Budski54

Sailed 1/22-1/29 on the Getaway. This is our second time on the ship and last time we sailed in an aft balcony. This time I had a comp inside cabin from CAS and upgraded to an angled balcony. When we got the email to bid to upgrade I put in a few bids (all in poor range) and lucky me we got a haven spa suite upgrade. So this trip would be our first haven experience. I kept it a surprise from DH up until we got to the port and the luggage porter said, "oooh the haven." Thanks guy. Ugh.

 

We walked in and thanks to this forum I knew to look for the haven check in, as normally we look for the cas line. There were two families ahead of us, but there was plenty of comfy seating and they had us checked in and on our way up quickly. There was a dedicated elevator for the guide to take us straight to the haven lounge. For those curious, we stayed at the intercontinental and arrived at the port around noon.

 

We were introduced to the concierge and offered sliders and drinks, shortly after we were told our room was ready and we went to check it out. We were in 14730 (yes it has the pole by the spa tub, but it was useful to catch your balance on the first few days which seas were a little rough). The cabin is nice and roomy with a small table and chairs, actual king size bed, spa tub, and bathroom with spa shower and double sink. The balcony was larger than a regular room, still tiny, but we didn't use it much.

 

We then went to the muster drill, and our bags were arriving shortly after we got back before sail away.

 

We decided to put our things in drawers and the closet, and go talk to the casino host to get our points carried over and ask about our players cards. Usually as guests of CAS your card is waiting in the room. When I asked the host they said it was sent to our old room (the one before the upgrade). We assume they got our ncl credit card onboard credit letter that usually is waiting too, but thAnkfully that isn't transferable. The host printed is new cards and we were on our way to go relax before dinner. I had booked our specialty meals well in advance, and the first night we had booked the bistro.

 

We arrived at the bistro 5 minutes before our reservation and were greeted very snotty, "were closed". I looked at her confused and said, "we have a reservation." More snotty than the first time, I was told, "we are closed for a private event. No reservations are honored." Come to find out, the bistro was rented out for the ENTIRE week, being closed some days, and only open from 9-10pm on 3 nights. Being that the only specialties we like are Cagneys and the bistro, we had a 5 day plan, and the bistro was booked for 2 nights. Immediately remembering that haven guests can have food delivered, I grabbed DH and went to talk to the concierge (we had not met our butler yet).

 

While we were up there, I asked the concierge who to call because a closet door (the one that has the safe in it) was broken and rattled with every wave the ship took. He assured me he would call someone. I then asked about dinner and he said no bistro food could be delivered because they were not even prepping bistro food that night. He offered to get us into Cagneys at 930. I was angry at this point and said I made my reservations when they opened them because I don't want to eat at 930 at night, and they could have notified us before hand knowing this group had rented it out the whole week. He made a few more calls and got us in to Cagneys right away, and told us our reservation for the bistro later in the week would be changed to 9pm. DH really liked one of their dishes( come to find out it wasn't offered any more) and said that would be ok, and off to dinner we went.

 

Waves were more noticeable than usual, especially the first two days and even the crew said it was worse than usual for this time of year. The closet door was not fixed, and so that we could sleep DH put a washcloth at the top so when it slammed it was quiet. It would not end up being fixed until Tuesday, and literally took the guy 45 seconds and a new plastic latch.

 

The next morning we met our butler and ventured to the haven for breakfast, and so we thought the hot tub after. Breakfast was great, our server hazel was wonderful. We headed to the courtyard, only it was closed for high winds. So we thought to try to go use our spa passes. Well, the whirlpool hot tubs were all drained for rough seas so that was a bust.

 

 

We went to the cc meet and greet which was well attended, but shorter than previous ones we had attended.

 

We had lunch in the haven restaurant and I'm going to be honest their lunch menu is amazing. The scallops and double cut pork chop were very similar to dishes at specialty restaurants.

 

The rest of the day we hit the casino and then got pay per view movies in the cabin. While I'm on the casino, the dealers all seemed miserable except one named Erica (and she only had 3 weeks left on her contract), which made playing kind of not fun. Dealers would roll their eyes if you went to their table and cashed in. Also the slots were super tight, I mean $100 at $1.50/spin and not even a $5 bonus game. I know some of you say gambling on cruise ships is a scam, and I don't really need/want your two cents on that. It's my cash, and if DH and I want to play so be it. I normally spend a lot of time (and sometimes money) in the casino, hence my comped cabin, but not this time. It simply wasn't enjoyable and I think DH and I only went 3 or 4 times the whole week.

 

I'll spare you the rest of the trip other than saying Cagneys was wonderful as usual, all 3 times we went. La cuchina was actually good the one night we went. Le bistro was just so so, the server was nice, but we liked the selections at the haven restaurant better. Maybe we were just salty about getting pushed to late dinner and Dh's favorite being off the menu.

 

Also, if you're into seeing the Mayan ruins, in costa maya go to kohunlich. It's 2.5 hours each way on a bus, but our group of 50 were the only ones there. You get to climb the temples and take amazing pictures without a million other people in them. The guide was knowledgeable and we enjoyed it.

 

The haven courtyard was enjoyable at times, and some will flame me for this but there were a few kids doing cannonballs in the pool, and kicking and splashing when they'd get in the hot tub(even when others were in it) and the parents said nothing. The haven pool is too small for that, and the hot tubs aren't a splash pad. There is a kids water park for that kind of stuff. We actually would leave the pool when we saw these families later in the week. Others were commenting on it too. I think the haven is fine for kids if they're well behaved, but screaming and splashing isn't my idea of a haven.

 

Our butler Santan was wonderful. When he noticed we were having movie nights in our room, he brought us fruit, m&ms and gummy bears. He seemed to be psychic and had finger sandwiches in there on days where DH was "starving" after we got back from the ports.

 

Overall we would stay in the haven again if the price was right. We only used the spa twice, so a regular haven room would probably suit us better, but the spa room was comfortable.

 

This was my quick review on the week. Your experiences/opinions may differ. We still prefer the getaway over the escape, and I'm already trying to decide what cruise to do next.

 

 

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Thanks for a very detailed review. I have an opportunity to bid on a Haven Spa on the Breakaway, but before I place my bid, I have 2 questions.

Your cabin, 14730 is on the starboard side, and directly under the Fitness Center. DID YOU EXPERIENCE ANY NOISE FROM THE FITNESS CENTER?

Since the Haven Spa cabins are not directly adjacent to the Haven complex, nor the Thermal Suites Spa, WHAT DOES IT ENTAIL GETTING TO THE HAVEN, AND TO THE THERMAL SUITES SPA?

Please be very detailed in your reply.

Thank you in advance for your reply.

When I did it last I drove to the lower level and gave the porter my large bags and then drove to the garage and walked back a few blocks. Did the same when I parked at the terminal, but I had to exit and re-enter to get to upper deck. On return I have walked to the garage with my bags, but I have also had a family member wait at the curb while I got the car. If parking at the terminal a porter may take the luggage cart up with you.

Thanks for the reply. I like the fact that the porters takes your luggage on the lower level, so dropping the luggage off, and then driving to the garage and walking back seems like a good way to go.

In order to save time, I'm thinking of going to the garage first, and the catch a cab/Uber to the terminal. The garage is very close to the exit from the Lincoln tunnel, so I might as well stop there first.

I've used Park Right twice and will again in June. We drop luggage off at port then drop car and walk to port about 5 minutes. Upon return we just take our luggage and walk back to garage.

 

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If you have the time, could you give me some details about dropping off the luggage before parking in the non-port garage.

Did you drop off the luggage at the street level, or at the ramp Level?

Did the the porters immediately take your checked baggage, or did someone in your party stay with the luggage and wait until you returned from the garage?

Any details you can give would be appreciated. I'm trying to decide if I should drop off the luggage and park, or park and walk/taxi/Uber to the terminal with the luggage.

Just to give an update, I wound up booking a garage for one week parking via PARK JOCKEY. The total cost is $140.00, including taxes. I had a handful of garages to select from, so I Googled their addresses to get an image of the building that the garage is located in. I settled on the garage in the SILVER TOWERS. The garage is below ground of a large high rise with entrances on West 42nd, and on West 41st.

We have a cruise planned to Bahamas and FL on the Breakaway in April. It looks like the ship will be pretty full. I am wondering how crowded the ship will be? How long of a wait should we expect for dinner in the complimentary restaurants? Will the buffet be packed? Will it be hard to get a lounge chair on sea days? Fwiw, we have a 5 year old and we eat early. We will likely be eating lunch by noon and dinner at 5:30.

As I was reading all of the various replies, and the crowded pools, and lack of lounge chairs, etc, my suggestion to you is that if you get an email to bid for an upgrade, place a bid on one of the Haven cabins. It looks like a great way to enjoy a cruise with your wife and daughter, without the hassle of dealing with 4000 others.

I placed a low bid for the Haven for a March sailing, and have my fingers crossed. But the more I read reviews and look at photos of the Haven, I'll probably increase my bid.

Great question Budski, I very interested in the same information. Currently we are planning to stay at a Hotel in Ridgefield NJ but DH would prefer to find a parking area close to the terminal so when we get back we can get our car and head back to MA.

I did receive a few replies that suggested a few parking garages. I checked them out and posted the rates by replying.

I've used Park Right twice and will again in June. We drop luggage off at port then drop car and walk to port about 5 minutes. Upon return we just take our luggage and walk back to garage.

 

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Thanks for the information. I just checked Park Right. Theironically rate for one week is $196.00. I'll probably go with Park Jockey ( see other post).

I found this on the these boards a few weeks ago.

 

https://www.parkjockey.com/cruise-parking/manhattan-cruise-terminal?cruise=6932

 

Apparently there is also park jockey app as well.

 

We are driving up from Pa in april and thinking doing the same thing. That or driving to north jersey and taking the train the rest of the way up. Parking at a Hamilton Station is $7 per night. Tix are $32.50 round trip. That's our cheapest option but we might be willing to pay a little more for the convenience of having our car right there.

 

 

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Thanks for the information. I just went to Park Jockey and the total for one week goes from $136.50 to $185.00. It depends on the distance to the garage, ranging from 0.3 to 0.5 miles.

Initially, we planned on renting a car one-way for $92.50, and then taking Amtrak back to Philadelphia which is about $78.00 to $96.00 for two people.

We'll probably go with driving and then parking for a week. This way we'll have the convenience of having our car.

From where are you traveling?

 

 

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We're coming up from the Philadelphia area.

We will be sailing out of Manhattan in late March on the Breakaway. Has anyone ever used an outside parking garage near the terminal? If so, were you shuttled to/from the garage? Or did you drop off luggage and others at terminal before parking, and then walk/taxi/Uber back to terminal?

Are there any parking garage/services that you highly recommend?

Any information/recommendations will be appreciated.

Thanks

Good morning. I have a dilemma and hope someone might know the answer or have some advice. We are booked on the GEM in March thru CAS. I recently had hip surgery and although I think I will be fine to go, I do think I would be better off in a handicapped room. We are currently booked in a balcony room. Do you think it possible for me to call CAS and tell them I need a handicapped room? Although there aren't any currently available on site, will they move someone out of a handicapped room for me? Of course only looking to move someone who really doesn't need one. I know sometimes people book rooms and cannthen be moved if necessary. Any thoughts or advice? TIA.

 

 

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When I was in the process of booking for a March sailing on the Breakaway, I was offered a handicap Aft Facing cabin, for the same price as Guaranteed Balcony. It was under the stipulations that IF someone really needed the handicap cabin, I would be moved. So, call and ask.

does anyone know if NCL ever offers any sales on their dining package (3 restaurants)? I've already picked my 2 free at sea items (3/4th guest free and UBP). otherwise, anyone know the cover charge for each specialty restaurant if a dining package is not purchased? do children under 12 pay adult fee?

I will be sailing on the Breakaway in March. Since I booked Guaranteed Balcony, I was not eligible for the FREE packages. However, you can buy a 3 dinner or 4 dinner or 5 diner package for a discount prior to boarding. If my memory serves me correctly, it was $69.00 for a 3 dinner package.

We just sailed on the Getaway last week and did successfully "bid up". We got the initial offer email about 2 weeks prior to sailing (originally our TA wasn't participating, so we got this late). We bid "FAIR" and I saw that there were 8 spots left in Haven and then they ALL vanished from the website, I just assumed that we were out of luck. Then 2 days before sailing we hear nothing, but I see our bank account is a whole lot lower and then I pop over to the NCL site and sure enough we had been moved to a Haven Courtyard Suite. MAJOR SCORE! I have also heard of folks learning the good news upon check in, so you never know! I was also told that possibly it is a combination of your bid along with your Latitudes level etc. Good luck everyone :)

Thanks for sharing. You gotta my hopes up.

I also am becoming obsessed with this bidding process. When I first heard about bidding last week, I read everything I could find on forums and the Internet.

Two days ago(Thursday) I received my email offer to bid on an upgrade to the Haven, so I spent a lot of time reading everything I could find about the Haven. Last night (Friday), before I went to bed I placed a low bid. I put myself asleep envisioning my wife and I in the Haven.

Here it is Saturday morning, and I'm already checking my email to see if my bid was accepted. I guess the next 42 days will be "waiting for water to boil" on the most extreme level.

In any event, in 42 days from now, my wife and I will be relaxing on a cruise ship. Life is great!

If it's not too personal, how much did you bid per person?

When staying in a Haven cabin on the Breakaway, will I have FREE access to the Thermal Suite or is that an extra Fee?

When staying in a Haven cabin, are ALL meals in Specialty restaurants FREE, or do I need to pay an extra Fee? How about for Lunch? Free or additional cost

.

Also, how is the food in the Haven restaurant compared to the Main Dining Room, and the specialty restaurants?

The best thing to do is to Google "bidding for upgrades on norwegian cruise ships. " You'll find a few articles about the new bidding program, along with NCL's TERMS AND CONDITIONS page.

The information you provided is the same I have read. One thing that I have concluded is that the bidding upgrades program will not start until February 8. Is that the way you read It?

Also, on NCL's TERMS AND CONDITIONS paper, item 3 says: ". First, as a prerequisite to the ability to make an Offer, you must receive an invitation (“Invitation”) from Norwegian Cruise Line. Sending an Invitation to anyone and at any time is entirely within Norwegian Cruise Line’s sole discretion."

So, I'm not going to fret about getting an upgrade opportunity until I get an offer from NCL, sometime after February 8.

Let me first say I have been on over 11 cruise's in the last 9 years and have enjoyed them all. Recently booked a ncl getaway in july 2016 and had a great time.wonderful ship very impressed. We booked another cruise for feb 2017 and we have heard about there "invitation to bid program" .seen on forums here where people were bidding and getting fantastic upgrades for a nominal fair. I had not received any word so called out travel agent who said she did not know anything about it and would check it out. Well I just took the matter on myself and contacted NCL today to be told that the travel agencys are not part of that program and was told in a round about way we should have booked directly thru them. VERY DISAPPOINTED!

I have booked cruises with competitors and always got a call at some point to upgrade if cabins were available even though I booked thru travel agency.I guess they dont think that the travel agents are thier friends anymore and I hope the agencies start recommending other linee. I know I sure will so much for my Latitudes points thats a JOKE.

Its a shame that my money is not the same as someone elses and this is the last time we book with NCL. Back to Royal and carnival for us.:mad:

I too am new to NCL, and I keep hearing about this new bidding for upgrades program. I Googled " bidding for upgrades on norwegian cruise ships," and found a handful of articles about the program. I also found the NCL's TERMS AND CONDITIONS of the bidding upgrades program. Reading these, gave me a better understanding of the program.

In August 2014, I was on the Getaway, which sails out of Miami. One of the buffet restaurants near the climbing wall, ALWAYS had Latin food each and every day. So maybe on you next cruise, consider the Getaway.

One reason my wife and I eat ALL of our meals (breakfast lunch and dinner) is because it decreases the opportunity to overeat. The few times we have eaten in the buffet, we tend to "try everything." So if your serious about your A1C, stick to the MDR.

Hi-

Planning to go back to alaska in august. Have been there all other months. Hiw does august compare?

 

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During the week that we cruised Alaska, the weather was great. However, it's a good idea to pack some long underwear, long sleeve shirts, and a pair of gloves. When we were in Glacier Bay in the morning, I had on a few layers of clothes, including gloves. Later in the afternoon, I was on the top deck in my swim trunks. In other words, pack some "winter clothes."

I am considering a Maasdam cruise this May....NYC-Montreal.

We generally sail on NCL or Carnival because they sail out of NY and I don't like flying or the chaos of flying. So, this may be a welcome change.

 

I am in my late 60s....DH is in his early 80s. I know the age group will be good.

 

We eat at the buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner almost all the time. We dress casually.

 

So...the question is: Dining....

Are there formal nights? If so, can you eat at the buffet in "casual clothes", or is it against the rules to even been seen?

If we do eat dinner in the MDR...is it assigned seating with an assigned time? Or do you go when you want and sit by yourselves if you want?

 

Any insight will be appreciated.

 

TIA

My wife and I sailed on the Maasdam about 15 years ago. It's a great ship. About 5 years ago, we decided to take a Boston to Quebec City 7 day cruise. But when we searched for a way to get back to Philadelphia, it got complicated and costly. So we decided to do the 14 day back-to-back Boston to Boston cruise. They great thing about that was that the ship stayed in Quebec City for 2 nights. Also, we were able to explore all of the other stops 2 times.

In regards to dining, we always opt for the MDR for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The food is much better, and the service is always Great! We would rather have food served to us rather than fight the crowds, and then look for an available table. We paid for good food and service, so we opt for the MDR for all meals.

Also, we always ask to share a table of 4-6. It allows us to meet many people. They only time we eat in the Lido is for coffee, or a quick Salad or snack.

Anyway, you will love sailing with Holland America. Most passengers are in their 50s and above.

One thing that I do is I Google the name of the ship, and then click on IMAGES. This will give you plenty of pictures. If you just said simply want to see what's below or above your cabin, view the deck plans, and use the position on the elevator as a reference point.

We took a chance on Guaranteed Balcony (BX) on Breakaway, March 19, last week, and we were assigned 2 days later to a BA room right below the Garden Cafe. We're concerned about noise from the Cafe, and also from the H2O nightclub. From the feedback we've received on Cruise Critic, noise should not be an issue.