Advice on NCL Bliss in MA Mini Suite

[SireDoime]

From anyone who has sailed NCL in the MA-MC categories, are they worth it?

 

I am seriously considering this 14 Night Panama Canal - Eastbound (San Pedro/L.A. to Miami) cruise on the Bliss (sailing January 2022).

 

It's about 11,000$ for an MA Category Club Suite on Deck 13 (via Cruises* - which gives free tips and 750-1000$ in Visa Card or ship credit).

 

I have only sailed with Celebrity and had to cancel a cruise with Regent Seven Seas; I'm kind of used to getting all (mostly) inclusive treatment, especially booze, dining, em/debarkation booze, and daily canopies. Both of these lines have nice Panama Canal transits; but most are either in 2023, or in Regent's case many cruises (leaving early 2022) are "Waitlisted" for the suites I want, which is the Penthouse category.

 

I know that NCL cannot be compared anywhere close to Regent or even Celebrity; I really want to experience the Panama Canal full transit.

I just want to know if it will worth spending 11K$ on NCL versus just booking later on either of the other two lines paying the same or more.

 

Thanks for your honest insight.

Edited October 7, 2021 by SireDoime
* website censored out

[Two Wheels Only]

4 minutes ago, SireDoime said:

I'm kind of used to getting all (mostly) inclusive treatment, especially booze, dining, em/debarkation booze, and daily canopies. 

 

Book an actual Haven Suite, not a mini-suite/club balcony "suite".

 

The club balcony category has a few minor perks over a standard balcony but the actual Haven Suite category will be a better fit for you.

 

5 minutes ago, SireDoime said:

I have only sailed with Celebrity and had to cancel a cruise with Regent Seven Seas

 

RSS ships are much smaller than Bliss and no Celebrity ship is as large as Bliss but booking the Haven "ship-within-a-ship" category can give a less intimidating experience. 

[SireDoime]

@Two Wheels Only

 

Yes, I would like the Haven....

 

Sadly, the Haven price was outrageous for this sailing (30K$). I would have been better off spending the 30k$ for Regent, as I do prefer smaller ships, and get a WHOLE LOT more.

 

HOWEVER, having been on CxC, I want to experience a fun ship, so I went for the Bliss. I did choose a MA Club Suite; since this is a 14 day cruise, I will likely enjoy the time aboard the ship.  And I'm glad I booked from an outside agency, as they gave me 500$ ship credit to spend on NCL's many paid services. I'm curious about that end of voyage folio - the service charges specifically. But, the agent said that's was included in my fare...we'll see. 😕

 

From I've seen this "suite" is similar (even larger than) to CxC's Concierge and AquaClass, but without the cute perks like daily canopies and the TWO bottles of bubbly. That 488$ Premium Plus Booze package NCL is offering is vulgar! 😆 And it's doesn't include Cristal 🍾 (does it??)!

 

But, with all the free booze I got on Celebrity, I could use a booze break, so NCL's "regular Premium Booze" package will suffice for this sailing.

 

So from what I learned, I don't think I'll miss too much, as you said it's a bigger ship; and I even got tired of the Equinox's and Infinity's lack of fun stuff. I am hoping the Bliss will be reduced capacity, so I can actually use the pools and hot tubs.

 

But this cruise is more for the Panama Canal experience, as well my first time on an NCL ship.

 

Cheers!💥🎉🛳

Edited October 7, 2021 by SireDoime
CC:

[bluesea777]

We have been on Mini-Suites several times and love them. On Epic, Getaway, Escape, Bliss and Encore.

 

Funny you would still call them Mini-Suites - we still think of them as such even though NCL renamed them to Club Balcony, ha ha.

 

We have been in Haven once - via an upgrade, but we would not book it again full price. We are rarely in the room, btw, there are plenty of activities out and about. The mini-suite room have been sufficient for us to return to spend for a couple of hours or so respite. The bathroom is always a winner.

 

 

[SireDoime]

8 minutes ago, bluesea777 said:

We have been on Mini-Suites several times and love them. On Epic, Getaway, Escape, Bliss and Encore.

 

Funny you would still call them Mini-Suites - we still think of them as such even though NCL renamed them to Club Balcony, ha ha.

 

We have been in Haven once - via an upgrade, but we would not book it again full price. We are rarely in the room, btw, there are plenty of activities out and about. The mini-suite room have been sufficient for us to return to spend for a couple of hours or so respite. The bathroom is always a winner.

 

 

 

I would miss the ensuite tub, though. As mentioned, the Haven for this cruise was a Penthouse HG at 30K$. Plus, I wasn't liking the M6 locations, I think I will enjoy this, nonetheless. I want to do the go-kart and water slide!

[phillygwm]

10 hours ago, SireDoime said:

From anyone who has sailed NCL in the MA-MC categories, are they worth it?

 

I am seriously considering this 14 Night Panama Canal - Eastbound (San Pedro/L.A. to Miami) cruise on the Bliss (sailing January 2022).

 

It's about 11,000$ for an MA Category Club Suite on Deck 13 (via Cruises* - which gives free tips and 750-1000$ in Visa Card or ship credit).

 

 

Seems high to me.  I'm looking at the Bliss sailing on February 4.  16 day canal sailing, albeit Westbound, is about $4500.  With taxes and fees, it's still a bit under $10K for 2 people.  The only Haven category left for that sailing ends up around $25K. A BA cabin would be about $8132.

 

Value means different things to different people.  If you have the means, it sounds as if you'd appreciate the Haven.  But between the MA and BA, I'd save the $1800.  That's a lot of money to pay for essentially a nicer bathroom.

 

I'm in a MA Club Balcony on the Bliss in December.  I'm sure it's nice enough but I have no expectations that it will even closely rival a Haven stateroom.  I expect it will be a step up from a balcony and that's about it.

 

 

[phillygwm]

1 hour ago, SireDoime said:

From I've seen this "suite" is similar (even larger than) to CxC's Concierge and AquaClass, but without the cute perks like daily canopies and the TWO bottles of bubbly. That 488$ Premium Plus Booze package NCL is offering is vulgar! 😆 And it's doesn't include Cristal 🍾 (does it??)!

 

But, with all the free booze I got on Celebrity, I could use a booze break, so NCL's "regular Premium Booze" package will suffice for this sailing.

 

Remember, you're talking $35 per day for the Premium Plus upgrade.  Only you can decide whether the drinks on that list make it worthwhile but I'll drink that much Veuve and Moet to make it worth my while.

[SireDoime]

1 hour ago, phillygwm said:

Seems high to me.  I'm looking at the Bliss sailing on February 4.  16 day canal sailing, albeit Westbound, is about $4500.  With taxes and fees, it's still a bit under $10K for 2 people.  The only Haven category left for that sailing ends up around $25K. A BA cabin would be about $8132.

 

Value means different things to different people.  If you have the means, it sounds as if you'd appreciate the Haven.  But between the MA and BA, I'd save the $1800.  That's a lot of money to pay for essentially a nicer bathroom.

 

I'm in a MA Club Balcony on the Bliss in December.  I'm sure it's nice enough but I have no expectations that it will even closely rival a Haven stateroom.  I expect it will be a step up from a balcony and that's about it.

 

 

 

Yeah, but I am sailing alone..so it would be higher for me either way. Are you sailing in February as a couple?

 

I did want a Haven, but the only one left was the HG Penthouse. The M6 were nice, but they are all AFT,  and my last two cruises on Celeb I was aft. I'm sick of aft cabins. 😑

 

I really chose this MA cabin for the location, to be honest. This cruise is really for the destination, and it was a hair over 10K$, and I'll be out of Florida for two weeks. 🤷🏿‍♂️

 

I'm saving the rest of the money for this instead: Regent RSS Mariner in 2023 (Penthouse A). It's less than a Haven and goes to the places I want to visit and it's Regent.

[SireDoime]

1 hour ago, phillygwm said:

Remember, you're talking $35 per day for the Premium Plus upgrade.  Only you can decide whether the drinks on that list make it worthwhile but I'll drink that much Veuve and Moet to make it worth my while.

 

My Agent said the same thing to me, but on my last 2 cruises I took REAL advantage of Celeb's Premium Booze and got too wasted (I loved the Crush Martini bar). I can't help it: when it's free/included, I let it flow freeely into my mouth! The regular Premium is a good package that includes all the booze and soda I'll need. . I would like to try the fancy foo foo stuff (I would splurge for a taste of Louis XIII)

[phillygwm]

1 hour ago, SireDoime said:

 

Yeah, but I am sailing alone..so it would be higher for me either way. Are you sailing in February as a couple?

 

I did want a Haven, but the only one left was the HG Penthouse. The M6 were nice, but they are all AFT,  and my last two cruises on Celeb I was aft. I'm sick of aft cabins. 😑

 

I really chose this MA cabin for the location, to be honest. This cruise is really for the destination, and it was a hair over 10K$, and I'll be out of Florida for two weeks. 🤷🏿‍♂️

 

I'm saving the rest of the money for this instead: Regent RSS Mariner in 2023 (Penthouse A). It's less than a Haven and goes to the places I want to visit and it's Regent.

I always travel in a solo cabin as well.  Thankfully, because I'm Casinos at Sea, my supplement is always waived.

 

I still think the February cruise would be a bit cheaper for you, perhaps even less than I stated in my post (since you would only pay taxes/port fees for one.)

[bluesea777]

3 hours ago, SireDoime said:

 

I would miss the ensuite tub, though. As mentioned, the Haven for this cruise was a Penthouse HG at 30K$. Plus, I wasn't liking the M6 locations, I think I will enjoy this, nonetheless. I want to do the go-kart and water slide!

Sorry, we prefer large walk in luxury shower to bathtub. The Haven room we had had bathtub yes but we prefer shower. 
 

Also, we are retirees so we have to watch our budgets. We can enjoy cruises in either mini-suite or obstructed ocean view cabins (OK), depending on the ship and itinerary. 
 

 

[BirdTravels]

16 hours ago, SireDoime said:

From anyone who has sailed NCL in the MA-MC categories, are they worth it?

 

I am seriously considering this 14 Night Panama Canal - Eastbound (San Pedro/L.A. to Miami) cruise on the Bliss (sailing January 2022).

 

It's about 11,000$ for an MA Category Club Suite on Deck 13 (via Cruises* - which gives free tips and 750-1000$ in Visa Card or ship credit).

The Mx cabins are not suites. They do not have any suite privileges.

 

The size of a room and size of the balcony for a Balcony (Bx) versus a Club mini (Mx) are almost identical. The extra space goes to the bathroom where you get a full size shower (versus small tube shower stall) and a double sink. 

 

There are a limited number of perks with the Club room (one bag of laundry valued at $30, a couple of bottles of water valued at $6, a few treats (which you can pick up for free from the buffet or Observation Lounge). 

[coastcat]

18 hours ago, SireDoime said:

 

I would miss the ensuite tub, though. As mentioned, the Haven for this cruise was a Penthouse HG at 30K$. Plus, I wasn't liking the M6 locations, I think I will enjoy this, nonetheless. I want to do the go-kart and water slide!

MC Club Balcony cabins have bathtubs, at least on Bliss. The drawback is that they’re only on deck 8 (forward of the public areas) and 9 (midship).

 

I enjoyed the fancy shower in the mini and took advantage of a price drop to grab a MB Club Balcony for my upcoming Bliss cruise. The MX is just an upgraded balcony cabin, not a true suite, but it’s still nice to have that extra space. 

[KAYKAY121]

19 hours ago, phillygwm said:

Remember, you're talking $35 per day for the Premium Plus upgrade.  Only you can decide whether the drinks on that list make it worthwhile but I'll drink that much Veuve and Moet to make it worth my while.

DITTO!

[SireDoime]

OK, so I was somewhat right, it's not an actual suite, since NCL calls it a "Club Balcony Suite".

Plus, geez, NCL sure does nickel and dime you on this ship! Glad I got my 500$ Onboard Ship Credit from Cruises.

 

Meh, I've learned from being in that small 192' sqft room in Celebrity's Concierge & AquaClass that I'm not paying for the room, but rather the itinerary. I have always wanted to visit Cabo San Lucas, Puerta Vallarta, Costa Rica, etc., and pass through the Panama Canal. So, for me that alone will be worth the two weeks aboard the Bliss in that "suite"!

[luckyinpa]

i read the OP 2 times. do you mean USD 5500 per week for a minisuite? for haven courtyard, yes thats a normal price, but for a non haven room there's zero chance id ever pay that. thats insanity by NCL

 

i spent a christmas on bliss in a courtyard with 3 people in 2019 and that was only 8K for 8 nites. i thought christmas was the highest pricing you could ever pay. i guess i was wrong. 

[SireDoime]

On 10/9/2021 at 4:57 PM, luckyinpa said:

i read the OP 2 times. do you mean USD 5500 per week for a minisuite? for haven courtyard, yes thats a normal price, but for a non haven room there's zero chance id ever pay that. thats insanity by NCL

 

i spent a christmas on bliss in a courtyard with 3 people in 2019 and that was only 8K for 8 nites. i thought christmas was the highest pricing you could ever pay. i guess i was wrong. 

 Actually, 8200$, as a single cruiser (4100$/week).  $8,158.60

Additional Items:

$300.00

Taxes, Fees, Port Expenses and Port Charges:

$1,275.46

Processing Fee:

$24.99

Travel Protection:

$849.00

 

Total Charges:

$10,608.05

If I had known there was the same trip later in the year I would have saved 13K$ on the Haven, and over 4K$ overall.

 

Yeah, NCL is getting their money for eager folk like me. I was going to try and justify the HG Haven Forward Penthouse suite for 30K$. But, I plan on spending that on a 2 week Transatlantic cruise from Barcelona to Miami on Regent Seven Seas Splendor in 2023; inside a Seven Seas Forward suite. That will more than justify spending 30K$ on what Regent offers vs NCL.

 

Oh, well.. This was for the trip, not the room. 😕

 

[SireDoime]

Ok, I got my answers, thanks. I'm already committed. Next time I'll just be patient and wait for a Celebrity ship to do a full PC transit.

[luckyinpa]

I agree there are lots of eager folks willing to pay the prices. On a newer ship it may possibly be worth it but on something like the Breakaway there's no way I would pay the ongoing pricing. It is over 5,000 for a courtyard in 2 weeks for Bermuda but I think I'm going with the mini Suite Ma. The only thing I'm concerned about is I've heard people getting Q-tips through their brains at the terminal I hope it is worth it

[SireDoime]

@luckyinpa " I agree there are lots of eager folks willing to pay the prices. On a newer ship it may possibly be worth it but on something like the Breakaway there's no way I would pay the ongoing pricing. It is over 5,000 for a courtyard in 2 weeks for Bermuda but I think I'm going with the mini Suite Ma. The only thing I'm concerned about is I've heard people getting Q-tips through their brains at the terminal I hope it is worth it"

---------------------------

 

I've been in the house over the last year, so I have only put q-tips in my ears.

This will be my first swab-up-the-schoz. 😆

I'll be fully vaccinated by the time that happens though. 🙋🏿‍♂️

 

Yeah, the Courtyard for my sailing was 29K$ for a solo...yikes-so-owza!

Edited October 13, 2021 by SireDoime