Everything...JADE! (Coming home to Houston 11/14/15)

[SuiteTraveler]

My answers below in red:

 

Hi everyone. In March will be our first time sailing out of Houston, and first time on NCL.

 

Is there a convenience store in Houston's ship port?

This is an industrial port. You will need to stop at whatever convenience store you pass by along the way to the port.

Water can be carried on board?

Yes

 

How much wine per person is allowed to be brought onboard?

Unlimited but you must pay a $15 corkage fee per bottle. The wine on NCL is, in general, quite inexpensive. We used to bring wine onboard, but since the wine they have onboard is inexpensive, we don't bother. If you want expensive wine, then it would be worth bringing it onboard.

 

How does NCL handle suite guests? We have booked a Haven Family suite, and are wondering the best time to arrive at the port? (will be driving from Dallas that morning) We'd rather get to the port when we will be able to go right on board to get comfy.

 

Try to arrive before noon. When you get into the port building after passing through the metal detector and X-ray, look for a VIP check in. If you don't see it, ask where it is. This is where you check in as a Suite Guest. Once you check in, they will either put you into the VIP waiting room/area with drinks and snacks or you will be immediately escorted onboard to your suite. Since you are driving down from Dallas, you might bring your wine from home and pick up water at Buccee's (great place for gas, food, snacks, and clean restrooms) or other convenience stores along the highway down to Houston from Dallas. That would be easiest rather than having to search the area around the port while dealing with traffic.

 

Will luggage tags be mailed to me? (suite)

Yes

 

Am hoping Harvest Caye is open and running smooth by the end of March!

 

Any other info that may help this go seamless would be appreciated! Love reading all of your comments and reviews.

 

You get to eat breakfast and lunch in a special restaurant for suite guests only. Take advantage of this as it is really great! Your butler can also get you room service breakfast from this restaurant. It used to be Cagney's but now it might be called Moderno - not sure. If you ever wind up in the buffet (Garden Cafe) and it is full in the morning (not sure why you would go here unless you have an early excursion before the suite guest dining room has opened and your forgot to order room service from your butler) and you can't find seating, walk through the Garden Cafe to La Cucina - there is additional seating in there no one knows about for the first few days of the cruise.

 

Book ALL of your specialty dining reservations prior to boarding. You can also have the concierge make reservations for you in the MDR so you can get seated immediately instead of having to wait with a beeper. La Bistro and Teppanyaki tend to sell out every day, so definitely book those beforehand. Cagney's sells out some.

Thank you!

Edited December 26, 2015 by SuiteTraveler

[ggTexasGal]

Hi everyone. In March will be our first time sailing out of Houston, and first time on NCL.

 

Is there a convenience store in Houston's ship port?

 

Water can be carried on board?

 

How much wine per person is allowed to be brought onboard?

 

How does NCL handle suite guests? We have booked a Haven Family suite, and are wondering the best time to arrive at the port? (will be driving from Dallas that morning) We'd rather get to the port when we will be able to go right on board to get comfy.

 

Will luggage tags be mailed to me? (suite)

 

Am hoping Harvest Caye is open and running smooth by the end of March!

 

Any other info that may help this go seamless would be appreciated! Love reading all of your comments and reviews.

 

Thank you!

 

No convenience store immediately in the port area. You would need to stop before getting to Port Rd! Probably best to search for something nearby.

 

Yes, water can be carried on board.

 

There is no limit to the number of bottles of wine, but do remember that you have the corkage fees per bottle that will be added to your on board account..

 

You may arrive anytime after 10 am and should be able to check-in with the concierge shortly after clearing security and having your wine receipt written and stickers placed on each bottle. They have a special room set-up with goodies and drinks to help pass any time you may have to wait. After the Garden Villa and Owner Suites, the Haven guests get top priority. But, that usually is not much of a wait!

 

Yes, luggage tags will (SHOULD) be mailed to you, if you booked directly with NCL, or IF your TA has directed them to be sent directly to you. Generally, it should be around 60+/- days prior... just a guideline!

 

If you had not seen this info yet, you may prepay for parking at the Bayport Cruise Terminal. If you happen to be a disabled veteran there is a discount that you may call and request. Otherwise, the prepay cost is $75.00 for the week. (Bring you receipt to show when you arrive to park!)

[cmkfinch]

I have been watching this board for a few months as our cruise on the Jade approached and we appreciate the info we got from it, so we are happy to share our info here.

 

We were on the 12-19 sailing and we got home (we live just west of Houston) about 10:00 this morning after walking off the Jade today.

It was a really wonderful cruise. We have been on 20+ cruises and this one being our second on NCL.

 

All the early November and December reviews had us worried! I am happy to report that we experienced very little of the issues those early posters did.

I talked to many of the crew about the early issues and found out the they lost almost half the crew with the re-position and had many weeks of training new people. Most of which had never worked on a ship before. Many of them said they were embarrassed by what they saw happening in November and early December.

I can honestly say that I believe they have most of the kinks worked out.

 

A few highlights on the crew I can point out -

 

Charlie and Max (Bar tenders) in the Bali Hai were incredible. Happy and always helpful even when they were overrun with customers. Charlie made some pretty incredible drinks when given the green light to "surprise" us.

 

Paul in the Whiskey/Champagne bar is an artist. Order a mudslide from him and ask him to do his artwork with the chocolate on top! You will be amazed!

 

We dined at Grand Pacific once and then found Alazar. The first night service at Grand Pacific was slow and the food did not really impress. However once we got to Alazar everything changed. We met Davor (waiter) and he took great care of us. I would go early for reservations and ask for him. You can't miss him. He is about 6'6" and is as nice as they come.

The food seemed to get better every meal. (Possibly still working out kinks in the kitchen). Overall the food was okay with some meals scoring higher but overall it was okay. Better than I can do at home though!

 

The shows were very good - the comedian is fantastic and the magician should not be missed.

 

I spend a lot of time in cruise ship casinos. Like most, this one is smokey. Most of the dealers are nice and are helpful to guests with questions. The managers there are very nice and friendly. It was not as busy as many of the casinos on every other cruise we have been on. Might be because of Christmas sailing and many many many many families with young kids.

 

The ship was not bad. I am not sure what I expected, but everything was clean.

It is dated and the amenities did not measure up to other lines and ships we have been on (no rock wall, ice skating rink, outdoor movie screen etc), but it was nice and comfortable. While we had a completely full sailing, it did not seem crowded at most times. When a show let out it would get jammed up, but other areas were good. The pool deck had ample chairs and everyone seemed to move along as they pleased.

 

The Houston port is easy to get in and out of. With only one ship there it was quick through embarkation as well as clearing customs this morning. I understand it is hard to get to for folks from out of town. Since we live near here we found it convenient.

 

We did have to come in early due to weather. We actually were at the dock in Houston yesterday by 6:00 pm. We could not get off the ship until this morning. Other than the casino and shops being closed and having to pay Texas tax on every drink, it was no different than being at sea.

 

We have been in all three ports many times so we go with our favorite adventures and excursions (not through the ship). This was the first time we had to tender in Roatan. It went much smoother than I anticipated. The trip is very short and they had many boats moving people to the dock. We anchored probably half a mile out so the boat loading took twice as long as the ride (5-7 minutes). They used the life boats from the ship. Kind of loud in the early morning when they were lowering them if you have a room near that side, but nothing too bad.

 

Belize is always a tender situation and that is what it is. They said that will change with Harvest Caye in January or February depending on who you asked on the ship.

 

All in all it was a good cruise and we enjoyed our time on the Jade. If I can answer any specific questions, please feel free to contact me or post them. We had many of our questions answered through this thread and are happy to contribute back to this group.

 

Thank you!

 

Clint

[mommie_2_3_krazy_teens]

"Book ALL of your specialty dining reservations prior to boarding. You can also have the concierge make reservations for you in the MDR so you can get seated immediately instead of having to wait with a beeper. La Bistro and Teppanyaki tend to sell out every day, so definitely book those beforehand. Cagney's sells out some."

 

Thank you for all of your info! As to the above quote, I have tried to book online and it only allowing me to choose 4 people for the reservation (but we are a cabin of 6 people), do you have any thoughts or suggestions for this??

 

I love your first hand answers to my questions! Very informative!

[ggTexasGal]

"Book ALL of your specialty dining reservations prior to boarding. You can also have the concierge make reservations for you in the MDR so you can get seated immediately instead of having to wait with a beeper. La Bistro and Teppanyaki tend to sell out every day, so definitely book those beforehand. Cagney's sells out some."

 

Thank you for all of your info! As to the above quote, I have tried to book online and it only allowing me to choose 4 people for the reservation (but we are a cabin of 6 people), do you have any thoughts or suggestions for this??

 

I love your first hand answers to my questions! Very informative!

 

Have another adult (full fare) passenger make reservations for additional two, with the same time slot.

[ggTexasGal]

Is there a convenience store in Houston's ship port?

 

I did a Google Maps search for Bayport Cruise Terminal and then typed "convenience store." Quite a few different places popped-up within a few miles, so you do have some options. I don't live close enough, nor have I stopped at any, to make a recommendation.

 

Good Luck!

[spaceye]

When I booked my cruise, I was given a promotion from NCL for 4 free specialty restaurant meals. In the past, I've made reservations at specialty restaurants the day of, because I like the flexibility; but based on the advice I've been reading, I'll go ahead and book before the cruise.

 

A few questions: Is there a penalty for cancelling or moving a reservation I made with this promotion? If I do decide to simply walk up and ask for a table at a specialty restaurant at say, 5:30 PM for 3 people, will I encounter a very long wait?

 

Also, for anyone whose has eaten at Moderno, how is it? I've heard that the location (overlooking the atrium) can make for a loud atmosphere, especially if they're showing sports on the big screen (which makes me reluctant to book ahead of the cruise).

 

Thanks!

Edited December 27, 2015 by spaceye

[pspercy]

We were on 12/5 sailing and generally were very pleased with it (first time on NCL). Moderno was our least favorite specialty restaurant, the servers with the meat skewers were slow to appear and ambiance was rather lacking.

 

It's good to make adv. reservations just to have one ! You can always change.

 

There's not much of anything close to the port so stop on the way down, say at Bucc-ee's in Madisonville :) (I don't think they sell wine).

 

For parking: http://www.bayportcruiseparking.com/ It'd be nice if there was a separate entrance for those that prepay.

 

I thought the signposting for the Cruise Port was abysmal so don't rely on that, do your homework for directions !

 

P.S. The $15pp Jazz Brunch on the Thursday is very good.

Edited December 27, 2015 by pspercy

[comcox]

Has anyone taken NCL's shuttle transfer from Houston International to the port? Since I am traveling solo that seemed to be the cheapest option at $50. Since I'm arriving the night before and staying at an airport hotel I wanted to know how early NCL started running their shuttles to the port. Does anyone know? Thanks.

[txagfan]

Has anyone taken NCL's shuttle transfer from Houston International to the port? Since I am traveling solo that seemed to be the cheapest option at $50. Since I'm arriving the night before and staying at an airport hotel I wanted to know how early NCL started running their shuttles to the port. Does anyone know? Thanks.

 

 

Pretty sure an uberx would be about the same price and would save you the trip to the airport. Sorry I can't help with your question.

[NMLady]

Has anyone taken NCL's shuttle transfer from Houston International to the port? Since I am traveling solo that seemed to be the cheapest option at $50. Since I'm arriving the night before and staying at an airport hotel I wanted to know how early NCL started running their shuttles to the port. Does anyone know? Thanks.

 

Depends on arriving flights times. Try phoning NCL and see if the phone rep knows.

 

A taxi, especially Pasadena taxi company, would cost about the same from your hotel to Bayport terminal.

Contact them and get a price quote.

Edited December 27, 2015 by NMLady

[mommie_2_3_krazy_teens]

I called NCL customer service asking about my issues making reservations at the Teppanyaki restaurant for all 6 of us in our cabin, as well as inquiring as to why I was unable to make any dinner reservations for one day of our cruise. She was quite short with me. Telling me on her end there was no issue, and that I should just call the concierge on Monday instead of trying to do this myself. Kind of gave me a bad taste, but I will hope she was just having a bad day. She told me that the Teppanyaki restaurant is so small that they do not ALLOW reservations, which I know is not true. Oh well....I will call the concierge line on Monday (which, by the way, I did not know it existed until she told me about it).

 

Thank you for all of the recommendations from you all about parking and such. Good to know that we will need to bring our water with us.

 

I have never sailed out of the gulf before...am hoping for some smooth sailing, but I will be armed with all of my anti-nausea meds just in case.

 

I cannot wait to read what Harvest Caye is like. Does anyone know the latest "open date" for this port? Any newer links to see the actual progress?

 

If you have been a Haven guest on Jade before, I have a couple questions for you:

 

1. Any problems getting chairs on the sun deck?

2. Is breakfast served every day in the courtyard?

3. Are there bathrooms in the courtyard for when ours in the room are in use?

4. Is that pool as small as it looks in pictures? :)

5. Is there butler service/waiter service on the sun deck?

6. Do they really open the roof to the courtyard?

 

Thanks again to you all. I am a firm believer that a vacation is what you make of it! And we choose FUN!! :D

[Travel Junkie Judy]

Hi everyone. In March will be our first time sailing out of Houston, and first time on NCL.

 

Is there a convenience store in Houston's ship port?

 

Water can be carried on board?

 

How much wine per person is allowed to be brought onboard?

 

How does NCL handle suite guests? We have booked a Haven Family suite, and are wondering the best time to arrive at the port? (will be driving from Dallas that morning) We'd rather get to the port when we will be able to go right on board to get comfy.

 

Will luggage tags be mailed to me? (suite)

 

Am hoping Harvest Caye is open and running smooth by the end of March!

 

Any other info that may help this go seamless would be appreciated! Love reading all of your comments and reviews.

 

Thank you!

 

If you are in the Haven, I would suggest that you arrive early. If you are there by 10 to 10:30, you will be one of the first through the detectors.

You can then go directly to the VIP lounge.

Nice snacks and drinks.

You will be escorted first onto the ship.

We were on the ship by 11:30 or 11:45. We had to wait a few minutes in the Star Bar lounge before Cagney’s opened for lunch - this is for suite guests only.

 

You need to call the concierge desk at NCL any time between now and a couple of weeks before your cruise.

They should describe all of the perks of being in the Haven.

You should have no need for water.

When we were in the Haven, they provided all of the bottled water we needed - I think it was one bottle each per day - not sure though because we didn’t use it all. Ask the NCL Concierge.

You can also request many other things before you arrive at the ship - types of pillows, kinds of coffee, tea,or hot chocolate (for machine).

You can also book dinner reservations before you board.

You will receive champagne (which can be traded for wine) and you can bring on one bottle per person.

 

If you have the beverage package, no need to bring wine.

It is included in the package - by the glass.

 

You will be mailed priority luggage tags.

 

Once on the ship, you can make dinner reservations through the Concierge or your Butler.

 

The Haven really is the “Suite” or sweet life.

 

Enjoy!

 

Judy

[SuiteTraveler]

Have another adult (full fare) passenger make reservations for additional two, with the same time slot.

 

I agree. When you board tell the concierge what you did for what restaurants and which nights and have him/her sort it out in advance with the restaurants to join your tables.

[SuiteTraveler]

Bringing Wine onboard is unlimited on NCL. Here is their actual policy from the NCL website FAQ:

 

"Can I bring alcohol on board?

All guests are prohibited from bringing alcohol on board our ships. Please note that with the exception of Wine and Champagne, all guests are prohibited from bringing alcohol on board our ships. If you purchase any alcohol at one of our ports-of-call or in our onboard shops, we will safely store your purchase(s) and either on the final night of the cruise or the morning of debarkation it will be available for pick up in a designated area. Wine & Champagne Policy Guests may bring bottles of wine and champagne on board. When bottles are brought on board and served or consumed in any restaurant, public room area or in their stateroom, a corkage fee will be charged according to bottle sizes noted below. 750 ml Bottle: $15.00 1,500 ml Magnum: $30.00 Wine or champagne sent directly to the ship by travel agents, friends, family, etc. or from another retail source, are subject to the same fees. Box wines are not allowed on board."

 

As I said, wine prices are quite reasonable onboard. Here is the NCL wine list:

 

http://www.pdf.ncl.eu/already_booked/gift_packages/gift_packages/ncl-wine-list.pdf

 

Whoever put together the 2015 wine list has done a good job, IMO. They have added some more expensive wines, while keeping the majority of wines on the list at a reasonable price point and covered most flavor profiles among varietals. There is something for everyone!

 

In addition, here is The Haven amenities chart which is organized by type of suite:

https://www.ncl.com/thehaven/assets/docs/Haven_amenities_chart.pdf

 

I don't recall water being provided daily except in Owner's Suites and The Garden Villa - both of which get all beverages in the refrigerator free plus some bottles of alcohol. All other suites, you got 1 large bottle of water free and 1 bottle of sparkling wine free on boarding day. You also get;

 

welcome aboard flower arrangement

bathrobes and slippers to use during the cruise

wine glasses, champagne glasses, coffee/tea cups, cutlery to use during cruise

enhanced bathroom amenities - shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, sea shell bath salts

lavazza coffee maker and accouterments

daily canapes

free room service

concierge service

special seating at shows

priority dining reservations

Haven suites get use of The Haven, pool, steam room, gym and sundeck

Breakfast and lunch at Cagneys

DVD Players and DVD library (check everything you want out on day 1 - we just bring our own)

Pillow menu from butler

Binoculars (usually well worn, so we bring our own)

priority spa appointments (through concierge)

 

Basically, if you have any problem onboard or need a reservations, go to your concierge and he/she will take care of it for you.

 

If you need room service, that is your butler's job.

 

There is a mini bar in all suites and they do charge you for what is in there except for Owner's Suite or Garden Villa guests.

 

If you need amenities for your room such as towels and such, ask your cabin steward.

 

Generally you get the best service people on the ship to help you. They will literally bend over backwards and do all they can not to say no to you about any reasonable request. Just keep in mind that many of these people are serving 20 or more guests. So, doing stuff like placing a standing order with your butler for afternoon snacks is considerate or ordering breakfast from your butler the afternoon before can be helpful to him in planning his morning.

 

You will be thoroughly spoilt! It is really an awesome experience! Tip generously those who go above and beyond as they are truly deserving!

Edited December 27, 2015 by SuiteTraveler

[jimicaj]

We disembarked today after completing the NYE cruise on the Jade. Regarding tendering... in Belize we purchased a NCL excursion so were on the first tender off the boat as it was a long excursion. We arrived back to the port right before the last tender was supposed to leave. Unfortunately, so did many others and 3 tenders filled and left before we were able to board one.

 

In Roatan, the ship docked for an hour or so and then switched to the lifeboat tenders. We disembarked while the ship was docked. Unfortunately, independent excursion companies were not aware of this so we had to wait for our driver. The lifeboats seemed to be working quite smoothly.

 

Lines for all disembarkation were very slow and crowded. There were large family groups who pushed their way in. This was my fourth cruise and I've never experienced such long waits to get off at ports, tender or docked (previous cruises on royal Caribbean, Holland America, and carnival).

 

I'm happy to answer any questions I can about the jade!

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using Tapatalk

[SuiteTraveler]

My answers in red below. I have been a Haven guest twice on the Jade.

 

 

I called NCL customer service asking about my issues making reservations at the Teppanyaki restaurant for all 6 of us in our cabin, as well as inquiring as to why I was unable to make any dinner reservations for one day of our cruise. She was quite short with me. Telling me on her end there was no issue, and that I should just call the concierge on Monday instead of trying to do this myself. Kind of gave me a bad taste, but I will hope she was just having a bad day. She told me that the Teppanyaki restaurant is so small that they do not ALLOW reservations, which I know is not true. Oh well....I will call the concierge line on Monday (which, by the way, I did not know it existed until she told me about it).

 

Thank you for all of the recommendations from you all about parking and such. Good to know that we will need to bring our water with us.

 

I have never sailed out of the gulf before...am hoping for some smooth sailing, but I will be armed with all of my anti-nausea meds just in case.

 

I cannot wait to read what Harvest Caye is like. Does anyone know the latest "open date" for this port? Any newer links to see the actual progress?

 

If you have been a Haven guest on Jade before, I have a couple questions for you:

 

1. Any problems getting chairs on the sun deck?

 

None. The Haven Sun Deck is huge and it was mostly vacant when we were cruising. It is a great place to take photos of the court!

 

2. Is breakfast served every day in the courtyard?

 

No, it is served in a part of Cagney's. I suppose you could get it brought down to the courtyard, but I never saw anyone do that and frankly, the setup in Cagneys is so great, we didn't want to miss out and not eat up there!

 

3. Are there bathrooms in the courtyard for when ours in the room are in use?

 

Never noticed this. There is a steam room and a work out room and maybe there is a restroom, but didn't use it or see it.

 

4. Is that pool as small as it looks in pictures? :)

 

Yes, it is a small pool.

 

5. Is there butler service/waiter service on the sun deck?

 

You know, we never had any service on the sun deck, but then we were mostly up there to take photos since we were in the Med and the ports are unbelievably gorgeous! There is usually someone assigned to the Haven areas to take orders or you could just call your butler who can bring you anything you want anywhere on the ship, but we never did. They did put out candy each day in the Haven area. We kind of had an unusual situation on our first cruise on Jade - most of the guests in the Haven were all from one very, wealthy and famous family, along with their security detail and it was mostly their employees who enjoyed the Haven courtyard and even then, only for a short time in the afternoon - maybe it was their break?

 

6. Do they really open the roof to the courtyard?

 

Yes in good weather.

 

Thanks again to you all. I am a firm believer that a vacation is what you make of it! And we choose FUN!! :D

[SuiteTraveler]

When I booked my cruise, I was given a promotion from NCL for 4 free specialty restaurant meals. In the past, I've made reservations at specialty restaurants the day of, because I like the flexibility; but based on the advice I've been reading, I'll go ahead and book before the cruise.

 

A few questions: Is there a penalty for cancelling or moving a reservation I made with this promotion? If I do decide to simply walk up and ask for a table at a specialty restaurant at say, 5:30 PM for 3 people, will I encounter a very long wait?

 

Also, for anyone whose has eaten at Moderno, how is it? I've heard that the location (overlooking the atrium) can make for a loud atmosphere, especially if they're showing sports on the big screen (which makes me reluctant to book ahead of the cruise).

 

Thanks!

 

Yes, there is a penalty for cancelling a reservation but not for moving it - the penalty is one credit from each person's SDP. If you walk up at 5:30 you may get in - it is hard to know. Le Bistro and Teppanyaki were the busiest on our cruises with Cagney's being the third most busy. Teppanyaki on Jade is full every night. I think Le Bistro was, too and if you don't make a reservation, you might not get in at all. Our favorite of the specialties is Le Bistro followed by Cagney's.

 

Moderno is so much food. It is a bit overwhelming. If you go, don't eat all day so you can really enjoy it, otherwise, just be extremely picky about which meats you take and limit yourself strictly at the salad bar. I've done it where I got a little salad and then just had the fillet mignon and that was it. I think they bring out 10 or 12 meat, fish and fowl options throughout the meal. It is overwhelming. They brought out shrimp and fish cooked in banana leaf we didn't even try as we were too full. On the Jade it is in the open atrium area and it can be noisy, but then Blue Lagoon and the sushi bar are too. It's not horrible, just a bit lacking in atmosphere as it doesn't feel like its own restaurant.

[MrMan]

Just got home from New Years cruise and must say it was one of my best. Ship in great shape. We had no tender issues, though we were on NCL excursions. Best kept secret is the thermal spa. Best money spent. Casino paid well! Overall just a great cruise and staff. UDP awesome and did Not have issue getting a drink. Had a great cruise.

[kosweeps]

Yes, there is a penalty for cancelling a reservation but not for moving it - the penalty is one credit from each person's SDP. If you walk up at 5:30 you may get in - it is hard to know. Le Bistro and Teppanyaki were the busiest on our cruises with Cagney's being the third most busy. Teppanyaki on Jade is full every night. I think Le Bistro was, too and if you don't make a reservation, you might not get in at all. Our favorite of the specialties is Le Bistro followed by Cagney's.

 

The Specialty Dining Package T&Cs simply states, "No refunds are available if fewer restaurants are visited."

 

And within the larger section of Dining T&C it states, "For standard dinner reservations, cancellations of dinner reservations must be made no later than 24 hours prior to the scheduled dining time. If cancellation occurs with less than 24 hours’ notice, the full price of the cover per guest will be charged to the guest's folio.

 

For pre-paid reservations, cancellations must be made no later than 24 hours prior to the scheduled dining time to receive a full refund. If cancellation occurs with less than 24 hours’ notice, no refund will be issued.

 

For Ultimate Dining Packages, no refunds are available if fewer restaurants are visited..."

 

@SuiteTraveler, did you experience (or know of someone) who lost a credit when they cancelled? So for instance, suppose one is in a suite and decides to have dinner delivered and has cancelled a SDP reservation two days prior in anticipation. They would lose the dining credit?

 

Thanks!

[Travel Junkie Judy]

The Specialty Dining Package T&Cs simply states, "No refunds are available if fewer restaurants are visited."

 

And within the larger section of Dining T&C it states, "For standard dinner reservations, cancellations of dinner reservations must be made no later than 24 hours prior to the scheduled dining time. If cancellation occurs with less than 24 hours’ notice, the full price of the cover per guest will be charged to the guest's folio.

 

For pre-paid reservations, cancellations must be made no later than 24 hours prior to the scheduled dining time to receive a full refund. If cancellation occurs with less than 24 hours’ notice, no refund will be issued.

 

For Ultimate Dining Packages, no refunds are available if fewer restaurants are visited..."

 

@SuiteTraveler, did you experience (or know of someone) who lost a credit when they cancelled? So for instance, suppose one is in a suite and decides to have dinner delivered and has cancelled a SDP reservation two days prior in anticipation. They would lose the dining credit?

 

Thanks!

 

 

We cancelled & made changes - no penalties.

We had the UDP.

 

Never heard of anyone getting penalties or being charged.

[Shila16]

Pretty sure an uberx would be about the same price and would save you the trip to the airport. Sorry I can't help with your question.

 

What hotel are you staying at? If it happens to be the same one, you are welcome to ride to the pier with us and save your money.

[Linda the Book Lover]

Just got home from New Years cruise and must say it was one of my best. Ship in great shape. We had no tender issues, though we were on NCL excursions. Best kept secret is the thermal spa. Best money spent. Casino paid well! Overall just a great cruise and staff. UDP awesome and did Not have issue getting a drink. Had a great cruise.

 

MrMan,you are the man for the good things you wrote. Sometimes there is just too much doom and gloom. We have our spa passes and can hardly wait!

[olesiabr]

Jimicaj,

Glad to hear that overall sounds like you had a good time!

I hope that the docking in Roatan for an hour before tendering commences continues through the spring season.

Did you hear any chatter about when Harvest Caye would be ready?

Thanks!

 

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[zoiebear]

We disembarked today after completing the NYE cruise on the Jade. Regarding tendering... in Belize we purchased a NCL excursion so were on the first tender off the boat as it was a long excursion. We arrived back to the port right before the last tender was supposed to leave. Unfortunately, so did many others and 3 tenders filled and left before we were able to board one.

 

In Roatan, the ship docked for an hour or so and then switched to the lifeboat tenders. We disembarked while the ship was docked. Unfortunately, independent excursion companies were not aware of this so we had to wait for our driver. The lifeboats seemed to be working quite smoothly.

 

Lines for all disembarkation were very slow and crowded. There were large family groups who pushed their way in. This was my fourth cruise and I've never experienced such long waits to get off at ports, tender or docked (previous cruises on royal Caribbean, Holland America, and carnival).

 

I'm happy to answer any questions I can about the jade!

 

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So when you docked at Roatan first did they let you know the night before or how did you find out you were docking for a short time?