SailLaVie

6 hours ago, cruisequeen4ever said:

I love forward facing staterooms for the captain-like view, buttttttt I wouldn’t get one for a transatlantic due to the motion. You can’t get a bigger amount of motion than high and in the front. 

Guess it’ll be quite the experience 😳😆

7 hours ago, Homosassa said:

 

I wouldn't plan on there being calm waters.

 

Late fall is the height of hurricane season and even if a storm or multiple storms is not directly in your path, the effects of the storm(s) on wave height extends out for miles beyond the storm's edge.

I am hoping for a little excitement 😉  

11 hours ago, kelship said:

Not quite the same but I had a forward facing balcony in the Bahamas in October. 

 

Barely felt any motion up there but my goodness was it windy. 

I would definitely stay in a forward facing ocean view. Or a balcony anywhere else lol.

I’ve done mostly balcony cabins, but never forward facing. I’m never out there enough to justify cost, but really interested in the forward facing ocean view cabin 😃

9 hours ago, mertziek said:

We would and we have!  Did a recent TA from Copenhagen to New Orleans.  We love seeing where we are going. We were able to use our balcony most days without problems.  And boat motion does not affect us.

Im hoping I love it too. I’ve tried a few different types of cabins and want to try forward facing ocean view though, no balcony

10 hours ago, solle1 said:

My favorite type of cabin by far all it's personal preference I believe. Don't worry about the night time issue 

one time I violated the blackout rules by accident and  they just call your cabin and say the blinds are not fully closed 

and you make it so . To my taste it's reminiscent of a bridge tour as you help guide the ship into port .

Im looking forward to trying something different. I wasn’t aware of any restrictions 🤷‍♀️

15 hours ago, Markanddonna said:

The answer is if... If there are no major storms or poor oceanic conditions and if you are looking a balcony. Most forward balconies on a TA would be useless unless you love wind and sea mist.

No balcony, just a window 😃

16 hours ago, sverigecruiser said:

 

We had a forwardfacing penthouse on the Breakaway. It was not a transatlantic cruise but it was from New York in February and the waves were very high. We defenitely felt the movement the first morning but it was not a problem for us and I should defenitely book that cabin again for a transatlantic cruise.

Thanks for input 😃

20 hours ago, don't-use-real-name said:

You (the OP) did not indicate what ship (cruise itinerary) and time of the year for the cruise ?

 

The Forward end of the ship is subject to more motion than that of the center mid-ship lower deck.

Visualize a teeter-totter - the ends having the most motion -

The Aft portion would have motion also but not the wind factor sailing into it.

On ships with the forward balcony there is limited use of it at night - sterile light conditions for the bridge overhead.

It would be Escape in Fall from Southampton to Port Canaveral. I like to try different types of cabins and have tried aft balcony and enjoyed it a lot. It would be ocean view, I wouldn’t use a balcony enough to justify extra cost. Just wondering under fairly calm waters if forward facing is going to be bad?  I realize under bad conditions it’ll be rocky. I think it’ll be fun to watch ahead. 

On 1/23/2020 at 8:03 PM, BirdTravels said:

It depends if sea conditions bother you. The room with have the most motion and in heavy seas, a lot of noise from crashing waves. 
 

if you are on a small ship, the balcony will have limited use in bad weather and cold conditions. 

Only once on the Breakaway during a bomb cyclone storm. Felt like a roller coaster for 3 days. No balcony, just ocean view. 

4 hours ago, samanthanoel said:

I can't help you now, but this is the type of cabin I will have on our upcoming TA on the Escape in April. Hoping since it is southern route (NYC to Rome) that the motion will not be as bad as a northern route. 

Hopefully you have calm waters 🤞

I was wondering if you’ve sailed a forward facing cabin on a transatlantic cruise, how the motion was for you?  I’ve read some say they’d never sail a forward cabin on transatlantic cruise, would you?  Any information is greatly appreciated. 

If I'm pretty sure we want to try Cagney's, should I change my 3 meal SDP purchase to a 4 night to match my mom and son's perks? It seems like for $18 pp that's cheaper than paying A l Carte at Cagney's.

 

Does it matter if I do it now online, or later, onboard? Or after I confirm I can get a reservation at Cagney's?

 

TIA

It'll be cheaper to book ahead and to make reservations before, because the specialty restaurants fill up quickly. I really loved Moderno with the delicious buffet and all the tasty meats. Not sure if this is standard practice, but all the really good stuff came later when we were all stuffed! But save room for that pineapple!!! OMG it was so gooood! La Cucina was also very good, and Cagney's is a no brainer if you like steak. A lot of folks love Le Bistro, but it's not to my taste. I would definitely take the kids to cirque dreams as there's not a lot of shows geared for kids, I think. It's not expensive with the dining plan.

Have fun planning :D

I ate mine but it was lousy and I've had some bad pizzas in my day. I remember the Drive-In pizzas with almost fake cheese and some bad frozen stuff. But the Epic pizza delivery still wins for worst pizza in my book. La Cunina is not great either but its the best on board. The buffet pizza is never great either but if you get it fresh, its palatable. LOVE that NCL put a BBQ place on Bliss. Pizza is cheap. I would love to see a little pizzeria someday on NCL ships. Its a win/win for everyone. It can be included in the cruise fare because pizza is pretty cheap to make.

I feel the same. If I see a fresh pie come out the oven at the buffet, I'm down for a slice. Sorrento's on RC was pretty tasty and was always fresh when we went cause it was busy, busy, busy!

You can always order a pizza at la Cucina if you pay the cover charge. Even though that pizza is not great, its probably the best pizza on the ship. In 2010 Epic had a pizza delivery service for $5 large pizza. I came back from an excursion and was starving. Even in my starvation, it was one of the worst pizzas I ever ate. Not sure the Epic still has that pizza delivery service. Pizza is one area NCL can improve on. Wish they had a pizza place on the ship.

David, I totally agree with you! I came back to my cabin a wee bit intoxicated and since there's no hot dog cart (no judging ;p ) onboard, I ordered a pizza and took a bite and spit it out! Hands down the worst food I've had on any ship. Now, the pizza I had on Liberty of the Seas last month at Sorrento's was soooooooo good! NCL should do something about that pizza, it's seriously bad! With the promenade, the pizza, the flow rider, the nightly pool movies, and better beverage package choices... RC will probably be my next choice for a sailing. I have never sailed other than NCL and my recent experience has really opened my eyes!

I don't know why so many people freak out over filling up water bottles. I've seen people get food from the buffet and start eating right there with their hands, then go to the next station and use the next utensils with those same hands they just shoved in their mouth. I will admit that I take the glasses and fill them with water and ice and THEN put them in my water bottle, but I don't see why they don't have a place where one can do this? I can see that one shouldn't fill up a bottle of water that's been emptied, but a big mouth reusable thermos that I actually wash myself in the cabin with soap and water ( no dishwasher needed, I'm it) should be able to be filled up. It's no different than a cup IMHO.

I'd do it, if I were you. One, you would both have the privacy of your own bedroom and two, you would have access to the Haven.

The privacy isn't really an issue with my daughter, it would be if my son were to join us. But I totally agree with you on having our own place because tweens are very temperamental beings and it'll be good to have our own space. I know if my son doesn't come, my daughter will absolutely be over the moon to have that little room all to herself. She knows if her brother comes, she'll be on the sofa in the living room. LOL However, she's my heart, so I will absolutely share my bathroom with her if she wants to use it.

We have never been in a Haven suite and with 7 ports on our sailing, having the ability to get on and off the ship a bit easier is VERY appealing to me. I remember standing in the very hot, hot sun in Grand Cayman for about 2 hours waiting to tender back to the ship. I'm not sure about the butler though because I'm a do it yourself kind of girl, and usually ask very little of the cabin stewards. Usually just the bed making in the evening (never get it done in the morning cause I sometimes take a nap and feel guilty for messing the bed) the requisite towel animal for the kiddo, clean towels when needed, and ICE every day! I couldn't even imagine asking someone to unpack my suitcase for me. I think our butler will be greatly underused.

I think you should because I love the Epic Haven so much! But there are some things to consider.

 

Do you really need a 2 bedroom? I think as long as you can get yourself into the Haven address you don't really need to pay for a 2 bedroom suite. Are there any other cheaper room options? I just think you will get yourself into the 2 bedroom and realize it really is a lot of room for two people. Do you each really need your own bathroom when you could save money and share?

 

The other issue to consider is that your son will not be allowed up in POSH. He will be allowed of course in the Haven courtyard and that is where the families with children go. But POSH is such an amazing sundeck with comfortable loungers and a big fabulous bar that is nice to sit around and you will become friendly with the other cruisers because you will see the same group all week. But will it be fun knowing ds can't go in there and if you want to be together you also can't be there?

 

I think you will like the Haven resteraunt with just the 2 of you because the servers will all learn your name and make you always feel welcome and friendly. Cruisers meet up in the Haven bar too, that would be nice.

 

Take your ds to the Cirque dinner show. That, the hypnotist and Howl at the Moon were my teens favorite shows.

The only other Haven suites available would be with just the one bed. I don't mind sleeping with my dd, but would much rather not, if I don't have to. The cost for the 2 bedroom is $750 more than the Courtyard Spa room (and that room isn't in the Haven, which is kind of nice if spending the money to be right beside the pool and restaurants) and the cost of the Courtyard Penthouse is more than the 2 bedroom. So, I think the value is in the 2 bedroom, and then we would at least have our own bed! She would also enjoy having her own area, as she as the age where she's enjoying the preparations for going out as a lady ;)

As for my son, I'm still trying to get him to join us and it's only about $800 more for 3 people than 2. I do plan on enjoying the Posh area on occasion if my kid is happy in the kid's club. My son is over 21, so can go anywhere if he joins us. My daughter and I will see the Cirque show, though we have seen it before. She loves seeing the comedians and has a pretty quick wit and always has a good time. I like seeing the adult shows, but not sure I will this cruise.

Thanks for your help :)

Loved it! bathroom to die for. If $$ not an issue go for it!

That bathroom is nicer than mine at home! I won't want to leave ;)

My daughter (9) ended up with virgin pina colada all up in her nose. :rolleyes:

LOL This would be me! ;p

I brought my own disposable plastic ones. I once forgot to take one from my room and thought I'd be smart and ask for a coffee stirrer thing (which is essentially like a tiny straw lol). Joke was on me when the bartender placed a wooden stick in my drink...

 

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LOL thanks for the laugh! :')

I brought a bunch of wrapped straws I got from McDonald's over the summer (take a couple extra here and there) for our RC cruise last month because I read they didn't have plastic straws anymore. Actually, they did and even though it said to 'ask for a straw', all the bartenders were putting them in the frozen cocktails. There is information about them going to paper and I vaguely remember them from when I was a kid. They don't work so well, hence the switch to plastic when it came available.

If you can afford it, I think you would love it. The cabins are fairly large and both of you would have such privacy having your own bedroom and bathroom. Although every kid is going to love to shower in the picture window to the ocean.

I think we would love it too! It's almost the same price for 3 people as it is for 2 and I'm trying to convince my son to go with us, but he doesn't want to use up all his holidays for the year in January! ;p

That shower AND tub look a real treat!

We have loved our experiences in the Haven and find the smaller group easier to talk to new people. Our daughter tends to go to the teen club so she’s off running around anyway, it hasn’t always worked out that she’s made friends staying in the Haven, but it’s good for hubby and I. I outlined our experiences here if its helpful https://gotravellife.com/2018/01/03/about-us/

 

That's what I was thinking too... smaller groups is less intimidating to kids and to myself. LOL I have read that there's usually less kids on longer sailings (over 7 days) and/or younger ones during school months.

 

I have seen your review before, thank you :)

I've recently thought of upgrading to a 2 bedroom Haven suite on upcoming January cruise. It will just be myself and my 11 year old. I'm trying to decide if it's worth it? I'm thinking that it'll be a smaller group in the Haven for us to find others to chat with. I love my kid, but I need other adult conversations ;p Any thoughts/experiences are greatly appreciated.

I don't think anyone should make light of someone else's trauma. You do not know what people went through, sitting behind a keyboard bashing someone because they were scared makes you a bully. I've seen a lot of the videos and I would not want to get on that ship after seeing that. What about the mold that is now growing because there's no way that much water can be dried in a day. Heading into warmer climates where it will just multiply? What about all the vomiting that occurred? It's good to have an opinion, but to bash people because of what they (not you) went through is not classy. Imagine being on there with your kids and they're scared... are you going to bully them too! The world is becoming a scary place where everyone can sit anonymously behind a screen and say whatever they want. And now I'll wait for y'all to start bashing me. Whatever!