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Paul, I honestly don’t know the name of the recorder device, but this is a screen shot of the app that it is broadcast on. We live in the middle of no where, with police over 15 minutes away, if they are there. The cameras really provide a back up if something happens. Our neighbors have been the same for decades so they know to watch when we are away, and we reciprocate. Our system has no charges etc, just the cost of the hardware to get it up and running.

Thanks for the info! I found the brand, Hikvision. I'll read up on it.

Sounds very similar to our system. It records all day, but only creates short video segments when motion is detected. I've got a lot of videos of squirrels running across my deck. I can access the camera and recordings from anywhere using my iPhone, and iPad and/or a computer browser.

Again, thanks for the info.

Andrew, nice live from! I really enjoyed following along with your family.

If you don't mind I'd like to ask what brand of cameras and software you use at your property? You've posted screen shots in some of your live froms and I've not seen that software anywhere before.

A few months ago I installed two cameras here. We'd never had any problem, and this is a rural subdivision...but it was just something I wanted to do. We went with Ubiquiti cameras and built our own NVR (that way there are no monthly fees for cloud storage). All in all I'm happy with the Ubiquiti cameras and software, my only complaint would be too many false positives -- especially on bright sunny days when cloud and tree shadows are moving rapidly. And spider webs on the camera at night...those cause many false positives!

We requested to be placed on a wait list for balcony accessible, but TA wants to charge us $50 for only the chance we may get one, non-refundable either way.

In my experience the accessible rooms are booked well in advance of the sail date. Most folks that need an accessible room have no choice - they're forced to book well in advance...sometimes a year or so.

My guess is the wait list for an accessible room will not work out for you.

What would be the most economic way to check email once daily on a 10 day sailing? Thanks!

You'll need to buy a WiFi package. An hour may be enough, if you:

1) log on, download emails, log off

2) read emails...without the "clock" ticking

3) compose replies...without the "clock" ticking

4) log on, send replies, log off

As long as we're just talking about text emails...no attachments or such...an hour will plenty of time.

And easy to test before you leave home, using your own WiFi -- the only difference will be the time spent signing on or off from the ship's WiFi network.

Same with Costco and Walmart...they dictate everything from packaging to cost. Vendors either play by the rules or take their product elsewhere.

What are your tips for taking full advantage of the benefits of the Haven? Any "secrets" of the Haven alums?

We've sailed on the Breakaway in Haven rooms twice. First time our room, while a Haven room, wasn't in the Haven area. It was on deck 13. Second time we were in the Haven area, about a month ago. Definitely better having your room in the Haven area than not.

You'll have no trouble enjoying the benefits of the Haven. Very quiet, laid back. The main area has two hot tubs and a small pool. We enjoy the loungers on the upper level for those lazy cruise days of reading, listening to music or just relaxing the day away. There's also a Haven only outside area if you want that.

The concierge desk is there, for those times you need information or help.

Having your own private bar, between the concierge area and restaurant, is nice! The bartenders are friendly and will make any thing you want.

The Haven restaurant is fantastic. Almost never crowded. I think we only waited for a table once, and the wait was no more than a few minutes. Our routine was to eat all breakfasts and lunches in the Haven restaurant. The only dinners we ventured out for were the nights we ate in specialty restaurants. You can also dine out in the pool area. We did that a few times for breakfast or lunch. Also, no reservations necessary.

The Haven restaurant menu is the same each day. However, the staff has menus for the other restaurants and will bring you something from those other venues. I don't think they like doing so, because the maitre 'd cautioned us the two times we used it that it would incur a ten minute delay. One dinner I ordered the fish 'n chips from O'Sheehan's. I really didn't notice a delay and it was delivered hot just the way it would have been in O'Sheehan's. One night my wife ordered creme brûlée for dessert (we don't know which restaurant it came from).

Priority embarkation and debarkation are nice perks. On debarkation, pay attention to the Haven signs...they even have special (short) lines for customs.

You'll be greeted by your butler the first day. He makes sure the in-room coffee maker is stocked and will bring snacks to your room each afternoon. (fruit, candy, sandwiches) Be sure to let the butler know your likes and dislikes for the afternoon snacks and they'll try to accommodate you.

And Haven rooms have a free selection of movies that you can view in your room.

I’ve noticed that the only way to hear the Captain’s announcements is to poke my nose outside into the hallway - does anyone know how I can hear him in my stateroom?

There's usually one of the TV channels that carries the audio from announcements. Try the bridge cam channel, or another of the "info" type channels.

Following this. Now I'm nervous about the power strip I packed with me for my cruise leaving Saturday! We have many devices that may need charging throughout the week (phones, tablets, portable speakers) along with the use of a hair straightener and blow dryer. Praying mine doesn't get confiscated!

Our resident chief engineer talks about power strips often. He says that ships are wired differently than our homes and non-surge protected power strips are okay (since they're basically an extension cord with an on/off switch). He says surge-protected power strips can start a fire.

I called NCL today and asked this very question. I was told you can use the non-refundable OBC in the casino. The gentleman actually put me on hold to double check.

Two weeks ago on the Breakaway, I asked at the casino and guest relations...both say cash advances at the casino are charged to the credit card on file. I ended up not getting a cash advance...we used up our OBC in the on board shops. Perhaps I should have tried it...but I didn't.

Extra tips for a few. Some liquor and perfume.

Generally Nassau is a pretty safe place with ships in port, but there is crime in every place. Just use common sense and be aware of surroundings. Don’t keep your head buried in your phone.

We left our watches, phones and wallets on the ship. Only thing we carried was our ship's ID, photo ID and about $75 in cash.

I'm a first time cruiser. We'll be stopping at Nassau from 7-2 pm.

 

I would like to visit the Rum Cake Factory on Bay Street and the Queen's Staircase. According to google maps both are about a 10-15 minute walk from the cruise terminal. I keep reading so many negative reviews about Nassau but I'm unclear if it's general dislike or truly not safe. Will we be able to walk to both those locations and back, or should we take a taxi?

 

After those two stops we plan on browsing the shops on Bay, the Straw Market and maybe spend an hour at Junkanoo Beach.

 

I'd like to know of a good place to have a bit of lunch. We're interested in trying conch fritters. Thanks!!

We were in Nassau on 3/29. Left the ship at 11 am and walked 30 minutes to Fish Fry. Felt completely safe. Took a cab back ($6 each).

When almost at the Fish Fry a local started walking with us, saying he would take us to the best food. I figured it was his buddy's restaurant. We went our own way.

Ended up at Twin Brothers. Had conch fritters and fried fish (fresh grouper). Both were delicious.

After we exited the cab, we looked in a few souvenir shops. Then back to the ship.

This year, because we do have a pretty good OBC we think we will bring a couple of bottles home, but it is a pain when you are flying. Most likely hubby will buy a good bottle of scotch and maybe Sheridan.

On the Breakaway last week we ended up struggling to use all our OBC. So, we got two bottles of Sheridan's and a bottle of anejo tequila.

We were driving home...so no transportation issues.

The salmon frittata on the breakfast menu is one of my favorite things ever!

We had the salmon frittata last week on the Breakaway. It was fantastic!

The smoked salmon on the frittata was good...but don't forget the asparagus, onion and boursin cheese! We occasionally make a frittata for breakfast at home...this weekend we hope to duplicate the Haven's version.

I am new to the Haven and very excited to be there. I have a question about reservations. Does everyone book their reservations online before the cruise? I'm wondering if my DH and I would be okay to wait until we get on board to decide each night where and when we want to eat. If we do this, do we stand any chance of getting in when and where we want? We typically like to eat around 6:00 pm. What do you all think? Should we book ahead or just wait and check out the menus each day?

Your best bet is to book specialty dining reservations at the 100 day mark. If something changes, ask the Haven concierge if he can help. Non-Haven passengers can make reservations at the 90 day mark.

BTW, no reservations needed (or possible) for the Haven restaurant.

Maybe for the extra good service in the restaurant. Of maybe some dishes are from the Havenmenu and some from somewhere else.

 

I'm sure that it's routine for them.

Yeah. Only restriction I've ever heard is that you can't order anything that is raw...think sushi from Wasabi's.

Speaking of Wasabe's...we ate lunch there three times. Great food and service. Be sure to try the Wasabi cocktail!

I don’t get why you go to the Haven dining room & order things that are not on the menu. Is that routine procedure? Sent from my iPhone using Forums

The Haven dinner menu is nice enough...I just felt like something different. And I LOVE the O'Sheehan's fish and chips.

While I got the impression, from the maitre 'd, that they didn't LIKE to go to other restaurants for food...it's also true that the Haven has every menu for every restaurant. So it is a service they are supposed to offer to passengers.

We are going to be in Nassau on Saturday. How is the walk to Fish Fry? Or should what transportation should we take? Is it worth it?

Thanks.

We were in Nassau on 3/29. We walked to Fish Fry. I'd say 25 to 30 minutes.

We were walking with another couple, and when almost to Fish Fry a local started walking with us...saying he would show us the "best" food at Fish Fry. I quickly suspected his goal was to steer us to his friend's restaurant. The other couple followed him...we broke off and went our own way because I wanted to see what else was available.

We ended up at Twin Brothers. Had the conch fritters and fried fish fingers (which was fresh grouper). Both were delicious.

I had a local beer, my wife ordered a strawberry smoothie with rum. The smoothie was surprising...the color was a bright, bright, bright red! Plenty of rum...no complaints there.

We decided to take a taxi back to the ship...some sand that had gotten in my wife's sandals was bothering her. I asked our Twin Brothers waitress how we could get a taxi...she went out front and signaled to one of the waiting taxis a hundred yards away...and we were on our way back to the ship. Cost, for my wife and I, was $12 total. Our driver was Wellington...a life-long local and he was delightful -- he made the short trip back to the ship fun.

I don't get it either. If you were to go to O'Sheehans I'd be happy with ordering something and it arriving in 8 minutes.

 

If you had to have someone cook it and bring it up that would easily take 8 minutes.

As I just posted...remember that your appetizer, soup, salad and entree courses are all ordered at the beginning of the meal. I'd guess the appetizer, soup and salad took 30 to 40 minutes? So they had PLENTY of time to get a fish and chips entree from O'Sheehan's.

I really don't understand this. They said that you should have to wait ten minutes for the food, right? What was the waiting time if you ordered from the Haven menu? My guess should be more that 10 minutes!

 

I must miss something here!

Remember, you order your courses all at once...at the beginning of the meal. My guess is they called O'Sheehan's and asked that a fish and chips be sent to the Haven kitchen (or sent someone from the Haven down to pick it up). The time between courses seemed normal...and the O'Sheehan fish and chips were served to me on a Haven plate and were hot.

As for my wife's creme brûlée, dessert is ordered AFTER the main course. They said to expect a ten minute wait. I timed it...it was eight minutes. About the same as any wait for dessert.

I think I might be in the minority. While I agree the Haven can't be beat for breakfast and lunch, I found it kind of meh/hit or miss for dinner (at least the last 2 times I was on the Escape - but I was so in love with Food Republic and Tapas, that might've colored my decision lol)

Last week on the Breakaway, for dinner in the Haven restaurant, I asked if I could get the fish and chips from O'Sheehan's. The waitress had to check with the maitre 'd. He came over and said they could do it...but said it would take ten minutes. I think that was his way of discouraging me from asking for food from another venue on subsequent nights.

Another night my wife asks for creme brûlée for dessert. Same deal...check with the maitre 'd...he okays it...but says it'll take ten minutes. She loves creme brûlée...so it was worth the wait.

BTW, both times the wait was around eight minutes -- not bad at all.

You can use the non-refundable OBC for Cruise Next Deposits so we always do that with excess OBC. No sense in trying to come up with things to spend it on as long as you know you will cruise NCL again.....and having your total deposit made by NCL with a Cruise Next they paid for is especially nice.

Good to know.

We've never been a fan of the Cruise Next type programs because we never know who we'll cruise with next. So far in 15 cruises we've cruised with four different cruise lines.

And while we do enjoy the Haven experience, we're considering trying one of the all-inclusive lines ... because I've heard the price is about the same as the Haven.

Interesting about not being able to use the OBC in the casino. This must be very new as we did it last November and our daughter did used hers in Jan. As for the DSC, that you are right about, if it is non refundable OBC can not be used for that. It is obvious why.

It is obvious? I guess they want the passengers to pay the crew? Not NCL?

Spending about half of our OBC in the shops wasn't ideal...but it was the best choice for us. I realize that NCL got some of that OBC back in the kick-back they must get from the vendor that operates the shops.

We did choose liquor and perfume that we will use...so it wasn't a total waste.

It's like OBC. $100 OBC is by no means $100 cash. At best it might be 97% cash if you can pull it out of the casino but most people don't know about that option, so they buy a trinkyet in the gift shop that cost the line $10, or an art print that cost $2 to make.

Just off the Breakaway yesterday. The strategy of turning OBC in to cash no longer works.

Chips obtained in the casino are charged to the credit card on file. I asked about this in the casino on two different days and at Guest Relations and was told the same answer each time.

The DSC also is not deducted from the OBC.

We had lots of perks (drinks, dining, WiFi, shore excursion) and found it difficult to spend $400 in OBC. Used some for dining (for someone in our party that did not have the dining plan), some for extra tipping (room steward, butler, concierge, Haven hostess) and balance was spent on liquor and perfume from on board shops.

BTW, guy in the liquor store told me a wild story about a woman passenger that sails once a month on the Breakaway and each trip she spends $15,000 in the jewelry store and a similar amount in the casino.

No real military service, a couple of years of Naval Reserve duty, but that's it. I did support our troops by bringing supplies to the Vietnam and both Gulf Wars, but they are the heroes.

Just returned today from the NCL Breakaway. Was thinking of you during the Q & A with the captain and chief engineer. Someone asked the chief engineer how long it took to get his position...he said about 10 years of school, training and on the job experience.

ps...I'm also one that enjoys that you share your experience and knowledge here.