Always Cruising

I did a search, but couldn't find info.  Thanks in advance

What is the yellow and green drink on the table with your clam chowder?  Thanks for the great pictures and info...

10 hours ago, CruisingSince1982 said:

Not necessarily true. There have been instances where Haven guests were comped on night one in a specialty, but it usually is a low demand restaurant. Such as Q. It all depends on how busy the Haven restaurant is on night 1. 

On the Joy to Bermuda last summer, we were offered Q the first night - the Haven restaurant was overwhelmed.  I was glad to take advantage of the offer, and not use a specialty meal.  Loved the music and the smoked peach margarita!   My daughter and granddaughter stayed for the Haven dinner, but service was slow. 

1 minute ago, Candy Apple 12 said:

Did the concierge mention it to you? I’ve been in the Haven three times and no one onboard ever mentioned that the American Diner was free. I learned that here on Cruise Critic and did partake of it on our most recent cruise. 

Yes - they were hoping a lot of people would take advantage of the offer, because it was a super full ship (New Years Eve, school vacation, etc).  Most cabins had max number of people (ie 6 to a 2 bedroom).  Haven lunch would have been crazy busy. 

Just now, Candy Apple 12 said:

I’m going on the Escape soon. La Cucina sounds great for lunch. How did you learn of this option?

It was offered to Haven guests on my cruise in 2018 - equivalent to American Diner previously offered to alleviate crowding

in the Haven dining room the first day (lunch only)

16 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

It was Barcelona.  That was a nice touch.

I've found benefits much better abroad for Titanium members.  Some US hotels are reticent to even offer breakfast (if no concierge lounge - Mclub now, I think).  But hotels in Europe and Britain have been wonderful about an amenity in the room and upgrades - and definite lounge access without a question. 

2 hours ago, cruiseny4life said:

Interesting! I know it was a few years ago, but am curious what menu they served. Was it the Haven lunch menu? 

It was all La Cucina stuff - I remember calamari (my fave!), pizza on a high stand and lots of other choices.  Probably close to (or maybe the same) as the dinner menu for La Cucina

On a New Year's Eve cruise December 2018 (Escape), we were offered La Cucina as a first day lunch option for Haven guests. 

Without the "gambler" traveling, the other 2 passengers will lose whatever discount your husband had, and that balance will have to be paid.  Happened to me when I smashed my leg a year and a half ago.  My friends went (on 2 different cruises I'd booked), but had to pay whatever was taken off the cruise fare due to my CAS discount.

SpainAlien - what ports were substituted for Morocco?  We had a sea day and an additional Canary Island substituted. 

10 hours ago, mugtech said:

No explanation, shocking!!!!  Get any $ for missing said ports, or are they blaming God?

Each cabin was given OBC of $100.  Surprised it was that much....

Will you be stopping in Morocco?  We were on the cruise ending Nov 12 when Agadir and Casablanca were cancelled. We received an email a few hours before embarkation Nov 1.   No explanation - lots of theories, though. 

7 minutes ago, shof515 said:

its most likely due to a crew availability issue. that officer that was assigned most likely had work related things to attend to first

My friends had it cancelled/not available for the 3rd cruise in a row - so seems to be a pattern.  And CruiseNext desk said it "seems to have been discontinued."

Having to have 2 "officers" leave their jobs and someone cover them, and giving free drinks to people who may not have had the drink package - minor cost cutting.  But a cutback, none the same.

We sailed before with just 3 at these levels, and received 2 sets of 2 dinners for 2.  Wondering if anyone has experience with more?  Thanks in advance. 

I was on the Oct 11 Joy and it wasn't available.  I thought it might have been because the cruise was only a 5 day.  Other guests had just been on two 7 day back to back  cruises, and it wasn't offered then, either.  It was done on my Sept 3 Escape.  Hope it's not another bit of cost cutting;, as is discontinuing the complimentary bottle of sparkling wine for all Latitudes members.  

39 minutes ago, laudergayle said:

I love wine…my hubby, not so much.  He will order a glass of wine at dinner (whatever I am drinking) so I have a second glass.  In the Wines Around the World, how big is the pour per wine?  While he would never “spit”, he just wouldn’t drink much.  How is this viewed? We are just now Platinum?  Insights, please.

The pour is from half an ounce to an ounce.  Maybe half the guests drink all of it, and other half dumps the wine and rinses the glass.  You'll be fine doing whatever works out best for you.

Wish I had known you were onboard the Oct 11 Joy - I was, too, and somehow missed this thread.  Would have loved to meet you and thank you for all of the info I've gleaned over the years.  Did you see the comedians?  I loved them both.  Were you at the Sustainable Cocktail presentation?  There were only 5 of us.  I was late to Wines of the World, so only talked to a few people.  Thanks again for your informative posts!

dbrown84 - you can go to CruiseNext desk next cruise and ask for the pins you are missing

13 minutes ago, schmoopie17 said:

Our Medicate Advantage plan provides world-wide coverage.

You might check - I don't think it does.  I know my plan doesn't, and friends with varying types of Advantage plan have no coverage abroad also

I just read on this Cruise Critic NCL page that the Pearl is overnighting in Boston Harbor Friday night (but can't seem to find the post to quote!)  Best of luck everyone, and I know it will be a fabulous cruise

Great descriptions!  You are now an expert on lobster rolls!! I want to add that the group that played at various places (3 men and a female lead singer from Domenica) were amazing.  They performed at the Supper Club (free, but reservations needed) the last night.  So glad we got to see them.  And the wonderfully calm sea all 7 days (but a bit of fog - no, a lot! - the last day).  A great cruise....

Not when I've been at the dinners.  Guests usually try to outdo each other talking about their previous cruises.  I usually do the dinners, because they're entertaining,  but when most at the table are braggarts, it isn't as pleasant as the times I've had a convivial group.

Thank you!

Haven't seen any info on NCL changing, but other cruiselines have.  Just curious, because I booked New England/Canada for Labor Day weekend departure, rather than Bermuda.  Hoping everyone is able to have fun and safe cruises during this hurricane season.