Pugzila1022

On 3/26/2016 at 1:59 PM, Stinkybaby said:

I tried to search for this, but couldn't find anything specific. What exactly does the butler in the Haven do? We are on the Getaway on a Haven Spa Suite in a few weeks, not sure what the butler typically does. I really have no idea because we've never had a butler before at all. If we want food delivered to the room, does that mean we don't have to pay for room service because the butler will just bring it? Or if we want to enjoy a cocktail while we are getting ready will he bring it? I think I saw somewhere that he will unpack your suitcase? I guess this is a first world problem lol :rolleyes:

Some things you might think of for the butler are actually handled by the Concierge staff.  They have a desk in the Haven Lounge area and are great at helping make show or restaurant reservations, spa appointments, and shore excursions.  They also take care of your priority embarkations and disembarkations.  

Make sure to meet your butler on day one, usually right before or right after the life boat drill.  He will bring you a treat that first day, usually hors d'oeuvres.  They rotate that kind of treet with sweets (chocolates, cookies, etc)  If you prefer one or the other, let the butler know.  I also like to request a ham and cheese sandwich every day at 3pm Ship Time.  Sometimes I will want a midnight stank and I let him know what I want and it's always there.  He will handle room service (from any restaurant on board.)  There isn't a service fee if it comes from the Haven or from another free restaurant.  If you order from a specialty restaurant it will be charge at the applicable charge for the meal.

You can request specialty pillows.  They will decorate your bath and bring specialty drinks and bath salts or bubbles.

If you quickly develop a good rapport the butler will begin to anticipate your needs and might bring an extra bowl with gummy bears, or special cookings.  You will learn to appreciate the really good ones.

Enjoy your cruise.  I can't wait to get back on a ship!

Bob

22 hours ago, SouthLyonCruiser said:

I am sorry to hear about your plight but, by the same token, whenever you use a travel agent, never contact the cruise line directly; all communication with the cruise line should be made through your travel agent. Otherwise there is no reason to use a travel agent. It is their job to take care of all communications with the cruise line.

Very good point.  While it's possible the outcome would have been the same (assuming there was some kind of error in submitting), the agent is more likely to have verified the request was processed properly.  The agent in this case reached out to the client but the client informed the agent that she had already taken care of it.  That took the agent out of the equation.  Had the agent handled it on behalf of the client, they may have had recourse with the cruise line and avenues to appeal beyond those the client had.  

For example, I had a client who wanted a refund (on a canceled Royal Caribbean booking) rather than the cruise credit.  This was for one of the first round of cancellations.  I submitted the request.  I followed up by phone a week later to check status and verified the request was received.  I was told it was going to take 60-90 days for the refund to process.  I called back a few weeks later and was told the same.  I called again a few weeks later and was told a future cruise credit was issued and that they did not show the initial refund request.  I had made a record of the date & time and agent name of each of the previous calls and asked for supervisor.  I was told no exceptions and it would be a future cruise credit.  I got it escalated to higher supervisor, and still denied.  Finally got through to someone in corporate that reviewed everything and based on my having the specific dates & times of the calls I had made, they agreed that the error was on their part and refunded the client.

It's been a really difficult time for all of the cruise lines, and they are doing their best with limited staffs but they DO make mistakes.  It's more important than ever to use a travel agent, and to let them be your advocate.  A good agent is much more likely to be able to resolve an issue like this by taking all of the proper steps and by reconfirming every step of the process, so if something does go wrong they will have backup documentation to make sure there is a positive outcome.

5 minutes ago, MoCruiseFan said:

 

No it isn't.  Port fees and taxes are different.

It's basically whatever the cruise line wants it to be.  The "non commissionable fee" is a part of the fare that isn't commissionable to travel agents.  Could be a combination of port fees and other governmental fees.  Tax is listed separately.  Different cruise lines calculate the fee differently, and it's one of the more confusing things to try to figure out.  Bottom line is if the total price matches up with what you are quoted, best to move on and not get confused by this.

12 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

Don’t miss Choir of Man. Even if you have seen it on other ships like the Escape, this is an all new production using a two-story set with a live band. And don’t forget to show up early and have a pint of beer with the cast members on stage.

 

Thanks so much for this review.  I'm booked on the Dec 15 sailing and can't wait!  Have heard Choir of Ma

12 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

Don’t miss Choir of Man. Even if you have seen it on other ships like the Escape, this is an all new production using a two-story set with a live band. And don’t forget to show up early and have a pint of beer with the cast members on stage.

 

Thanks so much for posting the great review!  I'm booked in the Haven on the Dec 15 cruise and can't wait!  Have heard great things about Choir of Man and will probably see them more than once!  The Dailies and Menus you are posted are VERY helpful and much appreciated.  Looking forward to the rest of the review!

2 minutes ago, gmbhardy said:

 

That point has been made on several posts. Never underestimate just how clever CC posters can be.

Silly me only read the first post before responding.  Good to know we have multiple clever posters!

On 11/18/2019 at 1:22 PM, gmbhardy said:

Charging customers for amenities that should be part of the core experience is disgusting. Maybe if enough people boycott Vibe on the Encore, NCL will get the message. Anyone else want to join the mutiny?

Excellent idea!  The more people that boycott the easier it will be for those wanting to pay to get what they want!

On 11/19/2019 at 2:46 PM, LongHill44 said:

Has anyone seen some good Black Friday deals from Norwegian or other cruise lines?

 

If so, what were the deals and savings?

20% off select sailings for Latitude members + extra point/per day.

30% off all sailings

Both sails will be available Nov 25-Dec 1

On 11/21/2019 at 9:46 PM, MIT72 said:

We have been searching for the problem since we were told of the port changes. I'm concerned if it is an azipod issue that they have not fixed that another similar problem could develop and leave us stranded. We are trying to figure out who to contact in the Coast Guard about arranging a ship inspection before we sail on Dec 6.  https://www.cruiselawnews.com/2019/11/articles/power-loss/norwegian-star-suffers-propulsion-problems/ 

 

On their corporate website, Norwegian Cruise Lines Holding Company, they have their "Vision, Mission and Values" statement, which includes the "value" of "flawless execution." Obviously, they are failing to honor that part of their values. http://www.nclhltd.com/vision-mission-and-values  After today's surprises, I read that mission statement and realize that it is worthless. Since the other companies in the holding company are Oceania and Regent, I hesitate to try them. The press on Oceania is good, and we had talked about using them to go through the Panama Canal, but given the parent company's attitude, I wonder if I should also avoid them in the future. 

You are being ridiculously unreasonable.  

Unfortunately, things happen that sometimes can't be controlled.  Norwegian (or any other cruise line) would never leave port if they thought the ship wasn't fit to sail.  An Azipod issue isn't something that makes the ship unsafe and isn't likely to cause other problems.

As others have mentioned, this can happen with any cruise line, and you even mention you've missed ports on previous cruises.  

2 hours ago, April42749 said:

I am looking at Bliss/Bahamas for Feb/March.

 

When I search under the 20% discount the sailings come up.

When I search "not logged in" the price is the same as when I am logged in.

 

Am I missing something?

It may be the Black Friday sale that starts tomorrow.  20% off select sailings for Latitude members + an extra point/night.  There's also going to be a 30% off sale for all cruises + the Free at Sea promotion.  Sales are from Nov 25-Dec 1.

On 10/29/2018 at 8:57 AM, schildiams said:

I see that NCL is currently advertising "Free Unlimited Open Bar" on it's landing page. There is no mention anywhere, even when you click "learn more" of any charges on this "free" benefit. It is only when you get through booking and see the final fare, does NCL assess a service charge on the "free" benefit. I know that this topic has been beaten to death, but I am still left to wonder how this is to considered to be misleading or false advertising? How can a benefit be considered "free" if it actually costs $300 per room? And if an open bar is truly "free" then a 20% fee on zero is zero. I get that NCL wants to make money on this, and I'm not opposed to paying a service charge. But, my point is, if it costs $300 per cabin, it should be advertised as such and not as "free." Anyone think that if this practice were legally challenged that the working would change?

 

You are always "free" to refuse the dining or beverage package if you want.  

It's not misleading or false advertising and your assertion that "There is no mention anywhere, even when you click "learn more" of any charges on this "free" benefit" is just wrong.

There is clearly an asterisk after "Receive All 5 Free*".  It's there on the main page, and if you scroll down you see the explanation for the asterisk - "*Gratuities, Beverage, Specialty Service Charges & other restrictions may apply..

I just got back from the Dec 15 sailing and asked the cruise director and was told Rock of Ages is not leaving Breakaway anytime soon. I thought the cast was one of the best I've seen on Breakaway and was glad to hear the show isn't leaving as had been rumored.

Just got word that the 11/30 sailing of Carnival Triumph has been canceled. The ship is apparently having propulsion issues.

Don't have any other details at the moment.

That's a good way to look at it. 13 times, wow! That's a lot of cruising. Hence the name, I guess ;)

You will love it. I sail solo all the time. I enjoy it because everything is on MY schedule. If I want to relax, I relax. If I want to explore or meet people there are tons of opportunities. Breakaway is a great ship with plenty to do, or plenty of chances to just be by yourself and get away from it all. Kindle on a balcony is one of my guilty pleasures. I also love the casino, and by the end of the first day of the cruise I've made plenty of friends at the craps table that I see every day the rest of the cruise.

Don't hesitate to do it!

So with the news that the Dream is moving to Galveston and Nola is getting the Glory and Valor does it seem that Nola is getting a bit of the short end of the stick. Has Nola done something to upset Carnival.

Don't think so. If anything, demand is higher than ever in New Orleans. Royal Caribbean is bring a ship back, Norwegian is moving a bigger ship (Breakaway) in, and Valor is an upgrade over Triumph.

I wouldn't be shocked to see Carnival move another ship to New Orleans on top of the Glory and Valor cruises they have already announced.

Both New Orleans and Galveston have been growing rapidly as far as cruise passengers. It seems the south Louisiana passengers are more likely to make a relatively short drive to Galveston than south Texas fans are to New Orleans, so my guess is Dream will have a good number of their "regular" Louisiana customers follow them to Galveston while at the same time Glory will give that market a different ship to choose from.

So what do you think? Im leaving in 17 days. In a mid ship balcony. I already have a bid in for aft penthouse and forward penthouse. One of each left. There are quite a few open balconies so they really don't need mine.

Do you think I still may see the upgrade? I bid low fair grade.

 

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Hope you get the aft penthouse. Those are some of the best cabins on the ship with huge balconies. Might want to bump the offer up just a little.

$5600 for two people.

It's worth it to me. Might not be for everybody, but I enjoy the sense of privacy. It really is a ship within a ship. I enjoy being able to go out to the rest of the ship to enjoy everything offered onboard, knowing I can retreat to the relative quiet privacy of the Haven.

The pampering you receive from the butler and concierge, the private restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (on larger ships), all makes the Haven a must for me. The little extras like first boarding and first debarkation are big plusses, as is the private escort ahead of everybody else for the best seats at the Cirque show. I also am always amazed that the Haven staff seems to know my name before they ask me for it. Always wondered how they do that, but I guess they must get the pictures we take a check in and study them before we board. Pretty impressive and helps make you feel right at home.

Again, it's well worth it for me. May not be for everybody else.

The contracts for Broadway shows like ROA are on multi year contracts. The cast for ROA rotate as a group on and off, rehearsing in Tampa, then embarking.

 

If ROA is being replaced, it is much more likely that it is done during the dry dock. Hard to install a show in he middle of the season.

Right after the ROA Broadway closed I asked on my next sailing how that would effect the Breakaway version. At that time I believe they said they had a 7 year contract for the show, so maybe if it's leaving Breakaway it would move to the Escape sailings from NYC. Either way I wish somebody could get some clarity about the status.

I will log this under Cruise Ship Hallway Stories overheard. A mann to his GF or wife entering their cabin.. “I saw it, a man and his kids were on the rope course and they got hit with a flaming ball, it is still smoking up there”......

 

 

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Would love to hear more about the flaming ball incident! :)

Also, would you have a moment to ask the Cruise Director or someone on Entertainment staff about the status of Rock of Ages. There is a rumor going around that it will end at the end of December. Hoping that's not the case, but would really like to know for sure.

I have never even heard of Broadway Star, and I sailed in May. I'm guessing that this is something that was always a temporary show.

 

By the way - Here is the casting call for the latest Rock of Ages, with a contract end date of March, 2018. This shows that the contracts are still running as they have been running. https://ebcastingco.com/rock/

That's potentially great news if the contract is through March. Hopefully if the run on Breakaway ends, they move it to another ship.

The Broadway Star show was the Saturday night showroom show that usually featured somebody that had appeared in Wicked or another Broadway show. It was replaced by a magic show on my last cruise in July. Not sure if the magic show is still running. Scary thing for ROA fans is that the rumor about the Broadway show was accurate.

Hopefully somebody onboard can ask the cruise director or someone on the entertainment staff to see what the status of the show is and get us verification one way or another.

I am very sorry to say that I heard from a reliable crew member that the Rock of Ages show on Breakaway will done by years end.

If true I really hate to hear that. I've seen the show over a hundred times between Broadway, Vegas, National Tour, and multiple cruises on Breakaway. I know the new cast just boarded a few weeks ago and am looking forward to seeing them on the December 15 sailing, which hopefully won't be my last time to see the show.

Taken from the thread 2017 list of officers

 

As of 10/29/17 concierge will be David Contreras

Thanks! He's a new one for me!

Thanks! Have a blast on the TA!

 

The promenade with lifeboats is deck 7 and you cannot walk all the way around without going in the ship. Right above is deck 8 and the waterfront that wraps around the back but not the front. The lifeboats are visible below you on deck 8 as well.

 

 

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Looks like you're having a great time despite some weather issues!

Can you check to see who the current Concierge is?

Don't forget to get that Sundae from O'Sheehan's!

One note on the aft cabins up on Deck 14, you can definitely hear the bass coming from we assume Spice H2O above that lasted about an hour after we returned to the room, but we were somewhat buzzed from many Dark and Stormy’s and SoCo and Coke... I mean Pepsi :) so we fell asleep quickly. Just making note for anyone whom that may bother.

 

 

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I'm following your great review. Thanks for posting! Breakaway is my favorite ship and I'm back in December. This thread is just what I need to get me even more anxious to get back on board. Congrats on the luck in the casino!

I love the aft cabins and agree there was something that looked a little bit off in the picture of the wake that you posted. Probably a prop issue that will be dealt with when she goes in for the refurbishment next year, if not sooner.

Your pictures really are tremendous. I have been on the ship many times, but never really stopped to look at those plaques next to the Waterfront...but I'm going to look at them in November.

Somebody earlier in the thread asked about the ice cream in O'Sheehan's. It's my weakness. The Hot Fudge Sundae is ridiculous! It comes loaded with darn near anything they can think to put in it, including gummy bears! IMO its a must try!

Enjoy the rest of the cruise!

9316! I totally agree

I've stayed in 9316 a couple of times. Balcony is enormous! You still get all of the Haven perks, but the only downside is it's a long way to the actual Haven Restaurant. Still, the balcony makes it worth it!

The deck 9 cabin has an enormous balcony. I love the aft suites. You still get all of the Haven perks, and the view from that balcony can't be beat!