molemaui

I've checked deck plans and found nothing. I've called NCL and answers are something like, "I think so" or "there should be". Anyone who has sailed on the Prima-Is there a running/walking track? Thanks

I've sailed Retreat three times on Edge class ships and thought just about everything was over the top fantastic. Loved the uncrowded pool/sundeck, Luminea, the lounge, etc. This coming Friday we board the Prima in Haven. Have not sailed Norwegian in a long time. Looking forward to the comparison between Haven and Retreat.

Realizing food tastes are totally subjective, it will be interesting when I sail Prima Haven later this month. If NCL has better food than Oceania, I will be surprised and totally pleased. Up until now, several Oceania cruises have convinced me they have the best food at sea.

That is exactly what I upgraded to. Great advice! (at $29 glass for Vueve Clicquot, I'll have that paid off by the second or third day!)

I have upgraded the internet and drink package. Once I saw Vueve Clicquot and Woodford Reserve along with a long list of single malts. that was the only choice!

I'm doing things somewhat in reverse. I've sailed Oceania (absolutely fantastic), Silversesa (fantastic), Regent (OK), Viking Ocean (Great ship, sup par food), Holland America (pretty good but not great) and Celebrity Retreat (absolutely fantastic) several times each. From friends recommendations and CC boards, we are sailing the Prima later this month in the Haven. I get hung top with numbers and did what I call a "value analysis". We have among the least expensive Haven Suite and when I add unlimited internet and premium plus drink package, we are at approx. $1200/day for the two of us. We've gotten pricing on every other line mentioned above under the $1000/day point so this is really a "leap of faith" and hoping the premium price is truly worth it. (comparing apples with apples, HAL and Celebrity were always in suites for pricing purposes. On Regent and Silversea, cabins were spacious enough at 336+ft/sq so suites weren't necessary) It is said that Celebrity "copied" the Haven concept with their Retreat product on Edge class ships. We loved having our own uncrowded pool, sundeck, lounge and restaurant. Just like living in the suburbs, when you want to go out, you go to the city. On the Celebrity Retreat (like Haven I hope), you just get in the elevator. Like you, I'm retired so these splurges will be evaluated against more frequent trips at a lower level. Really appreciate your posts and have learned a lot about NCL.

Did the same especially on long drives. The onion "stench" kept you awake while driving and the sliders are darn good!

Best Dover Sole I ever had sailing was on Oceania. On your recommendation, looking forward to trying it on the Prima in three weeks.

What a great Whiskey/Bourbon menu. Glad I upgraded! Also see Vueve Clicquot. Gonna be a great cruise! Thanks again for your posts and information.

Correct. The current cruise fare is likely to be somewhat to a lot higher than it was when the discount was issued.

Cruise fares have shot up dramatically (at least from my perspective). It makes sense that the discount would appear to be meaningless if 10% was taken from a higher cruise fare.

Skip the hype and look at the bottom line. Everything else is marketing bs.

Are the Starbucks pastries included or extra charge?

Between Veuve Clicuot, single malts, Moët and Pommery at dinner, we'll do just fine.

That is now my favorite quote!

True, we were in the "new" section. Many of the friends we met weren't so lucky. My understanding is the problem is finally resolved. It took halfway into the next cruise out of San Juan for that to happen.

Never even considered that! Thank you!

Another thank you for your posts and knowledge. Planning on booking the Haven on the Prima shortly. Totally unfamiliar with NCL. a. Is there a preferred deck to book?(Choices are 12 through 15 all mid ship) b. Oceania, Silversea, etc. have self service laundry. Does NCL - or do you just use the ship laundry? (Going to be gone 2, maybe 3 weeks and want to minimize luggage) c. Is it better to upgrade to unlimited internet on second day? How about drink package? Just so I understand correctly, are all drinks $15 and under included on ship provided package? (If so, I can forego single malts and drink sparkling wine instead of Champagne for a few days!) d. Do Haven guests get any assistance on restaurant and show reservations? Apparently there's a bar with great entertainment that is supposedly difficult to get in unless you wait for an hour outside. (I don't do hour waits!) Thanks again.

Your review is pretty much exactly how I would characterize my Boston/San Juan cruise three weeks ago. A really excellent cruise.

I was told the amount given in compensation was based on cruise fare paid AND degree of effect from lack of A/C. (How do they figure that out?)

In reviewing the various Haven cruises available within my available time period, I noticed Haven on the Escape rates to be significantly lower than many of the other ships. I then looked at the NCL site and saw the Escape has not been refurbished (built in 2015). Is the ship worn/shabby? Can anyone who has recently sailed the Escape in Haven chime in? (In the Caribbean, I don't care where the ship goes-just want the ship) I like to save money but not at the expense of lesser quality experience. ALSO-except for the Prima, any understanding is the Haven pools are in the courtyard and covered. You Tube videos imply the top is retractable. Is that so? Is the top open on nice days at sea? Thanks

I just wanted to thank you for your tremendous "Haven Primer". Having sailed many other lines (luxury and other), I've come to really enjoy "The Retreat" on Celebrity Edge class ships. Many have told me I have to try "The Haven". With your information and insights, I'm going to and know my cruise will now be even better. BTW, I see in your signature on other posts you're booked on Oceania next year. My opinion only-I think their food is the best at sea. (better than SIlversea and Regent) Be interesting to hear what you think.

The only ship I've been successful doing that is Celebrity's Edge using streaming WiFi. Worked great although only used it 4 or 5 times.

I've only sailed Retreat on Edge class ships and am now considering the Equinox. Knowing the Retreat Sundeck was retrofitted and not part of its own pool like the Edge, how cumbersome is it to go back and forth to the pool? Deck diagram shows you go from 16 to 12. Seems a bit much each time you want to take a dip. Hoping to hear otherwise! Also, diagram looks like there are hot tubs on the Retreat Sundeck. Are there? Thanks.

I sailed the Star Pride from Boston to San Juan (10/23-11/3). We were in the "new" section and a/c was fine in room. Most cabins towards the front and public areas like Compass Rose were quite warm. We had a balcony and could open the doors if necessary. (didn't need to) I couldn't imagine being is a cabin without air and no ability to open windows etc. I've heard the issue is finally under control. Hopefully your cruise will be fine.