Julesp313

Yep to the previous posters - we just got back from the Breakaway yesterday, were one of the first off the ship thanks to the Haven priority walk-off/carry your own stuff option, and were through customs in maybe 15 minutes. The Haven priority got us past the other walk-off passengers but once we were inside the customs area, it was one line for everyone - still very efficient and easy. I think from leaving the Haven lounge to getting into a yellow cab was maybe 30-40 minutes at the most - certainly not a pain like I was dreading!

Just got back from the Breakaway last week (from the Bahamas to 28 degrees - thanks a bunch, Minnesota winters!). We didn't make any special requests but our butler was great at having a selection of both savory and sweet options for the afternoon snack, and a more substantial offering of sandwiches and chips on the days he knew we were off the ship. He also stocked the Lavazza machine with far more regular coffee pods after day one when we used all four and did get a few more from our cabin steward (who was also wonderful).

We ate breakfast every day in the Haven, as well as a couple of lunches and two dinners. We always had good service but exceptionally good with one specific server who we then requested each time she was working. We had the UDP so we mainly had dinners in the specialty restaurants, but the Haven was perfect the night we were in Florida as we were wiped out after running through Kennedy Space Center for six hours (far too little time there - it was too cool!). I have to say we are now spoiled for being in the Haven and will have a hard time cruising if we are not able to indulge ourselves again - for us, it really was well worth the spend.

Also on the Breakaway last week - we asked the cruise director about the missed stop and he said the Breakaway had only missed GSC twice "this season" including last week. I felt like I've read about more misses than that on these boards, so my guess is other ships have had to cancel too.

I too was disappointed as I was really looking forward to the island, but I appreciate that safety has to be paramount for the cruise line - still sucked though!

We sail on Sunday on the Breakaway in the Haven, and we are mid 40s, no kids. I have absolutely no problem with kids being kids but would hope that the parents or grandparents are present to manage behavior if it becomes unruly (and recognize that everyone has a different definition of unruly!).

I would be more offended by out of control adults in the Haven than kids having fun (except when they issue those ear-piercing squeals that can shatter glass - anyone doing that is annoying!).

You can use cash, if you prefer....

If you use a credit card, make sure you inform the CC company you'll be away and charging elsewhere!You don't want a "fraud" alert on your account, if you only have 1 card!

Thanks for the reminder to call the card company - I didn't have that on my last minute to-do list but I just called them. Nothing worse than planning for a great trip and having to try and get hold of the card company to tell them that yes, that is me buying all that rum... :)

I just checked NCL website and excursions and did not see anything about being able to prepay clamshells. Any advice? Going in 11/2215 cruise. TIA

I have the same question - as soon as I read "reserve before you board" I went to try and do so, but I don't see it listed. We sail November 15 so I'd love to pre-book one (I'm too pale to sit in the sun for very long!). Thanks!

I wanted to say this thread was a timely read for me, having just got a similar call from the Executive Office myself today saying our specific suite will be out of commission during our cruise. I'm very glad the OP got a resolution that was acceptable because I can see how frustrating it could be to have your original plans changed, especially if you had your heart set on certain amenities.

Awesome - I love it when it's all included and I've already paid it before I even get on the ship! :)

Quick question - does the 18% service charge still apply if you're staying in the Haven? We got the dining package included and the NCL rep on the phone said there were no additional charges, but I'm not sure if that means the 18% or not. Slightly confused, for which I apologize!