Getaway Haven Review (July 12-19)

[ictcruiser]

Did you see any shows? Did you need reservations? Thanks again for a great

review.

 

 

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[lawbird]

So my 2 year old is pretty spoiled. There is a big age gap between her and her brother...so even he spoils her. She is the only "baby" we have in the family right now, as her cousin turned 10 today. We dote on her and are very aware that she thinks she is a princess. She is a sweet child but thinks she is the center of the world. We have a fairly large home with open hallways and areas, so she is also used to running and playing.

 

Knowing this, and knowing that we were staying in the Haven, we went to great lengths to keep her occupied, engaged and generally as well behaved as a 2 year old can be. We wanted to make sure that everyone else who was in the Haven didn't have their experience ruined by our 2 year old. I probably shouldn't have been so worried about it...it is obvious that NCL built this boat and the Haven area knowing that it was going to be occupied by families. I would venture that 75% of the rooms in the Haven are 2 Bedroom Family Villas. Please correct me if I am wrong. So it would seem that Families are the target audience in the Haven??

 

I took our 2 year old into the Haven pool 2 times. She was well behaved...but she was laughing and having fun in the pool. There were several 8 to 10 year old kids in the Haven pool many times jumping and yelling....didn't bother me at all. I was getting dirty looks from a few people every time I took my daughter near the pool. Not many people...just a couple of them. What am I missing? What do you expect on a family line, during summer time, in a family targeted area? If you don't want kids around, shouldn't you book on Celebrity, Crystal or Silversea?

 

We went to the Haven restaurant loaded with things to occupy my daughter out of respect for other people's experience....Ipad with movies, DVD player for more movies, kindle with games...all sound turned off. One older gentleman had the audacity to state during breakfast loudly enough for my mother and sister to hear..."look what a spoiled brat", "she is too young to be in here". They didn't tell me until later...good thing as I don't know that I could have held my tongue. That really upset me, as I felt we were going out of our way to try and keep her occupied so that everyone else could have a good experience. She doesn't normally sit at the table with an Ipad or kindle, but she was out of her element and we were trying to be good neighbors. That being said, the staff really went above and beyond in catering to the kids...and it really seemed genuine.

 

I really would like some input from people here. Am I wrong?

[lawbird]

Did you see any shows? Did you need reservations? Thanks again for a great

review.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

I personally didn't see the shows. But my wife and the rest of the group saw Legally Blond and Burn the Floor. I just really wasn't interested and my wife was...so I babysat while they watched the shows. They really enjoyed them. And I had a great time exploring the ship with my little one (and burning off calories from dinner!!). We did get reservations from Ruth...there is a special seating area for the Haven, but you have to have reservations.

 

We didn't do the magic show as I think my daughter is still to young. Also, we didn't have a chance to do the Comedy shows. I heard good things about them. We were really just worn out by the end of the day.

 

My dad, brother and I did the beer tasting. That was fun and I would recommend it.

[lawbird]

Now I am posting random things that come to me....

 

Spa: My wife had a 50 minute massage. She enjoyed the actual massage. However, she felt like it was a 30 minute massage with a 20 minute sales pitch...I forgot to tell her to let them know in advance that she wasn't interested in buying anything. She did say that the spa was nice.

 

UBP: Everyone in our party did the UBP except my brother b/c his wife is pregnant...was going to talk to them about a waiver on day 1, but concierge was busy. I think it worked out for me and my wife, my sister, my dad....but my mother and grandmother didn't come close to breaking even!! The girls especially enjoyed being able to try different wines and martinis...they loved the chocolate martinis (both dark and white). I enjoyed the Ron Zacapa rum. Also, I was pleasantly surprised that the UBP worked in the casino.

[happy cruzin]

So my 2 year old is pretty spoiled. There is a big age gap between her and her brother...so even he spoils her. She is the only "baby" we have in the family right now, as her cousin turned 10 today. We dote on her and are very aware that she thinks she is a princess. She is a sweet child but thinks she is the center of the world. We have a fairly large home with open hallways and areas, so she is also used to running and playing.

 

Knowing this, and knowing that we were staying in the Haven, we went to great lengths to keep her occupied, engaged and generally as well behaved as a 2 year old can be. We wanted to make sure that everyone else who was in the Haven didn't have their experience ruined by our 2 year old. I probably shouldn't have been so worried about it...it is obvious that NCL built this boat and the Haven area knowing that it was going to be occupied by families. I would venture that 75% of the rooms in the Haven are 2 Bedroom Family Villas. Please correct me if I am wrong. So it would seem that Families are the target audience in the Haven??

 

I took our 2 year old into the Haven pool 2 times. She was well behaved...but she was laughing and having fun in the pool. There were several 8 to 10 year old kids in the Haven pool many times jumping and yelling....didn't bother me at all. I was getting dirty looks from a few people every time I took my daughter near the pool. Not many people...just a couple of them. What am I missing? What do you expect on a family line, during summer time, in a family targeted area? If you don't want kids around, shouldn't you book on Celebrity, Crystal or Silversea?

 

We went to the Haven restaurant loaded with things to occupy my daughter out of respect for other people's experience....Ipad with movies, DVD player for more movies, kindle with games...all sound turned off. One older gentleman had the audacity to state during breakfast loudly enough for my mother and sister to hear..."look what a spoiled brat", "she is too young to be in here". They didn't tell me until later...good thing as I don't know that I could have held my tongue. That really upset me, as I felt we were going out of our way to try and keep her occupied so that everyone else could have a good experience. She doesn't normally sit at the table with an Ipad or kindle, but she was out of her element and we were trying to be good neighbors. That being said, the staff really went above and beyond in catering to the kids...and it really seemed genuine.

 

I really would like some input from people here. Am I wrong?

 

NO...not at all!

Unfortunately there are still those that think the Haven space is - or should be - "adult only". But is isn't...so you daughter is just a welcome as they are! :)

[victoriasmommy]

So my 2 year old is pretty spoiled. There is a big age gap between her and her brother...so even he spoils her. She is the only "baby" we have in the family right now, as her cousin turned 10 today. We dote on her and are very aware that she thinks she is a princess. She is a sweet child but thinks she is the center of the world. We have a fairly large home with open hallways and areas, so she is also used to running and playing.

 

Knowing this, and knowing that we were staying in the Haven, we went to great lengths to keep her occupied, engaged and generally as well behaved as a 2 year old can be. We wanted to make sure that everyone else who was in the Haven didn't have their experience ruined by our 2 year old. I probably shouldn't have been so worried about it...it is obvious that NCL built this boat and the Haven area knowing that it was going to be occupied by families. I would venture that 75% of the rooms in the Haven are 2 Bedroom Family Villas. Please correct me if I am wrong. So it would seem that Families are the target audience in the Haven??

 

I took our 2 year old into the Haven pool 2 times. She was well behaved...but she was laughing and having fun in the pool. There were several 8 to 10 year old kids in the Haven pool many times jumping and yelling....didn't bother me at all. I was getting dirty looks from a few people every time I took my daughter near the pool. Not many people...just a couple of them. What am I missing? What do you expect on a family line, during summer time, in a family targeted area? If you don't want kids around, shouldn't you book on Celebrity, Crystal or Silversea?

 

We went to the Haven restaurant loaded with things to occupy my daughter out of respect for other people's experience....Ipad with movies, DVD player for more movies, kindle with games...all sound turned off. One older gentleman had the audacity to state during breakfast loudly enough for my mother and sister to hear..."look what a spoiled brat", "she is too young to be in here". They didn't tell me until later...good thing as I don't know that I could have held my tongue. That really upset me, as I felt we were going out of our way to try and keep her occupied so that everyone else could have a good experience. She doesn't normally sit at the table with an Ipad or kindle, but she was out of her element and we were trying to be good neighbors. That being said, the staff really went above and beyond in catering to the kids...and it really seemed genuine.

 

I really would like some input from people here. Am I wrong?

 

if you bring technology to the table folks will often say "rotting their brains" and "giving children $100. computers is crazy" but they dont know (in our case) DD is not allowed screen time everyday and its a special treat.

 

you cant please some people - if you entertain with crayons and books they say "look at them cluttering up the table"

 

and if you brought nothing to the table and your little one started to hum they'd go "so rude to be making noise"

 

if your child sat too quietly with hands folded theyd probably whisper wonder if shes abused lol!

 

some people also can not understand why one would choose to "burden" oneself with the "trouble" of a child on a vacation - so they wonder why you didnt leave them home.

 

once your child isnt being loud or annoying. and is sat up as quiet as an adult (and more calm than some tables of college aged partiers) try not to let it ruin your day. everyone is different and you cant please them all.

[Geauxboy]

Great review. We're in 15114 on B2B cruises this Sep and can't wait. Thanks for posting...

 

 

My bride and I will be in that same room after y'all... Please don't trash it!!

 

Enjoying the review so far

 

 

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[lawbird]

Specialty Dining: We received credit for dinner for 2 at Italian, Cagney's and French. We wanted to use them all. Had Lucky bring dinner to the room because we didn't want to do a long sit down with the 2 year old. Lucky was great...even brought an extra steak from Cagney's for my 16 year old. Only downside was that it was all brought at once. It was still good. Favorite was the Italian, though I think if we actually went to the restaurants Cagney's would have been tops...steak had cooled off a bit by the time we got to eat it. French was 3rd, but only because that kind of cuisine is just not my favorite. However, the crème brulle from the French restaurant was the best dessert on the trip.

 

Others in our group went to the specialty restaurants listed above. They enjoyed them all. They did have a problem getting reservations. Had to go extremely early because "they were all booked". Evidently the restaurants were 1/2 full when they got there and 1/2 full when they left. So it isn't a seating problem...may be a staffing problem??

[jbitzer]

So my 2 year old is pretty spoiled. There is a big age gap between her and her brother...so even he spoils her. She is the only "baby" we have in the family right now, as her cousin turned 10 today. We dote on her and are very aware that she thinks she is a princess. She is a sweet child but thinks she is the center of the world. We have a fairly large home with open hallways and areas, so she is also used to running and playing.

 

Knowing this, and knowing that we were staying in the Haven, we went to great lengths to keep her occupied, engaged and generally as well behaved as a 2 year old can be. We wanted to make sure that everyone else who was in the Haven didn't have their experience ruined by our 2 year old. I probably shouldn't have been so worried about it...it is obvious that NCL built this boat and the Haven area knowing that it was going to be occupied by families. I would venture that 75% of the rooms in the Haven are 2 Bedroom Family Villas. Please correct me if I am wrong. So it would seem that Families are the target audience in the Haven??

 

I took our 2 year old into the Haven pool 2 times. She was well behaved...but she was laughing and having fun in the pool. There were several 8 to 10 year old kids in the Haven pool many times jumping and yelling....didn't bother me at all. I was getting dirty looks from a few people every time I took my daughter near the pool. Not many people...just a couple of them. What am I missing? What do you expect on a family line, during summer time, in a family targeted area? If you don't want kids around, shouldn't you book on Celebrity, Crystal or Silversea?

 

We went to the Haven restaurant loaded with things to occupy my daughter out of respect for other people's experience....Ipad with movies, DVD player for more movies, kindle with games...all sound turned off. One older gentleman had the audacity to state during breakfast loudly enough for my mother and sister to hear..."look what a spoiled brat", "she is too young to be in here". They didn't tell me until later...good thing as I don't know that I could have held my tongue. That really upset me, as I felt we were going out of our way to try and keep her occupied so that everyone else could have a good experience. She doesn't normally sit at the table with an Ipad or kindle, but she was out of her element and we were trying to be good neighbors. That being said, the staff really went above and beyond in catering to the kids...and it really seemed genuine.

 

I really would like some input from people here. Am I wrong?

 

You asked for input.

 

Well, one of my pet peeves is the proliferation of electronics to help children in social situations. My kids are older 16 & 19 and this influx of electronics was a new thing at that time. We made a conscious decision to never allow electronics at the table- EVER! -- this was back in the early 90's with Gameboys. Was it difficult then? Heck yes! If they couldn't behave, we didn't go or we left- sometimes it was food in a restaurant became food to go. Was it hard? Yes. Did they learn? Yes. Did we learn as parents which situations our kids could or could not do? Yes. Now with cell phone savvy teenagers-the rule still sticks. If any friends of our kids come over for dinner, my kids will tell them NO ELECTRONICS AT THE TABLE! You should see the surprised look of these kids the first time.

 

Yes, I am aware that in some situations electronics are helpful: for example Social Stories for children on the autistic spectrum, hard of hearing, low vision, but on the whole- I feel electronics is over used as a babysitter in restaurants, etc. .

 

As a patron without a two year old,

 

I would appreciate the volume being muted because I don't want to hear it.

 

I also would have appreciated a two year old seated and not running around the restaurant or even saying "hi" to neighbors. I see that many times parents think this running around is "cute" and don't want to stop it. It is hazardous for other patrons or waitstaff when this lovely child is running around.

 

I think in your case with the Ipad, the Kindle and the DVD player at the table all at the same time (did I misinterpret?) could be seen as just "too much electronics for one little person " and could be interpreted as spoiled.

 

That being said, all the Haven marketing materials my husband and I received were adult oriented- no mention of family suites or children being welcomed. We interpreted (perhaps wrongly) that this would be similar in scope to the Oasis Solarium -which we loved. We both work stressful jobs so we want a "haven" from the craziness in our lives- and a more child free area. Yes, we know Vibe is an option- but we should not feel obligated to spend in order to enjoy a more peaceful area In my mind I see that 2nd floor of the Haven being our best bet.

 

Of course this is also the argument that the children's programming is available during the cruise as well-- so the kids can go to that, or visit the Spongebob pool.

[lawbird]

You asked for input.

 

Well, one of my pet peeves is the proliferation of electronics to help children in social situations. My kids are older 16 & 19 and this influx of electronics was a new thing at that time. We made a conscious decision to never allow electronics at the table- EVER! -- this was back in the early 90's with Gameboys. Was it difficult then? Heck yes! If they couldn't behave, we didn't go or we left- sometimes it was food in a restaurant became food to go. Was it hard? Yes. Did they learn? Yes. Did we learn as parents which situations our kids could or could not do? Yes. Now with cell phone savvy teenagers-the rule still sticks. If any friends of our kids come over for dinner, my kids will tell them NO ELECTRONICS AT THE TABLE! You should see the surprised look of these kids the first time.

 

Yes, I am aware that in some situations electronics are helpful: for example Social Stories for children on the autistic spectrum, hard of hearing, low vision, but on the whole- I feel electronics is over used as a babysitter in restaurants, etc. .

 

As a patron without a two year old,

 

I would appreciate the volume being muted because I don't want to hear it.

 

I also would have appreciated a two year old seated and not running around the restaurant or even saying "hi" to neighbors. I see that many times parents think this running around is "cute" and don't want to stop it. It is hazardous for other patrons or waitstaff when this lovely child is running around.

 

I think in your case with the Ipad, the Kindle and the DVD player at the table all at the same time (did I misinterpret?) could be seen as just "too much electronics for one little person " and could be interpreted as spoiled.

 

That being said, all the Haven marketing materials my husband and I received were adult oriented- no mention of family suites or children being welcomed. We interpreted (perhaps wrongly) that this would be similar in scope to the Oasis Solarium -which we loved. We both work stressful jobs so we want a "haven" from the craziness in our lives- and a more child free area. Yes, we know Vibe is an option- but we should not feel obligated to spend in order to enjoy a more peaceful area In my mind I see that 2nd floor of the Haven being our best bet.

 

Of course this is also the argument that the children's programming is available during the cruise as well-- so the kids can go to that, or visit the Spongebob pool.

Thank you for your input...I appreciate it.

 

Just to clarify, sound was muted and only one at a time on the table.

 

I agree that the marketing on the Haven may be misleading...I really think it has changed with the newer ships as well...MANY more 2 Bedroom Family Suites. Economics factored in. Many families (some with smaller children) are willing to pay that premium.

 

I was somewhat surprised with the number of 8 to 12 year olds playing in the Haven pool...not that it bothered me at all...it just seems that it would be much more fun for them out at the main pool deck.

 

All things considered, if I was looking for a romantic get away for me and my wife, I would not hesitate to jump on the opportunity to do the Getaway, even during the summer. However, I would factor in the knowledge that I have now and would consider a different time to cruise or a different itinerary. I worry that the kids on the Getaway would make me miss mine that much more!!

[lawbird]

if you bring technology to the table folks will often say "rotting their brains" and "giving children $100. computers is crazy" but they dont know (in our case) DD is not allowed screen time everyday and its a special treat.

 

you cant please some people - if you entertain with crayons and books they say "look at them cluttering up the table"

 

and if you brought nothing to the table and your little one started to hum they'd go "so rude to be making noise"

 

if your child sat too quietly with hands folded theyd probably whisper wonder if shes abused lol!

 

some people also can not understand why one would choose to "burden" oneself with the "trouble" of a child on a vacation - so they wonder why you didnt leave them home.

 

once your child isnt being loud or annoying. and is sat up as quiet as an adult (and more calm than some tables of college aged partiers) try not to let it ruin your day. everyone is different and you cant please them all.

Good points all around...thanks for the response!!

[lawbird]

NO...not at all!

Unfortunately there are still those that think the Haven space is - or should be - "adult only". But is isn't...so you daughter is just a welcome as they are! :)

Thanks!!

[Vicki'sMom]

lawbird: Loving your review! We'll be on the Getaway 2/28/2015 - in an H6. I love the Aft balconies and we'll get our exercise walking to the Haven! lol

 

 

Hey, Joe (ictcruiser) - we'll see y'all in the Haven! ;)

[ictcruiser]

We have 2 small boys and I totally understand the technology sitter method and it saved me when traveling with my boys as a solo parent on a recent airline when my wife couldn't travel at same time due to work. We all have to consider the times we travel and the method if you do a booze cruise or an adults only cruise there is always gonna be "THOSE PEOPLE" that drive you bonkers. I always appreciate a parent who does the best to keep their kiddos in check. When we last cruised our son was 2 and when he would cry in our cabin I would put him in the stroller and go walk the deck till he was in sleepy town! I think you did a great job with your 2 year old to try to respect others around you. There will always be the baby Scrooge on any trip unfortunately and we as Dads have to keep a cool head even when it's no fun!! Thanks again for your review and for opening the can of worms some are afraid to open...

 

Joe

 

 

Joe (ICT Cruiser) going mobile from the CC iPhone app :-)

[lawbird]

lawbird: Loving your review! We'll be on the Getaway 2/28/2015 - in an H6. I love the Aft balconies and we'll get our exercise walking to the Haven! lol

 

 

Hey' date=' Joe (ictcruiser) - we'll see y'all in the Haven! ;)[/quote']

I hope you have a magnificent time! That should be a nice "Getaway" from the February weather!

[lawbird]

We have 2 small boys and I totally understand the technology sitter method and it saved me when traveling with my boys as a solo parent on a recent airline when my wife couldn't travel at same time due to work. We all have to consider the times we travel and the method if you do a booze cruise or an adults only cruise there is always gonna be "THOSE PEOPLE" that drive you bonkers. I always appreciate a parent who does the best to keep their kiddos in check. When we last cruised our son was 2 and when he would cry in our cabin I would put him in the stroller and go walk the deck till he was in sleepy town! I think you did a great job with your 2 year old to try to respect others around you. There will always be the baby Scrooge on any trip unfortunately and we as Dads have to keep a cool head even when it's no fun!! Thanks again for your review and for opening the can of worms some are afraid to open...

 

Joe

 

 

Joe (ICT Cruiser) going mobile from the CC iPhone app :-)

Thanks for the positive feedback. Have fun in February. Again, please ask me any questions that may come up.

[SFO-F/A]

I'm granny age and think you are a very responsible parent. I would be happy to share the Haven with you and your family.

 

Unfortunately, not all parents are like you. An example is the lack of supervision of the 8-12 year olds running wild in the pool area.

 

It's funny, I think of the word "Haven" as meaning a restful spot to retreat to away from the crowd. Since the Haven is a small place within a huge ship, the name fits. However, from what I read the common area doesn't appear to be restful.

 

NCL has chosen to promote the Haven as a family area, with the two bedroom suites. I think many people don't realize that when they book, and are therefore surprised to see so many children up there.

[happy cruzin]

lawbird: Loving your review! We'll be on the Getaway 2/28/2015 - in an H6. I love the Aft balconies and we'll get our exercise walking to the Haven! lol

 

 

Hey' date=' Joe (ictcruiser) - we'll see y'all in the Haven! ;)[/quote']

 

 

Exactly us...except a couple of week before (2/7/15)! ;)

[Vicki'sMom]

Exactly us...except a couple of week before (2/7/15)! ;)

 

Awesome! I hope you'll have time to post about your cruise before we leave for Miami! ;)

[ictcruiser]

Thanks for the positive feedback. Have fun in February. Again, please ask me any questions that may come up.

 

 

You are welcome and I'm sure I will have a few more for you!!

 

 

Joe (ICT Cruiser) going mobile from the CC iPhone app :-)

[BACON227]

Bacon227....the breakfast menu in the Haven is a full menu. From omelettes, French toast, pancakes, waffles, eggs any style, steak and eggs. There is also a self serve breakfast bar with cereals, oatmeal, fruits, yogurt, breads, etc.

 

As far as dinner, I believe that you can order anything from the main dining room menus...I didn't try, but they brought my brother a desert that wasn't on the Haven menu. The Haven menu stays the same...there may be one nightly special, but I honestly don't remember. We ate in the Haven for dinner 3 nights...one was Lobster night, the other 2 I just tried different items on the menu. We had credits for 3 specialty restaurants, so we had those brought to the room (couldn't pass up the free deal). One night we went to Taste...nice change up...food was good, great view...but the staff, while friendly and fine, couldn't compare to the staff at the Haven restaurant.

 

As far as lunch, I didn't actually go into the restaurant for lunch (my mom did and enjoyed it). But we did do the Haven pool side lunch. It was a limited menu....wraps, hot dog, may have been a burger, onion rings...good pool side grub with friendly service.

 

If anything else comes to mind on the menus, I will post. But please ask me any more questions you may have.

 

Sounds great.......thanks for the answers.........

[BACON227]

I just returned from the same cruise and sailed in a Haven Spa Suite. we were a group of 4 and had neighboring suites. You will absolutley love the Haven Spa Suite . Our stateroom attendant was Made and our butler was Dilip. Both were phenomenal! I think the best part of the suite was the bed. The best bed I have ever slept in. It is so comfy I asked the hotel director, Sean, how to get one for home and he got me the contact info. Access to the Spa amenities was also nice. It was the first time I had ever used them and found it to be quite peaceful. We used the Haven restaurant and pool area a few times but did not have quite as glowing an experience as the OP. Yes you can order from other menus while in the Haven but the crew on this ship was hesitant to do it for you. One afternoon we had to be rather persistent to get the O'Sheenans menu delivered to us out at the pool so we could order lunch. After speaking with three people we finally got approval from a supervisor to get a menu. We tried to utilize the concierge, Ruth, but twice she told us she was too busy. When she did have one of her assistants help us, the reservation was messed up. The food in the Haven restaurant for breakfast and lunch was good but lots of service issues. Food would be ordered but not received even after asking for it a second or third time. DH and I have cruised in the Haven several times but the couple with us had not. They thouroughly enjoyed the experience even though we would have given it only a 3 out of 5 star experience because we knew what a great Haven experience is like having sailed on the Epic twice with Adrien as our Concierge plus the great Concierges on the Gem and the Jewel.

 

The breakfast menu in the Haven has a wide selection to include the items you mentioned plus a few more. You can also ask for variations too. I personally like the chocolate croissants and some type of almond croissants. Dilip delivered a plate of them and a pitcher of OJ to my room so I could have them in the morning when I didn't want to visit the restaurant. Take note though, the spa suite doesn't really have a table big enough for in suite dining. I have cruised on Celebrity before in a suite but not aqua class. I will tell you that my average experience on the ship still surpassed my suite experience on Celebrity. You will enjoy the pampering! Also, if you like the desserts at the specialty restaurants you can ask for them to be delivered to your room for no extra charge. While the whole meal would cost you, something like the Oreo Cheesecake from Cagney's would be complimentary. Just ask your butler. Plus the daily treats delivered to your suite can be changed if you want something different. For example, we don't care much for the standard treats so we asked for salty things like potato chips and pretzdl rolls. We also received some M&Ms and gummy bears which were nice for the occassional sweet snack. Enjoy yourself in October!

 

NexT thanks for the tip regarding ordering desserts from the specialty restaurants.....the Oreo cheesecake sounds delicious..........do they give you a list of the treats and snacks that you can choose from........I've read from some people on here that you can request chocolate covered strawberries......was that an option........the more I read the more excited I am getting.......

[BACON227]

Sorry meant BecT......darn auto correct again

[PathfinderEss]

Thanks for your nice review and no I don't think you were wrong.

[BecT]

NexT thanks for the tip regarding ordering desserts from the specialty restaurants.....R Oreo cheesecake sounds delicious..........do they give you a list of the treats and snacks that you can choose from........I've read from some people on here that you can request chocolate covered strawberries......was that an option........the more I read the more excited I am getting.......

 

They don't give you a list of treats or snacks to choose from. It's just one of those things you have to "be in the know" about. Most of what we learned came from speaking with some really good butlers and concierges. As one concierge once told us, "if it's on the ship, I can get it for you." We never asked for anything outrageous, but I heard of some pretty outrageous requests that had been honored. I think if you speak with your butler he can arrange for some complimentary chocolte covered strawberries. We received them 3 times during the cruise. I am not sure if it was becasue we were in a suite, platinum, or gifts from the casino. They showed up in both cabins each time. We were on the Sky and had the chocolate fondue and fruit delivered which was also tasty. On the Epic last year, my sister came with us who has a sensitivity to gluten and corn products. She was able to arrange for a variety of fruits, cheeses, and whipped cream to be placed in the suite. In the suite restaurant they allowed her to review the ingredients off the packaging so she could see if she could eat it. She was also able to have the bread from Modernos delivered to La Cucina. My brother was once able to get tortilla chips and salsa delivered to Modernos on night. I don't know how it came about but it was arranged by a concierge.

 

My advice to you is to ask. A really good Butler and Concierge can make your vacation all the more memorable. Remember the most that can happen is they say no, the best that can happen is they say yes! To us it's all the special attention to little details that makes staying in the haven suites such a nice pampering experience. Make sure you take the time to meet Sean the hotel director. He is such a nice man and he really wants you to enjoy yourself. We originally met him on the Star. It was nice to see him again on the Getaway. When he found out the couple travelling with us was on their honeymoon, he arranged for a bottle of wine along with a beautiful towel arrangement that included rose petals to be placed on their bed that evening.

 

Another tip is to use your precruise concierge perk. We always send an email vs. phone call that way everything is clearly written And then I bring a hard copy of it to verify with the concierge and butler. Sometimes things get lost in translation and it's easier for them to meet your requests when it is written down. We always have the refrigerator emptied and a couple extra pillows put in the room ( I bring a body pillowcase with me to make a body pillow). I also make our dinner and entertainment arrangements at the same time. If you plan to eat at a specialty dining room you don't have to pay ahead of time when arranged this way. That way you can use any OBC you may have for it. Enjoy your cruise!