Anyone stay in an A1 Garden Villa, and didn't think it was worth the cost?

[Silverspoon]

I know...weird question. Just wondering!

 

Or, anything you care to mention that you didn't like about the A1?:confused:

[shirlmac]

Can't tell you yet, but it is not starting off well....The NCL web page says they pick you up at the airport...TA called and was told that it was true, they will pick you up, but they charge you for it! Not what we expected to hear and I am not happy. Paid full price for this suite, we got no breaks what so ever, not even a OBC. Plus signed up for some $1700 in shore excursions. So would caution folks regarding the special treatment given when you book this cat....I will be at the pursers office the minute we board to find out WHAT ELSE we are going to be charged for? I was really excited and looking forward but most of that is all gone. It is sometimes the small things that get to you.....

[CanadianTwosome]

I'm looking at the website now, and I can only guess that you are referring to the section titled 'VIP Transport & Departure', where one point states: Limousine service from the pier to the airport. Note that in the section titled 'VIP Living' there is a point that states: Wireless Internet access, plus personal computer with printer. Are you also expecting free internet access? Just because it's available doesn't mean that it's included. The other cabins do not come with computers, which is the 'perk' that is being referred to; the internet access still incurs a fee. In the same vein, when I read the line about the limo, I interpreted it to mean that if you chose to use NCL transportation (which incurs a fee) you would have your own limo rather than joining the masses on a bus.

 

I'm sorry you feel disappointed.

 

To answer the OP's question, I have never, nor do I ever expect to stay in a GV. Even if they included air transportation from my home, I wouldn't think it was worth the cost (which is a bit different from the original question, but I think it's still relevant). :)

[joycep13]

Can't tell you yet, but it is not starting off well....The NCL web page says they pick you up at the airport...TA called and was told that it was true, they will pick you up, but they charge you for it! Not what we expected to hear and I am not happy.....

 

I'm not sure where you're seeing that pick up at the airport is free..? When we were in the Garden Villa on the Jade earlier this year, pick-up was not included free, nor did we expect it to be since it doesn't say anywhere that it is. Perhaps there was a miscommunication or misunderstanding with your TA, and/or with the NCL rep they spoke to?

 

The NCL shuttle did pick us up from the LA airport and take us to the pier, but we paid the standard ~$20? per person fee. It does say on the GV webpage that you will get "Limousine service from the pier to the airport" which is included free (except for the tip of course), and that was terrific getting escorted directly from the GV, through customs and into our waiting limos outside!), but you only get that upon departure, not arrival (btw, you set that up with your concierge while you're onboard).

 

To the OP... was the GV worth the money? YES!!! ('course your situation may be different - we got an upsell so we didn't pay full price, plus we split it between 7 family members. So for a 13-night cruise, it came to about $246 pp/pd. - very reasonable rate for what we got (tons of space and privacy, pampering service, and... 6 bottles of liquor - what's not to love!!? ;)

 

Cheers,

Joyce

[d man]

I know...weird question. Just wondering!

 

Or, anything you care to mention that you didn't like about the A1?:confused:

We had a great time in the GV on the Jewel and would recommend the villa to anybody that can afford it. Every wish that was asked was granted. The hardest part was drinking the six bottles of booze that are supplied with the suite.

 

Enjoy

 

d man

[garycarla]

Assume you know that even in a GV or any other Penthouse, that you still pay for:

 

internet - nobody gets it free

photos,gift shop, etc

drinks at bars

drinks brought to your room

daily service fee

dinners in speciality restaurant

speciality restaurant dinner served in your room

tips to Butler and Concierge - optional of course

 

Should NCL include a bit more for what you are paying? For sure. They could add a few hundred to the price and would not make a difference, but the freebies would be a great marketing tool.

[Bobbye]

I know...weird question. Just wondering!

 

Or, anything you care to mention that you didn't like about the A1?:confused:

 

We've done it twice with the third coming up in January on the Pearl. Yes -- it's heaven!

[Bobbye]

Can't tell you yet, but it is not starting off well....The NCL web page says they pick you up at the airport...TA called and was told that it was true, they will pick you up, but they charge you for it! Not what we expected to hear and I am not happy. Paid full price for this suite, we got no breaks what so ever, not even a OBC. Plus signed up for some $1700 in shore excursions. So would caution folks regarding the special treatment given when you book this cat....I will be at the pursers office the minute we board to find out WHAT ELSE we are going to be charged for? I was really excited and looking forward but most of that is all gone. It is sometimes the small things that get to you.....

 

As others have said the website only states the limo is from the ship to the airport and not round trip.

 

"Limousine service from the pier to the airport"

 

NCL will arrange transfers for you but the included limo is only at the end and does state that on the website and in the brochure. It sounds like your agent didn't ask the correct questions or misunderstood.

 

The experience is wonderful but as others have mentioned everything is not included. Tips for the butler and concierge are additional and well worth it. You'll probably get a night or two at specialty restaurants but every ship seems to be different. Relax and go into the experience with a positive attitude. If you are miserable before the cruise I can't see how it's going to get better no matter how wonderful you are treated.