Suite Heart

2 hours ago, farmersfight said:

 

I was just about to book my first solo in early March...just before it all "hit the fan" (COVID 19). It was going to be with NCL on the Jewel, Hawaii - Tahiti. Glad I didn't put any $$ down on it, as it turned out. Anyway, I just wanted to say that I admire you for sailing solo and in the Haven no less. That's the way I'd like to sail solo, for sure. At a minimum, I would have a balcony. No NCL tiny, inside solo cabins for me (although NCL's solo lounge is a nice touch/good idea for solos). It does stink that solos have to pay double. I was steered to the website Cruiseplum which lists all the solo supplement discounts/waivers for the various cruise lines. Whenever cruising resumes (not looking good for the rest of 2020), I will probable use Cruiseplum to book solo and hopefully get a supplement discount/waiver and save some $$. Hopefully, NCL will be back up and running by the time of your cruise in Feb 2021. Unless there is a vaccine developed and fast tracked distributed, I'm guessing this virus will still be around in Feb 2021. But, if NCL (and the other cruise lines) can develop/implement protocols that meet the CDC's requirements and can sail early next year, I agree with you, I'll cruise wearing a mask and under the new protocols. Fingers crossed (especially for a vaccine)!

I don't know about being admired for sailing solo (LOL), BUT...at this point in my life I don't really know anyone that I'd could be able to share a 9- to 14-day cruise with that I wouldn't drive crazy, or he/she wouldn't drive me crazy. When my DH was still on this mortal coil and we sailed together, we didn't live in each other's pockets. We would usually have dinner together and most days we'd meet for breakfast. (Between dinner and breakfast...well... 😉) There were shows we saw together, some that I saw alone, and some that he saw alone. We'd meet for cocktails at all hours of the day and night, sometimes we'd do lunch, some shore excursions, etc. I'd say that we spent 75-80% of the time together. Worked really well for us; for other people, not so much.

As to the cost of sailing solo, well, that's why I still work for a living. I'm of retirement age, but to cruise the way I want, I need that extra income. I still can only do it once a year, though. Damn you, Haven!😋

I certainly hope that NCL is up and running by Feb 2021. If not, I'll book something farther out and hope for the best.

Hope you get to cruise really soon!

I am booked on the Joy for Feb 2021, RT Miami. I have a Haven penthouse, so if  I don't want want to be around lots of people, I have the choice of staying strictly on the Haven decks. Not only is there the private bar and restaurant, there's the Observation deck, a library, and a 2-story (errrr, "deck") lounge.

Even if there are mask restrictions, I still plan on taking the cruise. I wear a mask anytime I leave my house already, so not a big deal. Besides, I just priced my cruise today (19 June) and for identical accommodations and free-at-sea perks, etc., it would cost me $6,900 MORE and doesn't include air, which my current booking includes. (I sail solo, so I pay double, which is why I only sail about once a year. Oh, yes, I still work for a living.)

Is it February yet? 😁 🍾 🚢

I am booked on the Joy, in the Haven, Feb 2021. This will be my first time on the Joy but my 5th Haven cruise. (Epic,  Getaway, and Breakaway twice.) My last two cruises were as a single, as is my upcoming cruise. (No, there are no single cabins in the Haven; I pay double. I love the Haven, so I only cruise once a year 'cause I'm not a rich b_t__h.  LOL)  Can't wait to try the speedway, laser tag, and the Galaxy Pavilion!)

I booked this over a year ago (usual for me) on one of the Latitudes sales and 30% off. I checked the prices today for my cabin class and . .wait for it . . . it would cost me $6,790 MORE and it wouldn't include airfare, which my booked cruise DOES include.

I'll be curious to see how cruise prices will shake out when there's finally (?) a vaccine. Keep washing those hands! 🙃

On 5/10/2020 at 9:09 PM, jotjot said:

OK,  no mask for me on a cruise but can everyone wear them on elevators . Nothing like someone coughing or sneezing behind you.

A lot of those people ought to be using the stairs anyway...LOL

29 minutes ago, ed01106 said:

Protect yourself by knowing how to spot lying salespeople.  

 

How can you tell a salesperson is lying?  Their lips are moving.

That statement is not limited to salespeople.😋

12 minutes ago, Regguy said:

Washington Post says they saw the email and spoke to whistleblower.

 

Again, if untrue where is the NCL press release?

Thank you for the info. You are correct.✌️👍

Any new story that I've seen regarding the NCL emails state that their source is the Miami New Times.

"Norwegian Cruise Line sales managers instructed employees to downplay the risks of the coronavirus and in some cases mislead potential customers to secure bookings during the outbreak, according to a Miami New Times report." (Business Insider https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-cruise-ship-company-norwegian-misleading-sales-talking-points-report-2020-3)

AND

"Leaked emails from Norwegian Cruise Line that surfaced Wednesday show that the company provided prepped responses to give customers who asked about the coronavirus.

The emails were leaked to the  Miami New Times by an anonymous Norwegian Cruise Line employee. They show managers asking the sales team to provide customers with false information about the coronavirus when asked about it. (Newsweek https://www.newsweek.com/norwegian-cruise-lines-leaked-emails-show-company-urging-employees-lie-about-coronavirus-1491777)

I'm not saying that the stories aren't true. (They may well be.) I'd just like to see a vetted, verified story from a reliable news source.

But I have tattoos on my face! Oh, wait. They're just freckles. My mother left me out in the rain and I rusted...😜

I've been in the Haven four times in the last 4 years, but haven't had THAT particular experience you describe. (Phew!) On the other hand, I have been eye- and ear-witness to some outrageous (sometimes drunken, sometimes not) behavior. E.g., those "get a room" moments, those super-loud "I know everything about everything, and I'm gonna tell you about it" people, the touchy-feely types that have to hold your hand or arm to keep/get your attention, and the unwanted pats on one's bottom.

4 hours ago, MagnoliaBlossom said:

You may have a PCC already assigned, so call the latitudes desk and ask.

Since you’ve not lucked into a gem I suggest you ask for recommendations at the next MeetnGreet. You can ask o the other board but you cannot ask here on CC, as it is against the rules of engagement. I wasn’t aware of that back in the old days and got myself a three day suspension.

Suite, we might have the same lovely lady. She told me recently she is the senior sales agent right now and is hoping to hang on another four or five years until retirement. I love it when we can chat because she is a real talker and tells me all kinds of things in the pipeline. But lately she’s been so busy we don’t get much chitchat in.


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I'll bet she is the same gal. Mine is a senior PPC, too.

At my request, she sent me a set of her business cards to give out on my cruise, should any of the pax ask about getting a PCC. And I did get some requests. I hope they follow through.

What in the world will we do when she decides it's time to retire?

Jamie & Magnolia -

I wonder if we have the same PCC. After one kind-of-okay PCC and one totally unacceptable PCC, I was very fortunate to hook up with my current PCC 10-plus years ago.

I generally book a year or more in advance and have 1-2 reservations going at a time. I watch the sales and if I come across something that is more to my liking or a better price or a new deal, I give her a call or email her, and she gets back to me 10-15 minutes later with my revised reservation.

Sometimes we call each other just to chat. We have even talked about taking a cruise together! She is unfailingly helpful, and sooo patient with my questions and requests. She is a true gem!

2 hours ago, elwood_98034 said:

From pointy end back on Deck 17: Lounge, pool, small lounge, bar Centre Starboard, Concierge Center Port.

Deck 18: open space, small lounge overlooking big lounge, stairs, open space above pool, another small lounge, restaurant. The restaurant is a pretty good size, but rarely very full. I think because of the food and the menu.

Concierge is right next to the bar on 17.

You can enter the Haven on Deck 17 or 18, and even on Deck 19 where there is a door on the Port side that seems to get left open, so you can usually just wander in and use the Haven hot tubs if you feel like it, and haven't paid the extra $10,000 to actually stay there. Smoking is forward on 19 by the hot tubs. In the right conditions you can passive smoke by the hot tubs, on the sun deck, or even on your Deck 18 balcony, but fortunately the smoke doesn't enter the cabin if the door is shut properly. You can sit inside on the toilet out of the smoke, and still see out through the bathroom window, so you don't really need a balcony.

The fun part is, even though you did pay the extra $10,000 to stay in the Haven, the hot tubs are usually full of non-Haven passengers drinking and smoking up a storm. Which is good in a way, because you won't get skin cancer from being out in the sun. So, even though there is a tendency to get really angry about access not being enforced by the crew, they are actually doing you a favor, and you should be grateful. The other thing is, once we realised that people were up there all day drinking and smoking, but there were never any wet footprints heading to the bathroom, we pretty much avoided the place entirely. 

 

 

Even though there's only one of me (I sail solo), I pay the piper and sail in the Haven.

Luckily, I'm not a smoking or sunning or hot tub kinda gal, so I get to avoid all that fun. 😜 But I DON'T get to avoid the cruise fare double occupancy $$.

I did get one heckuva deal on my 2021 cruise, which I booked in July 2019. a 12-day Panama Canal cruise, in the Haven, on the Joy, including air ($99), insurance, fees, transfers, the 5 Free-at-sea and the bev and dining pkg service charges for ...$8520. Yes, just me. Solo.  Right now, RACK RATE for the same cruise, fare only (again, solo) is $10,000.

On 2/7/2020 at 12:51 PM, elwood_98034 said:

Theoretically, but the service is very patchy. As a general rule if you weren't in the bar or restaurant and you wanted a drink you went and got it yourself. They collected glasses, but there was very, very, little taking of orders. I don't think we were ever asked, and we spent a lot of time in the Deck 17 lounge.

It isn't a long walk though, and the pool area is pretty fun to walk through. Pretty. Especially at night. The trick is to get a cabin close to the bar on the starboard side. Then you can just walk straight out of your cabin, and you are in the bar. You can also ask for 'doubles' to take back to your cabin. 

On my last 3 Haven cruises (Breakaway & Getaway) my cabin was on the same deck where the bar AND restaurant were located. I wonder why NCL split the two. Is the Haven restaurant larger on the Joy than on the -aways ships?

BTW, on which deck is the concierge's desk on the Joy?

My next Haven cruise will be on the Joy.

I see that deck 17 has "The Haven Courtyard," The Haven Lounge," and "The Haven Bar." (And the Horizon Lounge, too.)

Deck 18 has "The Haven Lounge," and "The Haven Restaurant."

My question: if you are on deck 18 in the Haven Lounge (NOT the restaurant), is there staff that takes your drink order and delivers it to you in the lounge on deck 18?

(No biggie; I do stairs 😜)

Since I sail solo, I get the pleasure of paying double since I don't elect to do the Studio cabins. That being said, allow me to tell you about a deal I got during one of NCL's 30% off, free-at-sea, airfare deals.

I booked this in July 2019 after I looked at what was offered:

12-day Panama Canal on the Joy

one person (me) in HF one bedroom Haven Courtyard

including port fees, travel insurance, the service charges for the bev and dining packages, transfers, and AIR (roundtrip Denver to Miami).

Wait for it...$8,520  (Oh, yes, my credit cards love me. And yes, I still work for a living.)

I just checked the "rack rate" at NCL's website.

Just guest fare for ONE person is $10, 708. Not including ANYTHING.

It definitely pays to watch the "sail sales."

On 2/1/2020 at 11:32 AM, maja651 said:

Thank you for your feedback! I’m looking forward to meeting her!  We’re you actually in the Haven or in a suite ‘off site’. We are in a forward facing suite outside of the Haven and I wonder if that will impact our level of service.

I'm afraid that I can't answer that question. I have only been in cabins that are on the same deck as the restaurant, bar, and courtyard.

12 hours ago, maja651 said:

What was your experience with Martina? Is she a good concierge? For reference, my all time favorite concierge is Roel, close second Adrian, and close third, Patrick.

I did get Patrick a couple of years ago and LOVED him! Haven't met Adrian or Roel, though.

Martina was fab! We started a running joke about being evil-twin sisters 'cause we are both gingers. 

She got me to shows early, booked a couple of last-minute  dining rezs, and was always available for consultation. Personality for days!!

16 hours ago, Landl cruiser said:

 

Who were the Cruise Next folks.   Thanks in advance.

Sorry,  I don't have that info ;-(

Current list for Breakaway Jan 31, 2020

Captain Matko Candrlic

Gen Mgr Joao Gigante

Asst Gen Mgr Plamenko

Cruise Director Paquito

Food & Bev Director Mihaela

Guest Services Mgr Denny

Executive Housekeeper Carmencita

Executive Chef Menino

Restaurant Mgr Herman

Beverage Mgr Adele

Concierge Haven Martina

Asst Concierge Cherisa

Haven Restaurant Christina, Seychelle

Haven Bar Kelvin, Gede, Tyron

There are some other people in the Haven, whose names I, sadly, forget.

If you go to Le Bistro, you'll meet Alen and Love. (Yep, real names.)

I have a "Hooray for NCL" story. About 4-5 months ago, I got one of those 30% off email from NCL. I already had my 2020 cruise booked, but I thought I'd take a look. Caveat: (NO, I am not rich and I still work full-time. ) I sail solo 'cause my beloved died. I sail the Haven 'cause I love it (as did my beloved). 

Anyway, I found a 12-day Panama Canal Cruise,  in the Haven, on the Joy, with the 5 free-at-sea, AND $99 airfare. The price is what it would have been for two people were going and we split the fare. Also, double points. For Feb 2021. (I go on my current cruise tomorrow, Jan 22.)

So, NCL has my $$ for another year or so. BTW, I have a great PPC who can change my reservations in 15 minutes.

SEAS the day!!

25 minutes ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

Totally agree.  I'm always amazed by the number of people who proudly comment on how they beat the system, so to speak with regard to the drinks package.  We all end up paying for the dishonest actions of a few.

Yeah, like the peeps who swap ideas on this board on how to "smuggle" booze on  board and then ***** & moan about getting caught and, of course, ending up paying for drinks anyhow.

Hooray! The person at the front desk this morning had that info for me. It is, as usual, printed on a sheet of paper with other pertinent info. Phew! 😅 And WOO-HOO!  😁 (And no curse words 😊😙) 

I am at the Renaissance Orlando Airport Hotel. NCL rep met me at airport and took me to the shuttle. Shuttle to hotel. I have no info on when I am to get picked up from the hotel and taken to Port Canaveral for my Wednesday 1/22 cruise. Usually I was given an info sheet with time and other info, but...

Front desk seems to have no info.

Any suggestions? Ideas? Curse words? 😁😄

My feelings exactly. I want to make sure that my bevs of choice are actually available before I upgrade.

On 1/19/2020 at 9:54 PM, purpleally said:

I’m going to wait til we board. How big of a deal can getting new cards be?

I want to make sure I can get Veuve plus, we have some OBC which will help pay for it.