graphicguy

@Laszlo...I know I'm lazy, otherwise I'd check your site myself. But, before I do, do you have any vids of the Epic Haven since the refurb? I've seen a few on YouTube, but your vids are WAY BETTER! TIA!

Haven Eggs Benedict..... Steak Tartare......

French Onion Soup at LeBistro...ALso had my most disappointing entry there...the Lobster Thermador (lobster was tough and the sauce drenching it seemed to be there to mask the lobster)....

More food porn..... Scallops at Ocean Blue.... Chocolate Muffin at the Observation Lounge (Bliss)

I've done the Haven while being docked in Bermuda for 3 nites. Loved using the Haven as my bed, restaurant, and bar the whole time. If price is right, I'd do a port intensive Haven booking. My rule of thumb, the Haven Cabin (regardless of type) must be under $5K all in for at least 7 days. I just booked an 11 Day Mediterranean (port intensive) in the Haven for under $4,600 all in. I think that's a great deal.

Ribs at Q were excellent!!!!

Correct. Not available to purchase via Sky Suites. That said, there are really nice public areas to meet that are relatively quiet all around the ship. Edge is my favorite Celebrity ship. Lots of areas to meet up.

I’ve made a couple of stabs at the “luxury” cruise lines. I’m sure I haven’t covered all fares on all luxury lines, but in the end, Haven fares are usually significantly less for the same or similar experience. So, when I get the chance and the Haven fares are good, I just go ahead and book them. By no means is it definitive, but I know of 2 separate couples who took a Viking River Cruise who said they were bored to death. I understand that the Viking Cruises are different, so I’m chalking their experiences up to the fact they didn’t know what to expect. Still, they have the same cruising tastes as I do. So, I stay way from Viking. Different strokes…different folks. Regent looks interesting.

Hmmmmm….it’s vodka and coffee liquor, right? Wonder why that would be an extra charge?

Ocean Blue is my FAVORITE Specialty Dining restaurant!!!

Epic has different rooms for the Toilet, the shower and the sink (which is actually in the living space). We liked it. One person could be using the toilet room while the other is taking a shower.

Jelly! Looking forward to your live reviews. My hope that I'll be able to do the same in the Mediterranean in October. Chomping at the bit to sail the Prima or Viva....but their fares are really high given they're new ships and seem to have strong bookings. So, it may be a while. Really interested in trying NCL's smallest ships, too. Anxious to hear/ see your take on the Star and Spirit.

The M&G I organized they sent some chocolate covered strawberries. Not a fan, but it was a nice gesture. My Haven and Suite cabins had the Butler bring finger sandwiches, petit-fours, cheese and nuts, dried fruits, Mellon slices daily! I think I got chocolate covered strawberries in my cabin upon embarkation for being Sapphire Latitudes. Cruise Next kiosk gave me Latitudes and Military pins. That’s the extent of any Latitudes “perks” Inside, Solo, Oceanview, BAlcony, Club Balcony, etc. perks! ”True” Suites and Haven Suites are the only cabins who have access to Butlers and Concierges. BTW…where are you cruising to next? Love your reviews!

bottled beers they have the usual suspects…. Bud Bud LIght Blue Moon Guiness Heineken Sam Adams Stella Brock Goose Island Some other ones that slip my mind. I know the ships with the District Brew House have some beers they brew on board. Couldn’t tell you what they are, though.

Totally understand. And, I agree. I publish details here, since it is a Cruise Critic gathering. After signing up, I have made several posts about date/time/place so it should not be foreign to anyone who has signed up to attend. The down side is, given this is mainly a North American forum, mostly North Americans sign up. Had a person sign up for our Bliss Alaska cruise who saw the M&G announcement on Cruise Critic Roll Call thread, and he was from, I believe Norway.....big into photography and hung out with us after the M&G was over. Nice guy, just can't recall his name.

Did an Aft Suite on the Gem several years ago. Not a Haven Suite, just a regular suite. My Concierge was outstanding. She would set up shop at Cagney's, where we would enjoy breakfast while arranging things through her. I can't recall her name, but she was excellent. She was excellent. I recall her carrying her mobile phone where she doled out her phone number to us. I would call, sometimes at 9:00 p.m. at nite thinking I could just leave her a voice mail. Nope...she always answered. She always took care of my requests in a prompt and friendly manner. But again, none of this had anything to do with being a Latitude member. BTW....NCL concierges are the best in the Cruising industry among the mainstream cruise lines. Everyone I've had has been not only good, but great. I've had 6 cruises where I had access to a Concierge. Unfortunately, most have left NCL given the shutdown. But, looking forward to interfacing with new Concierges on the Epic in the Haven on my next cruise.

Thought about that. But then, I thought there would be some who may consider that a breach of privacy, so I just post details in the Roll Calls here at Cruise Critic. Our last meet and greet on the Bliss carried on well past the time that was allotted. Had fun just getting to know other CC folks.

Henry…..every friend I’ve made on our M&Gs have been a joy (that includes you). I’ve had a great time attending all of them. And, something I didn’t think was possible, I’ve actually learned something. Decided it’s time to quit sitting on the sidelines and start to organize M&Gs on cruises I’m booked on that doesn’t have one scheduled. NCL likes hosting us. I like that they value us as a group and has always had a good turnout on their end to mingle with the guests and one-on-one answer questions. I try to stay away from FaceBook. That turns into a free-for-all.

You were in a Suite. On The older ships (and now some newer ships with non-Haven suites), Concierges and Butlers are available, as is breakfast in Specialty venues. None of this is a function of Latitudes status or secret Latitudes contacts!

Chocolate Croissants in the Observation Lounge! Chicken Salad sandwich in O’Sheehans or The Local! Brisket at Qs! Hamburger Sliders at the Haven Bar! Fresh carved Prime Rib in Cagney’s!

Indeed…I’ve made great cruise friends. Many of them lurk here…😉

Excellent point…M and Gs are great opportunities to arrange group excursions, slot pulls, etc!

Organized a Meet and Greet on the Bliss to Alaska earlier this year. Am organizing one on the Epic to the Mediterranean in October this year. Epic crew has already responded and given a date/time/place for our M and G! NCL does a really nice job. Upper Management shows up for a QA and to mingle. They like CC guests and normally have snacks and drinks, too! It’s always informative and interesting! Re-emphasize…if you sign up, show up. You’ll enjoy it. And, you’ll make friends you’ll see throughout the cruise!

Had the same experience with the (alleged) Latitudes Concierge phone number. When I called them, they were surprised they were designated as Concierges since they were regular NCL agents who were willing to book a cruise but that's about it. I think the upper tier Latitudes members can book Specialty Dinners earlier than the lower tiers, but that's about it. Still want to know what supposed services the Latitudes Concierge provided and how to reach them. If their services were meant for Platinum and above Latitudes members, why isn't it advertised to us/. Further, what sort of alleged "secret" process do we have to go to in order utilize them?

Just to clear up any confusion…Here are the facts of the matter…the Cruise Next Desk are the assigned “concierges” for Sapphire Latitudes. They are not associated with the other Concierges on the ships who typically work with Have and/or Suite guests! The Latitude “Concierges”/Cruise Next staff will not schedule entertainment or dining reservations. They will not escort you anywhere on or off the ship. They will direct you to the groups who can do those things, but they won’t do them for you. As far as some secret process you have to know or implement, there are none that I am aware of and believe they do not exist. Believe me, I’ve looked…often. From their phone personnel to their on board staff to the GMs on the ships I’ve sailed, aside for the Cruise Next personnel, they do not exist! Latitudes “Concierge” is a very loose term by NCL! I have had concierges on my GEM Suite cruise, and also in the Haven on both -“Away” ships. They take care of everything…billing issues, internet issues, dining/excursion planning, entertainment venue escorts. etc! This does not exist for Sapphire Latitude members without being in a Suite or Haven!