PatJim
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New York
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NCL
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Happy Motherâs Day! So glad for your post, as weâre boarding the Joy when you disembark on the 19th, and know youâll take good care of her. If you get the chance, please post a list of her officers. Over our many years sailing NCL, weâve become friends with many. It would be nice to anticipate meeting up with some of them next week. Many thanks.
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The NCL Haven Luxury VIP Experience "Secrets" REVISED for 2022
PatJim replied to Sthrngary's topic in Norwegian Cruise Line
Thanks to everyone who responded re bartender tips. I didnât realize they get a cut of the drink gratuities. -
The NCL Haven Luxury VIP Experience "Secrets" REVISED for 2022
PatJim replied to Sthrngary's topic in Norwegian Cruise Line
And lattes!đ Alas, weâve only found this fantastic coffee machine in the Haven Observation Lounge on the Bliss and Joy. Was so disappointed not to find it on the Epic, Breakaway and Getaway. Weâll be in the Prima Haven in November for the 1st time. Does anyone know if they also have it? For ships that donât, I make an approximate latte in the cabin, with hot milk delivered by the butler every morning (along with almond croissants). Itâs the one thing that gets me up! -
The NCL Haven Luxury VIP Experience "Secrets" REVISED for 2022
PatJim replied to Sthrngary's topic in Norwegian Cruise Line
I was surprised to learn that bartenders also are not covered in the Daily Service Charge. Has something to do with excluding staff who are not used by all cruisers, as not everyone drinks or is in the Haven! We tip accordingly, usually with every drink order, plus a $20 upfront to Haven bar tender. We also give tips to wait staff in Haven restaurant and elsewhere. For quite a few cruises we didnât know anyone did this, then on the Gem in Moderno at breakfast years ago we saw someone slip the waiter a tip, and that got us doing it, too. This is highly subjective. The wait staff doesnât expect tips, and no one should feel they âshouldâ tip. But New York has a generous tipping culture. A Concierge we knew once told us he was dismayed at being moved from the Gem to a ship not sailing out of NYC, because the tips were the best here. -
Oops - forgot to post link: https://boards.cruisecritic.co.uk/topic/2830623-the-ncl-haven-luxury-vip-experience-secrets-revised-for-2022/?do=findComment&comment=67194170
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We always have lunch in the Haven at embarkation, mostly as an early chance to get to know the staff, and for them to get to know us. Itâs kind of a tradition for me to order the scallops, and Jim to have a hamburger, but if you want to eat light, you can always choose 2 appetizers. Hereâs a link to the Haven lunch menu: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/617ac6f28abd337ac8fc5f75/t/6255de58dbe6f61442cae352/1649794648915/NCL+Haven+Lunch+Menu.pdf At least once later in the cruise, Iâll go down to the Garden Cafe, make up a plate of curry, and bring it back to the Haven to join Jim for lunch! We board the Prima in November, and Iâm really looking forward to the Indian food in Indulge Food Hall. To enhance your Haven experience, please check out Garyâs Secrets of the Haven. Donât be put off by the number of pages - just dive in! No matter how many times we cruise, I always learn something useful for next time. Have a great cruise.
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The NCL Haven Luxury VIP Experience "Secrets" REVISED for 2022
PatJim replied to Sthrngary's topic in Norwegian Cruise Line
Just a quick note on NYCâs congestion pricing, which takes affect in June: Cars are $15 peak times (5 am-9 pm, which affects cruisers) Taxi is $1.25; Uber, Lyft $2.50 -
The NCL Haven Luxury VIP Experience "Secrets" REVISED for 2022
PatJim replied to Sthrngary's topic in Norwegian Cruise Line
PS. The 2-bedroom suites in Haven proper do have small balconies, but ours is slightly larger, as it extends in front of the master bathroom. Regardless of size, we always request a lounger with our pre-cruise concierge list, and usually itâs there when we board. -
The NCL Haven Luxury VIP Experience "Secrets" REVISED for 2022
PatJim replied to Sthrngary's topic in Norwegian Cruise Line
Are you on the May 19th cruise? Weâre in #17110. -
The NCL Haven Luxury VIP Experience "Secrets" REVISED for 2022
PatJim replied to Sthrngary's topic in Norwegian Cruise Line
You can let the weather decide for youâsort of like flipping a coinđ. We booked a Bermuda cruise September 2022, and ended up going to Canada/New England! Got an email from NCL 8 pm night before departure, so had to scramble to repack and get Canadian documentation (COVID-related and no longer required). Felt sorry for cruisers already in New York who only had warm-weather clothes with them. There were a lot of sweat shirts bought in Newport, our first port of call. I would choose Bermuda in June, as I think weather is increasingly more iffy on East Coast in September. Jim and I have done numerous Canada/NE cruises from NYC in September. Sometimes we see fall foliage, but usually we donât. Timing it this far in advance is tricky. Good luck with your choice. -
The Nicest and Least Expensive Stateroom on a Ship
PatJim replied to Sthrngary's topic in Norwegian Cruise Line
Very well said, Gary. Thank you. -
The Nicest and Least Expensive Stateroom on a Ship
PatJim replied to Sthrngary's topic in Norwegian Cruise Line
For many years, I led Cruise Critic Meet & Greets, especially on the Gem. Jim and I loved planning cabin crawls. We usually were able to get members to volunteer almost every type of cabin for the crawl. It was very educational. Some members who never would have considered booking an inside could see for themselves their clever storage despite their small size, and that booking this category would allow them to cruise more often. We also knew cruisers who, after seeing an Ownerâs Suite on the crawl, saved for a couple of years to afford booking one. -
Dawn passengers left âstrandedâ on African island
PatJim replied to WonderMan3's topic in Norwegian Cruise Line
The mention on this thread that travel insurance likely wonât cover missing the ship due to a late excursion, was very helpful. We thought our TI company would cover this scenario. We always book comprehensive insurance p, because it covers pre-existing medical conditions. Itâs not cheap, but gives us peace of mind. Jim just reread the TI contract. it mentions late flight causes for missing the ship or a tour, but not a late tour operator causing us to miss the ship. Who knew?? So thanks so much for this info. -
Back on Getaway after 10 years... 3/24/24 review
PatJim replied to blackwing's topic in Norwegian Cruise Line
Really enjoyed your comparison of the Getaway changes, both good and not so good. Thank you for taking the time to post. To slake your thirst, hereâs the recipe for the Rebellious Fish, one of my favorites, too. REBELLIOUS FISH Ingredients: 1/2 oz. Passion Fruit Liqueur 1 oz. Vodka 1/4 oz. Orange Liqueur 2 oz. Orange Juice Sparkling Wine (for topping) Garnish: Fresh Berries