LIVE! * EPIC * Oct 6 – 17, 2024 * Greek Isles

Sthrngary · October 7

2 hours ago, HBCcruiser said:

Haven-light as @Sthrngary so named it.

Thank you for the call out. Every cruise can have a similar feel to the NCL Haven even when we are not in the Haven. Every cruiser knows what they like and don't like when cruising. The most enjoyment I get is designing my upcoming cruises around what I truly LOVE in a cruise.

If not in the Haven, then the Vibe, extra specialty dining, upgraded internet (for both really), and Premium Plus Beverage Package. When planning a cruise, I personally focus on one goal. Improving my next experience over my last experience without breaking the bank. One way to doing this is indeed Haven Lite as mentions above. Another way is to be open to smaller ships and luxury brands when again the price is right.

Good choices take good research, due diligence and focusing on "Realistic Expectations".

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

tcmagnum · October 7

On 10/6/2024 at 5:17 AM, HBCcruiser said:

We waiting the Haven waiting area for about 20 min then we boarded. In board by 10:50.

May I ask if there was a separate entrance for Haven? Or at what point did you get directed to the Haven are in the port?

Thanks!!

tcmagnum · October 7

48 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

Good choices take good research, due diligence and focusing on "Realistic Expectations".

Say it louder for the people in the back who get onboard with a chip on their shoulder.

Expect to have a great time and you will!!

Sthrngary · October 7

10 minutes ago, tcmagnum said:

May I ask if there was a separate entrance for Haven? Or at what point did you get directed to the Haven are in the port?

Thanks!!

@tcmagnum This answer is a bit tricky. When you get to the port, drop off your luggage, you go through the same security as everyone else. Once through security look for the Haven Signs which are not always easy to find but they are there. This will direct you to the Haven check-in, to the Haven Port lounge and you will then be escorted to the on-board Haven which YES is private entry only with your key card. Hope this helps you.

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

tcmagnum · October 7

4 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

@tcmagnum This answer is a bit tricky. When you get to the port, drop off your luggage, you go through the same security as everyone else. Once through security look for the Haven Signs which are not always easy to find but they are there. This will direct you to the Haven check-in, to the Haven Port lounge and you will then be escorted to the on-board Haven which YES is private entry only with your key card. Hope this helps you.

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

That was laid out perfectly for us!!

Thank you!!

Coachyo · October 7

On 10/4/2024 at 11:59 PM, HBCcruiser said:

won’t be able to answer the ferry question because we are doing an NCL excursion. In our B&B unit there are three bedrooms and two baths total. One bedroom with a full bath attached (that’s the one we have) and two bedrooms that share a bathroom. So far it’s been great. Other than the key issue but that’s been resolved. We are so close to the ship we can walk there tomorrow!

Thanks for the info. Sound great but too small for all of us. Definitely will check out the restaurant.

Looks like a different concierge than what we had last year.

Haven't recognized any crew in your pics.

Have fun. Looking forward to your reports coming up!

Thanks, CoachYO

Coachyo · October 7

On 10/5/2024 at 8:20 AM, mapleleaves said:

the water taxi ties up to the same pier the tenders use. There is no schedule.... it only leaves when its full or close to full. Holds 75+ pax. It can sit for an hr waiting for enough pax.

Ticket is 3o euros. when you get to Amoudi Bay, a van will take you most of the way up the cliff to Oia, and you will be given a bus token for the ride to Fira. Bus leavs hourly. When you get to Fira, you must take the cable car down to the tender or walk the donkey stairs

Thanks for the info mapleleaves. Hoping the 1st boat fills quickly after we get in. I'm working on timing for a guide to meet us in Oia.

Thanks, CoachYO

mapleleaves · October 7

4 minutes ago, Coachyo said:

Thanks for the info mapleleaves. Hoping the 1st boat fills quickly after we get in. I'm working on timing for a guide to meet us in Oia.

Thanks, CoachYO

have you checked to see how many other ships are in port with you that day. That will greatly impact everything. (we waited 2 hrs for the cable car, which is how I know the water taxi sat for 1 hr.

If timing is important, you may be better off booking a basic NcL tour that starts in Oia, then tell the guide you're leaving the tour. Otherwise there's no way to know when you'll reach Oia. The water taxi may have left just before you arrived, or it might wait for an hr, or it might not be operating that day! So you may arrive in Oia, 3o minutes after arriving at the tender pier, or it may be 9o. Look at the Greece ports of call forum for updates on the situation. Good luck !

HBCcruiser · October 7

5 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

@tcmagnum This answer is a bit tricky. When you get to the port, drop off your luggage, you go through the same security as everyone else. Once through security look for the Haven Signs which are not always easy to find but they are there. This will direct you to the Haven check-in, to the Haven Port lounge and you will then be escorted to the on-board Haven which YES is private entry only with your key card. Hope this helps you.

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

I’ll just add to this great post that it helps to say “Haven?” to every port person you encounter so they direct you correctly. In Civitavecchia it was very easy.

HBCcruiser · October 7

We had a great time tonight starting with the Captain reception, a delicious Bistro dinner followed by Howl at the Moon and a nightcap at the Haven bar.

Escargot- buttery yumminess!

Mushroom soup - so good! Mike had the raw beef thingy.

Lobster Thermidor. Well worth the up charge!!

Lamb

chocolate yummy

laudergayle · October 7

image.jpeg.c1703b240d918d2e7a0fae67b9471982.jpeg

well that’s an Interesting presentation🤣. My fav is the Ile Flottante. However, I’m still confused if the custard should be set or loose. My first time falling in love with it was set. The last few times it was loose. I guess I should Google it 😊. Loving your LIVE and soooo wish I was on this cruise, too. Keep enjoying😊🐀

cruiseny4life · October 7

On 9/30/2024 at 5:27 PM, HBCcruiser said:

Perfect. Stumbling distance.

I'm finally catching your love! I'm late to the party, but so glad I'm here!!

You've finally given me a reason to consider staying inside the Haven, instead of outside!!

Also, oh my gosh! Happy retirement - amazing!

cruiseny4life · October 8

15 hours ago, HBCcruiser said:

Breakfast. So yummy!

Ooooh! I wonder if they source different coffee in certain parts of Europe, or if their cost-cutting cultural committee decided Tostoa is a better value in bulk?

If cost cutting, i am very happy to see no Starbucks for breakfast! Hope you enjoyed the alternate coffee...in a cut I can celebrate.

HBCcruiser · October 8

Day 3 Santorini

HBCcruiser · October 8

We moved our clocks ahead one hour last night so we lost an hour. We do not pull into port until 1:30pm. Our excursion meets at 1:00 in the theatre.

HBCcruiser · October 8

Eggs Benedict- for some reason they were not very good. Definitely not as good as other Haven’s.

graphicguy · October 8

9 hours ago, HBCcruiser said:

Eggs Benedict- for some reason they were not very good. Definitely not as good as other Haven’s.

Always found that what one soul chef thinks about eggs Benedict, is not what another might think. I'm always specific when ordering mine......runny yolks, done whites. That usually does the trick. 😉

HBCcruiser · October 8

We had a fantastic day in Santorini! Our excursion took us to Acrotiri where we learned about the advanced civilization and the volcanic eruption that covered the city with ash. The city had plumbing and bathrooms! Super cool considering it dates back to the 4th millennium BC! In the photos we are basically on the rooftops.

HBCcruiser · October 8

After that we went to a winery where the wines were meh but the views were great!

Coachyo · October 8

On 10/7/2024 at 3:44 PM, mapleleaves said:

have you checked to see how many other ships are in port with you that day. That will greatly impact everything. (we waited 2 hrs for the cable car, which is how I know the water taxi sat for 1 hr.

If timing is important, you may be better off booking a basic NcL tour that starts in Oia, then tell the guide you're leaving the tour. Otherwise there's no way to know when you'll reach Oia. The water taxi may have left just before you arrived, or it might wait for an hr, or it might not be operating that day! So you may arrive in Oia, 3o minutes after arriving at the tender pier, or it may be 9o. Look at the Greece ports of call forum for updates on the situation. Good luck !

Thanks mapleleaves, good info to have. I have checked on ships and there are 6 ships in port that day, with us being last in at 2:00 last leaving at 10:00pm.

So if you do an NCL tour do they use ferry boats to start in Oia?

I'll be watching to see what's happening there going forward.

The guide I've been emailing with said there may be some changes coming at the start of the year. So that could change everything.

Great pictures HBCcruiser, looks like a great tour.

Thanks ,

CoachYO

Travelicious · October 9

37 minutes ago, Coachyo said:

CoachYO

Hey Coach!

HBCcruiser · October 9

I had made reservations at the PK Cocktail Bar which has great drinks and awesome views. It was perfect and the drinks were delicious! After that we headed up to the cable car. Our wait was about 30 min. Not bad at all! Back onboard by 6:45 due to Haven priority tenders. Sweet! We have a long day tomorrow so calling it an early night after a good Haven dinner.