maja651

3 hours ago, RDH377 said:

Recently off the Gem out of NYC. Concierge Elvina and butler Ronald. 7 of us in a GV. Every reservation, including a couple of changes handled very efficiently. All questions answered quickly and accurately. Escorts on and off the ship, plus the limo ride back to our hotel post cruise done exactly right. 

 

Did you bring your portable room phone for escorting back onto the ship? I love this plan to avoid the long elevator waits.

37 minutes ago, Shellbelle28 said:

Wow! I don't know if that was the same Concierge named Bruno that we had this September (2018) on the Pearl, because if it was, he has seriously improved his game. Our Bruno was excellent. He was personable , visible and "No problem" was his answer for every request. 

I think it is the same Bruno.  My friend who was with me on the cruise where he was horrific also had him again on the Epic a few months later.  She said he was completely different and made up for his past horrible concierge behavior.  I think his time in the penalty box helped him with his attitude and perspective on service. Lol

27 minutes ago, TOMTOMRN331 said:

I did some more research and I think I figure out what happened - I should have mentioned it was only a 5 night cruise. I looked at a different 7 night sailing and that disclaimer is not present. So I think it has to do with the sailing of only 5 nights. 

 

No, I noticed that as well for all sailings in Jewel class. I think NCL is taking away the butler from non-Haven suites in Jewel class. They also changed the categories of the suites.

2 hours ago, samiam0403 said:

You guys are making me jealous with all of these butler/concierge success stories! My first experience in a suite was a 10-day sailing on the Sun. Monica was AMAZING and set the bar for us for concierges. Recent sailings have been...underwhelming. On Getaway a few years ago, we asked our butler to a) not bring any of the fishy snacks, and b) maybe substitute pretzel rolls instead. We were flat out told no. When needing to make a mid-cruise change to a dinner reservation, our concierge informed us he could only get us in to Le Bistro on the last night at 9:00pm. Our last few suite/Haven cruises haven’t been great. Hoping our next one (in just 30 days!) on Epic breaks the streak. 

 

(Note: for the record, I am not high-maintenance, am appreciative and polite (26 years in the military makes one appreciate how blessed we are to cruise at all!), have minimal requests (literally, other than our pre-cruise concierge request for OJ in the fridge, our only requests on Getaway were the ones mentioned above - no meals served in room, we made all our own reservations pre-cruise, nothing extra. At all.), and tip decently. I really think it is just luck of the draw sometimes, so I really hope we hear ‘yes’ more than ‘no’ on this upcoming cruise - after camping in what’s left of our home after Hurricane Michael, we could use the luxury!)

If I had experienced the poor service you had I would have escalated that. The butler really should not tell you no, ever. (Unless of course the request is unreasonable). Switching pretzel rolls out and being told no is absolutely ridiculous.  If that happens again to you, tell the concierge (butler’s boss), and if that doesn’t work, talk to the hotel director.  

We had a very, very poor experience with a concierge on the Jewel a couple of years ago. I mean, TERRIBLE.  We were only 2 people, sailing in the Garden Villa no less, and were told basically no to everything from the concierge, Bruno.  “Bruno, can we pay for a massage in our room?’  - Bruno - NO.  ‘Bruno can you fix the hot tub, as we want to use it.’ Bruno - sorry, today is the maintenance DAY.    ‘Bruno - can you please set up the limo ride back to the airport’ (this comes with the GV) - Bruno - sure. I’ll take care of it. Then day of departure, it was not set up and the port escort lady had to scramble to get a ride for my friend.  Luckily for us, and not for Bruno, my friend was taking the limo and I was taking something else as I was staying in LA after the cruise. So, I was aware of the limo fiasco and let Bruno have it before I debarked.  I also let the hotel director know what happened and how displeased we were with the lack of service from Bruno. Im pretty sure Bruno was put in the penalty box as a result of our cruise because he was later on multiple ships with no contract as a fill in.

I have  also had amazing experience experiences from great concierges like Adrian. One of the things I’ll never forget him saying was  something like, I don’t like lines, and don’t do them, so with me, you wont either.  And he was right, no lines ever on the Epic when he was our concierge. He is hands down our favorite concierge.

16 hours ago, katiecat said:

I bought my own paper straws but NCL should have had them before doing away with plastic. They shouldn't be selling aquafina in plastic bottles either in my opinion. 

No washing straws for me.

We have reusable straws we purchased on Amazon.  The metal ones are awesome because they keep the drink cold when drinking good through them. I’d recommend you give them a try!

Also, if you don’t end up drinking them for whatever reason, they will refund the corkage fee at the end of the cruise. We are picky  about what wines we drink, so if we are going to drink wine, we bring it on and pay the cork fee.

I always thought that the first night was prime rib night in the main dining rooms, but I see based on your pictures, it was not on this cruise.  Do you recall if they ever had a prime rib night in the main dining rooms?

On 12/28/2018 at 2:39 PM, Stinger-pr said:

Are the fonts any better??

 

Or is it the color that's throwing everything out of whack?? 

 

I'd rather know before continuing so that everyone can enjoy it the same way.

 

 

This is much better! Thank you! For the record, I’m reading this on an iPad Pro, so it appears that is why it changed to script for me as well.  

Btw,  I love your reviews! Thank you for taking the time to write one! 😉 also we will be on the Dawn out of San Juan in March, so I’m so excited to read this!

On 12/28/2018 at 11:39 AM, Stinger-pr said:

This is a font test. (CC on Windows)

 

This is a test! (C+P from Google Drive, rich text)

 

This is a test! (Plain text c+p from G drive, plain text)

 

Do any of those work for those that can't read the previous posts??

 

I MUCH prefer the non-script, normal bold black text. I am loving your review but the script blue font is hard to read.

When we cruised on the Jewel in the GV, our amazing butler Putu noticed I love champagne. He kept bringing bottles of the good stuff until he ran out (about 6 bottles later). He had a stash from when GV or OS passengers don’t use the champagne and I used it all up! 😉

My friend likes the cheese/meat anti pasta platter for snacks, and I like sweets. We ask the butler for both and always get both.

On our last cruise in March, our butler Leo set up an amazing anniversary spread for the hubs and I. He had decorated the table with napkin candles, a Happy Anniversary sign, balloons, a huge anniversary cake, pretzel rolls, 3 bottles of champs and many glasses and plates . (He knew we were traveling in a group of 5 as we had the OS and our friends had the 2 connecting penthouse suites).

I love the idea of calling the butler to bring us quickly up to the room to avoid the long elevator lines when getting back on the ship after a long day at a port. We have  never done this but I think we will in March. I imagine if we bring our room phone with us we can call when we get close to the ship.

1 hour ago, littlelulu01 said:

There’s also the Nespresso in the room the butler stocks and services.  

 

Butlers make a salary but the majority of their income likely comes from servicing staterooms.  Cutting out an extra butler isn’t where the savings is.

 

Ncl Cutting back costs and services and creating additional opportunity to make extra $ on these new category rooms is the only benefit I see in the change. 

 

If they don’t have to pay for the nespresso pods AND have the opportunity to sell more specialty coffee that is a win. If they can now charge those rooms a delivery service fee for any room service that’s a win.  Purchased extras for the room instead of delivery from butler...

 

These rooms have dining areas, larger balconies perfect for relaxing breakfast... folks booked in them are willing to pay extra for some extra time in them. That’ll now cost more and available services even If willing to pay extra will be fewer. 

 

Im Guessing the few posters here who have zero need for a butler, never use room service, don’t drink the nespresso and book in the full suite just for a dining table to spread their electronic devices on are pretty few. The majority of passengers willing to pay more than double did so for the amenities provided. 

This is exactly what I’m thinking and why I started this post. I was actually surprised, although maybe I shouldnt have been, by all of the people stating they have no use for the butler.   It is such a pleasure and great way to start the day by enjoying breakfast in the suite with my hubby, and in a robe! Also, for those who have never tried it, it’s super romantic to have a nice meal served by the butler in your suite. It’s private, it’s quiet, and it’s perfect.  

5 hours ago, sverigecruiser said:

 

Lots of people use the butlers very little. If the only difference is that people in the penthouse suites doesn't get the snacks in the afternoon it's not a big deal. 

My issue is without a butler, that means no full breakfast, lunch, dinner, whichever your preference, in your suite. One of the perks we enjoy a lot with butler service is the ability to have meals in our cabin. This is especially important for us when  arrive at ports early or are put in port for along day. 

6 minutes ago, david_sobe said:

OMG you are doing a back to back cruise in the Garden Villa?  I hope you come and share your review.  That sounds amazing.

Yup! We are beyond excited! I’ll definitely write a review when I get back. 😀

9 hours ago, Two Wheels Only said:

Where are you seeing this?

 

I can see the change in the designation of the categories starting Sept. 2020 but for suites, I see...

 

SD - Forward-Facing Deluxe Penthouse with Large Balcony - Includes butler and concierge service.

SF - Forward-Facing Penthouse with Large Balcony - ...butler and concierge service.

SM - Aft-Facing Penthouse with Large Balcony - Includes butler and concierge service.

SN - Aft-Facing Penthouse with Balcony - Includes butler and concierge service in select cabins.

 

What they mean by "select", I don't know. 

 

There is another thread HERE where people are starting to discuss some of the changes that are coming. 

 

 

If you look at the Jade April 4, 2021 sailing, you’ll see “note: butler service only listed for havens”under the  SD and SF category and “:note no butler service. Some with concierge” for the SM and SN categories. 

Anyone else notice that they have removed  the butler service from the aft and front facing penthouses on the Jewel class ships starting in late 2020? They now only have butler service in the Haven suites.  If this is the way NCL is going, it’s time for us to find a new cruise line.  I mean, why book a suite, especially at the elevated prices they are at now, if yiu are getting no butler or elevated service? They have also changed the room categories adding more categories to charge more for the deck 10 aft suites and more for the deck 10 middle front facing suites.  Argh

 We booked the May 16 -30, 2020 14 day British Isles cruise. I noticed this cruise repeats itself May 30-June 13, however the itinerary is very slightly different (days are switched in Norway and longer time in Dublin on the first cruise) and the price is more than $4000 more for the same cabin  for the June weeks.   Is there something I am missing here? Is it much better to go first 2 weeks of June versus last 2 weeks of May? The cruise is RT Amsterdam going to Scotland,  Norway, Ireland, England, France and Belgium. 

On 11/26/2018 at 9:05 PM, Krisk88 said:

Whats up everyone! We just booked our honeymoon on the Norwegian Jade.  14 day British Isles, Norway & Ireland From Amsterdam.   Heres a link to it. https://www.ncl.com/cruises/14-day-british-isles-norway-and-ireland-from-amsterdam-JADE14AMSNWHIVGBGOAESHSYGNRBFSDUBLEHTILZEEAMS?cruiseTour=1&cruiseHotel=1&numberOfGuests=4294953449&pageSize=1000&ships=4294959862&selectedPort=AMS&cruise=1&sortBy=Featured&from=resultPage&state=undefined&sailmonths=4294942311+4294942319&currentPage=1&cruiseHotelAir=1&&itineraryCode=JADE14AMSNWHIVGBGOAESHSYGNRBFSDUBLEHTILZEEAMS.

 

We have cruised with Norwegian in the past on the breakaway to the Western Caribbean and we loved NCL.  Has anyone done a cruise like it around the same time this is?  How is the weather/seas?  Also we got a 3 free by sea promotion one of them is free airfare.  NCL said they cannot guarantee a straight flight through without a layover until 60 days of departure. Has anyone done a free flight through a cruise line and had any problems or was it smooth sailing?  Just looking for some feedback.  

 

Thanks everyone!

We booked this cruise too! Neither of us has been to Norway or Ireland, and I haven’t been to England or Scotland since I was. A kid. So looking forward to it!. Oh and we’re calling it our “DNA’ cruise. Lol. We recently sent I’m for results on ancestry and both found out we are almost entirely from the  British isles. It’ll be cool to see where our ancestors are from!

This is ridiculous! How entitled can these 2 idiots get? Seriously! 

First, Adrian is by far the absolute best concierge we have ever had the pleasuring of knowing.  He was such a pleasure and definitely our favorite concierge.

My opinion, Adrian was doing his job. I’m sorry, but if you didn’t pay to be in a Haven suite, it is up to the concierge to determine if he wants to give you Haven restaurant privileges. I know they sometimes do offer the restaurant privilege depending on how crowded the suites are during a particular week, but there is never a guarantee, it is ALWAYS up to the concierge.

Has anyone been on the British Isles cruise that leaves out of Amsterdam and goes to Scotland, Norway, Ireland, England, France, and Belgium ? We are considering booking this cruise and would love feedback from fellow cruisers.

We’ve been on both ships. We much prefer the Pearl because of the location of the Spinnaker lounge  being forward with all of the windows.  That is, unless you’re booking the Garden Villa.  Then, the Star wins hands down because the GV is so much nicer on the Star.

23 hours ago, toyotaford said:

We just got off the Dawn 4 days ago and had a wonderful time.  Roel Gonzales was as good a concierge as we have ever had.  The ship was in good condition and food was great in every venue we tried.  We didn't make any dinner reservations or shore excursion reservations until we got on board.  We were able to do everything we wanted, including 18 of us eating together at Teppanyaki.  If you are a planner there is no need to wait but we usually end up changing dinner reservations if we have booked them in advance.  We didn't have great luck with request sent to the pre-cruise concierge but never do so that doesn't upset us.  We are just always kind of curious to see if it may start working some day.  I hope you enjoy your time on The Dawn as much as we did.

Did you happen to find out if Roel will be on the ship in March? We will be on the Dawn in March and hoping for s good concierge.

26 minutes ago, don't-use-real-name said:

We will be on the Dawn in the GV in March.  Do you have recent pictures you can share?

Michelle

 

Working on that - multiple photos taken on a couple of days - trying to edit to make a continuous walk thru.

Are you in the 14000 suite (starboard) or the 14500 (port) the mirror image ?

Concierge was Roel Gonzales - Butler is a rotating assignment.

We are in 14000 as well. Was Roel a good concierge? We have had bad experiences with the last 2 concierges, so we are hoping for a good one this time.  (Providing Roel is still the concierge in March)

On 11/7/2018 at 8:44 PM, don't-use-real-name said:

Just off the NCL DAWN (10/19-26) Garden Villa Horizon Suite 14000 (starboard side)

Virtually the same arrangement as mentioned by Relax@Sea

exception for the Jade

 

Since this cruise was a New England Canada fall foliage cruise and not a tropical warm weather one

the Pool Deck down below was as quiet as a church house mouse so not a terribly noisy cruise in that respect

The entertainment for the most part was inside the warm confines of the ship.

The deck furniture on deck 15 was tied down at night - things go bump in the night.

Encountered strong crosswinds rocking the ship and the doors to the deck 14 elevator foyer needed to be

shut firmly otherwise a persistent whistling noise.

The only loud parties will be your own unless the neighbors in stateroom next door want to join you or make one of their own.

Be careful with the player piano it can play without you ! LOL !

Back to the noise - inside the stateroom it is really quiet and well insulated - I would suppose that if the entertainment

on the pool deck was amped up that you would hear some of it but for the most part it would be during a sail-away party

or daytime tropical cruise and maybe an evening "White Night" party - so not a persistent annoyance.

 

 

The features and amenities are OUTSTANDING for this category of stateroom:

LINK to YouTube video:

 

Other Video LINKS:

https://search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?p=NCL+JADE+14000&fr=ymyy-t-999&fr2=p%3Amy%2Cm%3Asb&hspart=att&hsimp=yhs-att_001&type=sbc_dsl

 

Deck 14   - 

H1

 

Features

- Separate bedroom with king-sized bed
- Private bathroom with whirlpool tub and separate shower
- Floor to ceiling glass doors that open to private balconies
- Two additional bedrooms with private baths and showers
- Living room, dining room
- CD/DVD library
- Minibar, refrigerator, safe
- Television, music console, phone, hairdryer.

Perks

Butler / Concierge / Priority Check In / Priority Debarkation / Priority Tender Boarding / Dining in the Stateroom / Fresh Fruit / Welcome Champagne / Complimentary Mini-bar Setup / Thick Cotton Robes / Pillow Menu / Complimentary limo service from pier to airport / Espresso & Cappuccino machine / Special suite menus / Bliss collection pillow-top mattress / Treats delivered to door every night /

Sleeps 6 adults, plus room for 2 rollaway beds and 3 cribs. Amenities also include white tablecloth in-suite dining, priority reservations for the ship\\\'s specialty restaurants, spa and entertainment venues, access to The Haven Courtyard (which has a pool valet, private pool, sundeck, hot tub, and fitness area), as well as invitations to private events. Distinctive key card, butler available to unpack luggage, bottled water, full in-suite breakfast menu, breakfast and lunch at specialty restaurant, fresh flower arrangement, and plush slippers and towels.
Amenities are subject to change without notice.

6 bottles of complimentary booze

 

With this type of stateroom you would not want to go anywhere

else on the ship

 

Hope your bid will be successful !

Mine was - play it forward !

We will be on the Dawn in the GV in March.  Do you have recent pictures you can share?

4 hours ago, erdoran said:

While I'm dreaming of surprising hubby with a GV bid, I'm wondering....GV gives you free limo transportation to/from airport, right?  Does anyone know the distance range?  So if a miracle happened and we won, we'd get free limo from Civatevecchia to Rome airport going home?  Anyone know the distance their limo picks up from?  We're about 100 miles from NYC port, where we are sailing out of, I wonder if that might be possible....sigh....dream on......

You get transportation to the airport after the cruise, but not from the airport to the cruise.

Are the wine prices similar to average US prices or elevated like Hawaii?