AtlantaAlly

Thank you for your thorough review and snapshot into some of the differences between Haven and Star Class. Seems like with a good Genie, Star class/Royal wins: - Entertainment Options & scheduling/seating - Specialty Dining - In-Room Snacks & Coffee - Extras- tours, escape room, etc being included Haven/NCL wins: - Sun Deck (although I was on Encore when deck was closed one day due to wind) - Suite-specific area, including pool - Suite Restaurant - Drink Selection (especially wine) - and for us the Scotch I’m interested in comparing first hand in July on Harmony as well. The Haven was slightly more per person, however we have only done the newest ships each time. We had to go to older Harmony to get the price to be comparable. Would you have asked for anything different up front based on your experience? thanks again for taking your vacation time to share your experiences. I’m

You can also work with the Maitre d and ask if you can order from the Main Dining Room menu. They will often accommodate, if given enough notice

It can be about $1,000-1,500 (total) minimum bid from balcony to Haven.

Not the OP but yes- NCL notified him. The screenshot with the highlights on the itinerary where there were changes came from an email from NCL.

One item of note- if you use that box store- you can’t bid on upgrades. They don’t participate.

You can ask the haven bar if they could stock a few of your favorites. With an appropriate tip, it is possible. Butler food and beverage service to your suite is complimentary unless it comes from a specialty restaurant or if it is alcohol. Those come with full cost plus gratuity. Depending on your butler, your tip, and your attitude there are some that will accommodate this. But it’s not the norm.

Here is the cancellation fee schedule: https://www.ncl.com/about/cancellation-fee-schedule

Oddly- I booked through a TA and I got the email as did she. But I know people booked directly that didn’t get an email yet and don’t believe me when I tell them about the change- even showing them the email. it is partially that they make the change but don’t update their system to reflect the change. We are going to Nassau instead of GSC and have been for 2 weeks. The app still says GSC. The Travel Agent portal still says GSC. There are still GSC excursions instead of Nassau ones.

Their payment portals were down for a period over the holiday and there are still wonky issues. Ask your travel agent- they’ll tell you that NCL couldn’t process any payments that they were trying to submit for a couple of days. Likely related. or try a different device/browser. I went from app to desktop and was able to get my spa appointments booked when the app kept crashing.

You don’t have to pay it by Saturday unless your cruise leaves on Sunday. You just have to pay it before you get on board at least one day in advance of your cruise.

And it was on the previous list… just a typo and combo with the previous line. Pretty embarrassing for a major corp!

I agree with the improvements to bourbon- but we’re disappointed in the removal of the higher end scotch options. But as you say- only time will tell what’s actually onboard

https://www.ncl.com/sites/default/files/Beverage_Packages_12092022.pdf

They have just released a new document of the inclusions of premium plus. They have really devalued it in my opinion. removed: (to name just a few) patron reposado johnny Walker blue bulleit buffalo trace mccallans terra Gentleman jack crown royal chandon brut moet and Chandon imperial simi cabernet kendall Jackson zinfandel ferrari merlot resonance Pinot noir there are a couple of additions- but it’s not an equal trade with the wine list basically cut in half.

I sail encore on 1/8 and it was taken off of the list of onboard entertainment in the app. that said, a member of the cast on the book of faces has confirmed their contract will expire 1/15/23 and there is currently not an immediate plan to extend or replace. So I’m going in expecting that it isn’t going to be there with the hope that I’ll be pleasantly surprised.

If there were weather reasons, they can file for an exemption- and if it were an operational reason that didn’t qualify for exemption, then NCL would eat that fine.

This is the official Amber cove schedule. When you superimpose the other port, there are 1-5 ships per day for most of January.

It isn’t looking good unless they paid to get there early. The ORD-MSY arriving at 12:30p was canceled for his date of travel. I made the assumption it was direct but could be wrong there. Either way- lots of canceled flights. I’m sure they’re working on a backup plan!

“Port congestion” because Prima was scheduled same day

We’re on the encore on 1/10 in PP. only one carnival ship slated. Here’s hoping we get to dock. They already changed us from GSC to Nassau

Do take note of where the slides are in relation to your selected cabin. They cause some view obstruction (and I’ve seen complaints of the tube going right through haven balconies)

Also- thanks a ton for the dailies!

I couldn’t tell from the dailies photos: were there any specialty restaurants opened for lunch? I recall that food republic usually is on sea days- but wondering if any others?

How does the priority on/off work? Is there a separate line? Or do you have to get tickets?

Are there any Haven benefits at GSC? I don’t believe there is a Haven only area because they offer the Silver Cove for a fee to everyone. But are there priority tenders for return to the ship? Anything else of note?