Salf777

Thank you. See we love being in the Haven on NCL and almost never want to leave that area as the vibe on the rest of the ship is not our favorite. We tend to venture out of the Haven and play while the ship is in port. We have heard that Celebrity might be a bit different as mentioned no people running up and down the halls and that’s why we are considering it. While we like being in the Haven we then don’t get to really enjoy the whole ship

So in the Haven it’s the front part of the ship and there are actually staterooms in the Haven along with pool area, restaurant, lounge. Are you saying that The Retreat doesn’t actually have any staterooms it’s just an area that only accessible to suite guests? And this is where the dining room is as well?

So we’re looking at sailing on the Celebrity Beyond in the Retreat. The thing we like about the Haven is you really don’t have to leave that area. You have your pool, restaurant, lounges, get walked onto the ship with no wait. Is that all the same in the Retreat

Hi all have only done Norwegian Haven and looking at a sailing on Celebrity in the Retreat. Never done Celebrity has anyone done both that can offer an opinion. Does the Celebrity Retreat have a private pool area and dining room etc? Is there priority boarding, things like that. Thank you

Thanks would actually be satisfied just seeing it and not going totally thru it

Thank you

The Joy April of 2023

Does anyone know if this cruise goes partly through the Panama Canal? It lists Panama as a port and I heard of some cruises that go partially into the canal and out.

It’s a Panama Canal sailing from LA to Miami. Thank you

Ok so obviously you know a bit more about this than I. So if you will indulge me I will try and explain. Yes we get the included 125 minutes. What I’m asking about is the upgrade to unlimited WiFi with “streaming “ as they say. I don’t stream video content for my work but I need some acceptable speed that has a fairly consistent connection.

Normally just use the internet package that comes included and use my phone as a hotspot for my computer when in port and it gets me by. Doing a 15 days cruise on the Bliss and may need to do some work. How is the upgraded WiFi they sell on the Bliss? If I need to do some work on a sea day how will the connection be? In port will my phone as a WiFi hotspot be better than the WiFi on the ship? I usually get good phone service in port with my AT&T international plan in most places. any suggestions welcome

I never said “you have” to tip on the first day I said it is what I have done and as a result always had exceptional service. I would rather let them know from the onset that they are appreciated. Trust me the butler may be receiving a better salary than someone in the dining room but I would venture to say they are not “handsomely paid”, probably significantly less than most of us staying in the Haven. I always spend time speaking at length to the staff and many are away from their families for months at a time a send virtually everything they earn home. These are not easy jobs. it’s completely your decision to tip or not to tip. For me these are hard working people who’s job it is to make your vacation better. Most live months at a time in a tiny shared room and work many hours a day. If they are helpful, happy and making my vacation better you best believe I am going to show them appreciation with a tip. I will let them know the first day by tipping that if I receive the exceptional service I always have they will be appreciated. If someone goes out of their way for me to make my vacation better I think I can afford to give them a tip that’s probably the equivalent of what I spend going to dinner at home. One more thing keep in mind many of these people didn’t work for about two years due to COVID. Personally I try to give everyone in the service industry a little extra these days a little goes a long way.

I always give a tip to my room steward and butler as soon as I meet them on embarkation day which is equivalent to half of what I would consider to be a good tip for excellent service. Every time I have done this the service has always been amazing and at the end of the voyage I tip the balance. I also do the same with the bartenders at the Haven bar and when they see you coming there is a drink always ready. They are all so appreciative as they get paid very little and depend on tips and show it to you with outstanding service

Thank you so much! I don’t know maybe I misunderstood some posts but I’m certain one said you get off. No matter as long as I understand now

Hi booking a Panama Canal sailing on either NCL Bliss or Joy. It starts in LA and ends in Miami. I’m sure due to the size of the ships it’s the new locks. I see some posts that when you go thru the new locks it’s not a full crossing? Can someone please explain. I also saw one thread that says you disembark when using the new locks? I’m confused can someone please explain all this? thanks

I’m booked on the NCL Bliss from LA to Miami. I’m assuming that’s a full transit correct? Sorry if this is an ignorant question we just heard good things about the Panama Canal and booked it

Yes we do

So we just booked our 15 day Panama Canal sailing on The Bliss from Los Angeles to Miami in The Haven Its a ways off but we are wondering if anyone who has done this sailing has any suggestions on must do excursions, or anything else that’s a must do on this sailing it would be greatly appreciated

Thanks was just curious. Good to see there are people out there who still do the right thing!

Good and helpful article. When was this? I just got off a Caribbean cruise and they never tested us once we were onboard. Are they testing on the overseas cruises? Just curious as I have seen a number of stories about people testing positive and wondering what sailings they are testing on or is this people taking a test because they don’t feel good?

Hi we are passing on the Joy. I’m imagining it’s not a full lock it’s doin Great Stirrup Cay and some Islands like Roatan and Harvast Cay don’t want to do all that again so will do the 15 day on the Bliss which is also basically available on the Joy as well

Now that’s funny! LOL

Ok looking to do Panama Canal and see offerings on Bliss and Joy that I like Has anyone sailed on both? which is better? I know that’s subjective so pros and cons of each. my thought is the Bliss looks just amazing (have done the escape and encore personally) So I love what I have seen of the Bliss but the Joy has a 10 day itinerary that might work better for me than the 15 day on the Bliss

Looking at booking the Panama Canal on the Bliss in the Haven just don’t feel like flying overseas and just flying to LA and ending up back in Miami where I live seems like a good option so it’s just one flight. Have heard good things about the Panama Canal but it hasn’t really been on my “must do” list. But like I said I just don’t feel like flying far. The Haven on the Bliss looks awesome and better than the other Havens we have been on. Curious if anyone has done this sailing, is it enjoyable? Pros, cons, and must dos appreciated

Haven dining is excellent