amygutman

@BirdTravels

LOVE this series, and is a very interesting look into the "behind-the-scenes". I wish there was more in-depth information regarding the inner workings of ship life ... like how the laundry gets done and meals prepped as I think those things are the heart of the ship. Honestly, one of my least AND most favorite thing from working on a ship was turnaround day. It's baffling to me how it happens so often without major problems on a scale that is difficult to imagine. The logistics were incredible even to order a single item for the medical clinic (like, for example, a specific medication for a crew member) and have it magically appear in my supply stock. It's addicting as a cruiser as well but on a more entertaining level. I'm so glad I didn't know about the marathon, but I do admit to downloading many episodes from amazon prime when I am in-between cruises! Warmest Amy

Oh...Food happiness!!!!! 🥰 Warmest Amy

@Daniel A You just put yourself in the position of reigniting the "horrors of Coffee Mate" threat from a few months back. Dangerous waters indeed. I'm an oat milk gal myself, but my British friend joining us on our upcoming Encore cruise has specifically requested Cravendale or Dairy Pride milk chilled in the mini-fridge to use with her "proper kettle". Our pre-concierge is good, but she's not "can arrange for Cravendale chilled milk" good. Kate the Brit is horrified at the prospect of using the coffee-maker to heat her water. Wait until she gets a load of Coffee Mate 😇 Warmest Amy

@BirdTravels we splurged for the DOS 18100....a reunion for our family with friends from London and Bermuda. They've never been on a cruise before, none of us have been to Alaska and I think we are about to ruin them for life! Will look out for Lyster, and am so glad you had a wonderful time yourself. Have been loving your posts for the longest time, but especially this one! Safe Travels, Warmest Amy

@MeganSmiles A good tip is to google "Harr Travels AND...." name of the ship and room category. Danny, the "Youtube tour guide" gives very detailed room reviews including a close look at the bathrooms. He doesn't do every ship, but certainly a lot of them and I find them not only enjoyable, but very, very informative. He's 6'7" and he spends a LOT of time standing in the showers for "perspective" Warmest Amy

@BirdTravels thank you so much for the amazing review. I appreciate all of the details and especially your commentary as it's very straightforward and refreshing. I didn't think it was possible, but we are even more excited for our trip in 14 days - you have been a wonderful "pre-guide". Safest travels home, and looking forward to the Haven videos...Warmest, Amy

@Roel94 Regarding Africa - what time of the year are the Explora sailings? We are interested in 2025 so there is nothing published online and having a dickens of a time trying to figure it out from the current itineraries on the website Warmest Amy

How far is the walk if you don't mind? We are pretty heaty folks and would prefer to walk than ride if is under a few miles (and not pouring). And thank you again for taking the time to post all of the info! Looks so gorgeous - 19 days to go!!!!!! Warmest Amy

It looks freaking spotless!!! So cool and what a marvel of efficiency.

Thank you for taking us along on a wonderful adventure. The pictures were wonderful and it was fantastic hearing all your tips and reading your commentary I suppose the best review is the fact that your husband wants to get back on the ship which certainly is a glowing recommendation. Safe travels on the way home enjoy seeing Miss Daisy! Warmest Amy

Great thread idea! Very excited about our 13 Night Epic TA from Rome to Port Canaveral November 10-23 2024 Haven H6 2 Bedroom for $10,362. With Platinum discounts and perks from our travel agent, this includes trip insurance (!!!!), the standard "free at sea" promotions, $50 per port excursion credit, pre-paid tips and an additional OBC 100$ from the TA. Because of our travel agent loyalty, we also got a choice of a 1K pre-paid Visa card or 1K OBC. Works out to be $3454 / passenger (husband, myself, teenager) or $265 / person / night. Even better for us, we only need to pay for a one-way flight as we live in Orlando 45 mins from the debarkation port. Currently in the process of cancelling our MSC Euribia Northern Europe cruise Feb 2024 (kiddo has school tests sadly) and searching for 2025 NCL Haven deals. Not a whole heck of a lot out there...in fact they seem way, way higher than even 6 months ago. Considering dipping our toes into Explora as the 2024 itineraries are intriguing but the ships appear more family-friendly than Azamara. Pricing seems similar to the Haven overall. Warmest Amy

Congrats on taking control of your health. You can't fight genetics, but you can maximize everything else to help ensure a long, happy, healthy life. It sounds like from your other postings you have overcome a potentially life-ending event so it's more than 70 pounds you've lost, you've potentially GAINED a much longer lifetime of exploring the world one port at a time. Thanks for the inspiration! Warmest Amy

@Sand and Seas Excuse my ignorance...."guests" vs "passengers"? Warmest Amy

OH MY G-D!!!! Live reviews from @justhappy AND @BirdTravels? Seeing both of your names makes me smile and being 21 days away from the same ship and itinerary gives me (as the kids say) "all of the feels". Thank you both for taking the time to entertain the excited masses...safe travels! Warmest Amy

As the kids say "I Cant EVEN"... those photos are stunning. It sounds like you are in heaven! Warmest Amy

If you want to reassure yourself that you don't (or possibly do) need a visa, you can go to this website which is very user-friendly. 5 questions will let you know definitively if you need to apply. https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp Warmest Amy

What a beautiful array of photos. Thank you so much...my heart is so full right now! Warmest Amy

@efuzz to let you know that @justhappy is doing a lifestream for the Encore in Alaska as we speak. She is not in the Haven, but is giving a wonderful review. Have a fantastic time and get the ship ready for us… Our family and friends are boarding on September 24th!!!! Warmest Amy

Does @Sthrngary know this? Good lord…. That croissant-loving gentle statesman will be buying stock in the bakery company!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Warmest, Amy

WOW! That meal looks amazing and it sounds like you are having a lovely time. Curious - I know you have sailed both in and out of the Haven...do you feel you are being treated just as well? That special Haven experience is to be treasured, but it would be wonderful to confirm from a very reasonable source such as yourself that yes...you CAN be "justhappy" outside of the suite area. Happily following your adventures....Warmest Amy

Beautiful photos....and loving your trip report so much! Warmest Amy

Oh Happy Haven Day!!!! Am I the only one who feels that other than the joy of embarkation, the most exciting day is when the magic envelope arrives with the luggage tags? Came home from a horrific overnight shift to find my husband had sorted the mail and left this on my pillow. I'M. JUST. SO. HAPPY!!!!!!! 31 Days 23 Hours to go until our next Haven Bucket List Trip. Off to sleep with a smile.🥰 Warmest Amy

We really like the Harr videos in general, but thought this one of the Viva 2 bedroom suite was particularly interesting. Different design certainly than any other of the fleet's 2 bed/2 bath suites. Hard to make a judgement without actual cruisers weighing in but it seems that: POSITIVES: If travelling with 2 adult couples, it is a better set-up than the pull-out couch on the non-Prima-Class ships, and the 2nd bathroom is larger. The balcony appears to be much larger with space for multiple loungers and 4 seater table vs 2 chairs / small table on non-Prima-class. NEGATIVES: Very small living room with short ceilings - OK, Danny Harr is like 6'7" but he almost has to crouch. Actually appears a bit claustrophobic with the drab color scheme. In-room dining would also be a challenge. Heck...it's the Haven, and for us we are in the Middle East / Med in May / June 2025 so we can take hopefully full advantage of that balcony and not fuss too much about the living room. Cannot wait to see more actual experiences as the ship has more sailings. Warmest Amy