Havenly disappointment?

[david_sobe]

So you think she is a liar? Do you know her? Why would she make that up?

The best way to demonstrate my point is with a question. Lets say me and you booked a hotel room together. There is only one bed. We paid for the room equally but I made you sleep on the floor while I slept in the bed. After a week of sleeping on the floor, you would not ask to sleep in the bed? Would you write to complain to the hotel you were disappointed in the hotel because you had to sleep on the floor?

That is not a logical scenario IMHO ;)

The sleeping arrangements are between us and have nothing to do with the hotel. We ourselves would work together to make the best of our room for the week.

Edited September 27, 2016 by david_sobe

[TSUmom]

How people act affects how they get treated.

The "friends" may have been more outgoing...more assertive. So...the staff remembers them and their names.

OP may have been laid back.

 

Another theory.....the names may have been difficult. They always call DH Mr Sol...because our last name isn't easy.

 

I was thinking the same thing. If the OP was already bothered by the circumstances then they may have been less outgoing and the others (who underpaid their portion of the trip) were cheerful then of course they would stand out more and be remembered. I have cruised with my sister and she is "the life of the party", people are drawn to her and seek her out because of her personality. I love traveling with her, even if I am" Marie's sister.";)

[Linda the Book Lover]

The best way to demonstrate my point is with a question. Lets say me and you booked a hotel room together. There is only one bed. We paid for the room equally but I made you sleep on the floor while I slept in the bed. After a week of sleeping on the floor, you would not ask to sleep in the bed? Would you write to complain to the hotel you were disappointed in the hotel because you had to sleep on the floor?

That is not a logical scenario IMHO ;)

The sleeping arrangements are between us and have nothing to do with the hotel. We ourselves would work together to make the best of our room for the week.

 

Great analogy! Which is why the one time on a girlfriend cruise the amounts each paid and sleeping arrangements as to which beds are part of the pre-cruise discussion. I am not a NCL cheerleader. I personally felt that instead of coming home to vent the venting could have been during the cruise when something could have been done. I especially would have addressed the issue pertaining to the sleeping arrangements with the friends. My question is why not speak with your friends instead of venting to strangers.

Edited September 27, 2016 by Linda the Book Lover

[detroitlions]

My question is did you have any idea that the second bedroom was "small"? Years ago several gal friends and myself sailed in a suite and it was discussed prior to putting any money down who would have what bed and how the split in the cruise cost would be divided. After the first day you should have said something to your friends about what made you unhappy. I also would have first asked the room steward to rectify the towel, chocolate, towel animal issue. If it was not resolved after the request then it is time for the butler to become involved. I am sorry you did not enjoy your Haven experience but based on your story I think all could have been amended while on your cruise.

I would never be rude as certain folks on here (Sheep) but seems like your friends took advantage of you.

 

when we received fruit, chocolate, or snacks they were for everyone in the room no one hogged them all and if we wanted more we asked.

 

I would have informed the room attendant that you needed a complete breakdown of the beds because you were switching beds after the 3rd night so each couple had time in the master bedroom.

 

The butler did real well for us when we asked. But he will do what he thinks you want if you don't ask or he will not do anything.

 

The suite restaurants were ok but we only ate in there a few times each time we are in the suites. And I think we only ate dinner in there one time max each time. This was due to our large group we were in. But breakfast seemed the same and lunch menu did not change that I recall.

[Contessa30]

I so believe that not everyone gets the same level of service.

 

Earlier this year, a friend and I booked Penthouse Suites on the Spirit for a 12 night European cruise. We each booked our own Penthouse as solos.

 

She and I had different butlers. Her butler could not do enough for her. He would have snacks waiting for her when we returned from a long day on shore with cute notes. I would return to my cabin and I would have nothing. After a couple of days of this, I finally called my butler - as I had only seen him once in 3 days. He told me that I needed to ask for snacks. I explained that the other butler just automatically provided snacks. I had previously taken cruises in cabins that had butlers and never needed to request these items. He told me that was not true.

 

I asked for breakfast menus that could be placed on the door and he informed me that I had them already. When I explained I could not find any he agreed to deliver some. After the delivery he told me that he found one menu stuck between the books.

 

I ordered some cookies and he brought a dozen - I figured I was set for all week. The next day while I was on shore he took the remaining cookies and did not replace them.

 

I finally just gave up and did not ask him for anything. My friend's butler left enough for the two of us. Her butler was friendly and cheerful. My butler seemed to be annoyed all the time. I did tip my butler at the end of the cruise, less than I have ever tipped any other butler - My cabin steward did an amazing job and he was given the extra that I typically would have given my butler.

 

So not all service is equal.

 

The Spirit does not have a Haven, however we found the service in the restaurants to be wonderful.

[Two Wheels Only]

I so believe that not everyone gets the same level of service.

 

 

So not all service is equal.

 

In your case, one butler was obviously better than the other.

In the OP's case, both couples had the same butler, same room steward, same concierge, etc.

 

You gave examples of how your butler was sub-par.

The OP only mentioned being "rarely addressed as such" when it came to first name and not getting chocolate and towel animals. The "very hard time getting served" in the Haven restaurant was never explained.

 

You called your butler to address what you would like in your stateroom.

The OP (as far as we know) never mentioned anything to anyone (the other couple, the room steward, the butler, the concierge, the waiter, etc.) about the OP's dissatisfaction.

 

A post like yours wouldn't lead to the myriad of questions that followed the OP's post.

 

Some people see the asking of questions as "attacking" but when the OP leaves out details, people will ask about those details.

[MyTimetoShine]

[quote

I've tried to find the "negative posts" but all I see are people giving advice as to how things could have gone better or people asking for further information as to what made the OP cry.

 

Let's see... just a few off the top of my head. Her post was called "ridiculous" she was called "Bitter" and then she was accused of lying. Perhaps there are actually people who do not find those comments offensive...

 

Exactly! I'm thankful most of the people I have talked with on this site have been helpful and kind. Not sure why some folks have to be so negative and grouchy.

[tel2]

Everyone here assumes that the friends who had the master bedroom but split the cost equally were selfish awful people. Let me offer a different perspective which is intended to reflect only that knowing all of the circumstances before forming a conclusion will sometimes change drastically the conclusion you reach.

 

We took a cruise with another couple. In a 2 bedroom suite. They got the small room. We didn't switch. We split the cost equally.

 

Now, the facts that I believe alter the conclusion that any rationale person would reach. We are fairly high level CAS players. We were comped a penthouse suite. It was during a 3/4 sail free promotion. In order to bring our friends along, who couldn't have afforded to cruise at all absent this opportunity, we upgraded to a 2bedroom. We kept all promos for the first two people; when we sailed 3/4th person got a soda package as a promo. They also got cas drink cards. We paid the entire admin fee that applies only to the first two people because we would have had to pay it anyway. We then split 50/50 with them the total of the upgrade fee and port charges. Their total 50% share was under 400. Pp, plus they had to pay their DSC (ours was covered as a promo).

 

Anyone think it wasn't fair for us to keep the master bedroom and all promos for us?

[Linda the Book Lover]

Everyone here assumes that the friends who had the master bedroom but split the cost equally were selfish awful people. Let me offer a different perspective which is intended to reflect only that knowing all of the circumstances before forming a conclusion will sometimes change drastically the conclusion you reach.

 

We took a cruise with another couple. In a 2 bedroom suite. They got the small room. We didn't switch. We split the cost equally.

 

Now, the facts that I believe alter the conclusion that any rationale person would reach. We are fairly high level CAS players. We were comped a penthouse suite. It was during a 3/4 sail free promotion. In order to bring our friends along, who couldn't have afforded to cruise at all absent this opportunity, we upgraded to a 2bedroom. We kept all promos for the first two people; when we sailed 3/4th person got a soda package as a promo. They also got cas drink cards. We paid the entire admin fee that applies only to the first two people because we would have had to pay it anyway. We then split 50/50 with them the total of the upgrade fee and port charges. Their total 50% share was under 400. Pp, plus they had to pay their DSC (ours was covered as a promo).

 

Anyone think it wasn't fair for us to keep the master bedroom and all promos for us?

 

$400 per person to enjoy a cruise in a suite, you paid all of the admin fees and they even got CAS drink cards sounds awful nice. I think it was nice you invited them to give them an opportunity to cruise especially in a suite. The OP was asked about how the vacation came about or if there had been any pre-cruise discussion. The OP never replied to the question.

 

I love your different perspective. I think going into a shared cabin situation deserves a discussion with the parties involved before the cruise so there are no hard feelings post cruise. Your friends hit the jackpot.

[TheDougOut]

We took a cruise with another couple. In a 2 bedroom suite. They got the small room. We didn't switch. We split the cost equally.

 

Their total 50% share was under 400. Pp, plus they had to pay their DSC (ours was covered as a promo).

 

By any chance are you accepting applications to be your friend? I would like to apply. I'll carry your bags for you, too. :)

[Two Wheels Only]

Anyone think it wasn't fair for us to keep the master bedroom and all promos for us?

 

Your scenario is different. You brought friends who otherwise couldn't have afforded the suite. The OP split everything 50/50.

 

I don't find anything wrong in your case but in both cases, the couple in the 2nd bedroom agreed to the situation. The OP never stated that the bedroom situation (or any other problem) was an issue until after the cruise.

[tel2]

And make no mistake, we explained precisely how this was going to work when we invited them. They knew they were getting the small room, they saw pictures of it, they knew they would have to pay for DSC, excursions if they took them, drinks outside the casino, etc. it was still way cheaper for them than an inside room would have been. And even though we intended to pick up the entirety of the tips for the concierge, steward and butler, they insisted on paying their share of that. And we all had a blast.

 

My only point was that we all sometimes read these posts and form conclusions without a full complement of the facts at hand.

[tel2]

By any chance are you accepting applications to be your friend? I would like to apply. I'll carry your bags for you, too. :)

 

Lol

[Two Wheels Only]

My only point was that we all sometimes read these posts and form conclusions without a full complement of the facts at hand.

 

But if the OP doesn't give the facts......:confused:

 

All anyone has is the information that the OP gave. SEVERAL people have asked for clarification but it hasn't happened.

[tel2]

Your scenario is different. You brought friends who otherwise couldn't have afforded the suite. The OP split everything 50/50.

 

I don't find anything wrong in your case but in both cases, the couple in the 2nd bedroom agreed to the situation. The OP never stated that the bedroom situation (or any other problem) was an issue until after the cruise.

 

Actually, we don't really know whether my scenario was different. One could say that our friends split everything with us 50/50. Without knowing what the 50/50 consisted of, or what the surrounding circumstances were, one cannot properly assess the situation. And that was the point I was trying to make. The OP never answered any questions that were posed about the circumstances that gave rise to the arrangement.

 

Last year we rented a house with 6 other couples. We agreed in advance that we would split price evenly. There were two master bedrooms with own baths, and 4 others with shared baths. We drew numbers, and person who picked 1 chose first, 2, chose second and so on. Despite agreeing in advance, and seeing pics of all bedrooms provided by realtor, one couple who got a bedroom that was small with twin beds complained all weekend long. My husband and I ended up with a small bedroom with a trundle bed. We knew it was a possibility and we went in knowing that. But the complainers were so annoying that this year we haven't asked them. It simply isn't fair to agree in advance to a gameplan, and then rant and complain when the plan you agreed to doesn't turn out in your favor.

Edited September 27, 2016 by tel2

[jcathers1]

In the Haven in the Escape right now, and the service has been amazing.

 

Of course, last night, they only put the towel alligator in our kids's room (but I didn't know that was something I should be pissed about).

 

 

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[Two Wheels Only]

It simply isn't fair to agree in advance to a gameplan, and then rant and complain when the plan you agreed to doesn't turn out in your favor.

 

I agree.

 

In this case, the OP didn't rant to their friends ("I have to vent a bit here because I can't vent to my friends"), the OP ranted here.

 

When questioned about what made the OP cry, no additional information was given other than paying 50/50 for the suite. The "food allergies.." possible explanation didn't make sense.

 

The lack of attentiveness from the restaurant staff was never explained.

 

Several posters gave advice as to how to solve little problems (pillow animals, chocolate, etc.) while on the ship.

 

Several posters gave helpful advice but because we didn't give the OP a forum group hug, we were called "mean-spirited/cheerleaders/keyboard cowboys/negative people/grouchy/etc."

 

I would like to thank everyone who gave intelligent advice so that no other person has to suffer the way that the OP suffered and never has to shed a tear because of the stressful conditions of the Haven. :rolleyes:

Edited September 27, 2016 by Two Wheels Only

[DMH15]

In the Haven in the Escape right now, and the service has been amazing.

 

Of course, last night, they only put the towel alligator in our kids's room (but I didn't know that was something I should be pissed about).

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

 

Post of the day! LOL. Loved it.

 

 

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[DMH15]

Ok. I will come clean here. I was the victim of my own stupidity. Years ago. Before my first cruise on the Norway.

 

I went with a singles group. I had planned on sharing a room with a business associate and then her friend signed on last minute and they wanted to room together.

 

So they paired me up with Vicki, who I met right before the cruise. I knew we had a cheap Inside with bunk beds. But I wished I'd known it was really a converted broom closet. It was so tiny.

 

I told Vicki I had to have the top bunk. I am claustrophobic and the idea of having a bed right on top of me was frightening. I practically hyperventilated just thinking about it.

 

Well...

 

She agreed...

 

We got to our room and the top bunk was literally a foot from the ceiling. A person on the bottom could comfortably sit up in bed.

 

You should have seen my face!

 

I shrieked "I just couldn't sleep up there"!

 

She replied "a deal's a deal. You called it".

 

So, I spent all week overindulging in liquid courage and closing the disco so I could just slink back to my bunk and crash.

 

Now, I do my due diligence.

 

 

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Edited September 28, 2016 by DMH15

[suesings]

The best way to demonstrate my point is with a question. Lets say me and you booked a hotel room together. There is only one bed. We paid for the room equally but I made you sleep on the floor while I slept in the bed. After a week of sleeping on the floor, you would not ask to sleep in the bed? Would you write to complain to the hotel you were disappointed in the hotel because you had to sleep on the floor?

That is not a logical scenario IMHO ;)

The sleeping arrangements are between us and have nothing to do with the hotel. We ourselves would work together to make the best of our room for the week.

 

Did you even read her original post?

[suesings]

Great analogy! Which is why the one time on a girlfriend cruise the amounts each paid and sleeping arrangements as to which beds are part of the pre-cruise discussion. I am not a NCL cheerleader. I personally felt that instead of coming home to vent the venting could have been during the cruise when something could have been done. I especially would have addressed the issue pertaining to the sleeping arrangements with the friends. My question is why not speak with your friends instead of venting to strangers.

 

Jeez Louise!!, the OP just asked if anyone else was disappointed by their stay in the Haven and listing some things SHE was upset about. That is all she did. She has every right to ask that question and share her feelings. Why do people have to have make her feel bad and tell her she shouldn't vent on CC? Why shouldn't she?? If you only want to read posts where everything was peachy keen, then don't read the ones where people were disappointed. It's easy....

[cml4958]

So, I spent all week overindulging in liquid courage and closing the disco so I could just slink back to my bunk and crash.

 

Now, I do my due diligence.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

This, right here!

 

Did you use due diligence in checking out the cruise and the cabin you were sharing? What type of chocolates are we talking about? Chocolate covered strawberries, the pillow chocolates? Where were they placed? In living area, because that's fair game. Now, if they were the box of chocolates received as a Latitudes member, and you weren't one, obviously those are your "friends" and their's to share or not. And I believe there are only 4 chocolates in the box.

[suesings]

I so believe that not everyone gets the same level of service.

 

Earlier this year, a friend and I booked Penthouse Suites on the Spirit for a 12 night European cruise. We each booked our own Penthouse as solos.

 

She and I had different butlers. Her butler could not do enough for her. He would have snacks waiting for her when we returned from a long day on shore with cute notes. I would return to my cabin and I would have nothing. After a couple of days of this, I finally called my butler - as I had only seen him once in 3 days. He told me that I needed to ask for snacks. I explained that the other butler just automatically provided snacks. I had previously taken cruises in cabins that had butlers and never needed to request these items. He told me that was not true.

 

I asked for breakfast menus that could be placed on the door and he informed me that I had them already. When I explained I could not find any he agreed to deliver some. After the delivery he told me that he found one menu stuck between the books.

 

I ordered some cookies and he brought a dozen - I figured I was set for all week. The next day while I was on shore he took the remaining cookies and did not replace them.

 

I finally just gave up and did not ask him for anything. My friend's butler left enough for the two of us. Her butler was friendly and cheerful. My butler seemed to be annoyed all the time. I did tip my butler at the end of the cruise, less than I have ever tipped any other butler - My cabin steward did an amazing job and he was given the extra that I typically would have given my butler.

 

So not all service is equal.

 

The Spirit does not have a Haven, however we found the service in the restaurants to be wonderful.

 

Yikes!! That would be such a bummer! Oh how I hope we get a nice Butler. How very nice of the other Butler to bring enough snacks for you too! I know it is embarrassing to complain to higher ups, but did you tell anyone that your Butler basically stunk? :D:D

Edited September 28, 2016 by suesings

[Cruisercl]

Jeez Louise!!, the OP just asked if anyone else was disappointed by their stay in the Haven and listing some things SHE was upset about. That is all she did. She has every right to ask that question and share her feelings. Why do people have to have make her feel bad and tell her she shouldn't vent on CC? Why shouldn't she?? If you only want to read posts where everything was peachy keen, then don't read the ones where people were disappointed. It's easy....

 

Thank you, suesings!

 

This thread has become very mean spirited, disrespectful and shameful.

 

Asking the OP for details to see if the complaints were 'real' is so irrelevant. It is not up to anyone else to decide.....you are not the OP who had this experience. You don't get to decide if things were good or bad for the OP .

 

No one on this thread was there; everyone has their own perception on things. Next time you have a complaint about something, remember how you rude have been to this OP who just asked a question.

 

All of the supposed 'advice' after the fact seems even more ridiculous; it usually wasn't presented with 'next time you may want to do this, it was bluntly said 'you should have done this'. No good contribution at all. Not everyone is an aggressive pitbull to get their own way or what they want; really like mean children. You know who you are and if you don't you have waaaaaay more issues than we think or see here; a bit scary.

 

I hope the monitor takes this thread down; it shows how awful some people (and it usually is the same people) on the NCL threads have become and can be.

 

Grow-up naysayers, none of this is about you and what you 'think' happened. The OP just asked if it had happened to anyone else.

[Kingmaker_inc]

My reason for posting this was to see if others have had disappointments during their Haven experience, given the much higher price over regular staterooms and the hype that you see pre-cruise.

 

No. Having sailed in the Haven for six cruises thus far - we have never had any disappointments during our Haven experience. Your situation is unusual, and I am having a hard time getting my head around any of it.