Just Off Epic - Haven Spa Suite

[p082351]

Just on the Epic from 3/15-3/22 - our 42 anniversary on March 17th had a fabulous time - weather great - food unbelievable - butler fernando and stewart reggie amazing - we took this trip on the Epic one year ago and had a so so time in a regular aft balcony - so this time we got a haven spa suite and what can i say it was worth every penny. The only thing we did not enjoy was the unruly kids in the haven pool. So we went to the pool on port days when everyone was out and about. The best restaurants were Le Bistro, Le Cucino, Noodle Bar, Moderno, Cagneys was okay, Haven Restaurant was also good. Blue Man Group was amazing, Hypnotist was also good.

[wesnliz]

How did you utilize the butler? I'm trying to determine how to best take advantage of having one

[cougar 17]

Was Kadek one of you concierge's?

[p082351]

Our butler, Fernando, came everyday around 4pm and brought us treats without us asking, sweets, cheese and crackers with french bread, sandwiches, cookies one day, and fresh fruit. When he brought our luggage the first day i asked for two bottle of pelligrino (we paid for it),

but whatever you needed he would get for you. He was alway visible everyday helping the stewart, brought us our disembarking paperwork and explained everything. He was so helpful during the cruise. We were on the Getaway in August in a aft haven and we did see our butler as much as fernando.

[Demonyte]

Was Kadek one of you concierge's?

 

There is only one concierge on each ship - either Kadek was the concierge or not. :)

[brookie848]

There is only one concierge on each ship - either Kadek was the concierge or not. :)

 

While there is only one concierge, there are at least two others on the Epic helping the concierge at all times. My husband had most of the contact with the concierge desk a few weeks ago -- I'll check to see who he remembers talking with.

[Jofishes]

Just on the Epic from 3/15-3/22 - our 42 anniversary on March 17th had a fabulous time - weather great - food unbelievable - butler fernando and stewart reggie amazing - we took this trip on the Epic one year ago and had a so so time in a regular aft balcony - so this time we got a haven spa suite and what can i say it was worth every penny. The only thing we did not enjoy was the unruly kids in the haven pool. So we went to the pool on port days when everyone was out and about. The best restaurants were Le Bistro, Le Cucino, Noodle Bar, Moderno, Cagneys was okay, Haven Restaurant was also good. Blue Man Group was amazing, Hypnotist was also good.

 

this is the one thing that really concerns me with booking the haven why oh why call it a haven if they do nothing about the courtyard area and unruly kids :confused::(

 

yes I can see there are a lot of family suites so children are to be expected in this area and of course they are not going to want to upset family guests staying in those suites by asking for some quiet in the courtyard but imo this is what that courtyard is for, if not then why those nice relaxing loungers in the water and not a kiddie splash area instead ?

 

I think they made a big mistake when they made so many of those haven suites "family ones" :(

 

Yes I accept you could get unruly adults too in the haven area but they really should have some sort of code of conduct for what is deemed acceptable behaviour in this area, they definitely got this area wrong and of course the video and pictures online shows very few children but rather a cosy relaxed couple who seem to be enjoying some peace and quiet

 

"Haven - Lounge in the serenity of our tranquil courtyard with private pool" they should add a disclaimer to this that says only if we have parents who are considerate of other guests on board during your sailing ;) :rolleyes:

Edited March 24, 2015 by Jofishes

[cougar 17]

While there is only one concierge, there are at least two others on the Epic helping the concierge at all times. My husband had most of the contact with the concierge desk a few weeks ago -- I'll check to see who he remembers talking with.

 

Thanks!!

[detroitlions]

this is the one thing that really concerns me with booking the haven why oh why call it a haven if they do nothing about the courtyard area and unruly kids :confused::(

 

yes I can see there are a lot of family suites so children are to be expected in this area and of course they are not going to want to upset family guests staying in those suites by asking for some quiet in the courtyard but imo this is what that courtyard is for, if not then why those nice relaxing loungers in the water and not a kiddie splash area instead ?

 

I think they made a big mistake when they made so many of those haven suites "family ones" :(

 

Yes I accept you could get unruly adults too in the haven area but they really should have some sort of code of conduct for what is deemed acceptable behaviour in this area, they definitely got this area wrong and of course the video and pictures online shows very few children but rather a cosy relaxed couple who seem to be enjoying some peace and quiet

 

"Haven - Lounge in the serenity of our tranquil courtyard with private pool" they should add a disclaimer to this that says only if we have parents who are considerate of other guests on board during your sailing ;) :rolleyes:

You might try HAL there are very few kids. You may see a depends floating in the pool though. I am amazed folks still think parents with kids that can afford to go into a suite should not be there with there family.

[Jofishes]

You might try HAL there are very few kids. You may see a depends floating in the pool though. I am amazed folks still think parents with kids that can afford to go into a suite should not be there with there family.

 

not sure what the above means ?

 

i'm not anti children, i have two myself ;) nor am i foolish enough not to expect them to be there especially with all those family suites but that does not mean the parents should absolve all responsibly for their little ones and their behaviour

 

the Haven courtyard is advertised as this "lounge in the serenity of our tranquil courtyard with private pool" so to me it's simple there should be some emphasis on a code of conduct to make sure all suite guests can actually use this area as it is described

 

the original poster stated that they avoided the courtyard pool because of unruly kids and i would ask why should they ?

[brookie848]

Was Kadek one of you concierge's?

 

 

Is Kadek a female? If so, she was on the ship. :)

[cougar 17]

Is Kadek a female? If so, she was on the ship. :)

 

He used to be a Butler and got promoted to Assistant Concierge. He was truly the greatest Butler! I was hoping to find him on the Epic when I sail on Sunday.

[p082351]

The concierge on the epic was david we did not utilize him at all. When we went to the blue man group we were told that we would meet at the theater to escort us in well we did not find him escorted ourselves into the show and found the area for the haven guests. As far as the kids in the haven I feel it is the responsibility of the parents to take control - but how can you when your also drinking. They had signs at the pool area for rules which no one care about. We had kids jumping from the top of the hot tub into the pool that an accident waiting to happen. Thats why we waited till we were in port to enjoy that area. We were on the Getaway in August and the haven was so much better.

[detroitlions]

not sure what the above means ?

 

i'm not anti children, i have two myself ;) nor am i foolish enough not to expect them to be there especially with all those family suites but that does not mean the parents should absolve all responsibly for their little ones and their behaviour

 

the Haven courtyard is advertised as this "lounge in the serenity of our tranquil courtyard with private pool" so to me it's simple there should be some emphasis on a code of conduct to make sure all suite guests can actually use this area as it is described

 

the original poster stated that they avoided the courtyard pool because of unruly kids and i would ask why should they ?

Now if your one of the types that think kids should sit in the corner and color or sit quiely in the pool while you have your adult fun and adult conversations. I am not one of those people . Most people who speak ill of kids dont want to be by them at all. They think the ship is for adults only. And if the kids are laughing and playing they are unrulely and the parents should tell them to behave. Kids would not want to go on cruises with there parents if they felt they had to contain themselves at all times its there vacation too. I ask the people who say that if I walked up to them when there laughing and talking loud and said hey be quiet I am trying to read a book. They would not like it. So all the old folks and prudes that want to bully kids and there parents to me are the rudest of all sorts.

[detroitlions]

not sure what the above means ?

 

i'm not anti children, i have two myself ;) nor am i foolish enough not to expect them to be there especially with all those family suites but that does not mean the parents should absolve all responsibly for their little ones and their behaviour

 

the Haven courtyard is advertised as this "lounge in the serenity of our tranquil courtyard with private pool" so to me it's simple there should be some emphasis on a code of conduct to make sure all suite guests can actually use this area as it is described

 

the original poster stated that they avoided the courtyard pool because of unruly kids and i would ask why should they ?

You should know they are diapers for elder adults.

[Jofishes]

Now if your one of the types that think kids should sit in the corner and color or sit quiely in the pool while you have your adult fun and adult conversations. I am not one of those people . Most people who speak ill of kids dont want to be by them at all. They think the ship is for adults only. And if the kids are laughing and playing they are unrulely and the parents should tell them to behave. Kids would not want to go on cruises with there parents if they felt they had to contain themselves at all times its there vacation too. I ask the people who say that if I walked up to them when there laughing and talking loud and said hey be quiet I am trying to read a book. They would not like it. So all the old folks and prudes that want to bully kids and there parents to me are the rudest of all sorts.

 

no you have me very wrong i have no problems whatsoever with being around children enjoying themselves, laughing and playing as such but the OP mentioned children being unruly, becoming unruly is a different thing altogether, they also worryingly mentioned unsafe behaviour which was children jumping from the top of the hot tub into the pool, this would make me uncomfortable too

 

i haven't in any of my posts spoke ill of children :confused: i have mentioned what the courtyard is advertised as and i do think that as parents (myself included) we must and should take responsibility for our children when they become unruly or display behaviour that many would consider dangerous

 

i do have a problem if a parent switches off and refuses to take any responsibility for their child or worse lazily excuses any unruly or dangerous behaviour as the kids just having fun

 

it is about teaching our children respect and consideration for others no one said a child must sit quietly with a colouring book !!!

 

i have never once been so rude to ask a child to be quiet, i would expect their own parent to do this when they feel it is appropriate just like i step up to parent my own children if and when they get out of hand ;)

 

You should know they are diapers for elder adults.

i do think this remark is immature and rude :(

Edited March 25, 2015 by Jofishes

[ronandannette]

no you have me very wrong i have no problems whatsoever with being around children enjoying themselves, laughing and playing as such but the OP mentioned children being unruly, becoming unruly is a different thing altogether, they also worryingly mentioned unsafe behaviour which was children jumping from the top of the hot tub into the pool, this would make me uncomfortable too

 

i haven't in any of my posts spoke ill of children :confused: i have mentioned what the courtyard is advertised as and i do think that as parents (myself included) we must and should take responsibility for our children when they become unruly or display behaviour that many would consider dangerous

 

i do have a problem if a parent switches off and refuses to take any responsibility for their child or worse lazily excuses any unruly or dangerous behaviour as the kids just having fun

 

it is about teaching our children respect and consideration for others no one said a child must sit quietly with a colouring book !!!

 

i have never once been so rude to ask a child to be quiet, i would expect their own parent to do this when they feel it is appropriate just like i step up to parent my own children if and when they get out of hand ;)

 

 

i do think this remark is immature and rude :(

 

Your point about how the Haven is marketed is very well made. It is NCL that lures high-end customers into a certain expectation of what the atmosphere will be like. If it was described with words like "vibrant, lively, active and fun" instead of words like "serenity and tranquil", people would be prepared to be more tolerant of the actual experience. Of course, some of them would also not book it ;). Like me. We've taken a Spa Mini on our upcoming Med cruise and will spend our down time in the thermal suite an thelasso pool, which will be quiet and relaxing just like we want.

 

And as for your comments about proper conduct for children, who are under the direct control of their parents, I agree 100%. If kids want to run, splash and shriek, go to the AquaPark.

Edited March 25, 2015 by ronandannette