Carrickbeg

12 minutes ago, PitCritter said:

That's pretty much what I was thinking. Giving NCL notice won't be helpful since they can't resell the cabin last minute anyway. 

 

Will my mom be able to check in online without her sister? As far as the "single supplement" comment above, she'll already be paying 100% supplement effectively. 

They will reprice with a penalty.  It makes no sense, but they force a no show.  Just check the sister in as if she was going.

If you remove your Aunt from your mother's reservation, NCL will charge a penalty on the reservaton, plus your mother's fare will be repriced on single supplement.  Just have your Aunt be a no show.  She should receive port fees and taxes back.  If she ordered any  items like shore excursions or spa, etc.  cancel those.

I would double check your pricing on the NCL site.  They have changed how the price is calculated.  It isn't until you put your full information in do you see your actual price (that includes port fees, taxes, etc.)  Your TA can give you the free at sea and the price should be identical if not better (depending if they have group space allotted.)

See the little tiny note they have now under the subtotal

"Excl. taxes, fees and port expenses, they will be added at checkout."

Trust me the Haven isn't all full of Rockefellers and DuPonts.   There are people staying in the Haven that have maxed out credit cards to do so for that one huge trip and there people staying in an inside cabin who are on their 15th cruise for the year.   Like the non-haven areas of the ship, the passengers in the Haven vary in attitude, $$, etc.   The only problem here I believe most Haven guests are upset about is that somehow the experience will diminish because there will be waiting times at the restaurant and bar.  I think it will be wait and see on whether this truly has an effect on the Haven experience.

Listen, I don't care if the person sitting across from me is Haven/Non-Haven in the Haven Restaurant.  How am I to know or honestly care.    I think most of the Haven guests are angry because you pay a lot of money to have this quieter, less crowded experience.  It's a "ship within the ship" as they like to say.   It's a price people are willing to pay to have this type of vacation. I would certainly be annoyed if I showed up to dinner to find there was a long period of waiting time.   The hour to linger in the Haven lounge I think is the bigger problem.   The lounge/ bar area is not a big space. I don't know how the staff will be left to marshal this.  How will they stop people from going right through the doors to the courtyard?   I personally last year watched a crew member have to finally tell a large group of people who were sneaking their friends into the Haven that they had to leave.   This was going on for a few days before something was said.  You could tell the crew member was very uncomfortable having to do this and I felt bad that was also added to his job responsibilities.  

5 hours ago, expectthebest said:

When you enter the stardust theater use the left entrance.. it’s the left side balcony seating.. the concierge will be there checking key cards until they recognize you. No need to show up to the shows real early because it seemed like on our voyage there was plenty seats available.

Thanks Expectthebest.   Exact information I was looking for.  Glad you had a lovely cruise!

Absolutely, loving your review.  My family is booked in a Family Suite w/Balcony on the Dawn for July.   I had friends recently in a suite, and they agree the service was fantastic.   Where is the Suite area for the theater located?  I know on the Gem it was up almost on a private balcony area.   Just wondering the setup on the Dawn.   Thanks again for your review.   Getting excited!

When you board the ship, if you want lunch, do not head to buffet. Walk in go up stairs in Atrium and eat at O'Sheehans. Go see Leo play at Maltings. The Great Outdoors is a great place to have a morning coffee/tea and soak in the views. The Grand Pacific is really a nice place for lunch/breakfast/dinner.

Hope you have a wonderful cruise. I would love to hear about how you felt about the tour or the cruise in general when you return. Looking to do this cruise next summer. Happy Sailing!!

They have in the buffet area and at the Great Outdoors. Chocolate, Vanilla and Combo. Self-Serve. They also have hard ice cream scooped by someone in the evening (and I think afternoon) with toppings.

No, it is not because Gem is moving. He's leaving in the next few months. I can't remember what ship he said he was going to go to. :(

Is that because the Gem is moving? Do you know where he is going???

Agree about Leo. Unfortunately, Leo is leaving the Gem soon. Will be gone I believe by Summer.

This is a great reason to do the Gem!

If your child has an accident, they will call you. They will not change a child or assist with them in the bathroom. They will give you a phone I believe to call you. Just explain the situation. My son was 3 on our last cruise and he went to the kids club and had fun. He was still not perfect at the potty, so we only left him there for short periods. He loved it. Yes you can drop them to go to dinner, but you need to check the hours on the dailies on the time the kids club is open and closed. They do close for a period so staff get a break. Also, you will want to check what activities are going on in the evening to make sure your children will enjoy the activity being offered. Good luck!!

My daughter has been going to Splash Academy since 3 (she is now 8). Every year, the first question she asks us after booking a cruise..."I can go to the kid's club right?" My 4 year old loves it too.

We were just on and could not get any and we were also on for St. Patrick's Day. On occasion in the past, we have found they may have a random can here or there. I'd ask just in case, but it is doubtful. :(

Look at the Blue Lagoon excursion. We had a nice day there last year. We had a 6 year old and a 3 year old with us.

http://www.bahamasbluelagoon.com/

First of all you will have a great time no matter what. It's the best way in my opinion to travel with little ones. Having a balcony is a plus because it does give your husband and you a little place to sit at night when the kids are asleep. But if your kids go to the kids club, well you can have that time together then as well. Really a cruise vacation is such a great experience for the whole family. If that extra money you would paid for the balcony could be used for other things (cough make him buy you a nice piece of jewelry) then I would not do it. How they handle space in a cabin is amazing. Watch the prices too...you never know if you can get a good upgrade. You are going to have the best time!! P.S. (put the 5 year old on the bunk)

You find the main suite perks at the bottom of this page:

https://www.ncl.com/why-cruise-norwegian/cruise-accommodations/cruise-suites-and-penthouses

 

In addition you will be invited to have upgraded breakfasts and lunches at the Cagney's every day.

Thanks TrumpyNor.

What perks are you entitled to when you are staying in a Penthouse Suite (Non Haven) cabin? Just booked one and curious about the perks. Thanks in advance.

A few years back, my Mother was having pain in her ankle while on the Gem. I called the Medical number and they brought up a wheelchair, took her to the medical area and gave her xray's etc. I personally sat with her while the doctor talked to her. Oh, and he was a young very professional gentleman from Australia. Hardly a hack. No, I would not let him operate on me, but he was well able to assess the situation and decide what to do. I am sure they did in this case. Hopefully, the poor woman was okay.

Thank you everyone for your input! It is greatly appreciated.

No problem at all with kids. It is a very beautiful beach and although fairly expensive to get there, it is worth it imho.

 

Have Fun

Rob

Thanks Rob! It is a bit expensive, but as you say worth it. Especially, looking at the snow out my window! :)

We did the excursion this past December and there were a number of children on board including a child I would guestimate at 18 months. Just be sure to NOT sit in the front netting. The beach area is wonderful!

Thank you!

Hi. I was just wondering if the Jost Van Dyke Catamaran excursion would be okay to do with little kids (ages 7 and 3?) Thanks for the help!

I really love my piping hot well brewed cup (or two) of 'breakfast tea' first thing in the morning, so sad this will not be possible on my up-coming Jade cruise. It is certainly not the same to go on a hot water hunt on waking up. A pre-arranged lukewarm pot of tea from room service is always a poor substitute too.

 

I completely understand they do not allow passengers to bring their own electrical appliances due to risk of them malfunctioning, although I believe hair appliances are ok though. I see a 'nickel and diming' opportunity for the cruise line here. Rent me a kettle!!! Please! I will pay!

As an avid tea drinker who likes her Irish tea, I have accepted the fact then while on a cruise, I will never get a proper cuppa. I suggest you bring your own tea bags as well.