Enavigo
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the luxury ships are predominantly and older crowd with not as much to do. they are also very formal. we like the casual vibe of NCL, the wide range of ages and activities on board.
A second this. Also, for us the freestyle approach was a big draw to NCL. I'm in a suit all week for work and when I arrive at the office every morning my assistant prints my schedule for the day and then serves as taskmaster, keeping me on schedule and where I need to be. When I'm on vacation that is the last thing I want to happen! Ha
I love that we can go where we want when we want with little to no waiting. I love that I can switch or cancel a reservation same day if we're feeling we want something different. We've looked into some luxury lines, but the idea that I HAVE to seat for dinner at 5:30 or 8 just rubs me the wrong way.
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You have Platinum which adds back some lost Haven perks when not in the Haven.
How was the cabin space, one vs the other? Going from 500+sq foot to less than 250sq.
This is a main issue for us in choosing the Haven....
As an outside observer to some of this on a few occasions I would say "buyer beware." On my previous cruises the access to the Conceirge has been all over the spectrum for platinums with cabins outside the Haven. Overall, your success rate seems to vary by Conceirge and by ship (segregated vs non-segregated Haven).
I was discussing a matter with one Conceirge when a platinum called. The Conceirge politely asked how that person obtained his number and then advised them that his services were available to Platinum and above on an "as available" basis and that he would call back if possible. He ended the call by instructing the caller to speak with customer services or the reservation desk for prompt attention.
On another cruise, somehow a Platinum snuck in to the Haven (at like 2 pm on embarkation day -- when the Conceirge desk is packed) and waited at the Conceirge desk for some excursion/reservation help. The asst Conceirge noticed her room key and said she could not be in the Haven. At that point, it got a little heated as the woman seemed to think that, as a Plat plus, she was entitled to Haven access to meet with the Conceirge ... and no amount of discussion could convince her otherwise! Finally, the Conceirge came over and told her the Haven was sailing full this ship and would be unable to help her.
Finally, on my last cruise the Conceirge got a call (while I was waiting in line for priority tender) from a Plat and he just flat out said that the Haven does not support non-Haven travelers and that said person should seek help on deck 6.
So, I would expect significant variation on this point.
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We were also in the Haven 2 bedroom suite within the courtyard although one floor down on deck 15. I like being on 15 with all the Haven trimmings on 16. It seems a bit quieter there as only people that were staying in those rooms were generally the only people in that hallway.
Oh! You're right ... that could be the best of both worlds! Guess I'll need to book another cruise and give that a try :)
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I get what you're saying. We loved our mini suite with the large balcony on our 1st Breakaway cruise in October a few years ago. But if we are sailing out of NYC in a cold weather month, November-February, we will only do the Haven. The retractable roof courtyard area with the pool gives us a full cruise with good weather.
We will be cruising on our 4th Breakaway cruise in December, 3rd time in the Haven. It's worth it to us. IMHO
Totally agree. Our experience is limited to the Breakaway and an H2 suite, but we agree that we would rather cruise once a year in the Haven than take 2 non Haven cruises. Especially in the winter months where the outdoor areas are basically off limits for 3 of the days.
I've noticed a difference in thought on this question between people who book in the Haven courtyard and those with Haven suites outside the Haven. Those of us that stay in the Courtyard get accustomed to the peace and quiet and seeing the same faces as you come and go and catching up on the day over a drink at the bar. It really is a ship within a ship feeling and gives you the benefits of both a big and a smaller ship.
For us, we enjoy venturing out of the Haven for activities, meals, etc, but it is just so shockingly loud and crowded (which I totally understand). We have noted on several occasions that if we had to stay in that area 24/7 we would likely not view our vacation as favorably.
For those staying outside the courtyard I wonder if they are just more used to that environment such that shifting non-Haven isn't that much of a big deal? I also agree that have Latitude perks can certainly soften the blow. I guess everyone has there in calculus for this question but for us, it's Haven Courtyard or nothing.
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I posted on this topic last month based on some conversations I had with people on the Breakaway. Looks like it's actually going into effect a few months earlier than they excepted!
The change is the result of the domino effect of the Bliss homeporting in Miami in the winter months. Will be interesting to see what happens summer 2019 when Bliss heads back to Alaska. Does the Breakaway return to NY? Some other larger ship? I asked my contacts onboard the question and they said the question has been raised internally but that no decision has been made. They did say that the rumor is that the Breakaway will return and do a seasonal NY schedule much like the Dawn does now between Boston and NO.
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there is no NY schedules for 2019 yet and those are generally not released until December-janurary
Looking at the current schedules out of New Orleans, It appears that mostly likely Norwegian Gem will home port there since that ship will be doing cruises out of that port from late 2018 to early 2019.
I wont be surprised if NCL keeps both the Breakaway and Escape in NY with the Breakaway picking up the Gem slack of Bahamas/Florida runs and Canada while the Escape does the Bermuda.As of right now, NCL website shows both the Escape and Breakaway in NYC early 2019
I agree that having both Escape and Breakaway in the NY market would be good from a capacity standpoint, but my contacts say they have been told to take into consideration the new New Orleans home port for 2019 contract renewals. They also seemed surprised when I responded with "really?" They thought this was all public knowledge.
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there is no NY schedules for 2019 yet and those are generally not released until December-janurary
Looking at the current schedules out of New Orleans, It appears that mostly likely Norwegian Gem will home port there since that ship will be doing cruises out of that port from late 2018 to early 2019.
I wont be surprised if NCL keeps both the Breakaway and Escape in NY with the Breakaway picking up the Gem slack of Bahamas/Florida runs and Canada while the Escape does the Bermuda.As of right now, NCL website shows both the Escape and Breakaway in NYC early 2019
There is a Breakaway schedule through April 2019 out now.
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I realize that next spring the Breakaway is headed to Europe for some needed dry dock attention and then some fresh European itineraries for the summer/fall 2018 season. I assumed with the winter 2018 trips returning to NY all would continue as usual going forward.
However, I have heard from some folks currently working aboard the Breakaway (3 separate people actually) that, beginning in spring 2019, Breakaway will transition to New Orleans as it's new home port. The information appears to be consistent with the fact that itineraries for the Breakaway are not yet available for post-April 2019 trips.
Has anyone else heard this? If so, can we assume the Escape would pick of the slack? I enjoy the Breakaway and would be sad to see it go, but I'm willing to give a new ship a shot ;)
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Hurricanes are far more rare here in Boston, but as I child I do remember one coming through that knocked out power in my town
For a week.
I wish you all the best and hope the forecast for Jose holds. There has been enough devastation from hurricanes this past month alone.
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I like this one better ...
http://www.weather.bm/maps/bwsWTNT22.jpg?201799126
Go to http://www.weather.bm and hit the Tropicals link on the left hand side, and then click on the Maps Only link of the storm/hurricane of your choice.
Oh, I like this map even better [emoji3]
And, if memory serves, you reside in Bermuda, correct? Such a beautiful island and my favorite place on the planet. Just a beautiful, picturesque island with such warm and amazing people.
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5pm update is out with the revised cone track. It continues to follow the long-range models and now shows the anticipated stall with eastern progression. Also now expected to weaken to cat 1 by tues evening.
Again, all could change but I would take this as positive news as, again, the major models all continue to agree that the northern progression is likely to stop as Jose slows and gets caught up in trough.
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Folks last October they announced we were going to Bermuda on Breakaway until after we boarded. Forecast is hurricane strength through wednesday. If there is a chance of TS wind they won't go there. NCL was severely criticized last year for sailing too close to a storm. Their safety margins have expanded as a result. They will sail, but there will be a change if the forecast holds through Tuesday. Be ready for that.
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I am not disagreeing with you at all w/r/t your overall analysis. All I am objecting to is your use of "if the forecast holds." My point is, if the forecasts holds it will be nowhere near Bermuda! You seem to be trying to convince people that the forecast says something it does not and never has. That's all I'm trying to say.
Last fall that event had multiple model diversions, with several possible tracks close/over Bermuda. That is simply not the case here. Now could the models change? Of course, but my point is "if the forecast holds" starting mon/tues it will begin to head dead east or south-southeast.
All that said, being prepared for a change is always the best course of action.
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What I see: Official forecast is hurricane strength through wednesday and approaching Bermuda. TS wind will be within 50 miles. what RCCL is saying is the ship will sail. If this forecast holds I am sure ships will not go to Bermuda, the safety margin is too close. There can be no chance of tropical storm wind during the visit.
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Hurricane strength, yes (cat 1 or 2). Approaching Bermuda? Not sure where you get that from (other than the 3 day cone). As each day has progressed the cone has shifted in compliance with the models and no reason to think that will not also prove true today at 5. As for the wind field, it is not nearly as expansive as one would think. It is a small storm -- TS force only 80nm. Closest model run right now has it over 200nm out.
I agree all his could change, but if I were sailing I would be optimistic.
As for the no chance of TS winds in order to dock, I'm not sure where that comes from. One of my best memories of Bermuda is being on my balcony at the pier during a tropical storm.
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I just posted this in another thread as well. Here are the 11 am models for Jose. So far he has done everything as expected. He was predicted to get to cat 4 today, but he is much smaller than Irma and is headed into drier air and a significant increase in wind shear is expected. He will be a cat 1 or 2 by Monday am when all forward motion is expected to cease. He will lose his steering current almost entirely. At that point, some models have him headed dead east as a pressure ridge moves in from the west and others have him moving south-southeast.
There is still not a single model that brings him anywhere near Bermuda. In fact not even a single ensemble run (of over 50 permutations) has him hitting Bermuda.
I do agree that things can change and I also agree this will be a last minute decision by NCL, but I am encouraged by the NHC's statement that the unusual model agreement leads them to believe the models are accurate (they reference that almost complete agreement of the European and American models--which is very rare). In fact, each updated path we receive has further confirmed that.
So, in short, I do not think this is decided yet and I would not give up hope. They may even monitor the Anthem which has announced that it WILL head to Bermuda on Sat.
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Current predicted path of Jose. So far these models have correctly predicted his path, strength and speed. He is predicted to begin significantly weakening tomorrow, will lose his steering currents almost entirely on Monday and will slow down almost all forward momentum. Keep fingers crossed, but all the models still agree this will not be a threat to Bermuda.
I also just read that RCCL has announced that the Anthem 9/9 cruise to Bermuda will go as scheduled.
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So, not wishing to be a wet blanket but your situation is almost identical to ours last October. If Jose stays on forecast it will be pointed right at Bermuda 3 days out when you depart. They cannot go to Bermuda under those conditions. Luckily Irma is not forecast to interfere with NYC ships at this time so you can get out and maybe run South. Maybe. You really need a major change in Jose's path.
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A major change is actually predicted and the cone is just starting reflect that. If you look at the 5 major models, after that north turn they all either move dead east or begin to move south-southeast. In short, that north movement we see now is as close to Bermuda as Jose is predicted to get. In part as a result of a growing high pressure system from the north that is expected to settle right over Bermuda this weekend.
Taking it further, if you look at all of the 50 ensemble models not a single one has it hitting Bermuda, the closest run puts Jose 75nm to the south-southeast of Bermuda. And even that is the day before the ship arrives.
Also, Jose is expected to weaken significantly beginning on Sunday. Both from the drier air, being a much smaller storm than Irma and the increase in wind shear. All models say it will be at most a cat 1 and two models have it ceasing all forward motion and dissolving to a tropical depression.
Were I still on this sailing I would not give up hope! Everything that the NHC has put out on this storm (so far) is consistent with both the American and European models (which are in near perfect agreement). Can things change? Of course, but I would not panic yet.
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I'm on the same sailing. Jose's current predicted track definitely gives me stress, but we shall see! I'm going to pack a couple of things for cooler weather just in case we're diverted to Canada.
I think packing for that contingency is the only thing you can do. I would not expect to hear anything from NCL until boarding or maybe even later! I just ran all the various models and looked at all the ensemble tracks and Jose looks to be on a very weird track. They are going want to wait until the last minute to see what is actually going to happen.
None of the models actually have it hitting Bermuda and only one of the 50 ensemble tracks brings it close. The projections have it continuing N-NW (toward Bermuda) for the next few days, but in the Sun-Mom timeframe it is expected to stall out and either be pushed dead east or even retrograde! Also, it is expected to weaken in this same timeframe and wind shear is expected to increase.
It's pretty clear what is driving these models, there is a forecasted high pressure system dropping down from the north right over Bermuda next week. The strength of the that high and its location will be what steers Jose. Sad part is it looks like no one will know that until Sun-Mon timeframe.
Even if it does curve out over Bermuda, it will only be a cat 1 at most (and several models have it only as a TS). So maybe it will go to Bermuda or possibly delay arrival a 1/2 day or day?
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I think the way it usually works with many cruise lines, is that the percent offered is off the price of your next cruise. So, if you spent $10,000 on this cruise, you do not get $5,000 to spend on another cruise. Rather, if your next cruise is $5,000, you get 50% off which is actually $2,500.
If true, that's a terrible business decision. I can't believe that is how it would work. So someone who had an inside stateroom on this cruise gets 50% off the price of a garden villa on their next cruise? Is this deal contingent on selecting the same stateroom category? If so, then perhaps 50% off the future fare would work.
Tying it to what they were willing to spend on this cruise would be a far more rational decision all around.
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Citation needed.
This made me laugh out loud! It reminded me of my time as managing editor of the Law Review back in my law school days. Authors would make outlandish statements all the time with nothing to back them up. I started by calling them out with long statements like "you make a legal conclusion without any documented support for your proposition."
After about 3 month of that I just started saying "citation omitted?" Thanks for the good laugh and trip down memory lane. [emoji3]
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All of the Boston Cruise season is at risk for major storms.
True, and even though I live a 20 min walk from
Black Falcon, I've never cruised out of Boston. As long as I can get the credit for this cruise I'll be good. I'll just cruise in the winter. We're cancelling tomorrow and headed off to Scotland for a scotch tour instead [emoji6]
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We were on the Breakaway for Hurricane Matthew ... our original itinerary from NYC to Bermuda was changed to NYC-Pt Canaveral-Nassau. There was a lot of talk about changing it to Canada and the need for passports(?), warm clothes, and excursions. The cruise ended up being our worst. We learned not to book during hurricane season. Best of luck!
Yeah, pretty much my fear being realized. We won't make this mistake again. No more hurricane season cruises for us.
Live and learn [emoji6]
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Yikes, I am absolutely wishing the best for all of us and of course hope you have a happy and safe cruise to Bermuda! And i also tell myself this is not the cruise lines first rodeo and where will it be their last and they know how to navigate these situations
Thanks for the well wishes. I know it's hurricane season and we all took that risk, but just a bit of a bummer. We'll probably just cancel and take the 90% credit and spend the week in Scotland on a scotch tour. Maybe cruise next winter.
I really think you will be fine and I hope you have a great cruise! [emoji3]
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I wouldn't worry about the Canada itinerary. You should be just fine. The models that have it coming up the coast have it curving out to open ocean far away from that path.
It's those of us that are on the Breakaway the next day that are supposed to go to Bermuda that are worried. The Breakaway will probably be right behind you [emoji57]
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I just have insurance with NCL. We are from the Houston area. When my parents started getting water in their apartment this week and later had to be rescued by boat. Not expected to get back in for a few weeks. I called the insurance company to see my options. It seems like they will be covered under " unlivable household" but they made it sound like it would be the biggest pain in the rear to claim. And they weren't 100% sure the claim would be approved. NCL did tell me if it wasn't covered to call them back and we could get 75% on future cruise.
So I sympathize with you.
To my surprise, my parents still want to go. However, if by Thurs or Friday it looks like it's coming anywhere near Miami, I will cancel.
Most importantly, I am happy to hear that you and your parents are safe. Harvey is one of those natural disasters that really helps put things in perspective. I may not be able to go on vacation in 2 weeks, but I am fortunate that I have a safe, dry condo to live in (well, at least for now as those of us up in Boston know our harbor/waterfront is in trouble).
I also have my insurance through NCL--I guess I just have a different product, but your experience confirms my suspicions. As for your cruise, I hope all goes well as i'm sure a little escape right now would be good for all. And with the models trending more and more north each day Miami should be fine!
Have a great trip is you go and best of luck with the Harvey recovery.
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Haven restaurant dessert
in Norwegian Cruise Line
Posted
Regarding Margaritaville, I wonder if that is a ship by ship thing? I can tell you that Haven guests aboard the Breakaway are NOT offered free lunch here on embarkation day.
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