travelmatron

In our opinion there are a several nicer perks with HAL.  The balconies are better, the free laundry service was great, and I think the king size bed could be separated. The single room suite cabins on HAL are larger and we felt, more comfortable, than the single room suite cabins on NCL. In the Haven though, there are many more choices to have additional rooms and bathrooms within your cabin.  That extra, private space is invaluable when traveling with older children or adults.  We were oversold on how good the Pinnacle restaurant was on HAL.  Very subjective, but it always disappointed us in some way, the service, the food, or the seating, just nothing special.  And unless there have been changes, it wasn't exclusively available for all meals with no extra charge as it is on most of the NCL cruises.  We love the Haven restaurants to the point that we don't cruise on NCL ships without one.  The small Neptune lounge with cold snacks doesn't begin to compare to the Haven's private bar/pool/sun deck. Outside the Haven there are many many more entertainment options available during more hours.  The atmosphere outside the Haven though can feel more crowded and somewhat hectic.  Some people enjoy that added energy, others do not.  The special Haven embarkation in most ports was great, and being able to disembark without a long line was even better. We enjoyed the HAL suites when we stayed in them.  Once we started staying in the Haven we've never been back. I think the Haven is also someone more expensive, so at some point we might reconsider.  Personally, I'd miss it.

If you have drinks, appetizers, and desserts, it can last a couple of hours.  If you tell your server that you have 7pm reservations and ask that they bring they put in the order quickly and bring the salads immediately, then you should be just fine.  BTW, you can ask for a to-go box for your desserts, even if you simply want to save them for later.

My son's only planning request while visiting Malta is eating Maltese Rabit Stew.  We'll only be in port from 7:30 until 3:00 and I understand many places will be closed on Sunday or opening late. Any suggestions?  

Another article about cruise line staffing problems.  Cruise lines cap ship capacity, close restaurants due to crew shortages (thepointsguy.com).  This article mentions POA specifically.  POA seems to be cancelling reservations now.  That must be terribly hard on those who were ready to sail!

This is a Points Guy article that mentions Pride of America and problems that other cruise lines are having with staffing.  Cruise lines cap ship capacity, close restaurants due to crew shortages (thepointsguy.com) 

Enjoying your perspective! Thanks for posting

Lemondrop

I had a nasty spill on a pair of slacks I wanted to wear later in the cruise that could have created a permanent stain.  Not only did the butler see that it was cleaned so there was no stain, but I had the slacks back later the same day.

On a different cruise I forgot to pack rechargeable batteries.  I asked the butler if he knew if they had any in the gift shop. He said he'd handle it for me, and returned with enough batteries (from the concierge, at no charge) to last the cruise

I can't imagine asking someone to draw a bath, but I have asked for additional bath salts

On other cruise lines I've needed to ask for extra hangers and/or slack/skirt hangers.  Don't think I've needed them on NCL though.

I've asked for a fan. The background noise is helps me sleep if the hallway is a little noisy or the cabin is near a doorway of elevator

I always feel sort of sad when those of us who've been around for a while seem to pile on a person's very first post.  Badgerjeanne, it must feel as if we're all blaming the victim.  Really, though, we're generally more than happy to point out the error in NCL's ways when they are at fault.  As I'm sure you've noticed by now, as a group we're not seeing NCL as being in the wrong here.  It's unfortunate that your extended family wasn't able to get to the pier in time.  That's something most of us worry about.  As you've seen, there are several ways to decrease that worry:  Watch the pre-cruise weather and be prepared to book a different flight; go a day early; take our trip insurance; or book air through the cruise line.  Since flight disruptions other than weather, like airline strikes, or volcanos/earthquakes (you can tell I live on the West Coast), can happen at any time, a lot of us always go to port a day early to start our cruise without additional stress.  I hope your next trip is easier. This must have been especially hard with grandchildren.

Thanks to this post, and the postings of Sea Monster 2, I'm also now enrolled in the STEP program.  This has been a very valuable thread.  I think most of us assume the unexpected will only happen to someone else.  

It's customary to put the tips in an envelope with the staff person's name on it.  It can be left in the room but also handed to the person with a verbal thank you.  Some people like to add a thank you note, some people just hand them cash, and or leave it in the room.  If you have an onboard credit you can use that towards the gratuity.  I'm sure the crew is happy to receive it anyway it comes their way.  

On 2/13/2022 at 11:25 AM, garebarepups said:

Yes it's me my husband and 17 year old daughter. We normally get a balcony. I was also debating on the forward cabin but the bedroom reminds me of an inside cabin. How did you like it?

I'm so sorry...I missed your question.  We did like the forward facing cabin.  Really loved the space of having a separate bedroom and larger bathroom.  The dining area was nice.  Having 2 TVs was also an advantage.  My least favorite Haven cabin has been their Penthouse, but all things are personal choices.  The bedroom in the forward facing cabin does have a window, but of course the window isn't as big as a balcony door.  Most of the time I was in the cabin bedroom, though, my eyes are closed.  

Have the three of you ever shared a standard cabin? Do you get up at the same time so the bed could be converted back to seating quickly? The cabin is more spacious than a standard cabin, but not by much. The larger question really is how well do the three of you share a bathroom?  A 2BR is much larger, with a dining area, and extra bath as well as the private bedroom for her.  If only it weren't more expensive. When I've traveled with my adult son we've gotten a forward facing penthouse.  For us, the extra room, and more storage in those cabins more than offsets the walk to the Haven and is an easy compromise. For others, being outside of the courtyard is a non-starter.

Of these ports I've only been to Tallinn, but it is delightful and there is absolutely no need to use a guide. As Sheff99 said, get a taxi to take you to the top of the hill and work your way down at your own pace.  One other bit of advice; it's a little town and most of the time there are several ships in port, so it really is in your best interest to start your day just after you dock.  The town does start to "fill up" by about noon, but if you start early by then you'll be ready for lunch and can either walk or grab a cab back to the ship.

Such a good question! You do get free things, BUT, the WIFI is limited to a certain number of minutes, both the drink and dining packages have additional fees for tips, the shore excursions are limited to a $50 credit/cabin/port. I don't know what your 7 free items were, but sometimes they include extra person/people/kids free, and that's true, but you'll need to pay the daily tip charge.  If there is free air involved, as you can imagine, it's the flight time and airline of NCL's choice.  But even though there are limits to the "freeness" they can still be a good deal.  Free drinks for just a daily tip fee is nice if you want to drink a lot.  Specialty dining is nice if that's important to you.  Extra people for just the cost of the daily tips.  That's great.  And if you live in a major air hub, chances are you'll be just fine with their choice.  So the free things aren't unlimited, and do come with extra expenses, but if they are of value to you, they are a real savings.  If you don't want the drink package, just don't take it and pay as you go.  The same with the specialty restaurants...they are nice, but there is plenty of food without them.  Oh, and usually the number of free items varies by the cabin you choose.  For example, if you're in the Haven in a suite, you get all the freebies.  If you choose and inside cabin you might not have as many choices.

We just stayed at the little Hotel Tiffany.  It was great for us.  Very reasonably priced and just minutes from the central train station and Tivoli Gardens.  Lots of restaurants in the neighborhood.  Close to Christianborg Palace and a nice walk to a canal where you can pick up a hop on hop off cruise to Nyhaven.  They have a very little kitchenette with a table and chairs in the rooms.  The room refrigerators have a basket with fruit and juices for the next morning's included continental breakfast.  In  the morning fresh (warm) breads and a Danish are hanging in a bag on a hook outside your door.  It's very handy if you're trying to get in as much as possible before boarding a cruise!  If you book it, go directly to the hotel web site rather than through a third party and receive a little snack when you arrive.  https://www.hoteltiffany.dk/en/

We used SPB tours in Berlin and St. Petersburg.  In both places our guides were excellent but we had some time consuming issues with the company itself.  Nothing that ruined our trip, but enough that I would choose a different company next time.  I also heard other cruisers happy with their Alla Tours.

It's a re-created community that's fun to visit when you're short on time.  Others think so to, so it does, indeed get crowded as the day goes on.  It's so close to Amsterdam that if you are concerned about taking a train or bus, it isn't outrageously expensive to go by Uber.

What a great question, and you've already received a couple of good answers, so let me add something that doesn't answer your question --  In addition to suns screen, 'Rash guards' can be really effective for snorkeling since they cover the arms and shoulders.  Although they are more expensive than sun screen the shirts can be worn around town and on board ship.  They are making them better all the time.

22 minutes ago, jemz1949 said:

My family will be enjoying a 9 day cruise in the Baltic this summer.  I understand that tipping in Europe is generally not necessary.  Is the same true in the Baltic in regard to tipping of tour guides and drivers?  SPB is suggesting 10% for guides; 5% for drivers.  What are your thoughts and practices?  

I'm seeing the same 'suggestion' from several companies.  I've booked on SPB for this coming June, but as others have suggested, the only reason was that their itinerary was what I most wanted to see/do, and they had lunches included.  All the companies seem to have good reviews.  I would suggest asking this question on your roll call to see what others are doing on your cruise.  6 of us have booked a private tour that none of us would have wanted to pay for on our own.  I like private tours where everybody can hear and nobody is likely to wander off and hold up the whole group.  I think all the companies have a discounted price if you book more than one city tour with them.  Be sure to ask, and also ask if there is a cruise critic discount.  Our tour is less than their quoted price.

 The large ships can be very hectic, and areas around the pool and some of the restaurants can be difficult to navigate.  The Haven is calm, there aren't as many people all trying to do the same thing at the same time.  I don't have mobility or sight limitations, but I would think it would be great for him.  It sort of becomes it's own little community

When storing a suitcase (other than a duffle) under your bed you can save a couple of inches by leaving it open. It also becomes a good place to store things you hope not to need, like rain ponchos, things you may not need often, like snorkel equipment, and/or dirty clothes.

I'm sure Butlers do, indeed, meet a lot of people of the first day!

If you go to the NCL website you'll be able to pre-order the wines you'd like in your cabin. They are not a part of the drink package if I'm remembering correctly. It used to be possible to order a bottle of liquor for the cabin, but just now I couldn't find it so that may have changed. I didn't try to help function to really check.

Snacks are brought to your cabin each afternoon and again in the evening if you wish. I believe they are on a rotation and some are better than others but you can help the butler out by generalities. A couple of the days there are little sandwiches, so telling him/her you're vegetarian is helpful. Otherwise you can say that you prefer sweet or salty or savory snacks if you have a preference. We've always found that the Butlers are very happy to bring whatever you like. If your daughter likes, for example, milk and cookies in the evenings, just say so, and they'll appear. Fruit will be replaced as you request it.

It's amazing what they remember, but they aren't perfect, so if something isn't right, say something so they have a chance to make you happier.

Have a wonderful trip, we be on the same cruise in September so your planning process is a great help to me!

Thank you for all the time and energy you put into your report. I've enjoyed every entry!

Thank you so much for allowing us to virtually tag along. It will be fun to see the trip through another pair of eyes.