SMerritt

New to the suite life. Can someone help me with a list of suite amenities and perks for the 2 bedroom family suite (SC) room?

Which NCL ship are you saling on?

Your butler will bring you anything and everything! Your pizzas, m&m's, dinners from the specialty restaurants by the pool or in your suite - sometimes I order from Italian restaurant and DH has a Steak from Cagney's (specialty restaurant = there is a charge) ;)

Your concierge will make all of your dinner and show reservations, escort you early to shows for the best seats.......also escort you off of the ship on disembarkation day to avoid lines.

Breakfast in the Haven restaurant or Cagney's, if you have a Haven restaurant, the Lunches and dinners are fantastic!

Oh, also, I don't like the funky Appetizers ALL Cruise lines tend to bring in the afternoon - I change to a cheese & cracker plate or the amazing hot pretzels.

Don't be afraid or shy to ask your butler or concierge for ANYTHING

18 Haven cruises.........will never go back - Have a GREAT Cruise!

Thanks for that update, flying in to HNL tomorrow for POA Sept 3

Flying in on the third also! Will be happy to just get on the ship - could actually use a few sea days :D

Looking like we will be sailing in at the end of Maureen and getting out at the start of Lester

Thanks Kapoho for the updates

Have a nice trip in a few days. BTW - it sounds like the concierge is either James or Thomas. We had Thomas and he was a nice guy and helpful in anyway that he could help.

 

The crew overall was great and they too would ask questions and provide insight to the islands. If you like pizza the pizza in the buffet was great - like wood fired.

James hasn't retired yet?:D This is our third cruise on the POA and he has been on his "last cruise" for years! James is GREAT!

I am hoping Chris is our butler again - he added so much to our cruises.

Yep - the crew is the BEST!

TY for the pizza tip:)

If Madam Pele is putting on a big show and the lava is flowing into the ocean, most of the cruise lines will sail by to see this spectacular sight. Some will continue on the southern route to Kona, and I have seen others turn around and head back they way they came from toward Hilo. I cannot say how many do this turn around as I am asleep long before they cruise by my house on the way back. I live about 20 miles north of the lava ocean entry point and I can see the cruise traffic from my lanai.

Thanks! 5 Days to go! Our first cruise on the POA we sailed by - up and back, it was my favorite part of the cruise. Cruise #2 no Lava :( I am excited beyond belief!

This is a common question on CC but Hawaii is not like Mexico and the Caribbean where this is the norm. However, ALL beaches in Hawaii are public, so you can enjoy the beaches in front of the hotels, eat in their restaurants, use the beach showers, but not use the pools. There is always access to these beaches. Possibly someone will reply who has been able to successfully pay a hotel for use of their pools and beach chairs but I don't think I have read of any. The Westin Maui on Kaanapali has a beach service in front of that hotel which rents chairs, umbrellas, etc. Have fun, Cherie

We have found the same issue in Hawaii vs. Caribbean

Anyone with input would be appreciated by me also.

Just to provide a different opinion than others. ;-) On our last trip in 2014 on the POA, based on the advice I found here on CC, we rented cars in each port. I do agree that it is the most cost effective way to see the islands (we were 2 couples) and I did like not having to get on and off 50 passenger buses and be at the whim of others. That said, we did find it a little stressful with directions (my GPS did not always take us to the right location) and inconvenient waiting for the shuttle buses to the airports (in one port they would only allow the renter to board the bus since there were a lot of people waiting, thus then you had to make a trip back to the port to pick up the rest of the group), parking was not always easy, and traffic made us nervous at times due to concerns we wouldn't make it back on time (got behind an accident on Kauai). Also in some ports I think we may have enjoyed some history or commentary about what we were seeing beyond what we read in the guidebooks and brochures.

 

On our upcoming LA round trip we plan on taking taxi's in Honolulu (to Diamond Head, then to Pearl Harbor), have booked small group tours in Hilo and Maui, a private driver/tour in Kauai, and a ship's tour for Ensenada. When I asked my husband and travel companions if they wanted to do the car rental thing again they all said "NO!".

 

Everyone has their own motives and tolerances, so only you know what is right for you! I just wanted to offer up a different experience.

All of the above - as you, this is our third cruise on the POA and I said no more car rentals. I think just the hours on shuttles and lines acquiring the car really always put a damper on the day,,,,,THEN returning the car. Oh yes, and parking is impossible Everywhere!

Also.....the GPS issue - all of the streets starting with K then sounding the same :D

We have found HI has very friendly and fun drivers - we called and are meeting the driver we had last year - he gave us a million dollar tour on Kaui, even snuck us into a private garden that was amazing!

I actually commented once that driving around the islands can turn a Honeymoon into a Divorce:rolleyes:

Wow.....very interesting

Can't remember what cab fare is/was from airport to port - anyone?

The POA doesn't have a Haven.

OOPS! You are right - How about Haven-Like Suite Amenities? :D

You might be able to call NCL and get the soda package added either through a phone rep or the bon voyage dept. As others have said, you're out of luck for any alcohol.

Thanks Dev and everyone, :)

Finally got the soda package to pop-up

Was hoping to get the "special" package they have for virgin drinks etc.

Called NCL twice - so far, one NCL rep was clueless, next rep told me they haven't had it in YEARS.........funny, just had it less than 6 months ago on the Escape...:rolleyes:

I guess I will wait until we board - we are in the Haven so hoping for a creative concierge or butler

We don't drink alcohol anymore so, really not a huge deal, just had fun with the virgin "foofy" drinks

Norwegian Escape or Getaway

Agree! 199%

Our "neighbors" kids on the Oasis were bored silly after day 2 and hanging out in the stairways with others. The "family" shows were non-existent and the boardwalk was just a carnival. The "kids areas" were in dark dingy rooms and more like an arcade.

NCL shows are AMAZING! Our 4 y/o grandson just loved the Imaginarium and lived in splash academy. Most all of the shows are family oriented, Blue Man Group, Cirque etc. etc.

The buffet on the Oasis compared to Golden Corral - We didn't think we were buffet fans until we started sailing on NCL - oh YUM! Check out the NCL forum for photos :D

Opinions vary, but we have done both.....there are 75% more "adventures" for children of all ages on the above NCL ships.

Eastern & Southern Caribbean is the BEST!

Have Fun!

Browsing NCL site.........

Unable to find Unlimited Soda Packages or any other Unlimited Drink packages.

Before I call and go through "phone tag", any one know if drink packages are available on the POA??

Thanks

The botanic gardens in Nassau was a hit with our 4 y/o grandson - we walked from the ship - stroller friendly. On our way back, strolled through downtown, the shops are right by the ship, we did our souvenir and thank-you gift shopping.

St. Thomas - The open air bus ride right at the port to Megan's Bay is a tour in itself! Amazing beach with kid-friendly sand and calm/shallow water. There is a bar and they serve a variety of food, including "KIDS Selections". Very clean restrooms with showers. The buses run constantly, so no scheduling needed.

Since most of the Specialty Restaurants are A la Carte, has anyone made reservations for several different ones on the same night? I would like to enjoy a few items from maybe two of them on a given night. Go to Le Bistro, their escargot and mussels are great, then half hour latter go the Cagney’s for a steak. Ocean Blue for their dessert. I don’t see why this wouldn’t be allowed, but I thought I’d ask.

If you are staying in the Haven - there are many nice places to dine around the pools. Your butler will plan and serve.

We sometimes order dinners from two different restaurants and dine on our veranda or out by the pool...

Hi! I am going on my friend cruise in September and I am using my birth certificate. I have my original birth certificate with the raised seal but it's older. [emoji4] Do I need to get an updated one before we travel or is the original ok to use?

 

Thanks!!!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

You should have time to get a "replacement" newfresh

birth certificate

I was just coming in to check if anyone had recently been on the POA

Kilauea has been very active lately and flowing into the ocean again.

Hopefully we can get an update from someone.

It was always a favorite part of our Hawaii cruise:cool:

Anyone?

I realize that itineraries are not a new topic on this board, but I wanted to still ask for input on my 2 days in Kauai. I have been reading many, many posts, and if I apologize if I am being overly redundant.

 

I am planning a surprise anniversary trip for my husband. We are in our 30's and are pretty active but would like to have a "well rounded" vacation. I am asking for input on our 2 days in Kauai (10:00 am until 2:00 pm the following day).

 

During our visit to Kauai, it will be our actual anniversary. I would like to try to do the following things: Rent a car, drive and hike at the Waimea Canyon, helicopter tour, catamaran (possibly snorkeling?) cruise on Na Pali coast, visit the North Shore. Maybe visit Kauai Island Brewery? I'm not sure what combinations would work best each day. What have your experiences been? Any recommendations?

 

Day 1 (Our Anniversary): Kauai-Rent car, drive to Waimea Canyon and explore/hike. Maybe consider a sunset cruise with Captain Andy's? Or head to the North Shore for dinner?

 

Day 2: Kauai-Helicopter tour (Considering Blue Hawaiian, Island Helicopters, and Mauna Loa Helicopters. Any recommendations?)

 

**Another combination could be helicopter on Day 1, Waimea Canyon or afternoon catamaran, Dinner. Day 2: Catamaran Cruise (This could be iffy with time) or Waimea Canyon (depending on previous day).**

 

If you had to omit 1 Kauai activity, what would you omit? We will, most likely, be snorkeling in Kona and Maui, so snorkeling is not the highest priority. I have heard mostly good things about catamaran cruises too (both mid-day and sunset cruises), but I'm not sure that this will make the "cut."

DEFINITELY Blue Hawaiian!!! The aircraft and pilots are ALL five star, we compared with another couple on one cruise and we lucked out booking BH our first flight. Have done three other tours with BH.

Our first flight was a last minute decision so we only had a very early morning tour available:

** Learned from our pilot(s), early is best for viewing

** Blue Hawaiian takes you INSIDE a crater!

** We were back to the ship in time for breakfast and headed out to the beach.

** Do not take a camera - enjoy the amazing sights first-hand, the reasonably priced and PERSONALIZED (yes you are in a personalized video) CD's are really complete and so much fun to share with friends.

No I am not affiliated with Blue Hawaiian :D It was just such a great tour and everything with BH was 5 Star.

We are doing the big island again next month since Kilauea "woke up" - but Kauai is the BEST

Happy Anniversary! Enjoy!

Hi! I am going on my friend cruise in September and I am using my birth certificate. I have my original birth certificate with the raised seal but it's older. [emoji4] Do I need to get an updated one before we travel or is the original ok to use?

 

Thanks!!!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

The raised seal is the important part - we saw someone almost denied boarding due to a "funky" birth. certificate.

Make some copies to stuff in your luggage, we even have extra copies of our passports with us at all times.

Our plane is scheduled to arrive at 1:30 PM. I know they say you must be on board POA by 5PM. I know we have 3 1/2 hours. So we should be ok. Flying from east coast on United out of Chicago. Should I be worried?

 

In hind sight, I wish I had flown in the day before.

 

I guess worst case if united in over 3 hours late, will they fly us to Maui to catch the ship?

I just noticed that you are in NC.......too many "what ifs".

I would at least fly into Chicago a day early.

With all of the distance, you could be delayed a day or two.

You should be fine but......just sayin'

Our plane is scheduled to arrive at 1:30 PM. I know they say you must be on board POA by 5PM. I know we have 3 1/2 hours. So we should be ok. Flying from east coast on United out of Chicago. Should I be worried?

 

In hind sight, I wish I had flown in the day before.

 

I guess worst case if united in over 3 hours late, will they fly us to Maui to catch the ship?

Are you on a Non-Stop flight?

What month are you flying out of Chicago? Weather could delay flights in Chicago, other than that............

Honolulu airport is just minutes from the port. There is only the POA in port, so no traffic or port crowds. HON airport is easy to maneuver and get your luggage and a cab quickly.

Worst case, if you do miss the ship - it is a cheap and quick flight to Maui, you won't miss any of your cruise.

Be sure that you have NCL contact telephone numbers handy, they may be able to accommodate you late at the port and they will have to be prepared for you if you need to board in Maul.

Due to some issues with our business, we are flying out the same day but only from California - still stressing, but all always works out fine

GREAT NEWS!

Kilauea is Active Again!

One of my favorite evenings on the POA was sailing by Kilauea at night watching the lava flow into the ocean.

Our last cruise on the POA it was cancelled due the volcano being dormant.

This new update has me so excited! POA sails by twice after dark, it is sometimes missed due to they do not post it very well in the daily. Looking at the news updates, I do not see how it will be missed by anyone, but just a heads up.

https://www.volcanodiscovery.com/hawaii/kilauea/current-activity.html

** Helicopter Booked - Heli tours are a little pricey, but the POA helicopter tours are OVER THE TOP! First class aircraft, competent & INFORMATIVE Pilots, easy (included) transportation to and from ship.

** We will order dinner in and enjoy the sail-by on our veranda, THEN I will run to the other side of the ship and watch it again.:D

https://www.volcanodiscovery.com/hawaii/kilauea/current-activity.html

Any recent updates from any recent cruisers would be appreciated.

Soooo Excited! Hoping to see the below (photo) in September.

NCL is the best bang for your buck on this cruise no other lines offer the amount of time in ports that NCL does.

 

You also have difficulty booking off ship excursions with other lines because they are not in ports that long, most islands only have one road in and out so if there is an accident you could be held up in traffic therefore few tour companies will take the risk.

 

Just a note to say that this isn't a cheap cruise nor are flights so you want to get as much out of your trip as possible. This ship also doesn't have a casino so your paying some for that.

 

We've done this cruise 3 times all b2b plus 5 to 7 days on land and are doing it again in Jan.

Ditto...........

We sail on our third POA Cruise in September!:):):):D

I booked a Norwegian Breakaway cruise to Bermuda in the last week of Aug 2016.

 

I'm sailing with an 11 yr old and was wondering if there are a lot of kids on the cruise at that time (it's so close to when schools open). He has never been on a cruise before and I'm thinking about showing him the Splash Academy (Dolphin category) while cruising but I'm wondering if he's too mature for it, and I'm also wondering if many other kids will even be around.

 

I'm also wondering about the weather. I've been to Bermuda in the springtime and it was WONDERFUL. I'm hearing that it can be rainy in August. The top excursions I want to do is the nighttime Bermuda Triangle boat tour and the Crystal caves tour. And of course the beach! I'm hoping we're not rained out of our plans.

 

Any info anyone can give is appreciated.

Our (brilliant) Daughter-In-Law went to the ROLL CALL here on Cruise Critic and actually found out about two other little boys on the same cruise for him to hang-out with. He practically lived in Splash Academy! They divide Splash Academy into age groups, so your son will have friends and activities for his age.

We have done the evening tour you mentioned twice. It is FUN and the crew is amazing!

Horseshoe Beach.........

Don't fret about the weather - between the ship and port, you can have a blast even in a hurricane. :D There is a lot to do on the ship for the two of you together.

I do not have an axe to grind. They never did anything bad to me. I am just providing objective analysis. I have been on most cruise lines and just stating fact, not spin.

 

And of course you don't know me so you have no right to say I can't afford their ripoff extras. I in fact can easily afford them but choose not to fall for their marketing nonsense as I laugh at those who do.

 

And yes, they are FEE STYLE.

 

I didn't even get into the fact that there are long lines frequently to get into the MD room, another subtle ploy to get people to pay extra for their other restaurants.

 

I'm out of this thread just as I am out of the NCL radar.

 

Enjoy getting ripped off. Check out another cruise line. You may be pleasantly surprised.

Why would the MDR Lines on NCL be longer than other Cruise Lines?? Also, NCL gives you a pager if there is an MDR wait :)

Been on most also, loyal to NCL now.........

Meet with the Maitre'D of the dining room when you board - arrange for a table for two.

There are many specialty restaurants (extra$$) on the ship that do not seat you with others. Reserve early and request tables with a view.

I like getting food from the buffet, then eating somewhere outside, (most ships have nice aft areas right outside the buffet).

OR taking the food from the buffet or other restaurants (they will pack it nicely for you) back to our suite and eating on our veranda. (I actually get some or the plastic room-service covers to make transporting my food easier). ;o)~

We RARELY dine in the MDR.............

Nope! I am not cheap or a recluse, just my personal dining preferences