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DMH15

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Posts posted by DMH15

  1. 2 hours ago, david_sobe said:

    There will never be a consensus because we all have different likes and dislikes.  The OP will have to experience both to make a decision. NCL's Haven is a ship within a ship concept.  Royal has some of the most expensive and mega suites at sea.  They have a Genie which is a butler on steroids.  Yet you don't have people raving about the Royal suite life like the Haven suite life.  That is because Royal does not have the ship within a ship concept.  All of their mega suites are randomly sprinkled around the ship.  No matter what suite you are in everyone must walk to the Coastal Kitchen and suite sun deck.  When I sailed Epic in 2010 and was introduced to the ship within a ship concept blew me away.  You never needed to leave the Haven.  The restaurant, bar, pool, sundeck, and courtyard were all outside your door.  That made me fall in love with the concept and I am always chasing the dragon for a similar experience.  MSC and NCL have the ship within a concept which IMHO is a different experience than just having access to the Haven.

    David, I have done both too and also a third scenario - have booked the aft suite on the Sun twice with no haven at all.  I love the Sun and loved those cruises.   
     

    Being in the DOS on the Epic really was a different animal.  Being in the Haven was better than I expected. But although our butler, Maxi was incredible the concierge (team) were almost indifferent.  But being in the hub was great.  Nice to have workout facilities and a massage treatment room close by… I could slink back to my room after relaxing massage.  Priceless.  We found the convenient POSH a bonus. 
     

    I am happy in any of the three scenarios.  I choose value over cost every time.  
     

    I always like reading your posts. 

  2. 11 hours ago, havoc315 said:

    In all seriousness, I like reading the reviews, and the bad reviews are the most helpful.

    I'll typically ignore the 5 star reviews --- You paid a ton of money for a vacation, and had a great time.  Wonderful -- that's how it's supposed to be on every vacation, but I may as well just read NCL promotional materials.

     

    So in reading the more negative reviews:

    -- Many I can easily dismiss as someone who is just difficult to please. ("the comedian wasn't very funny... the ship officers didn't even say hello in the elevator").  Some are complaining about things outside NCL control ("The weather was terrible, the airline lost my luggage"), some are unrealistic expectations ("The airline lost my luggage and the staff barely lifted a finger to rectify it! The toilet got clogged and it took maintenance 2 hours to fix it!")

    -- So I look for patterns, I look to see if there are similar complaints popping up frequently.  If someone says, "service at Cagney's was so slow, 2 hours and my steak arrived cold" -- Did that person just suffer from a single bad night, or are those complaints popping up frequently?  

     

    I haven't been on NCL in about 10 years, but going on my 3rd NCL cruise this coming summer, so I've been reading the reviews intently.

     

    Here is what I've learned from reading the reviews:

    -- Expect long lines to get a drink, especially at the pool bars

    -- Expect "nickel and diming" -- with lots of the activities being either extra charges, or seeking your money.

     

     

    I like nickle and diming.  It means I only pay for extras I want. 

    • Like 4
    • Haha 2
  3. 9 hours ago, rbxlady said:

     

    You'll be on the Epic before we will (we're on the 3/31 sailing in the Haven), but y'all are the kind of people I like to see. My husband and I are introverts to the point where we could be happy going the whole cruise without talking to anyone but each other and our kids, but when there are extroverts around who are happy, inclusive, and otherwise not obnoxious we end up enjoying ourselves around them. We feel like we're part of the cool kids 🙂

    Love this!

     

    extrovert here.  I am the offspring of two extrovert parents.  They were wonderful.   My mother had so many gifts… but the one trait I admired most about her was her ability to befriend and truly relate with anyone.  She was comfortable with billionnaires as well as the homeless guy on her corner (she lived downtown).  She was kind, funny and smart.  People still constantly tell me how much they loved my folks.   I hear new stories about them every day.  Ironically, some of their best friends were introverts who just liked being in their company. 

    • Like 3
  4. 1 hour ago, Sailing12Away said:

    This trip is more about the people than the destination. Leaving from Orlando and headed to St. Thomas, San Juan, Amber Cove & GSC. 

     

    On our Panama Canal trip we had made friends at the Haven bar (shocker, right?) with a group of folks. They all decided to cruise again this February, and their schedules and desires lined up and both couples booked the same trip. They told us about it, and we said we would tag along as well. Between all of their friends and our friends I think the final head count is going to be ~18 people in the Haven. 

     

    So again... apologies now for anyone sailing on the Epic in the Haven about 30 days from now.... we will be a big group, but we're friendly and fun and will gladly invite you to do some shots with us. If you're more interested in quiet stuff - please come and tell us to STFU when we are being too loud. We will not be offended. Or if you want a more subtle approach, feel free to post in here about the loud large group of guests hogging the chairs at the bar and I'll take the hint.

    Love this!

     

    I have made friends for life from my cruises.   The majority of people on cruises “get each other” and are people I enjoy meeting and spending time with.  

    • Like 1
  5. On 1/18/2024 at 8:37 AM, Sthrngary said:

    @SaltyPawz Ask anything you want on this board.  Good topics go off the reservation from time to time and come back.  I grew up in Long Island New York 50 minutes from NYC.  I now live in the south.  I have visited NYC many times in all those years.  I have an approach and hope it helps you.

     

    1. Come In at Least a Day Early:  I think this is your plan.  If you do, any of the Airports will do.  I personally due to business travel for what ever reason like LGA the best.  
    2. Ground Transportation:  Do some research and find a limo.  If you search you will see the cost is very reasonable from the airport to NYC.
    3. Hotel: You are 25 minute to NYC.  One of the greatest places to visit (not live).  This is a rare opportunity.  Do a hotel in the theatre district and look for deals.  Regardless the rooms will be on the smaller size yet for one night who cares.  
    4. Theatre: I love Broadway.  Get to the city early so plan it that way.  Go to the Half/Priced ticket line and get some seats to a Broadway show.  If you want a specific show, book it pre-cruise but get ready to pay a lot for those tickets.  Also if you flight is late, you might miss the show.  So back to the Half Price ticket line. 
    5. Food: You are about to take cruise and the food is usually good on the ship.  If you have never had deli foods, a great choice before a show.  I personally go to a REALLY GREAT Italian or steak place and forget about the cost.  Peter Lugers for Steak, or Carmines (family style) in the Theatre District or just google best Italian.  Leverage the experience of being in this city.
    6. Ground Transportation to the Port:  Same approach as to the Hotel. Have a bag with your city clothes so you don't have open up your big bags. 

     

    Those are my thoughts and I hope in some way it helps you.

     

    Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

    Love your guidelines.  

    • Thanks 1
  6. 11 hours ago, icedearth15324 said:

    Quick question, does anyone know what times they usually allow Haven guests to board the ship? Trying to coordinate a rental car drop off at the cruise terminal. Our departure time is 5:30pm.

    Here is something to ponder.  Track your ship the night before and morning of in “real time”.  We knew early that The Epic was behind schedule.  Even before NCL notified us.   Due to fog it got in a little before noon.  It was crazy busy in our hotel dining room for breakfast.  

    We always arrive early to the ship but this cruise it did not matter.  We all waited outside in the sun until the ship was cleared.  We left about 4 hours late.  

     

  7. 20 hours ago, graphicguy said:

    I sailed Epic twice.  I like it, a lot!  It doesn’t have the outdoor spaces like the Waterfront, which are on the Breakaway, B+ and Prima series which I love!  But, still a very nice ship!

    If you ever get the opportunity for the Epic DOS jump on it!   

     

    Quite the experience getting there.  We booked a suite for 3 on the Jade out of Texas.  A few months later NCL announced it was pulling out of Texas and our cruise was cancelled. 
     

    So we switched to same ship, same suite out of Florida.  A few months later THAT cruise was chartered for a music charter and our cruise was cancelled again.  What are the odds of getting cancelled twice?

     

    They offered us Epic or Dawn.  I had been on Dawn and not thrilled with it.  So we booked Epic.  They would not give us a two bedroom Haven suite for three of us their solution was putting my sister and I in a two person suite and my niece in an inside cabin across the hall. She was not 18 yet. Regardless, they said it would be OK. I insisted on getting in writing that she was to receive all the initial sweet privileges that we paid for on the first booking.
     

    After a few days, my sister and I realized we were not happy with these arrangements so we had our travel agent who is my cousin call and ask them what they could do for us to get us in a suite together… we were afraid my niece would just hang out in her own space and we wanted family time… So we went for the DOS and paid extra.  What we paid was reasonable and worth it.  It was a journey getting to that reservation.  No regrets!

  8. 2 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

    @benel204 Spend the money.  Go first class and business class airfare.  Look for sales and upgrade opportunities.  Lots of inventory means, prices on NCL will go down for those categories.  When they do, get them quick because the go quick.  Of just pay the price.  I also said to my adult children; my intent is to die and after my funeral expenses, have $100.00 left.  My thoughts are, I raised you, I paid for your college, I gave you a condo to live until you had a real job, I take you to fancy dinners and buy you nice presents.  You gave me a half a dozen donuts for my birthday while you knew I was on a Keto Diet. Life has consequences. 

     

    Cruise well and always go first class.

    Wow.   My mom was super frugal and she and I vacationed together a lot.  My dad said “you girls go and have fun while I hold down the fort, I lived across the street).  My mom closed her business at age 62 while my dad’s illness slowed him down.  Four years later he died.  
     

    On one of our NCL cruises, on the Jewel in an outside cabin, we met a couple from my childhood neighborhood who were in the haven and had us us to their cabin.  I looked at my mom and said “we need to do this”… from that point forward I booked our suite and Haven cruises and she would just say “tell me what I owe”.  So my otherwise frugal mom was hooked.  
     

    The day after he 83rd birthday she was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and lived 5 weeks and 5 days.  
     

    My siblings and I had always encouraged her to spend her money on herself.  And cruising was the one place she did indulge. It gave her joy.  And JOY was her name.  
     

    When she was alive used to tell us she us, “I’m a banker’s kid so I budget my money.   I want to make sure I can take care of myself and not be a burden on you kids”.   After her medical bills and funeral she had not run out.  She did not have a lot, but she was able to complete what she set out to do.  Seventeen years after my dad died my mom joined him.  
     

    Truly, our cruises were some of her favorite memories.  And you know what?   She would have loved them in an inside cabin too. She was that kind of person.  
     

    But one of my favorite pictures of her was at breakfast on the Sun in Il Adagio having suite breakfast at our favorite table on the window.  That suite breakfast and lunch venue was peaceful and quiet and the food was superior.  She loved it.  We cruised twice in the same aft corner suite with a huge balcony.  
     

    We never know what tomorrow brings.  Embrace the things that bring you joy. 

    • Like 8
    • Thanks 1
  9. 3 hours ago, detroitlions said:

    Its been a few years since I stayed in Miami. A few places I have stayed in the past were Miami Biscayne Marriott, Hilton downtown, court yard Marriott, and Holliday in Downtown. Any suggestions on a good hotel stay pre cruise I have a group of 7 of us going. 

    I have stayed quite a few times walking distance to Marketplace and free tram but then I switched to Brickell area as I like the restaurants there. 

  10. On 1/6/2024 at 1:12 PM, david_sobe said:

    The Star never got great reviews.  An Antartica cruise is not a fair judgment of a cruise line.  The ships are smaller and its expensive.  I am still jealous because I can only dream about sailing to Antartica. 

    My SA cruise on the Sun in an aft PH suite remains my favorite cruise to date.  Flew to Antarctica from Punta Arenas.  Once in a lifetime experience. 

  11. 8 hours ago, rbxlady said:

    I am really encouraged, reading all of this. We cruised in the Haven in a 2BR on the Getaway last year, and after that, I promised myself we would not cruise any older ships-- although I am admittedly disappointed that there is no option for two beds in the second bedroom on the Prima and Viva.

     

    Anyway, our lives are super hectic, so for the time being, we can't just book whenever, wherever, and the Epic on 3/31 (Easter Sunday) worked out best for us, as it coincided with our kids' spring break. I was really hoping to book a Breakaway+ class ship, but the offerings out of Port Canaveral, which is our preferred port because it's driving distance for us, have been relatively slim in 2023 and 2024 compared to 2022. Thus it was the Epic or nothing for spring break.

     

    We are booked in a 2BR Haven suite, and I am hoping the Haven experience will outweigh the fact that it's a somewhat older ship. I read it was the first Haven, which initially worried me because that meant maybe they hadn't worked out the kinks yet, in spite of its 2020 refurbishment, but it was hard to beat the price compared to what we paid on the Getaway last year and what they were asking 2BR Haven suites on Breakaway+ class ships. I figured even the worst Haven was better than no Haven.

     

    So if you'll be on the 3/31 Epic cruise, we'll be there, too, in a 2BR Haven suite. I am very, very happy to hear how much people seem to love the Epic's Haven.

    We cruised Epic in a forward DOS.  The Haven was great.  Never felt that crowded (compared to others).

    • Like 1
  12. 7 hours ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

    Seven for us.  All NCL.  Pearl, Encore, Bliss and Sun.  All but the Sun were Glacier Bay.  The Sun was Hubbard Glacier, which was spectacular.  Many times, it is foggy/icy and the ships can't get close.  Ours in July was sunny and clear.  I think that the fiord walls are more interesting than the glacier itself.  We have five visits to AK planned for next year. 😎

    After many cruises the NCL Sun holds a special place in my heart.   We sailed 2 cruises a total of 25 days in the same aft suite.  
     

    Two awesome cruises. 

    • Like 3
  13. It is possible to cruise in Haven on NCL or similarly in YC on MSC with friends or family not in that category.  
     

    We met up after breakfast in the general population part of the ship.  We did specialty dining some nights together.  Of couse, off the ship in ports did not matter. 

  14. On 11/3/2023 at 8:25 PM, Seadweller001 said:

    My Aunt (single, paid double) in Deluxe Grand on Seashore in December.  Wonder if she meets a lady or male and befriends, if there is an exception since she is paying the double occupancy rate?  Not that she will but an interesting situation. 

    I cruised as a solo on Seaside in YC.   Paid double.  That was my contract.  No where does it state you can make adjustments enroute.  

    • Like 3
  15. 14 hours ago, brichar499 said:

    Several hundred dollars in discretionary tips after mandatory gratuities? Seems way over the top especially when MSC's guidelines say don't do it.

    I have been cruising in Haven on NCL and YC on MSC for quite a while.  The difference in my cruise vacations before this were night and day.  So, I show my appreciation to those responsible for making that happen. 

    • Like 2
  16. 9 hours ago, Cruiseguy14 said:

    By and large are haven customers so wealthy that they are use to not doing regular things for themselves and are ok paying a couple of hundred dollars for minor conviences ? That’s not really my families status 

    Nope.   Many are like me.  Just established in career and made good choices.  I do not have kids.  I drive my cars 10-12 years and have had same job 33 years.  
     

    I do things for others A LOT.  In my personal and professional life.  So, my idea of a perfect vavation is R & R.  So, I find great value in both the butler and Concierge and I tip accordingly. 

    • Like 6
    • Thanks 2
  17. 16 minutes ago, CDR Benson said:

     

    Moreover, even the most well-behaved children lack maturity of judgement and the ability to accurately assess "actions vs. consequences".  That's why you and the spouse don't go on a beach vacation for two weeks and leave your ten-year-old alone and unsupervised at home, no matter how well behaved he is.

     

    And it's not just younger children.  I'm personally familiar with a case in which Mom and Dad went off on a week-end getaway, leaving their well-behaved sixteen-year-old daughter at home alone and in charge of the house.  Little Missy decided to invite twenty or thirty of her closest personal friends over for a party that Saturday night.  When the shebang got into full swing, the teens raided Dad's liquor cabinet and fueled further festivities. 

     

    By the time the police arrived, called by neighbours irritated by the noise, they found Dad's gun locker broken into, two expensive Remington rifles broken, paint dumped all over the white living room rug, and the canopy over the front porch collapsed.  Roughly $10,000 in damages, total.  When the officers asked the well-behaved sixteen-year-old daughter why she invited so many young people over and allowed them to drink alcohol, she tearfully replied, "But I thought I could control them!"

     

    (And, no, she wasn't my kid.  Otherwise, I'd be posting this from the prison computer while I was serving time for murder.)

     

    But, you see, poor ability to gauge actions vs. consequences from a, yes, genuinely well-behaved teen.

     

    This is why such rules concerning minors are put in place, by NCL and by other venues.  Not because the kid is necessarily a hellspawn, but because his judgement less developed.

     

     

    OMG.  I just realized while reading your post you could have been talking about me 50 years ago.  
     

    My parents had gone out and upon return commented on my rearranging the furniture in our living room.  It was months later they realized it was because of the huge hole in the wall behind the secretary, which one of my “friends” had left behind.  
     

    I have three siblings but my mom always attributed her grey hair to me.   Ironically, I developed into a very responsible adult, by the grace of God.  
     

    In all my cruises I have never been bothered enough by teens, tweens or kids to consider it a detriment to my enjoyment.  This encompasses 5 lines and Haven and YC to inside cabin.  

    • Like 1
    • Haha 4
  18. 10 hours ago, amygutman said:

    @McGarrett5oh and @DMH15 I always have a travel mug glued to my hand but it's apparently very important how one boils the water vs the water itself for British tea.

     

    To put the tea discussion into perspective, on my first shift in the Bermudian ED ("A&E"), at precisely 1500 in the midst of a crazily packed department 1/2 the nurses handed off their patients to go to the breakroom. Curious, I followed them and was stunned to see 5 separate kettles, tea cups WITH SAUCERS labelled with staff names, sugar cubes and condensed milk and Dunkley's milk (local Bermudian farm) all laid out on the counter with McVitie's Digestives. 

     

    The nurses showed me the tea choices and when I said that I would just microwave tap-water for instant cafe bustelo I thought my first day of work would be my last. Thank goodness the matron came to my rescue telling everyone to excuse my behavior as I was American "and you know they don't know any better". 

     

    So...as much as a carafe may suit us American heathens for our afternoon pick-me-up, I think that even the glory of the Haven will not be able to overcome the potential lack of a kettle for my dear friend Kate. 

    Warmest Amy

    I love this post!!!  So cute!!!   Yes, I admit I am a coffee drinker (no Kcups) but my sis and niece love a proper tea.  
     

    see, Cruise Critic is informative AND educational. 

    • Like 2
    • Thanks 1
  19. On 9/9/2023 at 11:49 PM, Zippeedee said:

    Probably an unpopular opinion but I love the spa on the Epic. It all the way aft with an outdoor balcony area. Great views and fresh air.

    It was a nice set up but very un-spa-like on my cruise.  Very loud and obnoxious. People treated it like a bar and camped out all day.  It was incredibly difficult to get a day bed or ceramic lounger. 

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