travelerpair

Thank you all for your responses. We just keep coming back to no airports and the benefit of walking off the ship and getting in the car. Love to cruise and love to travel, but out last airport experience (not weather related) just took too long. Suite travel is just that SWEET.

I am looking to book a suite (not mini) on Princess because they sail round trip from LA. Any opinion if they are worth the price? No butlers or bottled water from what the agent told me. For the price we are used to perks. Anyone?

One year ago we sailed with all of the "Free At Sea" perks. We paid 0 zero gratuity on them. So one year later you are charged with the cruise fare for a gratuity on a "free" perk. Somehow this does not equate to free.  The year before the wine we would drink was on the drink package. Last year it was not. 20% off of a bottle at a cost that was laughable, but we paid it. We changed to an all inclusive cruise line to avoid the nickel and dimeing. Our cabin fare from 2018 had also almost doubled. That was the dollar amount that could buy a longer all inclusive cruise. Bye to NCL for us. We had a long and fun run.

Haven has suites with large balconies. You have to go through the ships and look. The best way to find out about cabins is to call and ask agent. Good luck with finding one that know the information. The only large balconies we have found have been suites or Haven. Be advised that forward facing can be too windy to use when ship is at sea.

On 1/16/2019 at 2:12 AM, Rick&Susan said:

I'm curious which lines- Silversea, Seabourn, Crystal, Regent, etc...- have the best included wines please?

Go to the posts on the lines and see what passengers are saying. We love RSSC and if you do not like the wine try another no problem and keep it up until you find what you enjoy. Returned in December from 24 days and we requested a champagne we liked and they always brought it. Same with reds and white. You may also purchase top labels if you choose to use your OBC. Same with drinks. Trying cocktails is fun and all included.

On 2/25/2019 at 2:14 PM, rvmike said:

He might be wrong but also said NCl was in receivership when O bought them.No big deal just curious. Wife did a NCL cruise years ago and won’t go back. We have done 35+cruises and was looking at other options, 6 on Oceania.

Regent over Oceania. Both are great, but Oceania still charges service charges and drinks. Also the service is not quite as good.

On 2/22/2019 at 9:47 AM, tomservo said:

Shouldn’t you improve your product before you raise prices? I’m going on my first NCL cruise in a few months, but from what I’ve read on here the quality of the overall product keeps declining while prices keep going up. 

NCL has priced the NCL Haven product right up there with their RSSC and Oceania lines. RSSC is all inclusive and worth it, the Haven is wonderful but you are not getting an all inclusive product. Food alone can make the difference in value. NCL has made small changes in RSSC with serving staff and you an really tell the difference. Do not expect top quality from NCL and you will not be disappointed. Also expect to pay extra for too many things.

Thank you all for your information. Looks like NCL holdings has done some down market trading of the bubbly. We will be spending over 3 weeks on the Navigator starting in November and we be using OBC to please us. What is a holiday without champagne of choice? On board the Navigator last Dec. and not too pleased with what was put in our cabin or at the bar. Very helpful information from all of you!

You will need to tip them depending you how much you ask them to do for you. If you never use them, no tip is needed. You will know what is the right thing to do.

Thank You! The first logical response I have seen. We have had butlers who have done nothing but became really friendly the day before disembarking. We use the butler and tip for service.

I’m booked directly with NCL, a lot of times the customer service people do not know the answer or give you incorrect information. I trust the people here on cruisecritic more then the customer service reps.

If you feel that they do not know, and I agree with you they sometimes do not, ask for a supervisor and do not take no for an answer. Be sure to get names and hope you enjoy the suite they are wonderful and changed our minds about aft facing. Happy sails.

First cruise in the Haven. We have been suite passengers in the past and know how the suite staff tipping works. The Haven is different. Anyone, advice?

We are on the Jewel next month in Australia. It's our first time on NCL and our first time in a suite. To be specific, we have a two bedroom family suite (non-haven). My question is about the butler service. I've read posts that say something to the effect of " the butler is there to take care of you and to make your life easier". I've also read some posts from more experienced suite guests that recommend making a list of things for your butler ahead of time, so the butler can organize his/her day accordingly.

 

With all of this in mind, I've compiled a list of things that I think would make our experience great. I'd like to know if I'm asking for too much....not enough. Not really sure what to expect here. There are four of us, two adults and two children (teens).

 

 

Unpack

Bubble bath or bath salts in master bath

Pitcher of tea and lemonade in the afternoons

Plate of sweets (cookies etc) and plate of salty treats (chips) in the afternoon. I have two teenage boys!

Vanilla syrup for vanilla lattes

Feather pillows

Chess/Checkers game and two decks of cards in suite

Setup parental controls on the TV (PG-13 or under please!)

 

 

Too much?

The above is all doable for the butler. You will find other things as the days pass. I do not like the cream that is in the little packages and ask for the real stuff, also the coffee selection can be changed. I like one, my spouse another. If the butler is really good packing can also be done. All depends on the butler and his back up.

Thank you, great info. We are in the Haven and from what I have seen the pool is inside and downstairs from the sun deck. Do you think Vibe would be a good thing to purchase? It sounds like the Haven should be.

Call NCL or TA if you booked with one. Only someone able to access the booking will be able to give you an answer.

Following along as we're booked on this itinerary next November. First time Regent cruises and grateful to find your "live" thread. Thanks for sharing your adventure.

 

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Hello, we are booked next year on the same cruise. Like you I am so glad to find this post. We leave on our first Regent Dec. 11 and are looking forward to it. Same ship, so we will get a taste of the year to come.

I still disagree that it is not the same at all. And, although my friends are not in Haven suites, as they are in cabins that are connecting to ours, with a connecting reservation, and are in FULL PRICE NON-UPSELL SUITES, I do think that this is a special circumstance. Whether or not I ask for it now is up in the air at this time. And, if I do ask, and the concierge says no, I will not be upset.

I believe that 3 full fare suites should be given Haven access. Abuse would be if you dragged passengers from lower inside cabins to be with you. Get your TA or cruise consultant to assist b/4 you sail. Otherwise get the Hotel Mgr. on board to assist. NCL should value passengers willing to pay for the best they have to offer on a ship. As for these 1st class airline compares the issue is security. We have sailed on NCL where passengers not in suites, but on 3 or 4 BTB's were given suite privileges. The only way I would object is if there were many children involved. Enjoy your cruise.

As usual, you are so funny! Serena and Olga speak so highly of you and TB. Wish that you were still onboard as you could make fun of me and my craziness about the heat. Also wish that you had been sitting next to me at the pool bar (where Olga is at lunch) having a nice Mexican Butterfly when the sky opened up and poured on everyone. Even I got wet and laughed about it all the way back to my suite

 

You have an uncanny way of putting things into perspective and for making people laugh. Just want you to know how much you are appreciated!

No craziness about heat. On one trip to Brazil a girlfriend and I bought bottles of cold water to empty on our heads. Felt so good and others followed. Glad there are now other options and I intend to bring mine. Really enjoying all of your posts!

I have another opinion. I think that Regent has changed but for the better since being purchased by NCLH. (we currently have 375 nights on Radisson/Regent).

 

The biggest improvement, IMO, is the food. Many years ago I seem to remember that there was Filet Mignon offered in CR every night. That went away and has now returned (plus we have the options of lobster and many other high end choices). There are several options special dishes (appetizers, soups, salads and entrees) that are different every night. And, IMO, the quality has improved.

 

On our last cruise (that ended last week) the service in the restaurants was impeccable. The same can be said for our 4 Explorer cruises that were within the last 14 months. Our butler was so good that we are requesting him for our next cruise.

 

The ships are in better shape than they have ever been in -- new beds, new furniture - everything in the suites taken down to the bare walls and redone (except for Mariner that will be done next year). When we started sailing on Radisson, the ships were not in good shape mechanically -- the carpets needed replacing and some of the sheets were threadbare.

 

The wine is better some times than others. We always find a wine or two that we like. Interestingly, the same complaints are made on other luxury lines. I suspect that many luxury cruisers are wine connoisseurs and would find included wine to be less than desired.

 

The entertainment is subjective. I prefer the new NCHL group while other passengers preferred Jean Ann Ryan singers or dancers (or even the group that performed before JAR). I would not be happy with Beauty and the Beast. Was this an entire show or just part of the Broadway show? I seriously doubt if Regent shows are done on NCL ships as they definitely would not be appreciated by children and the younger demographic onboard NCL. However, NCLH is likely saving money by having their entertainers trained by the same company - even though the shows are different (note: we have sailed Oceania twice and did not see the same shows as on Regent).

 

Wish you happy sailing with whatever luxury line you choose. We went to Silversea for a while. It was very good but we were happy to come home to Regent.

Thank you for the bright light. We are boarding the Navigator 11 Dec. for our first Regent and we have 25 nts. booked for next year. We have tried Oceania and we felt too much NCL as did many others. However, it is not all inclusive and Regent seemed a better value. We are wine drinkers and felt we would purchase if we felt the need, as we do not consume massive amounts daily. We do suites and Haven on NCL when cruising with the kids and grandkids and expect more from a luxury line. Now I will sit back and look forward to being well taken care of.

Good morning, cruisers!

We’ve got another Regent photo album for you, this time from Seven Seas Navigator: https://www.cruisecritic.com/photos/ships/seven-seas-navigator-131/

 

In case you missed it, we also photographed Seven Seas Explorer late last year. Here are photos from that sailing, as well: https://www.cruisecritic.com/photos/ships/seven-seas-explorer-998/

 

Hope you enjoy!

Christina

________________

 

Christina Janansky

Associate Producer

Cruise Critic

Thank you for these. The most complete collection of the referb'd ship.

Greetings from the Hyatt Regency (yes - I was incorrect - there is a sign around the corner that just said Hyatt Hotel so I made a wrong assumption).

 

I'm enjoying reading everyone's posts...... so funny and upbeat - thank you! "Z", thanks for leaving the ship in good shape. We should be boarding in 2 hours and 16 minutes (but whose counting). Will tell Olga that you miss her already and won't mention a word to TB that you posted about her sleeping marathon:evilsmile:

 

John - yes - I did know that you were joking and Bill did post the correct name of the restaurant. The beer was amazing. We typically eat pork schnitzel but had the veal since it was on the menu. Definitely recommend it.

 

Need to break down the 180 pounds of luggage. We typically have 2 suitcases that weight 50 pounds each so that is 100 pounds. Our 2 suitcases this time weigh 60 pounds each. Our carry-on typically weigh 20 pounds each (2 of them) and this time they weigh 30 pounds. It doesn't sound like much until you add them all together. Also, for some reason, that extra 10 pounds per suitcase makes them difficult to lift (thankfully my DH goes to the gym)!

 

Last words about the hotel. I am going to give it a "4" rating on Trip Advisor. While an older hotel, it is well maintained and some areas (especially seating areas off of the lobby) are quite lovely. The rooms are large and well appointed (think that I said this last night). Love the location - near restaurants and my DH is going to take a 7 minute stroll to Walgreens to pick up something. We are 10 miles from the port where the Mariner is waiting for passengers in "J" (not sure if that is a terminal location or ???).

 

The hotel is going to take several people's luggage to the port that are not taking the bus to the ship (even though, according to them "we not suppose to do this"). We will take a taxi to the port as we don't want to be on a bus load of people and then stand in line. IMPORTANT NOTE (sorry for "yelling" but want this to be read). If you do not check in with the Regent representative at the hotel and let them know that you are doing your own transportation, they will not take your luggage to the ship --- even though they picked it from your room. They check off passengers getting onto the bus with their luggage. Can't say that this is a worldwide rule but many people depart from Miami and many use this hotel.

 

Ken, in terms of posting from the ship, since this is my hobby, I always find time for it. We have quite a few sea days (the first two days will be sea days). I am a bit slower when I post photos and if I get in too big of a mess trying to do that, I'll beg "Z" to post them for me (he is wonderful about that but I'll end up owing him some drinks when we see them again):D

 

Enough babbling. More later.

 

P.S. Most of my posts are from my iPad or MacBook. They have a mind of their own and change words that can't be caught with spell check (even if I used it) because they are real words. So, if some words make no sense, it doesn't mean that I've been drinking (on the other hand, it does not mean that I haven't been).

Hello. I am so pleased to find your post, as we are doing this cruise next year. Our first RSSC is in a few weeks and we so enjoy to hear of all of the repeat passengers. Our December cruise does not have an active thread and I had given up on finding one that is active and relevant. Thank You!

I was so pleased to read the start of this thread. We are booked on our first RSSC cruise in Dec. and are looking forward to joining people our age and interests. Thank you all for giving us validation for our choice. Embarking Dec. 11th from LA.

If you booked directly with them and you are able to cancel and rebook without penalty. Do it. If they will not give you the new rate or perks get a manager, not just and agent. We use a travel agent and expect them to take care of us and they do. Good Luck.

So glad I got on to this thread. We are thinking of an 18 nt. over Christmas to Hawaii and dressing up is not what we want to do. I now feel comfortable to bring our SoCal casual dinner attire and no cocktail attire. By the time we leave the holiday parties will have worn out enjoyment of "dressing up".

Have any NCL regulars cruised Oceania? I switched 2 bookings to Oceania, hoping for a more upscale vibe and clientele after the calamity on our Getaway cruise. I am hoping for more sophisticated, well traveled clientele than what Norwegian usually attracts. Low lead-in prices tend to attract lots of families, and lots of first time cruisers. Both of these groups are starting to annoy me more and more (loud children, first time cruisers doing things like not realizing they must disembark at ports with key cards, thus holding up the gangway).

 

The Haven mitigates some of this, but it caters to families. I'm hoping that Oceania will give a respite from the noise and cacophony of a mass-market cruise line.

 

 

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Hello, we switched to the Sirena on a transatlantic last Oct. and booked a penthouse. No perks and it was just a Princess mini suite redone. Butler was in training and not much help. Older crowd as expected and they do dress up for dinner way more than on NCL. Service in restaurants and bars was great, entertainment OK. The clientele was well traveled and we met some very nice people. Food was nowhere near what they advertise. Except Sirena is a small ship and the buffet was great and we never use the buffet on NCL. We have done other upscale lines and felt Oceania was not worth the price. Also many of the frequent cruisers felt a downgrade since NCL bought them

After 2 plus months (reply from NCL said 2 weeks) we have received our requested refund. This new system is just not working for the passengers/clients.