flcruisechick16

Hey everyone, I have a quick question regarding FCC. We were booked on a 7 day Apex sailing Nov 2020 that was canceled by Celebrity. We chose FCC for our deposit and then rolled that into a May 2021 9 night sailing. I had to add an additional $400 deposit since that was a longer cruise.  That May cruise has since be canceled since it is a 9 day. My TA told me that if I were to get a FCC on the second cruise for the $400 it cannot be combined with the $500 from my original cruise and that only 1 set of FCC can be used per sailing. Has anyone else been told this? It doesn't make sense to me. I can't see any way how we would be able to get 2 cruises in before next May so hoping that is not the case. Thanks so much for any input you can provide. 

Caroline

9 hours ago, farmersfight said:

 

Sincere congrats for finishing your cancer treatment; that's fantastic!

I shouldn't even be posting on this thread because I have never cruised in a Haven on NCL, so I can't offer any personal experience.

 

But I have big dreams and someday, I will cruise in the Haven (harkens back to the days of the Titanic, where the Haven = 1st class). Unfortunately, I'm currently more of a "steerage class" passenger;

 

 

Good luck getting the info you need (I'm sure you will get some great advice/experience wrt the Haven on this thread) to make your decision. And, happy sailing to you and your family also!

Haha, that’s awesome. We haven’t done the luxe route either 😂but we have also been quarantined since before quarantining was cool due to my chemo treatments and compromised immune system so we haven’t done much of anything this past year and a half so when we do go back to traveling we are going big! 🙌

9 minutes ago, complawyer said:

we have been on 18 ncl cruises in the last 10 years, and have 2 more booked for 2021, one is a suite on the spirit (doesnt have a haven option) and the other is the 2 bedroom haven.

 

the only problem you will encounter is that if you book the have, you may never want to book anything less, ever again.

 

 if  your budget allows, go for it. with 3 young kids, the ability to board the ship and disembark at t he end is an added bonus, especially if theyre tires an cranky when you first get to the dock.

 

you can all relax in the haven's separate pool and restaurant, you'll enjoy the private bar, and the kids can order what they want at anytime and the butler will bring it directly to the cabin

wow, that sounds just fantastic! Yes I know, I feel like the Haven will spoil us haha! Much like DCL has spoiled my kids for expectations on a cruise! But this mama could use a little luxe and R & R after this past 2 years!! Thanks so much! 

4 hours ago, 1025cruise said:

What about NCL made you decide you wanted to book with them? Each line has their ups and downs. 

We have cruised Disney with the kids as they have cabins that can accommodate a family of 5. And I have heard great things about the Haven and that they have cabins that can accommodate a family of 5 as well. So I was thinking of giving them a try. Pricewise the Haven is similar or a little more then a similar itinerary in a Disney family balcony but that is just the cruise price only. Drinks, internet, etc are all extra on DCL. We love Disney but were just thinking of giving something else a try and many of the other lines can't accommodate a family of 5 in one cabin. 

Hi there, I am a cruise lover and considering booking a NCL cruise to celebrate finishing cancer treatment and hopefully the end of COVID! Anyhow, we have never sailed NCL before and just wanted to know what to expect. We are a family of 5 with 3 kids who will be 3, 9 and 11 at time of sailing. We have cruised Disney several times and celebrity as a family as adults only on HAL and Princess before kids. We are looking into booking a haven suite (JOY) as we need the space and balcony plus the amenities look lovely. But the reviews I am reading on NCL are mixed. Some people complain about the extra charges but if we have the free at sea with drink package and all the perks won’t that cover most things? And how is the food quality and service? We aren’t fancy but do appreciate good food. Has anyone sailed another line and then tried NCL haven? Were you pleased? Thanks so much for any input you can provide. Happy sailing, hope we can get out there again soon! 

Thanks, we are definitely considering postponing, just was thinking of trying a different itinerary. So that wouldn’t qualify right? Thanks again 

Hello, we are booked on the November 7 Celebrity Apex. We booked a package with a non refundable deposit. It looks highly unlikely that we will be cruising then. I am just finishing cancer treatments so high risk and this was supposed to be my cancer free celebration. The policies on the website say it has flexible cancellation options but does that apply to cruises that were booked a while back before this all started? I don’t mind either cancelling or postponing, would just prefer to not lose my deposit. Will I lose my deposit if we cancel before pif and if celebrity hasn’t canceled yet? I can’t risk going until this pandemic is under control. Thanks so much 

Caroline 

Thanks everyone so much for the positive feedback! A sunset veranda opened up so we pulled the trigger and booked this weekend! I am so excited!! I go back on daily chemo tomorrow so now I get to daydream about having a cocktail and sailing into the sunset! Can not wait!! 

Hi

I am looking to book the celebrity Apex sailing for next fall. I am pretty sure we are booking an infinite veranda room. On celebrity website when looking at the regular infinity veranda they all say obstructed view. I know the magic carpet is on the starboard side but what would be blocking the view on the port side? Do all veranda's have obstructed views? Also we are early 40 somethings and taking our first kidless trip in many years to celebrate me beating cancer (praying for that of course). We are looking to just relax, have some nice wine, love the martini bar, etc. But I have heard the new ships are super modern.  Has anyone sailed the other ships and also sailed edge? Did you like it? We have been on reflection and loved it and also infinity. We are also considering a princess ship and have sailed them many times but it is an older ship. We are just hoping for some feedback on the edge class before we pull the trigger. Thanks so much for your help! 

Hi there, does anyone know the bed arrangement of 3 in a room for celebrity infinity? My mom and I want to bring my 15 year old niece on a cruise. Is it a bunk that pulls down from the ceiling? Or a sofa bed? Just wasn’t sure if a 15 year old girl could fit comfortably. And also don’t want one of those bunks over the main beds. We are looking at verendah or concierge. Thanks so much 

6 hours ago, blue_water said:

Cane Garden Bay would meet all of your requests and is the easiest beach to get to. No need to book an excursion through the ship, taxis line up at the dock to deliver folks to CGB and fewer numbers to Brewers Bay which is less developed and has few amenities. There are several beach restaurants in CGB, some offering lounges and umbrellas. We like Myett’s whose restaurant is now affiliated with Pusser's.

 

The group (shared) safari taxi is $8pp each way (1/2 fare for your 7 year old), and it is over some steep and winding roads but with great views and scenery. The taxis will line up in CGB to return you to the cruise dock, no worries. You can also ask for a private sedan or van taxi if you prefer that, the nice ladies at the information center are happy to help.

 

Enjoy gorgeous Tortola and CGB!

 

 

Hi there, I also have a similar concern. For the taxis at the port is it likely we can get a private mini van or something similar that can take a family of 5? And in a vehicle with seat belts. We have a 9 month old with us so would need to bring her car seat. I know it’s not the most convienent but we need to make sure she is strapped in safe. And is Cane garden bay the closest and easiest to get to? Will there be similar vehicles for returning to port? Or will the drivers plan to come back for us? And what is the cost of private transportation. Is there a close beach you recommended? Thanks again 

Hi everyone, we are stopping in Tortola for our upcoming trip on the Disney fantasy in February. I am trying to determine what we could do in Tortola with a baby. We have cruised a lot especially before children, and we did the Baths several years ago when we stopped on a cruise day. We usually don’t do cruise ship excursions, just kind of like to find a beach or something to explore, but with 3 kids including a 9 month old baby, we need better plans then that 😆. Our older kids are independent. (7 and 9) . 

Does anyone have a suggestion of what we can do? I am open to a beach but was concerned about a mountainous taxi ride to Cane Garden Bay. Are their regular car taxis that are enclosed? And with a seat belt so we can buckle the baby’s car seat in? Or are we better off just taking a walk through the pier area and staying on the ship? We never skip ports, but this is the youngest baby we have ever taken and I am just not sure what our best option is. Is there anything within walking distance? Thanks again! 

Caroline 

Yes, looking for a cruise that has child care available for babies. And also one that has cabins that can accommodate 5 with a balcony. And activities for the big kids (7 and 9). Would need to have child care for the baby though so we can have a few hours here and there to relax a bit, go to an adult dinner perhaps etc. I am a stay at home mom and don’t get out much at all, so looking for a little bit of grownup time and then lots of fun family time with my gang. It seems like the oasis class ships on RCCL and Disney are the best options from what I can see but I am always open for ideas!! Thanks again!!

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Don't hold your breath about Disney prices dropping; I have been watching their cruises for over a decade and all I have seen is increases...and I thought it was unreasonable in 2007! Same with the park. People are paying what they are asking, so no reason for them to drop prices.

 

 

 

Once your little one is older, I would suggest you look at other lines like RCI, Carnival and NCL to see what fits your family best - especially since you will have teens/tweens. Personally, we have ended up on Carnival (and Princess) because the price is right and we have a fun vacation, and they have more variety than any cruise line in the Caribbean, so we can cruise different places in the limited break times they have, without taking them from school and extra-curricular activities. Princess is becoming our choice for cruising the world like Europe, South America and Asia as we become empty-nesters and have the time and freedom to take longer vacations.

I know, it’s tough! I took my 2 older kids on fantasy for 7 days in a balcony in 2014 and 2015 for around 3000 each time. (Florida residents) Now we can’t find one for less then 7k. I love princess and celebrity as well, but they don’t cater to the baby. No childcare option or splash pad etc. In a few years I plan to return to them. Just want to take my kids this year if possible and Disney and RCCL are the only ones who accommodate infants. Thanks for your feedback

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I'm sailing Allure with a 10 month old in just under 3 weeks, but I have no Disney Cruise experience. Will try to remember to report back then if no one has responded about cruising allure with an infant by then!

Awesome, thanks so much!!

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Hi there, I am hoping for some feedback. I have cruised Disney and Celebrity with my 2 older children but haven’t done RCCL yet. We have a new baby this year that will be about 10 months when we sail. The only cruises that I can see accommodate babies and families of 5 are Disney and RCCL. We did Disney when my middle daughter was 18 months and they were amazing! But right now, we can sail in Grand Suite on RCL with the Suite perks for $2000 less then a family balcony on Disney. Disney has gotten so expensive! Has anyone cruised in RCCL with a baby? Any feedback? Is there a kids menu in coastal kitchen? Did you feel the Royal Tots and Babies program was high quality. I am sad to not have the Disney ‘magic’ but hoping maybe their prices will go down when they add the new ships in a few years and the youngest will be older to enjoy it. Our two older children will be 7 and 9 for this cruise. Anyone been on both that can compare? Thanks again!!

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Hello everyone,

I am new to RCCL, taking our first cruise aboard the Harmony Dec 9. I have a couple of quick questions. We have $450 in shipboard credit that can be used in our cruise planner prior to our sailing and then we get another $275 once onboard. I want to purchase the Deluxe Beverage Package for my husband, a soda package for me and my 2 kids (I am pregnant so no alcohol for me) and also thinking the 3 night dining package. Right now the deluxe beverage pkg is $46 per day for a total of $379. The soda packages are $8.50 per day for a total of $210 for 3. I know the deluxe package is discounted but is that $8.50 per day for soda less then what we would pay onboard? Do the specialty dining venues offer discounts that are better then what we would get prior to the cruise? We are thinking of trying the Hibachi place and haven't figured out the other 2. I just wasn't sure what I would have to buy now to get the best deal prior to sailing. Thanks so much for your input.

Caroline

So is there an option to just do a by the minute pricing? We are only going on a 3 day cruise on the infinity and just want the ability to check on our kids. Thanks so much

Caroline

Hi there, we will be in Nassau this coming Monday as a stop on our cruise. Does anyone know of an excursion that is just a catamaran sail with maybe a stop at a pretty beach? I don't really want to snorkel as much as just cruise around and stop at the beach. We can't afford a private charter and the cruise ship excursion is a catamaran sail and snorkel with no beach. Thanks so much for any suggestion.

Caroline

Fantastic! Thanks everyone so much! OK so we will wait to book Tuscan Grill when we board. And the drink package we will either book onboard or before we go. We like to have to just so we don't stress about every thing we order (me) and my husband can have any flavor scotch or beer he wants :roll eyes:

We did a 7 day reflection last year with the kids, this is just a nice sneakaway for me and my husband. 20 years since our first date. We live in Florida so a cruise is a great quick getaway for us. Happy Sailing everyone!

Caroline

Oh and one more question. We were considering going to Tuscan Grill. Seems kind of pricey, I was on reflection last year and I felt like they may have discounted the alternative restaurants some nights. Is this common? Or should we just book in advance. Thanks again

Caroline

Hi there,

We are booked on the celebrity Infinity Nov 3 for 3 days for a nice kid free getaway. This is a pretty special event for my husband and I so we want to make sure everything goes great. We don't have any shipboard credit this time around, so we are planning to book and pay for most things before we go. We are hoping to get the premium alcohol package as my husband enjoys finer spirits and I like nice wine and champagne. Is it any better to book onboard? Pricing we have to pre book is $69 per day once all the fees and gratuities are added. Is it a better deal to wait til we board?

Also does any one know when the show times are? We want to book dinner restorations each night we just want to be able to make the shows if possible.

Thanks so much for any information you can provide.

Caroline

Hey there,

Has anyone sailed on HAL with children. Our kids will be 5 and 7 and we were thinking of taking the Nieuw Amsterdam for Spring break. We have cruised Disney and Celebrity before with the kids and HAL before we had kids. Were you pleased with the kids program? Is the staff friendly to children? And is the entertainment suitable for kids? (Shows etc) Are the children permitted in the pools? It is a port heavy itinerary, but I want the kids to have fun on the ship during the sea days as well. We were also considering NCL but I anticipate it would be crazy crowded during spring break and might be a little overwhelming. Disney pricing is insane for Spring break right now as well. Thanks so much!

Caroline

Hello, we are taking our first celebrity cruise on the reflection next week. We would like to go to the Persian garden on the first sea day if possible as we have enjoyed similar places on Disney and HAL. Can I buy a one day pass? Do they sell out quickly? Do I need to book in advance? I was hoping to use my shipboard credit to purchase if possible. Thanks so much!

Caroline

This is great news. Does anyone know if it is effective immediately and on what ships? We are taking our first celebrity cruise next week (Jan 2 Reflection) and our two kids (4 and 6) will be with us. I have my birthday while on board and thought we could do a nice alternative dinner for that night but couldn't see paying $45 each for my kids. We were thinking Tuscan would probably be a good fit for us. Thanks so much