Uniall

Legit question - no sarcasm or anything: Are people planning their cruises around the officers? For instance, if you hear that so&so transferred to a different ship/itinerary would you switch cruises to follow them? Or if so&so was now on your cruise and they were rumored to be terrible would you switch to avoid them? Basically I'm asking what does it matter who the officers are or what their vacation schedules are?

 

Incidentally, when I go on a cruise and see a officer/crew member who I remember it's like a pleasant surprise to me but I enjoy surprises like that. If it is someone I don't like which I had once it didn't really bother me as we weren't sharing a cabin or meals or anything.

Yes, we are among the many who have booked specific cruises because of the officers and crew on board.

We have done so to renew contact with 3 Hotel Directors, 1 Food & Beverage Dirictor, 2 Concierges, and 1 Butler.

In each case, these individuals have become personal friends over and above their cruise ship career.

Likewise, we have booked cruises to sail with past cruise mates who have become friends or booked a cruise that allowed us to plan a pre or post cruise visit with them.

Also, we have decided not to book or cancelled pre booked cruises because of the officer staffing that was scheduled to be aboard.

I guess we were fortunate! We also had a large plate of fruit' date=' cheese and bread.

 

 

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We didn't get bread or fruit but I did get to bring 10 guests.

That was a good trade off for me.

Seriously, I don't think people should bring towels, just in case.

When we went last November the cabana was supplied with water and towels. There was no charge for these items.

 

 

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They did not give towels or water in January 2017

Do we bring towels from the ship or are they supplied with? Is there water in the cabana or that is a purchase for as well...Thanks!

Bring towels from the ship and order ALL drinks and food from the "Villa's" butler.

No food or drink may be taken to or from the island.

This is not another NCL boost the bottom line scam.

This was a condition set by the Belize government to own, operate and profit from the island before allowing NCL to create it.

Thank you for your detailed response. What I was really asking is as stated above. I booked with another couple in another cabin and since wristbands arent in my cabin, how can they make sure they get to and allowed in the cabana. I plan on getting as soon as we are allowed and its great knowing all I have to do is give their cabin number and names. I never once was asking about sneaking others in since four people sharing the cabana is enough for me :)

 

Thank you again for your help. I am glad to know about giving names and cabin number if the other couple decides to go later.

 

 

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Another person had asked if you could have more than six persons in a Villa. I was trying to answer as many questions in one post as possible.

Thank you. I'm not sure what you mean about my calling the Shore Excursion Desk to process my request? Do you mean to give them the cabin numbers of those using the "villa"?

 

I was told on the phone the wristbands will be in my cabin but now see that is not correct? Did they leave you anything in the cabin to "swap" out for a wristband? The reason I ask is that I am sharing a cabana with another couple in another cabin. If we all travel to the villa desk together, I don't see a problem. But, what if one couple gets there before another couple? I booked the cabana. So how do the people giving out the wristbands know the other couple in another cabin are also in the same cabana?

 

Did anyone book with another family member/friend in another cabin?

 

Thanks so much!

You don't have to book a Villa (Cabana) on line. You can do it the old fashion way by phone with the Shore Excursion department. I got my order in BEFORE they were available on line. At that point, the website was still listing Villas (Cabanas) for up to 10 persons. A day or two later, when they were availble ON LINE, the info said up to 6 persons.

The person who booked the Villa (Cabana) will have a Shore Excursion "yellow booking ticket" in their cabin when boarding. That ticket must be shown at the check in booth 50 yards inside the main gate to get the wrist bands for each individual. They will load up an 8 passenger golf cart and take your entire group from the check in booth to the Villa (Cabana)

The person booking the Villa MUST be there before anyone can check in. But, if you get there and check in, they will take the names and cabin numbers of your guests and you can go ahead. When your guests show up at the booth, they show their ships key card to get their wrist band.

I think what you really want to know is: "Can I sneak someone in without a wrist band?" The answer is "Yes" but it's a little complicated. The back door route used by the golf carts to take you to your villa is sand, not a walkway or road. BUT, the 10 villas are lined up in a row starting with the accessable #1. Running in front of the Villas is a wood board walkway. Between the wood board walkway and the water is a beach area with hundreds of chaise lounges.

So, tell your "guests" go to "The Big Pool", turn right and head for the sand beach. Then turn left and follow the wood board walk till you get to the Villas on your left and beach chaises on you right. Knock on each door till you find the right Villa.

Look at my post above to see the photos of:

8 passenger golf cart

Beach Chaises on right side of wood board walkway

Villas on left side of wood board walk way

Does anyone know if it is possible to have more than 6 people in each cabana? Is there an extra pp charge?

The answer is: Yes, No, Maybe, litterally.

On my New Years Eve cruise, there were two parties (including myself) who had submitted requests to book Harvest Caye cabanas (now called Villas) based upon the pre opening announcements and advertising that the units would be for parties of 10. (The number allowed for the LARGE cabanas at NCL's owned and operated Bahaman Island, Great Styrup Caye)

When the Harvest Caye Villas, owned and operated by Belize, became availabe for on line self booking they were only for parties of 6 (The number allowed for SMALL cabanas on NCL's owned and operated Bahaman Island, Great Styrup Caye).

The two of us who had booked early with the Miami Shore Excursion desk by phone were allowed to have 10 people.

Several days later I learned the two Villas with 10 persons had spent twice the money for food & drinks than the 6 person units. I suggested the bean counters should reconsider the max number in order to squeeze more money out of the Villas. But, that might require Belize to hire another Villa Butler (waiter). So, time will tell.

Hi.

 

For those of you that rented a cabana with other friends and family in other cabins, when did you get your wristbands? Were they waiting in your cabin on the first day?

I am sharing a cabana with another couple in a different cabin and just want to make sure we are all on the same page.

 

Thanks so much! They look lovely!

I answered the question above, after my photo.

"they're preassigned. You should contact the Shore Excursion Department by phone (call Reservation phone # and select Shore Excursion prompt) and they'll process your request." You pick the wrist bands up at a kiosk, 25 yards inside the Main Gate.

Also, once again, they are no longer called cabanas.

They are now called VILLAS.

(there was too much confusion with the "tent awning" cabanas that ring the swimming pool)

it is crazy you cant use your UBP on land and there is no free buffet. i think people (like me) were expecting that because that is how GSC works.

 

the cabanas look awesome, but we'll probably opt to eat a big breakfast, go on shore for 2 or 3 hours, then come back to each lunch enjoy the empty ship and free drinks.

Under the agreement between NCL & Belize, the country owns and operates the island and the concessions. NCL gets first use of the island but other cruise lines may use it, if there is no NCL ship in port. Once the shore excursions are up and running FROM the island to the mainland, you'll be able see and do other things.

Were the Cabanas already preassigned when you got your bands or did they assign them as people checked in, we are part of a group and separately booked cabanas, but are hoping to be next to each other?

Adjacent to the Cabana (they're now called Villas) assignment shack, there's an inflatable Pugil Stick combat arena.

Each Villa group picks their "champion" to fight a series of elimination bouts.

The bouts determine the rankings for each group to choose their own Villa.

LOL Actually, they're preassigned. You should contact the Shore Excursion Department by phone (call Reservation phone # and select Shore Excursion prompt) and they'll process your request.

How does paying for food/drink purchases in the cabana work? Does the concierge person take your card away with them to the bar where they put in your order, or do they swipe it on a mobile device so your card always stays with you? I'm assuming it's done after each purchase, or is one bill done for each person before they leave?

You can do it anyway you want. I picked up the opening order and the butler took the card and swiped it and brought it back. After that, others paid as the went along on their own.

Would love to know what ship Dan France CD is going to. We saw him on the Dawn and he made the whole vacation. I hope he is not leaving NCL.

Dan said he was going on vacation but had not yet received a new contract and ship assignment.

Can anyone post the Current Officers for the Jewel???

I need it before February 15.

Thanks,

John

The Last Complete Posting for Jewel was Nov. 21

Captain - Pelle Fredriksson

Hotel Director - Steven Jacobsen

Staff Captain - Marin Dobriba

Cruise Director - Iain Bagshaw

F&B Director - Claus Pascher

Executive Chef - Peter D'Costa

Guest Services Manager - KitKat Galope

Beverage Manager - Oxley Olivierre

Restaurant Manager - Noel Chaves

Concierge - Bruno Barbosa

There was a partial Update On Jan 9

Hotel Director: Claus Pascher- Austria

Food and Beverage: Mohammad Hasan- Indonesia

Restaurant Manager: Noel Chaves returning 5 February

Here's the info we received at our Meet and Greet:

 

Dawn 12/30/16

 

Alain Magnier, Hotel Director

Andreas Sommerfeld, F & B Director

Dan France, CD (Excellent!!!)

Osley Ollivierre, Executive Housekeeper

Ana Maria Haza, Guest Services Manager

Prejith Poovapadathil, Executive Chef

Ionela Oprisan, Restaurant Manager

Rajesh Rodreguez, Beverage Manager

Tamara de Beer, Group Service Coordinator

Leah Rodriguez, Concierge

All Correct as of our disembarking on Jan 8, except Cruise Director Dan France disembarked with us.

Here's my take on each if them:

Alain Magnier, Hotel Director: Warm, Personable & Professional. Definitely "A" Team Leadership.

Andreas Sommerfeld, F & B Director: Personal attention to detail and passenger comments.

Dan France, CD: Filled with Joie de Vivre

Osley Ollivierre, Executive Housekeeper: He's everywhere.

Ana Maria Haza, Guest Services Manager: Wow, the department runs like a fine clock.

Prejith Poovapadathil, Executive Chef: A great guy and great chef who prepared special requests with 24 hour notice.

Ionela Oprisan, Restaurant Manager: Super management skills with staff and welcoming to the guests.

Rajesh Rodreguez, Beverage Manager: We never ran out of booze.

Tamara de Beer, Group Service Coordinator: Also acts as Disability Access Officer and was superbly responsive in that capacity.

Leah Rodriguez, Concierge: Without any doubt, One of the Best.

This 2016 Thread is Ended.

Go to 2017 Officers Thread to Continue Posting and Information:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2436678

Thanks for the update. I had not seen it. Look forward to all the new ships in the coming years.

 

 

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You're most welcome. I believe this press release was sent to travel agents and VIPs with NCL home office contacts.

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE ANNOUNCES 2018 AND 2019 DEPLOYMENT

Highlights include Norwegian Escape sailing to the Caribbean and Bermuda from New York, Norwegian Breakaway sailing Scandinavia & Russia from Copenhagen, Norwegian Bliss sailing to Alaska from Seattle, and bucket list destinations including Cape Horn and the Panama Canal.

MIAMI – December 14, 2016 –

Norwegian Cruise Line today announced its summer 2018 and fall/winter 2018/19 itineraries, featuring exciting new opportunities for guests to set sail to their dream destinations, while unpacking just once and enjoying the most free and flexible cruising experience at sea. Norwegian’s 2018/2019 deployment spans across the globe, with sailings journeying to the warm waters of the Caribbean, the adventure-filled coasts of South America, the awe-inspiring glaciers of Alaska, Norway and beyond. The new itineraries are on sale now for all guests.

Alaska

In summer 2018, Norwegian will once again offer guests the opportunity to sail through the glacier-filled waters and gaze upon the snowy mountain-tops of Alaska on three unique ships, the youngest fleet sailing to the region. The brand-new Norwegian Bliss, arriving in June 2018, will lead Norwegian’s 2018 Alaska fleet with her inaugural season to the region, offering seven-day voyages departing each Saturday from Seattle. The largest and most innovative ship to sail to Alaska, Norwegian Bliss will be the first cruise ship custom-built with features and amenities for the ultimate Alaska cruise experience and will be the first Norwegian Cruise Line ship to make its debut in Seattle*. Following an extensive renovation in 2017 as a part of the Norwegian Edge program, Norwegian Pearl will sail seven-day Glacier Bay Alaska cruises from Seattle departing on Sundays. Rounding out the Alaska fleet, Norwegian Sun will return to Vancouver and Seward to offer her incredibly popular northbound and southbound seven-day Alaska highlights voyages, offering guests the opportunity to combine back-to-back sailings for an immersive 14-day roundtrip cruise.

Europe

Guest sailing with Norwegian Cruise Line can immerse themselves in the sights, sounds and flavors of Europe with five ships based in the region in summer 2018. Norwegian Breakaway will depart her New York homeport on April 15 for the first time since her inaugural season in 2013 for a 12-day transatlantic voyage to London (Southampton). Following her arrival in Europe, Norwegian Breakaway will undergo enhancements in dry dock and then journey to her new seasonal homeport of Copenhagen, where she will sail nine-day Scandinavia & Russia cruises through the summer season. Norwegian Jade will return to Europe in summer 2018 and sail a series of Norway, Iceland, and North Cape cruises from London (Southampton) and Hamburg, showcasing the spectacular Norwegian fjords, along with British Isles cruises on select dates. Norwegian Spirit will return as well, sailing longer 10-day Western Mediterranean and 11-day Eastern Mediterranean & Adriatic cruises from Civitavecchia. Norwegian Star will reposition from the West Coast to Venice, sailing a series of seven-day Greek Isles and Adriatic & Greece cruises from The Floating City. Norwegian Epic, which received ship wide enhancements earlier this year during an extensive dry dock, will once again sail seven-day Western Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona and Civitavecchia, showcasing the best of Italy, France and Spain.

In winter 2018/2019, Norwegian Spirit will set sail from Barcelona to the Canary Islands & Morocco, on a series of 10- and 11-day cruises that will bring guests looking to escape winter weather to the exotic bazaars of Northern Africa and Tenerife, which boasts the world’s third largest volcano and the highest elevation in all of Spain.

Bermuda

Norwegian will continue its tradition of sailing from both New York City and Boston to the pink sand beaches of Bermuda between April and September 2018. Norwegian’s newest ship, Norwegian Escape, will reposition for the first time since she was christened in 2015, and will sail from New York City to Bermuda on seven-day cruises to every Sunday, offering NY-area guests a new ship to enjoy, featuring Norwegian’s first brew pub at sea, the Tony-award winning After Midnight and critically-acclaimed For the Record: The Brat Pack, along with two restaurants from Iron Chef Jose Garces and The Cellars, a Michael Mondavi Family Wine bar. Norwegian Dawn, essentially a new ship after bow to stern enhancements this year, will sail seven-day cruises from Boston to Bermuda, departing every Friday.

Bahamas & Florida

In summer 2018, Norwegian Gem will set sail for the Bahamas and Florida each Saturday from New York City, bringing guests the best of beaches, theme parks and sunshine. Norwegian Sky will continue to sail three- and four-day Bahamas cruises from Miami year-round, providing guests a private island escape to Great Stirrup Cay, which is currently undergoing enhancements that include a luxury lagoon area for Haven guests, along with enhanced facilities, premium cabana furnishings and more family-friendly amenities.

In winter 2018/2019, Norwegian Escape will remain in New York, and bring guests to the tropical beaches of the Bahamas & Florida on seven-day cruises. Norwegian Breakaway will return to New York from Europe and will also sail seven-day Bahamas & Florida cruises from Manhattan during winter 2018/2019.

Caribbean

Guests can set sail to the Caribbean on seven Norwegian ships in 2018 & 2019, sailing from convenient departure ports including New York, Boston, Port Canaveral, San Juan, Miami, New Orleans and Tampa.

From December 2018 - February 2019, Norwegian Escape will set sail from New York on extended 12- and 14-day Southern Caribbean cruises, as well as 14-day Western Caribbean cruises, which will include a call at Harvest Caye, Belize’s newest resort-style port of call featuring a cruise ship pier for easy access, seven acre white sand beach and 15,000 square foot pool, among other eco-friendly adventures. Norwegian Breakaway will also sail 10- and 11-day Eastern Caribbean cruises from New York, for a sunshine-filled extended getaway including calls in the Virgin Islands during the heart of winter. New for 2018, guests cruising from New England can set sail to the Caribbean from Boston on Norwegian Dawn for a 14-day Eastern Caribbean cruise in October 2018.

Norwegian Gem will reposition to New Orleans, sailing to the Western Caribbean on seven-, 10- and 11-day cruises from the Crescent City. Guests sailing from Miami in winter 2018 can cruise to the Western Caribbean on Norwegian Getaway, which will sail seven-day cruises that will also include a call to Harvest Caye. Norwegian Pearl will homeport in Tampa during winter 2018, sailing seven-day cruises to the Western Caribbean.

Norwegian Dawn will seasonally homeport in San Juan, Puerto Rico during the winter 2018/2019 season, sailing to the heart of the Southern Caribbean on seven-, 10- and 11-day cruises, with calls in Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua and more. Guests can also sail to the Southern Caribbean from Miami on Norwegian Jade, on a 10-day cruise on select dates from November 2018 – April 2019.

Norwegian Epic will again return to Port Canaveral in fall 2018, sailing alternating seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises, along with select longer 10- and 11-day Western Caribbean cruises from November 2018 – January 2019 that will include a call at Harvest Caye. Guests who wish to visit Norwegian’s private island Great Stirrup Cay can do so from Port Canaveral in March 2019, as Norwegian Epic will also offer a four-day Bahamas cruise from Port Canaveral and a five-day Western Caribbean cruise that calls in Cozumel and Great Stirrup Cay.

Canada & New England

Norwegian will offer guests the opportunity for prime “leaf peeping” in Canada &New England on three vessels in fall 2018. Norwegian Escape will be the company’s largest vessel to bring guests on spectacular fall foliage cruises, sailing seven-day Canada & New England cruises from New York on select dates in September 2018. For those looking for a summer cruise to the Pinetree State and Great White North, Norwegian Gem will also sail north from the Big Apple in June 2018 on two seven-day cruises, calling in Maine, St. John and Halifax. For those guests looking to explore Canada & New England further, Norwegian Gem will sail extended 10-day cruises from New York that include an overnight in Québec City, while Norwegian Dawn will sail a series of northbound and southbound seven-day cruises between Boston and Quebec, offering the opportunity to combine for the ultimate fall getaway with a 14-day roundtrip cruises.

Hawaii

The recently-refurbished Pride of America will continue to sail her very popular seven-day Hawaii itinerary departing from Honolulu every Saturday through May 2019. Offering more than 100 hours of in-port sight-seeing time, the only ship to sail the islands features an itinerary with calls that include an overnight in Kahului, Maui; Hilo, Hawai`i; Kona, Hawai`i; an overnight in Nãwiliwili, Kaua`i; and an afternoon cruise past the breathtaking Nãpali Coast.

Panama Canal and Mexican Riviera

A true bucket-list experience, Norwegian will offer one-way and roundtrip Panama Canal cruises on three ships in 2018/2019. Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Pearl will sail 11-day and 14-day roundtrip canal cruises from Tampa and Miami in 2018/2019, providing guests with a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see one of the seven wonders of the modern world. For guests looking for an extended Panama Canal cruise, they can embark Norwegian Star from either Miami or Los Angeles during select dates in January – March 2019 for a 14-day one way cruise that includes a day-time transit of the canal. Norwegian Pearl will also sail a one-way 15-day Panama Canal cruise from LA to Tampa in October 2018.

West coast guests looking for a sun and fun cruise can embark on a seven-day Mexican Riviera sailing from Los Angeles on select dates in December 2018 and March 2019 that features calls in Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán and Cabo San Lucas.

South America

Norwegian Sun will once again return to South America, sailing a series of alternating westbound and eastbound 14-day itineraries between Valparaiso, Chile and Buenos Aires, Argentina in Winter 2018/2019, featuring a sail around Cape Horn and Tierra del Fuego's splendid fjords.

Only Norwegian allows guests to visit the destinations of their dreams and invites guests to Feel Free to enjoy premium entertainment, action-packed adventure, a wide variety of dining options and the freedom to do it all or absolutely nothing, all on their own timetable. For details on these itineraries, cruise dates and excursion details, call Norwegian at 866-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784), or visit http://www.ncl.com.

About Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is the innovator in cruise travel with a 50-year history of breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising. Most notably, Norwegian revolutionized the cruise industry by offering guests the freedom and flexibility to design their ideal cruise vacation on their schedule. Today, Norwegian invites guests to “Feel Free” to explore the world on one of 14 purpose-built ships, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed, resort style cruise vacation on some of the newest and most contemporary ships at sea.

Recently, the line was named “Europe’s Leading Cruise Line” for the ninth consecutive year, as well as “Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Line” for the third time and “World’s Leading Large Ship Cruise Line” for the fifth straight year by the World Travel Awards.

For further information on Norwegian Cruise Line visit http://www.ncl.com; contact us in the U.S. and Canada at 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784); or follow us on the following social channels for the latest company news & exclusive content: Facebook, Instagram and Youtube: @NorwegianCruiseLine; Twitter, Periscope and Snapchat: @CruiseNorwegian; and WeChat: @gonclcn. High resolution, downloadable images are available at http://www.ncl.com/media-center.

*Norwegian Bliss cruises will be available for booking on January 10, 2017

John, Yes I did about 20 pages back and about 45 days ago. I have since posted the officers of the Jewel since I just got off of her.

 

Candie

Candie

I must have missed it. I'll double back and find it.

John

The air conditioning worked fine...but my husband and I wanted to use the fan & open all the doors to catch the tropical breezes. But' date=' no worries , a/ c was great! Check in details: we walked onto the island. There was a building on the right. We went to the window marked "cabanas". We were given wristbands. We (3 of us) were driven to our cabana in a golf cart. As to your visitors.. I had no visitors so I don't know if they are allowed.

 

 

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Did you have to show your wrist band to anyone after check in?

Just back from our Dawn cruise! We had a cabana on Harvest Caye and enjoyed it very much. We were supplied with beach towels in the cabana' date=' a cheese plate, fruit plate and 6 bottles of cold water . The check in went smoothly and we were brought to our cabana in a golf cart. We didn't order food or beverages, but if we had wanted to, there was a butler and concierge and a menu in the cabana. The fan didn't work in the cabana... That was the only bump in the road ... But a minor annoyance. We were told to expect some things that were still being worked on. All in all it was a great beach day and we were happy with our cabana!

 

 

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The prior publicity indicated the cabanas are Air Conditioned.

When you say the fan was not working, do you, also, mean there is no A/C ????

Also, what do you mean about "check in" going smoothly. I know the cabanas are for 6 persons. But, my party is 6 adults and 1 child.

Finally, what about friends on board who want to stop by and say hello and get a quick peek.

Will the "check in" prevent me from getting every one into the cabana?