Go2SeaTheWorld

Sailed with this group in Nov 19-Dec 1 '23, Our favorite cruise so far!!

We cruised Alaska 2023 last week of June into July on the Bliss. It was an incredible experience. So beautiful. The people at each port were so warm, friendly and anxious to share everything that is special about Alaska. Hope you have as much fun as we did.

We were on the Epic on 11 day cruise Nov-Dec '23 in Haven. It was our 2nd Haven experience and it was fantastic! It might have just been the group of cruisers we were with at the time, but we met and socialized with so many friendly & interesting people. The staff was warm, friendly and were real pros at helping to promote a "family" feeling. Of course, it is on you to reach out, too, and engage with those around you, but I would sail on the Epic Haven again in a heartbeat.

Never mind. I must have had some weird filter on the NCL search that didn't show the Jan. '25 dates.

On the NCL website, there are no cruises listed in '25 prior to June. Upon a google search for Hawaii cruises, cruise.com has 2 listed. Has anyone used that service to book for NCL cruise? As a Latitudes member do you still get the points credited/perks if not booked through NCL? Hubs is wanting to celebrate a landmark Jan. birthday next year with the Hawaii cruise & didn't really want to wait till June or July. Thanks for any info you can share.

There isn't a Haven on the POA. We had the Aft-facing Penthouse Suite with the Butler & we were still able to place pre-excursion room service early breakfast orders that I thought tasted better than what we had when we went to Cagney's later in the morning. Granted, I realize kitchen staff probably has a considerable turnover, much as restaurants on land do, but my husband & I both felt that paying the extra (since we did have it) was worth it. It always boils down to what is most important to the traveler.

Both our Butler & Cabin Steward were excellent. They were always accessible and accommodating for anything we asked or needed of them.

We were in a Bliss penthouse for the Alaska cruise in late June. Our 1st Haven experience was incredible. Though I never saw a sauna on the sundeck, we never ventured into the Posh area to see what was "behind the door". There is a sizable hot tub elevated above the enclosed Haven pool area which would be another way to warm up after a day of chilling in Alaska. The layout of the Haven, from the huge, 2 story forward observation deck transitioning into the pool area & moving directly into the bar/lounge was perfect for us. I believe there are thermal spa Suites in the Haven that would give you the sauna access without having to purchase the extra package.

They are only offering future cruise credits to all non-Israel residents/citizens. All NCL booked excursions will be credited back to original method of purchase, ie. credit card, if choosing to cancel cruise.

Just curious, not being snarky, but what large cruise port alternative to Haifa could there be available that would be a better alternative to fly into and embark from that wouldn't be repeating one of the ports of call on the Epic's itinerary for 11/20-12/1?

If Piraeus is indeed the departure port on the 20th, then think there may be a lot of passengers who will be flying in just in time to board in Piraeus and won't have any time for sight seeing prior to embarkation. Not to mention all the excursions already purchased for the full day in Athens. That would also be one less day to try to substitute yet another port by maintaining the 27th as scheduled.

Did you speak with a representative directly and receive the offer? Are you on the 11/20 embarkation? Still haven't received any notification/information whatsoever via email or on our reservation info on line.

Yes, we're on the Epic sailing from Haifa for 11 days on 11/20, 11/21st all day in Jerusalem excursions, before heading to Cyprus, Rhodes, Patmos, 2 stops Turkey, Athens, ending with usual 3 stops in Italy. Anxiously, though patiently, waiting to hear from NCL.

If you'rVe referring to the Bliss, the Haven Observation Lounge does not have entertainment in the evenings & was pretty much deserted . The people we met wanted to visit other places on the ship for music. 4 Nights on the Alaska cruise there were groups from the Haven going to at least one of the Broadway show performances. We had Jersey Boys & Six . As far as the closest bar from the Haven OL, it's right down the hall past the pool into the lounge/bar.

Agree with this. I heard someone berating the poor customer service attendant onboard because they were declined for the service after trying to sign up.