bar was 20 minutes 😊 Access to our room by 1pm but of course the luggage isn't there yet but we don't care. Oh, and absolutely no fog. It's beautiful.

What about muster? Were you back to attending regular drills (as is happening on Escape now) or did you just have your card scanned upon boarding?

I was has on Escape last week and they've changed a few things on specialty menus. Sorry I didn't take photos but here's what I noticed:

La Cucina -- Veal Osso Buco has been replaced with lamb shank (very delicious). The menu still says Osso Buco but it is not available.

Le Bistro -- Veal Chop is replaced with a pork chop.

Le Bistro -- there is now a $10 upcharge for filet mignon.

Teppanyaki -- filet has been replaced with strip loin and it was tough. Menu still says filet for the combination meals but is no longer available.

If anyone else spies newly replaced items, I hope you'll report the changes here.

Your choice of Haven might depend on what you are actually looking for in your experience. Is it important that the pool, sundeck, bar and restaurant are close to your cabin? Are you the type who would enjoy relaxing in the beautiful Haven observation lounges? (available on the Bliss, Joy and Encore). Other factors might be the specialty restaurants on board. Not all ships have the same ones. I have friends who prefer aft suites because of the large balconies and myself prefer to be in Haven proper.

Prestige Limo is also a great car service company. I have used them many times.

No fireworks but there will be parties/countdowns all over the ship, in every venue. The biggest parties will be at the main pool and also at Spice H2O.  Many people dress up (although it is not required). NYE on board a ship is lots of fun!

The Super Bowl will be shown on just about every TV ship-wide. Also the casino usually does a pool with squares (around $20-$25/each). Lots of people will be wearing their team jerseys. Just note that you will only see the game, not the commercials as it is broadcast via satellite.

Coffee-mate sells boxes of hazelnut creamers and I have brought those on board in my luggage. I would suggest bringing a box versus an entire bottle (which could get confiscated).

Almost everything at Bistro is excellent with one exception: I recently ordered the duck and while the presentation was beautiful, the skin was very rubbery and unappetizing and not crispy as it should have been. It was disappointing and I wouldn't order it again. For an appetizer salad, the goat cheese croquettes and beet salad is delicious.

The Illusionarium on (I believe) Getaway was always number one on my list. I saw it at least 10 times and each time it was magical and amazing.

Often, but not always due to weather, tides or other circumstances, the ship will arrive in port much earlier than 7:00 a.m. Setting up the gangways, getting clearance from the port etc takes at least an hour, sometimes longer.

That being said, in my own experience I've seen people needing to hurry off lined up to disembark as early as 6:00 a.m. and the lines stretch the length of the ship. If you are in the Haven you are first off. My last couple of cruises from Miami disembarkation began a little after 7:00. You can definitely make your MIA flight but if you aren't in Haven expect to line up early. 

On 11/10/2022 at 6:22 AM, Raintree said:

From what I have read, bottled water is not readily available on NCL ships..  NCL uses FLOW water which is not the "usual" bottled water.  I have tried to get some information from NCL.  Is bottled water available for purchase in the dining areas, and is it available for purchase for your cabin? I know that it is part of a Premium drink package, but that would be around $2000 for two people per week-- and not use the other drinks in the Premium package.  We just drink bottled water--also would not use refillable bottles using FLOW around the ship.  Any comments"?  Thank you.

If you already have the unlimited open bar package with your reservation, you can upgrade to the Premium Plus beverage package for only $243.00 pp and it includes Acqua Panna by the bottle, Starbucks etc. The $1000 pp is for those who did not have the promo drink package in their reservation and wish to purchase Premium Plus separately. Tap water on board is fine too and available everywhere.

You can absolutely ask for additional glasses to share a bottle with your table mates. I've never been turned down.

Escape (30)

Encore (3)

Breakaway (8)

Getaway (13)

Gem (8)

Jewel (3)

Dawn (2)

Pearl (1)

Spirit (1)

Sun (2)

Jade (1)

Bliss (2)

Joy (5)

Sky (1)

Prima (1)

Star, Epic and Pride are the only three I haven't sailed.

6 hours ago, kapcruiser said:

Do u have to watch the video at check in or can you watch it another time?

You watch it as part of the online check-in process, then you have to check a box that affirms you've seen it. Otherwise you cannot complete check-in and get your edocs. Video is only a couple minutes long. When we boarded Prima we were directed to our muster station where our cards were scanned and that was it. Very simple process.

8 hours ago, kapcruiser said:

What is on the smash burger? Looks delicious 

Carmelized onions and a remoulade-type sauce. Simple yet amazing.

That smashburger was one of the best burgers I've ever had on NCL. Spinach/artichoke dip was delicious too.

Bottled water is not included in the regular beverage package and you are correct that it is included with Premium Plus. You most definitely can get glasses and cups of water anywhere on the ship. Also, depending on your Latitude level (Gold and above), cartons of water will be in your cabin upon arrival. If you are a casino player, you can get bottles of water with your casino card too.

7 hours ago, WhenIsOurNextCruise said:

Thanks for the Casino responses!

 

Does anyone know the name of the concierge?  I know, sadly,  it’s not Adrian Bica.  I think he has brought out every new ship from NCL since the Epic, until now.  

David Contreras opened Prima but is currently on vacation. Virginia Brotherton has taken over for him.

10 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

We were unsuccessful in our quest for a blueberry mojito. We were in the Haven last month and the bartenders started preparing them as they saw us coming. 

Sounds yummy. Was that Prima Haven that made those?

The coin pushers are near the Player's Club. Not sure if Flintstones are still there but they were on a wall opposite the Players Club.

I was on a 7-day Sky cruise at the end of August. We sailed at about 60% capacity. There were no crowds anywhere I went (dining, theater, bars, activities). From what I heard, it's the shorter (3 and 4-night cruises) that tend to be full.

Since Onda is only on a few ships I'd choose it over Ocean Blue. Both are delicious but lately I have found Ocean Blue to be hit or miss with the food. Onda is consistently excellent.