My Story: First Time Single Cruiser on NCL and My Quest to Upgrading to the Haven

[justhappy]

1 hour ago, Sthrngary said:

Part Nine:  I Give UP!

 

If you read my story you know I used all the strategy I had.  I listened to all the advice given.  It seems my timing, not strategy was way off.  I chose the wrong week to go back on the Joy.  The Haven Inventory was low the day after I booked the cruise and paid in full.  Today, a week before my cruise, all Haven Suites are completely sold out.  

 

I just went online and cancelled all my bids.  I also just went to CVS and did my first of two Covid-19 tests.  If the test comes back negative tomorrow, I might put some bids back on but I really don't think so. 

 

My overall feeling of this bid process is simple.  It was not good for me mentally.  I am a highly competitive person.  This led to making bids, fighting myself mentally, increasing bids and finally putting a $1,500.00 (total would have been $3,000.00) bid for an H2 Deluxe Owners Suite.  I am solo this cruise so that one put me over the top.  I woke up at 3:00 AM, cancelled it.  My personality does not allow me to approach this bidding with the logic and discipline it needs.  I have no patience and this is also the reason I gave up "Black Jack" 10 years ago.  My tendency is to go "ALL IN" which is really bad for Black Jack and Bidding for a Haven Suite. How is that for complete transparency.

 

To use a fellow posters term, next week I will be going "Haven Light".  I will review it just like I do the Haven and do a fair comparison.  I will also do a "real time" review on the NCL Joy starting Saturday, March 19, 2022. I have made a decision simply to book the Haven upfront from this point forward.  My only exception will be my Cruise on the NCL Breakaway on December 4, 2022.  That one we booked in the Club Suite with Balcony because it was as high as the "Casino At Sea" would go still providing a percentage discount.  I will bid those Haven Suite Upgrade since my wife will be with me. 

 

I hope we enjoyed this journey together.  Now for the fun part, cruising next week.  I want to leave with an observation. "Why, a week before any cruise I have taken in the last year do I always think I have Covid?"  My mind is creating stress when there should only be "Joy"!!

 

Cruise well everyone and enjoy every minute.

I’m sure you’re in good company here with those of us who tend to keep upping our bids even after we said we had limits. I’ve compulsively checked cabin availability and changed my bids for 3 of my past 5 cruises. I have yet to win a bid though.

I know you’ll have a great cruise, because you have a great attitude towards life!

[CDR Benson]

12 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

I go all in with a unsuited two and seven thinking it is the ultimate bluff.  As Yoda would say, "Easy mark you are, HUMMM!"

 

You're welcome at my Hold 'Em table anytime!

[mjcatlvr]

OMG! It's the very popular sthrngary from the Haven! Met you and your family on the beautiful Joy this past November several times, Haven side. Why cheat yourself from a possible Haven upgrade and pull your bids? We have won several Haven bids with one bump happening just a couple of days pre sailing! Plans must have changed for someone and we won!!! Anyway, we also loved our Joy cruise and we would also jump on again if we could. You will have an amazing time again and if it's in the Haven or in a still fabulous suite, have just an amazing cruise again!! Happy Sailing!

[Sthrngary]

1 hour ago, mjcatlvr said:

OMG! It's the very popular sthrngary from the Haven! Met you and your family on the beautiful Joy this past November several times, Haven side. Why cheat yourself from a possible Haven upgrade and pull your bids? We have won several Haven bids with one bump happening just a couple of days pre sailing! Plans must have changed for someone and we won!!! Anyway, we also loved our Joy cruise and we would also jump on again if we could. You will have an amazing time again and if it's in the Haven or in a still fabulous suite, have just an amazing cruise again!! Happy Sailing!

@mjcatlvrHello my friend.  The issue is I am going solo this time.  So to bid, I have to pay the bit twice.  I thought about it and said, save the cash and spend it when I am with my wife on the Breakaway in December.  However, you make a good point.  I might just take your advice and if it is successful give you full credit.  

 

The Joy was fun wasn't it? This time I will do all the things I missed because you can do two things at the same time.  Thanks for reaching out to me, it brought back such nice memories.  

 

Cruise well. 

[lyannea]

3 hours ago, mjcatlvr said:

OMG! It's the very popular sthrngary from the Haven! Met you and your family on the beautiful Joy this past November several times, Haven side. Why cheat yourself from a possible Haven upgrade and pull your bids? We have won several Haven bids with one bump happening just a couple of days pre sailing! Plans must have changed for someone and we won!!! Anyway, we also loved our Joy cruise and we would also jump on again if we could. You will have an amazing time again and if it's in the Haven or in a still fabulous suite, have just an amazing cruise again!! Happy Sailing!

God forbid, if anyone whose booked for the Haven does test positive for Covid, their cabin would be available. I get what you're saying

[MoCruiseFan]

On 2/19/2022 at 2:17 PM, Sthrngary said:

 

• I found out, not matter who I ask at NCL, upgrade before the actual bids are accepted is beyond a rare happening.
• I found out, not even a high up executive can change your room status or ok an "Up Grade Bid". 
• I found out, that the Haven Suite will accept bids starting the Tuesday before the Saturday departure. 
• I found out, the very few if any Haven Suite left over will be distributed two days before the sailing.

I found out, the company that does the bid upgrade is a subcontractor  hired by NCL. 
- This is well known and has been for a very long time.  It is rather obvious if you look at the upgrade bid page at all.

 

 

I found out, not matter who I ask at NCL, upgrade before the actual bids are accepted is beyond a  rare happening.
- Again not a secret at all, common knowledge.

I found out, that the Haven Suite will accept bids starting the Tuesday before the Saturday departure. 
- Haven upgrade bids are available at the same time as the rest of the bids are.

I found out, the very few if any Haven Suite left over will be distributed two days before the sailing.
- They will sell upgrades to any open cabin.  If on a particular sailing there are few cabins of any given type then by default there will be few upgrades to that type.  Otherwise if it is open, a cabin will be used for upgrade if a bid is received.

 

Gratuities: Pre-pay prior to the cruise. Total Expense Pre-Cruise: $108.50
- There are no prepaid gratuities, you are thinking of the DSC I am guessing.

 

 

Premium Plus Beverage Package: Upgrade to the Premium Plus Beverage Package. $243.60
- Enjoy your booze!
 

Specialty Restaurants: I have three specialty restaurants now, upgrade to have two more. $106.80
- Bon Appetit
 

Vibe Beach Club: Purchase a week at the Vibe Beach Club. $200.00 + Aprox.

- Enjoy, we find the Vibe to be not even close to worth the cost.

 

 

 

Cruise well everyone. 

 

[luckyinpa]

Note about getaway. The restaurant is full always for dinner and unsure the reason but it's super long to get a meal . Plan on minimum 1 hour after put in your chair for entree. Probably longer . Every other venue we ate at was so much quicker. One nite I made a custom meal and it was sooo long. As in the group next to me was seated. Ate. Left. Then I got.mine. it was using normal menu items but still I'll never order special again. Also the crab was very disappointing

Edited March 13, 2022 by luckyinpa

[luckyinpa]

Geez steward rings the bell to clean the room but Capt announced no congregating in lobby etc. So where should we go lol . I said we will be leaving when the Capt says we can get off. Lounge is full etc. 25 degrees out so not going outside either.  Brrr

[luckyinpa]

Oh this is funny . Except first day never really saw butler. Now he rings for his tip lol. We didn't really use him . Gave him a chance to help others more in need. 

[MsTabbyKats]

25 minutes ago, luckyinpa said:

Geez steward rings the bell to clean the room but Capt announced no congregating in lobby etc. So where should we go lol . I said we will be leaving when the Capt says we can get off. Lounge is full etc. 25 degrees out so not going outside either.  Brrr

The thermometer may say 25....but "the real feel" is 11!  Welcome back to winter!

[graphicguy]

I have sailed solo in the Haven before.  My GF is a healthcare worker and has a fairly restrictive schedule since COVID reared its ugly head.  

 

Being Retired, I have a very loose schedule.  So, can go on a moments notice.  Usually, when I see a fare that is appealing, I jump on it....particularly if it's a Haven Suite (true of Celebrity Retreat Suites, too).

 

The way I look at it, I'd have to spend the same amount of money for the cruise regardless if one or both of us are cruising.  Actually, a little less if I'm just a solo as I don't have to pay for her tips, fees, etc.

 

Celebrity is particularly good with solos as they offer single rates that are significantly less than the fare for 2.

[Sthrngary]

Part Ten:  4 Days Out and No Haven Upgrade In Sight!

 

If you are following along with me on this thread you know I was attempting to get an upgrade to the Haven while also traveling Solo.  Once the cleared all the remaining Haven Suites to winners of the Bid Process (I was not one of those winners), I got discouraged and canceled all my bids. A friend who remembered me from my families Joy Cruise in November, scolded me and said to put those bid back in.  That if someone has to cancel, or gets sick; I still had a chance.

 

I really don't want anyone to cancel or especially I don't want anyone to get sick.  My friend was right though.  I put back my bids and every few hours, a Haven Suite shows up.  Then it is gone.  So, who knows what will happen.

 

I have handled all the detail of my cruise to focus on the notion of "Haven Lite".  I have my plan, ready to execute and hope I see old friends and meet new ones on this upcoming voyage. I am renaming the Vibe Beach Club the Gary Beach Club for this next NCL Joy cruise leaving on March 19th.  

 

I will see you all then.  Look for my "Real Time Review" which I will begin on Saturday morning.  

 

Cruise well everyone and enjoy every minute. 

[aubreyc1988]

On 3/13/2022 at 7:45 AM, luckyinpa said:

Note about getaway. The restaurant is full always for dinner and unsure the reason but it's super long to get a meal . Plan on minimum 1 hour after put in your chair for entree. Probably longer . Every other venue we ate at was so much quicker. One nite I made a custom meal and it was sooo long. As in the group next to me was seated. Ate. Left. Then I got.mine. it was using normal menu items but still I'll never order special again. Also the crab was very disappointing

wow our service was SO fast when in the Haven Restaurant! Is your side dish the creamed corn? I loved that corn 

[luckyinpa]

the corn and cole slaw were better than the crab cake. as was the potato. also i dont know what it is but the filet at teppenyaki is 100% better than the fillet in haven. i just love it. to me it's soooo much more tender and flavorful. also i realize you arent normally in a hurry on vacation but there's a point when those the arrived after you get food before you that you get a complex 🙂 . plus it was more than one meal in haven that was super slow. just compared to MDR  it was so slow. i know MDR has many more chefs though but shouldnt haven have even better service than MDR?  i'm just glad i asked for on menu items that time. if you ask for off menu creations i cannot even imagine that wait. but if they got me teppenyaki filet id wait 1 hour and not complain. i love when i get the 'free' leftovers there. 

 

also at another meal i think my gf got the pork..the thing on a long bone. server asked if she wanted it butterflied, she said i prefer not. the server said are you sure (emphasis added). it will be 35 to 40 min if you dont get it butterflied. well it's about that now so i dont see the difference but she let them do it. 

 

another unpleasantry i was going to write in my haven review is boisterous people. i really really dont care if you met peter maxx or how much his painting was you bought.  i wish there was a cone of silence we could pay to have put over the next table so we didnt have to hear their private conversations that are so loud. i feel my voice shouldnt carry to the next table. i guess not everyone is like me. 

 

[charlie murphy]

alright gary, hope you are exited and ready for the cruise, haven or not. I was pulling for you and your haven bid but also hoping for a review from outside the confines of the the Haven Doors. The assuption is and should be that one recieves upgraded service and amenities in the Haven - you should get what you pay for, right . I will not be traveling in the haven when we finally cruise this summer with my family so i am looking forward to a full ship report. If you do end up in a Haven suite, then sweet and i will be glad for you.  Thank you for your posts leading up to your cruise with pre covid , covid testing and pre tip planning tips. I am sure you will report what covid method you used to meet NCL critera for boarding. have a good trip. 

[Sthrngary]

1 hour ago, charlie murphy said:

alright gary, hope you are exited and ready for the cruise, haven or not. I was pulling for you and your haven bid but also hoping for a review from outside the confines of the the Haven Doors. The assuption is and should be that one recieves upgraded service and amenities in the Haven - you should get what you pay for, right . I will not be traveling in the haven when we finally cruise this summer with my family so i am looking forward to a full ship report. If you do end up in a Haven suite, then sweet and i will be glad for you.  Thank you for your posts leading up to your cruise with pre covid , covid testing and pre tip planning tips. I am sure you will report what covid method you used to meet NCL critera for boarding. have a good trip. 

@charlie murphyThanks, we will see what happens with the Haven today.  It is showing sold out so it would only be if someone cancelled.  I did my Walgreen's Covid-19 test this morning.  It was a "NAAT" test with fast results.  It was "Negative".  I just printed out the hard copy. 

 

I will be doing a full ship review based on my experiences in my Non-Haven (Haven Lite) experiences.  I will begin that blog today.  Thank you for asking and for the well wishes.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every minute.

[Kajojato]

Hi.   I'm a Solo passenger on the   NCL SUN ... (a late booking) on the 14th of Feb 2023 to Canaries from Malaga, .in an outside picture window cabin...   happy with that, but First time with NCL... can't find any information for facilities (i.e., arranged meetings onboard_) or dining room solo tables only) as I have found on other cruise lines   can anyone advise me, please. if there are arranged meet ups for solos cruising persons.

 

Thank you Kath

[HardToPort]

I was solo on NCL in March. I wasn’t looking for company but there was a daily Solo Traveler meeting on the itinerary. Also, if you want to be booked at a table with company ask the maitre’d. They will be happy to arrange it. 
enjoy!

[Sthrngary]

1 hour ago, HardToPort said:

I was solo on NCL in March. I wasn’t looking for company but there was a daily Solo Traveler meeting on the itinerary. Also, if you want to be booked at a table with company ask the maitre’d. They will be happy to arrange it. 
enjoy!

I met a guy at Cagneys one night, that always ate at Cagney‘s at 5:30 PM. I engage him in a conversation, and for the rest of the time on the cruise he and I had dinner, in Cagneys at 5 o’clock. As it relates to meetings for solo passengers, I never took advantage of that.