Aesop081

Just finished a Haven H4 trip 2 weeks ago on the Jade, same layout, colours a bit different than the Pearl.  The one thing that stood out is that it felt intimate and uncrowded.  The courtyard attendant was wonderful, sure you don't have a dedicated bar but during the day he made sure you had what you needed from the Mojito Bar  and food also, using the menus from the Suite/Haven restaurants he'd bring you those up to the courtyard tables also which unlike in the picture are set up with linen and and cutlery from early to late afternoon. Evenings you were on your own. Lunch was from Cagney's...directly below the Haven, and breakfast at Moderno's also directly below. No more than a 60 second walk. Unless you ordered food through the butler, then he would set you up with nice linen on the table in your suite or Balcony.    Fixed menu but everything you ordered was made hot, and they never had issues going outside the limits of the menu for a request.  And the lunch prawn cocktail comes with 4 vs the up charged (4.99) prawn cocktail with the dining package that only has 3.   Never more than a dozen people in the restaurants for any meal and we had a full ship.  The "lap pool" however wasn't working and the butler mentioned that once they break the chance of getting them fixed is almost none.  I haven't done Haven in the big ships and probably won't as those ships are about as attractive to me as herpes.  The Jewel class are at my limit for dealing with crowds. 

Here's a few photos of 14012 on the Jade from 2 weeks ago.  Video taken with wide angle camera coming once I edit it. Will process second bedroom pics and add them later

Here's a couple of pics of the place.

I have no proof that the pre-mixed drinks have less booze than a custom made drink, but I was drinking Bahama Mama's all afternoon last week that were poured out of a Beer Draft tap.  Hardly felt a buzz.  Had a double Johnny Black with dinner, felt it.   I really don't care though to be honest.  They tasted good, I wasn't a wreck, and since I had the drink package I wasn't trying to "get my moneys worth".   Nobody wants rubberized loud mouthed drunks running all over the place.   So just enjoy the day.

For those looking for transport from the ship to the Hotel you need only get off the ship, walk to the end of the pier where you'll see people trying to get you to take private tours, just tell them you need taxi to Marriott and they will direct you to the taxi organizer.  We just completed our cruise 3 days ago and the visit to the hotel 10 days ago.  There is a fixed rate for the taxi of 3 US dollars per person each way.  Very reasonable and good taxis.  We made arrangements for the taxi driver to pick us up and although he wasn't available to pick us up he did arrange for someone else to do it and he was there waiting for us at the exact time we asked.  Overall a thoroughly enjoyable day. Albeit a wee bit windy.

4 hours ago, libertybelle41 said:

So, do you just call Marriott and tell them you're on Royal caribbean ship and looking to purchase a day pass (in our case for 5)? 

 Yes.  Follow the link I provided in post#13 and call their number Mon-Fri 0900-1700 and book in with them.  They will take your CC as a hold but won't charge.  Like a room reservation.  That way if there are tons of walk/drive ups you will have a spot reserved and won't miss out.  I can't remember the lady I talked to but she was very nice and this is nothing new to them.

1 hour ago, Homosassa said:

If you check the smallprint, your new rate and promotion were probably for only new bookings.

 

Your TA would not be able to obtain that rate and transfer were booking to the new offer.

Sometimes true but each time my TA has phoned the cruise line and they have almost always honored the price (just once they've said no).  She even managed to get me a 1 dollar deposit on the Black Friday booking deal on a cruise to short to qualify.  Hmmm, maybe a nice thank you bouquet for her desk is warranted.

I have a Princess cruise leaving in 51 days, 5 day Pac Coastal.  Started off at 1600 Canadian total for 2 people inside stateroom, ended up costing 1200 Canadian total for Balcony.  Called TA 4 times.  She was great and jumped on the savings for me.   That's customer service.  What you're experiencing is not.  When people in any company start feeling that they're doing you a favor by taking your money, it's time leave with your business to somewhere else.

1 hour ago, Georgie562 said:

I called it !!

Late last year I said they would raise them again this year!!

Up next... 25% dining and beverage service charges. Just wait for it 😉

I'm going with the subtle 22% first.  Just like what are now appearing on restaurant tip machines with the minimum auto selection of 18, then 20, then 22.

25% is I'm thinking a threshold of push back IMHO

8 hours ago, TrumpyNor said:

 

I actually believe they (NCL) only send luggage tags in the ordinary mail to suite customers in the US - they stopped sending that to suite customers in Europa several years ago...

Well that would be interesting.  I guess they wouldn't want to spend another 3 or 5 bucks servicing a customer to make them feel like they're getting treated special.  If you look at it from the total cost of all those mail outs I'm sure an argument was made by an accountant that they could save 50 or 60 thousand a year.  Except for the fact that the cost on the income of those room sales generated isn't even a rounding error.  Once again, how to NiCkLe and dime your way to the top.

And to add to that you can bet the cost of those services were originally priced into the exclusive price list.  They just decided not to honour it and keep the cash.

On 3/10/2019 at 5:14 PM, BirdTravels said:

Haven letters arrive 50 days prior to cruise.  You get luggage tags and a concierge letter. They are sticky tags. The Priority tags really don’t help getting your bags any quicker. 

8 days to go, still no letter, no tags. And we paid full price for Haven.   I'd say I'm shocked but NCL is now becoming a "who cares, we got the money, screw 'em, lots more people out there" kind of a company.

As an addition to martincath's info.  Check with your bank to see what Canadian bank they partner with regarding cash machines.  E.G.  We bank with Scotiabank that partners with Bank of America so that when we use a machine in the U.S there is no transaction fee, just the exchange.  That way you can get a quick 20 or 40 dollars in CDN without breaking the bank for the few things such as tips etc you want to give out.  Or not.  Just a thought.

On 3/5/2019 at 12:35 PM, Visigoth said:

They will generally contact you by email 2 or 3 weeks prior to your sailing.  They will ask you for any cabin choices you may have such as pillow types, extra towels, extra hangers, emptying out your fridge, etc.  They will also offer to help with entertainment and restaurant reservations.  I prefer to call them but you can use the email address as well.  here is the email that I received last time:

Yeah, didn't get that.  Not surprised.  Hoping service will be great on ship.

IMHO if you are anchoring in Maui at Lahaina you could do everything yourself.  All the tours by boat or submarine operate out of Lahaina.  Granted there are other places on the island that do so, but they won't be significantly different that what is available there.  And Lahaina is a great town to walk around and have eats and drinks before or after.  We go to Maui almost every year and we always visit the place.  

As for timings.  You can easily take a look on the internet for cruises and tours from the companies providing such things and book something that fits inside your schedule.  Especially the snorkeling/whale watching/fishing tours.  There are multiple trips by each company each day and they stick to their schedules.   As nice a town as it is, it is designed to separate you from your money as quickly as possible then repeat 2.5 hours later with the next group. 

Boat booked excursions do offer peace of mind.  But it's a rare day that they are cheaper.

I live in Victoria, BC and cruisers pay approx. 99 US each to tour Butchart Gardens where for that price per person per couple you could take a cab there and back, entrance fee (33 cdn), and eat lunch and have 50 bucks US in their pockets.  But it is a long way from the ship so...peace of mind.

We always get the drink package, but as a perk.  No way we would purchase it, I can drink, but even with NCL's incredibly high drink prices, I don't drink that much "every" day.  Some maybe...guilty.  But even with the known fare difference between sail away, and a regular cabin booking, I know that I will walk away ahead with the UBP. 

As for the side argument going on about value between RCL an NCL.  I wouldn't even think to get the drink package IF NCL charged the same, and still very profitable, prices for their umbrella drinks, well shots, and "premium" brands as the rest of the industry does.   And they know it, so UBP it is.  

It also brings out the bad habit of having 2 or 3 mimosas with breakfast when I'm cruising.  My poor liver, I hope it understands!

Excursions booked through Norwegian, or any other cruise line for that matter, will never be a problem.  The tour won't leave without you so long as you follow the rules for meeting your group the day of the tour.  And the ship won't leave without you 99.99% of the time.

Private excursions with third party companies, are a different story.  Just make sure you are scheduled back at the ship before the cut off time.  When you leave the ship there is a big ass sign that says, "Guests must be on board by XX:XX . 

Sailing Jade Haven 14012 in 14 days.  This is wonderful information as it is our first time in Haven also.  Keep up the good work.

Just now, DMH15 said:

So, you  say that NCL can make $10,000 in your scenario by bumping you up for free… Just imagine the same scenario bumping someone else from the two bedroom who's willing to pay 3, 4 or 5 grand then NCL makes 15 grand.  

IKR...but they've been pushing this upgrade every 2 or 3 days with emails.  Not sure many are going for it.  I am a realist however.  

Dear NCL,

I know you listen to these posts so I'm hoping I can get through to you this way.  Your emails always bounce back so this is your last chance to make money.

I am about to sail on the March 22 on the Jade.  I have booked a Haven 2Bdr Family suite.  Not because I can afford it on a regular basis but because you owed me a bunch of money from the Sun's trip through the Panama Canal last year.  That credit with the regular cost of a cruise allowed me to live large once.  So I am.  

Now you are desperately trying to get me to bid on an upgrade to a DOS or GV.  I can't afford that so here is what I'm willing to do.

You can voluntary upgrade me to the GV (since we need at least two bedrooms) and that will allow you to make over 10 000 dollars.   How about it.  You move me out of that very desirable 2bdr suite.  You then upgrade a regular suite to the 2bdr.  BOOM you've made 3 grand....nice work.  Then you move a mini- to the suite, bang another 2 grand.  Damn you are making money now, then the mini, the balcony and the ocean view and then sell the inside for full price.  SWEET.  It all adds up.  You have an opportunity to pocket some serious cash.

But I have to warn you...this is a TIME LIMITED OFFER.   If you don't decide soon you could miss out on this chance to increase your profits.

You know how to reach me.  14012

Loving this, going on the Jade in 18 days.  Keep it coming I'm very curious.

2 minutes ago, RedwingHockeyFan said:

The link that the NCL rep posted does not show anything about an upgrade package.  It still only shows the UBP at $99+20%.

I linked that thread because it was the start of the UBP upcharging and the discovery of the new SUPER...whatever pkg.  And that in that thread there is a line of discussions of the increase in pricing of quite a lot of the drinks so that most of them no longer fell into the UBP 15 pricing to force a decision to purchase the new add on package.  About 3/4 of the way through the thread, maybe sooner, NCL started backing off the massive price increases to include more into the UBP but still increased the overall cost of almost all drinks.  That was the end question in the post I was responding to.

On ‎11‎/‎16‎/‎2018 at 9:36 AM, Gampy1967 said:

Or just request a refund of your DSC and give the money to the Butler and make sure the Steward knows you did that.  Should create some fun between the steward and butler.

LOL...every now and again through these threads I stumble upon one of your pot stirring comments.  You remind me of my late grandfather that way.  It's a good thing.  Keep it up.

1 hour ago, cdnsteelman said:

So here's my question... with this premium option now in place how many drinks that were previously $15 or less (this included in the free at sea perq package) have mysteriously now increased in price?

Well if you have some free time, this should answer your questions.   Seriously though, read the first 3 pages and the last few.  They have the start of, the end of, and NCL's response (yup NCL rep responded in the chat) to the new system and how it was implemented.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2626038-not-happy-with-liquor-up-charges/

1 hour ago, Vineyard View said:

Marriott sounds attractive. Does that price include anything such as chairs, umbrellas, any beverages?  Thanks much for this Information!

Day pass includes

• Access to beautiful Frigate Bay Beach
• Lounge chairs, umbrellas, and beach cabanas
• Use of 3 resort swimming pools
• Whirlpool
• FREE WiFi
• 10% discount on food and beverages at select restaurants & bars
• 15% discount on treatments at the Emerald Mist Spa

    There is a company that will organize this for you but they charge 59 US per day per person and provide nothing but the very same thing you will get by booking through the hotel at 35 pp.  

https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/skbrb-st-kitts-marriott-resort-and-the-royal-beach-casino/

32 minutes ago, All-ready2cruise said:

I guess I don't understand why pax can't just pay the DSC and add to it if and when the service exceeds their expectations. It's how I've always done it since I've almost always had wonderful service from great providers of said service. 

 

What is wrong with paying DSC and just adding to it... do peeps not pay grats in restaurants and when at hotels? ... Sorry just don't get it!

Your last question is the very crux of the matter IMHO.  And the cruise industry has very carefully developed a method of "paying" their staff without it costing them anything.  First off, yes, I tip and I don't remove the DSC. 

Your question..."do you not pay grats in resaurants and when at hotels"  I'm certain almost all of us do in western societies.  Other cultures have different rules. Now when I cash tip the bell boy, it all goes into his pocket.  When I cash tip the doorman, it goes into his pocket.  When I tip a waiter/ess, well, that's up to the restaurants rules.  Bartender, same.  BUT you can bet your ass that doorman is not sharing his tips with the maids, the laundry staff, the carpenters etc. Maybe amongst the doormen, the bartenders amongst the bartenders, but not the cleaner who comes in a washes the floors.  And that is what I feel most are arguing about when this subject comes up. For us when we travel, DW, DD and I incur approx. 50 a day in DSC.  That number is just a cost of the cruise that NCL and other lines are afraid to incorporate into their pricing as the cost of paying their staff.  And then they make you feel as if you should pay more to recognize special service.  Well giving reward for special service is the original reason that tipping came into existence. Not as employer financial relief aid, but that's what society has turned tipping into everywhere.  An employer should pay it's employees a fair wage and I should be able to tip whomever I want when great service is provided.  Not just because someone works there and just does their job.