Lucky33

I'm glad you posted this question and we are thinking of doing the same thing.

While I'd like to do an expedition cruise, this might be the best for now.

We are thinking of going on The Star for the Buenos Aires to Uruguay, Falkland Island, Antartica in 2024 for it sounds like a nice adventure.

While somewhat new to sailing, we have only been on week long cruises in the Caribbean. 

The last cruise was on the Joy, with a haven suite, and it was amazing.

I was unaware that the Suites had their own restaurant.

We are also not picky eaters and, quite frankly, I still think of how many wonderful meals we had in the haven.

I actually had a hard time not staying with what I liked and could've had the same meal every day!

Let me know if this is accurate and if the club balcony suite falls into this category to get private dining.

Also, if anyone has been on a sailing out of Buenos Aires please let me know.

On 5/21/2022 at 6:47 AM, Traveller20074 said:

 

I'm still awake.  at 3 am😪   i was googling and forgetting parts to the CPAP is common   7 days without mine. ugh

What I did, if you are able to read this, is make it so you sleep on your side.  It helped me, when I couldn't have access to a cpap while traveling, and may help you. Use some pillows behind you on the bed so you are staying away from being stuck on your back.

Depending on what helps with your particular case is also some breath right strips and trying as best you can to stay on your side.

On a recent cruise, I had no issues with having the distilled water waiting for me.  While I brought my own extension cord, there was one already waiting for me.

Someone had mentioned the need to tape it down, how the only outlet would be on the opposite wall from bed, but there was an outlet right on the same side of bed for extension cord that kept it out of the way.

Due to sanitary reasons, I would only want to have my water from a previously unopened jug that had been through the proper process.

With most cpap machines you have the option to turn off the humidifier.  

The key to keeping safe while using one is by following the cleaning instructions, replacing the filter monthly along with mask, and that will help protect as well.

On 2/8/2022 at 11:25 AM, esu_nova said:

This is great news! My partner and I, and a pair of friends will be sailing on the Joy in just a few more days, 2/12. Thanks for the update!

You are going to have an amazing time!  The shows are outstanding and the staff very happy to have customers.

Its so easy to either relax or keep busy all day!!

On 2/7/2022 at 12:24 PM, vacation44 said:

Thank you, again, for your quick update.   Were you late docking today?

 

 

Sorry for the delay.  It’s been a bit confusing with the time change back an hour and then back forward today.

I don’t think we were late docking the first day day but may have been off by a bit.

The last passengers didn’t make it on until almost 4:45 in Miami due to weather delays.

Its been a great cruise so far! Weather has wonderful even with some rain yesterday afternoon.

3 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

NCL Haven or Celebrity Retreat Butlers can be hit or miss.  If this butler is simply not responsive, tell the Haven Desk.  Part of the issue is as the Haven Butlers have told me when I pressed them.  Many folks don't know they are not part of the normal gratuities program and have not provided those gratuities at the end of the week.  

 

I know that and it is the reason why I write a letter and hand it to them when I get on the ship and in the letter with my requests is their full gratuities. I take a lot of heat for this however my results are so far 100% positive.  When in the past my Butlers were hit or miss.  Now every one has been on top of anything I wanted.

 

At this point you are on the cruise so I am not sure that strategy would work for you.  BTW, I was on the Joy at the end of November.  Allow me to give you some ideas knowing the ship does not have a lot of folks. 

 

1. Go Carts: Where on a full ship, getting a good time would be hard.  On a ship that is not fully booked, you can go anytime.  I did it once and it was fun.  Ask the Haven Concierge to book it for you.
2. Lasor Tag:  This was a lot of fun but would have been more fun at night.  If you are into it, do it at night and again ask the Concierge for reservations.
3. Main Shows: Not sure they are happening however here is my advice.  For Footloose, not a bad seat in the house.  The world is yours.  The other main show, sit as close to the front as possible.  We never do this however for what ever reason on this show, we did.  Fantastic.
4. Beatles:  Don't miss it and get to the venue early.  I love these shows and the sequence the ship provides. 
5. Sugar Cane Bar: Go to this place during the day and meet one of the most entertaining bar tenders on the ship.  I forget his name but the moment you order a drink, you will never forget his personality.  At night, the two musicians in this bar are fantastic.  
6. Atrium Sinatra:  Don't miss the Sinatra show in the Atrium.  It was great.
7. Beach Villa on the Private Island:  He is the deal.  If it was just my wife and I, I would have skipped it.  To expensive.  However we had four folks in our party so we went for it.  In the future, we will book this with some other guest to have a total of 6, split the cost.  If you do this, be careful.  The food and drinks which are extra can get out of hand.  Learn from me.
8. The Local:  I can't believe I am saying this.  I loved it.  The wings and burgers.  Yes, my favorite restaurant was the Haven Restaurant; after a few days of it, I was ready for wings.  Everyone is different.
9. Virtual Reality: Do the Formula car.  The rest of it was close but a miss. The old carnival games were fun thought.
10. Main Pool: Go there, enjoy the funny pool games.  Don't lock yourself up in the Haven.  The key to the Haven is the "Best of Both Worlds".  Enjoy both worlds.  
11. Haven Restaurant: Lunch have the Carrot Cake, Dinner try the Prime Rib with a lobster tail on the side.  The Chocolate cake for desert is lovely. Before you go in, order and bring a drink in with and then when you sit, order your second drink.  Lunch takes a while so have some time to spend there or eat elsewhere. 
12. Horizon Lounge: My favorite place for coffee and a sweet.  I ate breakfast there most days.  Simple and good quality and super views. 

Enjoy the rest of your cruise.

 

Cruise well.

Thank you sir!  I read your posts and will follow your advice above!!!

You single-handedly got me to enjoy chocolate crossaint (plural)each morning with fresh press coffee!!

Next time I will be prepared with letter for butler per your suggestions.

Thanks again!!!!!

Currently on the Joy.  Weather is amazing so far and from testing at the pier to getting settled was seamless.

The issue was getting to Miami and planning a day ahead, during these times with bad weather, caused issues even when changing flight to Thursday for Miami versus Friday.

We were very fortunate to make it, it was a close call due to all the cancellations.  One wrong decision and we never would’ve made it.

Thankful we did, staying in the haven, all shows have been on.

Asked concierge for passenger count yesterday and was told 1124.

It’s amazing to, at times, feel like we have the ship to ourselves compared to normal times.  However, shows and entertainment top notch and lively audience even with fewer in attendance.

While they enforced masks in theater last night, upon entry, a lot of people took them off when seated.  
 

On 2/6/2022 at 9:48 AM, Sthrngary said:

I meant Don Julio 1942.  The best way to answer your question is with my story on this subject.  I got on the NCL Joy, in the Haven on November 27, 2021.  I always have a plan as most of you know.  I walked up to the Haven Bar and smiled at the Haven Bartender.  I gave him my key card which has a code of the type of drink package you have.  We had the Premium Plus package.  I asked, "I love tequila.  What tequila would you recommend that is really good?"  He smiled back at me and pulled down the Don Julio 1942 in the tall distinctive bottle.  

 

From that point forward, that was my drink and I enjoyed it throughout the cruise.  I know it was not listed on the Premium Plus package.  That is why I approach my request the way I did.  That also tells me many other brands might not show up on that list but would or could be included.  Sometimes it is just the way you ask.  I had a great time then when I got home, order a bottle for my bar. 

 

Cruise Well.

We are on the joy currently.  It was worth it, for us, to stay in the haven.

The food at the restaurant is outstanding, haven’t eaten anywhere else yet, and during normal times it would be more impressive with the lounge and sun deck.

Currently, with limited passengers, it wasn’t necessary but nice to enjoy

all the perks so far.

The butler is not up to par and I can tell he may be going through a tough time and that’s ok for we don’t have many requirements. 
 

Going to give him a request tomorrow and see how it goes.  He just gives off a vibe that makes him difficult to approach.  I’ll see what tomorrow brings!
 

The haven is likely as busy as it can be and the sun deck was full in the morning yesterday.  Could still get a seat but not not as easy as I had expected.

Everyone we interact with staff wise is super responsive in the haven.

Remember drink orders, meal requests are simple, and very happy with decision.

4 hours ago, vacruizer said:

Manoledo.  We were far forward on the port side near the bridge. We wondered if it was because we were so far away from the rest of the Haven suites on that deck. 
 

 

That’s not why.  On now and all that I read about butlers is not the current experience.  Maybe he’s just burned out.

4 hours ago, umpire56 said:

Hoping I can get some information or advice.  I tested positive (asymptomatic) on 1/29/22 at the pier before boarding, my fiance’ negative. Both of our PCR tests 4 days before were negative.  We were denied boarding and given very little information on how to get a refund other than to fill out the form and request the refund.  It asks to allow 30 days for them to respond and they give you a case#. I’ve called NCL to find out the process and to ask questions about whether it is quicker to request a FCC because we decided we would book a cruise in July for a honeymoon (getting married in June).  I cannot get anyone to help me.  I have to wait until I am contacted. Does anyone have any experience with this happening?

It seems from posts here that POM cancellations etc, are able to get information from NCL customer service.  We can’t book our honeymoon cruise until we are reimbursed for this cruise.  Sorry so long…

What a mess it can become, you followed all the rules plus got a test 96 hours before (a PCR as well which is more accurate), and I hope you get this cleared up quickly.

It will all work out,  just as if you had a positive test 96 hours prior, but it is hard when you are playing the waiting game.

The website clearly states that you will receive a refund if you are not allowed to board.  How long that takes is another question. 

What port was this at and what did you do after getting the results?  Did they provide any guidance to you with regards to quarantine?

Sounds awesome, looking forward to it, and are there any shows taking place?  Between the Haven and limited crowds it will be hard to compare in the future but a great story to tell.

I have experienced the same issue.  It depends on who answers the phone and they really want to push you to your PCC for any questions.

Had someone tell me it was 50% in FCC but didn't confirm an amount.  When I called back Friday I was told they couldn't look it up so to wait to get an e-mail.

Thank you so much for posting this information.  Looking to go on the Joy shortly!!  I'm looking forward to a less crowded cruise and 900 is amazing!!