cheapboxer

Add the Vibe beach club as a pre-cruise purchase-able option similar to excursions for platinum cruisers.

My answer is yes.

We had been Haven cruisers for the previous 7 cruises. This past cruise the Haven was full and we got a suite with large balcony.(deck 8) Our intent was to get vibe passes but they were all sold out. The sun deck that runs parallel to the vibe area on the escape was very nice. You just need to be somewhat early. I would do it again saving about $3k.

Very interesting how people have different opinions. We were on the same cruise, same deck, same room category.

I had read how bad the smoke smell was but was surprised on how little there was. I only smelled it in the Casino area. I was expecting a hole lot more. Many cruises I have been on before were much worse.

We missed out on Vibe passes but were on the pool deck right next door every sea day. Yes, it was a windy cruise but we were able to get out of the heavy wind and enjoy the sun as much as possible.

At first we were surprised at there were no drawers for storage in the room but discovered additional shelves in the closet. Never a problem.

There were times when the ship would get hit with a large wave and you would notice it. never to the extent of loosing our balance.

The 5 o'clock somewhere bar (outside) is a hidden gem. The bartenders are hilarious and we enjoyed many a cocktail with them.

I was on the same cruise. As a licensed Captain I spend a lot of time watching the wind speed, wind direction, vessel heading, wave height, wave timing, etc. All this information is on the tv screen in your stateroom.This vessel was pretty impressive handling consistent seas, and wind that were not favorable most of the week. One night the seas were 11.2 feet at 5 seconds. Pretty nasty. Overall not a problem with motion. Did you feel it? Yes, occasionally. Was it a concern or bother my trip? No

I was also on deck 8 forward and agree the sea spray did soak everything at times. It was mainly due to the winds off the starboard side blowing 35kts.

Our suite with large balcony was very nice. No noise from the theater below.

The sun deck (18) filled up pretty quick on sea days, but we were able to find lounge chairs. Walked by the pool area a few times and it was crowded.

Tortola: We did the Rebel Yell excursion to Jost Van Dyke thru NCL. They have 2 trips the first is about 7:30 and the second that we took was about 9:30. If you take the early trip you are back very early. The second trip you are back about 2:15. This beach is absolutely beautiful. You have the Soggy Dollar bar, which is fabulous, and just down the beach Ivan's, where Kenny Chesney did a lot of filming and sings about. Cant wait to go back again.

In my opinion this stop (Tortola)is not a place to be gambling on private excursions. The ship is on a tight schedule to get to Nassau and there were many reports of the ships leaving people behind. They do wait for there (NCL) excursions to return.

Just back off the Escape last week. Our 10th cruise with NCL. We booked our shows about 3 months out. First show was after midnight, pretty good show overall. 2nd show was MDQ, it was so good my wife wanted to see it again.

Now comes the interesting part: Show #3 Brat pack dinner and show. We had an 8:30 reservation. We walk in about 8:20. I thought something was strange because there were no NCL people to check you in. Walked right in and looked for a seat. A women asks me if she could help me. I told her I had a reservation and just looking to find a seat. She informed me the show was a private party only. (some bank) I went back out and finally found a NCL person and asked what was happening. She confirmed that the show was now private and I could go else where to eat. Well isn't that just wonderful... She suggested the main dining room. I informed her I had paid for the 7 day specialty dining package and was not going to the MDR.

OK... Off to guest services. First question. Why were we not notified about the cancellation? Apparently they sent it to my wife's E-mail. Ok, Why not mine? Every bit of correspondence has been thru mine. Why not leave a message on my room phone..Trying not to ruin the night I explain it is 8:30 and where do I go to eat now every thing is packed. Fast forward I finally tell them I'm going to the Italian Restaurant. Please inform them I will be there in 10 minutes. We were seated in about 20 minutes and had a great meal.

When we booked this cruise, all of the shows were available. This is the most expensive week of the year due to school vacations. I understand this but then cancel a show to entertain a private party is B.S. I was talking to another person that had the same thing happen at The Italian restaurant. Had a reservation went on time to be told it was now closed to a private party. They ended up calling security to get him out of there.

This tells me show cancellations may be a little disingenuous. The show is still going on but for a private function. Little things like this add up and NCL is getting very close to pushing me elsewhere.

They will take it from you when you reboard and then you can collect it on the final night.

thank you

Along the same question.

What happens if you purchase liquor at a port during your trip and return to the ship? I assume your allowed to bring it on board. Any additional charges?

As Haven customers on previous cruises we were spoiled by the Haven out door bar and never having to worry about a place to relax in the sun.

I have read about the limited ability of the Vibe passes and was wondering how difficult you found it find a decent spot and where. We don't have to be near the pool. Sun and bar service more important.

I was told by NCL that they only pre-book 25% capacity in restaurants. Once on board you should have no problem if you don't wait to long.

FWIW ... I was on a Sunday to Sunday cruise on the Epic. Due to the time of my return flight and the slow internet during the day I decided to wait until early morning (Sunday) to check in with the airlines and print my boarding passes. Check in went in fine but printing is shut off the previous night at 10 PM.

How much could a couple of pieces of paper cost????

Not sure where you were looking on the Jewel and Pearl, but I don't think the Haven I saw there was a mirage.

 

Yes, you can purchase Haven rooms with Spa included. The Spa access doesn't come with the Haven though. You have to get a specific suite or pay for access separately. There are also non Haven Spa mini suites, so the access is nothing to do with the Haven.

 

The six ships other than the Epic with Havens are the Jewel, Gem, Pearl, Jade, Breakaway and Getaway. None of them offer a over 18s area for Haven guests. They all have Havens though, I can assure you.

By complete Haven area I am talking about a complete Posh or Vibe area. Jewel and Pearl have pool area and lounge.

Every room code in the Haven area has different perks. Haven Spa suites do have access to the spa. Just pick your room.

As I stated you are paying more for less.

They get it on one ship. They don't get it on the other 6 that have a Haven.

 

Personally, I don't see why this should be included in the Haven. There are areas of the all ships, such as the Spa, which Haven guests have to pay extra for if they want it. The fact that you get access to an over 18s area on the Epic is a bonus, but I fail to see why that one example means that they should be handed access on other ships for nothing.

 

You pay a lot for access to the Haven, but you also get a lot. Not everything is included, nor has it ever been suggested that it should be.

What 6 ships????

I have been on the Jewel and Pearl and they had a Haven lounge not a complete Haven area like the Epic, Getaway, and Breakaway.

You can purchase a Haven room with SPA included.

Your not getting it for nothing. You are paying more on the Getaway and getting less.

If all the Haven guests received a Vibe pass, there would be none left for any other cruisers. The Haven already gives you many 'perks' that you have in fact paid for.

 

Apparently you won't be happy until us non suite people are kept below deck during the cruise.

Not at all.....I think your missing the point.

All Haven quests have this perk on other ships already.(Epic) Posh passes are available to be purchased for non-haven guests. I have been in the Posh area on full ships and the Posh area has never been any where near full. Many Haven quests never use the posh area.

With the Getaway they could still give the Haven perk and sell passes.

We have always traveled NCL and stayed in the most expensive suites. The haven pool area is always populated with family's with children enjoying there vacation. We like the idea that NCL appears to recognize that some Haven customers like the ability to be isolated from kids. (Epic Posh Area)

What I do not like is now NCL is charging me extra on the Getaway for the Vibe beach Club on top of the already escalated Haven costs to be able to relax without kids.

It should be an automatic perk for the Haven guests.

Does the Getaway have a Haven Posh area similar to the one on the Epic?

Not that I mind children but it is nice to be able to get away from them in the Posh area for a while. We must travel on the school vacation weeks.

We are also just off the Epic. I had a hard time finding the issues others have mentioned. I did see a scratch in a piece of furniture. Big deal! That was about it.

The ship is in great shape and we are looking forward to our 3rd trip on her next year.

NCL Epic has an excursion where you go to Dunns Falls by way of a sail boat.(cool runnings) All you do is walk off the dock and step onto the boat. Once at Dunns you can either climb up the falls in the water or take the scenic walking path.

Fun Excursion!

okay you asked so here are some questions that i have or that i think someone else might wonder as they come across this thread...

 

How far in advance did you book before your cruise? (i was going to book a couple of weeks ago as we are going to be there may 8th but they did not have anyone else even booked yet)2 weeks

 

once you booked did they send you a confirmation right away with all the details? In a few days.

 

(i assume they know when you're coming so the free shot/drink is pre-made and waiting so there is not everyone waiting for a drink at once)

can you subsitute say a beer if you don't like the free offering? Nobody asked. They are in business to sell drinks. I think to trade off a 1 ounce drink for a 12 ounce beer would be like shooting yourself in the foot. The drink is a small plastic shot glass type drink. All the drinks were good.

 

Did you feel like you had plenty of time at each stop? A little over an hour. Just right.

 

Did you have a favorite stop or highlight of the hop? Liked them all for different reasons.

 

Everyone i have spoken to seems to agree this is something they would do again, would you? Yes... 3 main reasons..1- to get away from the pushy cozumel vendors. 2- 18 years old and over gives you a break from children. 3- to see the beauty of the island.

 

How many people did you end up with on your hop and what was the average age range?

We had about 12 people in a very nice Mercedes van. All ages about 21-60+.

We did get t shirts. The drinking part is all up to you. You spend about 1 hour at each stop. If you plan on eating a meal it is best to order ASAP when you get to the bar.

We did the Bar Hop last week. We met at 11:00 (Cozumel local time) and they know what time all the cruise ships are leaving port. We happened to be on the first ship leaving port and the furthest ship away on there route back with the all aboard at 4:30 and they had us back at the terminal at about 4:10. Plenty of time to get back on board.

This was our first time on the bar hop and we had a great time. A couple of the stops had a few children at the beach but for the most part it was adults.

The next time in Cozumel we will do it again.

We were some of the lucky ones to be able to get out Friday from the Northeast between storms. When we got into FLL airport it was packed with passengers waiting for flights north. When we got to the Intercontinental Hotel in Miami where we had a reservation we were told it was full due the storms up north as well. They moved us to the Marriott about 2 blocks away for free.

The cruise weather was perfect 80+ every day with light seas. Ochio Rios was new to us and we did the Cool Running's cat sailing, and Dunn's River Falls. A lot of fun.

Costa Maya was a little disappointing. The last time we were there 2 years ago outside the port was being built up with Hard Rock Cafe and other businesses but they are all closed now. We still had a pretty good beach day. I will be surprised if NCL continues to go to this port.

In Cozumel you had a lot of vendors pushing there goods. A little to much for us. We had booked the Cozumel Bar Hop to the far side of the Island and that was a great time.

Overall a great trip.

Probably your last because you didn't have the same wait staff every night?:rolleyes:

Fiance is in for a bumpy road ahead!:eek:

I received the same reply asking you to send the deposit or complete amount to Wells Fargo with a account number and routing number. I would think you could do this thru your online banking at no charge.

As far as the online reservation. It looks like it is used for the hotel portion of the resort. Can you reserve the beach day and use paypal?

For a noon time flight in FLL I assume you would want to be picked up at the POM by 9:30. Sound reasonable?

I was having the same problem and found out Victor's replys were going into my spam-e mail folder. You may want to check yours.