gmbhardy

We’ve sailed more than 10 times in the Haven and six times in the YC. Service is generally better in the YC (Butler service is hit and miss on both). The sun/pool deck on the YC has a bar and buffet restaurant (open breakfast and lunch) making it far superior to the Haven. The included YC drink package offers more top shelf liquors. The Haven bartenders are mixologists and much better than their counterparts in the YC. We actually prefer the smaller portion sizes in the YC restaurant (you still have the option of ordering as much as you want). The Top Sail Lounge in the YC has nightly entertainment with pretty consistent waiter service as opposed to the Horizon Lounge in the Haven. NCL’s loyalty program is better than MSC’s. NCL entertainment is better. The Haven has more cabin choices. YC includes Spa access. If you’re doing a Caribbean cruise, the one major inclusion that sets the YC apart from the Haven is MSC’s private island Ocean Cay, where cruisers in the YC have their own private restaurant and beach area. The price difference between the two experiences was quite substantial a few years back but the YC prices are increasing to the point that some sailings are priced not that far apart. We are sailing in the Haven in two weeks on the Joy and have also booked a B2B on the Seascape in November. We enjoy both experiences but if I had to choose one I’d pick the YC because it’s still better value.

Ask your butler to pick some up from Starbucks.

We were on the Meraviglia in October. I had two cappuccinos with Bailey’s delivered to our cabin each morning.

I believe it’s open for lunch on sea days.

Same with me.

I don’t think it’s fair to generalize. The Panama Canal cruise I’m on next week has a very active roll call. Almost 17 pages and 400 posts. Lots of information sharing, excursion discussion etc. More than 250 people have signed up for the “Meet and Mingle”.

What ship were you on?

I’ll try😉. I will also post about my plus experiences on the ship (if the terrible wifi allows me to).

Thanks for posting. Good things to know. I’ll be on the Bliss on Saturday for a 15 day Panama Canal cruise. I purchased the plus package, but I’m having second thoughts, especially because of the length of the cruise.

Did you complain to the beverage manager or ask for your money back?

Great post and feedback.

Someone just posted the following on another thread: “Just as a heads up ... my husband, who is also a beer snob, was sorely disappointed with the District's supply during our last sailing on the Bliss in Nov. They were nearly out of all their taps as soon as we got on the ship :(. By the end of the sailing, not only were all their taps blown, but they also had run out of nearly all their bottles as well. Our cruise wasn't even sailing full.”

That’s very interesting (and revealing). Thanks for posting.

That’s NCL’s policy. Even if you wanted drinks delivered to your room from the Haven bar you would have to pay the full price plus gratuity.

All draft beers and bottles under $15 are included. There are a few selections like Chimay that exceed $15. In that case you will be charged the difference plus 20% gratuity. I believe Haven butlers will deliver whatever you want, but you’ll have to pay the full price plus gratuity for all alcoholic beverages.

I started a thread a few years ago about walking out at theatre performances. More than 14 pages of posts, if I remember correctly.

Why is the Daily Service Charge discretionary?

Yes, for a seven day cruise.

If you pre pay your daily service charge can you request it back at the end of the cruise?

There appears to be no end to all the cutbacks. As long as people willingly keep paying more for less the cruises lines will do whatever it takes to increase their margins. I really wish I could break this cruising addiction.

I think you’re right.

Please report back with your experience.

I think that’s a pretty sound strategy, however I’ve read that on some ships they run out of some selections near the end of the cruise. If that’s true on a seven day cruise, I’m wondering what might happen on a 15 day cruise.

Just made the decision to cancel the plus upgrade on our 15 day Panama Canal cruise next month. The cost of the upgrade was $1,305.00 (Canadian) for my wife and I, and from what I’m reading on numerous threads I don’t think there’s any value in keeping it. The assortment of premium selections is constantly shrinking as is the availability at bars around the ship. As many posters have stated having to go on a treasure hunt to get something you pay for is simply wrong. NCL staff have obviously been told to blame the shortages on supply chain issues, but the reality is it’s a cost saving strategy to limit consumption. Trying to get an updated list on what’s included is virtually impossible as it seems to change daily and is subject to the whim of individual ship management. When you are unable to provide the product or experience you sell someone, it’s not bait and switch it’s fraud.

Thanks. That’s the ship I’m on in two weeks. I have the premium plus beverage package so I hope they have a good stock.😉