AlexandNessa

Escape is nicer, IMHO. Hot tubs upstairs on the sun deck, loungers around the small pool in the courtyard (last 2 times we went on BA, there were only tables for eating), restaurant was upstairs with outside eating. 

Escape Haven has rooms on Deck 17/18, with the courtyard being on 17, Restaurant on 18, so it seemed larger. BA has Haven proper staterooms on 15/16, but no Haven amenities on Deck 15 really. No one goes on Deck 15, except the folks staying there. As a result, Escape Haven seems more spacious. 

The rate shown on the TV will say 0$ when you select the movie, so yes, you are charged the rate on the TV. 😊

Yup, as most others have said, you will in fact get current perks. We upgraded ourselves from H5 to H3 once. We got an extra 400$ OBC and an extra point per night when our cruise became a Latitude insider offer. We were well within final payment, perhaps 6 weeks from the cruise date when we did this. 

It's really hard to top Royal Star Class. While you'll probably enjoy the Haven Courtyard and restaurant/bar (though you didn't specify which NCL ship), Star Class is much more personalized and all inclusive. 

The only thing so much better in Haven is their bathrooms, bathrobes, towels, dressing areas. Royal was weak in this regard, IMHO. 

Royal Star Class v NCL Haven(4).docx

To me, the streaming option isn't worth it, especially on older ships. On newer ships its better, but still choppy. Either way, if you are upgrading a package (e.g., 250 min promo), wait till the 2nd day for a discount. 

No, and it's still available to book for our December cruise. You'd think they'd remove it if it's gone and they'll only refund the $$ anyway. 

Snorkel Beach? You don't need an excursion through the cruise line. You can go on your own at your leisure or decide if the 50$ shorex credit makes it worth your while. 

It's a 5$ admission each for 3 of you (15 month old free). 

And here are the current rental rates:

Beach Rentals

• Beach Chairs $10
• Chaise Lounge $15
• Umbrella $10
• Day bed $35
• Cabanas starting at $250

Water Toys

• Noodle or Small Inflatable Toys $5
• Large Inflatable Floats & Boogie Boards $10
• Jumbo Inflatable Floats $20
• Kayaks (2 persons) $25 per hour or $15 for 1/2 hour
• Single Kayak (1 person) $25 per hour or $15 for 1/2 hour
• Pedal Boats (2/4 persons) $25/$35 per hour or $20/$30 for 1/2 hour
• Stand Up Paddle Boards $25/hr or $15 for 1/2 hour

I've seen the figures thrown around here (10$ - 15$ pp/pd Butler, 5-10$ pp/pd concierge). 

That's a limited number of posters' personal guidelines, not NCL's. 

NCL doesn't provide you a suggested tipping amount for a reason. Simply consider the amount of services you've requested, if you're satisfied with the services you've received, what you're comfortable with, kiss it up to God, and don't give it a second thought. There will always be people who tip more than you and people who tip less. 

If you want my guideline, it's simply this: tip with what you can sleep with at night... And don't tip under the influence of the drink package. 😉

2 hours ago, patty123 said:

Thanks can you bring blow dryers or hair straightenr

 

Of course. Hair styling tools are rarely an issue. Just make sure they're in good working order (no frayed cords, etc). Only Carnival was dumb enough to try to ban straighteners/curling irons years ago. It was a very short-lived. In 30+ cruises on various lines, I've never had my straightener or curling iron confiscated and I've always been open about having them aboard. 

I've never had a bad hair dryer on NCL so I never bring my own. Royal is another story... 

I've always been able to get Vanilla Vodka. I believe they offer Stolichnaya. 

I've often bought more than our 2 liter allowance (2 ppl) if it's bottles we cannot get at home & always declared it. I've yet to be charged. We're just waved through. Always prepared to pay though, of course. 

8 hours ago, ebay33 said:

 

I'm glad to know it is taking longer to show up.  I've been waiting a couple of weeks with no response and in the past it would post within 24 hours.  I was thinking I might just have to give up and lose out on the OBC, but there still might be a chance it shows up!

Yes, it is taking a while at the moment, but never lose out. Print your email with docs and the case number you got when you emailed Shareholder services with you. Go to the credit desk onboard. Have them email Shareholder services. They should even be able to apply it while you're onboard, as long as you submitted your info within a reasonable time pre-cruise. 

But, check your room account once aboard to make sure it's not magically there first. 

5 minutes ago, chk-gnt said:

I was told this Spring that since my 250 minutes was given as a perk instead of being purchased, I would not receive a $125 credit towards an upgrade. Just curious if I received incorrect info, however the person in the Internet Cafe told me this.

Unless this is brand new, you received misinfo. I typically pay 85$ or so onboard for unlimited for the week (no video) when I have the 250 min promo. Hubby and I then share it. 

We're on the Dawn this month. Small cabanas were 349$ (I think) and are sold out, so don't wait till you board. 

Yes, the only thing they need to see is that you have at least 100 shares of NCLH. I block out all my other stocks that are on the statement as well as how much money is in the account, along with my account number. 

I've never been denied, credit for any rate I've booked or other promos. 

I believe you cannot use it for DSC if you're paying that onboard, but that's the only restriction I know about. 

They are running long in approving and applying so give yourself plenty of time, 2 weeks + turnaround. 

1 hour ago, BEAV said:

 

Is this something you do on the app after you board? 

 

I'm at home online logged into my booking (I sail on Sunday) and can't see anywhere to upgrade my 250 minutes (or 30 Platinum minutes) to the unlimited plans. Thanks!

Yes, you need to be connected to the Ship's wifi. 

12 minutes ago, Turtles06 said:

 

If you have the 250 minute perk and you want to get an unlimited plan, will you get some monetary credit for the 250 minutes to apply toward the unlimited plan?  I’ve read conflicting reports about this on different threads.   If you can, must it be done on board, and do you have to see the (busy) internet manager? 

 

Thanks for any info. 

No need to go to the interweb manager. There will be an option to upgrade right on the screen where you log in to use your 250 min. The credit for 250 min is 125$.

53 minutes ago, don't-use-real-name said:

Interestingly - Plat + awards 60 minutes ($45) - have the perk of 250 minutes ($125) total is 310 minutes and ($170)

applied against the upgrade to one of the unlimited plans - result the plan costs far less almost peanuts ?

Is this possible - anyone doing or having done that ?

 

Internet plans LINK:
 https://www.ncl.com/onboard-packages/internet-packages 

I'm in the same boat. Last time in November it wasn't on option for me to bundle both Platinum Plus and 250 min perk when selecting my upgraded package online. 

But I might ask this time because I was ticked... Once I upgraded my 250 min perk to unlimited, my 60 minutes went away, which I'd have given to hubby to use. 

A lot depends on when you book and if you watch pricing with a hawk-like zest. I tend to consider price watching a contact sport....

As another example, 12 night Southern Caribbean cruises out of NYC or NJ are my sweet spot. I paid the same for the H4 (Haven) we have this year on the Bliss as I did for the Anthem GL (Star Class) same itinerary next year. Same time of year. Both cruises booked very early. 

Haven fare was a bit lower, but by the time I added in Haven DSC, drink and dining package gratuities, upgraded unlimited internet to the Haven tab, RCI Star Class was the same price. 

I'm going to reiterate something I said on a previous thread. Don't wait to request your shareholder benefit. I'd grown accustomed to a quick turnaround. But it seems to be running 2 weeks, and I know someone who waited longer than that. Don't wait to get your request in, if the situation applies. 

I hardly think Sea class is worth it. If you're talking Sea or Sky, I'd go with Haven. 

But everyone cruises differently, and what's worth it to be may not be worth it to you. 

Sorry, don't quite remember except found a note I wrote indicating

H5 +1,472$ (so it was worse than the 1200$ I thought) 

H6 +2,172$

H4 +3,172$

H3 +5,272$.

7 night Escape to Bermuda, April 28

V. 

7 night Anthem (Bermuda and Boston). In Star Class, Grand Loft, April 27

We only booked about 5 weeks out, 2 adults. Those were the prices the day I booked. Escape v. Anthem was about as apples to apples as I could get. 

We've found Norwegian would rather sell their Haven cabins through bidding. I detest that. 

Hands down, Star Class on Royal was a better value for us. Hubby declared embarkation, laundry, and disembarkation worth the price of admission alone. I bought one 20$ item on Royal. That was our total bill for the week. Star Class is more inclusive. Zero "a la carting" with Star Class, which we prefer to NCL a la carting everything to within an inch of its life (we are Platinum Plus, BTW). 

If you have a family and or travel with more than 2 to a cabin, I imagine Star Class is an even better value because Norwegian only gives perks to first 2 on reservation, whereas Star Class perks are extended to all... Internet, drinks, and dining. And again, Star Class includes the DSC for all in the stateroom. 

We did miss the private courtyard. Anthem had a sundeck which wasn't anything to write home about. 

We've been disappointed in the quality of Norwegian lately. I feel their Haven experience has deteriorated via death by a thousand cuts. 

1 hour ago, sometimes sailor said:

There is another person selling theirs for $400 a piece on Fbk in NCL themed pages.  Frankly I hope they do not sell them but have to use them for a cruise.  Think the use 2 certificates for any cabin promo, which is expiring today, has driven it to a sellers market.   Tomorrow the beating of the doors should slow down.

 

 

Lol, you must've got her on a good day. Some days she asks 450$ for the pair! 🤣

We tried Star Class for the first time on Royal (Anthem, Grand Loft) because Escape Haven was 1200$ more expensive for an H5 (which we hate, those tubs, ugh). 

Star Class is a clear winner for us. Never felt "a la carted" like we do in the Haven. 

Here is a spreadsheet comparison I put together. 

Oops, see I uploaded the spreadsheet that neglects to compare gratuities. Royal Star Class: included for every guest on reservation. Haven: currently 18$/day pp. 

Royal Port of Cape Liberty-2.docx

25 minutes ago, SailBreakaway said:

I have a rare Haven 500$ cert I would be willing to part with, as our Haven days are pretty much done.  So when you purchase these on board you receive zero on board spending, it costs 500 and you get 500, however what you do get is the ability to put down only 500$ on a room, rather than 1500$+.

 

If interested let me know.  We will sell for 400$.

 

 

We purchase Haven certs all the time, and you do get credit. If you didn't, that sux.