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sargemrs

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Posts posted by sargemrs

    Joy Bidding for Haven Upgrades

    in Norwegian Cruise Line

    Posted

    On 4/13/2019 at 9:23 AM, Cruiser9210 said:

    I’m on Joy May 18th cruise. We booked H4 and got the upgrade bid for the DOS. Minimum bid of $750-$2500. I looked at both rooms and to be honest the wife likes the tub and shower over looking the scenery. So we may not even put a bid in for the DOS. 

    Just got back from your cruise also.  We were in a H6 but our son and wife got the DOS and it was amazing!  They had 4 children and MIL so they needed the room.  2 1/2 baths, 2 bedrooms plus couch that makes a nice bed.  The ONLY negative, it's forward and when sailing you cannot use the balcony.  Too windy and cold at that time, anyway.

    The Haven experience was absolutely wonderful!  There were 4 of us in H6 cabins  and then the DOS.  The Haven Observation Lounge and the Restaurant and of course the perks of the Conscierge and Butler were of great help!

    Hope your cruise was as fantastic as ours was.

    Just off Joy!!!!

    in Norwegian Cruise Line

    Posted

    4 hours ago, elwood_98034 said:

    You mention 'the private elevator'. What is that? The Haven has its own?

    There’s a forward elevator from deck 17, 18, 19 that is accessed in the Haven proper....that’s the only floors it covers, however.  It is never full.  

    Dietary concerns

    in Norwegian Cruise Line

    Posted

    26 minutes ago, jcu1210 said:

    Good day,

     me and my wife are going on the spirit in Nov for the 11 night Greek isles and Italy cruise. My wife has some odd dietary issues, my question is how do we go about this with the cruise line, do we wait until on ship and who do we speak with?  This is our first Norwegian cruise. With Carnival we’ve ever had an issue; but they’re not freestyle.  Look forward to any input

    Before every meal the waiter asks if there are any food allergies and they discreetly talk to the person to offer suggestions on meal items! No problem at all.  If you’re in a suite or Haven you can tell the concierge before cruise and it’ll be on your paperwork.

    Just off Joy!!!!

    in Norwegian Cruise Line

    Posted

    54 minutes ago, sargemrs said:

    Yes, American Diner free first day.  Since we knew we would have the Haven the rest of the week, we opted for American Diner.  If it’s real windy or blowing rain that wouldn’t be a good option, in my opinion.

    However there are heaters above the table ( too warm the day we ate there) but would make it doable on cold, windy days I suppose.

    Just off Joy!!!!

    in Norwegian Cruise Line

    Posted

    3 minutes ago, sydmike said:

    Is the American Diner an option for Haven passengers for lunch the first day It looks like a nice venue, but we also have enjoyed the Haven lunches.

    Yes, American Diner free first day.  Since we knew we would have the Haven the rest of the week, we opted for American Diner.  If it’s real windy or blowing rain that wouldn’t be a good option, in my opinion.

    Evening meal earliest time

    in Norwegian Cruise Line

    Posted

    6 minutes ago, Ron the Rev said:

    Trying to go to the early shows in the theater,  Can any one help with the opening time of the Haven restaurant  or would the time scale be too much of a rush ?

    We didn’t go to the shows but I think 5 is the earliest they open, last day was 5:30. They can be slow but we had a large party but if you tell them about the show they’ll try to accommodate you.

    Just off Joy!!!!

    in Norwegian Cruise Line

    Posted

    1 hour ago, sydmike said:

    We are in the Haven for the Sept 7th sailing, looking forward to the Observation lounge for the Alaska viewing.

    We spent many, many hours in the Haven Observation Lounge!  It’s very quiet, soft lounge chairs, tables all around, snacks, drinks,( non alcoholic) but I think the bar comes by periodically if you wish to use them.  We played games and just REALLY enjoyed it!  The Haven is such a awesome place.  Like a little city within a city.  Other than photos, Specialty dining and shopping a little, we never left the Haven!  It’s organized, efficient and customer friendly, I can’t say enough about it!  

    Just off Joy!!!!

    in Norwegian Cruise Line

    Posted

    1 hour ago, mejo said:

    Sounds like you all had a great time!  I’m curious about your Haven embarkation and disembarkation experience.  What time did you arrive at the pier and get on the ship?

     

     

    We all got on a Shuttle (Seattle Express was excellent and reasonable) at 9, you get a discount for the earlier reservation.  We then went to several hotels to pick up guests, so I think we got to the pier around 10:00. It was crazy busy but we took our luggage to a baggage area, inquired about priority boarding but it’s after security that priority counts.  Everyone goes through security together and then there are signs to direct you to the Haven check in.  We probably arrived there about 10:30.  Nice room with snacks and drinks and lounge chairs but it was so quick to check in we didn’t wait as we were SO anxious to get onboard! As soon as our large party checked in a butler was there to escort us but first was the embarkation photo which we always do and then we proceeded to the Haven Observation Lounge.  We were told about amenities, hours of operation, and sent on our way.  We opted to go to American Diner which was a good choice for us.  Beautiful day and it’s on an outside deck and perfect for a nice day. Not long after lunch we heard our rooms were ready.

    For disembarkation, you have several options for your luggage, which we just chose to pick it up in the terminal, in a separate area with your priority tags you place on your luggage.  Others in our group used the valet porter which takes your luggage all the way to airline, checks in your luggage and the ship gives you your boarding pass!!  That was fantastic and they charge $30.00 bag which is your baggage charge to the airline, not in addition, as I understand it.  You have a window 8-9:15 to meet the Conscierge at the desk by the Haven Observation Lounge and right underneath the Haven Restaurant so we had our last breakfast there, took the private elevator down and when you’re ready their crew elevator takes you right to deck to disembark and you go to terminal, pick up your luggage in priority area ( ask where) and you get in line for customs.  Have your passport out on your photo page and that’s it!!  You then find your transportation, ours happened to be Enterprise and there was a shuttle right there, took our luggage and we were off!!  Sorry this is so lengthy but there might be someone not familiar with things I might can help!

    • Like 2

    Just off Joy!!!!

    in Norwegian Cruise Line

    Posted

    26 minutes ago, beantownmike said:

    Just booked an aft-facing Balcony Cabin for March 2020.  My wife and I are eight time cruisers with NCL. Looking forward to the Ultimate Joy ride!

    Wonder if the regular Aft and Haven aft are any different?

    Just off Joy!!!!

    in Norwegian Cruise Line

    Posted

    Just disembarked the Joy a few hours ago and am absolutely blown away by the ship and staff!  Our experiences will be unique as we mainly cruise for the ship experience and family get togethers.  First of all, it was our first Haven experience and there’s no going back!  Our rooms were beautiful!  We originally booked 5 H6 cabins.  Our son has 4 children and his MIL traveling with them so I encouraged them to watch the DOS pricing or bidding opportunities.  Well..... they got it....18700 DOS.  Absolutely gorgeous and roomy 2 1/2 bath, 2 bedrooms and couch that makes a bed.  Everything was pristine and ready for us all.  Priority checkin and disembarking was efficient and painless.  Only 1 time we went to the buffet for a snack and realized how spectacular the Haven experience is!!!

    our H6 cabins were nice for 2 or 3 but I’d hate to have a family in them.  Lots and lots of storage, the 2nd bathroom was used by guests as well as ourselves.  I DO want to say that the walk was quite daunting with arthritic knees and several trips a day!!!  If we get to cruise again I’d would only stay in the Haven proper!!!  The Haven restaurant, Observation lounge and priority  perks are invaluable,

    We had the 3 dining package and chose Le Bistro, Teppanyaki and Cagney’s. The food was superb in all 3.  Very slow service, but we were a party of 11-18.  We had to wait 30 minutes for our seating even with reservations at Cagney’s but the other 2 we walked right in and were seated ( with reservations).  Very cordial servers but possibly understaffed in the kitchens.  We ate every other meal except embarkation lunch at the Haven restaurant, which was amazing with the most happy, helpful, caring servers/ hostesses that one could hope for!  American Diner was a fantastic start to our cruise.  Food delicious and staff very happy to serve us.  I never noticed it busy, tho I didn’t go up there often.

    These are just a few things I wanted to share while it was fresh in my mind.  We don’t drink or go to shows so can’t help with those questions but would be happy to answer any questions applicable.

     

    • Like 4

    Yes or No? Stateroom door decorations

    in Norwegian Cruise Line

    Posted

    2 hours ago, Shih-tzu said:

    Can't answer for the Joy, but there were some decorated doors on the Gem last week.   I would think the policy would be fleet wide (unless because the Joy is so new).   

     

    Does anyone know if the Joy cabin entrance doors are still metal?  I just made some magnetic signs for our group doors and certainly hoping so!!

    Norwegian Escape to Florida and the Bahamas

    in Norwegian Cruise Line

    Posted

    7 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

    In the owners suite only. Their butler will restock. Along with the three bottles of booze. 

     

    Remember that all suites are expected to tip their concierge and butler separately as they are not included in the Daily Service Charge 

    Oh my, that's wonderful information.  Yes, I knew about the concierge and butler and passed on that information.  I called the concierge desk and told them about all our cabins not needing the booze! Thanks for answering my questions!

     

    Norwegian Escape to Florida and the Bahamas

    in Norwegian Cruise Line

    Posted

    On 5/5/2019 at 6:42 PM, BirdTravels said:

    The phone works fine for CC. The camera photos take too long to process/upload over the ships’s Wi-Fi. 

    I don’t want to hijack this thread but I need to ask you a couple of questions.  Our sons family just got their bid ontheJoy’s Owners Suite!!!  We’re all so excited for them.  Will they get any extra perks ( other than the extra opulence) ?  She had heard that the go karts are free for Haven, but I didn’t think so.  The other 4 cabins are all also Haven but Aft Balconies.  Any suggestions for them?  None of us drink and I think there’s complimentary wine included... what could they substitute?  Thanks for helping us!

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