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

[HxFx]

4 hours ago, oteixeira said:

Not sure if you ever tried to get Vibe pre-covid but when you see people showing up at 7AM to make sure they get boarding group 1 and then fighting to be first at the spot where they let you enter and go to the ship and then running on the ship to get passes you understand.

This would be my biggest concern trying to do a Haven Lite cruise. I don’t think Haven is worth the cost for me but I would pay for Vibe on the new Prima. I'm not sure I'd want it on earlier ships since they look a little closed in for me but I haven't seen any in person. I will check out Breakaway's in May!

 

Is booking Haven the only way to get priority for the Vibe pass? How fast do they typically sell out on embarkation day for full cruises? I would need to manage expectations in case I wasn't successful getting the Vibe pass.

[aubreyc1988]

4 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

When you are 64, you get up early. You go to deck 15 the Observation Deck. You take your daily and get a large Starbucks cappuccino. It is Quiet and somewhere private. You look at the water and the waves. you count how many days you have left on your cruise. That approach should sound familiar to a lot of people.

 

There is eggs Benedict in my life this morning. A treadmill afterwards, and then a bar crawl with my friends from the Vibe “Gary” Beach Club.

 

Tonight it is LeBistro and the Beatles revolution.

 

Cruise well every one.

Tell Bong at Mojito bar that Aubrey says hi 😄 

[DaisyGoldberg]

When I was in the Breakaway Haven there was this one family with little screaming kids. But only when they were with their father. When with their mom/grandma you wouldn't notice they were there. I even found out a few days in that I was in the cabin NEXT to them, and while we both had our balcony doors open much of the time I couldn't hear a peep on my balcony. And in the dining room they were perfectly well behaved.

 

I'm convinced that when the mom and grandma took some time for themselves that was Dad's cue to tell them to run laps around the upper Haven or show off their swimming skills in the pool.

 

The Haven wasn't full that trip so I suppose the staff didn't feel up to saying anything, but unfortunately my lounging/reading time seemed to correspond with their play time. 

[JJCas]

12 hours ago, charlie murphy said:

alright Gary. great info so far, this TIME my request (reference My last request ) is the TUBE we can't wait for the TUBE  --I don't know what they call that water slide drop, but we want a full report.... the drop, the curves , the loop ( saw on-line someone not make it around, they said because they were below the 130 lb. minimum) You push the scales over 130 don't you, If not hit the buffet and then the water slide! LET'S GO !!  You should have no problem. I think you already mentioned this as part of your plan, so I am just having fun, if not part of the plan --- don't hurt yourself, but you are working out .... SO!? enjoy your cruise I am lovin your reports and insight. AND I will enjoy it even more when I am sitting at my work desk this week. thanks.

 

  I did not do the slides myself, but my son did.  He is about 6' but only about 120 lbs (yeah, I know.... D1 cross country and track 😄).  He said he got stuck 4 times.  It happens often enough that they have a person at a little hatch that they open to let you out.

[ceilidh1]

1 minute ago, JJCas said:

 

  I did not do the slides myself, but my son did.  He is about 6' but only about 120 lbs (yeah, I know.... D1 cross country and track 😄).  He said he got stuck 4 times.  It happens often enough that they have a person at a little hatch that they open to let you out.

My teen got stuck, too. She was the first of our group to brave that slide and, after watching her fate, no one else in the group did it. Lol.

[oteixeira]

2 hours ago, HxFx said:

This would be my biggest concern trying to do a Haven Lite cruise. I don’t think Haven is worth the cost for me but I would pay for Vibe on the new Prima. I'm not sure I'd want it on earlier ships since they look a little closed in for me but I haven't seen any in person. I will check out Breakaway's in May!

 

Is booking Haven the only way to get priority for the Vibe pass? How fast do they typically sell out on embarkation day for full cruises? I would need to manage expectations in case I wasn't successful getting the Vibe pass.

So if you are in the Haven they do reserve a few Vibe passes, other then that it is first come first served.  One time on a non-haven cruise (on the Getaway) I decided to try to get vibe passes, this was 2017.  It was a mad dash free for all, and the passes were sold out before Group 2 were onboard.  I was in Group 1, ran to the main desk (where they were sold on Getaway at the time) and was number 40-something in line.   I would guess when they get back to full capacity it will be the same all over again.  

Edited March 21, 2022 by oteixeira

[Sthrngary]

OK, allow me to assist with some of the remarks and concerns.  Two main subjects and I have a request.  Please don't let this stream get Hijack on these two issues.  

 

The Haven and Children:  If you don't want lots of kids in the Haven on your voyage simple choose a date that is not a major holiday.  NCL has the 3&4 guest free so this make many suites in the Haven attractive to families.  I booked the week after Thanksgiving and the Haven Courtyard was empty of almost anyone.  Please also remember the children are NOT the problem.  It is very entitled parents. Kids are GREAT on a cruise if they are supervised and their parents show some good business judgement.  This topic is the hardest topic to navigate but it is also the one that has the most emotional replies on both sides.

 

The Vibe Beach Club:  There was a time when you had to be the first onboard and run to either guest services or the specialty restaurant that had all the extra stuff for sale. I like most of you read all those posts.  Then Covid-19 hit and so did lower guest capacity.  On my cruise the folks that wanted a Vibe Beach Club pass were in the first three boarding levels.  If you are in the Haven, it is very true that the Haven desk had a few Vibe Beach passed for sail. I have said in the past and I say now, I would not to a Vibe Beach Pass if I was in the Haven.  Do so folks do it, YES.  Personal preference.  Just giving my two cents.  Now would I do a Vibe Beach pass if I was not in the Haven.  YES, if I was lucky enough to get one. 

 

Again, please don't make this thread all about Children and the getting a Vibe Beach Club pass.  I hope helped everyone with some good recommendation.

 

Cruise well.

[DiscalC8]

@Sthrngary, you mentioned meeting bartender Bong at Sugarcane.  He's definitely a showman in the field of bartending.  If you get the chance, check if Rodrigo is bartending at Sugarcane (usually he runs the outdoor section - which has the "sustainable drinks" specialties).  Rodrigo is less a showman (compared to Bong) but more of an artist with his bartending.   You can try his "sustainable" drink of the day - but where Rodrigo really shines is in creating something "off-menu" to suit your tastes.   If you find a time when it's not too busy, just tell him your basic cocktail likes/dislikes and he will tailor something just for you.   I tend to like an alcohol-forward cocktail that's not too sweet (most boat drinks are too sweet for me) and has some interesting depth of flavor (think bitters or infusions added to the base spirit...). He came up with several winners in my book.   Anyway - if you get the chance, I'd definitely recommend seeing if he's there and creating.    

[legallytom]

6 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

If you are in the Haven, it is very true that the Haven desk had a few Vibe Beach passed for sail.

 

We're traveling on the Joy in April and its our first time in Haven. We want to get Vibe Beach Club passes to spend time with our non-Haven friends, so when we board would we need to detour to Teppanyaki to get passes when we first get on board, or would we still go directly to Haven and buy them there? Just wondering how its done when you're escorted to Haven.

 

Have a great time Gary, we've enjoyed your updates! We'll be sure to try the highly recommended almond danishes.

[Sthrngary]

14 minutes ago, legallytom said:

 

We're traveling on the Joy in April and its our first time in Haven. We want to get Vibe Beach Club passes to spend time with our non-Haven friends, so when we board would we need to detour to Teppanyaki to get passes when we first get on board, or would we still go directly to Haven and buy them there? Just wondering how its done when you're escorted to Haven.

 

Have a great time Gary, we've enjoyed your updates! We'll be sure to try the highly recommended almond danishes.

Go to the Teppanyaki first. That is what I would do. 

[Sthrngary]

The Beatles Revolution show on the Cavern Club. Get there early. Standing room only. Go see Footloose early, the get to the Cavern Club 9:30 pm show. This is the early years. 
 

Cruise well. 

[Sthrngary]

LeBistro for a lovely dinner. 

[rxlowry]

11 hours ago, DiscalC8 said:

@Sthrngary, you mentioned meeting bartender Bong at Sugarcane.  He's definitely a showman in the field of bartending.  If you get the chance, check if Rodrigo is bartending at Sugarcane (usually he runs the outdoor section - which has the "sustainable drinks" specialties).  Rodrigo is less a showman (compared to Bong) but more of an artist with his bartending.   You can try his "sustainable" drink of the day - but where Rodrigo really shines is in creating something "off-menu" to suit your tastes.   If you find a time when it's not too busy, just tell him your basic cocktail likes/dislikes and he will tailor something just for you.   I tend to like an alcohol-forward cocktail that's not too sweet (most boat drinks are too sweet for me) and has some interesting depth of flavor (think bitters or infusions added to the base spirit...). He came up with several winners in my book.   Anyway - if you get the chance, I'd definitely recommend seeing if he's there and creating.    

Rodrigo was amazing!   Very knowledgeable and loved the sustainable drinks as well as his caipirinha!!!  I had a better experience at this bar then the Haven one in February!  

[rxlowry]

Oh and he makes a drink using the broken almond croissants….a fantastic mai tai.  Tell him the “trash drink” lady sent you.  This was my affectionate name for the sustainable drinks.  They also can’t use the term “leftover” to describe as well.  The coffee one with pineapple sounds bad but I loved that one too!

[firstimecruiseronncl]

11 hours ago, legallytom said:

 

We're traveling on the Joy in April and its our first time in Haven. We want to get Vibe Beach Club passes to spend time with our non-Haven friends, so when we board would we need to detour to Teppanyaki to get passes when we first get on board, or would we still go directly to Haven and buy them there? Just wondering how its done when you're escorted to Haven.

 

Have a great time Gary, we've enjoyed your updates! We'll be sure to try the highly recommended almond danishes.

Not Gary but we did this when we stayed in the Escape Haven. We asked while we were being escorted to the Haven and he told us he would get us the extra pass for my SIL. 

[Sthrngary]

Monday, March 21, 2022:

 

06:30 AM-Coffee: No better place for quiet and coffee then the Deck 15 Observation lounge.  Where during the day, getting a front row seat can be difficult, in the morning it is not.  It still amazing me there is a Starbucks there next to a proper bar.  The light breakfast foods are just ok and I usually pass on them.  So easy to grab something and not be hungry for a nice breakfast. The view here is second to none.

 

07:30 AM-Breakfast at Taste:  Day #1, I did breakfast at the Buffet, today in the MDR Taste.  I wanted Eggs Benedict and a waffle. I am a person that likes foods cooked correctly.  Eggs Benedict is one of those foods.  They were perfect and came with a side of Home Fries. I recommend if you order the waffle, you tell them make it plain with Mable syrup on the side. This waffle had Carmel sauce, a banana and still had Mable syrup on the side.  To much sweet.  The coffee at the main dining room is better then the Buffet.  I asked for a bottle of water with no gas.  My waiter was completely confused.  He brought the water and it had gas.  No issue.  My strategy is to take that water back to the room which is one of the many benefits of the Premium Plus Beverage Package.

 

08:30 AM-Morning Nap:  Sounds strange however as I have gotten older, I can take a power nap in the morning where I can hardly sleep at night.  I have a plan for the day all worked out and since I am alone, I can do what I want to do, and I never get my family uncomfortable.  That is the benefit of Solo traveling.  The downside is you want to share your experience with someone.  In life there are plus and minus with every decision you make. All we must be is 51% right and make the best out of the other 49%.

 

No Roatan for ME!!!!: Been there and done that.  I always have a great time in Roatan however it is still not my favorite port.  If there is a port you don’t care about, make your day all about the huge floating hotel called a cruise ship.  Not crowded, few lines and allows for some opportunities hard to do when the ship is completely full.

 

Spa/Gym: I went to take full advantage of the treadmills, again.  Not something I normally do however seems like since I am alone, I would enjoy it.  That is my hope anyway. I did a little over a mile yesterday, I will do the same today.

 

Vibe Beach Club: I won at Blackjack last night that gave me some early cash. Today, I tipped the crew at the Vibe Beach Club for the first of two times.  They have been over the top great.  The next tip is the last day.  They deserve it. I was chilling with new friends at the Vibe and it all started innocently. I had just one shot of Tequila about 11:30 AM.  Then a second because a new friend insisted.  The Bartender observed that I would soon need me some food.  He got me a Burger and Fries which I don’t think they do much for forks.  I was both needed and appreciated.

Then in the Vibe Hot Tubs and other friends started ordering “Bahama Mama” for everyone.  Let’s do the math, several shoot so Tequila and several “Bahama Mama”.  I am no chemist but that is no a good combination.  My theory was proven when I went back to my suite for my second nap of the day. This is not what I do often but when I do, I know when a nap is more important then the sun.

• Recommendation:  This is unrelated to drinking or the Vibe.  A friend told me he always goes to Ocean’s the first night.  I asked why? He said the fish is fresh.  That is brilliant and I will remember it from now on.   

Bar Crawl:  With my morning, the Bar Crawl was postpone indefinitely.  Hell of an idea but just bad timing.  I am not in my 20's anymore.

 

Observation Deck: I found a very quiet corner with my book and a Coffee.  The secret agent, Mitch Rapp was going to save the world a few more time.  He needed me to support him by reading a few chapters. The author, Vince Flynn may be dead, but he was one of my favorite authors. 

 

Time For Diner: Tonight was LeBistro.  The first step was to see if they could seat me a little earlier.  I am eating far less on this cruise and I was actually hungry for dinner.  Prior to asking, I went to the “A List” bar for a cocktail.  There is was, the holy grail.  A unopened bottle of Tequila 1942.  That bottle was requested by the lead bartender in the Haven for me.  He went out of his way to find it, since I was not in the Haven, he brought it to he “A-List” bar.  I asked for a shot and the bartender said, “You must be Gary?” One and done after this day. I actually shared the shot with a guest that had never had this fine tequila before.  He love it.

 

07:00 PM-LeBistro:  I have eaten here several times.  The menu has changed.  In November, my family was not thrilled with the food here.  The service is amazing.  This evening I made some great choices and I will share them with you.

 

• Scallops: It is a scallops and cauliflower combination soup.  The presentation was lovely and the entire dish was wonderful.  Years ago when travelling in Europe as a Young man, I was told.  “If you use your bread to get the last little bit of soup or gravy off your plate, it is a complement to the chef.”  I used the great rolls from LeBistro to do just that.
• My Main Course: Lamb chops with Lamb Shank.  I love lamb and this was an outstanding dish.  Again, French food use wonderful sauces. The portion sizes are small and for me this trip, perfect.
• Desert and Coffee: The had a pound cake with strawberries that was delightful. The Cappuccino was a great add.   

 

• Recommendation: During dinner, especially in a lovely French Restaurant, have a glass of nice champagne. The top of the menu has a lovely Champagne by the glass.  It was $31.00 a glass and yet another reason why I choose the “Premium Plus Drink Package”. Let’s say, the again lost money on that “Plus” upgrade with me again today.

09:30 PM-Show-Beatles Revelations in the Cavern Club: I saw Footloose four months ago so nothing would stop me from seeing all the Beatles shows in the Cavern Club.  I walked in to the 09:30 PM show at 09:20 PM.  The place was packed which was no surprise.  There was a very rare single chair at the bar.  This my friends were pure luck. DON’T MISS THESE SHOWS!

 

10:30 PM-Sugar Cane Bar for a Night Cap:  My night cap was a glass of water.  The band here is the best.  Tomorrow night I will got to the District Brew House for the Piano Player who is awesome.

 

Conclusion of Day #2: Don’t start drinking early.  Have a plan and stick to it.  Take frequent naps and use lots of sunscreens.  It takes me three days to finally realize I am on a relaxing vacation.  By the evening I was levelheaded and lessons learned.  This cruise would not be half as good without some the new friends I have met.  Funny, most of them are named “Gary”.  Who knew??? Tomorrow is the private island and I will take a walk/job there.  Don’t miss this place, it is very nice. 

 

Cruise Well Everyone.

[Sthrngary]

8:00 AM Breakfast at Savor:  What could be better.Starbucks cappuccino and fresh squeezed orange juice. Another reason why the beverage plus package works for me. The eggs and waffles here at savor were better than they were at the buffet so I come here for breakfast. As you see below they gave me a window seat. What could be better.

 

A jog on the private island is in my future. 
 

Cruise well

[ppcox]

I am an avid review reader, cruises, hotels you name it and this is the most enjoyable review I have ever read. It’s like a good book Gary I’m eager for the next chapter.

Thank you for taking the time to write it so well. We are still a few weeks away from our cruise and I can picture the places and experiences in your descriptions. I’m officially a NCL and SthrnGary review addict 

[Sthrngary]

52 minutes ago, ppcox said:

I am an avid review reader, cruises, hotels you name it and this is the most enjoyable review I have ever read. It’s like a good book Gary I’m eager for the next chapter.

Thank you for taking the time to write it so well. We are still a few weeks away from our cruise and I can picture the places and experiences in your descriptions. I’m officially a NCL and SthrnGary review addict 

@ppcoxwow, my pleasure.  My goal is to enhance the cruising experience. I found Travel Agents did an information dump.  I wanted, “How to have the best experience.” 
 

Tip For Today: Go were the people are not!  I walked the private island, the fat old grumpy guy I am. Then went right up to the Vibe Beach Club. There are four people here total. They put an umbrella out for me. A carafe of ice water with lemons. This is the way I like the cruise. Stare at the ocean and chill out.

 

Cruise well

[Oxo]

2 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

@ppcoxwow, my pleasure.  My goal is to enhance the cruising experience. I found Travel Agents did an information dump.  I wanted, “How to have the best experience.” 
 

Tip For Today: Go were the people are not!  I walked the private island, the fat old grumpy guy I am. Then went right up to the Vibe Beach Club. There are four people here total. They put an umbrella out for me. A carafe of ice water with lemons. This is the way I like the cruise. Stare at the ocean and chill out.

 

Cruise well

Gary, two days in and what do you think of the Joy without using the Haven? It sounds like you are not missing the Haven that much. Have a Great Day!

Tony

[Sthrngary]

9 minutes ago, Oxo said:

Gary, two days in and what do you think of the Joy without using the Haven? It sounds like you are not missing the Haven that much. Have a Great Day!

Tony

@OxoTony, I am a haven fan through and through. But I am also a realist. When you book the vibe beach club, the premium plus beverage package, a couple of extra specialty meals, and upgraded Internet. It is thousands of dollars less than Haven. When the haven is priced right or you can upgrade to it, that’s the deal. If it is retail price, it depends on your financial situation. You are so right, I am doing extremely well going Haven Lite.

[Sthrngary]

So sorry the pictures being sideways. This is the vibe beach club, 11 AM when the ship is at the private island. I am a rare cruiser. I used to live at the beach. Walking and swimming in the sand is just OK. This quiet environment here with the hot tub  is just what I wanted for stress relief.

 

Having both a great beach, a great pool, a great private island and something like the vibe beach club provides everyone with what they want for their personal vacation. Just know what’s available and make the choices.

[Ottawa_Cruiser]

I love your review, Gary! Thanks for taking the time to keep us up to date on your journey.

[HBCcruiser]

11 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

So sorry the pictures being sideways.

Hi Gary - Great review! If you want to straighten the photos just rotate them on your phone before posting. Enjoy your cruise! I know we are!  😎  😜

[Oxo]

43 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

@OxoTony, I am a haven fan through and through. But I am also a realist. When you book the vibe beach club, the premium plus beverage package, a couple of extra specialty meals, and upgraded Internet. It is thousands of dollars less than Haven. When the haven is priced right or you can upgrade to it, that’s the deal. If it is retail price, it depends on your financial situation. You are so right, I am doing extremely well going Haven Lite.

Thanks for your opinion. We stayed in a Club Suite on our B2B,  ate every dinner  meal in a Specialty Restaurant free, had a booze pkg, not premium +, free internet. We felt like we were treated beyond expectations in all aspects. We are Platinum and used our vouchers and booking perks for the meals.

I guess my point is that if you treat staff with respect, please & thank you,  they will treat you the same and know you by name. You don't have to be in the Haven or the Vibe to experience a fantastic cruise. 

Not implying that people should not book the Haven or Vibe. We all have our different wants and needs.

Did you have a chance to get GM name?

Enjoy each moment, as it goes by quick on the ship. That is why we do B2B.