2Cruise4Ever

Interesting... I've asked many cabin stewards over the last 20 years what they prefer and they all told me they prefer cash. Everyone has different experiences I guess.

Umm... no... like I said, you can go to Guest Services and ask that some cash be given to the people who work behind the scenes. I've been cruising for over 20 years. Back in the day, they gave you envelopes to give out cash tips... none of them went to anyone we did not interact with while on board. They went to our cabin steward, maître de of the restaurants, servers and bar tenders. The only reason cruise lines started adding on board service charges is because too many passengers skipped out on these tips. Most of the people I know who have the daily service charge removed tip WAY above and beyond what they would have cost in the first place. For instance, I ALWAYS give at least $2 per drink to every bar server, give a cash tip to our server in the restaurants, and am very generous to our cabin steward. And, in most cases, cash to guest services to be distributed to everyone else (who didn't even receive tips in the past anyway). Please do not assume that everyone who has their daily service charges removed are "stiffing all the other crew members who benefit from the DSC..." which, by the way, hardly receive anything anyway.

When we sailed on Getaway in February, we pre-paid our daily service charges. Yet, I noticed on the app that we were charged anyway. Went to Guest Services on Day 3 and showed them the proof of payment receipt and they removed them. Yes, I filled out a form. And, they were removed on Day 5. No issues. However, if you plan to self-tip, you will likely get some resistance as the daily service charge supposedly goes to others behind the scenes that you do not see (some debate on whether this actually happens) as well as your bartenders, servers, and cabin steward.

OK, makes sense. Thanks ! I was thinking like Dawn which doesn't have a Haven Proper but has suites with Haven-like amenities. We sailed the 2 bedroom suites on Dawn 5 times before Haven was even a word in the NCL language 🙂

Curious which suite you booked because according to the website, all suites are marked "Haven." But, there are some not IN the Haven proper (i.e. Aft-Facing Penthouse suite is not in the Haven, but still enjoys all Haven perks).

Awesome!

Love those ideas! Except for the gift exchange, if everyone brings one, that's a lot of people to get through... unless you put all gifts on one table and each person just takes one and doesn't do the "white elephant stealing" part of it.

Every cruise I've been on Haven went first, then all Latitude Levels from Sapphire down were seated together and boarded together. I'm sure they've done it different ways. That's just been our experience.

In my experience, the Haven passengers board first... then it doesn't matter what Latitudes Level (except for maybe Ambassador), all levels that have priority embarkation board at the same time. And, you're right... they don't enforce check-in times anymore. They put that in place when covid testing was still a requirement.

We were on the Getaway in February and the menu in the MDR was different each night. Some things stayed for each night (beef dish, chicken, and veggie option). But, each night was different apps, salads / soups, and entrees.

After you book, you can add the soda package for your kids on the app or on the website.

There are usually lines and a wait at the main dining rooms during peak times (6 to 7:30 ish) just like any other land-based restaurant. We've never waited more than 15 minutes. That said, you can make a reservation if you'd like.

Hello fellow cruisers! I searched, but didn't find anything. We are sailing NCL this Summer and are allowed to bring wine on board. Of course, I don't want to fly with it for fear of broken bottles. Is there a place at the FLL airport to purchase bottles of wine before we get on the transfer to the Miami cruise terminal? Appreciate any advice!

We were on the Getaway in February and asked our Room Steward to keep the bucket of ice filled and he did... no problem! If you need it before you see your cabin steward, you can fill it up in the Buffet.

Thank you so much! We always try to be aware of how much all crew members work during our cruise.... and tip very, very well. I think this cruise is going to be awesome no matter what!

Thanks! I was thinking of the canapes we had in the past... they were like a little tiny disc of bread with salmon mousse and topped with caviar... or cream cheese topped with a small piece of salmon..... thse were our fave! Again, we are always pretty go-with-the-flow type of people and usually don't ask for much. I know how hard they work and have had some great butlers in the past that I'm still friends with on social media. I don't want to overdo it. This is a pretty special cruise for us... just trying to think of ways to make it better. Without going into details, DD and I have had some serious strife moments over the last 4 years...up until recently. And, we've become so much closer now. She has had to overcome some pretty serious challenges. We are taking this cruise to celebrate just the two of us. DH is not happy that I will graduate to Sapphire status while he sits in Platinum, though... LOL (JK of course - he's all for us doing this cruise together!)

We have sailed in Suites and Haven many times with our kids through the years (who are both grown now). DD (20yo now) and I are sailing on Escape in Haven this summer and are so stoked! In the past, we have just gone with the flow and made a few requests of our butlers. The cool thing is that he / she seemed to know exactly what we wanted without us saying a word! DD and I were talking the other day about what we would really enjoy if we could. Is it too much to ask for specific canapes (i.e. salmon, caviar) and / or maybe chocolate covered strawberries every day? I don't want to make it look like we are demanding or really needy and put too much on our butler. What do you think?

I didn't think any of the NCL ships could fit under the Key Bridge and that's why they weren't sailing out of Baltimore. I guess that's not true! Love to see this as an option!

When we sailed the Getaway last month, we picked the first available check-in time about 14 days out and it was 1:00 p.m. But, no one was checking anyone's assigned time at the pier in NYC. We arrived at 12:00 and after about 30 minutes to get through security, we checked-in and went right on-board. BTW, if you are in the Haven, don't pay attention to the check-in time.. you can get there whenever you want... most ports have a Haven security line and then a Haven check-in line. You'll be amongst the first to board if you get there early enough. I will say there is a special feeling being the first one on board... only happened to me twice in my 20+ years of cruising.

Loved the Fascination! Took a weekend getaway for me and 8 of my best girlfriends about 18 years ago... had an absolute blast!

Another vote for the SS Norway here. We sailed on her for our Honeymoon and had planned to go back for an anniversary... sad what happened.

We honeymooned on the Norway! What a grand Lady she was! Her demise was so sad.

Oh, gotcha... I was thinking at the check in desk.

I don't think you can book anything in the terminal. But, yes, as soon as you board you can go straight to the restaurant reservation desk.

I didn't elaborate. He was not happy due to the fact that he had double the cabins and expected to finish the work in the same amount of time he used to have before.