Garden Villas and Superior Accomodations

[josephmz]

I have read a lot of posts regarding the value of suites. They fall between being "the greatest thing since sliced bread" to an exorbitant

waste of money or worse. I have always regarded the luxury suites as

an unreachable "Holy Grail." Until now.

 

In our case, it makes total sense. We are booked into DOS in February

on the Star. Along with me are my DW,DS,DDIL and two granddaughters

(2 & 5). They live in CA, we in VA. As you can imagine, we don't get a lot of time together. The suite will give us seven days of quality time.

 

With regard to price, the difference bewtween two mini-suites and the DOS is approx. $1000.00 or $143.00/ day. When you throw in the suite

perks, it becomes a total "no-brainer".

[johnsak123]

Although I have not stayed in the GV i did stumble into it once by accident. I thought the door was the entrance to an area in the haven. All i can say is WOW. If i could afford it i would do it. I guess thats the answer to the big question. If you can afford it then you should do it.

[Gregor4500]

I had a GV booked for our upcoming Jewel trip in November. We are traveling with another couple but could not find a third couple to make it affordable. It would have only been $12,000 total or $4000 per couple.

 

We are spending close to $3000 per couple for the aft Penthouse.

 

If we each booked a CV it would have been $5000 per couple.

 

I canceled before the $5000 deposit appeared on my credit card statement. So only had about 4 weeks to find the third couple. It was snatched up the next day.

[softsands]

Our family sailed in the Garden Villa on the Gem last November and it was nowhere near that price. I think the price for the 3rd to 8th person in the suite was under $200 per person.

 

The Garden Villa and all the extra perks that come with it would have been worth it even at that price though.

 

Here are some pictures of the Villa on Webshots.

 

http://travel.webshots.com/album/581814446HlPmjK

 

Dotsie

 

What was the Villa #? I understand the two GV's are decorated differently on the Gem?

 

Never mind...the pictures are clear regarding which one it is. Thanks.

[softsands]

What was the Villa #? I understand the two GV's are decorated differently on the Gem?

 

Never mind...the pictures are clear regarding which one it is. Thanks.

 

From the pictures...the second level sun deck, is that a good space? It doesn't look all that inviting, is there protection from the sun, etc?

 

Thanks

[Dotsie]

From the pictures...the second level sun deck, is that a good space? It doesn't look all that inviting, is there protection from the sun, etc?

 

Thanks

 

 

Garden Villa 14500

 

We used to second level to sunbathe. They also had a few loungers with a canopy for shade if you needed protection from the sun. The second level was also the best location to enjoy the ocean views.

 

Dotsie

[Bethwte]

I've always wondered about this, particularly if people are not traveling as a group (which would make it more affordable). If you're going to pay that kind of money, I am curious why people choose NCL versus a true luxury line? Certainly everyone has different preferences, but I would probably pick the smaller, luxe line with better food, different ambiance, usually more exotic ports (due to ship size), etc.

 

Has anyone done both - is there a reason you chose to put the money with NCL?

[Treatingmyself]

I've always wondered about this, particularly if people are not traveling as a group (which would make it more affordable). If you're going to pay that kind of money, I am curious why people choose NCL versus a true luxury line? Certainly everyone has different preferences, but I would probably pick the smaller, luxe line with better food, different ambiance, usually more exotic ports (due to ship size), etc.

 

Has anyone done both - is there a reason you chose to put the money with NCL?

 

When i started cruising ( jim hawkins was our cabinboy) we pinched pennys sailed on small lines (premier, dolphin and msc). Then an outside had a porthole the size of a fist. The bathroom...if you sat on the john and leaned forward you could wash your hair in the shower stall. In room entertainment was a small speaker on the wall with a four position dial for music. Sleeping was on singles/bunks. Moved up to balconies after awhile ( carnivale, rccl, holland and ncl ). This past jan. we sailed on the ncl gem aft mini one of the best we have been on. Now booked on the gem in jan. next, in a aft penthouse ( first time in a suite ).....what was the ?. Oh yeah, why ncl and not a luxe line.....the people, whether inside bottom or haven villa everyone enjoys their time onboard. If you own a company or work for a company or don't work at all. Everyone seems equal, just there to have a great time. You would not get this on a luxe line. Hey, in the real world we have friends from all walks of life, why not on a cruise. The icing on the cruise is the cruise critic folks. In jan. on the gem we had a wonderful m&g followed by a cc bridge tour. I'm out of breath.....my point is its the people, us the crew everyone is pulling for a good time.

[DMH15]

When i started cruising ( jim hawkins was our cabinboy) we pinched pennys sailed on small lines (premier, dolphin and msc). Then an outside had a porthole the size of a fist. The bathroom...if you sat on the john and leaned forward you could wash your hair in the shower stall. In room entertainment was a small speaker on the wall with a four position dial for music. Sleeping was on singles/bunks. Moved up to balconies after awhile ( carnivale, rccl, holland and ncl ). This past jan. we sailed on the ncl gem aft mini one of the best we have been on. Now booked on the gem in jan. next, in a aft penthouse ( first time in a suite ).....what was the ?. Oh yeah, why ncl and not a luxe line.....the people, whether inside bottom or haven villa everyone enjoys their time onboard. If you own a company or work for a company or don't work at all. Everyone seems equal, just there to have a great time. You would not get this on a luxe line. Hey, in the real world we have friends from all walks of life, why not on a cruise. The icing on the cruise is the cruise critic folks. In jan. on the gem we had a wonderful m&g followed by a cc bridge tour. I'm out of breath.....my point is its the people, us the crew everyone is pulling for a good time.

 

What a fantastic post!

[WaldosPepper]

When i started cruising ( jim hawkins was our cabinboy) we pinched pennys sailed on small lines (premier, dolphin and msc). Then an outside had a porthole the size of a fist. The bathroom...if you sat on the john and leaned forward you could wash your hair in the shower stall. In room entertainment was a small speaker on the wall with a four position dial for music. Sleeping was on singles/bunks. Moved up to balconies after awhile ( carnivale, rccl, holland and ncl ). This past jan. we sailed on the ncl gem aft mini one of the best we have been on. Now booked on the gem in jan. next, in a aft penthouse ( first time in a suite ).....what was the ?. Oh yeah, why ncl and not a luxe line.....the people, whether inside bottom or haven villa everyone enjoys their time onboard. If you own a company or work for a company or don't work at all. Everyone seems equal, just there to have a great time. You would not get this on a luxe line. Hey, in the real world we have friends from all walks of life, why not on a cruise. The icing on the cruise is the cruise critic folks. In jan. on the gem we had a wonderful m&g followed by a cc bridge tour. I'm out of breath.....my point is its the people, us the crew everyone is pulling for a good time.

 

This post brings back so many memories of our early cruises! Vividly remember the four-position dial for in-room music (which also blasted any and all announcements loudly enough to rattle you out of bed, no matter how low you had the volume :p ) and those teeny little bathrooms as well. Somehow back then we still felt like royalty every time we stepped aboard (and were treated that way, as well).

 

I agree wholeheartedly with your statement that everyone seems equal on an NCL ship. We've been treated the same whether we sailed in a porthole cabin on Deck 4, or in the Owner's Suite, and everywhere in between. This mindset applies to both the crew and the passengers. Now I can hardly wait for the next 10 days to go by, so I can climb aboard and experience it all over again! :D

[softsands]

Garden Villa 14500

 

We used to second level to sunbathe. They also had a few loungers with a canopy for shade if you needed protection from the sun. The second level was also the best location to enjoy the ocean views.

 

Dotsie

 

Thanks for the insight!

[LegallyBlonder]

I've always wondered about this, particularly if people are not traveling as a group (which would make it more affordable). If you're going to pay that kind of money, I am curious why people choose NCL versus a true luxury line? Certainly everyone has different preferences, but I would probably pick the smaller, luxe line with better food, different ambiance, usually more exotic ports (due to ship size), etc.

 

Has anyone done both - is there a reason you chose to put the money with NCL?

 

 

I am intrigued by those lines, and look at the possibility as an empty nest sitauation when my very young children (5, 3, 3 mo.) are older. At this time, I could not imagine a luxe line with such young children, so luxe accomodations on a general line meets the bill. The GV also gives us the space for our kids to spread out and play (even on a private oustide deck!) without worrying that they are getting into mischief, or disrupting other cruisers. It also allows us to share a private, common areawith my parents. In sum, I think your question depends heavily on your current travel party!

[yoyocruiser]

I want to add that to sail in a suite it does not have to be that costly. It really depends on the cruise and who/how many are sailing. If you are referring to the haven and the very upper levels--well I probably will never sail in one of those. The suites can be very reasonable though.

 

Someone above noted that the price for the suite (or any cabin for that matter) is for the first two people in the suite. A couple of years ago we were booked on the Jewel in a balcony cabin and an inside cabin. There were six of us--four college age kids, DH, and myself. The total cost was around $4000. Then I noticed that there were 2 bedroom suites at a cost of like $2100 for the first two, and then they were running a special of $99 per person for additional people (up to six in the two bedroom). Well if you figure it out that was around $600 more than we were going to pay for the balcony and an inside. Now of course there are those who will say that you cannot put 6 people in the two bedroom--and for many people perhaps not--that's why I say it depends on your situation. Of course we were crowded--but we got to enjoy the living room together and the balcony together, AND all the perks--significantly the six of us got to eat all of our breakfast and lunches in Cagneys. It was a wonderful time for our family.

 

I just wanted to add this in here as the suites are not always necessarily out of reach in cost--depending of course on your situation. (Also, unlike many others, I WAS able to go back to a non-suite and be perfectly happy.)

[ribs914]

We have now sailed in the Garden Villa (14500) on both the Star & the Jewel. It was not nearly as expensive as quoted. For 7 passengers it was approx $20,000 for each sailing.

 

Both sailings were for milestone birthdays and we had 27 people the first time and 19 the second. We had the Garden Villa and everyone else was in inside cabins and came up to our room during their waking hours.

 

We never felt crowded, and loved having the space. Both concierge's couldn't have done more for us, and took care of our entire party. Several of our friends thought they had the rooms wired as whenever we mentioned anything, it appeared in the room. The Butlers have been amazing. This last cruise in June, we took cups to make Jello shots as we were going to get 6 bottles of Vodka. We didn't bring enough jello and the butler went down to the kitchen and came back with Jello for us. Both cruises, every day the butler brought enough snacks in the room as well as soda & water for 20+ of our party.

 

Last cruise we were making pitchers of drinks and taking them to Spinnaker and waiters came over to tell us it was not allowed. We called the concierge and she came and took care of it. We were not bothered again. Our children wanted to sit in the 2nd row for a show and we called the concierge and they held the 2nd row in the theater for us. Anything we asked for was done. The level of service is amazing.

 

We just booked a Royal Family Suite on the Oasis for 5 of us and it is costing $14,000 and I heard there are none of the suite perks that NCL gives. So, I think the 20k for the Garden Villa and the space is well worth it.

 

When we aren't with a big party, we book the Haven and are spoiled as well. The key is try to book off times. The only problem is once you experience it, it is really hard to go back to a regular balcony or mini suite. You will be spoiled for life.

 

Any questions, please ask.

[Bocadude85]

I've always wondered about this, particularly if people are not traveling as a group (which would make it more affordable). If you're going to pay that kind of money, I am curious why people choose NCL versus a true luxury line? Certainly everyone has different preferences, but I would probably pick the smaller, luxe line with better food, different ambiance, usually more exotic ports (due to ship size), etc.

 

Has anyone done both - is there a reason you chose to put the money with NCL?

 

My partner and I are in our mid 20's and always book suites. We usually try and book one of the owners suites. The reason we sail with NCL and not the smaller luxury cruise lines is because we like the casual atmosphere and the younger age of the pax on NCL. We like having the space and amenties that come with the suites but also love having the freedom of "freestyle" cruising. Our only real issue with NCL is the lack of exotic itineraries. We will be taking our first cruise with Royal Caribbean to Australia in February and are already missing NCL

[HMK8273]

We just booked a Royal Family Suite on the Oasis for 5 of us and it is costing $14,000 and I heard there are none of the suite perks that NCL gives.

 

I wouldn't write off RCCL in their suites - we are booked in an Owners Suite on EOS on RCCL this upcoming April 2013 and are actually excited about it. The perks are close on NCL v. RCCL but you don't get the Haven - that's for sure - but you do get concierge and butler service, plus a host of other things (if memory serves) like the theater seating - maybe not on Oasis just because of the number of suites that floating island has. We booked the OS on EOS because it was a ton cheaper than an OS on NCL doing the same amount of days to the Caribbean. Just saying...go back and read up - I am a huge NCL fan - so wouldn't stray unless I was willing to take the risk on not being disappointed.

[LuckyStar]

Had 3 Inside rooms booked, NCL called and offered the GV for $299 pp. I talked them down to $199 pp and booked it.

 

Then I woke up.

 

I was rooting for this to be a true story...LOL :D

[Us2inFL]

We have now sailed in the Garden Villa. We had the Garden Villa and everyone else was in inside cabins and came up to our room during their waking hours.

 

...butler brought enough snacks in the room as well as soda & water for 20+ of our party.

 

Last cruise we were making pitchers of drinks and taking them to Spinnaker and waiters came over to tell us it was not allowed. We called the concierge and she came and took care of it. We were not bothered again. Our children wanted to sit in the 2nd row for a show and we called the concierge and they held the 2nd row in the theater for us. Anything we asked for was done. The level of service is amazing.

 

 

Glad you got to really take advantage of the benefits.

[insidecabin]

There is a very convenient site where you can check out the rates on suites across a range of cruises quickly.

 

some current rates for the GV pp 1-2pax + tax add 3-8pax rates.

 

dawn $6k 7n

jade $6k 10n

star $7.5k 14n

gen $6k 10n

 

the trick if you can't round up a big family is to make friends so you can share.

 

currently on the Star and the Dawn there are some great prices on the SJ suites, no balcony but a great way to sample the suite life and have luxury bathroom oftn the SF,SE will be similar if you want the balcony

[WhenIsOurNextCruise]

There is a very convenient site where you can check out the rates on suites across a range of cruises quickly.

 

some current rates for the GV pp 1-2pax + tax add 3-8pax rates.

 

dawn $6k 7n

jade $6k 10n

star $7.5k 14n

gen $6k 10n

 

the trick if you can't round up a big family is to make friends so you can share.

 

currently on the Star and the Dawn there are some great prices on the SJ suites, no balcony but a great way to sample the suite life and have luxury bathroom oftn the SF,SE will be similar if you want the balcony

 

Can you post the site?

And to the person who asked about luxury vs. GV. There is no luxury ship that has a casino like the larger NCL ships or a concierge who is going to treat you like royalty or a suite with 5,000 square feet where we can be with our son and daughter in law and grandson for 7 or 14 days wonderful days or a luxury ship with freestyle dress and dining. There is no experience at sea that could make me as happy as being with my family in a GV. I don't care where the ship goes or even if it goes anywhere. Going on the Epic next month with family and Adrian as our concierge and can't wait.

[insidecabin]

Can you post the site?

Sorry this is against the CC guidlines you can't post anything usefull about cruise research, even other forums/boards or sites that do not sell cruises.

 

It is a problem if you are flexible on dates and want to look for dates that have the betst rates it is not easy.

 

Most cruise TA/cruise line searches just work on the lowest price breakdown on inside OV balcony suite which is useless if you want a particular type of cabin like an aft cabin or a specific suite.

 

On NCL this is especialy a problem as these types of catagory have specific pricing and minis which are considerably cheaper are include in the searches for suites.

 

There are a lot of usefull sites out there so spend a bit of time with google and you might extend your toolset, I was planning on setting up a stateroom and cruise monitoring system that does all the browsing just for NCL cruises, to track the prices and spot cabins that were good value daily rates.

 

Turns out there is a site that does much of what I wanted and they seem to be open to suggestions so may look to ask for the features to be added,

eg. on NCL show me all cruises grade XX sorted on pppd pricing

 

For RCCL cruises the site is even better because it captures US,CAN,EU,UK pricing so you can cross check the prices.

 

But remeber this only gives you headline ruise line prices, you then have the promotions like OBC free this and that, TA discounts to take into account which complicates the process of finding the best deal.

[time2cruise1]

Phil NCL'S booking engine no longer includes mini suites in the suite category. They are in their own category. Makes it easy now to see the penthouse entry level. The problem most other travel sites that feed of that engine have not updated their code to add the new category.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone - Jim

[insidecabin]

Phil NCL'S booking engine no longer includes mini suites in the suite category. They are in their own category. Makes it easy now to see the penthouse entry level. The problem most other travel sites that feed of that engine have not updated their code to add the new category.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone - Jim

 

Including ncl.co.uk/.eu/.de

[time2cruise1]

Including ncl.co.uk/.eu/.de

 

But not yet for all ships anywhere.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone - Jim

[iluvdoxies]

Can you post the site?

And to the person who asked about luxury vs. GV. There is no luxury ship that has a casino like the larger NCL ships or a concierge who is going to treat you like royalty or a suite with 5,000 square feet where we can be with our son and daughter in law and grandson for 7 or 14 days wonderful days or a luxury ship with freestyle dress and dining. There is no experience at sea that could make me as happy as being with my family in a GV. I don't care where the ship goes or even if it goes anywhere. Going on the Epic next month with family and Adrian as our concierge and can't wait.

 

we are sailing 11/3 - yay cant wait - it will be our 3rd time on the Epic

 

Have never had Adrian as concierge, but have heard good things about him