Real-Time Review by SthrnGary of the NCL Joy, March 19, 2022, Cruise in “Haven Lite”

[Sthrngary]

Overview:

I simply can’t help that I love to cruise. It started on my Honeymoon 42 years ago. For decades I have done business travel extensively by myself.  Therefore, I am familiar being alone on the road.  Since my forced retirement four (4) years ago, I have traveled very infrequently.  We took an epic family vacation for our 42^nd wedding anniversary in November 2021. My family and I were in the Haven on the NCL Joy.  It took four (4) cancelations, three (3) itinerary changes, and three (3) ship changes to get there. 

 

I went all out for my family’s experience.  We had the (H2) Haven Deluxe Owners Suite with Large Balcony; we took limos from our home to the airport and Uber SUVs in Miami.  This was designed to be the best family vacation of our lives.  All four (4) of us had a great time.  My wife even said, she enjoyed the trip.  That was important to me. It seems in the recent past, my family mantra was, “We hate cruising!”

 

I loved the recent NCL Joy Cruise sailing so much, I wanted to go again.  My wife was going to Florida vacationing with her best friend and did not want to go on another cruise.  I attempted to invite her friend to join us, but that was a “no go”. I have never gone on a cruise “solo”.  I have gone to music festival four-day events solo, though.

 

Something tells me I will love the experience of only worrying about myself, for a change.  I found a great deal on a Club Balcony Suite (MC) that was about $1,200.00 all-in with fees ($800 fare plus fees), Free-At-Sea Perks, and taxes.  That is a bargain especially since I usually travel in the Haven where the average per person cost exceeds $3,500.00.  For those that don’t know.  Traveling as a solo, usually means paying double occupancy fares because the cabins are double occupancy.  In my case, it was a single fare which was appreciated and surprising.  It seems, as a cruise gets closer to departing, they allow many cabins to be sold at a single fare.  Note, single fare solo travel never happens for a Haven Suite unless you win an upgrade bid.  When you win an upgrade bid, you still pay for two even though you are a solo cruiser. Just some inside information on that.

 

I am transparent with my goals to again stay in a Haven Suite.  I have be bidding aggressively yet strategically using the NCL Bid Process for the Haven. I set myself a budget of no more than $2,600.00 “all-in” for staying in the Haven.  If I would have booked the Haven, at the cheapest fare for a solo, it would have exceeded $3,500.00.  That would have been the least expensive Haven suite. This way, if I am upgraded, I will be anywhere from $2,000.00 to $2,600.00 total.  The suites I bid on were the least expensive to the most expensive. I am ashamed to say, I even put a bid on the H2 Deluxe Owners Suite.  If I get that, the “all-in” will be $4,200.00.  I am quite positive that will NOT happen, but I did the lowest bid amount possible anyway. Sometimes I let my ego get in the way of my pocketbook.

 

What I thought was very interesting during this process? Utilizing my American Express Platinum Card Cruise Perks.  With a total “all in” fare of $1,200.00; American Express perks gave me $200.00 OBC and a meal at the French Restaurant.  My Travel Agent, Ms. Staci Sanford of Cruise Planners had a special where my gratuities were paid as a perk for doing business with Cruise Planners.

Since the cruise leaves in three days, it is very clear I did not get upgraded to the Haven. Therefore, I spent a little cash on myself with Massage in the Spa, Vibe Beach Club, Streaming Unlimited Internet, additional specialty restaurants and Premium Plus Beverage Package.  We will call this “Haven Lite”. Either way, I win with a bargain solo fare compared to any other solo traveling strategy. 

 

All that said, I made some amateurish blunders in my solo strategy: 

1. Week Chosen: I went out one week to far in advance.  On 19 days to the cruise, there is only 14 Haven Suites left.  I was hoping for a much larger inventory to give me a shot at a bid upgrade. Then I figured out this was a major Spring Break Week. I should have known.
2. Choose another NCL Ship: I should have considered the NCL Breakaway out of New Orleans.  I would have had a much better shot at the upgrade bid to the Haven there for sure.
3. NCL Escape Cancelation: The NCL Escape cancelled this week and next week’s cruise because of hitting a sand bar.  Those cruisers are selecting the Joy for my sailing.  First time I have ever seen all Suites and Haven suites sold out in a very long time.   

 

I thought it was important to give you my overview so you could put my Real Time Review into perspective. Remember I know this ship well.  I just cruised on the NCL Joy.  I am approaching this go around as doing what I missed the first time.  Redoing what I loved. 

 

Pre-Cruise Covid-19 Testing (Thursday, March 17, 2022 @ 09:30 AM):

I had a PCR test done on March 10, 2022, because I had cold symptoms.  It came back Negative.  Now I will have my NCL required test two-days before departure at our local Walgreens.

• Recommendation: In my state, the PCR tests take 24 to 48 hours to get back a result.  That would put me on a plane to Miami when I got back my test results.  Not ideal.  Instead, I found out that the “NAAT” quick test would be accepted by NCL and only takes 2-hours for results. Most folks don’t know, “NAAT” is a type of PCR test.  The antigen quick test is not available in my area for some reason. 

 

Results of my Test: I was “Negative” of course.  I almost hoped to be positive so I could book a later cruise with a better shot at getting a Haven Bid upgrade.  Then I thought, NO.  This is going to be a fantastic adventure and give me a new topic outside of the NCL Haven. That topic will be “Haven Lite”.

 

Pre-Cruise (Friday, March 18, 2022):

12:33 PM-Flight: I am a Delta Airlines Fan!!

I choose Delta Airlines because of my status of Five (5) Million Miler Lifetime Platinum Medallion, and I used all the many certificates (not points) I had in my Delta Wallet. For reference, when I book cruises, especially close to the cruise departure date, I always have the airline and cruise reservation site open at the same time. Helps me from messing up when all reservations are final.

 

Murphy’s Law:  Bad weather, and flight delays.

My 12:33 flight is now 1:20 PM departure.  This does not give me enough time to make my connection.  This is a review of my trip so part of this is my knowledge of travel especially air travel.  I quietly called the Delta Airlines Special Member services.  They give you the option of a call back which I took.  The Delta Agents at the airport is no help at all because they are understaffed.  Again, I simply don’t get mad, I keep my cool and get my connection flight in Atlanta “Protected”.  That means if my miss my original connection, I am on the next flight out to Miami, FL. OK, let’s see what happens. 

 

Cruise Travel Insurance: In addition, it seems that The NCL Joy has one engine that is not working.  This is the reason why you have Cruise Travel Insurance.  I am so glad I bought this insurance yet again.  

 

Cruise well and further updates on the way.

[TSUmom]

Following along....

[vacation44]

Looking forward to reading all about your "Haven Lite" cruise as my husband and I will be taking our "Haven Lite" in September on the Joy!   However, I did upgrade our Club Balcony Suite to a non Haven Penthouse Suite this week.  

[Acruzaholic]

2 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

Overview:

I simply can’t help that I love to cruise. It started on my Honeymoon 42 years ago. For decades I have done business travel extensively by myself.  Therefore, I am familiar being alone on the road.  Since my forced retirement four (4) years ago, I have traveled very infrequently.  We took an epic family vacation for our 42^nd wedding anniversary in November 2021. My family and I were in the Haven on the NCL Joy.  It took four (4) cancelations, three (3) itinerary changes, and three (3) ship changes to get there. 

 

I went all out for my family’s experience.  We had the (H2) Haven Deluxe Owners Suite with Large Balcony; we took limos from our home to the airport and Uber SUVs in Miami.  This was designed to be the best family vacation of our lives.  All four (4) of us had a great time.  My wife even said, she enjoyed the trip.  That was important to me. It seems in the recent past, my family mantra was, “We hate cruising!”

 

I loved the recent NCL Joy Cruise sailing so much, I wanted to go again.  My wife was going to Florida vacationing with her best friend and did not want to go on another cruise.  I attempted to invite her friend to join us, but that was a “no go”. I have never gone on a cruise “solo”.  I have gone to music festival four-day events solo, though.

 

Something tells me I will love the experience of only worrying about myself, for a change.  I found a great deal on a Club Balcony Suite (MC) that was about $1,200.00 all-in with fees ($800 fare plus fees), Free-At-Sea Perks, and taxes.  That is a bargain especially since I usually travel in the Haven where the average per person cost exceeds $3,500.00.  For those that don’t know.  Traveling as a solo, usually means paying double occupancy fares because the cabins are double occupancy.  In my case, it was a single fare which was appreciated and surprising.  It seems, as a cruise gets closer to departing, they allow many cabins to be sold at a single fare.  Note, single fare solo travel never happens for a Haven Suite unless you win an upgrade bid.  When you win an upgrade bid, you still pay for two even though you are a solo cruiser. Just some inside information on that.

 

I am transparent with my goals to again stay in a Haven Suite.  I have be bidding aggressively yet strategically using the NCL Bid Process for the Haven. I set myself a budget of no more than $2,600.00 “all-in” for staying in the Haven.  If I would have booked the Haven, at the cheapest fare for a solo, it would have exceeded $3,500.00.  That would have been the least expensive Haven suite. This way, if I am upgraded, I will be anywhere from $2,000.00 to $2,600.00 total.  The suites I bid on were the least expensive to the most expensive. I am ashamed to say, I even put a bid on the H2 Deluxe Owners Suite.  If I get that, the “all-in” will be $4,200.00.  I am quite positive that will NOT happen, but I did the lowest bid amount possible anyway. Sometimes I let my ego get in the way of my pocketbook.

 

What I thought was very interesting during this process? Utilizing my American Express Platinum Card Cruise Perks.  With a total “all in” fare of $1,200.00; American Express perks gave me $200.00 OBC and a meal at the French Restaurant.  My Travel Agent, Ms. Staci Sanford of Cruise Planners had a special where my gratuities were paid as a perk for doing business with Cruise Planners.

Since the cruise leaves in three days, it is very clear I did not get upgraded to the Haven. Therefore, I spent a little cash on myself with Massage in the Spa, Vibe Beach Club, Streaming Unlimited Internet, additional specialty restaurants and Premium Plus Beverage Package.  We will call this “Haven Lite”. Either way, I win with a bargain solo fare compared to any other solo traveling strategy. 

 

All that said, I made some amateurish blunders in my solo strategy: 

1. Week Chosen: I went out one week to far in advance.  On 19 days to the cruise, there is only 14 Haven Suites left.  I was hoping for a much larger inventory to give me a shot at a bid upgrade. Then I figured out this was a major Spring Break Week. I should have known.
2. Choose another NCL Ship: I should have considered the NCL Breakaway out of New Orleans.  I would have had a much better shot at the upgrade bid to the Haven there for sure.
3. NCL Escape Cancelation: The NCL Escape cancelled this week and next week’s cruise because of hitting a sand bar.  Those cruisers are selecting the Joy for my sailing.  First time I have ever seen all Suites and Haven suites sold out in a very long time.   

 

I thought it was important to give you my overview so you could put my Real Time Review into perspective. Remember I know this ship well.  I just cruised on the NCL Joy.  I am approaching this go around as doing what I missed the first time.  Redoing what I loved. 

 

Pre-Cruise Covid-19 Testing (Thursday, March 17, 2022 @ 09:30 AM):

I had a PCR test done on March 10, 2022, because I had cold symptoms.  It came back Negative.  Now I will have my NCL required test two-days before departure at our local Walgreens.

• Recommendation: In my state, the PCR tests take 24 to 48 hours to get back a result.  That would put me on a plane to Miami when I got back my test results.  Not ideal.  Instead, I found out that the “NAAT” quick test would be accepted by NCL and only takes 2-hours for results. Most folks don’t know, “NAAT” is a type of PCR test.  The antigen quick test is not available in my area for some reason. 

 

Results of my Test: I was “Negative” of course.  I almost hoped to be positive so I could book a later cruise with a better shot at getting a Haven Bid upgrade.  Then I thought, NO.  This is going to be a fantastic adventure and give me a new topic outside of the NCL Haven. That topic will be “Haven Lite”.

 

Pre-Cruise (Friday, March 18, 2022):

12:33 PM-Flight: I am a Delta Airlines Fan!!

I choose Delta Airlines because of my status of Five (5) Million Miler Lifetime Platinum Medallion, and I used all the many certificates (not points) I had in my Delta Wallet. For reference, when I book cruises, especially close to the cruise departure date, I always have the airline and cruise reservation site open at the same time. Helps me from messing up when all reservations are final.

 

Murphy’s Law:  Bad weather, and flight delays.

My 12:33 flight is now 1:20 PM departure.  This does not give me enough time to make my connection.  This is a review of my trip so part of this is my knowledge of travel especially air travel.  I quietly called the Delta Airlines Special Member services.  They give you the option of a call back which I took.  The Delta Agents at the airport is no help at all because they are understaffed.  Again, I simply don’t get mad, I keep my cool and get my connection flight in Atlanta “Protected”.  That means if my miss my original connection, I am on the next flight out to Miami, FL. OK, let’s see what happens. 

 

Cruise Travel Insurance: In addition, it seems that The NCL Joy has one engine that is not working.  This is the reason why you have Cruise Travel Insurance.  I am so glad I bought this insurance yet again.  

 

Cruise well and further updates on the way.

Can you further elaborate on what effect of having one engine not working might have on our cruise? Thank you.

[Sthrngary]

6 minutes ago, Acruzaholic said:

Can you further elaborate on what effect of having one engine not working might have on our cruise? Thank you.

They believe they can fix it, in port, tomorrow.  We will see!

[mjcatlvr]

Following along with fingers crossed that the Upgrade Fairy blesses you. 😉

[apietros]

Following - thank you for this write up! Safe travels

[UKstages]

6 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

Note, single fare solo travel never happens for a Haven Suite unless you win an upgrade bid.  When you win an upgrade bid, you still pay for two even though you are a solo cruiser. Just some inside information on that.

 

 

generally true. one exception is if you're on a casino comp. if you're booked into the haven on a casino comp, you pay taxes and fees for only one person (the fare is "free"). if you're booked outside of the haven as a solo cruiser on a casino comp, and you bid on an upgrade, you do indeed pay the per person upgrade fee X 2 if you're the successful bidder.

 

great report so far. looking forward to hearing about your continuing adventures.

[pcakes122]

2 hours ago, UKstages said:

generally true. one exception is if you're on a casino comp. if you're booked into the haven on a casino comp, you pay taxes and fees for only one person (the fare is "free")

Let me add here for reference that if you receive a casino comp for a non-Haven category and you pay to upgrade to the Haven as a solo AND you are Ruby or Elite level in the casino program, your upgrade charge is not doubled.

 

Great report so far, Gary!   Have a wonderful cruise!

[Sthrngary]

Installment #2: March 18, 2022, Friday

 

Delta Lost My Luggage: This is yet another reason to have Cruise Travel Insurance.  My luggage due to really bad weather was on the next flight out.  They will be delivering the luggage to my hotel tonight. This is why I keep key items in a backpack like my medicines, toothbrush and computer chargers.  

• Recommendation: When I was at the Delta Luggage Counter at the Miami Airport, the person in front of me was a real ass.  The Delta representative was being professional and did not deserve that treatment.  When I met the Delta representative, I complemented her and told her, "I am going to be your favorite client tonight!"  The result was she called me on my cell phone to confirm my luggage was on the way to my hotel. Kindness and a sense of humor goes a long way in this crazy world. 

 

08:00 PM-Hotel: Miami Marriott Hotel in Biscayne Bay

I should have been here three hours ago however this was the travel day from hell.  

 

• Recommendation: I always come in a day early and stay in a hotel or with a friend/family.  When I am traveling with my family, I stay in nice hotels.  If I am alone/solo, I get a clean safe hotel at a bargain price or use hotel points.  I always choose to stay at a hotel near the port for easy transfer the morning of the cruise. My check-in at the New NCL Miami port terminal is 09:00 AM. This trip I used my Marriott Rewards Points. My past business life gave me great knowledge on how to travel nicely and not break the bank. My status with Marriott will get me an upgrade for their Concierge level and complimentary breakfast the next morning. We all must learn to understand and utilize all the benefits we have including perks as frequently travelers. Whether hotel, air, membership, or credit cards.

Ground Transportation: Airport to Hotel; Hotel to Port; and Port the Airport.

The fare with tip from the airport in a Taxi was $35.00.

 

• Recommendation: The prices from the Miami Airport to the port/port hotel are fixed and reasonable whether a cab or an Uber. From the airport, I usually choose a cab because they are right outside the terminal. From the hotel to the port, I usually do an Uber because I am happy to wait in the Hotel Lobby for the Uber to show up.  When I was with my family on a recent cruise; because there were four (4) of us with lots of luggage; I hired two (2) Ubers/SUV.  Most expensive approach for Ubers however happy I did.

08:15 PM Pre-Cruise Diner: Meeting a friend for dinner. 

• Recommendation: When with my family, I do something nice like “The Capital Grille”.  The last cruise pre-dinner, I was not thrilled with the food at “The Capital Grille”.  This time, I will leverage my friend’s knowledge of dining since he lives in Miami.

NCL Pre-Cruise Preparations:

• Check-In Online: New to this cruise is that NCL will not allow you to check-in online until 21-days prior to the cruise.  I assure everyone, I was completely checked in the moment the portal was open. By doing so, I got a 09:00 AM check-in time. This should put me on the first or second group to be boarded about 11:00 AM.  This is important because I will make a beeline to the Guest Services desk to purchase a Vibe Beach Club pass since I will not be in the Haven this cruise. “Haven Lite strategy begins!”
• Pre-Cruise Covid Test:  I learned some valuable lessons on my last two (2) cruises.  First, don’t go to the hospital for a Covid-19 test for travel.  You must go back to the hospital to get a written copy of the results.  Second, pre-book your covid test for the Thursday before your Saturday departure at your local CVS or Walgreens.  This follows NCL’s new protocols, and they will send your results to your mobile device. 
• Recommendation: Read and reread the cruise brands protocols every day from two weeks out.  If they change and you don’t know, you can be left off your vacations. In addition, watch the video the NCL sends you.  They will send it to you about 10 times which I thought was a bit overkill.

CruiseCritic.com NCL Joy Dailies:

• This is my second time on the Joy in four (4) months.  I missed some activities, events, and entertainment the first cruise because of my family chooses and poor planning.  I found a posting from a very kind member of CruiseCritic.com with the dailies for the Joy.  I used this information with my Excel Spreadsheet “Week-At-A-Glance” Calendar so my priority would be to see what I missed. Then I filled in my reservations with the Specialty Restaurants so they would not conflict with the shows/events/entertainment.
• Specialty Restaurants: I had three (3) complementary and two purchased for a total of five (5) specialty restaurants to utilize. I booked the date and time I would need, utilizing the NCL App.  I then put the decisions on my Excel Spreadsheet Week-at-a-Glance calendar.
• Shows: Usually you can make a reservation for the show online.  You can’t for this cruise.  The reason is it will not be close to a full capacity cruise.  When I get onboard, I will make my reservations at the box office or on my TV in my stateroom.
• Excursions: I usually plan all my excursions pre-cruise.  This trip, I have NOT.  The ship is the reason for my vacation.  I might get off at some of the ports especially the NCL private island which I love.  This time, I don’t need to go spend a bunch of money when I don’t really like the excursions anyway. That being said. Some of my favorite excursions at these ports in the past were:

Roatan: The Over the Water Fully Inclusive Bungalow. Horrible drive there and back.  On the way back if you plan it right, you are a little toasted and it is much more fun.  The key is to get in the water and engage with those that want to engage.  I made lots of friends on this excursion.  Most of whom I simply can’t remember because I was having too much fun. Or to many tequila shots.  Not sure which one.

Beach Villa on the Private Island: The key here if you are not in a big party is to share the expense with other.  You can have up to 6 folks and it is about $700.00.  So split six ways it is not bad.  The downside is you must pay for your food and drink.  I will be passing on this unless lots of others want to join.  If you are interested, let me know!

• Printing Documents:  I have a special cruise folder.  As much as I love electronic data, I always have a backup hard copy of my documents.  I highlight things like the specialty restaurant reservations / payments, Drink program upgrades like the Premium Plus, Pre-Paid Internet Upgrade.  In the past, I have had an issue with one or more of these items creating my strategy of having back-up documents.

Conclusion: Until I booked this solo trip, I did not realize how expensive and stressful it was to make my family happy. This trip, my written preparation that I call the “Family Journal” was not done. You see, for me, the basics are just fine.  That said, I really want a Haven suite again, but that train has left the station. Haven Lite here I come!

 

 

[justhappy]

Ouch! Hopefully you’ve had all the travel issues  you’re going to have and it will be smooth sailing (pun intended) from here on out. 
Im hoping you have sunny days and fun nights, I can’t wait to read all about your solo adventures.

[smillerholmes]

I simply love the amount of detail provided with this review.  I am pretty technologically savvy and I always have paper backups.  My family thinks it's counter intuitive, but I know and understand the weaknesses in the system so paper copies it is.  Really looking forward to "Haven-Lite".  

 

[Uff da]

2 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

Installment #2: March 18, 2022, Friday

 

Delta Lost My Luggage: This is yet another reason to have Cruise Travel Insurance.  My luggage due to really bad weather was on the next flight out. 

 

08:00 PM-Hotel: Miami Marriott Hotel in Biscayne Bay

I should have been here three hours ago however this was the travel day from hell.  

We flew (United) to LA a few weeks ago to take the Bliss to the Mexican Riviera. Our luggage actually arrived before us. I wasn't sure how that would go, but it was fine. It was waiting in a special area when we got there. This also happened coming home. Luggage before us. That time was less stressful and while everyone was waiting for the carousel to start spinning, I walked over to the luggage pick-up area and walked out of the airport while my husband got our car and picked me up. (I'm not sure how United does that. It's weird.)

We had a major flight delay leaving home and arrived in LA 6 hours later than we should have. Guess why we had a delay? The plane started the morning in a city that had ice and the de-icing truck broke down. They had to wait until the sun came out to naturally de-ice the plane so it could continue it's journey. We were the second stop. LOL

Thank goodness we flew a day early. Coming home was okay, thank goodness, but we arrived later in the evening than I would have liked. We don't live in a city with a "major" airport. You take what you can get to make it home. We were the only people in it when we landed. lol 

I agree with you. I will no longer travel without cruise insurance (or a passport!) It's just not worth the risk for the relatively small cost. 

I hope everything for you is smooth sailing from here on out. 

 

Edited March 19, 2022 by Uff da

[cruisebeachgirl703]

19 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

Overview:

I simply can’t help that I love to cruise. It started on my Honeymoon 42 years ago. For decades I have done business travel extensively by myself.  Therefore, I am familiar being alone on the road.  Since my forced retirement four (4) years ago, I have traveled very infrequently.  We took an epic family vacation for our 42^nd wedding anniversary in November 2021. My family and I were in the Haven on the NCL Joy.  It took four (4) cancelations, three (3) itinerary changes, and three (3) ship changes to get there. 

 

I went all out for my family’s experience.  We had the (H2) Haven Deluxe Owners Suite with Large Balcony; we took limos from our home to the airport and Uber SUVs in Miami.  This was designed to be the best family vacation of our lives.  All four (4) of us had a great time.  My wife even said, she enjoyed the trip.  That was important to me. It seems in the recent past, my family mantra was, “We hate cruising!”

 

I loved the recent NCL Joy Cruise sailing so much, I wanted to go again.  My wife was going to Florida vacationing with her best friend and did not want to go on another cruise.  I attempted to invite her friend to join us, but that was a “no go”. I have never gone on a cruise “solo”.  I have gone to music festival four-day events solo, though.

 

Something tells me I will love the experience of only worrying about myself, for a change.  I found a great deal on a Club Balcony Suite (MC) that was about $1,200.00 all-in with fees ($800 fare plus fees), Free-At-Sea Perks, and taxes.  That is a bargain especially since I usually travel in the Haven where the average per person cost exceeds $3,500.00.  For those that don’t know.  Traveling as a solo, usually means paying double occupancy fares because the cabins are double occupancy.  In my case, it was a single fare which was appreciated and surprising.  It seems, as a cruise gets closer to departing, they allow many cabins to be sold at a single fare.  Note, single fare solo travel never happens for a Haven Suite unless you win an upgrade bid.  When you win an upgrade bid, you still pay for two even though you are a solo cruiser. Just some inside information on that.

 

I am transparent with my goals to again stay in a Haven Suite.  I have be bidding aggressively yet strategically using the NCL Bid Process for the Haven. I set myself a budget of no more than $2,600.00 “all-in” for staying in the Haven.  If I would have booked the Haven, at the cheapest fare for a solo, it would have exceeded $3,500.00.  That would have been the least expensive Haven suite. This way, if I am upgraded, I will be anywhere from $2,000.00 to $2,600.00 total.  The suites I bid on were the least expensive to the most expensive. I am ashamed to say, I even put a bid on the H2 Deluxe Owners Suite.  If I get that, the “all-in” will be $4,200.00.  I am quite positive that will NOT happen, but I did the lowest bid amount possible anyway. Sometimes I let my ego get in the way of my pocketbook.

 

What I thought was very interesting during this process? Utilizing my American Express Platinum Card Cruise Perks.  With a total “all in” fare of $1,200.00; American Express perks gave me $200.00 OBC and a meal at the French Restaurant.  My Travel Agent, Ms. Staci Sanford of Cruise Planners had a special where my gratuities were paid as a perk for doing business with Cruise Planners.

Since the cruise leaves in three days, it is very clear I did not get upgraded to the Haven. Therefore, I spent a little cash on myself with Massage in the Spa, Vibe Beach Club, Streaming Unlimited Internet, additional specialty restaurants and Premium Plus Beverage Package.  We will call this “Haven Lite”. Either way, I win with a bargain solo fare compared to any other solo traveling strategy. 

 

All that said, I made some amateurish blunders in my solo strategy: 

1. Week Chosen: I went out one week to far in advance.  On 19 days to the cruise, there is only 14 Haven Suites left.  I was hoping for a much larger inventory to give me a shot at a bid upgrade. Then I figured out this was a major Spring Break Week. I should have known.
2. Choose another NCL Ship: I should have considered the NCL Breakaway out of New Orleans.  I would have had a much better shot at the upgrade bid to the Haven there for sure.
3. NCL Escape Cancelation: The NCL Escape cancelled this week and next week’s cruise because of hitting a sand bar.  Those cruisers are selecting the Joy for my sailing.  First time I have ever seen all Suites and Haven suites sold out in a very long time.   

 

I thought it was important to give you my overview so you could put my Real Time Review into perspective. Remember I know this ship well.  I just cruised on the NCL Joy.  I am approaching this go around as doing what I missed the first time.  Redoing what I loved. 

 

Pre-Cruise Covid-19 Testing (Thursday, March 17, 2022 @ 09:30 AM):

I had a PCR test done on March 10, 2022, because I had cold symptoms.  It came back Negative.  Now I will have my NCL required test two-days before departure at our local Walgreens.

• Recommendation: In my state, the PCR tests take 24 to 48 hours to get back a result.  That would put me on a plane to Miami when I got back my test results.  Not ideal.  Instead, I found out that the “NAAT” quick test would be accepted by NCL and only takes 2-hours for results. Most folks don’t know, “NAAT” is a type of PCR test.  The antigen quick test is not available in my area for some reason. 

 

Results of my Test: I was “Negative” of course.  I almost hoped to be positive so I could book a later cruise with a better shot at getting a Haven Bid upgrade.  Then I thought, NO.  This is going to be a fantastic adventure and give me a new topic outside of the NCL Haven. That topic will be “Haven Lite”.

 

Pre-Cruise (Friday, March 18, 2022):

12:33 PM-Flight: I am a Delta Airlines Fan!!

I choose Delta Airlines because of my status of Five (5) Million Miler Lifetime Platinum Medallion, and I used all the many certificates (not points) I had in my Delta Wallet. For reference, when I book cruises, especially close to the cruise departure date, I always have the airline and cruise reservation site open at the same time. Helps me from messing up when all reservations are final.

 

Murphy’s Law:  Bad weather, and flight delays.

My 12:33 flight is now 1:20 PM departure.  This does not give me enough time to make my connection.  This is a review of my trip so part of this is my knowledge of travel especially air travel.  I quietly called the Delta Airlines Special Member services.  They give you the option of a call back which I took.  The Delta Agents at the airport is no help at all because they are understaffed.  Again, I simply don’t get mad, I keep my cool and get my connection flight in Atlanta “Protected”.  That means if my miss my original connection, I am on the next flight out to Miami, FL. OK, let’s see what happens. 

 

Cruise Travel Insurance: In addition, it seems that The NCL Joy has one engine that is not working.  This is the reason why you have Cruise Travel Insurance.  I am so glad I bought this insurance yet again.  

 

Cruise well and further updates on the way.

 

Since the cruise leaves in three days, it is very clear I did not get upgraded to the Haven. Therefore, I spent a little cash on myself with Massage in the Spa, Vibe Beach Club, Streaming Unlimited Internet, additional specialty restaurants and Premium Plus Beverage Package.  We will call this “Haven Lite”

 

Gary, when you say spent were you somehow able to prepurchase Vibe beach Club passes?

[Sthrngary]

1 hour ago, cruisebeachgirl703 said:

 

Gary, when you say spent were you somehow able to prepurchase Vibe beach Club passes?

No, that is why you get to the terminal early and attempt to be group one. Then you go to the Japanese restaurant to get your vibe beach pass.

[prbffd28]

Gary, thanks for taking the time out of your vacation to keep us up to date on all your travels, you are a wealth of information. We have a group of ten going to Bermuda May 29 on Joy and I am looking forward to following along to get an idea of what to expect. You have already answered one of my questions, which was where we needed to go to purchase Vibe passes, so thank you again!! The other question is regarding communicating with our group onboard. Do you know if there is a "chat" feature through the NCL app where we can message each other without having to purchase an internet package? Most of our friends in the group are in their 70's with a couple 80's so it would be very helpful to be able to communicate by chat with them instead of having to chase each other all around the ship. Have a great cruise !!

Perry

[bluesea777]

@Sthrngary are you already on board, right? We’re still in the snaking queue outside terminal!

 

did they say the ship is going on schedule? Or on a different itinerary?

 

thanks!

 

[vacation44]

1 hour ago, Sthrngary said:

No, that is why you get to the terminal early and attempt to be group one. Then you go to the Japanese restaurant to get your vibe beach pass.

Were you successful and the Vibe passes are given out at Teppanyaki?

Edited March 19, 2022 by vacation44
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[JGmf]

I'm following along and remain very appreciative of your ongoing posts that share your experiences and lessons learned.  Your writing style, clarity, and kindness is a joy to read.

 

I wish I could be adopted to your family.  I love cruising  (as does everyone on this board).  We'd all appreciate having someone in our circle so attentive in arranging and ensuring such wonderful vacations.

[Sthrngary]

4 minutes ago, vacation44 said:

Were you successful and the Vibe passes are given out at Teppanyaki?

Yes

[Marion B]

   Gary,

   So glad that I found this thread and the Haven one too  It's been a while since we've been in the Haven, so your postings will get me up to speed for the Breakaway in three weeks.  Since we'll also (in a few months) be on the Joy in the same category as you, I'll know exactly what to expect.

   Wishing you fair winds and following seas.

Thanks,

Marion

[patronmca]

What is cost of weekly Vibe pass? Is daily pass available also? Thank You & EnJOY! Cruising on the Joy next Saturday.

 

[GeezerCouple]

12 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

Yes

 

Have a great time!

Will we be treated to any more videos?  Perhaps some nice CC member on board with you will assist?

That other one, from your previous family cruise, was just precious.  SO nice to see you having such a good time! 🙂 

 

Enjoy!!

 

GC

[Sthrngary]

32 minutes ago, vacation44 said:

Were you successful and the Vibe passes are given out at Teppanyaki?

Yes, I am on board, on my second tequila shot. I am sitting alone in the Vibe Beach Club which renamed the”Gary Beach Club”.  

[Sthrngary]

3 minutes ago, GeezerCouple said:

 

Have a great time!

Will we be treated to any more videos?  Perhaps some nice CC member on board with you will assist?

That other one, from your previous family cruise, was just precious.  SO nice to see you having such a good time! 🙂 

 

Enjoy!!

 

GC

Sure, find me and we will do it together.