Candy Apple 12

2 hours ago, Sailing12Away said:

With all things being equal, Celebrity Retreat is always much higher in cost for us than NCL Haven. Our one and only Retreat experience was on a smaller ship (Summit), and did not even come close in comparison to what we experience on NCL (NCL was leaps and bounds better, except for the private restaurant, Celebrity wins there). 

 

Celebrity is no longer including gratuities for free, so no different from NCL's daily service charge.

 

Celebrity doesn't include the mini bar for free unless you're in a top tier room, so no different from NCL. NCL's drink package is pretty reasonable at only ~$21/pp/day - you can decline it if you want and just get a soda plan. NCL Butler can bring you a pitcher of ice water, lemonade, fruit juice, or fountain soda for free - you can't get that in the Retreat unless you're in a 20K+ room. They charged me $5 for a bottle of water just for removing it from the fridge and putting on the counter so I can put my own water bottle in there - never had that with NCL.

Butler on NCL will also bring you snacks throughout the day of nearly whatever you want. With Celebrity, my MIL was only in a sky suite and told she can walk herself to the lounge to get a snack (she was in a wheelchair BTW). We were in a celebrity suite and only got anything because we asked the butler about it, and he brought the exact same thing every day of the trip. NCL butlers will mix it up based on what you tell them you like. 

 

Snacks in the Retreat lounge never changed for us - ever. Some veggies, popcorn, and small canape sandwiches - that's it. With NCL depending on the ship you'll be on, if you're on one with a full Haven observation lounge there are free snacks there throughout the day that change up often and have a much wider selection than Celebrity gives you. Wait staff come through both there and the upper sun deck outdoors to take drink orders, or to get a bigger bite than the self serve snacks - never saw that with Celebrity.

 

With NCL the pool, sun deck, lounge, private bar, private restaurant - they're all in the same general location. So easy to go from your room to any of those exclusive areas without having to fight through the crowds of the regular ship. With Celebrity the restaurant was aft, the lounge forward, sun deck not accessible for MIL in her wheelchair as the elevator has been broken for 2+ years and they didn't tell us until we got on board, no pool - only a hot tub, and to get to it you had to walk through the crowds near the regular main pool area. So we went once to see it and quickly left. 

 

It honestly all depends on the Celebrity ship you're used to, and the NCL ship you're looking to try out. Not all NCL ships are built the same, and I'm sure if we had enough money to try Celebrity again on a newer ship in a fancier room our experience may be different - but that first trip didn't make us think it was better than the Haven at all. Not counting the Galapagos trip as that's a completely different beast all together, our next Celebrity trip will not be in the Retreat - not worth the price of admission at all.

 

*Edit - also forgot to add that the tip for butler and concierge on Celebrity are not included either. Butler made a point to remind us on day one, and we only spoke to the concierge once on day 3 after having many issues with MIL's room and level of service she was getting. Never saw our cabin steward until the last morning when he showed up with his hand held out for a tip with the butler. 

Thanks for the comparison. Does Celebrity go to the Galapagos? It’s a trip I’d like to take, but otherwise based on your post, I’ll stick with the Haven. 
 

The butler brought a pitcher of fountain soda for free? Did you have the drink package? 

7 hours ago, litebender said:

It's actually fairly sturdy for a plastic device. Also compact.  Could also hold a few coins, or breath mints, or a memory card (I still take a digital camera along). 

How about a photo of it being used?

On 5/8/2024 at 12:32 PM, chengkp75 said:

Just the same as they have in the past, essentially not at all.  Probably 25-30% of new hires either don't complete their first contract, or never come back after the first contract.  No way to "vett" somebody as to whether they are compatible with shipboard life.

Do most crew have shore training before getting on the ship? Or do they do all their onboarding with HR and training for their position specific duties on the ship? Just curious since this was the crew member’s first day on the ship. I wondered how much in person interaction he had with NCL prior to that day. 

20 minutes ago, Russiamomm said:

We got on the Joy on April 14.  There is definitely a separate security line for Haven. It’s on your left as you enter the terminal.

To clarify, is this after you enter the building?

@kismetique Thank you for sharing your ChatGPT poems. You’ve taken @Sthrngary’s butler letter to the next level!

2 hours ago, kismetique said:

Our family of 6 just did this exact same set up.  

 

You could always pay for Priority Access for the 2 in the club balcony.   BTW the set up is perfect!  We as parents, left the door open between the rooms and our married child could close the door in the club balcony when they wanted privacy but always had access to the living area which was not used as a sleeping space.  We had another friend and his child with us,  so once we were up for the day,  we left our cabin door open so they could also come and go as they pleased. It was a great way for the steward, butler and concierge to easily access us more often! More familiarity equals more service and perks. We always greeted them with a smile and were welcoming of any small talk.  It was great!

 

If I had thought of paying for Priority Access I would have.  I don't particularly think of eating lunch in Carney's as a perk. The food is not that great and the menu NEVER changes.  We never ate in there.  We did have breakfast delivered each morning and whomever said they won't limit you... it's quite subjective.  If I ordered too much more than what appeared appropriate for the 3 in our suite,  it simply wasn't included in the delivery, twice it happened.  My husband is a huge breakfast eater and I discussed this with our butler and the Order was never shorted again.  The rest of the family and friend actually preferred the buffet, so that wasn't a big deal for us. 

 

Here's where I wanted the perks....

Tendering and snacks.   I gave both the butler and concierge an envelope marked 1 of 2 with a tip inside and a poem written using AI about my specific requests.  Both knew there would be more tip coming at the end and we got both Priority Tendering and extra treats and candy for the whole party. 

Money talks. 

Care to share your poem? I’d love to read it. 

15 hours ago, maryjaden said:

Thank you all for the information on the Haven.  We just upgraded to the Haven. Our first NCL cruise. We are sailing on the Bliss. We have sailed with RCL in suites for 30 years and we were happy with that until post covid..... A large group from our area is going so we thought we would give it a try. One question I have is that I have read there is a day butler and a night butler. Should I plan on tipping both or is it a pooled tip?

It is not a pooled tip. I asked the Bliss concierge about this when I was adding our tips to our account. We never travel with a lot of cash, and we like to pay for as much as we can by credit card, so we add tips to our onboard account. The concierge actually needs the person’s full name and department so they can add the tip to the correct crew member’s account. The night butler had been delivering hot tea every morning at 5:30 AM, but my husband never caught his name. The concierge was able to look him up so we could tip him. The concierge said the day butlers do not need to “tip out” to the night butler.

On 4/18/2024 at 5:34 PM, luckybecky said:

Saturday March 23 Sea Day

 

We’ve had rocky seas! Captain says this is actually mild for the Tasman sea; it could be worse. It was rocking all night. The same in Wellington. This is probably the rockiest cruise I’ve ever been on. Thankfully neither of us is bothered by sea sickness.

 

We also participated in the Crowd Trivia game show which was a fun diversion. The sea continues rocking hard all day and night. People staggering around looking like they’ve had one too many glasses of wine. 

Did they ever close the outside decks? This was from our Bliss Panama Cabal Cruise. The pools were closed, as well. 

55 minutes ago, 9tee2Sea said:

  IF YOU ARE IN HAVEN..none of this applies.  

 

Not necessarily. On our Bliss Panama Canal cruise, we were in the Haven and had to go to the theater for our excursion in Cabo San Lucas, which is a tender port. This was the only ship excursion we took, so I don’t know how the other ports were handled. 

17 hours ago, marktwothousand said:

also, I have AirTags, so I should be able to find my suitcase very quickly in the pile. 
 

The first time I used AirTags for a cruise was our Bermuda trip on the Breakaway in fall 2021. We couldn’t find our bags in the MCT so I took out my phone to use the Find My app and was quickly chastised by a port employee that I couldn’t use a cell phone in that part of the terminal. When I tried to explain what I was doing, she didn’t care. Luckily we spotted the bags shortly after that. 

32 minutes ago, dbrown84 said:

you can absolutely put refundable OBC on your account using a credit card.  The limit is $1000 though.  I can't speak on whether you can get the $$$ at guest services on embarkation.  I've never heard of it being done before

Thanks for the info on the limit. 
 

22 minutes ago, Russiamomm said:

Yup.  Last fall the new Amex offer came out a week before we sailed.  I had already paid for everything.  I ended up buying $1000 of OBC to get the $200 back from AMEX.  I am a gambler, but didn’t want to pay the 3% to use money I already had on the account, so I used cash.  I also needed more CNs, but didn’t want to use the OBC to buy them because I wanted the 3% I’d get charging it to the NCL MC.  They wouldn’t let me cash out the OBC until the last day of the cruise.  So I was in line when the Guest Services desk opened that morning and got my $1000 in cash.  Then walked over to the CN desk and bought my CNs.  It worked like a charm. 😃

 

 

That makes more sense. I assume that you didn’t have any other on board charges before the last day, so you were able to take advantage of the deal. I suppose if you wanted to spend the last day of cruise in the casino, this method could work. I don’t gamble but my mom likes to feed the machines occasionally, so I’ll keep this in mind for her.  

6 minutes ago, BirdTravels said:

If it is refundable, you can go to guest services on embarkation day and withdraw it for cash. Then put it in a slot machine for no fee. 

Have you actually done that? If so, it would avoid the risk of traveling with a large amount of cash.
 

Can you put refundable OBC on your own account using a credit card? If so, wouldn’t doing this allow you to get the points from your rewards credit card on money you would be using in the casino?

3 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

Most of the meats are served medium-rare. If you want it cooked more, just as the server. 

 

Someone mentioned Fogo,,, my problem with them is that you are bombarded with upsell offers. Kinda takes away from the atmosphere. When someone comes to the table... the question becomes "does it cost more... yes?... go away". 

What kind of upsell offers at Fogo? I haven’t been there in a few years but I don’t remember ever being bombarded with upsell offers. 
 

If you are used to the quality of food at Fogo, do not expect the same at Moderno. The cheese bread is just as good but Fogo’s meats are much better. 

On the Bliss there are shelves with towels and robes to the right as you enter the Thermal Suite. You just take what you need and return them to the dirty bins when you are done. 

People watch. It’s like whale watching, but can be much more entertaining.

39 minutes ago, dexddd said:

Have fun using the Haven elevators.

 
Please elaborate. 

4 hours ago, graphicguy said:

 

Going off the rails a little bit since I don't want to start a new live thread this far in advance....

 

 

@cruiseny4life....Since I'n now booked, I'm in full planning mode.

 

First up, getting to Pier 88.  Well before the Covid shutdown since I've sailed out of Manhattan.  I used to just get a taxi or limo.  But, I've had really good luck with NCL's transports recently.  

 

If you've used them, pretty good?  I'll be coming into LGA....$75 total both ways.  I think I spent way more than that on an Uber, but I can't recall the airport I flew in to.

 

I know what I preach, but this go round it's not something I can do.  I am sailing out June 16.  But, I have an award dinner I MUST attend (since I'm one of the recipients) on Saturday the 15th.  I'm flying in the day of.  

 

 

Congrats on the award!

38 minutes ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

I've only done it at the Shorex desk.  I barely trust NCL's app for viewing the dailies.  You would need to go there anyways to turn in your vouchers for the original reservation you are cancelling. Can you even do that on the app?

I have no idea if you can do that on the app. I asked because you had mentioned risking losing your reservation to someone on the waitlist. What exactly happens when you cancel and rebook at the Shorex desk as far as refunding and payment? Do they refund to your initial form of payment and then charge your onboard account for the new booking? Do they actually take your vouchers and print new ones? If I were a Shorex desk worker, I’d wonder why you are wasting my time to cancel and rebook the same excursion. Have you gotten any pushback trying to do this?

14 minutes ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

I've booked/paid in advance and then cancelled/rebooked on the ship.  People claim that there is a risk of losing your slot to somebody on an alleged "wait list" but most/all haven't had this problem.  Certainly, if the Shorex is not sold out when you do this, there is zero risk.

Do you do this in the app? Has anyone tried going to the Shorex desk to do this so as to avoid the risk of losing your slot on a sold out excursion?

On 3/30/2024 at 9:33 AM, McGarrett5oh said:

 As a test I mentioned in a previous post, we have always singled out exceptional service on post cruise surveys so on this next Haven cruise we're going to ask our attendants early on if we can take their picture with their name tag "for the survey".  I have a feeling that may motivate them more so to provide quality service than the hope for a tip, as the comments on the survey have a signifcant impact on their long term compensation & promotions.  They won't know whether they will get positive or negative reviews from us, but certainly can hedge their bet.

This sounds like a great idea! I’m going to try it next time.

On 3/31/2024 at 11:43 AM, Battlement said:

 FYI I also like to order the occasional dish from one of the MDRs at Haven/Luminae.  This week, Haven was swamped, and could barely get their own food out to the tables. When I asked our butler about MDR food the one time we dared room service with him, he said ‘I only have the Haven menu. The other one changes every day’. So I probably could have gone to the MDR, asked for a menu (it’s not on the NCL app, other apps include daily menus) and then tried to convince him to bring me some French onion soup? 😂

 

 

 
The last two cruises I asked our butler to bring the next day’s MDR menu to our room each evening. Since I have to eat gluten free, this allowed me to see the menu in advance in case I wanted to order something from the MDR. With special diets, they ask you to order ahead so they have plenty of time to prepare the special meal.
 

In December on the Bliss our butler had no problem with this. For some reason our butler on the Escape in February could not understand my request even though I had clearly written it out in my butler letter. Halfway through that cruise, he finally got it.   
 

I agree that the app should include the MDR menu. I’m sure others would appreciate having at their fingertips to help them decide what to do for dinner instead of walking to the MDR. 

3 hours ago, Distinctive-Destinations said:

I may be mistaken but can you use OBC for bingo? I thought that was considered gambling? I don’t think you can use it for that?

1 hour ago, laudergayle said:

We have used SH OBC for Bingo and Deal or No Deal.  It was listed as Cruise Staff Gaming on our invoice.  Don’t know if it is always this way.  We discovered it in November on the Bliss.  After playing look at your account on TV in stateroom…they breakout the charges and shows how your OBC is being used.

On the Escape this past February I was told by the cashier’s desk officer that all gambling is excluded from being paid for by non-refundable OBC (shareholder OBC is non-refundable). He said this included bingo, Deal or No Deal, Wheel of Fortune, and the casino, of course. I found this out after blowing $50 on Wheel of Fortune because it was towards the end of the cruise and hadn’t spent any of my SH OBC yet. My account showed that I still had my $100 non refundable credit and that I owed $50. I was able to transfer my OBC to my mom’s and sister’s accounts because they both had made some purchases.  

On 3/25/2024 at 10:57 AM, NclCruiuser said:

What is the general rule for tipping? I'll handle bar tenders, etc but for the concierge and butler (anyone else?) how much is appropriate. Since there seems to be day and night staff, do you tip each of them? BTW one thing I just found out and hated - I booked through the Marriott points program and got my "final" bill that I paid. When I called NCL to ask about one of their policies she asked it I wanted to pay for the tips now? I was like - WHAT?? I had already paid a large amount for "additional fees". I asked and she told me $25 per day per person for waiters, back staff, etc. I'm fine with those charges but why not include it in what I just paid rather than surprise me with it later. 

Best... Steve

On our Bliss Panama Canal cruise, we tipped the night butler separately because he delivered hot tea every morning at 5:30 AM. My husband is at work by 6 AM every day and wakes up early, even on vacation! We asked the concierge and the day butler does not have to “tip out” to the night butler.

On 3/21/2024 at 9:53 PM, Battlement said:

This is an amazing thread. Thanks to @Sthrngary @cruiseny4lifeand the other folks from this board who have answered my questions. 

 

We have been Retreat devotees for a decade, and this is our first Haven experience. Like Gary, if my wife is happy, I am happy. So, my plan is to tip the Haven staff early (bartenders, Butler, maybe concierge) and maybe even let them know that I would like to open my wife's mind to NCL Haven (sorta spark some friendly competition, give them a financial and pride-based reason to make the trip awesome!).

 

I hope we get a great butler. I'm ready with cash to toss his way (her way? are there female butlers? anyway...) 

 

Getaway room 13902, leaving in 3 days.  If you're on the ship or have questions about anything I'd be glad to try to pay it forward to all the folks that have answered mine.

 

One last question: my son is super excited for the noodle bar. All I keep reading is that the lines for it are insane. Any tips to help out with that? Can the concierge get us in the back door, or perhaps the butler bring dishes to our cabin? 

 

Thanks again, all!

One of my favorite butlers was Fanny on the Bliss. 

I agree with @Guindalf that it’s a money grab. In addition, it is considered gambling so you cannot use your NCLH non-refundable stockholder OBC to purchase the “cards” which is done through a website on your phone. If you do plan to go, make sure your phone is charged. You do not have to use your internet minutes to play. 

29 minutes ago, Texas Realtor said:

They cancelled the price is right. I will let you know about the donna summer show. I heard others talking about it and I think it is going to happen. I will let you know. 

Just for your sailing? Did they say why?