ociana

45 minutes ago, sid_9169 said:

There's an area in one corner of the pool that I call "speedo central"

 

 

 

All the pineapples on the clothes over there lead me to believe that's a swingin' corner.  Wink, wink, nudge, nudge.

@sid_9169 Thanks for being so responsive to our questions! This time I have a liquor based one for you.  I saw on a menu posted online somewhere that they have a cocktail made with Aviation Gin.  Can you see if Aviation Gin is available in their half bottle offerings and, if so, how much?  

@sid_9169 Which seating area have you found to be most comfortable so far? I need to scout out the perfect spot that is in the shade and comfy for hanging out to play cards with the hubby when we go.

So glad I read this thread before sinking any more time into trying to make dining reservations on it for my 11/7 sailing! The time selection shows, but no time buttons appear for any restaurants once it loads them. When you click a restaurant it just says "sold out".  Guess I will set a 15 day reminder.

Ok, the food photos already have me...time to book my cruise. We are go for the time off, ridiculously cheap flight and I have free room nights to spend for the nights before and after. 

@sid_9169 Any discount codes being handed out on board? I have my hubby near convinced to book the sailing the week of Nov 7th but would love to snag a discount.

Good morning @sid_9169 - My local news here in Oregon had a segment about this first US based sailing for Virgin.  I watched for you in the video reel, but no sighting! They did say, erroneously, that masks were required in all indoor areas.  They did not say anything about Branson being on board.

While you are exploring, able to get a peek into the thermal suite for us?

13 minutes ago, sid_9169 said:

For those of you who caught the selfie, I had to delete it because I was wearing "the shirt"

 

I'm in my cabin now!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That orange thing looks like a hammock, is it? That is a fantastic idea if it is!

1 hour ago, sid_9169 said:

One day, I'll have six pack abs like that... Not today, but one day...

 

 

Those abs are overcompensating for whatever is under that tiny leaf....

I have never had the Haven food, but I will agree with OP that the food overall is cafeteria or business banquet level quality on my NCL experiences.  My opinion is based on being a food oriented traveler who generally enjoys street food and local diners or specialties, but has little experience with high end dining. 

My hubby and I found two ways to find enjoyable meals on our transatlantic cruise on the Epic in 2019. First is the Irish Pub place for Reuben sandwiches. Hard to ruin and always filling. Second is that we checked the speciality area of the buffet, which rotated cuisines each day and we were told is where staff get to prepare dishes they are more familiar with from their culture. We had an oxtail stew one night that had me wanting to lick the bowl! Other dishes were less memorable, but still well above anything else we had in flavor profile. 

I saw a tip posted where someone brought their own extra seasoning salt along and I might try that next time to add some oomph to the dishes overall. 

Thanks for the speedy response! I had seen your list referenced a few times when searching. Hoping that someone has a more recent update, but will add to this with my own update after I give them a call.

Does anyone have current pricing and bottle list for the in room bar setup?  Also, is it only booked by calling?

Thanks in advance for your answers!

I've gotten used to drinking my gin and tonics with diet tonic water. I'm guessing that we can't bring it onboard but does anyone if this is available on the ship? I am leaving on the Getaway on Oct. 30th.

 

Cheers!

I don't know the answer to your question, but I thought I would chime in as a fellow diet tonic water drinker with an alternative suggestion. I got tired of bars never EVER having diet tonic, so I researched other drinks and now do a Lime Rickey instead - gin, club soda and lime. All bars have the ingredients and it is a tasty alternative. If you like your drinks a bit sweeter, mix in a splenda packet or bring one of those little squirt bottles of liquid splenda.

Here's the dinner from the second formal night. Our wait staff has been amazing and the food has been top notch

 

Lobster

 

All the food looks wonderful! What is the side dish with the lobster? It said rice pilaf and asparagus on the menu, but that looks more like a mac and cheese.