westcoastmom

My husband and I are non-drinkers and we had the alcoholic package removed so we didn't have to pay gratuities. No soda substition when I asked.

I wish to add that for those who wish their butlers fetch their drinks (room service drinks are extra), you can just book a suite closest to the bar instead. We had 3 adjacent rooms and each of my kid has a 2 BR suite, just right inside the door to the lounge. Room to bar takes under 10 seconds; my kids loved it !!

Our family of 10 came back from a wonderful trip on the Escape in the Haven suites. I ended up not writing a letter to the butler but appreciated all the information about what butlers can do for you. I did call the pre cruise land concierge on what to put for snacks (one grandchild has peanut allergy) and what to put in the fridges. We had very few requests and our butler fulfilled them very well.

You are right. Clicked on the wrong thread.

My whole family will be cruising on the NCL Escape for New England and since my son and son-in-law will be doing a lot of work on their computers, I am wondering if the internet access is good and fast enough. I've signed up for unlimited internet access for all of us. I know the Haven Restaurant's menu is quite limited but are the menus in other dining rooms available in advance? My TA recommends pre-paying all gratuities (except for butler) in advance together with the final payment as she says there may be more gratuities added later if we didn't prepay. Is there any difference?

I didn't even know the existence of a precruise concierge. This is the first time on NCL and first time Haven suites. My travel agent went incommunicado once she got our booking so this thread is very helpful.

No, the premium economy is nothing like the old first class seats. They are not as padded, not as wide and doesn't recline much. Each airline has different types of premium economy seats so you need to do your homework. If you cannot sleep without reclining, like me, don't even attempt it. On the newer seats on some airlines, reclining seats have the seats moving forward, and the backs hardly move back so you are still sitting straight. I don't fly to get better airline food or drinks, I want a comfortable seat so I do business class.

@SthrngaryAs you can see, I first joined CC in 2004 but I only have 123 posts so I really appreciate cruisers who spend time answering questions and giving advice based on their experience. I especially appreciate your efforts. Please keep up the good work. This is my very first cruise with my grandchildren and I want to ensure they have the best experience.

@cruiseny4lifeThis will be my 20th cruise. I first started on the Carnival inside room when my kids were toddlers and now they have their own families. I've cruised from Carnival, Princess, HAL, Viking, Oceania and Silverseas so I know different levels of service. This is the first time I've done NCL that's why I am asking questions. Your response is on point without being judgemental. Thank you.

Sorry, but you are being a bit judgemental here. You eat steak and ulimited lobster tails so all I am asking is sushi and sashimi, similar price points but different culinary preferences. Why am I the one who is expecting too much? I am just asking....... Chill.

Does anyone have the latest Haven 2023 menus? Would appreciate if you could post or let me know where to find them.

Thank you very much for your response. I wish to add that we will be on the Escape. We have two 2 BR villas and one penthouse courtyard suite. Husband and I are bringing our 2 kids and their 4 children ( 7 yr old twins, 5 and 2 year old)All the adults will have drink packages, are canned soda an extra too? Will the butler bring glasses of soda in the room without extra charge? Will prob get sodas from the bar. Juices are mainly for the kids, no soda for them. Good idea to suggest to remove all for sale items from room as I can see the kids opening everything. In the Haven restaurant or room service, can I order sashimi and sushi everyday or is that only available in the specialty restaurants? Thanks.

Oops sorry, we are not interested in steaks and seafood. I only know we will be making res for the Teppanyaki.

We will be first time NCL passengers in the Haven suites. If drinks such as juices, etc are brought in by the butler, there's a charge? Can we ask for a pitcher and fill with juices ourselves outside the room? I'm asking because we will have kids in the 2BR villas.

We have not been on the NCL. Can you suggest which special restaurants are worth making reservations at? We are interested in steaks and seafood as we can get that in the Haven restaurant. Would like to eat food not available in the Haven dining.