acl12345

Online payment declined multiple times.  Finally called NCL directly and got partial payment done but a major pest.

Several of the newer ships have a Haven smoking area. Loungers and chairs available in an outdoor area way in the bow of the sundeck area.

Plenty of room and a lovely view.  People around asking if you need anything food or drink.

11 minutes ago, JGmf said:

 

Having stayed in the Haven aft many times before, yes, you will have less service, but you will still get service.  The location more than compensates for that.  Plus, it's nice to get away from the same people 24/7 in the Haven proper.

 

Thank you.  Thought that might be the case.  Don't use much but like early am coffee,

fruit and pastry.

10 hours ago, Shellbelle28 said:

We were on the Bliss in an aft large balcony suite. We saw the butler most days, though we didn't do any all day activities off the ship, so your schedule may impact that. However, when I called or left notes with requests they were quickly fulfilled. He brought treats (more than just the routine ones) and set up our room for a gathering we had and brought a lovely spread of goodies that was far above and beyond what we'd asked for. 

PS- the balcony is ah-mazing! 

Thank you. This helps a lot. Love having a butler but figured they would have trouble 

getting there with all they do.

We are avid Haven fans and have always had rooms in the Haven proper.  This years cruise we will be trying the Haven aft balcony because of the huge balcony.  I expect we will have less service from the butler due to the distance from Haven.  Does anyone have any experience with this? TIA

Without a doubt the H2 Deluxe Owners Suite. It will blow you away.  Google videos.  Breathtaking.

We canceled our Jan 28 Gem cruise April 16 and got full refund yesterday.  13 days.  Very happy considering all that's going on..

We had $1600 obc for a cruise last month.  $1000 was on account with trip and the remaining $600 went as a credit on credit card.  Hope this happens to you.  It showed on credit card a week before we left which was a surprise to me.  Had to email agent (third party) while on the cruise to chase down the missing $600.

Good luck  

Is there a Haven area on Great Stirrup  for those who do not have a villa or cabana booked?

Thanks in advance.

Thank you for all the information.  Going in late January and we'll see if we can get to the beach.  It is insanely beautiful and love it there.

On 10/27/2018 at 8:53 AM, bigenna said:

Is there a charge to use this beach?   How much for chair/umbrella rentals?  We don’t like to bring too much cash when spending a day at the beach.

also, would you know if there is snorkel gear for rent and if so, approximate cost.

No charge for the beach.  Chair rental is available but I can't remember the price.  $5 maybe. You won't need umbrellas as there are overhanging trees at the top of the beach.  They may have umbrellas for rent but I can't remember.  No snorkel rental to my knowledge.  very, very laid back.................

22 hours ago, digitalknoll said:

Thanks a bunch acl12345! This is exactly what I was hoping to hear. My wife and I really like to find hidden gems when we cruise and this sounds just like one. Bonus on the bar and chair rentals too. We leave on the Equinox November 5th and arrive in Antigua on the 10th, so timing couldn't be better. I'll report back with my experience.

Thanks again!

-DK

Enjoy and I look forward to your report

On 10/22/2018 at 11:29 AM, digitalknoll said:

Hi All,

I'll be in Antigua mid November in the Equinox. The wife and I were planning to hit Darkwood beach to try and hide from the crowds. Looks like there will be 5 ships in port that day. I was wondering if I should bring my mask and snorkel to Darkwood so I did a little research. According to this website http://caribya.com/antigua/snorkeling, Deep bay is #3 for snorkeling. Just wondering if anyone has been there and what the crowds look like, if any. 

Any and all tips are appreciated,

-DK

We love Deep Bay and you won't have any problems with crowds.  Exactly the opposite.  It's almost spooky how quiet it is.  Quick cab ride from the port and you will walk through a hotel lobby that is empty.  keep on going down a path and you will end up at the beach.  loungers for rent and the bar opens for drinks mid morning.  Things are very casual and laid back.  Spectacular scenery.  There is a shipwreck in the bay but it's a ways out.  Also Fort Barrington atop the big hill on the right.

Have the driver come back to bring you back to port.  Been there several times and never had a problem with anything and plan to go back in January.  Some are put off by the isolation but several excursions use the beach later in the day (noonish) for picnics.

Glass in shower and by tub is one-way. No worries.

Concierge always available. Phones have a direct dial button (even the one next to the toilet!!!)

Correct! The Epic is the only Haven area that has a small gym.

 

It was eliminated from the Haven area for the Breakaway, Getaway and Escape - which is probably why the OP is getting conflicting information. ;)

On the Gem in Feb and the Haven gym area had been converted to a sitting area with a few chairs and sofas. DH was very disappointed....

Sorry, I didn't see prior responses

Thank you all for your prompt replies. Is switching passenger numbers something we can do on checkin or do we do it now?

We got the UBP as a promotion but we don't drink alcohol. Can we give the UBP to passengers 3&4?

Sorry if this has been covered before but couldn't find it in a search.

Thanks.....

Thank you everyone. Youtube videos showed it both ways and I was confused.

A group of us are in the GV next winter as it turned out to be less expensive per person than Haven rooms individually and someone asked if each room has its own coffee machine or is it one in the living area for all?

Thanks in advance

Well the way the Patriots look they won't be playing. The theater and casino both sound like fun. Thanks all

We were on the Nieuw Amsterdam last year for the Superbowl. It was shown in the theatre and they had food and drinks representative of each team. Was a lot of fun!

Thanks for your quick response. I don't suppose there's a prayer of a chance we can get it in the room. A few years age we cruised out of New York and the Jets were playing the Patriots (who lost) but there was a VERY pro New York crowd. We are from MA and rooting for the Patriots but were concerned about the anti-Pats slant. We were actually able to get the butler to fiddle with the back of the in room tv and get the game in the room. Nice to avoid the jeers and catcalls during the game.................

We will be on the Noordam for Superbowl. Will the game be broadcast on the ship?

Thanks in advance

Thank you for this. Loving every minute of it!!!!!!!!!!!! Will be in BA Haven in Feb and this is a great resource.

For what it's worth, I contacted the beach club directly and they said smoking is allowed on the beach only, cigars included................