WaldosPepper

Yes. Menus for Suite breakfast, lunch and dinner are the same fleet wide, regardless of the venue. The only difference would be that Haven-only ships (Epic, Breakaway, Getaway and the new-builds) have a dinner menu, whereas the other ships only have the breakfast and lunch venue, and thus only menus for those meals.

I have been looking into booking a Haven 2 bedroom family villa on The Epic.

 

I have stayed in a Grand Suite on RCI and have one booked on the Allure. I was hoping I could find someone that has sailed on both to give me an idea of the difference. On The Allure the Grand suite is really one large room that is divided by a curtain with one large bathroom.

The 2-Bedroom is truly two completely separate bedrooms. The second has it's own bathroom with shower, and is essentially like its own "inside stateroom" within the suite. The master bedroom has its own very large and very luxurious bath with jetted tub, separate shower and toilet areas, both with glass doors.

Here's the floor plan, to help you visualize...

There is a concierge lounge that is open and they have cocktails and hors devours every evening. A lot of the perks look to be the same.

 

Can someone shed some light for me please????

There is a Concierge Lounge, but there are no cocktail hours. The Haven Complex does have it's own restaurant and lounge, but there are no complimentary cocktails at any time.

Regarding perks, I think you'll discover the Haven Perks on Norwegian far exceed the perks you receive with RCI. It's been a while since I've posted my list, so this seems as good a time as any...

Suite categories are designated by the letter “H” (Haven suites) or letter “S” (Non-Haven suites). Stateroom categories not beginning with the letters H or S do not receive perks.

Some ships have S categories only: Sky, Spirit, Sun, Dawn, Star, and Pride of America

Some ships have S & H categories: Jewel, Pearl, Gem and Jade

Some ships have H categories only: Epic, Breakaway, Getaway, Escape & Bliss

• Haven suites have access to the Haven regardless of where they are situated on the ship. The Haven has its own pool, hot tub, sauna, and sundeck. Some have their own restaurant and bar within the Haven complex. Some Havens also have a retractable roof over the central area. Haven configuration varies based on ship class/generation

• All suites have complimentary access to a private restaurant for breakfast and lunch. On “Haven Only” ships Haven Suites have a private restaurant for all three meals.

• All suites have Butler and Concierge service.

The Concierge can assist with dining reservations, shore excursion booking and guidance in

many other areas. He or she also provides delivery of invitations and information to the suite, and

performs all escorts on and off the ship.

The Butler provides delivery of daily amenities, meals en suite, replenishes coffee and other

supplies, and oversees the maintenance of the suite. Gratuity should be based upon services

provided.

• All suites receive invitations to a special cocktail reception with the Captain and other Officers.

• All suites receive priority embarkation {including express through check-in, as well as a private lounge with various amenities to enjoy while awaiting escort aboard} and disembarkation {which includes a private area to gather, and escort off the ship & directly to the VIP Luggage area and Porter Services}, as well as priority tendering.

• All suites receive one bottle of Sparkling Wine, one large bottle of water, a bowl of fresh fruit (replenished upon consumption) and a fresh flower arrangement in their suite. (Note: Garden Villas, Deluxe Owner's Suites and Owner's Suites receive Champagne instead of Sparkling Wine)

• Garden Villa's receive 6 bottles of alcohol with unlimited mixers, soda and water, while Deluxe Owner's Suites and Owner's Suites each receive 3 bottles of alcohol with unlimited mixers, soda and water. All other categories do not receive complimentary liquor.

• All suites are provided with a variety of Elemis brand toiletries.

• All suites are equipped with a Coffee/Cappuccino/Espresso Machine (Most are Lavazza pod-style machines), however the Sun has Lavazza machines in the Owner’s Suites, but drip-style coffee brewers in all other suites (because these suites cannot accommodate Lavazza devices).

• All suites have access to the Pre-Cruise Concierge service, which helps to coordinate your individual selections on pillow types, coffee and tea preferences, and a variety of special requests. Phone number for this service is 855-625-4283.

• All suites (except the SG and SJ suites on Deck 12 of the Star and some suites on the Sun) have a portable phone, which can be used throughout the ship.

• All suites are equipped with the "Bliss Bed" which truly lives up to its name, fitted with upgraded bedding. Also provided with upgraded bathrobes, as well as slippers.

• All suites have an expanded Room Service menu. Essentially, order whatever you want, and if it is available on the ship you will have it.

• Some suites have access to a reserved section of the theater on some ships, based upon stateroom category, as well as other factors, which can vary from sailing to sailing.

Disclaimer: Perks are subject to change at any time without notice. This list is intended to offer a general guide only, and should not be considered as “official” in any way, shape or form.

This document is constructed from personal experience and the experience of others, and is a collaboration of input from many helpful members of Cruise Critic. Many thanks to all who have contributed to the development, and continual updating of the information contained herein.

Hopefully the list will help you have a clearer picture of what you can expect regarding perks, but if you have any questions at all feel free to ask...

WaldosPepper thank you very much for the updated list! One question I have is I'm assuming since the Epic has the Epic club that Breakfast and Lunch happen there and not Cagneys right?

Correct. Breakfast, lunch and Dinner are all served in the Epic Club. Wonderful space, very attentive service, excellent food. You'll enjoy every moment.

;)

Posh closes in the very early evening. The area that turns into a nightclub is Spice H2O on the very aft of the ship.

You'll have no noise at night from Posh.

I appreciate your spending the time it took to explain. THAT was more helpful to me than spending an hour on the website just trying to figure out where to look for information!!!

 

Any suggestions on specialty restaurants?

 

Jen

Very happy to know you found that information to be helpful! :)

Regarding specialties, my personal favorites are:

LeBistro - my hands-down favorite

Moderno - a very close second to LeBistro

Cagney's - although they're definitely missing some traditional Steak House offerings

I've enjoyed Teppanyaki on Jewel several times, and the meal is well prepared and very flavorful. The chef, and your table mates, can either make or break this experience.

My least favorite is LaCuchina, even after the menu change. Just doesn't come close to my expectation of an excellent Italian restaurant. Many disagree, however, so your opinion may be vastly different than mine.

Dining is such a subjective topic, really, so I would encourage you to try the options with menu offerings that suit your individual tastes. If something is not up to par, do let your server know and have an opportunity to make it right.

;)

So' date=' Vince... I can actually "carry on" as much wine as I want to???? Never heard of THAT on any cruise line...

 

Jen[/quote']

 

Yes, you can. Each bottle will be charged a corkage fee, depending upon the size of the bottle, and regardless of where you consume it, but there is no limit to how many bottles you may bring along.

 

Directly from Norwegian's website: Wine & Champagne Policy Guests may bring bottles of wine and champagne on board. When bottles are brought on board and served or consumed in any restaurant, public room area or in their stateroom, a corkage fee will be charged according to bottle sizes noted below. 750 ml Bottle: $15.00 1,500 ml Magnum: $30.00 Wine or champagne sent directly to the ship by travel agents, friends, family, etc. or from another retail source, are subject to the same fees. Box wines are not allowed on board.

 

Also, regarding your other questions, you will not stand on line for anything, at any time. The Concierge will handle all of your dining reservations, ensure you have entry into the reserved seating area in the theater, and take care of any other reservations such as spa appointment, etc. Additionally, you will be provided with priority embarkation, be first off the ship in the ports, and receive priority disembarkation with an escort off the ship.

 

Meanwhile you will have the services of a Butler who will provide daily treats in your suite, serve any meal you choose en suite, complete with white table linens. The Butler will also ensure your suite is fully stocked with flatware, china and stemware, in addition to ample supplies for your Lavazza Espresso machine.

 

Inside the Haven courtyard, you will enjoy the services of the Haven Valet, who will also serve breakfast in the small dining area there. Various treats will also be available in the courtyard throughout the day. Coffee, tea and danish in the morning, Iced tea, lemonade, cookies and cakes the rest of the day, in addition to a nice selection of fresh or cut fruits.

 

I hope that helps paint a clearer picture of what you can expect with a Haven Penthouse on Jewel.

Hello!

 

We are new to NCL and have booked a family villa in the Haven, sailing on the Jewel 10/11/2014.

.../QUOTE]

 

I am confused on which cabin this is. They have the Garden Villa (3BR), 2BR Haven Suites (same as 2BR suites elsewhere on ship), and 2 1BR suites.

 

Which is the Family Villa?

 

Yeah, I was wondering which is a family villa in the Haven?? We were on the Jewel in the Haven last trip and I don't know which suite this is. OP, what is your room category? H? or is it an S?

 

From the Norwegian Website Jewel Stateroom Descriptions Page...

 

The Haven 2-Bedroom Family Villa with Balcony

Up to six guests can enjoy these Villas that are perfect if you want to bring the kids. They have one bedroom with a queen-size bed and a luxury bath and shower, as well as a separate children's bedroom. Also features a living area, dining area and private balcony. You will also have access to the private courtyard area. Includes butler and concierge service.

 

These suites have been referred to as Haven Family Villas for quite a while now. Those on Deck 11 of the Jewel Class ships are still referred to as 2-Bedroom Family Suite with Balcony

 

Hope that helps clear up the confusion. ;)

Generally this promo only runs about twice per year. The recent run was a nice surprise.

Currently there is one sailing on the Gem in November offering KSF. Gem is also a Nickelodeon at Sea ship. This sailing was just added as a result of the postponed dry dock, which is why it's the only one offering the promo.

Here's a link to the sailing offering that promo currently...

http://www.ncl.com/vacations/2-guests-kids-sail-free?sailingmerchandisingspecials=4294915236&cruise=1&cruiseHotel=1&cruiseHotelAir=1&cruiseTour=1&numberOfGuests=4294915774&advancedSearch=true

Hard to say whether or not the promo will run again in time for your DD to plan a Feb. or Mar. 2015 sailing.

Hi.

 

I have it down that we will park at pier next Sunday and then know dh will drop us by elevator with our luggage, wait and take it down with him, give our luggage to porters and get on ship.

 

For those that have parked and done early walk off with your bags, how did you get to your car when you returned back from your cruise.

 

Thank you.

You still have to follow the same path as guests who opt to pick up their luggage, as all must go through Customs. You'll be taking your luggage with you through the entire process, instead of just a short part of the way.

Once you finish with Customs, you'll walk through the terminal and out to the street to access the elevators back up to the parking area. Porters will be available to assist you with your luggage, if you choose, but remember to tip them nicely for the assistance.

;)

If the current predictions hold, there will be very little concern as far as following the normal route for Gem. Breakaway may need to make adjustments, but I can't see her missing Bermuda. Dawn may have to make a route adjustment on her return to Boston, but that remains to be seen Here's the current graphic from TWC...

Forecasters are indicating that even with this projected route, conditions are not favorable for strengthening, and Bertha may just fizzle out.

Only time will tell...

st. George is the best place on the island to visit.

 

I (and many others) was devastated when cruise ships stopped calling there.

This

.

The terms to describe St. George are interesting. "Quaint" and "historic." Here's another: "dilapidated." Yes, I understand how old the buildings are. I don't regret going to St. George, but it's very different from Hamilton, so be warned.

It's funny how time changes things.

For many years the ships docked in St. Georges, and the village was anything but dilapidated. However during the same timeframe, were one to venture over to the Royal Naval Dockyard, the term "dilapidated" would have been an understatement.

Years later, the ships are now too large to call on St. Georges, the village has suffered tremendously from an economic standpoint, and things aren't quite as kept-up as they once were. Meanwhile, the Dockyard has undergone quite a transformation.

Amazing what a little economic infusion can do for an area.

Nonetheless, I'm looking forward to sailing into the Dockyard next May, and immediately taking a ferry across to St. Georges - a place that will forever hold a special place in my heart, and the hearts of so many others.

:)

What is MB. Thanks.

MegaBytes

We always have a great time . It is weird to see the Rhode Island ferry working in Bermuda .

 

Last time we tendered to Hamilton NCL did use the Bermudian ferry ship to tender as she carries 700 passengers .

Glad you had a great time... not that I thought for a minute you wouldn't. :D

The Rhode Island Ferry is working in Bermuda? I had no idea. When did that happen? I know it wasn't there when we were last there in 2012.

I remember that they did use the Bermudian for tendering - and even that caused a host of complaining among the local tour operators, who were outraged that the Bermuda Govt. allowed it to be utilized, rather than turning business over to the locals. (one thing's for sure... no matter how it's handled, there'll be folks in Bermuda who will write letters protesting the way it was handled) :p

One time we were delayed on the Dawn due to a hurricane by a day so Captain Bengtson stayed overnight tuesday and tendered into Hamilton on Wednesday as Star took over Heritage Wharf .

 

I did ask Captain Holmquist last Saturday July 12th at the M&G why they did not tender once again last week when they where late again because of hurricane off Boston and stayed over Tuesday July 8th and left Wednesday morning instead of tendering giving passengers only two days in Bermuda .

Much to my disappointment the captain said it was to much trouble . :eek:

Not to necessarily defend the action, but I'm wondering if what he referred to as "too much trouble" was the multitude of problems caused on the island after that event. I recall reading news articles in the Bermuda newspapers, where many of the locals were outraged that they were not given the opportunity to provide tender services. They cast blame on Norwegian for cutting into their profits, accused them of using "Cabin Stewards who have no idea how to operate a boat" and many other ugly accusations.

It lasted several weeks, and there was a considerable amount of ill-will over the whole thing. Perhaps that played a part in his decision to simply remain docked overnight, and then return to Boston directly.

All that aside, what I really want to know is - other than the invisible Concierge you mentioned in another thread - did you have a fabulous time? :D

.

We are considering the Ultimate Dining Package. Do you make reservations prior to boarding?

You can make reservations online prior to boarding, or you can make them once onboard. Either way is fine

Can't find the excursion policy. Can you cancel a purchased excursion?

Yes, you can cancel and receive a full refund as long as it's at least 24 hours in advance.

How do you make reservations for the shows? NCL wasn't doing this last we sailed with them.

You can make these reservations online via your MyNCL account, just the same as the dining reservations.

Are you still allowed to carry o water and soda?

Yes, absolutely.

Depending upon which ship you are booking, these rooms may also have a vibrating plate in the floor, as an additional alert feature. I can only speak to the Getaway on this particular aspect, but whenever the phone rings, the doorbell is pressed, or the ship's alarm system is activated, the strobe lights will flash and also the vibrating plate will activate.

I have no idea if this feature is on other ships, so perhaps others with personal experience can advise.

:)

Can you reserve a cabana on line? I tried but it does not give me the option. It may be because my reservation is on hold waiting for the deposit to be sent.

What is your sailing date? Perhaps all those available for online booking are already spoken for, and you'll have to wait until you're onboard to book one.

Are other shore excursions showing available for you to book online?

Bermuda is nicer then any other island NCL cruises too. It remains in great shape.

Absolutely true.

If you are someone who has recently visited Bermuda on the Norwegian Breakaway, would you please inform me about shopping in Hamilton.

 

Friends of ours told us last night that Front Street in Hamilton is no longer a nice place to shop as it was in the past for cruise ship passengers. They told us that it is very commercial and rather run down looking.

 

My wife and I have been to Bermuda three times, the last time on the Queen Elizabeth 2. We always found Hamilton to be clean with many nice shops with imports from Ireland, England, Scotland, and other places.

 

Our friends told us that many cruise passengers stay on the ship when docked in Kings Wharf because of the poor quality of the shops in Hamilton.

Any information on this topic would be appreciated before we decide to take a cruise to Bermuda.

 

Terrence Calabrese

The sentence in red struck me. Kings Wharf (and Heritage Wharf where the Norwegian vessels dock) are at the Royal Naval Dockyard, not in Hamilton. There are no Norwegian ships which currently dock in Hamilton, and I just wanted to be sure you were aware that if sailing Breakaway or Dawn to Bermuda, you will be at the Dockyard, not in Hamilton.

That being said, there are shops in the Clocktower Mall at the Dockyard, including a few small "Annex" shops from the larger stores in Hamilton. They will have a smaller selection, however pricing is comparable to their anchor stores.

Hamilton itself has changed considerably since your last visit, and it's true that the grand department stores of old are indeed gone. There are, however, still many smaller shops that carry the imported goods you've come to expect when shopping in Bermuda.

Last year I do recall reading a report here that indicated Hamilton after dark was quite different than during daylight hours, and that a seedy element was evident after dark. Whether that has changed in the past year I don't know, but perhaps this is part of what your friends experienced.

Overall, Bermuda is still a lovely place to visit, with much to offer. If you are sailing solely for the purpose of shopping, you may be somewhat disappointed. If you are sailing for the enjoyment of exploring one of the loveliest spots on earth, then you'll be more than satisfied.

:)

This is a dinner show, and requires reservations.

Perhaps it's time to give the tech support team a call...

Norwegian Cruise Line Technical Support

Our Representatives would be happy to help you with the following:

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Okay! The Haven on the Getaway has it's own restaurant, so you can enjoy all three meals there each day if you choose. The menu is a definite step up from what you would find in the main dining rooms, and more on par with what's offered at the specialty restaurants onboard. You of course can choose to have your meals at any of the other venues onboard, however there are cover charges for the specialty restaurants.

If you wish to reserve shows, or dining venues, the Concierge can take care of all of this for you. They can also make spa treatment reservations, book your shore excursions, offer guidance on the ports, etc. They will also assist you with early entry into the Illusionarium if you book this show, and will seat you in the reserved seating area of the main theater as well.

If you elect to dine in your suite, the Butler will serve you. He or she will also deliver daily treats to your suite, and ensure that you are well-stocked with supplies for your Lavazza machine, which makes espresso, cappuccino, coffee, tea and hot chocolate. They will make sure you have adequate plates, flatware and glassware, etc at all times.

You can expect to be very well taken care of, and enjoy a fabulous cruise.

It's helpful to know which ship's Haven you will be in, as there are different configurations, and offerings. The more info you give us, the better we can advise.

:)

Just a couple of questions if someone would answer for me.

Do you go to the dinners or spas or whatever and then see if they will take it off your bill or something off? Or will they come up to you in casino or send letter to your stateroom.

 

Has anyone receive cash or onboard credits with your comp cruise?

 

Thank you

This type of comp is based upon your play during the cruise, and the number of points you amass while onboard. The casino staff will not approach you, as these comps come in the form of credits to your onboard account. Generally the last night of the cruise the casino staff run their analysis, and then process the comps (although it is sometimes reported that this step is done the second-to-last night on some sailings/ships). The minimum number of points needed in order to qualify for comps is 2,500 points, and at that level the comps will be very small and certainly will not cover a spa treatment. The more points amassed, the higher the dollar figure that will be removed from your final bill.

I hope that helps.

:)