graphicguy

Actually, the Viva holds only about 10% more passengers than the Gem, and Viva is a bigger ship. Obviously, no guests have sailed her, yet. But, if Prima is a guideline, the dining venues are different than they are on a traditional cruise ship. Viva and Prima have smaller dining areas, but there are more of them. So, if one dining venue is crowded, you can go to another.

I’m in the minority, but I’ll forego LeBistro if given a choice of the other Specialty Restaurants. I had Coq au Van there, also. It was so salty I literally couldn’t eat it. I did have the Sea Bass which was pretty good. French Onion soup is good. But, getting a good meal there is literally a 50-50 proposition in my experiences.

I have never had a bad seat in the main theater productions on any ship. Haven section has been rarely full on any sailing, also. However, I will take the Haven escort to Syd Norman’s and Cavern Club shows. The bands in those venues are outstanding. And, getting the escort to and inside the venues for pick of seats is something I’ll take advantage of.

This may help… https://consumer-travel.americanexpress.com/en-us/travel/cruises

In my experience the OBC and dinner perks were added to my portfolio after I boarded the ship! That may be a function of how my TA books and bills it. How they do it, I don’t know!

Yeah…that’s a tough nut. But, cruising 2x/year, getting the OBC perk and the “French Dinner” (they must have dropped the bottle of wine) softens the blow. There are also Hotel benefits (e.g. credits, restaurant credits, $15/mo Uber credits, etc), my fee is usually covered! My TA always honors the AMEX perks. I don’t think NCL PCCs honor the AMEX perks. But, I haven’t booked through them in a while! So, perhaps that’s changed! Point being, you don’t have to book through AMEX travel to get the perks, but not every TA or PCC may honor the perks!

Not familiar with Blue offers. AMEX offers some nice travel perks, all-in-all!

In Brief....NO! As a caveat, I'm speaking of the $100 to $300 OBC, bottle of wine and complimentary dinner at LeBistro. Those offers are available only on "non branded" AMEX Platinum and Centurion Cards.

Going against the grain. but the Lobster Thermador I had at LeBistro twice was the worst meal I had on two of my cruises. It was like they tried to mask the toughness of the Lobster with gobs and gobs of sauce. And, the sauce wasn't that good to begin with. Steaks in LeBistro are a much better bet.

-Must see.....band in Syd Norman's. Get in line early. It's worth the wait. -The Waterfront.....drink and dine outside as much as possible. This area is great for both. -French Onion Soup in LeBistro Could go on, but that will get you started!

HAL and Celebrity are much more sedate and formal. NCL has much more to do. Entertainment on NCL is more Broadway style than "cruise ship style". You can make reservations, or not on NCL. Those are the big ones.

Said it before in another thread, I think the Viva and Prima are a different sailing experience than what some are used to. That doesn't bother me. Matter of fact, I embrace different. I enjoy dining al fresco on all the NCL ships that offer it. I consider it a positive that they've expanded their outdoor areas. I donned hoodies, jackets and socks to dine outside in Alaska on the Bliss and Encore. Rain? Wind? I understand not wanting to dine outside. But, between the Food Hall, the Garden Cafe, the Local and the Specialty Restaurants, I'm sure I can find a venue that can accommodate me. If one can't, another can. If you're looking more for the traditional buffet, MDRs, etc. I understand where neither the Prima nor the Viva may be to one's liking. For me? I would love it. As far as entertainment, Syd Norman's is a favorite. I'm aware of its size. From the pics, it looks like the same size as on the Breakaway and Plus ships. You just have to get in line early to get a seat, otherwise you're SRO. But, Syd's is a smaller entertainment venue on all the ships who have it (and the Cavern Club, also). If I want to see the show, I'll get in line early. Just a general rule of thumb, some may not know, but if you get to the main theater about 15 minutes before showtime, seats from those who didn't show up after making reservations, are released. I've always been able to wait around and get a seat within that window. And, truth is, there isn't a bad seat in the house, so all seats are good. The main theater looks from the pics to be the same size as on the Breakaway and Plus ships. I understand others who may not like what NCL has done. But, I like the concept of the Indulge Food Hall. Again, I'm flexible. That's why I like NCL's FREESTYLE. If I can't find a seat at one restaurant, I'll find another somewhere else on the ship. Inside...Outside, doesn't matter.

IKR? LOL! One of my favorite features of the recent NCL ships is the WATERFRONT with all the outdoor spaces. Agree about sailing her in warmer climates. But, I sailed the Bliss and the Encore in Alaska. I took advantage of being outside a lot given the stunning views. I didn't mind layering up when it got chilly. Looks like the Prima and Viva offer the same outdoor areas. I mean, you're on a cruise. Isn't a major part of the appeal to be outside on deck?

Thanks all for the input. I truly appreciate it. Y'all give me all sides of the cabin change. I needed that. Just an update, I decided to stay in the Haven Spa Cabin. Mainly because it has a larger balcony (I think) than the 2 BR Haven Suite. Plus, while I don't know how much I'll use it, having access to the Spa is a positive, too. Being a few steps away from the Haven Bar and Restaurant with the 2 BR suite is appealing. But, walking the stairs from the Spa Cabin to the Haven isn't a bad thing. The final decision maker was wondering if I'd have a better time in the 2 BR Suite vs the Spa Suite. Maybe if I was traveling with a SO or family, the extra room of 2 BR would be used. But, as it is, me being a solo, I don't know that it really matters. Now, if something happens over the weekend, where I fall madly and completely in lust....I mean LOVE, and impressing the new Love interest is in play, that decision might come back to haunt me. Plus, while the upgrade charge for the 2 BR was mighty tempting, just because I can, doesn't mean I should. I can use that $348 I would have spent for the upgrade on a nice excursion.

Thanks. I'm thinking the Prima is my next booking. I really want to sail her.

Thanks for the input all. Thanks to you, Gary! As mentioned, total upgrade is $348! Which is shocking to me. That’s all it costs to go from one of the cheapest Haven Suites (Spa) to one of the best, most expensive 2 Bedroom Haven Suites! That said, I can only use one Bed at a time…I can only use one Bathroom at a time. Living room would be nice in the 2 BR Suite….as would being in the Haven Proper. Is any of that a “must have”? Oh, hell no! Still nice, though! Would be nice to have Spa access in the Haven Spa Suite, though. And, $350 would net me a nice excursion! I don’t believe service in the 2BR Suite would be any better than I’d get in the Haven Spa Suite. Good thing my TA is closed for the day. I still haven’t made up my mind!!! First World problems! :)

I don’t know that I could actually do better price wise using the bid process. The bid would have to be $175x2. I don’t know that the minimum bids go that low. The difference in cabins is significant. 2BRs and 2 bathrooms, one with a tub and a window to look out of while showering, with a living room. that is within feet of the Haven proper. 1 bed and one bath for the Haven Spa cabin that’s 2 decks away from the Haven Proper! I have NEVER seen a 2BR Haven Suite on any ship be this cheap….especially for an 11 day cruise in what is supposed to be the premier Haven in the entire fleet.

Had the same question. It’s +$350 (actually $348) to upgrade in total….in other words not pp, but per cabin!

Yeah....hit the nail on the head. I am going to make a decision tonite.

Good points, all. Thought about the Spa access. The cruise is 11 days with 2 sea days. And, we've got an overnight in Barcelona, Rome and Florence. As you mention, it should be warm. So, I'm debating how much I would use the spa given those circumstances. Never thought about the balcony. It does look small. Being close to the Haven restaurant, bar and concierges doesn't bother me. Might be nice to just walk out of the cabin and be within a minute of all that. You know it's funny. When I first started out after graduating college, I spent money like a drunken sailor on leave. The more I began to make in my career, the tighter I became with a buck....mortgage, kid, wife, etc had to be cared for. Now that I'm retired, and have none of those financial responsibilities any longer, I'm beginning to loosen the financial reins a bit, again! I think my hesitation comes with my late Father whispering in my ear "...why are you going to do that? It's so frivolous". And, I wouldn't be able to argue with him. I'm having this discussion with myself. Don't know if I'm looking for validation or someone to pull me back from the ledge....or, to goad me into doing it.

Boy...do I have a cunundrum for the CC peanut gallery here. In brief, I'm booked in a Haven Spa Suite on the Epic for a Mediterranean cruise. With the coupons and the "deals" offered, I got in for a shade over $4,500, all in. I'm solo. I usually don't feel privileged for booking solo cruises in the Haven. My money....my choices. I'm retired. I worked a lot to send my son through a Jesuit Private HS and a 4 year college degree with no loans for him to shoulder. Paid for home. I drive a one year old Honda Accord, which while not sexy, I love. So, why am I telling you all this? Welllllllllll......I can upgrade my Haven Spa Suite for a 2 BR Haven Suite within steps of the Restaurant, bar, concierge etc. Again, I'm a solo, but the upgrade would be about $350. Would you? Could you? Pros? Cons? I usually don't feel guilty, but this has me talking to myself given I'm considering it.

Agree with most.....do go to the solo meetups...at least once. You may find you won't want do dine alone if you make some other solo friends. Tell the maitre'd at the dining establishment you want to dine that you either prefer to sit by yourself, or are willing to sit at a table with others. I always choose the latter. I've made a lot of good cruising friends that way and always seem to join them on other parts of the ship (say to have drinks or go to the clubs together). Either way, just let them know what you prefer. They'll do their very best to accommodate.

Thanks a bunch....very helpful!!!!!!

You’re right. I misspoke. It is brisket…..and it was very good!

I resemble that remark... 😉