goldmom

They can send me a dozen e-mails if they want to, as long as I don't have to do the in person muster drill, I'm good!

I think I would go for it, only because an offer like this is very rare. Unless you feel that you would get more use from the spa, the luxury of all that space at such a great price would certainly make for a truly special vacation. We've stayed in and out of the Haven and found we now prefer to stay within the Haven (but then we're old and tired, LOL!) It's nice to check the hot tub on the way to the room, then if it's empty to pop to the cabin and change and enjoy. Seriously, you really can't go wrong either way. Wishing you a fabulous cruise whatever you decide.

This! To Cap_D The only thing your child can't use is the outdoor hot tub on the ships that have one, but there is also a hot tub available by the pool. There are no outdoor "pools" in the Haven, so your child is not missing anything.

Kids under 16 can use the pool and hot tub in the main courtyard area. They can also sit and use the lounge chairs on the deck above the pool in the area that circles the pool. The outdoor area with or without hot tubs depending on the ship is for passengers over 16. There is plenty of space for everyone to get the vacation the want, especially on the newer ships that have a larger adults (over 16) area. Enjoy!

I hope the OP will post on their experience with this. I think I'd be very concerned. If there is a 5pm all aboard for an 11pm sail away I'd be very worried that the terminal building may be locked up after 5pm. I suppose it's possible someone is there for late arriving guests, but I wouldn't count on that. Interested to hear how this works out. I'd really hate to see my ship sitting there and not be able to get to it. Good luck!

I agree! Excellent!

Well, actually the Pearl Haven Courtyard does have a pool. But, on the newer ships such as the Prima there is a dedicated Courtyard area with pool and hot tubs and a bar and restaurant exclusively for Haven guests. Enjoy!

Years ago they used to also give out prizes. Wine, spa certificate, specialty dinner, etc. I assume they no longer do that. As said, casual attire is perfect. Enjoy!

And again, as mentioned above, make sure to keep your valuables with you. Passport, money, medicines, etc. You will need to carry these things with you when you walk around the city. Enjoy!

I guess the best option then is what Wolft927 suggested and take a picture of your latitude info on the website. Good luck!

I would guess you can use your last key card. They have your name and latitude level on them.

That works most of the time. But, if you have specific times you want to eat, I would suggest making the specialty restaurant reservations prior to the cruise. Sometimes even the Concierge can't get you in to the specialties. For the Main dining rooms, easy enough to have the Concierge make those reservations once onboard if you prefer to have reservations rather than just walking up to the hostess podium.

I guess you could always go with another person and use your dining credit to order 4 items, then have the other person order one item (the cheaper, the better). Once the food is on the table, no one should care who eats what. It will cost a little extra, but not as much as an extra meal credit. Enjoy!

Thank you for the great review. We will be on the Joy in August, so really appreciate any and all information. Oh, and I assume you were on the 6/4 - 6/11 cruise not the 4/4 shown in your title. You may want to see if you can have the title fixed. Guess you're still in vacation mode. Lol! Glad you had a great time.

Well, there are lines that are sort of doing this. They have taken space around or near the pool and set up "cabanas" which they sell for the cruise. Granted it generally includes other perks such as butler service, but it's still pricey to basically get a guaranteed lounger on the pool deck. But I'm not a pool deck person so it isn't something I'd be interested in.

Thanks for the info. I always enjoyed it when it was offered in the Main Dining Room. Nice to know it would now be available anytime. Now if they would just add the Lava Cake to the menu I'd never leave. Lol! Enjoy!

The suites have Nepresso (sp?) coffee makers that use the pods. Your butler will keep you supplied with whichever type of coffee you prefer.

We have the Joy booked for this August, so I can't give you too many details yet. Our cruise leaves from the Manhattan Cruise terminal which is vastly different from the Brooklyn terminal. While still a pain to get into the city, the terminal is pretty easy to get to and no worse than many other terminals. There are also the gorgeous views leaving from Manhattan. I'm sure you'll have a great time whatever you decide.

I usually get the sugar free hazelnut coffeemate for him, but lately I haven't been able to find it in the cups for traveling. Good to know if need be I'll just give him Half and Half if it's available.

More than likely you will receive new offers for bidding on an upgrade. We did and we were about a month or less out from the cruise.

We also found that the dress code is flexible especially on the first and last nights. Our first night my BIL was allowed in with shorts. The next time, he was sent back to change. The hostess said that the first night they try to be accommodating as not everyone received their luggage before dinner and may not have long pants available. But for the most part, we've found that Le Bistro does stick to their dress code.

In Portland, several passengers tried to bring donuts from Holy Donuts back onboard. Not allowed. Everyone who bought them had to either throw them out or eat them before boarding the ship. (Most people ate them!) It may also depend on the packaging. If it's in a factory sealed package I would think it would be allowed, but probably not if it's just in a plastic container or ziplock. Good luck!

I can answer some of your questions. Both Haven Suites and Non-Haven Suites receive the VIP treatment. Special embarkation area, escort on and off ship, priority tender, private restaurant for breakfast and lunch, Butler & Concierge. The main difference between the 2 classes of suites is access to the small Haven Courtyard area and Sundeck. On the Jewel class ships you don't really get an early escort into shows. Generally there is no problems getting seats for the shows. There is a special seating area in the theater, but I don't remember if it's only for Haven or for all suite guests. It's on the side of the balcony area so not really the best seats anyway. As far as the bed, we have found that it usually feels bigger than a queen. Maybe like an oversized queen. Lol! We really like the non-haven 2 bedrooms suites even just for the 2 of us. They are the same footprint as the 2 bedroom haven suites without the huge price tag. Whatever you decide, enjoy!

Since you are past final payment, just go and enjoy the cruise. In answer to your other question. Yes, if you don't want to upgrade to unlimited minutes, you can also use your wife's Free at Sea internet minutes. Just sign in through her account. Also, if you don't upgrade to the unlimited minutes make sure to sign out every time you are finished otherwise those minutes disappear fast.

There is no savings if you don't go. Your wife would have to pay a single supplement unless she were going to have someone else in the room with her who is paying half. Also, I'm thinking that you are more than likely past final payment. If so, then I believe there may be penalties if you try to switch to a cheaper Haven suite. If not, then the cheaper Haven suite may be a good compromise. I think at this point you need to figure you're out the money and either just decide not to go or just go and make the best of it. I don't think you'll feel uncomfortable being in the Haven. We've met many very nice and down to earth people there and it's only 5 days.. Good luck whatever you decide.