Winchester Ranger

Great info - thanks guys.

You'll find a similar thread over in the NCL forum where people are saying they used to sail with Carnival but upgraded to NCL - each to their own :D.

What sold me on NCL was their Haven concept, or the "ship within a ship" design for people willing and able to spend more on upgraded suites. Haven is a zone of the ship reserved for designated suite passengers, it features its own hot tub and pool and its own restaurant with breakfast, lunch and dinner options all included. I see that some have taken offence to that notion, and prefer a "classless" ship. Well there is no such thing, and NCL simply takes that concept to its next logical level by providing a high class environment for those who can afford it.

Personally I think it's the only way to cruise, but then I loved my "el cheapo" cruise on Carnival Miracle as well. Just choose what fits you best and go with it.

Just wondering about how the whole Haven "ship within a ship" concept works in practice, at least as far as gaining access is concerned.

Is the entire Haven area zoned off from other passengers, and is there some type of key card access for the suite/lounge/restaurant area, or is there a crew member checking key cards as you enter and do you need photo ID etc ?

Anyone know?

I once spoke with the Maitre'D on Miracle about this and he was quite candid and explained the following.

The average passenger age is notified to senior crew for every voyage, and if it's over 55 they plan for a number of deaths during the cruise. The extra exertion/alcohol/excitement is all it takes.

The storage area for dead bodies is the refrigerated flower storage locker - so if you want any pretty posies get them early, otherwise they could have had a few grannies stacked on top of them.

That's disgusting - sounds like a cruise on one of Carnival's slave ships ;)

I wouldn't let it put you off the entire cruise line though - at least wait until I post my review of Getaway before you make that decision :D

We have a Haven Penthouse suite booked on Getaway but still plan on getting a week long cabana pass for Vibe. With only 5 available for 4,000 guests I'm relying on our priority boarding status to get us first in line at Guest Services.

For just $300 (including a $100 F&B credit) cost is hardly an issue after having already sprung for a Haven Suite.

I'm not always as polite as others so I'm happy to point out that kids on a cruise ship rate slightly higher on the annoyance scale than a busted sewage pipe in my stateroom. Don't get me wrong, I want the little dears to have a good time - but preferably in an area where I'm not.

For $300 I get the option of leaving the Haven if necessary and moving into a private cabana in Vibe where I am guaranteed a "chair hog" and "kiddie" free experience.

Discovering that the Haven is occupied by 20 over-excitable screaming kids during lunch on Day #1 is probably too late to think about switching to Vibe.

My plan is to be first in line even in the VIP boarding line and break off from the boarding process at the first opportunity to duck downstairs to Guest Services and snag a cabana while DW listens attentively to the concierge.

We opted for NCL's own Booksafe Platinum travel insurance, it wasn't cheap but then I'm hoping that buying the highest level of coverage available via the cruise line itself should create the fewest problems in the event of an emergency.

But we all know how insurance companies love to find a reason not to pay out......

Good info - thanks guys !

Hi,

So does the Haven Courtyard offer dinner on any evenings or is it always just breakfast and lunch.

Also - on the day of boarding are we able to get lunch up there while the boarding process completes and if so at what time.

Thanks !!

When anti-Semitism becomes official government policy you know that you are dealing with a diseased nation.

I've never understood it, never will.

Decent Tunisians should hang their heads in shame.

I moved away from Carnival because of the passengers. Their low prices attracted some real hood rats, just check out the "Carnival Fight" videos on YouTube.

How exactly do you get to the Guest Services desk from the point of initial boarding.

(I want to get Vibe passes).

Good info - thanks !

So I'm seeing a lot of traffic regarding suite upgrades and special offers or rates if you opt to bump into a higher stateroom.

How does this usually work, does NCL ping you in advance of the trip, or does it tend to be a face-to-face offer when you check in for the cruise?

Thanks in advance !

Search function > iConcierge app for Apple devices > your question answered.

Here's the funny part - I actually audit mobile applications among other things, that's my job !!

Someone needs to let NCL know that there is a logic flaw in iConcierge, it's sloppy coding to be sure.

I normally charge $250 an hour for IT Audit consulting, there you go NCL, it's free of charge. :p

So I installed iConcierge on my phone and DW's phone yesterday in preparation for our upcoming cruise - the ability to call and text each other for free on the ship is a huge plus (we normally carry walkie talkies !!).

So I arrive home from work last night and my iPhone beeps - I look at the screen and it says something along the lines of "You are now connected to the Ship's network - welcome aboard !"

I took a minute to look around the house and confirm that I was not in fact at sea - no cocktails, no sea swishing past my windows - nope, definitely not at sea.

I didn't really think about it until I drove to work this morning and the phone beeped again and displayed a message that I was no longer connected to the ship's wifi. Conclusion - the iConcierge App was getting confused when my phone connected to my home Wifi network, and then disconnected when I went out of range. Kind of funny, but it could get annoying - I may delete the app until it's time to leave for the cruise.

Anyone else notice this ?

Thanks guys - is there a safe in every room or suite?

Guys - you give the BEST information, thank you so much.

For what it's worth I will be sprinting for a one week cabana pass, luckily I should stand a good chance of snagging one as I'll be in the VIP suite boarding line, but with only 5 up for grabs it's going to be tough.

Don't laugh - but which way is Guest Services from the boarding point ??

Wondering how you all handle your cash situation - minimalists or wads of notes, take with or are there ATMs (this would be for Getaway) onboard.

Any opinions appreciated.

My wife and I thought it was well worth it. We were in boarding group #1. I walked very fast and was about #30 out of #40. I only had to wait about 10 minutes, they had 2-3 people working the desk

Thanks - would you mind sharing how much it cost you ?

Great review - it certainly makes me relieved that we sprung for a Haven Suite.

But I have certainly heard several comments about the incredibly small balconies - they even look tiny in the NCL promotional photos, so that would be a disappointment especially as we like to eat breakfast on the balcony - maybe we'll just have to take turns !! :D

While that could possibly be true for later cruises, your cruise is so soon that most passengers on that particular cruise do not have UDP (ETA: because the promotion started after final payment).

 

P.S. UDP is for all cabins from balcony category and up, not only suites - suites get the drink package on top of that.

That's a good point - but I still plan on early reservations just to be certain.

On the downside I didn't realize it was for all cabins from balcony up :eek:

Love to dress up! Love to see my teens dressed up! Love to see my DH dressed up! There is just something to being casual by day and then dressing up at night. That is the fantastic thing about NCL: everyone can be comfortable - your holiday, your way! Have a great time! :)

I love your outlook on life - your DH is a lucky guy !

What difference at all would it make what other people choose to wear. Wear what you feel like wearing and be happy with yourself. What one chooses to wear and how the choose to feel should not be based on other people.

I know what you're saying. Personally I love lobster and can't understand why others don't, but that's why restaurants have menus ;)