Go2SeaTheWorld

1st: Our expectations for the Haven was simply to have more room to spread out, a bit more comfort since we both have back & hip issues. We could both do our stretching & PT exercises without being on top of one another. Other than that, we weren't really sure how much different it would be from our cruises on the Star & Pride of America. On those ships we had a mini suite with balcony & and an aft-facing suite (no haven). But so far, our Haven stays have far exceeded expectations, such as they were. I apologize in advance for my lengthy post, but it said share your Haven experience & thoughts. So 🤷🏼‍♀️...

Our 3rd cruise, 1st in Haven, was on the Bliss Alaska cruise exactly 1 yr ago. Though there was a Butler with the suite on the POA, we spent most of our time off the ship & needed very little. Had it not been for Sthrngary's help posts we wouldn't have any idea of the types of things to request in the Haven staterooms. Mostly it was simply to have the pitchers of iced water 2X a day & the types of Nespresso coffee pods we preferred. We're easy. Our Butler (sorry, I have become awful at remembering names) would make suggestions on a daily basis, which were always perfect. We knew he was covering at least 8 other rooms, but he still made us feel like we were in his special care.

We LOVED the Observation Lounge, the food offerings & the coffee machine. Best cappuccino I had on the ship.  It was a wonderful place to read, relax after excursions, most of which were rainy & very chilly throughout the cruise. I concur that the Bliss Haven Bar was 'boring'. Very few people hung out there that week. On our cruise, there were a lot of large groups & family travel parties that occupied all the seating in the bars across the ship which was a bit disheartening, since it made it more challenging to interact with other passengers. But still thoroughly enjoyed the ship & the "ship within a ship" experience.

However, our Nov.'23 11 day on Epic out of Athens to Rome (originally scheduled for Haifa, but itinerary was reworked when the war broke out) was an entirely different Haven experience, in the best way. We immediately connected with a couple as we were waiting in the Lounge for the dining room to open for lunch upon boarding. Though there were a few small family groups in the Haven (we were sailing over Thanksgiving),the rest of the Haven "residents" composed of couples. The Lounge was lively every evening & we formed some great travel friendships. The staff was much more engaged with the passengers & while remaining professional, seemed to have a lot of fun with us! The rest of the ship was very crowded & again, most entertainment & drinking venues were filled. So it was great to have the fun crowd in the Haven Lounge this time. It was also nice to not have to book tickets for the theater in the evenings, with the escort by the Concierge as they did on the Bliss, too.

 Most meals were in the Haven dining room (did get a bit repetitive) with only real negative note being very fatty, tasteless prime rib for hubs on the 9th evening.  We used our 2 FAS specialty dinners, but also ate in Manhattan DR 2 evenings after having had a fantastic Thanksgiving dinner there.  A CC member had asked prior to cruise who would be interested in sharing Thanksgiving meal together and there were 10 of us. 3 of our fellow diners were from the UK & had a lot of questions about holiday traditions & regional cuisine for the rest of us. 

THIS kind of happening is why hubs & I really enjoy cruising & why I love having found this CC forum as a conduit to make such interactions possible. 

Our stewards, butlers & concierge staffs (and that still feels weird just saying Our staff) have been exceptional both times. We were both raised in middle class (at the time) households so such luxury was awkward at 1st. Not anymore, though. 😉 Fortunately, in retirement, we are comfortable enough to be able to continue to book the Haven for as long as we still enjoy it.  Our 3rd time(only 4th cruise ever) is coming up in October on the Encore, a 21

day Seattle to Miami Panama Canal trip. Cannot wait.

36 minutes ago, dexddd said:

What type of internet forums are you on exactly?

Started years ago on AOL with a Troy Aikman Fans chatroom which led to meeting some really wonderful people at Cowboys games. When kids were in high school, logged on to both state football & marching band message boards & again, made some excellent friends & contacts. After our son entered college I found an affiliated sports blog & message board for the fans of that U. & quickly connected with a lot of amazing people. That led to tailgates, trips to bowl games & even national basketball championship with them. Once that site was closed down, we all found each other again on Twitter & have a special group set up, much like this site. It's pretty special to have the chance to establish real friendships with people across the country you would have never otherwise encountered, if not for forums like this.

2 hours ago, cruiseny4life said:

Oh schmoopie....we're going to be so close to y'all! We'll be leaving New Orleans for a 7 day cruise on February 2nd, heading to the Western Caribbean. 

 

I'd love to see Dubrovnik. Are you going on a land-based vacation or cruise? Nothing's posted for 2026 yet. We could do a Med cruise. A few private shore excursions between members could be a strong possibility!  

Croatia was our last stop on our very 1st cruise in 2017. We just spent time in the Old City, but it was incredible.I had no idea Dubrovnik was that beautiful. We did the "Game of Thrones" excursion when it was in it's heyday & it was outstanding. Our guide was a young school teacher, native of Dubrovnik.  Lunched at a cafe overlooking one of the coves "sandwiched" by the city wall & even on a very hot day in July, the breeze coming off the water coupled with the view, excellent food and surrounded by history made for a perfect ending, or so we thought. Once back to Venice, our Sun.am flight home was cancelled due to a flight staff shortage & no others available until Tues. AA had to provide hotel/meals for over 50 of us. Ended up at a Doubletree outside of Venice, very comfortable. Then, we found transport to the closest train station to take some of us into Treviso on Monday. What a treat that was! all on American Airlines😉 Oh & we actually made money on the reimbursement for our flight due to the EU traveler protections. Memorable trip for sure!

On 6/21/2024 at 1:31 AM, sailingships said:

The right age for that cruise but the music? What about Chicago etc?

Chicago did have it's 1st hit album prior to '73, so they would qualify. As would The Supremes, The Fifth Dimension, The Jackson 5, Frankie Valli, The Rolling Stones, Led Zepplin, Yes & many many more! Oh, and completely agree with the poster that "70 is the new 50" & the Swiftie poster, as well. I'm actually a 35 yr old in the body of 67 yr. old.

And we would certainly be interested in such a CC cruise. I'm not at the 70 milestone yet, but will be celebrating hubs attaining it on the Pride of America in Jan. '25. No other cruises set beyond that date. He also thinks I am eternally weird for enjoying "internet forum friendships", but he's at least open to meeting folks once on board.

On 4/29/2024 at 10:21 AM, Cruiser4955 said:

Thank you!  I'm a bit claustrophobic so as much as I read/hear that the solarium decks are nice, I think I'd like the open air.  Any thoughts if I'm looking for open air... go to the sides of deck 17 then? or is the extra space note above in 17001 that much better? 🙂

 

We were in 2 BR 17026 last Nov. for 11 night cruise of Mediterranean. We were SO pleased with it. Our balcony was very nice & it's located very close to staircase going down to 16 for restaurant/lounge. We also enjoyed the small lounge area on 17 overlooking the pool/spa area on 16 on sea days. Quiet place to read.

13 hours ago, david_sobe said:

The last Haven cruise I took in 2020, the luggage tags were gold but not plastic.

The color or priority word on them don't mean anything.  All the luggage is boarded together and in the order they are dropped off.  Each piece receives the same priority no matter what deck you are on.  I have stayed in Haven and balcony cabins.  I have never found that luggage arrives faster in the Haven.

Our "sticky" luggage tags sent to us a couple of weeks before cruise were white, but printed in colors. For one cruise it was purple, the other was goldish-brown. With each of our cruises to Alaska on Bliss & 11 day Mediterranean on Epic, our luggage was taken as we reached the Terminal Haven entrance sign, then sent on to the check in at Haven area to wait for the Concierge staff. Each time our bags were in our room before 5pm departure. Maybe we were lucky? 

On 1/15/2024 at 11:55 AM, graphicguy said:

On 1/15/2024 at 11:55 AM, graphicguy said:

Sailed with this group in Nov 19-Dec 1 '23, Our favorite cruise so far!!

5 minutes ago, nordicacres said:

What a lovely thread! We are taking our first cruise to Alaska in June, and are very much looking forward to it. I have come to realize that we aren’t as picky as many, ha!

We cruised Alaska 2023 last week of June into July on the Bliss. It was an incredible experience. So beautiful. The people at each port were so warm, friendly and anxious to share everything that is special about Alaska. Hope you have as much fun as we did. 

34 minutes ago, Alatraveler1 said:

Can't wait for our upcoming cruise on the Epic!  We loved the location and quick bites at O'Sheehan's and the show at Teppanyaki and drinks on the balcony.  Bowling, yes bowling on the mini-lanes and the amazing crew!  Love the Waterfront of other ships, but the activities and crew made up for it.  Dreaming of hopefully trying Haven on the Epic someday.

 

We were on the Epic on 11 day cruise Nov-Dec '23 in Haven. It was our 2nd Haven experience and it was fantastic! It might have just been the group of cruisers we were with at the time, but we met and socialized with so many friendly & interesting people. The staff was warm, friendly and were real pros at helping to promote a "family" feeling. Of course, it is on you to reach out, too, and engage with those around you, but I would sail on the Epic Haven again in a heartbeat.

Never mind. I must have had some weird filter on the NCL search that didn't show the Jan. '25 dates.

On the NCL website, there are no cruises listed in '25 prior to June. Upon a google search for Hawaii cruises, cruise.com has 2 listed. Has anyone used that service to book for NCL cruise? As a Latitudes member do you still get the points credited/perks if not booked through NCL?  Hubs is wanting to celebrate a landmark Jan. birthday next year with the Hawaii cruise & didn't really want to wait till June or July. Thanks for any info you can share.

There isn't a Haven on the POA. We had the Aft-facing Penthouse Suite with the Butler & we were still able to place pre-excursion room service early breakfast orders that I thought tasted better than what we had when we went to Cagney's later in the morning.  Granted, I realize kitchen staff probably has a considerable turnover, much as restaurants on land do, but my husband & I both felt that paying the extra (since we did have it) was worth it.  It always boils down to what is most important to the traveler.

Both our Butler & Cabin Steward were excellent. They were always accessible and accommodating for anything we asked or needed of them. 

We were in a Bliss penthouse for the Alaska cruise in late June. Our 1st Haven experience was incredible. Though I never saw a sauna on the sundeck, we never ventured into the Posh area to see what was "behind the door". There is a sizable hot tub elevated above the enclosed Haven pool area which would be another way to warm up after a day of chilling in Alaska. The layout of the Haven, from the huge, 2 story forward observation deck transitioning into the pool area & moving directly into the bar/lounge was perfect for us. I believe there are thermal spa Suites in the Haven that would give you the sauna access without having to purchase the extra package.

They are only offering future cruise credits to all non-Israel residents/citizens. All NCL booked excursions will be credited back to original method of purchase, ie. credit card, if choosing to cancel cruise.

1 hour ago, sjane39 said:

1 hour ago, IAcruising said:

 

Isn't that like saying "I'll never do a b2b because we'd be in Miami twice"?

But this isn’t a b2b, so I really don’t want to be in that port twice on one cruise.  I can’t imagine 4,000 passengers, not being upset,  having to redo their flight to Athens.  That’s just how I, and my traveling companions, feel.   We are not happy campers - well, cruisers.  

Just curious, not being snarky, but what large cruise port alternative to Haifa could there be available that would be a better alternative to fly into and embark from that wouldn't be repeating one of the ports of call on the Epic's itinerary for 11/20-12/1?  

If Piraeus is indeed the departure port on the 20th, then think there may be a lot of passengers who will be flying in just in time to board in Piraeus and won't have any time for sight seeing prior to embarkation. Not to mention all the excursions already purchased for the full day in Athens. That would also be one less day to try to substitute yet another port by maintaining the 27th as scheduled.

2 hours ago, lifeintravel86 said:

Another Epic port currently considered "at risk" per the news report below is Cyprus.  Depending how this all escalates, ports in Turkey may not be friendly either. 

 

We have decided not to wait to see how this escalates, and have accepted NCL's offer of 100% Future Cruise Credit plus refund of taxes and excursions, and have cancelled our cruise.   We understand everyone's disappointment and our hearts and prayers go out to everyone in Israel or who has family in Israel. Be safe everyone.

 

One additional point that NCL conveyed directly to us is that the FCC will not be posted until closer to actual departure date, and due to the significant number of people who have already cancelled, NCL will make their ultimate decision on whether cruise happens at all based on some magic number of the passengers that remain. Unfortunately, for all of us who were hoping day after day after day that there would be an official announcement, it may still be a while.

 

Did you speak with a representative directly and receive the offer? Are you on the 11/20 embarkation? Still haven't received any notification/information whatsoever via email or on our reservation info on line.

4 hours ago, sailingships said:

Along with every other cruise line going into those ports for the next few months. The Gem was supposed to go to Ashdod and Haifa a few times in Oct and Nov. Also Turkey and Egypt The Epic has been mentioned too. Because of the difficulty in arranging other ports in such a short time, some of the cruises might be cancelled. 

Yes, we're on the Epic sailing from Haifa for 11 days on 11/20, 11/21st all day in Jerusalem excursions, before heading to Cyprus, Rhodes, Patmos, 2 stops Turkey, Athens, ending with usual 3 stops in Italy. Anxiously, though patiently, waiting to hear from NCL.

If you'rVe referring to the Bliss, the Haven Observation Lounge does not have entertainment in the evenings & was pretty much deserted . The people we met wanted to visit other places on the ship for music. 4 Nights on the Alaska cruise there were groups from the Haven going to at least one of the Broadway show performances. We had Jersey Boys & Six . As far as the closest bar from the Haven OL, it's right down the hall past the pool into the lounge/bar.

Just now, barb in ga said:

Pre book! I did, but another family member waited until on the ship and was declined as they had reached their limit. It was very nice to put the luggage out the night before debarkation and not worry about it again until we arrive at our home airport.

Barb

Agree with this. I heard someone berating the poor customer service attendant onboard because they were declined for the service after trying to sign up.

Correct. We just experienced it in June on our Alaska cruise. There is no entertainment in the Bliss Haven Observation Lounge. Correct, too, no ice cream, but from 7am-5pm there is incredible snackable breakfast/brunch/lunch/afternoon buffet (restocked frequently, changed over at noon), plus an excellent espresso machine with assorted drinks it can create, teas, juice, etc.  Then if there is something you want that isn't there, or a drink from the bar, there is wait staff who will bring you whatever you ask. Upper level has library/board games. Wonderful place to relax, quiet conversations. 

On 8/7/2023 at 12:06 PM, kjquilts said:

 

Greek Islands has long been a bucket list destination for us and at 75 and 77 decided we shouldn't wait much longer.  We're taking the Prima TA next April, flying to Venice, spending one night there and then boarding the MSC Armonia for this cruise

 

 

It was also on my bucket list & was the very 1st cruise we experienced. If you haven't been to Croatia before, it is an incredible surprise, at least, it was to us. Dubrovnik was beautiful and our guide (did the Game of Thrones excursion in 2017) was informative & joyful about sharing her city/country's history with us. Corfu was also my fave of the 3 Greek islands we visited...Santorini, Mykonos.  I hope your trip meets or exceeds your expectations! 

On 8/1/2023 at 7:38 AM, cruiseny4life said:

Well, last night we booked a Transatlantic from Spain to NYC. Apparently we enjoy cruising holidays. We've already cruised over New Years Eve/Day and Easter. Now we're cruising Thanksgiving. Since many of our fine fellow fare paying passengers will probably not be American, I don't expect anything over the top. I am wondering if those who have sailed could give me a little bit of information on what American Thanksgiving will look like onboard.

 

I'm going to take a huge guess and assume a giant turkey won't be starting us down as we enjoy our Thanksgiving day? 

 

Source: https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcarnival-news.com%2F2012%2F11%2F21%2Fgobble-gobble-carnival-invites-a-giant-turkey-to-thanksgiving-on-the-carnival-breeze%2F&psig=AOvVaw1wEVfjPvysdSFdznPQWIim&ust=1690979706728000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBAQjRxqFwoTCOCuv7q8u4ADFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD

 

We've booked the 11 day Epic from Haifa to Rome starting on Nov. 19th, so I had been wondering about the holiday acknowledgement, too. Really wasn't expecting it because of the Itinerary, but will be interesting to see what happens!

Yes there are taxis at pier 66. On July 1st, we disembarked about 9:00 am & taxi took us 30 min. to  American Airlines flight terminal. Lines at check in & security can be long, even with TSA pre-check. So would just depend how comfortable you are with cutting it close.