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On 12/16/2021 at 10:32 AM, don't-use-real-name said:

Going eastbound transatlantic is not all that bad either - 1 hour chunks gradually instead of

a traditional red-eye flight upsetting the whole body solar system in one whack !

I think we can all agree that any time on a cruise:  east, west, north, south... is better than flying!  🙂

I agree with Bird, it is a significant weakness in the NCL Planner.  I had to call to change excursions and dinner reservations, pre-cruise.  Or handle it onboard.

I just did a transatlantic from Rome to New York.  We had a ton of 25 hour days!  The first time zone switch was when we went from Spain to Madeira, and we had it mentioned in our dailies, and also a half page notice on the bed the night of the change advising us to set our clocks back one hour at 2am.  As we crossed the Atlantic, we had 5 hour changes, one each day.  Besides getting extra time to sleep and cruise, there was no jet lag!  We woke up on NY time like any other day as we pulled into NY Harbor.

Best way to travel!

On 12/9/2021 at 2:41 PM, familytradition said:

I want to get the most out of the experience, but I don't want to over-ask and end up paying for something we really don't need or want. I also don't want my excitement and giddiness about all of the perks to make me come across as an entitled brat because I don't know what's acceptable!

Don't worry about overasking!  But, always show your appreciation for the work they do.  According to my last butler, she loves her job because she loves to see people smile as a result of her work.  I think it is so important to remember that not everyone can afford the Haven, and it is only by the blessings I have in my life that I can.  I never forget that I worked incredibly hard to have that experience, there was no silver spoon.  My butler is the same, working very hard to get ahead in life.  

I make sure I go out of my way to recognise the hard work the staff do.  I don't complain, I don't expect rules to be broken for me, and I always, always make sure the staff knows how much I appreciate all their hard work on my account.

Entitlement I've seen include ordering 10 things from the menu and then not eating any of it, or leaving a mess of drinks, plates, and food anywhere in the Haven (it could have been anywhere on the ship!).  This last cruise I witnessed a man arguing with the Maitre D' the day before thanksgiving trying to get his non-haven family/friends to be able to join him in the Haven Restaurant for the holiday meal.  The Maitre d' mentioned several times that they expected a full house on Thanksgiving and they would normally try to accommodate, but just could not displace Haven guests to allow non-Haven guests in.  He stormed off saying he would never stay in the Haven again.  My thought-if you wanted to eat together, you should have all stayed in the Haven...or reserved a large table in a specialty restaurant.  This came across to me as entitled.

Just show your appreciation and it will go a long way!

bon voyage!

2 hours ago, LGW59 said:

Why?  If buying drinks and tipping (assuming) they are enjoying their cruise, good on em!

I agree...spend your vacation as you want!  I spent much of my last cruise staring out to sea.  I was trying to read a book, but never seemed to get past the first page...hmmm...I wouldn't have changed a thing.  

I just got off the EPIC transatlantic from Rome to New York.  Great cruise.  Felt wonderful to be back onboard again.

Before my cruise, there were a lot of questions about check in and testing, so I thought I would share my experience in Rome.

When we arrived at the terminal in Civitavecchia, we entered through a north entrance to the cruise terminal, ground floor.  They took our luggage first.  They had a series of barriers up, first checking to see if you had a QR code from the testing set up (you got this during the checkin process at day 20 check in) or not.  If you had the code, they directed you to a stall where they scanned your QR code, and did a swab of your brain...honestly, everyone commented how far they went up.  Then they handed you a card with a string of letters on them.  They told you to go to the next room, and watch the screens for your 4 letter code (the last 4 letters of the string).  You sat down, watched the screen for about 15-20 mins.  

When your 4 digits came up, you raised your hand.  The attendant would come over, verify the code, and put a red bracelet on your wrist.  Then you were directed to go to security. We then went upstairs to the check in area.  After testing, I was on the ship within 20 mins.

Overall, it was an extremely efficient operation.  Onboard, we wore masks per the EU requirements, which meant while you were walking around and in any crowded spaces.  Once you sat down to eat, no masks.  Once we left the EU, most people removed their masks.

I was told that on our crossing we had 2001 passengers on the Epic.  We had no COVID cases onboard.  So, we were in a pretty safe place.

Now I can't wait for my next cruise!

And they are one size fits most...forget it if you are a 'fluffy' cruiser!  I've tried to get a larger one, and they only come in one size.  My shoulders did not fit the robe.

I just got off the EPIC in the Haven and we had about 25 movies to choose from.  Not a great selection...

5 hours ago, icedearth15324 said:

I just recently had my upgrade to the Haven approved for my cruise this coming week. I'm really excited to experience it. Hard part is going through all 43 pages of info here about it haha.

I second that...once you go haven, you will always go Haven!  Make sure you write a letter to your butler!

Now that I am home, and can take some time to write a proper response...I just wanted to say thank you to all who provided feedback on how to get the best Haven experience, especially with the Butler.

This trip I wrote a letter to my Butler and handed it to her at the beginning of the voyage.  I outlined several things I liked, and didn't like.  I told her that if the Do Not Disturb was on the door sign, it did not apply to her.  I would lock the door with the deadbolt if I wanted privacy.  I asked her to deliver breakfast in the morning without calling me-just come in and set it up (I was in a 2BR suite, so the bedroom was separate from the living room/dining area).  I mentioned I disliked the chocolate covered strawberries and also peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.  I also told her that I like to have dessert before retiring, so I might ask her to deliver the dessert from a specialty restaurant.  I also a 100€ bill 'in case she does have some time off and could enjoy it' (I was on a 16 day TA cruise on the Epic).  

I can say without a doubt that Lea (she said "like Princess Lea!") not only made my vacation great, she took it to a new level.  I had no idea how much a good butler could make or break a cruise until this trip.  Lea handled one side of the Haven suites on deck 16.  She was incredibly busy.  But, she never let it show. She thanked me for allowing her to set up breakfast without calling.  She said her job is to be in the background, just making things better-it is what she likes to do, and has done it for 12 years.  She doesn't want to be a concierge, and just enjoys making people happy.  She enjoys looking for ways to impress each guest.  

When she found out how much I liked the desserts at night, she started going to the Main dining room (because they rotate desserts, and she knew I was only eating in either the Haven or Specialty) and surprising me each night with a different dessert.  When the weather was forecasted to get a little rough, I came back to my suite to find 2 bottle of ginger ale and some green apples...with a note: drink this if you feel sick, and eat a green apple if that doesn't work!  I mentioned once how much I loved the apple juice (I think it came from Europe-it was so rich tasting...) and I found a carafe of it in my fridge the next day.  I mentioned in my letter how I abhor onions unless they are completely mixed in and I cannot see them.  I didn't realise the country potatoes I ordered for breakfast actually came with onions because mine had none.  I went to the buffet one day and saw the country potatoes were loaded with onions...so she ordered them without for me.  If I had breakfast in my room and skipped lunch, I came back to a tray of canapés and some sandwiches to 'tide me over until dinner'.  

I gave Lea the largest tip I have ever given anyone, and she deserved every last euro of it.  She made my voyage not just a holiday, but an amazing vacation I will never forget.

Is this the service everyone got in the Haven on the Epic?  Not at all.  While in the lounge, I happened to strike up a conversation with a couple who expressed real displeasure with their Haven experience, particularly the butler.  I suggested speaking with the butler and setting the tone, and taking control of the situation by letting them know what they liked and what they expected.  I saw them a week later in the Haven, and they mentioned how that conversation with their Butler turned things around right away.  The lesson learned?  They cannot read your mind.  Communication is key.  If you want something, ask for it!

I also felt like I was asking too much of her.  Maybe I was.  Some might say I was.  But, she would ask me things like "Jeff, just call me and I can do that for you!" or when I was feeling a little off, she said "Do you want me to get you something from Bistro?  Or someplace else?"  She was eager to please.  She told me that her job is to do this, and she does it because she likes it.  She said it can be disappointing when people think they are asking too much or are shy to use her services.  That is why she is there, and she wants to make a connection with you and make you smile.

The downside of my recent Epic experience?  Lea set the Butler bar so high, I think it will be tough for anyone to meet it!  But hopefully, I'll get her as my butler again someday.

Good luck with your butler experience!!

I’m on the Epic right now. Ironically, today, our first sea day after leaving Funchal/Europe, people are saying masks are no longer required. This has not been announced at all, and staff are all double masked. But I did notice fewer people wearing masks today. 
 

also, of note-we were originally getting our US Entry Covid tests on Tuesday and Wednesday. They announced today that the regulations have changed and now we need to do the tests 24 hour before arrival in NY. More info is pending. 
 

@Sthrngary I have to say, I followed your advice (I’m on the Epic Haven now doing a TA), had my butler a letter with my requests and what I like, and also gave her 100 Euro so she could enjoy it if she has some time off during the next few weeks of our cruise. 
Within minutes, all of my requested items (like a blanket for the balcony, fruit juices in fridge, etc…) we’re just done. 
I also asked her to just deliver breakfast while I sleep, and this morning I awoke to a full breakfast in my living room! I also asked her if I could have a bottle of Dom Perignon to celebrate sail away…she said “let me see what I can do-usually they only allow it in the dining room or restaurants”. Ten mins later, she was knocking at my door with a ice bucket and bottle of Dom…at 40% off because I have the ultimate plus Bev plan!  I also mentioned that I like to have dessert in my room before bed, so surprise me from the Haven menu. Cheesecake last night!  

many thanks for the tips @Sthrngary!  This is going to be a great cruise, and I feel like the tips are really going to make it. I feel like the butler and I are on the same page, and she wants to make me happy…and she is doing a great job!

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

It is a simple matter of communication - - - - - 

 

Your Butler will escort you to your (Haven) suite quarters or later on the day of embarking.

At that time you can be introduced to the breakfast menu door card or inform the Butler

of your breakfast or other meal beverage requests.

With that noted the Butler can deliver the breakfast and set it up so as to not disturb your

late sleeping in - he will or will not ring the door bell as you request.

 

Tips and gift ideas are your own intervention - read on here at for more CC input.

 

 

Hmmm...I guess I always jumped the gun and ended up going to my room before the butler took me.  When did the butler collect you?  

When I board, they usually take us up to the Haven Lounge, and go over the concierge type stuff-booking restaurants, shows...Once I do that, I went for lunch and then went to muster.  Then I usually find my room myself.  Sometimes I don't meet the Butler until he delivers breakfast the next day.

4 hours ago, Silver Sweethearts said:

 

In our experience, butlers do not do morning cleaning or evening turn down.  That is for the room steward/stewardess to handle.

In my limited experience, while the steward did the morning cleaning and evening turn down, the butler still came in and inspected.  On my last cruise, I was on the balcony reading (he didn't see me) and I was curious, so just observed.  He did things like make sure the glasses were lined up in the case, the silverware was all uniform, the pillows on the bed were lined up, the towels were lined up, any papers were tidied.  Yes, he was only in there for a few minutes, and I did open the balcony door and alert him I was there.  He and I talked about it because I was curious and he said part of his job as Butler was to make sure nothing was overlooked during the morning cleaning and evening turndown.  I enjoyed talking with him about butler duties, as I had no idea!  They are happy to fill you in, generally.

And another passenger also told me-be sure to get a stack of comment cards from the concierge the last few days of the cruise.  Fill one out for anyone who made your cruise great and give them to the concierge (I also do a copy for the person too and hand it to them on the last day).  Those comment cards are read, and they do help determine who is invited back for another contract, and how much they are offered...along with promotions.  Being specific is key.  I wrote a comment card for the Maitre d' at the Haven Restaurant because (1) she greeted me by name every time I saw her (2) she genuinely wanted to know how my day was, and what fun things I did (and recommended things to me) and (3) she figured out where I liked to sit and always had that table open for me.  On the comment card I talked about how special as a guest I felt, and how it made me smile every day.  I ended up looking forward to my interactions with her everyday, and came to the Haven Restaurant more because I knew I would be welcomed (not to say I wouldn't in other places...but you get the idea).  Sure, it is there job to do this...but enjoy it!  It is their job to make you feel great.  You'll be surprised how on your next cruise they recognise you and say hello!  

wow-lots of amazing info here.  As for opinions-I appreciate them all!  Everyone has different experiences but we're paying a lot for that experience, so I like to know what I am getting into...Regent and Crystal may be good places to start.  I looked at some Regent cruises but they were not solo priced friendly  😞

I'm going to take a look at Crystal.  I've heard some good things, and you all have given me something to think about.  In fact, I'm going to re-read each response later today and take some notes.  

I am about to embark on my second journey in NCL's Haven, and have another TA booked in 2023 on NCL in an Owner's Suite.  

But, I am thinking I might like to try a luxury line.  Choosing one that might be a good fit for me is another story...but I would like some help from others who have been there.

Reasons I like the Haven on NCL: 

1. Personalised Service
2. Not crowded-can always find a deck chair
3. a more subdued environment, no loud speakers at the pool blaring music or hosting the hairiest leg competition 🙄
4. The dedicated restaurant with excellent food
5. The feeling things are taken up a notch, and 
6. the exclusivity

I don't like to dress up.  Granted, when I go to dinner, I tend to wear things like khakis and a button down shirt. I look neat. Ties are a huge no-no.  Not really into wearing dinner jackets either.  And of course, I would not like a whole black tie thing.  If it is warm though, I would like to be able to wear shorts and sandals during the day with a button down shirt or polo (not really into t-shirts).

With that said, I would like a cruise that has semi-professional to professional passengers.  Friendly...This is my typical social group, so that is where I fit in.  I also travel solo, and I am a bit of a foodie.  

I'd like to see if I can find a line where I would be comfortable, where it isn't stuffy.  I like knowing things are being handled so I don't need to worry about things-like a concierge, and I enjoy having a butler in the Haven. I am someone who would enjoy an educational lecture or string quartet.  Would also like to know it is all inclusive.  This is why I buy up on the drinks plan on NCL-I don't want to have to think about it, just order what I want.

So, Oceania, Crystal...not sure about Azamara or Seabourn.  

Thoughts?

Yes, it is worth it for me.  I am a solo cruiser too.

But, it depends what you like, and what is considered valuable to you.  For me, when I am on vacation, I like service.  I don't like waiting on lines, and small spaces make me feel claustrophobic.  To me, I value my space, and I value highly having a living space and a sleeping space in my cabin.

Haven Cabin:  Like I mentioned, the extra space is a big one for me.  I like being able to spread out, and not feel like I am all in one tight space.  I like to think of my stateroom as my own space, and sometimes I just want to be on my own.  But that is me, you may not feel the same.

Butler: I like the little treats I get, and knowing that someone is attentive to whatever I might want.  I don't run him/her ragged, but knowing I am going to see the same person if I order breakfast everyday is nice to me.  Knowing that there is someone in the background making sure things happen correctly is worth the $$ to me.  Sure, I could get a bad butler. 

Haven area:  Big plus for me.  I like being able to go to the pool and not worry about finding a seat.  Or, having someone bring me a drink, or keep me topped up.  I like not being in a busy pool area with a ton of people.  I LOVE the idea of a ship within a ship.  I get the benefits of a huge ship, but the privacy and attention of a small ship in the Haven.  I see the same people, make friends because I see the same people.  I love that the bartender knows my drinks, and knows my name.  

Concierge: Enjoy knowing I can call them and they can pretty much get me into wherever I want to go.  Made reservations for Cagney's but feel like French?  No problem.  A quick call to the concierge and its done. 

Service:  I value walking up to a Maitre d' and they know my name and that I like sitting by a window.  I like walking in and greeting people by name, seeing familiar faces, asking them what they did that day.  Sure, I know the service is part of the show, but I put value on that.  It makes me feel like I have nothing to worry about, and that makes a vacation to me.

So, is the Haven worth it?  Depends on what you value.  For me, I probably would cruise more Oceania style or other more luxury brand cruises, but I really like the benefits of a big ship.  So, Haven it is!

25 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

@TowerOrchardgreat question.  @ggTexasGalsaid, the restaurant has changed.  I just spoke with the Pre-Cruise Haven Desk and ask the question for the Joy.  The answer was YES.  The way they answered it was it was a standard feature of Haven cruises on Embarkment day.  My understanding is the Lobster Rolls there are GREAT.

This is news to me too.  When I was on the Joy in Dec 2019, I just ate in the Haven outdoor restaurant.  Ironically, I was the only one sitting al fresco.  It was in the 60s, and everyone was sitting inside, but to me, it was summer weather coming from the Pacific Northwest!

Which restaurant is it for the Haven on the Epic?

I'm going to be on the Epic for Thanksgiving this year...I was wondering myself what it would be like.  I hope they have some cranberry sauce!  I used to live in the UK and every year I cooked up a nice Thanksgiving for friends.  Was so much fun!  If you put enough brandy in pumpkin pie, it tastes great, no matter what type of pumpkin you use! 😉

Thanks all.  I don't usually use airport porters, but do tip the porters at the pier.  No doubt they work hard and fast.  I didn't want to get into a 'tip' discussion, but rather just what people do in areas where tipping is not the norm like it is in the US.  I'll certainly tip them in Rome.  

Since it isn't customary to tip in most of Europe, do you tip the porters at the pier when boarding at a European embarkation city?

I don't want to create a huge thread about tipping, but I think most people in the US tip the porter $1-$2/bag at the pier when you hand over your luggage.  I was curious if the same custom exists abroad.  I don't believe the porters are employees of NCL (correct me if I am wrong).

14 hours ago, Carnac767 said:

We just wanted to try something different.  We were in 16017 for the second crossing.  The forward facing balcony is glass-enclosed, with two sliding windows you can open.  I enjoyed the forward facing view but DW wanted to try an open air balcony, so we booked one on the starboard side.  That way we'd always have sun on our balcony during the crossing.  We picked 16017 because it was right by the pool.  There is no wrong answer.  Both cabins were great.  Our balcony gave us a great view of Sardinia as we traveled the Strait of Bonifacio between Corsica and Sardinia.  Then we'd dash over to the outdoor patio bar on the other side of the ship to look at Corsica.  For our next cruise we've booked a forward facing again, this time on deck 17, again just for something different.  But DW is sort of passive/aggressive hinting that she'd rather have a starboard cabin again, and she usually wins.

you mention crossings...do you mean transatlantics?  If so, I am doing a Nov transatlantic on Epic-how were your crossings?  warm? cold?

10 hours ago, SpainAlien said:

The Swift service is itemised on the room service menu

 

Ah okay-so nothing is really changed...if you are on the bev plan, you still have to pay with OBC.

Just noticed this on the Epic deck plans.  What are these elevators?  Where do they go?  Seem to go to the suites on 17?  Are they private elevators?

I understood that you do the testing before handing over your luggage, just in case.  Once you pass the test, then you go to security and check in.