Sthrngary

16 minutes ago, clo said:

I want to apologize to you. I was way too critical and I'll do better. I'm sure you had a great time.

@clo No, Please.  No apology needed.  NONE.  If I write something, it is to invite comments.  I know that before the first word.  Opinions are like that.  If my feeling are hurt by kind folks like you and other on CruiseCritic.com, I should not post.  So, PLEASE know I was not even taken back by your comment.  I tend to be a developed taste with the way I write.  It has been that way all my life.  Why change now.

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

1 minute ago, clo said:

Having your adult children treat you is even nicer.

@clo If and when that happens, I will let everyone know.  All kidding aside, I worked hard, really hard.  So much so, I almost died.  So now, I want to live.  If I can provide what my family calls a "Happy" (a nice present), I am here to do it.  I do it for my wife, Daughter and Son.  One day when I have grand children, I will do it for them.  Life has been good especially after retirement.

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

35 minutes ago, Harters said:

I'll let you know, in a few months, whether I agree with you. 

 

The vast majority of our holidays are land based. And, for example, I would never want to forego our annual three week trip in January to Tenerife. And last autumn's return,  since Covid, to Mallorca for a couple of weeks was lovely. We have questioned whether cruising represents value for money for us. So, to try and answer that, in October, we're spending a couple of weeks at a 5* resort in Cyprus. We've picked this place because it seems to replicate the "hotel" side of things on a cruise - fully inclusive, with speciality restaurants, entertainment, etc. And, picking up on the value for money issue, it is about half the price of the cruise (UK to UK), on Vista, that we do have booked for next year. So, if it proves to be as good as we hope, then there is very much the value for money discussion to be had. Effectively, we would have to ask ourselves whether the extra money (approx £5k) is worth it when all that it is effectively paying for is the ship moving us between  different ports. Key, of course, is how good the resort proves to be. 

@Harters All your points are well taken.  Nice to have some conversation on both approaches.  Gives other a frame of reference.  Vacation is such a joy for all of us. I much prefer this type of online conversation that those that focus on everything wrong in our world.  Cruise Critic is a very nice distraction for our world sometimes.  Thank you for the comments.

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

18 minutes ago, FetaCheese said:

Hello and welcome back to CC.  Was wondering why we have not seen any posts here on the Oceania board.

 

My conclusion based on above, and your prior posts:  Researching your Italy trip!

 

Thank you for your comparison thoughts.

 

Nice to hear about, and that you enjoyed your special Father/Daughter trip of a lifetime.  Such a fine way to spend quality time together.  When the Amex bill arrives, you will most likely recall each shopping experience -- joyfully!

 

Looking forward to your upcoming posts leading up to your November O cruise.

 

Is your cruise on the May upgrade sale?

@FetaCheese My next cruise is October 2025, on the Vista.  I booked it while on the Riviera last year.  The current four category upgrade sale is NOT included on this sailing at the present time. I am sure it is because this cruise is so far in advance.  I am hoping that some type of cruise sale will happen however, I was luck to get a good rate on the ship so if that is all it is, I am happy.  

You know me way to well.  I have NO issue with all the shopping.  I bought my Daughter a "High End Purse" which I had budgeted for.  I bought my wife another brand of purse to replace the "Mistake" I made some many years ago.  All the Woman in my life are very happy.  For now at least. "Happy Wife/Daughter, Happy ........."

For those that go to Venice. Please consider going to one of the many glass blowing places.  Take a tour, you get their by water taxi.  I got a set of glasses for my whiskey and tequila their that are a one of a kind.  GREAT experience. 

Thank for asking.

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

Last year on November 2023, I did a 10-Day Oceania Mediterranean Cruise on the Riviera.  It was with my wife and best friends.  They had a Penthouse and my wife, and I had a Vista Suite. Last week from April 22 through May 1, 2024; I went back to the Mediterranean with my adult daughter for a ‘father and daughter’ non-cruise vacation.  When we returned, our friends asked,

“Gary, what did you like better our cruise or the non-cruise experience?”

My answer was immediate and clear.  I preferred the Oceania Cruise and that is why I have another Oceania Cruise on the Vista to the Mediterranean for October 2025 with the same friends. Here are some reasons why I like the cruising experience better.

My Age: I am 66 and about to be 67.  I walk daily some days more than others.  However, when you are with a 33-year-old who wants to see everything by foot, when the pain hits, it takes away from the experience.  When I am with my wife and friends, we take it much slower. Age for me matters. The word for the day is “Hop on/Hop off” buses. They are a gift from God.

Appetizer vs Main Course: When I cruised these same areas, we had 10 to 12 hours every day.  A little taste of Rome or Sicily. An appetizer if you will.  When you spend a few days in the same area, it is a Main Course. For whatever reason, even when I dine, I like the Appetizers better than the Main Course. How you ever said, “We should come back to the restaurant and just order a drink and appetizers?”  Same kind of feeling for me.  Many will disagree. Personal I guess.

Hotel Room vs. Cruise Cabin: On my trip, I disliked packing and unpacking every other day or so.  The hotel rooms ranged in quality and expense.  I much prefer unpacking once and packing once.  Having some complementary laundry service plus laundry facilities if needed is a plus.  My bed in my cruise staterooms have always been outstanding, especially with Oceania.

Dining: On this one, my daughter taught me some lessons.  I watched many YouTube Video’s on food.  I even put the places on “My Google Maps”.  The one I had a reservation for was nice but not great.  Yet, my daughter used her phone, went to her sources which I think was TikTok and found perfect places, close.  She then looked for the ratings and if it was 4.1 or higher, we went there.  Those were our best meals.  When I cruise, I have found Oceania’s specialty restaurants as good or better than many of the dining I had at the ports. Remember, take me with a “Grain of Salt”. Food is relative to ones tastes.

Excursions: I have learned my lesson.  Hire a tour guide, with a golf cart tour.  Split the cost four ways with the guest going with you.  Save your knees and legs.  Example, my daughter and I hired two Vespa’s with side cars for a three-hour Rome Tour at night.  A Memory for a Lifetime.  Outstanding. I rarely used Cruise Line excursions due to the hassle and expense.  With Oceania, I will use the Excursion Credit given for sure.  I am simply not afraid to hire tour guides on my own.

Stress: A cruise for me is much less stressful.  Once you get on the ship, you have your home base.  It is like a walm blanket for me.  My recent trip had; two high-speed train trips; three flights; and four hotels.  I much prefer simply figuring out how to get from the Port to lets say Florence on a train for a day trip knowing getting back in time is my only stress point. Just me.

Cost/Investment:  It costs more, to do the non-cruise for me.  Remember, I did everything for my daughter’s first class. This was her trip of a lifetime. In retrospect the difference is pretty close.  The real money spent was shopping because, you guessed it, I was with my daughter.  She finds shopping as entertainment when I find sitting at a Paris Café with a glass of red wine and bread for hours as my entertainment.  Let’s say, my American Express Card is going to be a tough one this month.

Conclusion:  For me, not everyone.  I have confirmed cruising is the better choice.  I am glad to have had the time with my daughter though.  She taught me so much about finding great places, how to use the metro, and getting everything possible from a unique experience.  I am so much better suited to take our cruise to some of the same area’s in 2025 on Oceania. Hope this helps some.  Feel free to ask any questions if you like.  Enjoy your day.

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

16 hours ago, TravelinGert said:

I would absolutely love it if someone gave a detailed description of each thing they have their butler do for them on the average cruise. I guess I'm just lacking in imagination because I don't even know what I would ask them to do for me.

@TravelinGert You will Notice that @AMHuntFerry on comment #58 referred you to an article/stream I wrote.  Some many years ago, on the NCL Thread I also wrote an article on something I called the "Butler Letter".  The letter outlines my wife and my wants and needs which are simple and specific to us.  It helped gain much better communication early with our butlers from that point forward.

Your question is a good one to be able to determine if you want to do a Penthouse or Concierge Level without a butler.   I have been there myself and I need justification which I gained. 

To support you in your request for information, I will start below and it might save you some time. Remember, take anything that anyone gives you on social media with a grain of salt.  Especially me.  I tend to be very opinionated.  

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Utilizing Your Butler:

Feature: Having a butler or your first butler is not intuitive.  The first time you almost feel uncomfortable until you learn about what they will and won’t do.

Benefit:  Knowing how to utilize a butler made a huge difference in my elevated cruise vacation experience.  A “go to” person for hard to take care of items.  Once I knew exactly what they did from research/experience, it made it easier to ask and receive these special services.

My Story: Oceania provides Butlers for Penthouse, Oceania, Vista, and Owners Suites. Things you will encounter and enjoy with a Butler.  They will:

·        Menus: Each morning, they will bring you that day’s “Grand Dining Room” menu OR it will be on your TV screen. The Specialty Restaurants Menus are in the suite or on the TV screen as well. You MAY want to attempt to change your specialty restaurant booking that evening in the Specialty Restaurant based on “Grand Dining Room” menu. Make sure you can replace that reservation for another time that suits you before you cancel it.

·        Coffee: Bring your morning coffee and pastries if you like, even from the illy™ Barista Coffee Bar. Always give your butler good instructions, a head up, and time to prepare. We had coffee delivery every morning at 07:45 AM and on sea days, 08:30 AM.

·        Reservations: Assist in making or changing Specialty Restaurant reservations.  Remember, “NO” guarantees especially on a sold-out cruise and that is why making those reservations pre-cruise as soon as you can, is important.

·        In-Suite Dining: Serve you in-suite dining from ANY restaurant.  The butler will do this course-by-course.  Please give your butler a fair head up and only order from one restaurant to avoid confusion.

·        Sweet Dreams™ Pillow Menu: Gain the pillow you want from the Sweet Dreams™ Pillow menu and exchange it for the pillow on the bed.

·        Afternoon Tea in your Suite: Oceania has Afternoon Tea daily in the Horizons Observation Lounge at 04:00 PM.  You may choose to have a personalized Afternoon Tea in your suite.  As with all uniquely special services, give the Butler a fair head-up.

·        Afternoon Canapes: Provide you with your afternoon canapes based on your selections provided to them in the morning. There is a nice list.  Choose one or two.  We never did but always had him bring nuts and pretzels. My request was NEVER bringing in huge amounts because I hate wasted food.  It was honored no questions asked.

·        Bubble Bath: Draw you a bubble bath at a specific time. I did my own Bubble bath, and it was fantastic. I had the benefit of the huge Vista Suite jacuzzi though.

·        Escorts: Escort you to the main theatre shows, restaurants and events upon request.

NOTE: A Butler is NOT your date.  They take you to the location and drop you off.

·        Laundry: Takes care of your complementary laundry of three (3) bags of 20 items each.  There is a three-day turnaround time for return. Ask your butler what the last day is for your third bag.  I did not and had to do it myself on the last morning.

·        Shoeshine: Have a scuff on your shoes, give them to your butler.

·        Pressing:  You have up to three-days after embarkment to provide four (4) items per cabin for pressing.

·        Port Reservations: Gain reservations even for port restaurants.

·        Luggage: Unpack and pack your luggage.  This is NOT something I have ever had done.  Those that have had it done seem to enjoy it.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

I hesitated to kick in but after reading some of the comments, I figured I would. I kind of authored that notion of "Haven Lite".  As part of my plan in that thread, I had the Vibe Beach Club.  So a true Haven Lite needs the Vibe.  Here is my reasoning.  

My focus for so many years on the Haven was to eliminate some of the Mega Cruise Ship blues from excessive crowding at the pool, chair hogs, difficulty in getting a drink, kids controlling all the general population hot tubs.  The Haven fixed those issue for me.  Then came the constant price increases.  When the price exceeds the value by one penny the client might not buy.  

This created the notion of Haven Lite.  The Vibe portion is for nice lounge chairs both in and out of the sun.  Access to a bar.  Access to one or more hot tubs that are adult only.  The staff in the Vibe always treated me like a super star which is always nice.  It is NOT like the Thermal Spa at all.  It is a private place that much less crowded with folks that if you treat them well, they treat you really well.  

You can still do Haven Lite without the Vibe.  Works fine.  Just give me that little bit of quiet I missed in the Haven.  I hope that all makes sense.

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

14 hours ago, GALSews said:

Oh, SthrnGary, we'll see how we like the Joy in late November as you have been partial to it.

Enjoy, you deserve a nice vacation.  The Joy is a nice ship. I look forward to reading your review. 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

In my opinion, the risks are simply to great to consider this. Have I thought about it, or gummy's, yes.  These folks got off easy with a fine. Lots of question on this and other social media sites on this subject.  

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

2 hours ago, Wordyways12 said:

My husband (Bob) and I have done one Oceania and it was amazing - a 7 night Cuba with three stops including overnight Havana!  Unforgettable trip and great amenities on that smaller ship. I will look for more details on your father daughter trip on the boards after you return from your adventure.  Our girls loved Rome and Pompeii, they were lukewarm on Venice - but I think they just need to work on their travel stamina.  
 

Bon voyage!

@Wordyways12 Where in Ohio are you from.  I lived for three years in Ohio City across the street from the Market in a lovely town home. We saw the bottles going on the assembly line in the brewery across the street.  Lovely but cold place.  

Venice is all about location.  We are right next to the most famous bridge. We will take a gondola ride, water taxi to the hotel and we both love street food. It does not take much to entertain us both.  the other thing is, most of this "Daddy" is paying for so we are on a different budget then when my daughter went to Europe at 18 years old. 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

44 minutes ago, Wordyways12 said:

I couldn’t resist following up on your post here because we have learned so much from your posts about cruising the Haven on NCL.  Our family has bounced between DCL Concierge and Haven for several years -  the break from Covid was unwanted and unexpected - and still find we enjoy both for different reasons.  Our only cruise under 7 nights was the Disney Wish ‘22  in the Inaugural season (again thanks to Covid delay from a 2019 booking).  Since then we did a family 9 night in the Haven Rome to Venice and with extra days in each it was a 2 week celebration trip for my husbands “retirement”.  Next year we are doing a Tauck river cruise with a large group of friends - with the mentality of wanting to carpe diem.

 

I just decided to take my older teen daughter on the Wish again - she has a summer internship that will make a family vacation difficult.  Not a fan of short cruises and been there done that on the itinerary - but we can still explore new activities and enjoy ourselves on the beautiful ship.

 

Your trip sounds amazing - enjoy every aspect of it!

@Wordyways12 Thank you for reaching out.  My adult daughter and I depart on Monday, April 22, 2024 which is this upcoming Monday.  I read my post that you replied to and need to make a correction.  We will be ending our trip in Paris, France.  We will be in Paris for three days.  One of those days we "WILL" be going to Disney Paris.  

Relating to your post above, in November 2023, my wife and I did an Oceania Cruise on the Riviera for 10-days in the Mediterranean. We went from Athens to Barcelona. Rome was part of that trip and we loved it. So much so, I am going to Rome next week for another two days.  Venice will be the end port of our Cruise again on Oceania this time the Vista in October 2025.  Add to that, my daughter and I will be spending 2 days in Venice next week as well. Fun stuff.  Thanks for reading.

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

19 minutes ago, Barney Gallagher said:

Great detailed post.

 

We are on The Breakaway on March 19-26, 2024.  We are staying in The Haven.

 

We would like to board as early as possible.   Is there any trick to doing that or do we just call as soon as possible when the 21 day checkin window starts in ten days?

 

Thanks!

@Barney Gallagher I think you mean April or May.  That said, I will tell you what I do and you can consider others approaches as well.  Assuming you will be leaving from Miami or New Orleans.  Miami is my favorite because it is NCL new terminal.  I get to the port about 10:00 AM.  I usually have to wait for the security to open for my cruise.  I wait at the beginning of the line which is why I get there early.  Every guest has to go through the same security.  

Once through the security, go to the end passed the normal counters looking for the Haven Sign.  Don't be surprised if the folks at the Port are clueless.  Just look for the sign.  As you know or don't know, Haven guest can board anytime. They are also the first to board the ship.  So you check in at the Haven counter, go to the Haven Port Lounge, take a seat near the door exit to the ship.  When you see them open it, get up and walk towards that door.  You are first on board, first to check in at Muster, first to talk to the Haven Concierge about any changes you need.  That is my approach.

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

This thread has verged off the topic multiple times.  It eventually comes back.  No issue on my part. On the topic of luggage tags.  I use a plastic piece with metal loop (purchased on Amazon) utilizing the NCL printable luggage tags.  I do this because one cruise, I put the NCL provided tags on my luggage and it got ripped off by Delta Airlines.  I put me the Haven NCL provided tags on just before I drop the luggage at the gate.  My wife also puts a colored cloth on the handles of each of the luggage pieces so that are more easily identified. 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

2 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

Question:  Is SthrnGary short for SouthernGary?

@RocketMan275 The name SthrnGary is because decades ago, when all we all had was dial up for AOL, my wife's screen name was SthrnTami.  So I took on SthrnGary.  That is funny because I grew up in Long Island New York.  Thanks for asking.

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

9 minutes ago, psuboater said:

Your next cruise, you should tell people "DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM? I AM SO IMPORTANT I HAVE PEOPLE PRETENDING TO BE ME ON CRUISE CRITIC" 😄

@psuboater You hit on an important point.  When I go on cruises, I rarely if ever tell folks my name online.  WHY? I am really not important.  I just like to cruise and know what I will get for my investment.  So anyone reading this, if someone says they are "SthrnGary", it was NOT ME.

Side note, I was just on an Oceania Mediterranean Cruise in November of 2023.  I was quietly sitting at the pool bar with my two guest that joined my wife and me.  A person went up to him, because he looks like my emoji and said, "Are You SthrnGary." I heard that and said, to my friend, "Well, are you SthrnGary?".  I finally introduced myself.  The truth is, I am usually recognized while sitting a a bar which actually did happen with a great new friend named Bubba from MS.  

Anyway, All that matters is we all have a great time.  

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

7 hours ago, Ronni7770 said:

We also will be on that cruise in a Penthouse.  Looking forward to meeting you in person.

@Ronni7770 I look forward to it.

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

4 hours ago, coolbluegreenseas said:

I have read the literature on Oceania’s site and scoured through here, but still undecided. TL/DR: Bucket list item for hubby. Trip is in October 2025 11 night Antiquity starting in Rome and ending in Istanbul. We tend to spend a lot of time on our veranda and enjoying each other’s company but do like to venture out. With this tiny bit of information in mind, is the suite worth it? The Concierge level is really, really nice, but the butler serving dinner from the speciality restaurants in the cabin sounds really luxurious. Does anyone have personal experience and thoughts? Thanks for any responsess.

@coolbluegreenseas First, I have not read all the responses to your question.  I think you are looking for an opinion so let's start with that.  If you are asking about these two staterooms, it lets me know either are within your budget.  I would do a Penthouse. Be very careful how out imagine this cruise in your mind.  I learned this lesson.  Always have Realistic Expectations.  

I also will be cruising, in October 2025 on the Vista leaving from Monte Carlo and end in Venice.  My cruise is 10 days.  I am in a Penthouse and our friends are in a Concierge stateroom.  Last year we did a 10 day Mediterranean Cruise on the Oceania Riverina. We did a Vista Suite and they did a Penthouse.  They are fine with the Concierge stateroom this time because they did not effectively utilize the butler.  We did.  None of use even once had dinner in the suites.  That is nice once in my opinion.  Everything seems to be better at the actual restaurant. Remember, my opinion only.

Everyone wants something different from a cruise.  Be true to yourself.  Life is to short.

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

8 minutes ago, Fogfog said:

@Sthrngary

THAT story about the boorish and rude imposter is shocking and crazy.

I imagine it took a good bit of self control to give him enough room to hang himself.

If he was that impertinent in person, imagine what he is like behind a screen and on a keyboard.

 

Thanks to you for your posts and what you contribute to this CC community.

It is appreciated. 

@Fogfog Part of the reason at this time in my life, I tend to to Haven, Retreat, Yacht Club or Luxury/Premium Plus Brands it to avoid folks like this.  So it shocked me as well.  It took no self control at all.  I wanted to see how far this person would go.  When it went to far, I did the phone thing.  For the life of me, I don't understand why manners are lost on cruises.  Chair hogs at the pool, people touching food on buffets, Row holders in the theatre.  The list goes on and on.

When these things started to make me upset and uncomfortable, I looked for a solution.  The Haven for 99.99% of the time make my experience better because most of those issues were greatly reduced or eliminated.  This guy was a very rare situation and one hard to forget.  I laugh about it now. 

Thanks for the kind words.  I just like cruising, hate other social media and want to focus on as many happy memories as possible.

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

18 minutes ago, sassycruiser said:

We love NOLA.  We sailed from there in 2019 and it was really nice.  We are in the Detroit area so the flight is not bad.  

@sassycruiser Hello, I wrote the big thread on the Haven.  I have cruised on the Getaway from Nola in the Haven.  Ask me anything.  Happy to help.

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

Well, it seems many think getting to know the staff on a cruise is unusual.  Using the comparison of staying in a hotel and not carry about the staff the same way as some do on a cruise.  Those folk gave their personal opinions and we should all allow opinions whether we like them or not to express how someone really feels. That is why it is called social media. 

If you disagree, you are also allowed to say something.  "Nice setup, right."  I personally disagree.  Part of a GREAT cruise experience to me is meeting and getting to know the staff/crew. Taking an interest in their lives and experiences.  Not every waking moment of every day, just in passing.  I do the same thing with almost everyone I meet.  It is what makes cruising different then the 1,000's of days I have spent in hotels in my business travel career.  

Now if it is not your thing to do that, I respect your decision.  It is MY thing, I will continue to do it. I will also continue to over tip those that provided superior service.  WHY, I like when people see me and smile first because I showed a level of interest in them and second because I valued their extra efforts.  

Now since this is a Haven Thread, I have rarely had any crew member in the Haven be anything less then outstanding with the exception of a butler or two.  I fixed that with my approach which works for me but NOT everyone that tries it.  

If I have something to complain about it is very rude guests that think they own the place.  On a cruise a few years ago, I had a guest that was a constant complainer.  He said he was HUGE on CruiseCritic.com.  After a while I had enough, I asked him what his name was on CruiseCritic.com.  He said, "SthrnGary".  That is ME? To my shock, he was impersonating, "ME".  I played along just enough to let this person put his foot in his month.  Then I say, "OK, I have had enough.  You have been rude to almost everyone you have come in contact with.  You say you are "SthrnGary", that is really funny." He asked why, "I say, because I am SthrnGary".  He said, you are NOT.  I turned my phone around and showed him my account on CruiseCritic.com.  His face got red and I never saw him again on that cruise.  

Look folks, Just make your next cruise all it can be.  Find people you enjoy and enjoy the people you find.  It is one hell of a hobby and makes you feel like a Rock Star for a week or so a year.

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

10 minutes ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

I agree 100% Gary.  I'm sure that those top end cabins are very nice.  They might even marginally add to my overall enjoyment of the cruise.  As I've stated, the few times I've upgraded to modest balconies, I found it to be worth the couple hundred bucks (or less) that I paid.  What generally triggers me to post is the posts that read like:

"Once I went Haven, I could never go back"

"I would never cruise if I couldn't be in the Haven"

"Sucks to not be able to afford better than inside"

"I would die in an inside"

"You should have worked harder so that you didn't have to sail inside"

Okay, there's a bit of hyperbole mixed into those, but not a lot.

Truth.

@ChiefMateJRK Oh, I totally get it.  I see those also.  If I have not had my coffee yet OR if I have had to many coffee's I write quite the response.  I then delete it.  I REALLY want to post it, but I delete it.  WHY, because as you said, something triggered me.  My trigger is different then yours.  But just as triggering.  My grammar and spelling well, can be challenging. A few times, some folks have rolled over me like I was trash on the street.  You should have seen those emails before I deleted them.  

Back to your point, the Haven is nice for sure.  But so is Haven Lite.  Everyone needs to do what is right for them.  I see your point on some of the comments.  They almost sound like a cruiser is a second class person because they don't do a expensive suite.  Nothing could be further from the truth. A cruiser is a cruiser.  We all have a budget.  The reason many of us go on NCL regardless of the stateroom is what the entire ship offers us.  If we wanted something different, we would go to another brand.  

If I personally had all the money in the world, I would go on Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection or Regent Seven Seas.  Like you, I can't possibly see how that would make my time and vacation that much better for the 8x increase in price. Yet some love it and also some were disappointed in it.  Just the decision we all have to make about cruising. 

Hey, lets make a deal.  If we ever cruise together, lets share a meal together.  Meeting folks on this board can be a really fun and interesting thing.  Deal.

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

9 hours ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

Yikes!! So NCL is putting the steerage passenger's lives at risk?  Have you reported this to the authorities?

Yep.  Most of us do.  Some of us (the tiny minority) consider an inside cabin on an NCL ship to be a "nice cabin."  We are humble peasants who can appreciate whatever we can afford (or choose to spend.)

You wouldn't have to work so hard if you could be happy in a nice inside cabin.  Apparently, you can't.

That sounds like private stuff that has no business being posted on the internet, regardless of what you're trying to accomplish here.  Extremely disrespectful to a person who may be encountering health struggles.  Many do, but don't use somebody else's challenges as a tool.

@ChiefMateJRK Some like expensive staterooms, others don't.  Some share their reasoning, others don't.  We all mostly love cruising, some different then others.  That makes us all a community.  I used to RV.  I had a pull behind trailer and sometimes, the RV next to me had a Million Dollar Bus RV.  Funny, when we were cooking dinner at night, we both had hot dogs. I always remember that.  Kind of a reality check.

I also pay WAY to much for staterooms/Suites.  In my case, I do it because as I got older, I got Bougie. I admit it fully.  I am a older, portly, Bougie guy.  There I finally said it, LOL. Earlier in my life, like 40 plus years ago, I was in an inside cabin on my honeymoon with bunk beds.  It was to us, all the luxury we would ever need.  As time went on, we upped the stateroom over the four decades.  My last stateroom was a Vista Suite on Oceania Cruises.  It was 1,300 sft, half the front of the ship that wrapped around the side balcony, and lots of amenities.  We had our friends with us and they had full access to our suite especially the full bar.  Would I do it again, NO.  Why, waisted space never utilized, the balcony furniture was tied down during cruising, the outside hot tub on the deck did not have hot water, and it had an exercise room we used for luggage storage.  Now I know that so I will choose accordingly in the future. 

My point is, the the stateroom does not make the cruise, nor the cruiser. Smaller or larger does not mean better. Sometimes, as in some brands, it can mean better depending on your tastes. Expressing enjoyment of any stateroom should never cause issues with other guests.  In my case, I grew up poor, had some health issues which are now resolved and simply want to enjoy my vacations the way I choose to enjoy them.  Kind of like I enjoy posting on CruiseCritic.com.  Most of the time, we help each other approach future cruises better.  That is super helpful and has really enhance my past few cruising experience.  Nice community of folks.  

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

5 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

OK…all you Haven Vets…. 

 

Have an opportunity to book a 7 day Bermuda cruise to either Bermuda in June (my B-Day) or in Sept for Canadian itinerary.  Both in HI cabin.  Been years since I’ve been to Bermuda.  But, Sept in Canada makes it right in the middle of leaves changing.

 

Any input on Joy (I’ve never sailed her)?  Sailed her to either Bermuda or Canada?

 

Both are cheap (I mean really cheap for Haven) and about the same fare!

 

TIA!

@graphicguy Bermuda. The Joy is one of my favorite ships.  It was originally designed for the Asian Market, quickly got redone to for the US market. The Pool area is a bit different but I kind of liked it.  Overall, very nice comfortable ship.

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

5 minutes ago, NclCruiuser said:

afternoon - hope everyone is staying dry and safe. Quick question - will be on the Joy staying in the Courtyard Penthouse with balcony (HF) room. Will I need to bring a nightlight or two? What about enough outlets for charging IPADs, phones, CPAP machine, etc. Do I bring some European plug converters? Will the Cruise line provide extension cords if needed? Have seen mentions in this group about candy for the crew. How much and what did you bring? Who do you give it to and how do you do that? Anything else I should know about?

Best... Steve

@NclCruiuser I am so excited for you.  I personally love the NCL Joy.  Allow me to help:

Night Light:  I always bring a night light for the bathroom. It is rumored you can ask for one but I never count on that.  Smart move by the way. 

• CPAP: Please call the Haven Pre-Cruise Desk and tell them you will be bringing a CPAP.  They will provide you with an extension cord if needed and water for the CPAP at no charge.
• Outlets: This one is tricky.  I usually bring a Power Strip that is made for Cruise Ships.  Most Surge Suppressors can hurt the electrical system on a ship so they are very strict.  I put the power strips in a central location with one of the multi charger cords for two iPhone and other devices. 
• Outlets:  When the re-designed the Joy from the Asian Market to the US market, they added US power sources.  You should be fine.  Do I also take a European converter, yes. 
• Candy for the Crew:  I have never done this but I think they would like it.  I have seen some folks give out small Milky ways and such.  I think they would like a gratuity better but it is the thought that counts.  I have traveled all my adult life for business and every week I would bring the flight crew of the jet I was on a box of See's Chocolates.  See's is a bit expensive but that is what I did.  I am about to go to Europe with my adult daughter.  I have ordered two boxes of 1 lbs and several small boxes for agents at the counter.  Again, not needed but it is the thought that counts. Give it to those that did a good job per your question. I also have a small thank you note i give with the candy.

I hope that answered your questions.

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

33 minutes ago, justhappy said:

If I’m considering the nicest and least expensive cabin I’ve ever cruised in it would have to be the studio cabin I had for a 5 night cruise on the Getaway. Best sleep ever and since it was a group cruise it came with a lot of perks.

On the other hand the most expensive but definitely my favorite is the aft Haven balcony on deck 9.

 

  Over 3 cruise lines I’ve sailed in insides, ocean view,  balcony, Central Park balconies, club balcony and Haven.

It’s more about the fun you have and friends you meet vs what kind of cabin you’re in. So the nicer cabin is just a bonus.
 

@justhappy Great post.  I say, "Just be Happy". 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.