First Cruise, Alaska, and Garden Villa

[marchmom]

Great first time cruise, right? I am wondering about amenities in the Garden Villa. I know we get soda and alcohol in the rooms but do we need to purchase a soda/drink package for the dining rooms?

 

I have no idea what to expect as far as services in the Garden Villa. I have a feeling I will never want to cruise without such a fabulous suite, getting spoiled on the first trip. Very thankful for the aunt that is graciously taking my husband and myself along with her!

 

If anyone has anything they want to tell me about the Garden Villa I'd love to hear your stories.

 

ETA: We're on the Jewel July 13-20.

[Aurora2143]

Great first time cruise, right? I am wondering about amenities in the Garden Villa. I know we get soda and alcohol in the rooms but do we need to purchase a soda/drink package for the dining rooms?

 

I have no idea what to expect as far as services in the Garden Villa. I have a feeling I will never want to cruise without such a fabulous suite, getting spoiled on the first trip. Very thankful for the aunt that is graciously taking my husband and myself along with her!

 

If anyone has anything they want to tell me about the Garden Villa I'd love to hear your stories.

 

Oh, I'm so jealous! :)

[WaldosPepper]

Great first time cruise, right? I am wondering about amenities in the Garden Villa. I know we get soda and alcohol in the rooms but do we need to purchase a soda/drink package for the dining rooms?

 

I have no idea what to expect as far as services in the Garden Villa. I have a feeling I will never want to cruise without such a fabulous suite, getting spoiled on the first trip. Very thankful for the aunt that is graciously taking my husband and myself along with her!

 

If anyone has anything they want to tell me about the Garden Villa I'd love to hear your stories.

 

ETA: We're on the Jewel July 13-20.

 

Great first-time cruise, indeed! :D Welcome to Cruise Critic. You've found the right place for all the answers to all your questions, including some you didn't even think of yet. ;)

 

Re: your question about the soda card, if you only plan to order soda at lunch and dinner, the the soda card is probably not the best bargain, unless you really drink a LOT of soda.

 

In answer to your more generalized question, I put together a document of all the suite perks (because the questions get asked so often) so I am attaching the text below, to help you get a feel for what services and amenities you can expect. Others will also chime in with lots of information and stories for you as well.

 

Here are a few tips to help you sort out the different types/levels of suites on NCL. Perks come with all full suite accommodations. Mini-suites do not fall into that category. Any stateroom category that starts with an "S" is considered a full suite.

 

1.) Some ships are equipped with a Haven, and some are not. Ships that are equipped with a Haven will have two levels of suite: Haven suites and non-Haven suites. Haven Suites are designated by the letter "S" followed by a number. Non-Haven Suites are designated by the letter "S" followed by a letter.

 

2) Haven suites have access to the Haven regardless of where they are situated on the ship. The Haven has its own pool, hot tub, sauna, and sundeck. Some Haven's also have a retractable roof over the central area.

 

3.) The Haven suites on Epic and the new-builds coming soon also have several other private areas as well.

 

4.) All suites have access to a private restaurant for breakfast and lunch.

 

5.) All suites have Butler and Concierge service.

 

6.) All suites receive invitations to a special cocktail reception with the Captain and other Officers.

 

7.) All suites receive priority embarkation and disembarkation, as well as priority tendering.

 

8.) All suites receive one bottle of Sparkling Wine, one large bottle of water, a bowl of fresh fruit (replenished upon consumption) and a fresh flower arrangement in their suite, along with treats delivered daily by the Butler. (Note: Garden Villas, Deluxe Owner's Suites and Owner's Suites receive Champagne instead of Sparkling Wine)

 

9.) Garden Villa's receive 6 bottles of alcohol with unlimited mixers, soda and water, while Deluxe Owner's Suites and Owner's Suites each receive 3 bottles of alcohol with unlimited mixers, soda and water.

 

10.) All suites are provided with a variety of Elemis brand toiletries.

 

11.) All suites are equipped with a Coffee/Cappuccino/Espresso Machine (Most are Lavazza pod-style machines, including Jewel now, however the Sun has Lavazza machines in the Owner’s Suites, but drip-style coffee brewers in all other suites.

 

12.) All suites have access to the Pre-Cruise Concierge service, which helps to coordinate your individual selections on pillow types, coffee and tea preferences, and a variety of special requests.

 

13.) All suites (except the SG and SJ suites on Deck 12 of the Star) have a portable phone which can be used throughout the ship.

 

14.) All suites are equipped with the "Bliss Bed" which truly lives up to its name.

 

15 All suites have an expanded Room Service menu.

 

Lastly, since you are in the GV, you can expect to have the very best services within your suite. Anything you desire will be delivered by your Butler, whenever you desire. You will have priority access to any venue, and reserved seating in the theater. Essentially, you will be spoiled rotten. Enjoy every single second. :D

[roveer]

We've sailed twice on the Jewel in the Garden Villa, once in 14000 and once in 14500. They are exactly the same, just on opposide sides of the ship.

 

We did not get the soda package, but we are not a soda family. There are always alternatives, juices, iced teas etc. We tried where ever possible to avoid all the extra's. We did however take advantage of the upscale alternative resteraunts for many of our dinner time meals.

 

With the garden villa you'll get special treatment at the port. You'll meet your concierge (make sure you meet them at the concierge lounge and introduce them to your family memebers). You'll get escorted past the crowd onto the ship. Don't be in a hurry to get to the room initially.

 

Have lunch at Cagneys the day your depart. It's a nice treat and helps in the departure unwinding process.

 

You'll meet your "butler" who will be taking care of you. You will also meet your room steward. This all seems a little hectic, take your time, relax and make sure you get to know these folks. They really want to help make your cruise everythig it should be. You'll feel very special sailing in the GV and you should. I can make a cruise a completly different experience than you've ever had if you've sailed in a standard room. Let those folks tend to your every need, they are happy to do it. Ask lots of questions, let them set up any arrangements you may require.

 

You'll get free soda in the room, free juices, 6 bottles of liquor, treats, candies, and just about any kind of food or snack you could imagine. We always ate breakfeast in the room as it table will hold at least 6 with no problem. Your room will have menu's for all of the resteraunts, take advantage. Go to teppenyacki!!! We went twice. It's a lot of fun. We also did the steak house, and the french, all or dinner.

 

Take adantage of the GV percs to get walked past lines at just about any venue includeing getting on and off the boat. Your concierge will be happy to meet you at any location. Adrian, our concerige used to tell us, "you don't do lines" and off we went, sometimes down the crew stairways and elevators. That was always a treat.

 

Ask for special things. We always do the bridge tour, but don't be afraid to ask for something special, kitchen tour etc. On a DCL cruise, we got to go to the control room which was a lot of fun.

 

See the shows!!! You'll get excorted to a special section overlookign the stage, nice perc.

 

Dont' feel obligated to spend spend spend. After all you already spent lots to get to the GV. We skipped most of the spending and enjoyed our time on and off the boat. Depending on your ports, there's lots to do. We took several excursions. If you are going to Nassau with young family, I'd suggest Atlantis to use the pools and lazy river for the day. The first time we went to Nassau on DCL we had a terrible time because we didn't book anything. Once we booked atlantis, it all changed.

 

Make use of your outside space and hot tub. The kids are usually in the tub pretty much from the time we left port.

 

Your concierge can book just about anything for you on the boat, and even at ports. You just have to ask. Getting to know your conceirge, butler & room steward is key to making the cruise a special thing.

 

RELAX, Relax, relax... That's what it's all about.

 

I made a video a while back. Take a look

 

[marchmom]

Thank you for the information! My aunt is not a stranger to the GV, but I don't want to ask her too many questions of her. There will be six of us in the suite, including my parents. I've been watching the countdown on NCL's website, I am so excited about this trip! It will be a great get-away since dh and I have been caring for his mom that has alzheimer's. She recently went into a care facility, but this past year has been a very stressful one for us. Pampering is just what we need!

[Aurora2143]

Thank you for the information! My aunt is not a stranger to the GV, but I don't want to ask her too many questions of her. There will be six of us in the suite, including my parents. I've been watching the countdown on NCL's website, I am so excited about this trip! It will be a great get-away since dh and I have been caring for his mom that has alzheimer's. She recently went into a care facility, but this past year has been a very stressful one for us. Pampering is just what we need!

 

I know what it's like taking care of a loved one. Sounds like some R&R in the Garden Villa is EXACTLY what you need.

Enjoy and be pampered! :)

[marchmom]

Thank you Aurora, we do need it. Plus we'll have just had our 22nd anniversary when we sail. Can't think of a better anniversary trip.

[Aurora2143]

Thank you Aurora, we do need it. Plus we'll have just had our 22nd anniversary when we sail. Can't think of a better anniversary trip.

 

Awww, that's going to be awesome!!!

[WaldosPepper]

Thank you for the information! My aunt is not a stranger to the GV, but I don't want to ask her too many questions of her. There will be six of us in the suite, including my parents. I've been watching the countdown on NCL's website, I am so excited about this trip! It will be a great get-away since dh and I have been caring for his mom that has alzheimer's. She recently went into a care facility, but this past year has been a very stressful one for us. Pampering is just what we need!

 

Oh boy, can I relate! My MIL has lived with us for the past 6 1/2 years, and the past three have seen her mental condition decline. Over the past 8 months the dementia has taken over, and we are just beginning the process of interviewing facilities. This is the most awful thing I have ever experienced, and I know just how badly you need this amazing vacation. You deserve that Garden Villa experience, for sure.

 

Any questions you have just ask away! That's what we're all here for, and we just LOVE to talk cruising. :D

[Love my butler]

You get all the soda you can drink, from your cabin fridge. Simply take some with you to the dining room and you save the cost of purchasing additional soda.