dporter

Oh dear! I will be in the Haven on the Gem, and I had heard that there was a stationary bike and a treadmill in a small room there. Not true?

On the Jade in January, which would be very similar to Gem there was a treadmill and bike in the Haven area (small room at one end)

Is there a preferable 2bdr haven suite on the Jade? We will have 3 little ones, so we prefer a quieter location.

There are only 8 2 bedroom haven suites, we were in 14006, the first on starboard side in January 2016 and had no noise issues. 14012 would last 2 bedroom on that side with only 1 other cabin beyond and then that hallway ends.

Enjoy!

The menus you posted are different than what we had in Cagneys in January this year.

No roof on Getaway Haven pool.

Thank you

Does anyone know if on the Getaway in the Haven does the courtyard have a retractable roof like Breakaway and Escape?

Thank you again dporter!!

 

We enjoyed the haven on Breakaway and found it an Oasis. I'd think you would love it!

 

The star bar also looks like the closest to the Haven so that's why I was asking. Don't mind visiting the bar myself;) so just was asking the hours. That would be the one thing we would miss on the smaller ships. Being able to have that quiet private bar in a very close proximity.

Thanks Debde,

Maybe we will try one of the Away ships in 2018 since we already have 2017 planned.

I so wish we had enough vacation time to take more trips each year - some day!

Unfortunately I do not recall the star bar hours where a bartender is staffed, we enjoyed the martini bar a lot and got to know several of huge bartenders so often found ourselves going there. If you want to relax in the Havn there is a dedicated person that is happy to bring you good and drinks just let him know what you want and your expectations.

I would love to try Escape or one of the Away ships but I a concerned that the haven will be too busy for us!

I am looking at a cruise on Jade and having only experienced Breakaway I can see the obvious differences but some questions.

Does the Jade have a bar area for drinks??

Also I saw something, somewhere, that said access to the Star bar during the day. what does this exactly mean??

Where is the concierge desk on these class ships??

 

Thanks in advance

Hi Debde,

We cruised in January on the Jade. There is no bar in the Haven, as other posters have said it is small but very nice. Cagney's is the venue for breakfast and lunch for Haven guests, maybe suite guests, it was never crowded and the food and service were great. Star Bar is directly across the hall and is where the Haven Concierge desk is located, this bar is used primarily for Haven and Suite guests and events although the hours it is open are limited. Even when there is no bartender your Haven key card grants you access, it is a nice overlook of the pool and a great place to escape the chaos.

We had such a great time we booked a 10-day on the Jade for January 2017.

Hi,

They serve Pepsi products.

DH and I have spent the weekend looking for a cruise to book for Sept-Nov 2017. We would like a 10-12 day Caribbean but can only find a (very) few 7 day trips. We were on the NCL Sun a couple years for a 10 day Southern which we loved but aren't able to find anything similar. Maybe the schedules aren't set yet? Or are all the ships somewhere else now? We have a future cruise credit to use so don't want to try another cruise line. We've enjoyed our three previous NCL cruises. I "haunt" this forum constantly so I'm sure someone will know.

Around 3/22 NCL should be releasing more dates and itineraries.

Following this review. We will be cruising on the Jade next summer with 3 kids (they will be 5 1/2 yo, 3 1/2 yo, and 18 months). We are leaning towards upgrading to a Haven 2 Bdr from the regular 2 Bdr, but are curious about whether the Jade Haven is kid friendly.

The Haven area on the Jade is small and the pool is 4-5 feet deep there is no shallow ledge like in the main pools. The pool is covered and can be used in inclement weather which would probably be the biggest advantage for kids.

Hi scamper,

We cruised the Jade in January and had a Haven 2 bedroom on a last minute upgrade. It was just two adults. You are correct that for 4 adults the 2nd bedroom is too small. It is designed more for 1 adult or two children.

We usually cruise in January because the number of children is substantially less with the holidays just getting over.

We found the Haven pool area very comfortable. It was staffed and you could order breakfast and lunch that you could eat in the Haven area, we much preferred to eat in Cagney's because we enjoyed looking out the windows. The Haven pool was never crowded, and we were often the only two in the area and in the hot tub. It was also the only pool open a few times as we had some cold windy weather. The Haven sun deck was great, very comfy and again we only saw one other couple one day and they didn't stay just came up to look around.

The butler was great and offered to help with so much, although we are pretty low key and didn't really need to be fussed over. The concierge helped with some restaurant reservations and changes in shore excursions, otherwise we didn't really have a need for more.

The Haven on the Jade is very different than the newer ships like Escape, Breakaway, etc. The newer ships no longer have suite and Haven, all suites can use the Haven so the areas are larger but often crowded, at least that is what I have read on these boards.

We had such a great time and enjoyed it so much that we booked the Jade for January 2017, 10 days out of Tampa in the Haven.

Enjoy your trip! I am jealous.

Hello all - First time cruiser of Norwegian going on NCL Jade. Have only cruised on Carnival in the past. Any tips about the ship? Is it similar to Carnival as far as activities goes? how is the port in Houston? It seems to be fairly small with no covered parking.

Hi,

We were on the Jade in January are loved it, so much that we booked for next January. Most cruise ships have the same type of activities on board, may be named different but very similar. You will get a daily program that gives you activities, times and locations so that you can plan your days.

The port is Houston does not have covered parking but you can prepay and save $5 and add a car cover for a fee. The parking lot is much larger than it looks, we went to the farthest end from where you enter and parked very close to the terminal. We had no problems with out vehicle without a cover.

Enjoy your trip.

Does anyone have pictures of these rooms or can anyone tell me the layout? I see the beds against the window wall, but is there a small couch or any other sitting area? A small coffee table?

 

 

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Have you tried YouTube I was able to find lots of pictures before we sailed.

Good morning. Just wondering if tendering has been an issue like it was when she came to Texas. I read lots of horror stories of long waits and missed tours due to the tender process not being a smooth ride. We are finally trying to figure out our excursions and any advice would be great. I prefer to book private if possible. I want to to ray/shark alley and see there is a private vendor for about 1/2 the cost which would be great for the budget. Though if I can't make the tour it's worthless.

 

Thanks in advance.

We cruised mid January and didn't experience any issues with the tendering. In fact we heard other people mention that it was smoother than expected.

Belize is about a 15-20 minute tender each way and Honduras is 5 minutes due to distance ship has to anchor offshore.

Yes, but did you get the times that you wanted? Somebody had said that they could only get 6pm or after 9pm.............

 

We were going to purchase a SDP, but no point if we can't get any decent times.

 

Has anybody had any problems, or is it OK?

 

Blues

They only make a percentage of times available online but have more choices once on board if the times you want are gone.

Am curious how long the drive from Dallas to the port was for you? Trying to plan our drive as we will arrive in Dallas on Friday, and will leave for Houston port on Saturday morning. Thanks for your help!

 

And while I have your (or anyone's) attention...what time does the earliest or suite boarding begin on Saturday?

 

Thanks!

Hi Amy,

It took us about 4 hours to drive from Dallas to the Houston port area but we did leave Friday morning and spent the night near the port. We have a lot of freeway/highway construction in Dallas right now so I would give yourself extra time.

We got to the port about 10am and even with a Haven suite we didn't board until 11 or little after. There was a quieter suite waiting area with refreshments which was nice. They then escorted us on and to the Star Bar where we waited for Cagneys to be ready to serve lunch for suite guests. You can drop carry on in your cabin before lunch if you want to, we didn't really carry much since it was cool and we knew pool time that day wasn't happening.

Dawnelle

C. Anne you are off to a great start.

 

Out of curiosity did you drive and park and if so what is the parking like near the terminal or did you arrive some other way?

 

Keith

Hi Keith,

We sailed Jan 16 on the Jade and drove down from Dallas. Parking was so easy! You can prepay for $75 which is what we did. You drive around and drop your luggage. Then you go and park. It is very close, a very large parking lot. Porters were great.

Thank you so much for the review. I am under the understanding that Cozumel has more than one port. Do you happen to remember where the Jade ports?

In Cozumel we were not at the port where Royal Caribbean is at, it was closer to the Del Sol and other stores than the other port. I can't remember the name though.

Thanks for the review! I will be on the Jade in four weeks and your comments are helpful.

I think the dress code at the Grand Pacific is for dinner only, so at breakfast and lunch shirts and flip flops are ok...Does anyone else know for sure?

 

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breakfast and lunch in the grand pacific is ok for shots, shirts and flip flops.

Was originally was set to go to Harvest Caye...soooo disappointed in now having to go to Belize City. Have read nightmare reviews about the tendering process,long lines,missing tours,people cutting etc.Also reading about tendering in Roatan,though on NCL's site it says DOCK. This is only my 2nd cruise,have never had to tender. As a disabled person(not in wheelchair),I was hoping to avoid. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! Leaving in 12 days.

We did not experience any tender issues in Belize or Roatan but we did have ship excursions. It was very organized in my opinion. However, this may be different if you are not using a ship excursion.

I would suggest that you speak to guest services about their procedures for disabled guests as I am sure they have a protocol to assist with those that have trouble standing and walking but do not use a wheelchair. You may even be able to call the reservation number and ask questions now.

@dporter - Thank you for that!It's just nice to know there are options. The Haven pictures had me thing it might be cool to have breakfast or lunch there once in a while. Looks so peaceful.

 

Yeah- that tax really isn't a biggie. We will definitely enjoy a sail away beverage (or two). :)

 

Did you spend any time on the sundeck? DH and I were thinking that it might feel a little too removed from the "action" but that it's a good respite.

Yes we enjoyed the Haven sundeck on 2 days of our 7 days cruise. 1 of those days was while the ship was in Cozumel, we had been so many times that we thought we would just relax on board, the chairs are set up with nice chair pads and soft town covers and the covered round chairs were fun! If you let the butler in the Haven pool area know you are headed up there they will check on you and bring you drinks if you want. The other day was a sea day and we enjoyed that as well. We had several days of cool temperatures so it did limit the sunbathing time. We did sit by the main pool for a few hours on a couple of days but really liked the peacefulness of the Haven sundeck.

Hello Everyone! DH and I will be sailing on the Jade in a few weeks. I have pulled out our suitcases and started packing. :) We splurged and decided to treat ourselves to a Haven penthouse suite. Super excited doesn't begin to capture how we're feeling. I've learned so very much from CC members. I hope I can pay it forward when we return. Questions:

 

Jade Haven Courtyard:

1. I know there is no Haven restaurant and breakfast and lunch are served at Cagney's. However, in the pictures I've found of the Courtyard there seem to be small tables with condiments set up suggesting a dining option. Can you have Cagney's (or other) breakfast or lunch delivered to you there?

 

2. If you can, who delivers it? "My" butler? Or is there a Courtyard butler/valet who does this?

 

 

Tax on Beverages

We have the UBP and realize that we ill be charged tax for drinks while in U.S. waters. Does that include soft drinks or just alcoholic beverages?

 

It's sad, but I trust the answers I get here more than NCL's customer service. I've had many nice conversations with them, but have also experienced the "talk to three agents and receive five different answers" syndrome. All I want to do is anticipate potential costs and make sure I have everyone covered for gratuities.

 

Thank you so much for your help!

Hi,

We were on the Jade this past January and enjoyed the Haven!

1. There are tables that you can order food and have brought there, there is a separate butler/server I am not sure of his title that will take care of everything. It appears that this is done for only breakfast and lunch and that he goes to Cagneys and gets your order and brings it up. We chose to eat in Cagneys because we enjoyed looking out the windows and seeing the ocean.

2. Yes when sailing out of Houston port there are some odd Texas liquor laws. The liquor menu is smaller but you are able to order various wines and the normal liquors, I drink Bacardi and it was available on the short list my BF drinks bourbon and there were a couple of options. There is Texas liquor tax until you get out past Galveston, usually until about 8pm, it amounted to less than $1 per drink, so not a big issue.

Let me know if you have other questions I am happy to share my knowledge.

We had the UBP on the Jade just recently and received great service!

Unfortunately I cannot comment on the Sky.

However, we were on the Jade the week of 1/16 and had an absolutely fantastic time. The ship was clean, not as much Hawaiian décor as I expected. Staff were fantastic. Service and food were great. We enjoyed the shows. Would have liked to made money in the casino but oh well....

Please let me know if you have specific questions I am happy to answer.