Real-Time Pre, During and Post Review of the NCL Joy, November 27, 2021 Sailing in the Haven

[a1betpr]

1 minute ago, gingersvp said:

I've been trying to decide if upgrading to the plus drink package is worth it. Potentially being able to just bring a bottle back to the room could make that worthwhile, but it's approximately $500 for the 2 of us to upgrade, so I'd need to do that every day. Hrm.

Alternatively, you could bring 5 bottles of wine on board and pay $75 in corkage fees, saving >$400. Or buy a $35 bottle on board a couple times.   I just can’t imagine buying the plus beverage package makes financial sense unless you drink a lot of high-end liquor, as Gary mentions he does.

[gingersvp]

3 minutes ago, a1betpr said:

Alternatively, you could bring 5 bottles of wine on board and pay $75 in corkage fees, saving >$400. Or buy a $35 bottle on board a couple times.   I just can’t imagine buying the plus beverage package makes financial sense unless you drink a lot of high-end liquor, as Gary mentions he does.

 

Yeah, we don't drink high end liquor. I forgot about just being able to pay cork fee and bring our own on. Sheesh, it's like I'm a total newbie again. Stupid COVID disrupting my cruise lifestyle. 😛

[Qruiser]

Thank you very much for taking your time to write this. 

 

May I ask what the capacity is on your sailing? 

[vacation44]

Do you know if The Vibe sold out?

[kitty-sail]

Could you please post the Haven dinner menu. thanks

 

You must have had some sail away with 4 shots under you belt. LOL

Edited November 28, 2021 by kitty-sail

[ElizaSTN]

We’re planning on following a similar schedule for embarkation day.  Are there many people waiting to speak to the concierge to sort out all their requests?  We need some changes made to our speciality dinner reservations and we’re a large group (10) so I want to be sure we speak to Armando early to ensure he can get it easily sorted.  I won’t be able to relax until I know it’s all set!
 

Also - was your wife’s bottle of wine at lunch included in the premium plus?  I thought it was only dinner.  I’d love to order a bottle of champagne at lunch in the Haven and not have to worry about fetching drinks all afternoon.  I’ve seen people report that they got a bottle at lunch as well, but I’d be absolutely mortified if I asked and they said no.  

[pbenjamin]

12 minutes ago, ElizaSTN said:

We’re planning on following a similar schedule for embarkation day.  Are there many people waiting to speak to the concierge to sort out all their requests?  We need some changes made to our speciality dinner reservations and we’re a large group (10) so I want to be sure we speak to Armando early to ensure he can get it easily sorted.  I won’t be able to relax until I know it’s all set!
 

Also - was your wife’s bottle of wine at lunch included in the premium plus?  I thought it was only dinner.  I’d love to order a bottle of champagne at lunch in the Haven and not have to worry about fetching drinks all afternoon.  I’ve seen people report that they got a bottle at lunch as well, but I’d be absolutely mortified if I asked and they said no.  

 

We've had good luck emailing the concierge desk to get dinner reservations sorted out in advance. NorwegianConciergeDesk@ncl.com

[ElizaSTN]

3 minutes ago, pbenjamin said:

 

We've had good luck emailing the concierge desk to get dinner reservations sorted out in advance. NorwegianConciergeDesk@ncl.com

They were able to make an initial reservation but couldn’t get the time/group seating that we need.  They said to ask the onboard concierge and it would be taken care of no problem.  
 

I was just curious if it’s a mad dash to speak with the concierge right at embarkation. I’m sure there are lots of people that need little things sorted. 

[Sthrngary]

33 minutes ago, ElizaSTN said:

We’re planning on following a similar schedule for embarkation day.  Are there many people waiting to speak to the concierge to sort out all their requests?  We need some changes made to our speciality dinner reservations and we’re a large group (10) so I want to be sure we speak to Armando early to ensure he can get it easily sorted.  I won’t be able to relax until I know it’s all set!
 

Also - was your wife’s bottle of wine at lunch included in the premium plus?  I thought it was only dinner.  I’d love to order a bottle of champagne at lunch in the Haven and not have to worry about fetching drinks all afternoon.  I’ve seen people report that they got a bottle at lunch as well, but I’d be absolutely mortified if I asked and they said no.  

Go to Haven at lunch, not American Diner. No problem. They are very busy at Haven desk. You will be fine. 
 

Cruise well.

[Sthrngary]

 

Unbelievable view.  
 

Cruise well everyone!!!!

[mjh2w1]

8 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

Saturday, November 27, 2021--Embarkment Day:

Strategy for the Day:

I always want to get to port and, on the ship, as early as possible.  Our embarkment times is 09:30 AM to 10:00 am. It allows us to tour new ships before it gets to crowded.  When you are in a Haven Suite, once on the ship, you can drop off your carryon luggage to your suite, even before your suite is ready. Nice PERK.

Pre-Cruise Breakfast-Miami Marriott: (08:30 AM to 09:30 AM)

We have complimentary breakfast at the Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay. We choose to skip it. My family hate hotel buffets and so all I get are complaints.  The real situation is the ship food, especially in the Haven Restaurant, will be quite good. So, lite breakfast and go to the port is really the emphasis. Still, nice PERK. We all had coffee.

Ground Transportation from Hotel: (09:30 AM)

It literally takes 7-minutes from the Hotel to the new Miami NCL Miami Terminal. It is just above $14.00 with an Uber. The difference in cost is because four people will need a bigger vehicle. Since it was Saturday morning, it was an easy reservation that was seamless.

Luggage Check-In: (09:45 AM)

The key to Luggage Check-In is having the tip ready.  Have it in your hand so the guys at the terminal can see it.  We have four (4) total guests so I give them $20.00 which they can see in my hand as I exit the Uber. Really that simple. Make sure every bag is tagged very well and they are still on the bags. Sometimes, just as we leave the hotel, I put the NCL provided tags on each bag even though I have my specially made tag on each. NCL allows you to download office luggage tags.  I use a plastic luggage tag item with a metal clasp that I buy from Amazon.  No lost luggage for us.

Embarkment Covid-19 Testing: (10:00 AM)

The more ships that sail, the quicker this process becomes.  The crew gets used to the flow and organization of it. Since we are in the Haven, I want to get to the testing site as early as possible (09:30 am – 10:00 am).  I want to get this over with quickly. The way this works is:

1.      21-days prior to the cruise you do the online Covid-19 test reservation.

2.      You receive a Barcode.  This barcode I print and put in my “Journey Document”.

3.      You go into a staging/waiting area at the terminal.

4.      Go on a line to provide your barcode. 

5.      You get tested.

6.      You wait for your approval number (Negative Covid Test Results) to be shown which is about 15 minutes. 

7.      All in all, about 30 minutes max.

8.      The issue is worrying about getting a positive test.

NOTE: Many people online in social media ask, “How early can I get to the port.” The answer is when the cruise brand gives you your time.  DON’T cut the line.  It messes up the flow and system that NCL puts in place.

Haven Check-In and Haven Miami Terminal Lounge: (10:30 AM)

My advice is to check and double check, you have done ALL the NCL online check in process completely.  Have copy with you especially with the boarding pass and CVS Covid-19 tests Barcodes.  I have a special folder with labeled sections with all my documents ready to show.  I also have a bond document call the “Family Journey Document” that has copies of everything. When you do your due diligence, this process is super quick and easy when at the port. 

This was about 35 minutes and longer than previous check ins of the Haven.  The key here is the Haven has their own security screening and check in.  Lots of Haven Guest checked in early.

The Miami Haven Terminal Lounge Review:

A lot has been said about the Haven Terminal Lounge.  My experience was as follows:

1.      NCL Escort: From the actual check-in, you are escorted to the New Haven Terminal Lounge.

2.      Food: The food and beverages are basic at best. Yet better than the alternative which is nothing.  I had a cold glass of water which was just fine. The Family had more coffee.

3.      Actual Terminal Lounge Room: The seating and room size is a very nice and much nicer then the NOLA Haven area.

4.      Priority Boarding: Haven Guest have priority boarding. You are escorted in small groups onboard when the ship is cleared to do so.  You go to your Muster Drill area for just a simple card check and then take the evalevator to Deck 17 entering the Haven Lounge. We were in the Haven Terminal Lounge at 11:00 AM.

5.      Overall Comments: The lounge is so much nicer then standing online in the terminal.  When the ship is ready for boarding, a Haven crew member escorts you on the ship. They take you to deck 17 where you entire the Haven Lounge.

On Board Haven Lounge: (Deck 17)

NCL Process: You go directly from the Miami NCL Terminal Haven Lounge to the ship.  Once in the ship an elevator is waiting for you to go directly to deck 17 which is the key card entrance of the Haven Lounge/Courtyard/Bar.

Food & Drink (11:00 AM): You can get a drink from the bar and remember, when at the Port of Miami they have to charge additional tax.  

Make Event Reservations with Haven Concierge (11:05 AM):  As you might know, I study my vacations and always have a strategic plan.  The only thing I had not accomplished in my plan was to reserve the Day and Times for the Go Carts, Lasor Tag, Virtual Reality, Spa Treatments and Shows.  Since we were on-board first, I did this immediately with the Haven Concierge.  Once this was done, my job of “Cruise Planner” was officially OVER. The weight was lifted from my shoulders.

Haven Welcome Talk (11:10 AM):  The Haven Concierge will provide you with some information and policies for the Haven.  Mostly it has to do with keeping the Haven exclusive to only Haven Guests.

Take a Self-Guided Tour (11:15 AM): After I put all our carry-on luggage in our suite, it was time to take a tour.  I did not want my family to see the suite until later, so I took all the bags.  I also lead the tour because it was one of the things I really wanted to do for my own enjoyment. We went to the Haven Courtyard, Horizon Lounge, Haven Restaurant to the Haven Sundeck on Deck 19.  There was still some time before lunch, so we went to where the Go-Cart track was, Water slides, Laser tag and Virtual Reality. 

Lunch (11:30 AM)—"The American Diner”:  This was NOT my first choice nor is it for most previous Haven guests.  This was my adult children’s choice, so I went along with it.  The American Diner is a day one lunch perk for Haven Guests. The first thing my brilliant wife did was ordered a bottle of Chardonnay which was included in the Premium Plus Beverage Package.  We took the bottle after a glass was poured back to the room for the Sail away. Here are my thoughts on this specialty restaurant.

1.      Food: We have a game we play called the Winner. Whom ever had the best food.  I got the Blue Plate Special and won.  Roast Beef, Mashed potato’s, Green Beans and gravy.  My wife got the fried seafood, my son got the burger and liked it.  My daughter got the Club.  Everyone liked the food, yet everyone said, “This was nice but not worth the specialty dining credit.”.

2.      Service:  Excellent however remember, these folks are still in training.  They are a little nervous. Smile and say thank you.  They will light up with Joy.

3.      Atmosphere:  Really fun atmosphere.  Reminds me of a scene in Pulp Fiction. Where they had dinner in a car.

Family Suite Tour and Unpack (01:30 PM): I asked my family to give me a few minutes with my GoPro to video the room.  I will do a YouTube.com video of the cruise. Then we all explored it and unpack our stuff.  Normally I do this very quick, NOT this time.  The suite is part of the excitement of this specific cruise.  We wanted to take it all in.  My goal was to find the butler and give them the letter and gratuity I have them. Many thought my planning was over the top.  Yet everything is done, nothing was left undone, and I have on the ship for just over an hour.  One issue.  My two adult children did not have the “Premium Drink Package” on their suite cards.  It took a while for me to get this fixed.  I got a little upset.  The first day of a cruise with as much work that I put into it and something is not right, makes me crazy.  They fixed it and I apologized to the Haven Concierge.

Sail Away (04:00 PM):  My daughter wanted to go to the Main Pool. When you go with your family, you must stay flexible.  Check that box, then for the whole reason I planned the first day, the balcony in our suite. This one was a no-brainer.  Where in the past I would go to the top deck, with a drink during the sail away.  This time and I don’t think anyone will blame me, my entire family got in lounge chairs, each with a drink in hand, and sat on our deck.  Our suite was looking away from the port and the view was spectacular. The butler brought us a snack tray (All Haven Suites got the same tray), the Haven Deluxe Owners Suite has a Full Bar, so alcoholic drinks were available. Simply awesome.  The goal was to go light on the drinks so as not to mess up our first evening which is always exciting.  I did not follow my own rules. 

For those of you that were considering the “Premium Plus Drink Package”.  Here is my first reference.  I had many, many shots (you don’t drink this as a shot, you sip it) of Don Julio 1942 Anejo Tequila.  This is over $30 a shot.  I paid for the Premium Plus Beverage Package on day one.  Not to mention, my wife got a bottle of wine that was wonderful at dinner and brought it back to the suite for night time veranda drinking.

Dinner (07:00 PM)—The Haven Restaurant:

1.      Food: I want everyone to know, I am tough on restaurants.  I am very picky.  So is my family.  The food, service and atmosphere was 10/10.  I had the Ahi Tuna for a starter, Prime Rib (GREAT), and Chocolate Cake for dessert.

2.      Service:  The best, simply the best. No crowds, No waiting.

3.      Atmosphere: Elegant yet casual.

Evening Entertainment:

The Beatles Story: Don’t miss it.  Really, GREAT.  We always sit in the back row to exit if the show is bad.  Had a GREAT TIME.

Comedy Club: Small venue that is perfect.  Come 15 minutes early.  Both comedians were Really Good.  Again, I am tough on entertainment.  Highly Recommended.

Love the tip on the having the money visible when turning over the luggage to the porters!!!  I always do the trick of putting folded up money in my hand and greeting the bartender I plan on frequenting and shake his hand with the money in tow, and telling them "I know you're going to take good care of us this week."  It goes a long way!  We were on the Escape in 2017, and I never had to wait in line for a drink on the first day!  

[DanMartin8602]

34 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

 

65983088050__DB28E04D-F5AE-4695-BD58-7E98289FD61D.MOV 3.48 MB · 6 downloads  

Unbelievable view.  
 

Cruise well everyone!!!!

Could not download, McAfee showed a virus.

 

[deliver42]

Nice balcony.

[a1betpr]

1 hour ago, DanMartin8602 said:

Could not download, McAfee showed a virus.

 

Played just fine on my iPhone.  Of course I could be infected with a nasty Gary-induced virus now, but I doubt it.  😛

[pbenjamin]

2 hours ago, DanMartin8602 said:

Could not download, McAfee showed a virus.

 

McAfee doesn’t like any downloads from Cruise Critic. Tell it piss off and download it anyway. 

[Cruise Gopher]

4 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

Go to Haven at lunch, not American Diner. No problem. They are very busy at Haven desk. You will be fine. 
 

Cruise well.

So getting the bottle at Lunch is no problem? It’s so confusing because it says you can only get a bottle of wine at dinner with the premium plus. 
 

I too would be mortified if I asked at lunch and they said no. 

[Sthrngary]

Just now, Cruise Gopher said:

So getting the bottle at Lunch is no problem? It’s so confusing because it says you can only get a bottle of wine at dinner with the premium plus. 
 

I too would be mortified if I asked at lunch and they said no. 

You will be fine.  No issue. We asked for a bottle at the American Dinner.  They server milk shakes. They had no bottles.  The wine they had was awful. Not the care at the Haven Restaurant. 

[Slk1z]

18 hours ago, vacation44 said:

Do you know if The Vibe sold out?

Nope Vibe is not even close to being sold out.  Maybe…. Maybe 20 people total yesterday while at Sea.   Seems almost like a ghost town on board….  Except in the Haven….  Lol

[vacation44]

16 minutes ago, Slk1z said:

Nope Vibe is not even close to being sold out.  Maybe…. Maybe 20 people total yesterday while at Sea.   Seems almost like a ghost town on board….  Except in the Haven….  Lol

Thank you.   

[workingmom200112]

15 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

Go to Haven at lunch, not American Diner. No problem. They are very busy at Haven desk. You will be fine. 
 

Cruise well.

@Sthrngaryis the American Diner only open to haven guests for lunch the first day?  I am asking because my son is traveling with us but he is not in a haven suite (wanted his own room, didn't want to stay with us), so if its not open to everyone I will just go to the local.  Just planning out day one 🙂  Hope your having an amazing cruise and we are not bugging you too much.

[Sthrngary]

Just now, workingmom200112 said:

@Sthrngaryis the American Diner only open to haven guests for lunch the first day?  I am asking because my son is traveling with us but he is not in a haven suite (wanted his own room, didn't want to stay with us), so if its not open to everyone I will just go to the local.  Just planning out day one 🙂  Hope your having an amazing cruise and we are not bugging you too much.

Free for Haven, open for every on like a diner. Milk shakes $4 for everyone. No worries.

[xfer]

16 hours ago, deliver42 said:

Nice balcony.

I actually snorted when I read this comment after watching the video. Holy Shirtballs, that's a fantastic balcony!

[Sthrngary]

21 hours ago, Cruise Gopher said:

So getting the bottle at Lunch is no problem? It’s so confusing because it says you can only get a bottle of wine at dinner with the premium plus. 
 

I too would be mortified if I asked at lunch and they said no. 

Stop, just ask for it.  The worst they can say is no.  They are trained to say yes.

[Sthrngary]

Sunday, November 28, 2021—Day Two—"At Sea”:

Breakfast (07:30 AM)—The Haven Restaurant:

1.      Food: As I remember, the Haven Restaurant has the best breakfast. My wife had the French Toast but said she would order it next time with the fruit on the side.  My son had the Avocado Toast and really liked it. I had eggs with sausage with a toasted bagel with cream cheese.  What I like the most is the small buffet with cold cuts and smoked salmon. Best place for a nice sit-down breakfast on the ship.

2.      Service: Always outstanding.

3.      Atmosphere: Lovely

Lunch (12:00 PM)—The Haven Restaurant:

1.      Food: I had the salmon, and it would great.  My only comment was it take a long time to have lunch.  As good as it is, if you want to do something you may still be waiting for your lunch. 

2.      Service: Always outstanding.

3.      Atmosphere: Lovely

Event (01:00 PM):

1.      The Sexy Legs Contest by the pool.  Super fun and everyone had a GREAT time.  Don’t miss this one.

2.      Water Slide: Someone got stuck and it was closed a bit.  When it opened, my daughter had new piercings and they would not let her on with them.  No jewelry including piercings.  I on the other hand have no piercings so I was got to go.  So fun.  My daughter and I did the other slide and it was much tamer but still fun.

3.      Haven Sundeck Hot Tub: This is worth the price of admission.  They are huge and warm without being to warm.  I noticed the Haven Sundeck have very few available lounge chairs.  NCL is selling out of Haven Suite with their bid up program. 

4.      The Local: My family went to the local for chicken wings.  They loved them and this place is never crowded. 

Dinner (07:00 PM)—The Food Republic:

1.      Food: This place is tapas and sushi.  We loved everything we ordered.  The place was empty.

2.      Service: Outstanding.  They gave my daughter a birthday cake and my wife and I an anniversary cake.  No nice.

3.      Atmosphere: Fun.  You order off a computer screen on the table.  the food is great quality and served quickly.  I suggest you order one item at a time and enjoy the process. 

Motown in the Atrium (09:00 PM):  I love Motown however this was super loud.  Almost uncomfortable.  I decided, to go to the Haven Library and write this blog for the day in a quiet peaceful place.  The Haven Library used to be the High Rollers lounge.  It is a secret rarely used place that if you like quiet time, is perfect.

Foot Loose (10:00 PM):  This show was great. Better than expected.  I will say, a 90-minute show at 10:00 PM after maybe too much tequila is a bit late. Yet the energy in the cast kept you going the whole time. 

Conclusion of the day: Great first day at sea.  What I find is the first day is very exciting.  As the days go on, you start to relax more and allow your stress to fade away.  This has not happened yet, but it will.  My family seems to be having a great time also.  NCL is doing a great job and heads up to all the folks in the Haven. Bravo.

[Sthrngary]

My Monday posting will be late.  We took the Jolly Catamaran for snorkeling.  My son got sick and we had to go to the Ship Hospital.  He was short of breath.  He is fine.  What I want every single person to know is anyone can get hurt or sick on a ship.  If it happens, it is very expensive.  This little situation was $350.00.  THIS IS WHY YOU BUT CRUISE TRAVEL INSURANCE.  

 

This amount will be reimbursed to me when I get back home.  That simple. 

 

Now I am going to have way too many tequilas and eat at Ocean Blue.  I will write a review about today tomorrow.  

 

Cruise well everyone.