Treasure Hunter

We just booked the inaugural cruise transferred from June 25, 2025. Totally different ports but we don’t care. Couldn’t get the same stateroom but same category. Fingers crossed and knock on wood. Traveling with friends and it’s our first inaugural cruise in 50+ cruises. Very excited bc and hopeful.

You can come as early as you want. You will be in the Haven boarding area with snacks and drinks. You probably won’t board until 11:00. Lunch starts at 11:30 in the Haven restaurant so go straight there unless you want your free meal in American Diner.

Hahaha it happened to us once before on Holland America. We never did sail that line. It was right after 9/11 and we ended up doing the National Parks with Tauck instead.

Yes we were on the June 25th sailing and are sorely disappointed. We are going to try for the inaugural sailing. Monday will be insane. Although it’s likely to be delayed too. I actually like the ports more. Our original cruise was to Egypt and Israel and was going to be changed anyway.

That’s too bad. I was hoping Symphony would have one on our cruise in September. It’s a disappointment.

We took the paid tour because the platinum tour was filled the first day. It cost $189 a person and was terrible. The captain was giving a lecture in the theater so was t on the bridge. There was a lot of standing around and waiting. New people that didn’t know what to do. I don’t recommend. Princess gives a much better tour but that won’t help you

We booked British airways 2:40 to go home. Our TA has arranged Crystal bus transfer for us to Heathrow from Dover. We are being picked up at Heathrow before the cruise by Crystal private car and taken to one of the offered hotels in London ( Langham) and the next day going with a group from the hotel by bus ( Crystal also ) to Dover. Our cruise is September

And get the big waffle with strawberries and whipped cream!

There are many wonderful outdoor restaurants in the main square that will be more fun and tastier than a communal lunch in a back room. The Belgian fries, mussels, beer are great. Don’t stress, part of travel is going with the flow

Remember the second bedroom might be small but it has a private bathroom and tv and all the Haven perks plus you have a nice living room with dining table for four.

Having a large balcony in not important if you are in the Haven proper. You have many available loungers both in shade and sun. You can eat breakfast and lunch at the pool outside or there is lunch service up on the private sundeck. You are not dealing with crowds and chair hogs. I never spend time on my balcony when in the Haven. There is too many other better choices with unbelievably great service

That is a great excursion. We did it on the Island when the ship was new. The only other excursion that for sure sells out is the super pricey helicopter to the glacier for dog sledding in Alaska. As others said, if you want it, book it.

David! You nailed it. Life is short.

If you are buying the Haven be in the Haven. We usually get the the two bedroom suite even if we are just a couple. I am back and forth to the room all day to use the restroom, drop something off, pick something up etc. We are right there to go with the concierge early to the theater or off the ship. Even if we get a basic room, we prefer to be in the Haven and if possible on the floor where the restaurant, pool, bar, concierge is located. It can't be beat. You have a finite number of cruises in your life.

But the food ( I hope) will be better and for sure the entertainment will. We have an Aquamarine Suite ( we have been staying in the Retreat the last few years and hate the Luminae menu.) we will try it. We love different lines for different reasons. Oceania for itineraries and trivia. Foods good too. NCL Haven because we get great entertainment and big casino with great service. And Princess because it was our first cruise in 1990 and I still get a thrill at the love boat theme.

I always wanted to try Crystal. So we shall see. Supposedly both ships have been totally renovated and the itinerary is just what we wanted.

Yes,we don’t care for the Luminae menu. And it’s a real problem on Edge class ships as you can’t order from the MDR menu. No more Celebrity. We are booked on NCL Encore Haven, a Princess suite ( will eat in a few specialty restaurants ). Trying Crystal for the first time and the new Oceania Allura. Unless you are in a Royal suite ( prices are outrageous) and can eat around the ship, I don’t recommend Celebrity anymore.

Yes my daughter is going to be on the sofa in the living room. It worked out great last February on the Breakaway. Thanks for the kind words.

We are in a two bedroom Haven suite on the Encore (18th) and just got an upgrade offer to an owners suite. Not good for us as the second bedroom ( the one for our grandkids) doesn’t have a bunk that pulls down and they would kill each other sleeping in one bed. So I have to reluctantly pass on bidding.

You need to book for six! On board they can refund the single.

LGA is now beautifully renovated. It is much easier ( smaller) to navigate than either JFK or Newark. The ride by taxi is set and 25 minutes to midtown. Definitely do a show. John’s of 13th street is a wonderful old school Italian ( cash only) since 1890. Then go around the corner for the best coffee and pastries in the world Veniero’s.

It is a great cruise! We just took it. You will eat the most delicious lobster rolls ( not sure of your ports but can give you restaurants in Newport and Portland) until they come out of your ears. Fly into LGA or Newark. There is a good inexpensive hotel in New Jersey that includes a shuttle to the port before and after the cruise. My kids stayed there when they drove up from DC to meet us at the pier. The only problem with that is you won't have a car to get to the hotel and it makes touring NY very hard as you will be on the other side of the George Washington Bridge if you were planning to come in a few days early.

Yes that’s the only problem. Once in the Haven…..

It is not typical to have so many Haven suites available unless it is really an off season period. They will sell them through the upgrade program. I have never been on an NCL ship where the Haven isn't fully sold out even if the rest of the ship is 3/4 or 4/5 full.

Go to the casino when it opens after sailaway. The fee is usually $25 or $30. They will take your name, give you a little card to hand in and tell you the first day at sea and time that the tournament will be held. Come a little early. There will be multiple rounds. In the old days everyone that made it into the final round got a tee shirt or cap. No more, now there is one winner that takes the pot. It’s still fun.