renji

Well at least I found for the day in Greenock…will want to cover a lot!

did you find a private tour guide who could comfrtably make the ship time?  that is my main concern.  we have Greencock, Stornaway and Lerwick stops before heading to Iceland (Cunard).

 I am in a suite and traveling with a friend who is not, so I got us both the Key.  On a 3 night it is $21 extra over Voom for each of us so I figured that was a pretty cheap way to board together (I wasn't going to leave him to go with the suite boarding) and have lunch together.  

1 hour ago, spooky981 said:

Time is the most valuable resource. I have more money than I have time to spend it. Two kids at home, a half dozen games and practices every weekend, we get about one date night per month and that's it.  We also spend a lot of our vacation time caring for sick kids, attending their field trips, and taking a friday off for a long weekend at the shore.

 

We get one major vacation per year, and the kids are the perfect ages for cruising. So we go big, and usually spend about $30,000 to be Star class in a very spacious and comfortable suite with separate bedrooms. The two bedroom aquatheater suite has been a big hit for us, but we're trying the royal loft suite for the first time next year, and an Icon Loft suite in 2025. It is the only seven days of real vacation I'll take all year so there's no point in cutting corners.

 

We don't deserve pity for our situation. Lots of parents are in the phase where kids overwhelm their time and don't leave room for much else. We're lucky that our jobs pay so well that we have no financial concerns. In the absence of children we would probably go on a vacation every three months, and probably make them a bit more modest as a result.

It is also true that suites save you time waiting on lines….

13 hours ago, pink845 said:

Well, let's see, we usually opt for mini suites, but maybe once my youngest kid opens up his medical practice this year, I won't have to spot him anymore, and I will have some extra cash to treat myself to a FULL SUITE, just not the $20,000 variety.   My husband has many clients that earn well over $1.0 million a year.  The amount of discretionary income out there is unreal.  Also, remember that a lot of people did not use their travel budget due to covid over the last few years and now are flush with cash and are able to afford to splurge. Some of them prefer the $20,000 suite.   

This is what happened to me.  I could have afforded suites but always chose inside cabins.  Last year I had so many cruise credits it made $8k-16k suites feel like “half price” in terms of current spend. Then I got hooked (more on the nice treatment, less waiting than on cabin size) and decided to alternate—sometimes suites, sometimes balcony.  If I’m solo, I actually prefer an inside.  I hate to “waste” money on myself…but don’t judge those who enjoy it!

i've seen great bands on Adventure and Oasis...better than NCLs Sugarcane (who will only play merengue).  will be on the Freedom in a few weeks and will let you know!

I've spent $15-16k on suites where I had my own hot tubs on the balcony. One was originally 12k plus a 3k upgrade, $7k of that was from covid cancellation credits so I felt like I only "spent" $5k on that one and was justified to add for an upgrade to an amazing Edge Villa. (But I would NEVER have spent the $38k it would have cost for the Edge Villa outright)  

i will spent $20-30k all-in (once you include spa and add-ons) a few times a year but am also completely happy in an inside cabin--it is never about me, always about what will make my travel mates happy since I love to cruise and am introducing others.  I got "stuck" alone in an NCL Prima suite with hot tub and was so sad about the waste--thankfully I met awesome friends who hung out on my balcony!

Any recommendations for a place to have a good one on Freedom? Will mostly hang in Boleros and am in a suite so will have access to suite lounge. I’m thinking not to do the package, will have two max a day but do have coffee and sparkling water.  Can/Should I bring my own olives? What’s the vermouth situation?
 

Yes, I recognize this is a first world issue 🙂

15 hours ago, 7SeasLover said:

Our last two cruises were in Haven 2-bdrm suites. While we love the Haven, we had a sewer door with the last cruise. We had crew in our stateroom on multiple days yet they could not fix this issue. Nevertheless, we enjoyed the 3 Haven decks and the staff and restaurant. 
 

My only complaint is that upon return, I wrote a letter describing our sewer issue. I never received a reply. That is what bothered me the most. Not a single word from NCL.
 

On that same cruise, a couple just a few doors down had standing water in their bathroom for 3 consecutive days. Also with crew working in their Haven suite almost constantly. NCL had some plumbing issues to be sure. 
 

We are cruising with NCL this August (Ireland, England, Scotland), but decided to sail back to NY on the Queen Mary II, just to get a taste of her. I’m not going to say I’m not cruising with NCL again, but I just want to say how disappointed I was to be ignored. Frankly, I love cruising too much to cut out any cruise line. And yes, the spa, while nice, is too pricey. 

I was just in 17100 on the Bliss. Definitely a sewage smell. They ran the traps which reduced but didn’t eliminate it.  

27 minutes ago, 7SeasLover said:

It was the NCL Bliss that had a sewer smell in the Haven Suite. Beautiful ship! 
 

I just got off the Bliss and definitely noticed a sewage smell in  our 2 bedroom Haven.   There were also banging sounds all night one night.   They ran all the taps for a while which reduced the smell substantially.  So the third night of a 5 night it was ok…

2 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

@dave7502 Thank you for asking.  As it relates to Haven Like experiences you have the Celebrity Retreat; MSC Yacht Club; Royal has the Genie.  Just like the Haven, they are all kind of a "Ship-within-a-ship" concept.  Small boutique private area still providing access to the rest of a huge ship.  I would look as similar Itineraries and cabin types so compare pricing.  Each line plays games with pricing so you have to do your best to do an apple to apple comparison or as close as you can get. I am fully aware I did not answer your question as of yet. 

 

August 2021, I did a Crystal Cruise which would be a premium or more likely luxury segment.  I immediately noticed that the entire ship was the Haven, Retreat or Yacht Club.  The entire ship was the boutique area.  Everyone once they left their stateroom were treated the same.  I coined the term, "Haven on Steroids".  I compare everything to the Haven because I love it so much. The food was significantly better at all venues, the personalized service as over the top, I never had to wait to be noticed by the bar tender who remembered my name and drink type.  I felt special no where I went on board. The ship at the time was know for that however it was also at 25% capacity.  The lack of cruisers was the down side.  This cruise with so much to offer was boring to a max.  

 

This experience made me crave for upgraded dining experience which I have not been finding recently on my Mainstream Cruise Brands.  It also showed me what a consistent level of personalized service was like for all passengers regardless of suite status. I never felt I was being nickeled or dimed which was a very welcomed difference.  The spa sauna's, hot tubs, steam room was available to all.  No extra fee for the Thermal Spa.  The back of the ship was all public area vs. high end suites and you could smoke a cigar back there.  The butler was so much better than any butler I had before it was not even a fair comparison.  But yet again, I was bored. 

 

Crystal went bankrupt do to poor management and has been purchased by another company to be returning sometime this year.  Now I wanted to recreate the whole ship being the Haven on Steroids.  I wanted upgrading dining experience and I did not want to break the bank.  I knew I had to lose the idea of water slides, Broadway shows, Lasor tag or go carts.  I also did not want to break the bank and also finally cruise the Mediterranean.  The choice as kind of easy, I choose Oceania which is still in the NCL family.  When I compared at least 9 other brands, cabin times with similar agenda's; Oceania give the best value with the items I was looking for.  The Retreat and Haven were substantially higher cost which to me was ridicules for port intensive cruises.   

 

So there was my choice.  I went from Mainstream VIP to Premium-Plus/Luxury for the dining, service and much more port intensive itinerary.  That should both answer your question and give you some of my reasoning based on my wants, needs, and motive.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

Eager to hear your Oceania review.  I was bored on Crystal due to lack of night life.  Think I will go back to Cunard next summer... 

On 1/10/2023 at 3:02 PM, Sthrngary said:

Well folks, that is NEW.  It seems sharing how to get the most from The Premium Plus Beverage Package and the Haven has been noticed by NCL. I don't know if I should take this as a complement or a criticism.  For those reading this comment and have not read my post before.  I am the Author of the Secrets to the Haven and The Premium Plus Beverage package Op-Ed's.  I am also very rarely negative on this or other social media sites.  I am making an exception today with this post.

 

I share this fact so I can make this statement.  It is clear that NCL has been attempting to find ways to reduce costs which will increase profits.  The copied quote by @erin21497 that "bottle of wine are limited to one at dinner and has to be consumed at the meal" is a "DEAL BREAKER" for me.  My recent cruise experience not being able to find a decent Chardonnay on our last NCL Cruise was not the experience I have had in the past nor want in the future. I am extremely disappointed with NCL

 

I know it does not make a difference nor should it to anyone out there.  I am nobody and not famous. I personally will NO longer purchase or recommend the Premium Plus Beverage Program.  As it relates to the NCL Haven, I will NO longer purchase or use the NCL Haven until the prices come down to be competitive.  Therefore I will personally NO longer recommend the NCL Haven.  

 

I would like to thank NCL for the memories and will hope that as they make a profit to pay their debt that they will recognize we a client have options.  We work hard for our money and are some times fickle. My future cruise will be with other brands including but not limited to NCL sister brands.  

 

I have everyone Cruises well and Enjoys Every moment.  Life is to short. 

On 1/10/2023 at 3:31 PM, JandC_Cruising said:

Gary, I agree with this particular sentiment.  We were not impressed with the "available" Chardonnay or as they call them "Bold Reds" on the Encore last week.  Additionally, with the change to only offering bottles of wines that are already available by the glass, they have diminished the value of this package on the 'Wine" side of the program.  They used to have a very nice Lois Jadot Pouilly-Fuisse but that was missing and several others I know we've ordered before by bottle were blocked from our choices because they were not offered by the glass.

I know you have mentioned your wife likes to take the bottle back to the room.  While we did not test this "NEW" restriction, last week, I'm suspect if they would really enforce it. If they think they can leave a bottle on one party's table and then re-circulate it to others by the glass if it is left unfinished, there are sanitary issues at play.  it would be like re-serving un-eaten dinner rolls to another table.

 

We do a lot of whisky drinking and felt well served by the package on that front this past week.  My wife and I drank plenty of Aqua Pana and SIL with us was drinking San Pellegrino like it was going out of style.  Again, all valuable benefits of the program. 

 

We are definitely going to "test" taking unfinished bottles back to our room in March.  There will be 3 of us dining and we will all have the Plus package, so plan on ordering 3 bottles at each dinner.  There will definitely be left-overs.

 

Best wishes and happy NY!

 

I am in agreement--I buy the hghest package available to have a premium all inclusive experience, not to "get my money's worth".  I will be in the Bliss Haven so am curious to see if that differentiates any aspect of the experience, but I was thinking of cruising more often in regular balconies with the Vibe, Spa and Premium Plus passes.  

I only took one bottle of Moet with me last month, but if they are serving bottles that were on a table by the glass, just to cheap out on the few people that enjoyed a glass on their balcony, that is a REAL hygiene problem.  

agree that the few whites on the list are dreadful...I drank the Moet, Jadot Pouilly Fuisse and Ice wine---seems they are all gone...

On 1/10/2023 at 12:08 PM, JandC_Cruising said:

Hello all, I figured I would report back to this very detailed thread based on our most recent experience.

We have upgraded to the Plus package on 4 of our past 5 cruises.

We just got off the Encore on Sunday and here are a few observations/experiences:

 

1. The wine lists throughout the ship no longer had any indicators of what bottles were included in the plus package.  On our past cruises, all the lists that either indicated "Premium Plus", had an "*", or were in bold print .  We were simply told that we could get a bottle at dinner (1 for each passenger with the plus package) of ANY wine that was sold by the glass.   We did not ask for a wine and find that it was no on board.  There were three of us dining each night and we typically had 2 bottles.  Only one night did we get three bottles and that was because the waiter brought and opened a White (of the same vineyard) by accident.  He left the extra bottle and we only drank 1/2 of it.  We had other plans so we didn't try to leave with the left overs.

 

2.  Veuve Champagne was surprisingly listed prominently at Ocean Blue, but not at Le Bistro...We had it at OB without any issue.  Le Bistro was promoting the Pommery Brut Royal ($120 without package but free with the Plus), even though the napkin ties still had the Veuve cards attached.

 

3.  We had Aqua Pana and San Pellegrino at every dinner and most lunches (even in the Buffet) and easily got that from a couple of random bars to have a bottle in our room each night.

 

4.  Starbucks was included, but we didn't take as great advantage of it as we should have.  (oh...and this was our fault as DW didn't see the clear words on the Starbucks machine in the buffet that self-service machines ARE NOT INCLUDED IN ANY BEVERAGE PACKAGE...fair warning)

 

5.  Maltings had a good selection of Whiskey's and Scotches (Whistle Pig Rye, Gentleman Jack, Woodford Reserve, Macallan Quest, and others)  We also saw these in the Vibe, Observation lounge, Alist Bar, and even the Social for the Comedy Show.

 

6.  As always, CHECK YOUR ONBOARD ACCOUNT EVERY DAY!  We had two bottles (one at Manhattan Room and one at Ocean Blue) accidently charged to us.  The Manhattan room one was because we had three of us at the table (we all had the Plus package) but they attached the 3rd bottle to my card rather than the single person from the other cabin.  The Ocean Blue one was because they sent a runner to "Onda" to pick up the wine and they ran the card there without realizing it was for our dinner).  I got both corrected at Guest Services without issue.

 

So, in short, for us the package is still worth it.  We drink a bunch of premium whisky and have a lot of bottled water throughout the cruise.  The biggest disappointment for us was that they were clear that only wines by the glass qualified for the free bottles.  I know there were several bottles from past cruises sill on the wine lists, but we could not select them because our waiters claimed they were no longer included since they were not offered by the glass.  We made the most of it however and still enjoyed all but one bottle we had selected.  

 

Hope this report provides some recent insight and value to others.

 

Happy Cruising All!

  

Thank you so much, this is very helpful!  I am on the Bliss next week and ordered 5 premium plus packages, based on enjoying it when I was on the Prima last month.  can you kindly confirm that Moet and Ice Wine is no lomger included by the glass or bottle?  and that the only things available by the glass or bottle are the items listed?  The red options are comparable to what I recall (I drank mostly the Jadot Pinot, Celeste Tempranillo, Decoy and Silverado Cabs).  But the white options are pitiful, no sauv blanc or sancerre, and we actually dislike Veuve but love Moet.  I wonder if I'm better off cancelling both the free at sea drink package and the premium plus altogether, and just bringing a few bottles we like onboard for the $15.  

On 1/11/2023 at 5:48 PM, Greenpea2 said:

I recently spoke with the Haven "Pre-cruise Concierge Department" to book dining. The woman I spoke to seemed disappointed that we had so few requests! LOL. She keft asking about daily snacks, etc. But she did offer all kinds of fruit juices for our fridge. So I know you can get those.

may I ask how you reached them? our cruise is 1 week out and I wondered if i should try.

6 hours ago, JamesIowa said:

The Beatles, for example, start at 730 in the cavern club. If you want a seat you will want to be there in line about an hour before….so 630. Other main shows start in the theater usually at 730 as well (for the 1st show).

I’ve found that if I grab a 530 dinner at the mdr or buffet I can easily make those shows then catch a late night snack later.  
If I want to catch the early show in the theatre and eat at a specialty restaurant there’s usually plenty of time…especially if you let your waiter know….by getting a 530 or 6 reservation.

 

I was thinking of going to the 930 show by hard to decide without the overall schedule (as we’d like to time ballroom/disco/Latin dancing sets also!). And we are 3 in the Haven and 3 outside so I may wind up in specialty dining…just not sure I can rally the troops to eat so early…

I‘ve only done the Prima and couldn’t get into shows, but didn’t care. These look better!

We are on the January 22 5 day and trying to figure out dinner times that will still allow both dancing and the 930 show?

are the Beatles shows all the same or differ throughout the week?

so, the Connoisseur Collection is listed as carved out of the new Premium Plus Beverage Package (where they also took away the Moet, which very is annoying because I'm not a fan of Veuve, and so I'm considering cancelling), but I cannot find any description of what is actually included in the Connoisseur Collection.  

Anyond know?  is it some special new high end or coravin type experience? are they just coming out with a separate wine bottle package like Cunard's Commodore's Collection?  

or are they just using it to describe items that used to be included in the premium plus package that they are now going to charge extra for.  I find the lack of information in something definitve enough to put in a new brochure very strange...

5 hours ago, molemaui said:

 

No Moet?!?  I can make do with Vueve Clicquot. One bottle per person at dinner means we can have 2 bottles. Disappointing but still OK. Just saw Woodford Reserve off the new list. That's the straw that might break the camel's back. 

Yeah— Try the EH Taylor small batch

7 hours ago, stefmaia said:

Most recent P+ is dated 12/9. No Moet, but Veuve is still there.

My last cruise was Dec 3-10…. Where I realized I much prefer Moet even though less pricy than Veuve!

7 hours ago, stefmaia said:

I just read the small print again,

Does anyone have any idea what the "Connoisseur Collection " actually is??

I think it might be coravin wines by the glass.  I saw that a few times on the Prima but was not surprised at all.

6 hours ago, stefmaia said:

***** NEWEST LIST********

 

https://www.ncl.com/sites/default/files/Beverage_Packages_122322.pdf

 

NOTE !!! Some drinks available only in the Haven !! See small print in the Whiskey section

 

@European_CruiseGirl@phillygwm

Looks like just Jw blue. I was thinking of canceling without the Moet but now I’m thinking I actually might go find some of those bourbons and tequilas.  And can always fall back on screwball for my “dessert wine”

7 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

@renji A lot is made of what Crystal Cruises was.  I will tell you I was quite impressed with the "Personalized Service", "Butler", "Drinks/Lounges" and "Food".  I was not impressed at the time with the upkeep of the ship.  

 

Oceania will be easy for me to both enjoy and evaluate.  The ship was just Drydocked, the food is always highly rated and I love cooking classes.  I want a chill cruise experience with my friends joining us vs. a energetic experience.  I am at a point where a Scotch and a game of Gin over looking the water is just fine.  Age does that to a person.  Evolutions. 

 

I am happy to report back and thank you for asking.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

Enjoy!

19 hours ago, akny said:

Sorry things have changed. Ordered the yellow label at french restaurent. Waiter wanted to see everyone's card before bringing glasses. 

I did notice that at Le Bistro. Did not happen in Haven or Los Lobos. 

2 minutes ago, molemaui said:

Never sailed Crystal but have sailed Oceania several times. Absolutely the best food at sea in my opinion. (Was looking forward to eating at Nobu on Crystal but they're gone). Silversea is almost as good but a bit too formal for me. 9 of 12 nights on my last Silversea cruise several months ago I had to wear a jacket after 6:00. Very little distinction between formal and semi formal. Between Silversea and Oceania, I'd go Oceania every time. 

 

Currently booked on Prima in Haven. So far, the cost per night is higher than my last Silversea or Oceania cruise. Hope it's worth it!

The Nobu on Crystal was amazing but the nightlife a little sleepy (although they sometimes had good dance hosts).  I once heard Oceania had less healthy options? Silversea doesn’t sound right for us in that case.  We did the Princess Grill on Cunard and thought the food was amazing, and m there was some balance on jacket vs button down nights, and at least an amazing ballroom and at least on QM2 a decent nightclub.   

I just did the Owner’s suite on Prima, I loved it, looking forward to comparing the bliss.  I’m more into the gym/spa, dinner and dancing than shows though…

4 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

Part of the power of this and other streams on the Premium Plus Beverage Package is "Real Time" reviews.  When things change to report it.  The addition of the Free at Sea PLUS program that included the Premium Plus Beverage Package added many people to get this package.  

 

Every year NCL makes changes to this package.  Not that they have real interest in it, some of those change are good but most of those changes are restrictive.  They claim many are Supply Chain issues and I call foul.  I just cruised on the Breakaway and when you have to go from Bar to Bar for a decent Chardonnay something is not the same. 

 

My heart indicates this is just another cost cutting effort with fully filled ships.  It seems, once the guests came back, some of the benefits of this and other programs have taken a hit.  When a company loses as much as NCL did, something had to give.  

 

Please keep the real time data coming.  I will not be cruising on NCL for a long time.  I will be cruising on one of there sister brands Oceania.  That choice was selfishly to have a smaller ship, that could go into smaller port in Europe, with far less young children, and a much older crowd.  I am giving up Water Slide for cooking classes. So I hope those posting here will continue to do so.  Thanks to everyone for thinking this topic is a good topic.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.
 

Looking forward to hearing how Oceania is and the comparison to Crystal.  I’m considering Silversea but like the liveliness on RCL/NCL.