Greenpea2

Nether regions! Omg 😆 so funny! 😂

This is a great post. I knew there had to be a few peeps out there that will still post happy stuff along with any honest disappointments. Your attitude is like mine. I have taken numerous notes from recent reviews both on the Prima and other ships and I do adjust my expectations accordingly. It’s funny the things that are slightly disappointing to one person but a total bummer to the next. The only thing I have learned that I am SO DISAPPOINTED by, is that the Mexican restaurant no longer has on their menu the best fish tacos I have ever had! And no mention of street corn on their menu! My two favorite items! Alas, I will “somehow” manage to find enough other things to eat. But that is a disappointment…More than the awful high prices of the Haven! Go figure. We humans are interesting but sometimes ridiculous creatures.

Great to hear! The last cruise for me was a week before they shut down thanks to Covid (I just made it!). We were on the then-brand new Bliss. It was outstanding. I love the very smart move for the Prima of putting the sun deck in the aft. About time! And a bigger Haven bar should be great too. We spent a fair amount of time at the Haven bar on the Bliss. Best and friendliest bartenders I ever have had the pleasure of getting to know and they so enjoyed finding us all the best stuff we could drink with our super-duper beverage package. Which we are getting this time becuz..you know — live it up, baby, while you can!

I am going to have to remember the Epic next time I am Jonesing for the Haven. I was on it once on the transatlantic when it first came to the US. The Haven was really pretty! The weather was freezing the whole way over here and there was a wild wind tunnel from the Haven restaurant to the pool area. I did not love the general layout of the Epic so I just kind of went on to other ships after that cruise. But you are right, the Epic Haven is really very nice. Thanks for reminding me! And I’m betting the prices are better on an “older” ship than on the newest ones too.

No not your fault. Although I do miss our ever-gentlemanly leader posting his upbeat posts. 🙂

This might be my favorite post ever. Lol. You are a great writer and very funny! GMB, indeed. (or should I say “aye”?) I love her! Still laughing here…

It seems to me like this thread has changed from the-love-of-the-Haven and sharing Haven experiences to a lot of other things, not so happy and informative for people that will be in the Haven. I realize a topic can meander if that's what the posters want. But I'm sad that the feeling here is no longer what it was. The joy, love and interest in everything Haven. I don't even really come check it out much anymore and I love the Haven and will be on the Prima (in the Haven) in a month or so and have looked forward to the information that was shared here. I could not be more excited for my cruise. I love NCL, with all it's imperfections. All cruise lines have them. It's been several years since I cruised and that adds to my "thrill" of doing it again. Was I nonplussed by the cost? Well, yeah. But I am doing it anyway. I work hard and life is quick. I deserve it. That's my story and I am sticking to it!

Gee, I know everyone's experience is personal, but I would never say NCL food is poor. Have always enjoyed it very much.

Have to agree. Disembarkation is a breeze.

Some people use the Concierge a lot for things they either don't want to do, or can't (like get a specific dinner reservation). I can understand tipping them then. But we just don't use their services much, if at all. But yeah, it's partly because we feel we are "supposed to"! 🙂

Can we have a vote on the best answer? Cuz if so, i nominate this one! You know, this topic is "done" over and over and really, this assortment of answers is no different from any other one I have seen since I started cruising decades ago. There is no blanket answer, period. That is MY answer. There is no "standard" or "usual" answer. But just for the heck of it, I'll give MY "answer" (which is not "the" answer, since there is no one "correct" answer): I tip based on service. In general, room steward consistently works hardest for me. Usually $70-$100 for the week. If I have a butler that goes out of his way to be helpful and IS extra helpful, $75 to $100. Concierge? The most I have ever asked of a concierge is to make 1 dinner ressie, and other than 2 times, none have even been particularly friendly. Maybe $50, based only on guilt that I "SHOULD" tip them. Bartenders range from $1 to $2 a drink, to $2 a drink plus another $20 each at the end. And no one has ever responded with less than obvious gratefulness. Do what feels right. .

Yes.

Can someone tell me how much it costs? It's been 25 years since I cruised Carnival so I consider myself a newbie (again). Thanks.

I was facing this possibility and my PCC (who knows her stuff) said I could switch the second passenger out up until a few days before embarkation day. We did not get into specifics as to exactly how many days because I just wanted a general answer at that time. It was months out when I asked. I do know it was less than a week, though.

Celebration

They called me about a month ago and left a message. I called them back. I don’t have the number in my phone anymore but I found this one online for NCL Pre-cruise Concierge Desk: 855-625-4283. Give it a call. Hope this helps.

Strange that you had such slow service at the Haven restaurant! We had prompt and excellent service there every time we went. I guess it was an off week...

Just call and ask to be connected with one. I wish I was allowed to give you the name of mine, but am not. I love her and have used her for more than 15 years.

Prima has one side for smoking, the other side nonsmoking. People (nonsmokers) have reported no problematic smell.

I recently spoke with the Haven "Pre-cruise Concierge Department" to book dining. The woman I spoke to seemed disappointed that we had so few requests! LOL. She keft asking about daily snacks, etc. But she did offer all kinds of fruit juices for our fridge. So I know you can get those.

That totally stinks! We have an angled cabin booked on the Prima. They better leave that one alone. 😞

I'm so with you on this! I figured I was in the minority (and suppose I am, based on the comments). I loved La Cuccina. Onda's selections do not appeal. In general, seems like most/all the newer restaurants have focused way too much on seafood. The Mediterranean one had nothing that appealed to either of us. Oh well! There is plenty else to choose from.

I got mine about a month ago for this cruise. Since I already am booked in the Haven, the only ones available that I liked had SUCH high minimum bids! Ouch. Made me remember the "Upgrade Fairy" who actually did call me several times and the upgrade was so reasonable. My how times have changed, lol.

Well, I can't answer Q#2, but you can for sure have a festive little gathering in your cabin and without spending anything. We had a few friends to our room in the Haven once and I asked the butler if he could bring us a few things. Like cheese and crackers, bar mix, cookies, small sandwiches, etc. I can't remember what else but he was happy to help and offered a number of different things. You can also go the route where you pay extra for a shrimp plate and whatever else they offer for a fee, but we did not go that route and ours was very nice.

Oh, you are probably right. I assumed it was "regular" room, service. All I knew was that late at night it often was not my butler that brought it. Sorry for the misinformation!