disneygirl10

I know the Haven has the reputation (and it IS a reputation) of out-of-control children at certain times of the year.

 

Also, there are posts here that complain that the Haven people get early dibs on the Vibe passes. That, to me, is just crazy. You pay so much for a Haven and still have to pay more for Vibe passes. :confused:

 

So we booked MSC's Yacht Club.

Is there a chance we will have children there also?

Yes. I don't have a problem/or a worry about that.

Out of control. Maybe. Although there doesn't seem to be many reviews complaining of that.

 

MSC Yacht Club. It's more reasonably priced also.

 

I'll let you know how it is when we get back.:)

I just cancelled what would have been my first MSC cruise, also Yacht Club, was less expensive than a regular balcony cabin on DCL for similar itinerary. Doing UK/Iceland. Doing an Alaskan NCL (also first time) instead..but look forward to MSC in 2018!

OP- I travel alone with my small child. After this opportunity with NCL came up I have been trying to research the line.. If our cruise was a different itinerary I would consider the Haven. If you google "best cruise lines for families" Norwegian will be one of them. There are several lines that are not. If I had my way we would be doing Azamara, but I don't want dirty looks from the rest of the passengers during the entire trip.

If you book Haven (essentially first class fare for first class accommodations and dine in specialty restaurants), there is nothing "so bad".

 

If you go regular, you will experience the reasons why everyone who can afford Haven pay extra to get it. You will also see why NCL is so much less expensive than Disney.

I'm not spending $19k (I think that's what it was) for the Haven. I was considering upgrading to a non Haven penthouse with large balcony suite (cat SF), but have decided against that, and am in a regular balcony room. I just don't see the value in the extra price. We will be doing 2-4 speciality restaurants though.

Every non luxury line is cheaper than Disney, some itineraries I can justify their extra cost, some I can not. The 11 night Northern Europe/Iceland, Southern Caribbean and Alaska are included in the "not" category.

The NCL cruise, certain itineraries, are "complimentary" to me as of this month.

Obviously I have to pay all other fees and upgrades above my included oceanview category, so it comes out to about 55% off. Like a said, that's too good (in my opinion) to pass up...but at the same time, the savings wouldn't be worth it if it's a horrible experience.

Context is important - Alaska here means NCL, read WALMART.

Great. Now I'm really worried. What is so bad about NCL?

Our original summer '17 vacay was doing an 11 night MSC to Germany/UK/Iceland, spending a few days in Hamburg first. I didn't know much about that cruise line either, but I liked what I heard about a very diverse group of people traveling.

The main thing was the itinerary.. and I was not about to pay over $13k for 2 people in a regular balcony room with Disney to do Iceland.

I cancelled (postponed) that trip once this opportunity came up with NCL, it seems too good to pass up.

I have been to both Alaska and Bermuda each twice. Next summer, my husband and I are taking our grandson (by then he will be 9 1/2 years old to Alaska). I think, for him, he will find it more interesting. However, when I went to Alaska the first time I went from Whittier to Vancouver and saw some fantastic glaciers. I wasn't impressed as much with the r/t from Seattle the second-time we went. I'm not sure if you mentioned which cruise line you were going on. We went both times on Princess, but the first one was a cruise-tour of Alaska. Next summer, we are doing another cruise-tour with our grandson. Also, with global warming, the glaciers may not be around forever.

 

Bermuda is also wonderful. But that can be done at another time in my opinion.

 

Thanks,

Arlene

Thank you! I agree about the glaciers not being around forever.

What didn't you like about the R/T Seattle cruise? The one we are currently booked on, Norwegian Pearl, does include Glacier Bay, was that also in your itinerary?

Good point -keep the Alaaka, then do beaches anywhere.

 

Of course, if someone stays around the Dockyard tourist trap, Bermuda is awful. If you get around - a bit of Hamilton, more of St. George, perhaps a dinner at Tom Moore's, try different beaches - you will see that Bermuda blows away every other island. To really appreciate if, learn how to ride a motor scooter - and get a lot of practice before you go, then you can REALLY experience the island, which is unlike any other.

I lived in Key West in my very early 20s, I had a Vespa so the scooter isn't a problem. Having my kid on the back is though.lol Hamilton looks incredible, we definitely like to explore while we're traveling!

Total nonsense! :cool:

I'm from Boca Raton!! Moved away from SoFla 3 years ago..oh how I miss it!

I feel so unprepared. I am currently knee deep in WDW/DCL planning, and then this opportunity to sail Norwegian fell into my lap about 2 weeks ago. I know absolutely nothing about NCL, besides what I've googled and read here since, and I feel like I made a rushed decision.

The draw with Alaska is obvious. The draw with Bermuda is twofold- first the ship. The Getaway has a lot more "bells and whistles" than the Pearl, and I don't want my son to be disappointed, especially since it will be a relatively short time after coming off of a Disney cruise. Secondly, because I do think that the snorkeling would be great- especially with the shipwreck stories. I'm an avid diver, but have to stick to snorkeling when traveling with kiddo for a few more years.

Ha ha! I don't think Alaska on NCL (where OP is currently booked) = Nordstrom.

 

OP wants to go to Alaska in 2017. She's already taking a Caribbean cruise, which will have better beaches, IMO, than Bermuda, so an Alaska experience would be a good choice.

Is NCL that bad?

With no context or reasoning, I would discount any replies that just say one is good and the other is bad.

 

Bermuda=bad

 

Alaska= good

 

Does that really help?

 

I would lean toward Alaska simply because it has experiences you and your son can have almost nowhere else in the world. No videos or photos can fully prepare you fro the amazing sites and views in Alaska. Bermuda is lovely and a great choice, but since you have a Caribbean sailing also booked I would stick with Alaska for the sake of variety.

Thank you for this!

I am so torn and would appreciate any input!

I currently have an Alaska cruise (rt out of Seattle) booked for June '17. I am now considering if Bermuda would be the better choice. Travel party is myself and a 6 year old boy.

All plans need to be finalized by 8/31 or I lose my discount.

Thought on the 2 itineraries?

My child loves Glaciers (from what he's learned about them, never has seen one), and doesn't mind cool weather (originally I had planned on Northern Europe/Iceland itinerary before receiving this offer from Norwegian). He also loves the beach and we have never been to Bermuda.

We will be doing a Western Caribbean on Disney this winter, so if it were you- would you stick with Alaska for something 'different'?

I have cruised on the Pearl to AK in an aft suite on deck 10 - loved the huge balcony, great views, and all of the suite perks.

 

We had three adults and the room was OK - it would probably be better with two as there is no real private area for dressing - just pull curtains - similar curtains seperate the main bed from the sofa bed.

 

A suite perk that has not been mentioned is access to the DVD library for free. Just ask the concergie.

 

The aft suites are close to LaCucina and the garden cafe - a short walk to the central elevators which do go directly to Cagneys/Modernaro for your suite breakfasts and lunches.

 

The boarding in Seattle is well set up for the suite perks - you meet at a kiosk outside the main building and check in, they then escort you to the front of the security line and then upstairs to the suite check in lounge - there you sit and enjoy snacks - mostly desert stuff - whlie your final check in takes place and you get your room cards, from there you are escorted onboard and taken to either your suite or directly to Cagneys for lunch.

 

Usually the concergie is hanging around that area all morning, insuring that all the suite guests and VIP cruisers are taken care of - if you have an early excursion he/she will get you off the ship using crew walkways and special exits.

 

There is little tendering in AK so the priority tendering is not needed.

 

We are cabin dwellers - we like to kick back and relax play games and catchup on family stuff - we cruise with my DW and her mother so there is always family stuff to catch up on. The table in the suite is great for both card and board games - we usually bring a card game or two and check out others from the ship. We also like to sit on the deck and watch the wake.

 

Now for our next cruise (36 days away :)) we are moving to a forward SC family suite - not the aft, smaller balcony, but much larger room with a real second bedroom area for the MIL, a nice bedroom for us and a living room so we can all be together. It will be nice to have seperate and private areas for dressing.

Thank you for this!

I remember reading reports from some people who had free gratuities at the lower level and then upsold to the Haven, that NCL increased their perk and gave them free gratuities at the higher suite level. Which was nice for them.

 

But at the very least, if you upsell, you will keep your perk of $13.50/day for guests 1 and 2 towards gratuities, and you will only have to pay the difference ($2 per person per day).

I wasn't informed about this on the phone yesterday, still deciding if I'm going to upgrade from my current balcony to an aft penthouse suite (non Haven). Should I expect that I will be charged the extra $2per day pp?

Let me change your example slightly, because taxes aren't charged by NCL, but by governments. A car dealer advertises a $199 monthly lease but adds on a $20 per month administrative fee. Still okay in your book?

Yes. It is fine for a dealer to do that. Fees vary by state. A nationally advertised lease is what you are paying for the car itself, any other fees can not be included in that because the manufacturer does not know where you live..and no car dealership can do a blanket advert including taxes and fees.

I am positive that every dealer and manufacturer does say "plus tax title and fees" in any advertisement associated with a lease, so it is not being dishonest.

The same way that my casino isn't being dishonest by giving me a "complimentary ocean view", but I have to pay all taxes and fees and of course the upgrades and extras that I do. That is no different than a "free drink" promotion.

My issue there is with NCL charging me an 'admin fee' that I can't find disclosed anywhere else, but I admit that I haven't heavily researched it. Also like I said, with Carnival and NCL quoting me a price difference for an upgrade that is so different than what shows online. Norwegian's upgrade fees are at least more realistic than Carnival was, which is one of the reasons why I chose to pay for Disney Cruise Line over taking my "complimentary" Carnival cruise.

As for the Open Bar promotion, for me I look at the value the same as I looked at the cruise. At the end of the day am I saving or spending more for something that I don't really want? That's where my decision making comes in.

.oops. didn't look at the date

I've been following this thread. First, because I'm interested in what charges I may incur on my cruise that I may not expect. Secondly, because the term "hidden fees" always amuses me.

The line of work that I'm in deals with it constantly, so we are always pointing out where the "hidden fees" aren't so hidden.

Also, with my casino one of my perks was a "complimentary" (up to) 8 night cruise once every 6 months with Carnival (which I've come close, but never used due to itinerary restrictions, and I didn't care for the ship available). In this case "complimentary" means I still pay all additional taxes and fees, and then of course the upgrade from my included oceanview to a balcony or above- all of this makes sense to me. The funny thing is that I can't look at their website and know what the up charge will be. Carnival says their online prices are the sale, and the 'regular price' (not found online anywhere) is what I'm paying the difference on.

Example- if the online price shows a $400 pp difference, my price could be $600 pp. In my opinion that is truly a "hidden" cost, and really the only one I've ever experienced.

As of last month the rewards switched to NCL, it's similar because I have a "flat fee" for upgrade, this I understand more than a different non listed price. Some of the upgrade fees do not make sense and are higher than the difference online, others seem to be about the same. The one thing that was new to me was the $260pp ADMIN FEE, which apparently everyone pays, but for the general bookings it is already included in their price, not additional. In my case it's more of a (little less than) $2k discount (for Alaska, don't know about the other itineraries) more than an actual complimentary cruise.

Point being- "Free" is rarely ever really free, always check for asterisks and ask the right questions.

We (myself and my 6 year old) are doing the DCL Fantasy this December. I can justify their Very Merrytime Cruise (bc of the uniqueness) price, but won't pay their Alaska prices- so we are doing NCL Pearl in June '17.

I was a little nervous at first, especially because most DCL people say that "nothing compares to Disney", but as other have stated, I think the ports will provide plenty for him to do, and we can hang out and play games together on the ship.

It's tough too because the kid's clubs aren't a huge deal to me, even on DCL, because the point for me is for us to spend some qt together. So Family entertainment was important. At the end of the day though, like others have said- most of the amenities on the new ships are things that we already do at home. So even if you can see a couple of shows and hang out playing cards or board games it will still be great. If I was doing a warm weather cruise the pools would have been more important, so just make sure there are at least a few things that you know your children will enjoy.

What also helped me tremendously was reading trip reports here! Search reports for the specific cruise you're looking at, find the ones that have similar aged children.

Have a wonderful cruise!! :)

Not far from the aft elevator (maybe down 10 cabins), but sometimes I would walk to the forward elevator and figured I was burning off some calories from all the eating. So things that are at the aft or mid-ship are pretty close, while anything forward will be a hike.

 

Other than the Butler and Concierge, there is no one else you would need to tip. Don't forget tips for your excursions.

 

Just let the Butler know that you like strawberries, cheese plates and shrimp and he/she will take care of you.

 

Sounds like you've got this all planned out. I hope you have a wonderful cruise and please come back and let us know how it went.

Thanks! I just wanted to figure out a rough budget and stateroom selection. Now this trip is getting put on the shelf until well after Christmas. I'm sure I'll be back at that time with more questions.lol

I love cruising in an aft penthouse. I enjoy the extra space the suite gives me, I've sailed in a NCL balcony and thought it was really tiny and I love the larger balcony, because I can have a lounger to relax on. I really like the priority embarkation and disembarkation process, so I don't have to fight the crowds. I like the breakfast in lunch in Cagney's, especially on embarkation and disembarkation days or when I try to go to the buffet and it is too crowded. I ask that they not bring the snacks, only because I don't like them, but like that I can call my Butler for special treats like oatmeal cookies. I get great deals from CAS, so I'm not paying the website price, even though I pay a pretty penny for the suite upgrade, so it is a great value to me.

Thanks so much for your input. As far as the location being aft, is it a serious hike to everywhere on the ship? I would have faced the same issues with the aft mini suite, and thought maybe it was better that we ended up midship. The balcony room on NCL is definitely smaller than the one we will be in on DCL, that's another concern that I have.

As far as a budget (I'm thinking there are places we can scale back on the DCL/WDW trip i.e cabana at castaway cay)..

Here's what I know-

Everything listed here yesterday is included. Obviously I will tip the butler and concierge seperately.. Is there anyone else that I should tip?

We will be doing a helicopter/glacier dog sled excursion, a train ride for sure.. I'm thinking to plan about $2k-$2500 for excursions/food and incidentals in port. I'm a coffee addict, so I'm sure I'll have plenty of specialty coffees on my bill, but that shouldn't be too much. I do know that we'll order a cake and some of the specialty food offerings- strawberries, cheese plate, shrimp on my birthday.

Is there anything else that I need to include?

I know this is purely subjective, but to those who have stayed in a SF, if you don't normally cruise in a suite, did you feel it was "worth it"?

It's a $4k price difference, but if I would have had the aft mini suite that I wanted then the price difference was about $2600- that sounds better in my mind, or at least a little more justifiable.

I have just spent the past hour glued to this thread!!

I am THRILLED to read your trip report. I am doing this cruise 6/25/17. I hate cold weather, love scuba diving and sun and sand. My 40th birthday is on 6/25/17, and I always thought I would be on a beach with a drink or a fabulous European city. However, I have a 6 year old boy who is begging to go to Alaska. So, I'll be spending my 40th on a glacier with my son ;). Your trip report was wonderful for me.. I'm now getting very excited for our cruise!

We are doing a Disney Western Caribbean this Christmas, obviously I know that DCL will have plenty for us to do. I have been a little worried about NCL but after your report, and the descriptions of how much fun your daughter had, my fears are put to rest. Glad you all had an amazing time!!

I'm saving this thread so I can come back and read it again!

The following is what I copied from the NCL website. It does not list the ship we will be on, does everything still apply?

Special Services

Distinctive keycard

Butler & concierge service

Butler to unpack your luggage

Eats, Treats and Libations

Champagne, custom selection of liquor**, fruit, bottled water and sodas

Sparkling wine, bottled water and fruit on Embarkation Day

Mini-bar and espresso/cappuccino machine

24-hour Room Service

Invitations to an exclusive breakfast and lunch

Specialty dining delivered to your suite from any restaurant (cover charges apply)

Treats delivered right to your door each night

Thoughtful Touches

Bliss Collection by Norwegian™ pillow-top mattress

Fine linens, feather duvet and pillow menu

Plush bathrobes, slippers and towels

Luxury bathroom products

Arrival and Departure

Priority embarkation and disembarkation

Escort to suite

Priority boarding of tenders to shore

Exclusively on:

Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Sky, Norwegian Spirit, Norwegian Star, Norwegian Sun and Pride of America

In addition to the cabin being larger, the balcony is awesome. Deck 10 is the best deck, if it is available and I love 10164, because it is a corner suite, so you only have someone on one side.

 

You will get all the suite perks, except for accessibility to The Haven. You will have a Butler and access to the Concierge. There is suite boarding; you check in separately and then are escorted to a suite waiting area and then you will be escorted onto the ship for lunch in the restaurant where you will also have breakfast; it will either be Moderno or Cagney's. You should get all four perks for being in a suite, but keep in mind only the first 2 people get the perks. The best thing for me is the view.

With the 4 perks, I was told on the phone that I will not have to pay the gratuity charge on the dining or beverage if we switch to a suite. Is that correct?

You get a butler, concierge, invite to VIP functions, special restaurant for suite breakfast and lunch and many more

 

Concierge will make any reservations you need

Great, thanks!

Ask yourself how much time will you be spending in the cabin verses the amount of time on shore excursions.

On an Alaska cruise, you should be spending many hours a day on your balcony watching the whales and seaside. The best part of an Alaska cruise! We like the forward facing SE cabins a lot more for Alaska.

It's only myself and a child traveling..and we will be doing long excursions, but we won't be hanging out at a bar in the evenings. He probably won't go to the kids club more than once, so I do see us hanging out in our cabin more than we would on a Disney cruise.

BirdTravels- what do you like about the forward suites? Are the views/chances of wildlife better? This will be our only time in Alaska, I've never looked into it or even considered it before, but my child has been asking to go. Luckily I have plenty of time to learn. I chose for my 40th birthday to overlap with this cruise, so that's incentive to splurge.

Yesterday a booked a regular mid ship balcony cabin on the Pearl for Alaska. I had wanted an Aft cabin, but all were sold out.

I just called to price an Aft Penthouse with Large Balcony Suite, and am seriously considering switching my reservation.

Can someone name any other advantages besides the obvious location and size?

I do know that we get all 4 offers, and the gratuities for the dining and beverage packages are included as well, also no room service fee.

Will it help us get same day restaurant reservations?

I think we do get priority boarding, the woman on the phone had to check- came back and said "yes" so I'm hoping she's correct. Can anyone confirm this?

Is anyone aware of any Hidden Costs to be aware of when Cruising on the Breakaway...I know they are offering the Free Picks like the Drink Pkg and Specialty Dining....Is there any Hidden Costs associated with these...Thanks in Advance

I booked, for the first time, with NCL yesterday. The 'not so hidden' costs are the gratuities. I paid $99.54 for myself for gratuities on the beverage package, and maybe $20 for my child's gratuities on the soda package.

For myself I am going to compare if it's actually a better deal compared to the dining (which I think was $25 total in gratuities for the 2 of us), because the drinks will be a wash for me.

I booked a 7 night earlier today and it was 18%. $98 for the trip with the open bar promotion.

Well this was my whole beef with Freestyle Cruising... I don't always know where I want to eat each night. We would check the MDR menu and decide where we wanted to eat. I will tell you that even though you dont have reservations at the SDR, you can probably still can get in without a reservation as long as you didn't have a big party.

Thanks for the tip! I think I'll switch to the dining package and hope we have time for the 3! There's only 3 nights that we will actually be on board for dinner, so hopefully those don't book full and we'll have flexibility. We're a party of 2 so that should help.

As far as Cagney's is there anything that is restricted on the menu when using the dining promo, are apps included as well?