MsMaybelline

Follow up:

When I asked about the slippers, they were replaced with the correct ones. I like the embroidered Haven slippers... They're inexpensive, easy to pop on, and remind me of our trips. We also have a new butler for the last week of the cruise. He's amazing and is definitely going above and beyond. 

Now, if only the food met our expectations 🤔

16 hours ago, goldmom said:

I think it's very much butler related.  We've had butler in and out of the Haven who were very pro-active.  They would bring treats including gummy bears and m&m's and if they saw we enjoyed something would replenish or bring it often. (Sometimes too often! LOL!)

Goldmom, that's our exact experience. Our very first butler experience did not impress us at all. We never saw him. Our current steward and butler are not going above and beyond. It's adequate but not Haven quality.  Today is Day 6 and we asked about the covers for the loungers out front. She tried telling us that yes, the blue cover is all that is available. I questioned that because on previous cruises, the balconies were set up before we got back from breakfast.  So, here at 3pm the covers are just now on the loungers. We aren't needy and we try to be very considerate of the staff's time. I just expect the level of service we have paid for. 

We are on the Gem T/A.  I asked about the slippers and wow, she (cabin steward) will bring some Haven slippers. This is not our first Haven experience but in the past, things would just appear from our butlers. Our first Haven cabin was a spa suite, also not within the Haven. We saw the butler maybe twice in 14 days. Our current butler has kept the minibar filled, brought the standard chocolate covered strawberries, canapes, and various sandwiches. I feel like the level of service is a step up if you are up in the Haven itself. Just something to consider. We are paying the same as the guests up there. Plus, if you are in an Owner's Suite, I think they should be on top of all the amenities. This all sounds so stupid over slippers & M&Ms but overall, it's the level of service, not each item. 

Thanks everyone! I'm going on a towel hunt. For the price of the Haven, we should not have to ask for something that is part of the Haven to begin with.  Also, we haven't seen any M&Ms, no nuts, no chips in our cabin. I brought back some M&Ms from the Haven pool area. Maybe that will spark something? Oh, and I forgot about the gummy bears!

Has anyone recently been in The Haven? I love the cheap little slippers we get that are embroidered in gold with "The Haven".  The slippers in our current Haven cabin are open-toe and not embroidered. I wondered if it was a replacement for the nicer slippers or if that is what they give other suite guests not staying in The Haven.  We are on Deck 10 and there are only 2 Haven suites on this deck. Quite a few suites, but they aren't Haven. The bathrobe seems the same. I wonder about the towels too. Ours are large but are more like a white pool towel. I tought I remembered the Haven towels being big and fluffy. We were just in the Haven in November, but we were up in the actual Haven on the Getaway. We weren't sure what to expect since we are not up in The Haven area.TIA

On 4/15/2023 at 8:24 AM, Sthrngary said:

@latebloomer56 Not all ships have Starbucks.  The bigger ones do like Encore and Joy.

Good news! We are currently on the Gem and there is a great Starbucks (Deck 7 I think). I'd rather have the Starbucks than a Haven bar. We do miss the Haven lounge and restaurant on the Jewel Class ships.

On 2/20/2023 at 12:12 PM, Sthrngary said:

I was NOT in the Haven, so I could not get the Almond Croissants. Only available in the Haven.  I was so BUMMED. 

Do you know if ships that do not have a Haven Restaurant serve the almond croissants in the alternative restaurants for suite guests? Going on the Gem soon and will be upset if there are no almond croissants! (Maybe I can snag you one lol)

I know this is an old thread...we have the jump drive and can't get any of our files to open. Anyone have this issue? I've tried 2 different computers and multiple "tricks" 😡

2 minutes ago, JamieLogical said:

 

There is definitely no cost associated with Syd Norman's. Very weird that would be showing up in your app. Where exactly does it show that?

Just now, JamieLogical said:

 

There is definitely no cost associated with Syd Norman's. Very weird that would be showing up in your app. Where exactly does it show that?

Under the EXPLORE & PLAN. Below the JunNk Dinner & Show.

Could someone please tell me if there is a cost to go to Syd Norman's? In the app, it shows that it is $269 per person. I can't imagine a full bar and guests worried about seats at $269 each. I only see this in the app under my reservation. I know there was a cost to go to the Skyy Bar and that isn't showing as an extra cost. Thanks

On 8/19/2022 at 5:06 PM, ChiefMateJRK said:

Help me out here.  Why can't I just get a free drink at the bar (or two) and bring it back to my room?

We enjoy having Bailey's or Jamison in our coffee in the morning. It's our cruising replacement for the flavored creamer we can't get onboard. 

1 hour ago, Prairiefrozen said:

I am flying into Sanford as well in Jan.  Staying best western cocoa beach.  Cocoa beach shuttle quoted us 160 one way for a group of 7. If we land before 8pm.

I'll have to look into them. That is quite reasonable. The other driver and limo services were quite a bit higher. If it was a special occasion or something, I could sip on a martini in a party bus or stretch limo. But, the goal is to make it to the ship on time. I'll make a post if I can remember as to what I end up doing and how it goes. Have fun on your cruise.

On 8/1/2022 at 7:23 AM, firstcruise92 said:

We are flying in the day before our cruise.  I am hoping for a shuttle to get us to the hotel.  I'd rather do that than taxi or Uber.  

I'm in the same boat as you. 🤣🤣🤣 Our cruise is in November and we are flying into Sanford. Our flight gets in just after 11. Our hotel is at the port so we don't have to worry about getting there in the morning. I'm still working on the transportation. What's tricky is that our flight home is around noon so I need something that isn't going to stop here and there picking up people. And, there are 4-6 of us. 🤔 If you come across anything wonderful in your search, I'd love to hear what you came up with. Good luck!

Would love to hear the outcome of this story. I'm in a similar situation with a booking right now. Two couples, one cruise. We cruise in Haven, they are new to NCL and not interested in Haven. We are compromising on Mini-Suites, but I know I'm going to regret it at every disembarkation. Twice, listening to my husband complain each time 🤣. I want us to be together so this will all work out. Everyone had great stories of how well things turned out!

On 7/10/2021 at 1:21 PM, ClevelandCruisin said:

Everyone seems upset they can't book entertainment. Honestly, just to cruise again is a great feeling no matter what shows are on board. A very low priority for me is worrying about booking shows.

I'm not so sure it is all about the entertainment. For me it is a caution flag that was raised and makes me more nervous about the cruises sailing as planned. Looking at some of the cruises for Alaska, they aren't very full. What will happen with those? 

On 6/26/2021 at 1:32 PM, debenson0723 said:

I just booked the September 4th sailing yesterday and Kinky Boots is bookable for Sunday and Monday at 7:30pm and 10:30pm while Choir of Man is available Thursday and Friday at 7:30pm and 10pm. So it looks like both will be onboard (I have seen both but booked Choir of Man since it is my absolute favorite).

Can't wait for all of you to get cruising!!!

On 6/28/2021 at 5:58 PM, Littlemiah said:

Does anyone know how long is the walk from the Aft-Facing Penthouse to The Haven? (sorry if this was asked before)

I read in another post that the ship is the length of approx. 3 football fields. That put it into perspective for me--and I moved my cabin. I decided it would be a long walk...after the 10th time. 😬

Screen Shot 2021-06-29 at 5.52.30 PM.tiff

Would anyone happen to have an idea when these shows are scheduled on the Encore? I only see reservations for Choir of Man. It would be nice to know ahead of time for making other plans.  We aren't going until October so maybe we won't know until the cruises start sailing. Thanks!  

On 6/22/2021 at 8:49 PM, Sailing12Away said:

We're in an Aft balcony on deck 14 this coming August. Also huge fans of the Haven bar which hubby will be living at. We were debating the same internal struggle as yourself - closer to the bar, or bigger/better views.

 

Ultimately we opted for the aft because it comes with 2 potties and will use the walk as an excuse to get some exercise.

LOL, that is why we chose the aft on 15 but I think we are going to move to the 2-BR on 18 to be within the Haven. I've been going over this ever since I booked it. If I was going in August, I'd keep the aft I believe, but in October I'm thinking we may not be spending much time out there-more time at the bar. While having the 2  🚽  is great, if I have to leave early to make it back to one...hmmmm. So, we decided to keep our 🚽 close by. So many decisions. Now I can't decide which 2-BR. Am I the only one that over-thinks these things?

On 6/1/2020 at 3:11 PM, dhg11 said:

Thanks everyone!  We are going with the 2 bedroom villas......you have all had such great suggestions!  THANK YOU!!!! Now I just have to figure out which are the best cabin numbers on floor 17....trying to research if they are all the same or not and which side of the ship is best for views.  7 days: 

• Seattle,Washington
• Juneau,Alaska
• Skagway,Alaska
• Ketchikan,Alaska
• Victoria,British Columbia
• Seattle,Washington

What did you pick and how did it work out?  I'm having the same dilema and feeling like I should move from my aft balcony on 15 up to a 2-br on 17.  It is just DH and myself so the configurations don't matter. We are going in October so it will be pretty cold!

I got some great information in the previous posts. We are currently in an H6 on 15. I booked it for the balcony, but here are my concerns....

1. Alaska in October (2-9) will we be able to spend much time on balcony? We normally would eat, drink, enjoy the sights out there...but I'm not sure that's going to happen. My margaritas will not melt!

2. Is the aft cabin too far from The Haven when running for drinks, meals, lounge, etc. It is a pretty big ship. To use The Haven bar (which we prefer) we would be making a lot of trips fwd. We do spend time in our cabin vs. being out but I can't wait for The Haven on Encore. It looks amazing.

3. My other option is to move to a 2-BR Family Villa (H5) IN The Haven. The downside of that is not having that huge aft balcony. (

If we were going somewhere warm this would not be a question. We've never been to Alaska. Will we really appreciate having that aft balcony? 

Thanks

On 3/14/2021 at 7:18 PM, Hlitner said:

This happened to us when our April 2020 HAL cruise was cancelled (we had business class to Japan).  Our air reservation was immediately refunded (we are talking about thousands of dollars).  The same with another Asian cruise (April 2021).  If we had booked our own air we would have paid many thousands of dollars for a pair of Business Class tickets to Tokyo.  Instead we booked the air through the cruise line.

Were you able to upgrade to the Business Class fare or was this booked automatically for you by the cruise line? I'm looking at a very long flight that I wouldn't really want to take in Coach. The airfare through NCL is reasonable though I'm sure it is for a bare bones ticket. I'm almost hesitant to book the cruise due to the uncertainty of the flights.  Any advice would be appreciated. 

6 minutes ago, bob brown said:

Yes... two  in the room and one in the bathroom...

Thanks, and I'm wondering what camera have? Your pictures are amazing! Love all your posts, thank you for taking the time to share.

8 hours ago, mking8288 said:

 

Great reminder, it's the same round 2 pin 220 volts adapter,  used in the stateroom outlet. 

Are there US/120 outlets in the staterooms?