Back from the Heaven, oops the Haven-Getaway review May 29-June 5th, 2016

[Seminole1975]

Not that it matters but I put my review of the Haven on CC last month.

 

 

 

Telling you that you were wrong wasn't "telling you off" nor was it rude.

You eventually realized that you were in fact wrong and/or you stated such...

 

 

^^...Those are your words.

 

Perhaps you misinterpreted what others were posting. Please give an example of someone being "rude" and give an example of how that person could have gotten the point across without being "rude".

 

"Shame on you" were the words used I believe. Read the thread again: not this thread, the one entitled Haven access. There are ways to get your point across without talking to someone like they are a child.

[Seminole1975]

Great review, thank you.

 

We were on the Getaway last week and really enjoyed MDQ, your son is very talented, we had a photo taken with him after the show. Nice to hear that they have friends on-board and even in the same show, it must help with them missing home. Great that you got to spend time with your son.

 

Looking forward to reading the rest of your review.

 

 

Yes Kurt said that it would have been much more difficult without his friends. He has of course, made new friends, but it has been a lot more fun with Ben and Katie.

[Seminole1975]

Nobody "told someone off" in the other thread. :rolleyes:

 

People explained the rules until "Seminole1975" fully understood them.

 

 

 

It's a strict rule because even as a strict rule, people still break it (wrongfully so). If it wasn't a "strict rule", how many people would break it?

 

 

You are incorrect.

 

 

 

There were plenty of other places on the ship....that they had access to. They were free to meet and greet there, not the Haven.

 

 

 

 

If something like that was approved, the thread would have been completely different. There was never anything personal against the cast nor their parents. The problem is people taking liberties that they don't have.

 

And BTW Two Wheels, I am just trying to do a nice review from my perspective and experiences. I am enjoying reliving this so much. Why come on to this thread and try to prove all of these good people wrong? People who are trying to be nice and supportive. I am so over the fact that I brought my son and friends into the Haven for a "look see" (horrors!) and admitted that I was wrong, so why bring it back up again?

Edited June 25, 2016 by Seminole1975
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[Annmeat]

QUOTE OPI suggest that NCL post the rules of the Haven in big red letters on the back of the room door. That way everyone would see the same thing at the same time and would not have to depend on the concierge to give them the entire list of rules. Of course, they would have to keep the rules up to date. They sure do write down and give you a list of all the perks! Perhaps a Sticky Note thread entitled "Rules of the Haven!" would be helpful, as another poster suggested, since these issues obviously keep coming up. It was my first time in the Haven and I would have found it helpful. I digress.

 

 

I'm curious-did Virginia give you a list of rules? We have been in the suites multiple times and I don't think that we got a list ever. I'm not even sure what would be on it.

 

Keep up the nice review- even if you did go the wrong college! (Idon't have a Hurricane emoji so will have to stick with a blowing wind...)

Edited June 25, 2016 by Annmeat

[Seminole1975]

QUOTE OPI suggest that NCL post the rules of the Haven in big red letters on the back of the room door. That way everyone would see the same thing at the same time and would not have to depend on the concierge to give them the entire list of rules. Of course, they would have to keep the rules up to date. They sure do write down and give you a list of all the perks! Perhaps a Sticky Note thread entitled "Rules of the Haven!" would be helpful, as another poster suggested, since these issues obviously keep coming up. It was my first time in the Haven and I would have found it helpful. I digress.

 

I'm curious-did Virginia give you a list of rules? We have been in the suites multiple times and I don't think that we got a list ever. I'm not even sure what would be on it.

 

Keep up the nice review- even if you did go the wrong college! ������(Idon't have a Hurricane emoji so will have to stick with a blowing wind...)

 

Haha! I grew up in Miami and used to live very near to U of M! I wanted to go to a college farther away from home!

 

No we never got the rules in written form. All Virginia told me was that non-Haven guests/crew could not eat in the Haven. But the good people of CC have "educated" me that no one can step foot in the Haven for any reason if they are not paying for that "privilege". It makes sense, but no one from NCL told me that or gave that information me in writing. Glad you are enjoying the review. I will complete it eventually!

Edited June 25, 2016 by Seminole1975
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[Two Wheels Only]

And BTW Two Wheels, I am just trying to do a nice review from my perspective and experiences. I am enjoying reliving this so much. Why come on to this thread and try to prove all of these good people wrong? People who are trying to be nice and supportive. I am so over the fact that I brought my son and friends into the Haven for a "look see" (horrors!) and admitted that I was wrong, so why bring it back up again?

 

The first person to mention what happened was GAPeach68. The first person to mention the other thread was...(see post #24)...

 

I wish you would post that you enjoyed your visit with the MDQ guys in the Haven lounge on a thread called Haven Access for Non-Haven Passengers.

 

You also claimed (and were quickly corrected) that you were given a hard time for "showing them around". You weren't given a hard time other than the one "shame on you" post from a poster who didn't return to the thread. Everyone else simply stated the facts.

 

As for the issue continuing to come up, it's because people feel that it is " no big deal..." if they break the rules not because they are unaware of the rules.

[TrixieBel]

Enjoying this review greatly. Please keep it going. Hating having to scroll past the TROLL on the thread though. Wish a mod could get him/her out of the thread so the rest of us could enjoy it... But, hey. "Ignore" will continue to work I guess.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[Seminole1975]

The first person to mention what happened was GAPeach68. The first person to mention the other thread was...(see post #24)...

 

 

 

You also claimed (and were quickly corrected) that you were given a hard time for "showing them around". You weren't given a hard time other than the one "shame on you" post from a poster who didn't return to the thread. Everyone else simply stated the facts.

 

As for the issue continuing to come up, it's because people feel that it is " no big deal..." if they break the rules not because they are unaware of the rules.

 

Bless your heart Two Wheels. I am so glad that there are "rule police" out there like you who try to keep everyone straight! (Especially when NCL does not tell you all the Haven rules up front!) It must be a very hard job to do with all of us crazy rule breakers out there! I can only imagine.

 

This right here is what makes CC the most entertaining website I have ever found! I will continue my review tomorrow. And I promise I did not break any other rules! Enjoy your Saturday evening everyone!

Edited June 25, 2016 by Seminole1975
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[Seminole1975]

I just talked to my DS. He told me that everyone is settling in and doing well. DS is fighting off a cold and went to the Medical Center. Ben's ankle is better and he will go back on as Elvis this week, thank goodness!. Kurt said that each week is beginning to feel somewhat like "Groundhog Day" but it is "Groundhog week"! But all is good and they are enjoying the experience. I am going to get on the POM webcam after this and watch the Getaway Sailaway if I do not miss it. I could hear the Emergency bells in the background while talking to him-everyone to their Muster stations!!

 

Friday was my favorite day because DS could get off the ship with us for a few hours! (My favorite excursion was cave tubing) We were very tired after three busy days in three different countries! We decided not to purchase any excursions and just see where the wind blew us. I slept in and my DH and DB had breakfast in the Haven. I went up later and ate at the buffet in the Haven. DSIL and DN decided to stay on the ship and chill out. I visited the medical center and got some bandaids for a blister I had somehow developed on my heel.

 

My DB wanted to go to an authentic Mexican restaurant and get a chorizo sausage taco. (The Getaway is on the move! Sailing away now as I write-watching it on my phone) The four of us got off the ship and walked the pier to the main street. We took a taxi up the street and walked back over a period of 2 or more hours. DB and company thought we got ripped off by the taxi-he charged us $3 a person. We should have gotten a price before we got in the taxi. No big deal to me.

 

We wandered about town looking in shops. We ran into several members of the crew and cast. One person we met is the man who is in charge of costumes. He was looking for a fabric store. Kurt introduced us to them all. All the shops began to look alike, but the town is very colorful. I left my phone in one store and the shopkeeper ran after me to give it to me. Very nice! Thank the Lord!

 

We found a delicious restaurant named Machete. There were a whole bunch of cast members in there including one the magicians. (DS stateroom is next to this magician from the Illusionarium. They are neighbors!) DB got his chorizo tacos. There were about 12 different kinds of tacos. You could pick three for your meal. The fish tacos were delicious. It was all good. I was very careful to drink only bottled water and beer while in Mexico. Did not want any tummy issues like I had in Istanbul several years ago! I recommend this place. It is not very big, but the food is wonderful. It is about 2 blocks off the main street.

 

BTW, all of the principle entertainers get their own room that comes with a cabin steward. None of them have to share rooms. We were not allowed to see Kurt's room, but I have seen pictures. Kurt says it is like a miniature apartment and it does have a porthole. It is more than adequate. Most of the crew from what I understand do have roommates, but not the entertainers and the officers.

 

My DSIL wanted everyone to know about the T-shirts we bought while in Cozumel. DB bought cute T-shirts for she and DN. We got them in a big T-shirt store almost across the street from the pier entrance. When she got home, she washed them in cold water. The shirts shrank about 2 sizes and the writing on the front of them cracked. Don't waste your money.

 

I know I am skipping around, but in this review, I am letting my thoughts lead me. DS and the crew have to wear their name badges at all times. They can take them off in port. All name badges have the flag of their country on them as well and the name and their job (Principle MDQ) is what Kurt's says. I began to look at all the name badges of staff during the week and talked to them about their various countries. It has been interesting for DS to meet so many people from so many different places. He enjoys this. All for now. Have to be somewhere in a few. More later.

Edited June 26, 2016 by Seminole1975
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[Seminole1975]

My DS graduated from UCF with a degree in Film. He is posting Video blogs of his journeys and experiences with NCL. If any of you want to follow along his name is Kurt Jenkins. He posts under the name of Skyway Spirit on youtube if you are interested. His vlogs are or can be PG 13 rated.

[Viva_la_Vida]

And BTW Two Wheels, I am just trying to do a nice review from my perspective and experiences. I am enjoying reliving this so much. Why come on to this thread and try to prove all of these good people wrong? People who are trying to be nice and supportive. I am so over the fact that I brought my son and friends into the Haven for a "look see" (horrors!) and admitted that I was wrong, so why bring it back up again?

 

Yes, amen! I could care less about Haven drama. If I want to see a verbal boxing match, I'll go over to that thread. I have just come here for a great review and all of the negativity is just making me upset. Thank you, Seminole1975 for a wonderful review!

[tinkr2]

Amen to haven drama. I was given no list of rules. my son in law made friends with other haven guests in the casino and they also brought him back to the haven bar. We had no idea. They obviously had no idea. They most certainly did not hang in the haven. Two wheels only... I stick with my original comment, the haven is lovely but not all that . The concierge did many things for me and my adult children and did not say one word when we had a drink and showed them around. Thank heavens we all have cruise critic to inform us of rules that are not stated anywhere but in your minds.

The review is great. Def do not buy t shirts in Mexico.:D

[Diane123boys]

enjoying this review greatly. Please keep it going. Hating having to scroll past the troll on the thread though. Wish a mod could get him/her out of the thread so the rest of us could enjoy it... But, hey. "ignore" will continue to work i guess.

 

 

Sent from my iphone using forums mobile app

 

amen amen amen!!!!

[Seminole1975]

Amen to haven drama. I was given no list of rules. my son in law made friends with other haven guests in the casino and they also brought him back to the haven bar. We had no idea. They obviously had no idea. They most certainly did not hang in the haven. Two wheels only... I stick with my original comment, the haven is lovely but not all that . The concierge did many things for me and my adult children and did not say one word when we had a drink and showed them around. Thank heavens we all have cruise critic to inform us of rules that are not stated anywhere but in your minds.

The review is great. Def do not buy t shirts in Mexico.:D

 

In retrospect, I have a lot to say about the Haven being not "all that". Those thoughts will be in my last post. I agree with you. I entitled this review "back from the Heaven" etc. I realize now that the reason this cruise was Heaven for me was the people I was with, not where I was staying. Thanks for the support and your thoughts. I will write some more about Friday night and Sat. tonight and then finish up!

[Seminole1975]

Good evening! Onward! After Cozumel, I relaxed a bit in the Haven and got my nail polish redone (see a previous post). My DH went to the thermal spa. We ate dinner that evening in the Haven dining room. The ship was really rocking! I was glad to have a window seat so I could look out on the horizon. I had read that looking at the horizon keeps you stabilized in some way so you do not get seasick. I did not eat that much.

 

We met up with the rest of the family (they went to Noodles and loved it) and went to the 7:30 show of (surprise!) MDQ!. I was a bit concerned about how it is for the actors when the ship is rocking. DS and company told me that they have not noticed it to be a problem thus far. The only time they really notice the rocking is when they have to freeze in a tableau for a minute or so.

 

My DS has to stand on the upright bass and play the guitar for a few minutes in the finale. He and the bass player handled it like champs! I did see DS step back once for balance during the show. Perkins gets progressively drunk during the show. Jared/JLL told me that during the Friday show Perkins appeared to get drunker than usual! HaHa!

 

I was not going to the last for the four MDQ shows, but my DSIL wanted to go. Did not take much to convince me and DH! We got there about 30 minutes into the show. We quietly slipped into one of the last rows where there were some seats by the wall. I had never sat that far back before. All the seats are good in the theater.

 

Sitting that far back, I could see that at times during the finale, the lights on stage and on the ceiling are synchronized with the music. It's really cool. DS has a point in one of the songs where he points the guitar out towards the audience and the lights go all the way across the ceiling towards to back. He told me that he messed up in rehearsal several times because he was watching the lights and what they were doing. They did not have those effects in the theater in Chicago.

 

After the show, we watched everyone take pictures with the cast. We talked to Kurt briefly. He was exhausted and so were we. The family went on to sleep. I could not believe that we had almost come to the end and we had to pack the next day! Boo! It does go by fast but I have to say, I enjoyed most every minute of it. Thank you to those of you who had stuck with me this far. Tomorrow, Saturday, and then Sunday in Miami. I was going to try and do Saturday today, but I am tired.

Edited June 27, 2016 by Seminole1975
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[Mandy412]

Great review!

[ejnsb]

Really enjoying your review, especially since the troll has not stopped by lately. We have our MDQ reservations for September!

[Annmeat]

We had our butler around but I kind of felt like I was bothering him. My daughter, who was in her own cabin, not haven, hated our butler and felt he was in the wrong profession. I am in the hospitality industry and felt he needed work. But then again I have no idea what to do with a butler lol. I did ask for m and ms and he brought them. He was not very helpful when our cabin flooded . I moved all my suitcases and tossed them in the tub so they would not be soaked. He left them in there....

A guy on another thread said his butler tied his shoes. LOL imagine asking for that!!!!

Oh and by the way. GO GATORS!:D

How did your cabin flood? Oh my goodness!

[tinkr2]

you know, we had a haven spa cabin and it flooded also. They were pretty unapologetic about it. It drenched all my suitcases. I had to move them all and it took all day for them to come. I guess ours was a leak from the shower....

[Seminole1975]

you know, we had a haven spa cabin and it flooded also. They were pretty unapologetic about it. It drenched all my suitcases. I had to move them all and it took all day for them to come. I guess ours was a leak from the shower....

 

We came in one day to find a maintenance man in our haven spa room changing out a filter in the floor in front of spa/hot tub. We never had a flood tho. That's awful to have a flood! So messy.

[Seminole1975]

I have two more posts that I want to do and then I will be finished. (Some of you are saying "Thank goodness!")

 

Saturday we slept in and went for breakfast in the Haven. The banana pecan pancakes were to die for. I went for the pancake splurge and it was well worth it.

 

We had to start packing (sniff). We bought my DH a time piece (watch) in the jewelry store. He is having a milestone birthday this year. They have great sales on the last day. We also were able to use my DS crew discount (DS actually bought the watch) so we got a great deal on a Tag Heuer.

 

We had lunch in the Garden Cafe with Kurt. One of the funniest things happened after lunch. We were by the elevators on Deck 8 talking about our evening plans. The cutest little girl with pigtails and a half eaten ice cream cone came up to Kurt. She saw he had a name tag on; crew right? She said "excuse me sir but could you tell me where a garbage can is?" and held up the ice cream cone. DS paused a moment, thought about it (he did not know) and then took her to find a garbage can where she could dispose of her cone. We laughed about this. Kurt said that these kinds of experience happen all the time and keep them humble. haha! Life on a cruise ship right?

 

We met for dinner at Ocean Blue that night. I did not like my food that much. I had lobster with teriyaki veggies. I should have known. It was a weird combination. The lobster was small and dry. The app I got was fried calamari and it was good. I rarely got desserts during the cruise. I was usually full from the dinner.

 

After dinner we met up with the rest of the MDQ cast. I had not met Jared (JLL) and Will (JC) yet. We had a good time getting to know one another and hearing about their stories. I think they really enjoyed seeing family members. They are super nice guys as well as being talented. IMHO, the very best place to sit and talk and have cocktails (or soft drinks) is outside on the waterfront. You can find a private spot out there where no one gives you a second look.

 

The next day I went and bought some pictures at the photography store. One of the photographers recognized DS and gave me the crew discount. Again there were lots of sales going on.

 

We met in the Haven lounge for disembarkation. DS met us in there to say goodbye. I will not see him again until Thanksgiving and I was really sad.

 

Disembarkation was a breeze. No problems at all except that we had to get off the ship.

 

My DB and I grew up in Miami, so we drove around reminiscing. We were going to meet up with a family friend but that did not work out. DB and family live on the west coast of FL. They dropped us off at the airport (sniff) and headed home. DH and I rented a car.

 

We visited my grandparents graves. We then had three choices of what we wanted to do: go to Miami Beach, Coconut Grove or Key Biscayne. We chose Miami Beach and the art Deco district.

 

We drove to Ocean drive and found a parking place.When I was growing up, that area of Miami was seedy and run down. It has been completely revitalized and was a happening place! I wish we had gotten a hotel there rather than the Holiday Inn at the Airport.

 

One thing that I would recommend is that if you are in the area, eat at Joe's Stone Crab restaurant. It is a Miami institution and is over 100 years old. I remember eating there when I was a kid. We got there when it opened at 6 pm and had the best dinner we had all week. My DH got the crab platter. I had some of the best red snapper I had ever put in my mouth! Stone crabs were not in season, so they were frozen not fresh, but delicious.

 

We were exhausted and went back to the hotel and crashed. We went back to Birmingham the next day rested. The trip home was uneventful.

 

Tomorrow I want to give my final thoughts about the Haven, NCL and possible future cruises. Thanks for hanging in there with me if you are reading this.

Edited June 29, 2016 by Seminole1975
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[Seminole1975]

I also remember that my DB and DH went in the Cigar Bar one night and smoked a cigar and had some scotch. They bought some cigars in Mexico. They enjoyed that too.

[Seminole1975]

Last post: my thoughts and reflections

 

My thoughts about the Haven and the Getaway:

 

I booked the Haven through NCL. I had a really good salesman. He went on and on about the perks of the Haven and I was sold. It was doable for us. We then went on and had a nice conversation about why I was going on the Getaway: my son being in MDQ. Not once was I told that Kurt would not be allowed to come into the Haven. It I had been told that up front, I would not have booked the place.

 

NCL should write down the rules and give them to the Haven guests. I have read posts that demonstrate inconsistencies in the rules about who was let in for dinner and drinks and who was not. I know I am in a somewhat unique situation in that I am a parent of a crew/cast member, but I know that two other of the cast's families are coming aboard in September. One family I know might stay in the Haven. When I told her of our experiences, she is reconsidering. We do not want to stay in a place where our sons are not welcome.

 

As some of you have pointed out, there are many other places to eat and visit besides the Haven. So right! My fav place for cocktails and visiting was outside on the waterfront at night. I wish I would have spent more time out there. You cannot see the ocean from the Haven lounge.

 

I am not sold on the mega super ships. I can understand that if you have children and teenagers, they are awesome. I personally do not need that much stimulation.

 

The only way that I would go on the Getaway again is if DS "re-ups" for another contract. It is too soon to tell now if he would do that. We are all interested in going to the Baltic. I looked at the Getaway Haven prices in September 2017. The price pp is $4499. For that price or less, I could go on another Windstar cruise!

 

Of all the cruise lines I have been on, the Windstar is by far the best. We went on the Windspirit from Istanbul to Athens. (poor Istanbul! I am glad we went when we did.) There were 180-190 passengers and 90-100 crew. Everyone was pampered. I highly recommend it! They have many destinations. The Windspirit is a sailing yacht and has the ability to fly through the ocean under the power of the wind only. It was magnificent! One of the most magical times in my life!

 

If we do go to the Baltic on the Getaway, I will not stay in the Haven. I will probably book a spa stateroom of some kind with a balcony. I think I would use the thermal spa more in a cooler climate.

 

I did not eat in any of the complimentary restaurants except for the Garden Cafe. There are a lot left to try! I can order room service and be happy with a cabin steward bringing it to me. I will book excursions with the help of a travel agent.

 

Speaking of cabin stewards, our head steward Morgan was my favorite crew member. We tipped him. The stewards worked very hard and our room and bathroom were always immaculate.

 

If we do not go on the Getaway again, I will use my future cruise voucher for a smaller ship. I think the Pride of America sounds wonderful. I have been to Hawaii twice, and have always thought that it would be cool to cruise around the islands and see them from that perspective. I am looking at other ships in the fleet.

 

This is probably too much information. I had hoped to give a review from a bit of a different perspective. Thank you for reading it. I enjoyed reliving my experiences. I did have a wonderful time overall. Kudos to Norwegian for choosing wonderful entertainment options! Enjoy MDQ! This will be my last post unless you all have questions or comments. I will pop up now and then to see what is happening on the beautiful Getaway. Safe travels and Bon Voyage!!

[tommccabe]

Been enjoying reading your review. Thank you for writing this!

 

I sailed on the Getaway last week and wanted to share two things.

 

1) we saw MDQ and thoroughly enjoyed the show. Best ship show that we have seen in 8 cruises. Your son is amazing - such a great performance by him and the entire cast.

 

2) we also stayed in the Haven and had Morgan as our steward. He was also amazing - so helpful, polite and observant.

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[ThePhoenix]

I loved your review from start to finish, you certainly have a knack for writing. I especially enjoyed witnessing your personal growth as you became enlightened by the forums rules committee!

 

I'm starting to get very excited about my upcoming trip on the Breakaway at the end of August! Thanks for helping to get me in the mood for cruising.