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Real-Time Pre, During and Post Review of the NCL Joy, November 27, 2021 Sailing in the Haven

Sthrngary

By Sthrngary,
in Norwegian Cruise Line

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Sthrngary

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I was asked by so many folks to do an "Real Time" Pre, During and Post review of my upcoming trip, I figured let's just do it.  I learned this approach from @Keith1010  whom is an ambassador for Crystal Cruises.  He cruised before I did and by reading what he did, I made my trip much less stressful.  Some things I knew, others I am glad I knew prior to the travel.  

 

I will do this in numbered installments.  Comments, Questions and Conversations are welcomed.  Before I begin, the elephant in the room is my horrible writing style.  I am completely aware my spelling and grammar are awful.  Please look past that and focus on the message.  I hope you like this stream. 

 

Installment #1: Pre-Cruise Preparations

 

Real-Time Review of the NCL Joy, November 27, 2021, 7-Day Cruise:

Overview

I take our family planning and reviews for cruise very seriously.  As you read through this real time review; you immediately see I leave no detail undone.  Therefore, when your read this review, it is the actual experience based on the preparation done. The review is detailed and long. I do this because I would want this same level of information if I were booking a cruise especially in the NCL Haven.

Pre-Cruise Preparations:

Actions On NCL Online Site:

Pre-Book/Pay Excursions and Events:

The moment I can make my excursions, I do.  I view all the offerings then choose what I think would be best.  Then I look at the guest reviews for the real scope.  NCL process is when you book the excursions, you have to pre-pay for them.  That is fine for me because I am attempting to make this vacation as much of a “All-Inclusive” feel as I can get.

 

I also pre-book and pay for the Casino “Slot” tournaments for my family. Again, one less thing to worry about or pay for.

NOTE: I notice excursion and casino slot pricing have gone up since I confirmed them.

Pre-Reserve Specialty Restaurants:

I reserve these for 130 days out. I already know which day, time, and specialty restaurant I would like to have.  The way I understand it, 130 days out is for the Haven, 125 days for the Club Suites and 120 days is for everyone else. We could not book online so I sent, and email and it showed up on my online summery that day.

Pre-Pay and Transfers:

Again, with the intention of making the trip as “all-inclusive” as possible, I pre-pay and arrange gratuities and transfers.  Since we always come in the day before the cruise, our airport to hotel/hotel to port transfers we do ourselves usually Uber.

Ship-Board Entertainment Reservations:

This online option is not available and is blank.  This is not a worry because the ship will not be close to fully booked.  However, if and when it becomes available, I will pre-book and add to my agenda document.

21 days prior to Embarkation:

On Saturday, November 6, 2021, which was exactly 21-days prior to the cruise, NCL has a few more security questions (online check-in question #7), videos and reservation for CVS Covid-19 Testing. Simple and seamless.  This is NCL efforts to streamline the boarding process especially since Covid-19 testing will be done at the terminal.  If you use the same email address, CVS will send you barcodes for each of your guests to provide at the port. Your eDocs are not instantly ready.

NCL Download eDocument:

When you are informed via email your e-Documents are ready. I always download at least one set of Documents.  As boring as it is, I even read them cover-to-cover.  There is usually a “Barcode” for your reservation, and I capture that.  I then insert that “Barcode” in my “Family Cruise Journey Document” as a backup.  The original barcode I print and put in the file folder I bring.   I always have a backup plan for important documents.

Coming Soon:

Installment #2: Pre-Cruise Covid-19 Testing Strategy and Port Testing Procedure:

 

Edited by Sthrngary
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debnjoe1438

debnjoe1438

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Posted
6 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

I was asked by so many folks to do an "Real Time" Pre, During and Post review of my upcoming trip, I figured let's just do it.  I learned this approach from @Keith1010  whom is an ambassador for Crystal Cruises.  He cruised before I did and by reading what he did, I made my trip much less stressful.  Some things I knew, others I am glad I knew prior to the travel.  

 

I will do this in numbered installments.  Comments, Questions and Conversations are welcomed.  Before I begin, the elephant in the room is my horrible writing style.  I am completely aware my spelling and grammar are awful.  Please look past that and focus on the message.  I hope you like this stream. 

 

Installment #1: Pre-Cruise Preparations

 

Real-Time Review of the NCL Joy, November 27, 2021, 7-Day Cruise:

Overview

I take our family planning and reviews for cruise very seriously.  As you read through this real time review; you immediately see I leave no detail undone.  Therefore, when your read this review, it is the actual experience based on the preparation done. The review is detailed and long. I do this because I would want this same level of information if I were booking a cruise especially in the NCL Haven.

Pre-Cruise Preparations:

Actions On NCL Online Site:

Pre-Book/Pay Excursions and Events:

The moment I can make my excursions, I do.  I view all the offerings then choose what I think would be best.  Then I look at the guest reviews for the real scope.  NCL process is when you book the excursions, you have to pre-pay for them.  That is fine for me because I am attempting to make this vacation as much of a “All-Inclusive” feel as I can get.

 

I also pre-book and pay for the Casino “Slot” tournaments for my family. Again, one less thing to worry about or pay for.

NOTE: I notice excursion and casino slot pricing have gone up since I confirmed them.

Pre-Reserve Specialty Restaurants:

I reserve these for 130 days out. I already know which day, time, and specialty restaurant I would like to have.  The way I understand it, 130 days out is for the Haven, 125 days for the Club Suites and 120 days is for everyone else. We could not book online so I sent, and email and it showed up on my online summery that day.

Pre-Pay and Transfers:

Again, with the intention of making the trip as “all-inclusive” as possible, I pre-pay and arrange gratuities and transfers.  Since we always come in the day before the cruise, our airport to hotel/hotel to port transfers we do ourselves usually Uber.

Ship-Board Entertainment Reservations:

This online option is not available and is blank.  This is not a worry because the ship will not be close to fully booked.  However, if and when it becomes available, I will pre-book and add to my agenda document.

21 days prior to Embarkation:

On Saturday, November 6, 2021, which was exactly 21-days prior to the cruise, NCL has a few more security questions (online check-in question #7), videos and reservation for CVS Covid-19 Testing. Simple and seamless.  This is NCL efforts to streamline the boarding process especially since Covid-19 testing will be done at the terminal.  If you use the same email address, CVS will send you barcodes for each of your guests to provide at the port. Your eDocs are not instantly ready.

NCL Download eDocument:

When you are informed via email your e-Documents are ready. I always download at least one set of Documents.  As boring as it is, I even read them cover-to-cover.  There is usually a “Barcode” for your reservation, and I capture that.  I then insert that “Barcode” in my “Family Cruise Journey Document” as a backup.  The original barcode I print and put in the file folder I bring.   I always have a backup plan for important documents.

Coming Soon:

Installment #2: Pre-Cruise Covid-19 Testing Strategy and Port Testing Procedure:

 

21 day's prior to the cruise did you get some notification to check the online check for additional information? I normally have my online check in done well before  21 days prior to the cruise. I'm assuming you are talking about the online check in on "my ncl" reservation summary page.

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Sthrngary

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16 minutes ago, debnjoe1438 said:

21 day's prior to the cruise did you get some notification to check the online check for additional information? I normally have my online check in done well before  21 days prior to the cruise. I'm assuming you are talking about the online check in on "my ncl" reservation summary page.

I am confused so I will do my best to answer your question.  I do the NCL check-in as soon as I can.  Because of Covid-19 and testing, NCL showed that 84% complete.  The reason was that you had to go back to Question 7, 21 day prior to embarkment.  As I did today.  You had to watch a safety video, do the CVS covid test request for day of departure and choose your arrival time.

 

That can only be done 21 day or less before the cruise.  I hope I clarified. 

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debnjoe1438

debnjoe1438

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7 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

I am confused so I will do my best to answer your question.  I do the NCL check-in as soon as I can.  Because of Covid-19 and testing, NCL showed that 84% complete.  The reason was that you had to go back to Question 7, 21 day prior to embarkment.  As I did today.  You had to watch a safety video, do the CVS covid test request for day of departure and choose your arrival time.

 

That can only be done 21 day or less before the cruise.  I hope I clarified. 

Explained well thanks. Appreciate the info and look forward to your future reviews. 

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Installment #2: Pre-Cruise Covid-19 Testing:

Self-Isolation Prior to the Cruise:

This is my wife and my second cruise during Covid-19 in 2021.  The first was late August 2021.  That cruise was originally on July31, 2021 and had to be cancelled due to my wife having “Breakthrough Covid-19”.  The lesson was to isolate three (3) weeks before your cruise.  Basically, use good business judgment.  We all must remember, if just one of our party goes to the port of Miami and shows a positive covid-19 test, no one goes on the cruise.

Home CVS Covid-19 Testing 3-Days Prior to Cruise:

The challenge is this cruise leaves the Saturday after Thanksgiving and we fly out the Friday after Thanksgiving. This testing is much more for our stress level than for NCL.  NCL. The question on the table is will NCL pay for your quarantining if the test is positive.  My family and I have “Cruise Travel Insurance” that does cover Covid-19, trip interruption and cancellation.  NCL would only pay what the insurance company does not.  My family will do this early Covid-19 test prior to the cruise for our own knowledge. No one wants to be denied access on the day of a cruise that you planned two (2) years ago.    

Installment #3: Pre-Cruise Haven Amenities & Services:

Strategy:

I want to have as many details completed and paid for pre-cruise as possible. When I step on the ship, I am in 100% vacation mode. I also want to make this cruise as much of a “All-Inclusive” experience as possible. Below are the actions I have and always do. Each item listed I emailed or called the pre-cruise Haven desk. On the excursions, I was able to do those online myself.

Done by the Pre-Cruise Haven Concierge:

1.      Specialty Restaurants: When in the Haven, you can book specialty restaurants 130 days prior to embarkation. Since the restaurants were not listed online for pre-booking since Covid-19 started on many ships, I sent an email to the pre-cruise Haven desk with my days, restaurants, and times.  They were on my online summery that day. I also got an email confirmation.

2.      Upgrade to Premium “Plus” Beverage Package: As with excursions, I was using FCC to upgrade my wife and I to the Premium Plus Beverage Package.  For those wondering, yes you can upgrade two (2) of four (4) guest in the same cabin to the “Plus” package.  You must go through some hoops, but I got it done.

3.      Suite Setup and Amenities:  Please be clear, we have a H2 Haven Deluxe Owners Suite which comes with some special and unique amenities.  We sent in our preferences for the three (3) bottles of spirits, bottled waters, mixers, soda’s, two extra Haven robes/slippers, two extra balcony lounge chairs, memory foam mattress toppers for two beds, CPAP extension cord/water, special pillow from menu and the list goes on. Each time was handled, and I got a confirmation email.

4.      Spa Massage: I wanted a couples spa massage on the last sea day. You could not reserve it online.  They put my time and date in my digital reservation and the on-ship Haven desk will handle it.

5.      Special Event: My daughter’s birthday will be on the Thursday of the cruise.  I wanted that in my reservation.

6.      Excursions: Most all my excursion I did online by myself.  The exception was using FCC to pay for excursions.  When you do that, you must talk to someone who can do that transaction. I learned, book excursions early and cancel early if need be.

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RocketMan275

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On 11/6/2021 at 12:13 PM, Sthrngary said:

I reserve these for 130 days out. I already know which day, time, and specialty restaurant I would like to have.  The way I understand it, 130 days out is for the Haven, 125 days for the Club Suites and 120 days is for everyone else. We could not book online so I sent, and email and it showed up on my online summery that day.

Question:  We're booked on Breakaway out of NOLA for early March.

Two parties.  My wife and I are in a DOS Large Balcony. My stepson and wife are in a connecting Penthouse suite (separate reservation).

How do we make reservations for specialty dining?  We would like both parties to dine in the same restaurant on two different nights.  Ocean Blue and Bistro.  I see both are ala cart.  Do I just enter this as a party of four?  I believe we both have the Free At Sea Specialty dining.

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RocketMan275

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6 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

Question:  We're booked on Breakaway out of NOLA for early March.

Two parties.  My wife and I are in a DOS Large Balcony. My stepson and wife are in a connecting Penthouse suite (separate reservation).

How do we make reservations for specialty dining?  We would like both parties to dine in the same restaurant on two different nights.  Ocean Blue and Bistro.  I see both are ala cart.  Do I just enter this as a party of four?  I believe we both have the Free At Sea Specialty dining.

Never mind.  I figured it out.

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Sthrngary

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15 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

Question:  We're booked on Breakaway out of NOLA for early March.

Two parties.  My wife and I are in a DOS Large Balcony. My stepson and wife are in a connecting Penthouse suite (separate reservation).

How do we make reservations for specialty dining?  We would like both parties to dine in the same restaurant on two different nights.  Ocean Blue and Bistro.  I see both are ala cart.  Do I just enter this as a party of four?  I believe we both have the Free At Sea Specialty dining.

If the reservations are not available online because it is longer then 130 days, you can't.  If it is 130 or less and it does not show on your Online Reservation, then write to the Haven Pre-Cruise Desk and give them your dates, times and restaurant.  That simple. 

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bkrickles1

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On 11/6/2021 at 1:13 PM, Sthrngary said:

I was asked by so many folks to do an "Real Time" Pre, During and Post review of my upcoming trip, I figured let's just do it.  I learned this approach from @Keith1010  whom is an ambassador for Crystal Cruises.  He cruised before I did and by reading what he did, I made my trip much less stressful.  Some things I knew, others I am glad I knew prior to the travel.  

 

I will do this in numbered installments.  Comments, Questions and Conversations are welcomed.  Before I begin, the elephant in the room is my horrible writing style.  I am completely aware my spelling and grammar are awful.  Please look past that and focus on the message.  I hope you like this stream. 

 

Installment #1: Pre-Cruise Preparations

 

Real-Time Review of the NCL Joy, November 27, 2021, 7-Day Cruise:

Overview

I take our family planning and reviews for cruise very seriously.  As you read through this real time review; you immediately see I leave no detail undone.  Therefore, when your read this review, it is the actual experience based on the preparation done. The review is detailed and long. I do this because I would want this same level of information if I were booking a cruise especially in the NCL Haven.

Pre-Cruise Preparations:

Actions On NCL Online Site:

Pre-Book/Pay Excursions and Events:

The moment I can make my excursions, I do.  I view all the offerings then choose what I think would be best.  Then I look at the guest reviews for the real scope.  NCL process is when you book the excursions, you have to pre-pay for them.  That is fine for me because I am attempting to make this vacation as much of a “All-Inclusive” feel as I can get.

 

I also pre-book and pay for the Casino “Slot” tournaments for my family. Again, one less thing to worry about or pay for.

NOTE: I notice excursion and casino slot pricing have gone up since I confirmed them.

Pre-Reserve Specialty Restaurants:

I reserve these for 130 days out. I already know which day, time, and specialty restaurant I would like to have.  The way I understand it, 130 days out is for the Haven, 125 days for the Club Suites and 120 days is for everyone else. We could not book online so I sent, and email and it showed up on my online summery that day.

Pre-Pay and Transfers:

Again, with the intention of making the trip as “all-inclusive” as possible, I pre-pay and arrange gratuities and transfers.  Since we always come in the day before the cruise, our airport to hotel/hotel to port transfers we do ourselves usually Uber.

Ship-Board Entertainment Reservations:

This online option is not available and is blank.  This is not a worry because the ship will not be close to fully booked.  However, if and when it becomes available, I will pre-book and add to my agenda document.

21 days prior to Embarkation:

On Saturday, November 6, 2021, which was exactly 21-days prior to the cruise, NCL has a few more security questions (online check-in question #7), videos and reservation for CVS Covid-19 Testing. Simple and seamless.  This is NCL efforts to streamline the boarding process especially since Covid-19 testing will be done at the terminal.  If you use the same email address, CVS will send you barcodes for each of your guests to provide at the port. Your eDocs are not instantly ready.

NCL Download eDocument:

When you are informed via email your e-Documents are ready. I always download at least one set of Documents.  As boring as it is, I even read them cover-to-cover.  There is usually a “Barcode” for your reservation, and I capture that.  I then insert that “Barcode” in my “Family Cruise Journey Document” as a backup.  The original barcode I print and put in the file folder I bring.   I always have a backup plan for important documents.

Coming Soon:

Installment #2: Pre-Cruise Covid-19 Testing Strategy and Port Testing Procedure:

 

I'm super excited to hear about your experience on Joy as I'm sailing her January 15th. 

In my party of 11 there will be 2 of my nieces who are 7 & 8 years old and yes they will be fully vaccinated. 

If you have a chance and the inclination I'd like to find out if ncl will have their kids programs up and running even though it's likely there will still be very few young children on board in mid January. 

Have a great cruise and make us all jealous of the fun you and your family are having. 

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Installment #4: Pre-Cruise Travel, Meal, and Hotel:

Strategy:

I traveled for decades and did my own arrangements.  I do the same for my pre-cruise air, ground transportation and hotel. 

Pre-Cruise Airport to Hotel Ground Transportation:

I usually do either an airport Taxi or Uber.  Depends on the day and how crowded the airport is.  My preference is always Uber because it is cleaner.  With four (4) total people, Uber will be my pick because I want a very large SUV. The cost is usually under $50.00

Pre-Cruise Hotel:

The hotel is the Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay.  We did two (2) rooms at the pre-paid rate to save costs. I am a Titanium Elite member with Marriott, so both rooms were upgraded, and we were given free breakfast buffets.  I ALWAYS get to the port the day before the cruise and stay as close to the port as possible.  It would be cheaper to stay at the airport area hotel, but I much prefer the port for simple transfers in the morning. The Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay is also walking distance from the “pre-cruise dinner” restaurant.

Pre-Cruise Dinner:

It depends on the port we are going out of to choose the restaurant.  In Miami, I choose “The Capital Grille”.  It has history for me, and it becomes our steak meal for the week so we can focus on the other types of specialty restaurants on the ship.  The Steak places on ships have been my least favorite. I also download a $500.00 American Express Gift Card for “The Capital Grille” to reduce our expenses. American Express Platinum provides many perks for cruising.  When you have a Haven Suite, it provides $300.00 of OBC and dinner for two at the NCL French Restaurant.

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11 minutes ago, quillwercruisers said:

can you please give me the pre-cruise concierge desk email.  I thought I had it, but can't find it.  Thanks in advance and really looking forward to your review. 

norwegianconciergedesk@ncl.com

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BEACHBARB

BEACHBARB

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Following as we are cruising Joy in an HH Haven family suite.  Myself and 2 sisters.  One day we hope to actually be in the Haven proper area but so far we've been in a forward facing and 2 aft.  Maybe some day but we have to watch the budget.

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Niffernay

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6 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

American Express Platinum provides many perks for cruising.  When you have a Haven Suite, it provides $300.00 of OBC and dinner for two at the NCL French Restaurant.

I have a Platinum Amex but i can't for the life of me figure out how to get to these perks. Any tips for me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!!

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13 minutes ago, Niffernay said:

I have a Platinum Amex but i can't for the life of me figure out how to get to these perks. Any tips for me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!!

I will do my best to help you.  The easiest way it to book your cruise through American Express Travel.  The second best way and it is the way I do it, have a Cruise Travel Agent that is part of the American Express Team.  Most TA can are but check.  The next thing you have to remember is the entire cruise needs to be on your American Express.  Finally, the perks are dependent on the stateroom you get.  

 

I usually do Haven so I usually get $300.00 OBC and Dinner for Two at the French Restaurant.  I recently went on Crystal Cruises and got $500.00 OBC.  I hope I helped you.

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