cyndepet

We’re there ever excursions listed for Norfolk then pulled, or just never populated?

I just got the upgrade offer email for the 12/26 Gem sailing last night!

We are on this sailing as well.  DH and I decided we can't live in a bubble 🙂  Unless the cruise line tells us otherwise, we're getting onboard.  It is worrisome.  Last year on our Alaska cruise, we cancelled a Misty Fjords float plane excursion as there had been a couple fatal accidents in weeks prior.  I regret that decision and wish we hadn't let fear of the unknown influence us.  

6 hours ago, CUontheC said:

I just realized that OC is on our last day too.  I was thinking about either booking the champagne evening cruise (heard it was really nice) or the sunset beach picnic.  But now being on the last night I may not do either.  We stop at Nassau the day prior.  I wish they could switch and put OC first then Nassau.  I don't even get off the ship at Nassau any more.  

 

But from what I am seeing I am excited to visit OC.   I also booked a less expensive cabana even though we are in YC.  The $200 price difference seems a little high for basically the same thing except food delivery and some snorkel equipment.  Just wish you could know what area your cabana will be in.  Looking forward to more info as more cruisers stop there. 

I actually cancelled our beach front cabana today for our March sailing. After I saw them and what was included, it just didn’t seem as cool as I thought it would. We’ll survive with an umbrella:-). 

Thanks for sharing this info.  Timing is good and used it to pay off our final balance.  We've saved a total of $275 from Amex offers on this cruise.  Good stuff.

I am looking at a non-Haven suite for a Jade itinerary in March 2021.  The description mentions butler service being for Havens only.  I wasn't sure what this meant, since NCL's website still lists butler service as an amenity for it's suites.  Is anyone aware of changes being made?

From NCL's booking site:

"Aft-Facing Penthouse with Large Balcony

Marvel at the amazing views and feel the refreshing sea breeze from your aft-facing balcony, then step back into your luxurious Penthouse offering plenty of room to relax, dine and sleep.

Features & highlights

Butler and concierge, bedroom with queen-size bed, luxury bath, living and dining area, sleeps up to three. NOTE: BUTLER SERVICE ONLY LISTED FOR HAVENS

OccupancyUp to 3 guests

Total Approx. Size375-387 sq ft

Balcony Size88-100 sq ft"

On 6/13/2019 at 8:20 AM, LrgPizza said:

Sounds like you had the little snowflake thingie turned on for the air conditioning. That will shut it off after an hour. It's for like a cool blast. If you don't push the button to turn that on, it will simply run.

This is exactly what happened to me last week.  I couldn't figure out why it kept getting hot, until our butler showed me what I was doing wrong lol.  

NCL Joy sailing 6/8, booked in H5 and got our sorry emails for H4 (bid &1400 pp which was strong bid) and DOS (bid 2500 pp which was max bid). I didn’t think we’d get either 🙂

12 hours ago, workingmom200112 said:

Used the reduced airfare my last cruise, and planning on using the next two.

 

i chose to fly in the day before, and stayed in the hotel NCL offered.  Chose  to upgrade to better seats, and you have to pay to check in you luggage.  I thought everything worked out great.  

This is exactly what we did - we are flying out tomorrow morning for Alaska cruise on Saturday.  We got direct flights and great times.  The only stressful part was not getting flights until 4 weeks prior.

NBC News just reported that one of the planes was owned by Mountain Air Service.  I'm not familiar with them.  Prayers to all who have been affected by this tragedy.

12 hours ago, jakesnana said:

I have only done NCL reduced air once and that was for an Alaska cruise on the Bliss in Sept. NCL booked Alaska Air non-stop from PHX to SEA in both directions. I could have gotten the same thing, but it only cost $99 pp through NCL and would have cost more if I did it myself.  Check Kayak to see what the possibilities are, that will give you an idea.

Same experience for us - NCL booked us on non-stops with really good flight times for our Alaska cruise next month. 

We booked NCL Joy for RT Seattle Alaska cruise in early June.  We decided to take advantage of NCL's free/reduced air program, as the pricing for reduced air was significantly lower than what I could find to book on our own.  I kept checking to see when they booked our flights, and after several weeks and a lot of time on hold, NCL finally booked the air today.  We were totally surprised that they booked us on ideal flights - non-stop from Philadelphia to Seattle.  We are staying a couple nights in Seattle pre-cruise (also booked through NCL for convenience), and our flight to Seattle is on Alaska Air at 7:50 AM (perfect).  Return flight is 12:05 PM on American (perfect).  They had seats assigned, but we were able to change them online for seats we liked better.  

So, all in all, it worked out well.  I just wish the flights were booked a little earlier than 34 days out 🙂

Is anybody else who's booked on an NCL Joy Alaskan cruise having issues booking dining online?  I have been unable to, starting at 120 days through now at 95 days out.  I ended up calling to make reservations  - I've never had this problem with any other cruise.  Just curious if it's a problem with all Joy cruises?

You'll get all of the normal Haven amenities such as butler, concierge, access to all Haven facilities, restaurant etc.  What you don't get are any extra Free at Sea perks that weren't included with your initial reservation.  People whose initial booking is in the Haven get all the perks being offered at time of booking.  If during your initial booking you only got to pick two, you wouldn't automatically get the other benefits that had been offered.  Does that make sense?

I just talked to my PCC today, and he was able to secure an OBC of 25% of the difference between what I paid and what the cabin is going for now.  They couldn't upgrade because the price difference was too great, but I'm happy to have gotten something!

We thought the same thing.  Maybe it's intentional so folks don't linger too long in one place!

Our tradition is to always eat at the steakhouse on the first night. I'm not sure why, but after so many cruises it just is :-) Then if it's really good, we might go back another night during the week!

Thanks so much for posting your review of the cruise. I was really interested to hear about Choir of Man, since this wasn't offered the last time we were on Escape!

Price is always a consideration. I’m looking at a Breakaway Spa Haven Suite (the suite type you really enjoyed) in Sept. I can sail for $4,500, including drinks, some specialty restaurants, some excursion credits, internet package and $1,000+ OBC.

 

 

 

;)

Serious question - how do you score so much OBC? I need to know what to look for in the future!

Congratulations on winning your bid!

Dress code for Haven restaurant is the same as at other restaurants on the ship. We typically wear capris/slacks/nice shorts. Sometimes we get a little dressier.

Wine list - not sure about this, but I think you can get any type of wine that's available anywhere else on the ship.

Pre-cruise concierge - we never bother with this. We take care of whatever we need once we get on the ship.

Tipping - subjective and everyone has an opinion. We tip the concierge and butler at the end of the cruise. It's just me and DH and we're not very needy. Concierge typically gets around $50 depending on how much we've used their services, and butler gets around $100 - $150 depending on how needy we've been. We may ask for 1 or 2 meals delivered during a cruise and ask for iced tea in the fridge, but that's about it. We'll also tip the steward an extra $50 or so if they do a great job during the week.

Ok, I hadn't thought about this yet. For our Bermuda cruise, we are there for 3 days but only get 1 $50 credit for the cabin. That's a pretty nonsense perk :-)

As part of the "Free at Sea" we received $50. credit for every NCL shore excursion. When I booked our excursions the cost did not reflect the $50 credit. I called and was told that this we would receive this credit to use on the ship.and any credit that we did not use would be refunded at the end of the cruise.

 

Not true; it is $50 PER PORT even if there is an overnight stop and you do a shorex each day.

The best method is to phone Shorex in Miami and RESERVE your shorex, do not pay for them. Then they will be charged on your folio when you board at the quoted price (less any Latitudes benefits). Then AFTER you have done the shorex your folio will be credited with "up to" $50 per cabin.

They do it this way in the hope that you will spend the credit on board as if it is OBC, don't be fooled.

However if you book and pay before you board then the refund does appear as OBC; there is lots of discussion as to whether that will be classified as refundable or non-refundable OBC. I have not seen any posts confirming one way or other. BUT the wording implies it is non-refundable.

Dec 2017 booked Bliss to Alaska for September 2018 for Haven PH Courtyard $6049. January 2018 price went up to $6349. Was I happy I booked when I did. Feb 01 price down $15, Feb 08 price down $235, Feb 13 price down $300, Feb 16 price down $200. Now paid $5299. These are pp before fees and gratuity. Even with the price drop there are still 15 PH left on deck 17. As far as I can tell only 3 are booked.

 

 

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We were just pricing out the Bliss Haven suites for Alaska. I thought it was a mistake when I saw $6K per person for a 7 night cruise in the lowest category Haven suite. I guess it's not a mistake :eek:

My husband and I have my mom joining us on our Escape cruise next year in a 2BR suite. DH and I got the perks assigned to us as the first 2 in the cabin, for a total of 6 "credits". If the 3 of us go to a specialty restaurant, will we be able to use 3 of our credits, or are they only able to be used by me and DH?

You guys are depressing me with the non-favorable responses about GSC, but I appreciate the inside info! I think the only question outstanding is if the Have Spa Suite hallway is access controlled. Anyone know that for sure?

Yes, it is, on the Escape. All the Haven spa suites are on deck 16, and you have to swipe your card to enter the stateroom corridor. Those are the only type of staterooms in that area on deck 16.

I haven't sailed Carnival in a few years either. With only having one service per day, if we pick morning, does that mean no more towel animals?