Sthrngary

This thread is an example of everyone who knows the Haven trying to assist a fellow CruiseCritic.com member. Yet the information given now is unclear and it is very hard to assist if clarity is not there. Not a put down to the author, rather an apology if I did not understand the whole situation. All me to take all angles and do my best. If the Haven Suite is a Gift: Go, don't worry about it and consider the "Free at Sea PLUS" program if you like nice spirits and wine. If the Haven Suite was booked and you have to Pay It yourself: Based on all the other things you have going on in your life, the fact it is a 5 day cruise rather than a normal 7 day. My advice is to tell your kids, "Thanks but no thanks." If you wife insists on going, pass on the Haven completely and look at other options for her. If a Gift and You want to Lower the cost of the Haven Room: I would just accept the gift. The Haven is not a good option for a solo if your wife goes alone because it charges double. This ends up being a very difficult situation to navigate especially because you are not close to your wife's kids. However, if it is my money, I am close to that. Get out of the Haven and get a inexpensive balcony for 1/3 the price if your wife wants to go or you have to pay for it. That is also based on how little you will use the amenities on a big ship. Just my two cents. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

Please clarify. I think I missed something. You are in a solo cabin in the Haven? Your wife is not joining you? That is important information I might have missed. Confirm one way or another and I can walk you through the rest. Deal. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@aroundtheriverbend You have had so many great replies to your questions. All me to add on: Big Shows Only: If you want to lock the in, do it at the Haven Port desk when you check in or with the Haven Staff when you get on board. I can tell your are a detail person so am I. I assure you, it will be NO issue. On the smaller shows like the Cavern Club, it is first come, first served for all gets. Luggage Tags: Again you have been given great advice. All me to give you what I do ever single time. I print the luggage tags after I do the 21 day on-line check in. I have special plastic with metal fastener devices I purchased from Amazon. I find what NCL sends to look pretty and not work so well. Some have actually been pulled off. Lunch Your First Day: I always recommend the Haven Restaurant even though you will have a complementary Specialty Restua4ant Lunch usually the American Dinner. For me, the food is better. Make Your Specialty Restaurant Reservations Early: You have access to making your specialty restaurant reservations at 130 or 125 days in advance. Do it and be done with it. I know the Haven Staff can always change them but we are both planner. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@nitecapt Below you will see someone linked my article "The Secrets of the Haven....." so you could refer to it. I am 65 and my wife is 63. We took our children on the Joy in the Haven so I am your guy for questions. Ask me anything. I want to comment on one item. You were upset with the internet as you should be. Upgrade it online or if you enjoy top end spirits, upgrade your "Free At Sea" (Comes with the Haven) to the Free at Sea PLUS. That will give you lots of great value and unlimited internet. Again, Ask Me Anything. Cruise well and enjoy every moment. To get my attention, start your post with @Sthrngary

Installment #4: Google Maps is Your Friend I am old yet very good with computers and apps. I traveled all my life for business so navigating travel is easy for me. I thought I knew it all but my wife had some tricks up her sleave. We are cruising for 10 days in Europe. I choose to do my own excursions, self guided tours and ground transportation. So I do extensive research which I find fun. When you are organizing what you want to do in lets say, Athens, Greece, laying out on a Google Map allows you to seamlessly go from from one location to the closest next location. It shows when you are far from the city center from the port you are dock at. That tells you to research ground transportation to get to the city center. One more plus was where the airport was compared to where the pre-cruise hotel was located. I know have a written document on distances, where to pick up the bus or train, websites for making ground transportation ahead of time. The ability to purchase attraction tickets online and the list goes on. Everything is laid out on my Google Map and I have one for each port. Side Note, I am the only one in my group of four that does one once of planning way ahead of time. My party will not even watch a video or spend more than two seconds discussing it. That is very frustrating to me because history tells me, they all will get real interested three days before we leave. By then, reservations will have been made, destinations will have been confirmed and I will be in no mood to change them because of sudden and late interest. Yes, I cope an attitude when my party starts wanting to change things and my wife gets upset with me. My line is this, "I asked everyone for feedback throughout this process. No one wanted to participate. If you don't like what I arranged, call your congressmen. I will be following the plan." I hope this stream is assisting some of you. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

Installment #3: Live and Learn From my first cruise 44 years ago, it seems every time I take a cruise I attempt to improve the experience in some way. Often it is because of mistakes I have made and simply don't want to do THAT again. Below I call this information, "Live and Learn". Portfolio: This is you ongoing bill that usually can be viewed on your TV screen. I look at my bill at the beginning of every day as a habit. It is always a bit confusing however after a while, it all becomes much easier to understand. Here are some things that has happened and you can make your own decision if it makes sense to you. Drinks: When there were no drink packages, my wife and I had a bit to much fun a few nights. The fun ended on the last morning when the bill arrived. I should have checked. Drink Packages: I usually always have a drink package for all members of my party. Yet on three of the last four cruises, the cruise line messed up and did not have a member of my party with a drink package. My portfolio showed the cost of drinks and I went to the guest services immediately. For Sales Items In the Stateroom: Who knew all that stuff had a cost. My kids sure did not. Like with the drinks, it was a shock at the end of the cruise. I now have the butler or Room Steward take or move all that stuff out so it won't be used. Streaming Movies: Some cabin categories include these other you have to pay for them. Simply be aware so you are not surprised. Excursions and Ports: I have gone on some of the best and worst excursions available from the cruise brand. I find them ALL to be a bit disorganized, very expensive and often time shorter than you might think due to transportation. Due Your Due Diligence: Read about each port and make sure you know you can't do everything. YouTube is a great source. Time: The time in port and out of port needs to be taken into consideration when selecting excursions. Nothing is quite as disappointing as paying $499.00 for two in a All-Inclusive Over the Water Bungalow and only have about four hours there. Review Everything: Look at reviews and make it part of your preparation. Not everyone likes the same things. Food Off the Ship: Lots of tourist traps at ports. Research the best places to go at a port. This one will both save you time and money. It will also get you a much better dining experience. That should give you some things to think about. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@marne-c The dilemma you have is not uncommon. I have a potential solution but it is by no means ideal. Select a Two-Bedroom Family Villa with your friends. These suites on the Viva type ships are better then the other large ships. Usually, the third and forth person is free or limited expense and everyone is a Haven Guest with all the Haven has to offer. A long time ago, I booked two non-Haven balcony rooms. I then did what I suggest and everyone had Haven Access. That was a great idea. The only done side it the Second Bedroom does not have a view of the ocean. Fair trade off for most. Just a thought. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@marne-c This might help. Feel free to ask me anything.

I am completely confused. What the heck is going on. When you join a group, you do so to learn, be educated, enjoy the posts and have the ultimate outcome of a better vacation. No cruise line is perfect and I despise the marketing departments for all cruises brands. They have what should be simple and easy to in many cases rocket science. Unless you are going on your first cruise ever, you already know this. Whether we like if or not, it is our job do our due diligence. We are not booking a round trip to Miami here. We are booking a full vacation on the sea where "Murphy's Law" is alive and well. If you don't like the way a cruise brand lays out their information and TRULY believe it is deceptive. How can you even consider booking with them. That just does not make sense. Every CruiseCritic.com blog of a specific brand has members that are Super Positive, Super Negative and other they just complain about every think imaginable. At first, I thought this Blog on Oceania Topics was different. That the folk here were older, wiser and understood nothing ever works our or is exactly as it seems on any cruise brand. I hope that last thought will continue to be true. If you think a product is deception. contact the the company if you like or don't. Buy from the company it simply does not make sense. If you think they could communicate better, that is a whole different story. Lets be clear, Lets be fair, lets be educated, and lets focus on making vacations better. Sorry for the rant. Mic Drop. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

Hello All: This stream has clearly established that a non-Haven Guest can visit a Haven Suite yet not use Haven Amenities. We have also established the use of common courtesy to the Haven Staff while doing so. The real issue is food, drinks, room service for your friends. I attempt to address these issue with one goal in mind, "realistic expectations". Where some Haven Guest have had their butlers bring food, room service and drinks in for their guests, this is not the policy. Yet with a kind word to your butler, almost anything is possible. My concern is we all remember if you are denied, not to get upset. That is a Realistic Expectation. My post is because of so many times when Haven Guest have gotten a personalized service or item that policy does not support and those reading think it is an amenity for all Haven Guests. Any example is early access and seating for the Cavern Club which as many times as I have cruise the Haven, I have NEVER received. At first I was disappointed then I realized, it was not the policy or a confirmed Haven Amenity. Going on a cruise and paying a premium for the Haven has so many amenities. It is one of my favorite ways to cruise. I find it the best of both worlds. Private luxurious space and huge ship with all of its activities. I hope what I have had to say will be taken with the appreciation I have for all CruiseCritic.com members. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@bubbaed I booked Oceania for the first time a few years ago and the cruise was cancelled due to the Pandemic. I rebooked in September 2022 for a November 2023 cruise in the Mediterranean. I am NOT an expert on Oceania but I made the decision to book after getting a bit frustrated myself. So, I totally get what you are saying. Please allow me to be of some assistance. Every cruise line has something that makes them confusing. Examples only and only from my perspective. NCL has the "Free At Sea" program that includes the Premium Drink Package. Yet when you select, the "Free At Sea" program (vs. Cruise Only), you have to pay a couple of hundred dollars for 20% tip as if you purchased the Drink Program at Retail. Regent Seven Seas Cruise states on international flights that they include Business Class Airfare. Yet that is ONLY on the international legs. Coach from your home base to the city with the international flight. If you are not by a airport like New York, Chicago, Atlanta, ECT, you pay an additional amount. If you want to choose itinerary or your brand, cost more. My point is, all cruise brands seem to do these things with Oceania in the mix. I blame all of the cruise brands marketing departments. I also don't like having to do all the checking to figure out what should be SO simple. It is, however simply part of our personal due diligence when cruising. What I have learned is when in doubt, check with your travel agent or if you booked directly with Oceania, call them. Example, I booked originally was a four-category upgrade in September 2022 and could not be happier. Then a NEW sale on my sailing came out and because of the fine folks here on this stream, I had my travel agent check my availability for additional reductions. Sure enough, the rate I was give was less than what I had and it simply did not show that way online. My agent had to call to get it. Happy I asked for help from my agent. I wish the marketing departments for ALL cruise brands would focus on clear, clean communication but what do I know anyway. So it forces the consumer to check and double check. I am fine with that. So blame the entire industry, I do. Oceania is simply playing the game they all are. My opinion ONLY. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

Installment #2: Drink Programs There are many misconceptions on drink programs. It would seem, every cruise brand and category has their own take on it. NCL has a Perk called "Free at Sea" and it includes an adult drink program yet you don't get it for nothing. You have to pay a few hundred dollars for Tips which make the perk not exactly free. Other brands have no drink program however you can buy a Wine/Beer at lunch and dinner, wine only by the bottle or unlimited Spirits, Wine and Beer for a cost. That last example is Oceania. I have found most of these programs seem to be done by the cruise brands marketing department because they are not always as they seem when written on a cruise ad. As with everything, read the find print. Once you have a handle on it, you can make an informed business decision. Remember the goal of this thread, "Realistic Expectations". Here is the mistake new guest make when considering a drink package. They want to make the cruise brand lose money on them. They figure, how many drinks makes buying the package a deal or value. I have a much better approach to your decision but it end up being up to you at the end. If you drink daily at home, get a drink package. If you hardly ever drink, done. Just buy a drink when you want one. The tendency is to drink more on vacation so a daily drink at home turns into two or three. Will drink packages be a deal or value to you, "NO". Will they make your vacation a little more relaxing, subjective but I say yes. Since this thread is for 1st Time Cruisers stories of how I messed up might make you understand cruising better. In the OLD days, their was no drink package. My wife and I had little money to go on vacation. So we would buy the three-Bottle Wine Package and drink one bottle together every other night. One cruise we has a little extra money and we bought a cocktail from time to time. Then we got our bill, under the door of our cabin on the dis-embarkment day. All I am going to say is, "Not A Fun Document". This only happened once. My goal on a vacation is to make it as "User Friendly" while vacationing as possible. I do this by making it as "All-Inclusive" as I can. So I buy drink packages knowing I will over pay but control my expenses. I never worry about a bill under my stateroom door. All That was figured out before I left for the vacation. I also never count my drinks to make sure I get all my value. Did I do that when we were much younger, "Yes". Did I pay the price the next day with the Hang Over from Hell, "Yes". I learned my lesson. Maybe my story will help you. My final note to you as a new cruiser. It is so easy to over do it on drinks your first night. You are happy, excited and want to party the night away. Just use good business judgment so you first full day on the water is not spent in bed. Sound advice from a old man that learned the hard way. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@pezgirlroy77 That will work perfectly. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@Branbay I have an idea for you. I use a Cpap. They bring me a power strip and special water for my Cpap. Another idea is what I do also. I bring a round power strip that also has USB on it (Purchased on Amazon). I plug it in and have never gotten any push back. Remember, when you lights are off, the power in the suite also goes off. This is how they save electricity when you are not in the room. I have been on ships where they have card in the front that keeps the power on and also when only your key card when you are in your room will keep the power on. Just an FYI. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@Meander Ingwa This is a good idea, just go on the Bliss or the Encore. The reason is the observation lounge in Alaska is the best place for viewing. What for a Balcony to show no single supplement which happens on occasion than do the Upgrade Bid for the Haven. If you get that far, let me know and I will give you strategy for Haven Upgrade Bids. To be quite frank, I think you would be better off looking at Oceania Cruises. They have something now called the "Extraordinary Sale" and "A Four Category Upgrade". I would do the Marina or Riviera with a preference for the Riviera because it was just dry docked. 1200 passengers, quiet focused on personalized service and food. The key is the Itinerary you would like to go on. Here is the really important part, call them directly, the prices you see online are less. You can always transfer your booking to a TA within 30 days. Think Viking for less money and better food. I also and I know this is hard to believe look at regent seven seas which is a Ultra-Luxury brand. From time to time, the single supplement is less than one might think. Just worth a look. I get what you outlined and think that you would enjoy what i call Quiet Excellence. My challenge with cruising right now is over crowding, cutbacks in food and services. That is why I suggested the approach above and attempting to bid up to the Haven. As you made clear, being a solo is an issue that in most times makes you pay a premium of close to double. Not fare, yet many lines now have solo cabins and the ones that are Luxury and Ultra-Luxury are worth looking into. Just my opinion. Which is based on life being to short so you might as well have a really nice experience. Hope that gives you some places to look.

As I said and was careful mention. Subjective. I can see why they feel that way. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@Meander Ingwa The answer is not that I know of. However I can give you some idea's to look for. I recently did a Solo Cruise on NCL in what is called a Club Balcony Suite. I took it because I loved the ship and they were only charging a single rate instead of double occupancy. I will never see that deal again because it was only $800.00 for the week. So I go it by simply checking and when I saw it I pulled the trigger. Now on to your real intent for the question. I will give you my best suggestion however you have to give me things you want and don't want in your next or first cruise experience. For my evolution in cruising I started in an inside cabin one a Mainstream Cruise Brand. Over the year I stepped up each cruise and ended up with my family of 5 in the Owners Suite. My next cruise is on a Premium-Plus/Luxury brand for 10-days in the Mediterranean. Now that I am 65 and getting older, I no longer need go carts, lasor tag, water slides and average buffets. I want a different experience. Tell my what experience you want and I will give you places to look. Little hint. Premium Plus/Luxury and Ultra-Luxury understand they have folks that lost their spouses and are kind on the single supplement. NCL larger ships have a Solo Section as to a few other lines. Hope that all makes sense. Cruise well and enjoy ever moment.

@ORV This is the reason for the disclaimer on my spelling and grammar. My mind works faster then my fingers and I miss some things sometimes. My apologies. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@ldubs First I apologize for not including all brands. I was simply giving some basics on the different level of cruise brands. I will answer your question however know this is very subjective. Other may come back and suggest a different notion. I consider Princess and P&O as Premium. They for me don't tend to be in the Premium Plus category. In the past, both brands have been considered by others as Premium Plus so it is close. In my opinion they are a step up from Celebrity/HAL and yet not quite to the Crystal Cruise (of the Past and Now cruising again) ratings. Again, other will differ but you asked me my opinion. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

Sound advice.

@MEFIowa Whether we do or don't is as we discussed, these items as you stated are out of our control. I have been on sailings that everything went as planned, and everything got really messed up. In either case, the key was having an "great attitude". Since we cannot change many happenings, finding a way to enjoy the process especially on a cruise is critical, yet sometimes hard. My best example is a cruise on Crystal Cruises right after Covid Restrictions started to get better. All my wife wanted was to, "Swim with the Pigs". That port and two others were cancelled. Disappointing however out of our control. Not the cruise lines fault and yes there was also a medical emergency. That cruise the average age was 103, LOL. They called my wife and myself youngsters. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@MEFIowa I am glad to here that. My preparation page just added installment #5 is based on my past experience. I want my guest joining me and those reading to have "Realistic Expectations". The likely hood of a charge from the ship hospital is something that would normally be unexpected. That is until one gets charged. That is when you wish you were told about "Travel Insurance" and "Costs" in ship Hospitals. Now if I went, and they choose NOT to charge, that would exceed my expectations. Thinking it is done all the time, even when the ship is not crowded, might case some disappointment if it happened to someone else. You live and learn when cruising and I hope to make this first cruise for my best friends a positive memory for the rest of their lives. Of course on the things I can control knowing so many things are out of my hands. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

Installment #5: As I take every port and research Ground Transportation, Attractions, Food Options, What to Look Out for (Scams) and utilizing Google Maps coordinated with this list; I felt an update to this post was needed. I hope it is valuable and helps in some way. This is the first of many sections of my Pre-Travel Preparation Manual. General Instructions/Rules to Remember: Jetlag is a Thing: Due to excitement and lack of comfort on a long-haul flight, Jetlag is a thing. The best way to handle it is to have a strategy. Our flight gets into Athens, Greece at 09:30 AM. The best approach is hotel, walk, lunch, nap (A few hours ONLY) and up for dinner (we have reservations in Athens). None of these things are easy but when done, gets you in the time zone quickly. Event and Public Transportation Tickets: Whenever possible, for ports ground transportation/events, book ahead online. Eliminates the long lines and best use of our time in each port. Online links are included in this document under every port. Foreign Currency: Check with your bank that “Bank ATM” in Europe do not have a foreign currency fee. Make sure, we ONLY use Bank ATM. The other ones are tourist traps with high fees. Safety on the Streets/Scams: · Pickpockets: In Europe, pickpockets are a thing. I purchased from Amazon a money belt for cash, credit cards, cell phone, and passports. I will carry my wife’s stuff also. In addition, I will have a FAKE wallet if someone tries to hold us up. Pickpockets work in teams at crowded places. They also don’t want to be noticed or arrested which is important to know for protection. · People on the Street: Do not engage with folks on the street. Do not take free things (Bracelets/Flowers) from anyone on the street. Folks offering to give you HELP or people in costumes. It is ALL a scam. Simply say “thank you” and walk on. They can get forceful and aggressive so be on the alert. Like pick pockets, scams are a thing like in any big city. · Cell Phones: Stealing Cell Phones is also a thing in Europe. The thief waits for you to take a picture, so the security code is OFF. They also ask if you want them to take the picture then don’t give you your phone back until you pay them. They work in teams. Keep phones out of sight and on a theft strap available on Amazon. · Fake Restaurants: Restaurants by attractions especially with ALL English menus outside and a person trying to get you to come to the restaurant is a scam. Stay clear. Expensive and bad food. That is why we do such great research on where to eat. Kiosk that sell soda/water and packaged snakes outside attractions is also a tourist trap charging 7 to 10 Euro’s for a bottle of water. Drink water on the street from fountains like other Europeans and bring a water bottle to refill. Now we are not talking about street food which is a different category. Still use caution. Dining at Ports: · Coffee with Breakfast: Go to the Bistro for coffee and take it to breakfast with you. Much better coffee and the restaurant has no issue with it. This idea is directly from CruiseCritic.com. · Breakfast On-Board Strategy: When the ship gets to a port early like 08:00 AM, we have breakfast on the ship and lunch in the port. Look at listed lunch options in this document for each port. · Lunch On-Board Strategy: When the ship gets to the port at midday like 11:00 AM, we have breakfast and lunch on the ship. We can consider a snack while in the port. Ship Stateroom Portfolio: · Stateroom Charges: It is my habit to check my ship Portfolio every day at about the same time. It protects us all from mistaken charges to my stateroom as they might happen. The Mini-Refrigerator has soft drinks. Pre-requested, in stateroom #1 there is Cranberry, in Stateroom #2 there is orange juice to mix with champagne provided the first day. We have already purchased two Champagne Seal Device to keep the Champagne fresh for more than one day. · Gratuities: If you use the ship spa for nails, hair and or spa treatments, know that the tip/gratuities are included in the bill. No need to tip further unless you feel warranted. · Tipping Butler: The Butler is part of the pre-paid gratuities we did as part of our final payment. Still, it is customary if the butler has done a nice job, to provide them with an additional tip. I will be providing, depending on service received, an additional $100 to $150. Internet/Cell Phone On/Off the Ship Preparation: · On Ship: The cruise provides you with one (1) device unlimited internet non-streaming. Additionally, devices and streaming are available for a cost. I find these cost very high and just share the access with my wife during the trip. The Internet is awful on any cruise ship with any service. What you do is log in from another phone and it kicks the other device offline. Keep your cell phone on “Airplane Mode” when sailing. · Off Ship: Call your Cell Phone company Pre-Cruise and ask what the options are for internet and cell phone usage when in Europe. You are going to want your phone and ability to pick up Google maps when at ports. I called AT&T and with some rules, I have unlimited calls and internet (that is what I have in US) for $10.00 per day or $15.00 with Tami and my lines. Each time you make a call, receive a call, or use the internet, the $10 is charged for 24-hour usage. You must get them to make sure your account has the option. Visas and Covid Testing: · Visas: Currently no visas are needed however we might want to get one for Turkey. As time goes on, we can consider it. The rules can be challenging and hard to understand. An eVisa is $60.00 per person. · Covid Testing: This needs changes all the time based on where Covid is in the country we are going to. It would not be a bad idea to get a booster prior to going. We will keep each other informed of this topic. Weird Needs on a Cruise Ship: · Take Headache Meds with You: They don’t sell over the counter meds on a cruise ship. You must go to the ship hospital, and it is expensive. · Hairdryers Provided: The power of these hairdryers is questionable so you might want to take your own. · Drink Programs Need Suite Card: You need to take your suite card to swipe when ordering an alcoholic drink. This is because not everyone on the ship has a drink package. Also, the suite card is what is needed to buy anything onboard. No cash is accepted. · Binoculars: The state room usually has a pair however if you have room in your luggage, an extra pair will come in handy so both guest can view the sites. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@Daniel A Hello, I grew up in Huntington, NY. NCL as nice as they can be, have some strict rules which they can break on occasion. Not often though. Example, the Sugar Cane was near the Cigar Lounge on the Joy. Not my bar and does not have my brands. The joy of a great cigar is a great cocktail with it. I usually have the Premium Plus Beverage Package so I want the good stuff. If my Butler was ok with it on day one, I would call. More often, i would go to one of the better bars and get a double then bring it with me. Now if I was on another brand which is Luxury or Ultra-Luxury, they would be all over me and get me anything I wanted. This is the difference with cruising on a Mainstream brand NCL or a Luxury/Ultra-Luxury brand. Easy fix either way. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@Mugennosora Cooler heads will prevail. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Sthrngary. I am the author of this stream and other focusing on the Premium Plus Beverage Package and the Haven in General. I am also a cigar smoker and have used every cigar lounge on every ship I have ever sailed regardless of the brand. Sometime the written word does not allow us to know the intent of the writer. Allow me to clarify and if you have ever read my posts, I can be a bit wordy with terrible spelling and grammar. My goal in this response is to create "Realistic Expectations" for all that read it. Can a Butler as part of their job bring you things in certain parts of the ship? The answer is yes however it is very nice if you clear that with them when you met them on day one. Can a Butler as part of their job bring you food while lets say you are on the Sundeck? The answer is yes and again confirm this with them on day one. Can a Butler as part of their job bring you and adult beverage in the cigar lounge? The answer is sometimes. This one is tough because it is against NCL policy for the butler to provide drinks without charging your room as if it is room service. HOWEVER, Have I had it done it. YES. I asked my butler on day one how he could do it for me and he said he could do it from time to time. Is it guarantied, NO. It is the way you ask and asking upfront. This is why, when I cruise with NCL, In the Haven I do a Butler Letter with their tip in it on day one. I have had folks hate the idea and love the idea. I really don't care. Since doing it, I get almost anything I want. Before, my butlers were hit or miss. Now for the real deal. When you go on other brands that are Luxury or Ultra-Luxury brands, they have different rules. Those butlers would do all we ask and some. They would do things you never even ask. They, in my mind were true butlers. They had less Staterooms and were paid more upfront as part of our fare. That is the truth of the Butler situation. The way to get way we want is simply a matter of professional and kind communications. That is the general rule to get almost anything you want. Many folks think using a butler is one way or another. It is best to read up on it as I did with my first butler. True they are not our personal servant however a hamburger and drink seems reasonable in my humble opinion. Hope all that makes sense. Cruise well, Smoke a good Cigar, and enjoy every moment.