New to ncl: ? re allergies, service, experience (Suites)

[quandrea]

Hi. I just booked a 2BR 2Bath suite on the Norwegian Star for May of 2016 for the Baltic and Russia. Love the itinerary. The deal was wonderful--reduced deposit, all inclusive (got all the perks they were offering on promotion) and we will have suite privileges.

 

I am reconsidering our decision however. My daughter has a life threatening allergy to peanuts. NCL says they will accommodate her but I have read some horror stories about NCL and allergies since booking.

 

I've also read about smoking being really bad on the ships, so much so that balconies are not usable. Service is poor, ships are dirty, nickel and diming, food is terrible in the main dining room and only passable in the other dining venues...I could go on.

 

Others sing the praises of the ncl suite life. I know the Star does not have the Haven, but they seem to have their own area still and lots of extras.

 

We have sailed Cunard and Celebrity as a family. Will we be comfortable and happy in the suites of NCL?

Edited May 3, 2015 by quandrea

[Carnac767]

I can't address the allergies issues but the other things you've been reading are a load rubbish. We've never experienced a problem with people smoking on their balcony, even when it was allowed. Our service has been excellent, the ships have been clean, and the food has been quite good. Eight cruises on NCL and I've gotten excellent value for my money on every one. The two-bedroom suite is terrific. Our Baltic cruise was one of the best experiences of my life.

[herdingdogmom]

We are going on this cruise next week in a suite. We have been on the Star twice before. Service has been good. Smoking hasn't been an issue. We just stay away from the casino and the smoking area on the pool deck. You have a balcony neighbor on just one side in those suites.

 

There is no separate suite area on the Star unless you upgrade to one of the Garden Villas. Breakfast and lunch in Cagney's is a nice break from the buffet, but the hours and menu choices are limited.

 

The food is fine - there are a lot of choices if you don't care for your first choice. I suggest working with the access desk and restaurant staff on board about the peanut allergy. Also, be sure to let your butler know about the allergy so all snacks are safe.

Edited May 3, 2015 by herdingdogmom

[quandrea]

Thanks for the replies. It sounds encouraging. About no separate area for suites--the reservation agent told me there was an area--perhaps she was mistaken or maybe one was added when the Star was in drydock? How do I access all the info on what is on offer to suite guests? I didn't find anything comprehensive on the website. I will contact the access department about the allergy and we will just keep her meals simple. We always steer clear of salads and baked goods regardless--those are the worst offenders. We have done the Baltic cruise in 2010 and it was wonderful--with Celebrity. That is why we are going again. There is so much to see.

[ColinIllinois]

This may be helpful for you...

 

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

[cigarboo]

Below is the email I received from the access desk as a result of my son's allergies being noted on the reservation. I have not had problems in the past with his allergies on NCL. You do need to pre-order your meals if you want it to be prepared special.

 

<accessdesk@ncl.com> wrote:

 

Thank you for choosing Norwegian Cruise Line.

 

Food Allergy (Allergic to Dairy, Eggs and Nuts)

 

Although it is not mandatory, if this request is due to a medical condition, please contact our Access Desk by filling out the attached form and sending it back to us (accessdesk@ncl.com or fax 305.468.2171). This is to ensure that the ship staff is aware of any Medical condition, in the event of an emergency.

 

Please be advised that we are able to provide assistance for guests with food allergies. The information you provide will be noted and forwarded to the dining staff, as well as the medical staff onboard. Guest with Epi-pens should carry them and not check it in with their luggage.

 

The Chefs prepare all food for guests with food allergies separate from all other food. They are able to make modifications to most meals on the menu or create new meals that are not on the menu. They wait staff will be able to advise what the meal contains and identify safe meal choices. All dining venues can accommodate allergies, however we do not recommend eating at the buffet.

 

 

Upon embarkation, we ask that guests meet with the Restaurant Manager for arrangements and to go over their dietary needs. The Restaurant Manager can be reached at the Reception Desk.

 

Guests may only bring non-perishable, pre-packaged, prepared snacks to be stored in the guest’s cabin (juice boxes, cookies, crackers, etc.). Guests cannot bring pre-cooked food (in any stage: frozen, chilled, etc.), food that needs to be cooked/prepared, processed or stored by ship staff.

When traveling, a passenger and treating physician should consider the following carefully before any cruise:

1) There is no Allergist available on the ship.

2) Medical conditions, when unstable and poorly controlled, are potentially life threatening, especially without back up.

3) These conditions should first be stabilized prior to embarking on a cruise, where a Guest may be at sea for several days without any immediate hospital and or specialist back up.

4) Prior to any travel, we strongly suggest that Guests contact their own Health Insurance carrier to determine what benefits they carry… particularly their benefits for Medical Providers outside of the United States, as well as available Air-Ambulance and Repatriation benefits. In fact, for short trips, any traveler is well advised to purchase Travel Health Insurance with defined out-of country Treatment and Repatriation benefits… even if this coverage might be redundant.

However, we cannot assure anyone that foods can be guaranteed to be 100% safe from contamination with food allergens. We can, and will, make every effort to continue to provide our Guests with the support that they require to experience and safe and uneventful voyage, as evidenced by the correspondence currently taking place!

Lastly if at all possible please complete and return the attached form no later than 5 days prior to your cruise .

Have a great cruise, and thank you for choosing Norwegian Cruise Line!!

[cadien]

Thanks for the replies. It sounds encouraging. About no separate area for suites--the reservation agent told me there was an area--perhaps she was mistaken or maybe one was added when the Star was in drydock? How do I access all the info on what is on offer to suite guests? I didn't find anything comprehensive on the website. I will contact the access department about the allergy and we will just keep her meals simple. We always steer clear of salads and baked goods regardless--those are the worst offenders. We have done the Baltic cruise in 2010 and it was wonderful--with Celebrity. That is why we are going again. There is so much to see.

 

We were in a suite on the Star after the drydock. There is no special general area. The agent may have been thinking of Cagney's or of reserved seating in the theater. But that's it.

 

One caution based on both personal experience and the reviews of others -- the butlers are not reliable about bringing allergy-free snacks regardless of your arrangements or how many times you remind them. You could get a great butler who keeps it in mind but you may not.

 

We really didn't have issues with cleanliness or extra charges. It would have been nice if the fresh-squeezed juice station in the buffet had some sort of sign indicating it wasn't complementary, but it wasn't an unreasonable cost for what you receive. Just an extra trip to get my card after he'd made the drink.

[Carnac767]

I forgot to mention that on our most recent cruise on Gem, every time we ordered a meal in any restaurant, our server asked if anyone in our party had any food allergies.

[bla1yne]

"Eats, Treats and Libations

Champagne, custom selection of liquor**, fruit, bottled water and sodas"

Above quote from website, does this mean sodas will be available in room complimentary the entire cruise?

[cadien]

"Eats, Treats and Libations

Champagne, custom selection of liquor**, fruit, bottled water and sodas"

Above quote from website, does this mean sodas will be available in room complimentary the entire cruise?

 

Yes. Pepsi products in cans.

[triptolemus]

"Eats, Treats and Libations

Champagne, custom selection of liquor**, fruit, bottled water and sodas"

Above quote from website, does this mean sodas will be available in room complimentary the entire cruise?

 

No, not in the penthouses. Read the fine print on the bottom of the page.

[bskmom]

My daughter also has a peanut allergy and many other allergies. We have always had exceptional service from NCL regarding this! Fill out the form for access desk, but most importantly meet with the food and beverage manager upon boarding. I understand how important this is. Good luck

 

Patti

[quandrea]

Below is the email I received from the access desk as a result of my son's allergies being noted on the reservation. I have not had problems in the past with his allergies on NCL. You do need to pre-order your meals if you want it to be prepared special.

 

<accessdesk@ncl.com> wrote:

 

Thank you for choosing Norwegian Cruise Line.

 

Food Allergy (Allergic to Dairy, Eggs and Nuts)

 

Although it is not mandatory, if this request is due to a medical condition, please contact our Access Desk by filling out the attached form and sending it back to us (accessdesk@ncl.com or fax 305.468.2171). This is to ensure that the ship staff is aware of any Medical condition, in the event of an emergency.

 

Please be advised that we are able to provide assistance for guests with food allergies. The information you provide will be noted and forwarded to the dining staff, as well as the medical staff onboard. Guest with Epi-pens should carry them and not check it in with their luggage.

 

The Chefs prepare all food for guests with food allergies separate from all other food. They are able to make modifications to most meals on the menu or create new meals that are not on the menu. They wait staff will be able to advise what the meal contains and identify safe meal choices. All dining venues can accommodate allergies, however we do not recommend eating at the buffet.

 

 

Upon embarkation, we ask that guests meet with the Restaurant Manager for arrangements and to go over their dietary needs. The Restaurant Manager can be reached at the Reception Desk.

 

Guests may only bring non-perishable, pre-packaged, prepared snacks to be stored in the guest’s cabin (juice boxes, cookies, crackers, etc.). Guests cannot bring pre-cooked food (in any stage: frozen, chilled, etc.), food that needs to be cooked/prepared, processed or stored by ship staff.

When traveling, a passenger and treating physician should consider the following carefully before any cruise:

1) There is no Allergist available on the ship.

2) Medical conditions, when unstable and poorly controlled, are potentially life threatening, especially without back up.

3) These conditions should first be stabilized prior to embarking on a cruise, where a Guest may be at sea for several days without any immediate hospital and or specialist back up.

4) Prior to any travel, we strongly suggest that Guests contact their own Health Insurance carrier to determine what benefits they carry… particularly their benefits for Medical Providers outside of the United States, as well as available Air-Ambulance and Repatriation benefits. In fact, for short trips, any traveler is well advised to purchase Travel Health Insurance with defined out-of country Treatment and Repatriation benefits… even if this coverage might be redundant.

However, we cannot assure anyone that foods can be guaranteed to be 100% safe from contamination with food allergens. We can, and will, make every effort to continue to provide our Guests with the support that they require to experience and safe and uneventful voyage, as evidenced by the correspondence currently taking place!

Lastly if at all possible please complete and return the attached form no later than 5 days prior to your cruise .

Have a great cruise, and thank you for choosing Norwegian Cruise Line!!

 

We noted the allergy but didn't get the email. I will follow up.

[Linda the Book Lover]

we sailed the Star immediately after her dry dock. The DSD has allergies and she was asked at the meals. We usually had breakfast and lunch in Cagneys and also room service. Our room steward made sure she had a certain pillow for her feather allergy. NCL was accommodating on all fronts.

[Orleanscruiser]

Hi. I just booked a 2BR 2Bath suite on the Norwegian Star for May of 2016 for the Baltic and Russia. Love the itinerary. The deal was wonderful--reduced deposit, all inclusive (got all the perks they were offering on promotion) and we will have suite privileges.

 

I am reconsidering our decision however. My daughter has a life threatening allergy to peanuts. NCL says they will accommodate her but I have read some horror stories about NCL and allergies since booking.

 

I've also read about smoking being really bad on the ships, so much so that balconies are not usable. Service is poor, ships are dirty, nickel and diming, food is terrible in the main dining room and only passable in the other dining venues...I could go on.

 

Others sing the praises of the ncl suite life. I know the Star does not have the Haven, but they seem to have their own area still and lots of extras.

 

We have sailed Cunard and Celebrity as a family. Will we be comfortable and happy in the suites of NCL?

 

From NCL website

Important Information for Guests with Special Needs

 

The fun and excitement of Freestyle cruising should be able to be enjoyed by everyone. That's why we are committed to providing all of our guests the freedom of choice to cruise your way.

 

In order to accomplish that goal, Norwegian Cruise Line has a seasoned group of cruise professionals who are specifically trained to meet your needs through our dedicated toll free number for accessible travel (866-584-9756). Norwegian Cruise Line's team of Access Coordinators at the Access Desk have experience in furthering Norwegian Cruise Line's mission to provide a safe and accessible cruise experience for all guests with special requirements to the extent that is feasible. The Access Desk Coordinators will discuss with you your needs and expectations for your cruising experience. You or your travel agent will be contacted so that we can try to meet your needs prior to your cruise as soon as we receive your Special Accommodation Requirements Information form available from our Access Desk. Norwegian Cruise Line has Access Officers who will be the primary go to person for all of your needs.

 

In order to make your cruise experience as enjoyable as possible and so that we can try to meet your specific needs, call 1-866-584-9756 (voice), fax (305) 468-2171, send an email to accessdesk@ncl.com or have your travel agent contact us. Special Assistance Level and Type of Assistance

Every person with a challenge or disability is different and you are the best judge of any special assistance you may require. Norwegian Cruise Line has specially trained employees to answer your questions before and during your cruise or to resolve any issue that may arise relating to travel with Norwegian Cruise Line. Norwegian Cruise Line also has a centralized internal corporate resolution staff to assist vessel personnel, available by telephone 24 hours a day. If we are doing more or less than you need, please let us know.

 

 

The fun and excitement of Freestyle cruising should be able to be enjoyed by everyone. That's why we are committed to providing all of our guests the freedom of choice to cruise your way.

 

Special Medical Dietary Requirements and Diabetes

 

Guest with food allergies should contact the Access Desk to discuss Norwegian Cruise Line's policies and procedures concerning special diets and your specific allergies prior to your cruise. Because the vessels are supplied all over the world, it may be easier to meet your specific food allergy requirements in some countries, but very difficult in others. We can arrange to have no sugar and low sodium meals for guests with those specific medical dietary restrictions upon request. Refrigerators are available in many staterooms for storing insulin

[Orleanscruiser]

"Eats, Treats and Libations

Champagne, custom selection of liquor**, fruit, bottled water and sodas"

Above quote from website, does this mean sodas will be available in room complimentary the entire cruise?

 

only for Haven and owner's suite

[marelind]

only for Haven and owner's suite

 

I would say only Owner's Suites, Deluxe Owner's Suites and Garden Villas include sodas and bottled water, also a choice of bottles of liquor (3 for OS and DOS; 6 for GV).

 

We were just on the Star and have taken 11 cruises on Norwegian all in suites. We have only had one time when we were bothered by cigarette smoke and it was in a forward OS and it was the cabin below. We could not figure out how the smoke made it into our cabin, but it was intermittent and we dealt with it.

 

Food is very subjective, but we have found the MDR food to be pretty good. We eat in the MDR about 60% of the time and the rest in specialty restaurants. Basically, I think if you look for it you will see the places where the carpeting is a little worn or the upholstery has a stain, but if you keep your eyes on the ocean and focus on having fun, I think you'll love the Star.

 

Each cruise line has different pros and cons. Your experience will be different on Norwegian than Cunard and Celebrity. I hope you like the Suite Life; we do!

[fshagan]

I am reconsidering our decision however. My daughter has a life threatening allergy to peanuts. NCL says they will accommodate her but I have read some horror stories about NCL and allergies since booking.

 

I've also read about smoking being really bad on the ships, so much so that balconies are not usable. Service is poor, ships are dirty, nickel and diming, food is terrible in the main dining room and only passable in the other dining venues...I could go on.

 

We cruised with a celiac and while her allergies were not as serious as your daughter's, we were impressed with the care taken by NCL. She had contacted NCL beforehand, and every server when we were with her, from the very first lunch seating in Cagney's, verified that she needed strictly gluten free foods. I have never heard of complaints in this area, either.

 

NCL banned smoking on balconies a few months ago, so that should not be an issue. On the Star, I think the only smoking allowed is in the casino and on one side of the pool deck. It is very easy to avoid once you know those two locations (there may be third; I seem to remember a "cigar bar" at the top of the pool deck, but that may be closed now).

[dexddd]

Thanks for the replies. It sounds encouraging. About no separate area for suites--the reservation agent told me there was an area--perhaps she was mistaken or maybe one was added when the Star was in drydock? How do I access all the info on what is on offer to suite guests? I didn't find anything comprehensive on the website. I will contact the access department about the allergy and we will just keep her meals simple. We always steer clear of salads and baked goods regardless--those are the worst offenders. We have done the Baltic cruise in 2010 and it was wonderful--with Celebrity. That is why we are going again. There is so much to see.

 

We've been on the Star twice and also did the Baltics but on the Sun. Not sure what space would be separate other than Cagneys for breakfast and lunch. Not heard of any other change for a separate area so pretty sure that is mis-information.

 

There would be a separate area for check-in though before you get on the ship.

[quandrea]

I would say only Owner's Suites, Deluxe Owner's Suites and Garden Villas include sodas and bottled water, also a choice of bottles of liquor (3 for OS and DOS; 6 for GV).

 

We were just on the Star and have taken 11 cruises on Norwegian all in suites. We have only had one time when we were bothered by cigarette smoke and it was in a forward OS and it was the cabin below. We could not figure out how the smoke made it into our cabin, but it was intermittent and we dealt with it.

 

Food is very subjective, but we have found the MDR food to be pretty good. We eat in the MDR about 60% of the time and the rest in specialty restaurants. Basically, I think if you look for it you will see the places where the carpeting is a little worn or the upholstery has a stain, but if you keep your eyes on the ocean and focus on having fun, I think you'll love the Star.

 

Each cruise line has different pros and cons. Your experience will be different on Norwegian than Cunard and Celebrity. I hope you like the Suite Life; we do!

 

Thanks. How will ncl be different? We last sailed celebrity and were really disappointed in the product. Poor service, downgraded food, no knowledge where allergies were concerned. Leaves me reluctant to book with them again. Thus I'm exploring ncl.

 

We've been on the Star twice and also did the Baltics but on the Sun. Not sure what space would be separate other than Cagneys for breakfast and lunch. Not heard of any other change for a separate area so pretty sure that is mis-information.

 

There would be a separate area for check-in though before you get on the ship.

 

 

Thanks.

[garnet115]

I forgot to mention that on our most recent cruise on Gem, every time we ordered a meal in any restaurant, our server asked if anyone in our party had any food allergies.

 

This was my experience last summer on the Breakaway when traveling with my brother-in-law who has some food alergies. He was very impressed with the care that they took with his food. There were times that the waiter would come back an apologize for a long wait, but indicated it was because his food had to be specially prepared away from the other food.

[52marv]

We sailed in a 2 bed 2 bath family suite on the Getaway and had a wonderful time. My daughter has allergies to Shellfish, Fish, Avocado and Tree Nuts.

 

We let NCL know about the allergies on the Access Form and in response to the Concierge letter.

 

The maitre d' in the Haven Restaurant, who's lovely and extremely helpful on the Getaway, was notified and contacted us ahead of time. When we arrived she sat down with us to arrange my daughter's meals for the first day, in the Haven and at every venue on the ship. Every day at breakfast, or at our leisure, she met with us to pre order dinner. She brought us the menu from the restaurant we wanted for that day and then she called the chef at that restaurant and had everything ready when we arrived. Any thing is possible and NCL is very proactive about protecting your allergy person.

 

Enjoy your trip!

[npater]

My husband has a severe allergy to tree nuts and yes he was taken care of very well. The head waiter would come over and my husband would pick the next day's menu. Even the specialty restaurants took care of him.

[jusstice]

I have an allergy to shellfish. Sometimes contact is enough to break out in itchy hives, heaven help me if there is steamed lobster, and well ingesting it would be bad. I carry my Epi-pen and some benadryl for any mild reactions, like when the DH decides to eat the shrimp cocktail and then plant a kiss on me.

 

When staying in suite or Haven, I mentioned it on the first day, and it was noted for the rest of the cruise.

 

I ate in the specialties and they are very good when I mentioned the allergy. At the Teppanyaki they made my meal (steak) somewhere else. Very sad actually because it wasn't the same cut of meat that I should have gotten, but they take no chances.

 

I have never had an issue with the care or concern of the staff on NCL, once they are informed. The canapes that get delivered to the room, I just don't touch. Sometimes the butler remembered, sometimes not, but no guarantee they were delivered by the butler.

[quandrea]

I have an allergy to shellfish. Sometimes contact is enough to break out in itchy hives, heaven help me if there is steamed lobster, and well ingesting it would be bad. I carry my Epi-pen and some benadryl for any mild reactions, like when the DH decides to eat the shrimp cocktail and then plant a kiss on me.

 

When staying in suite or Haven, I mentioned it on the first day, and it was noted for the rest of the cruise.

 

I ate in the specialties and they are very good when I mentioned the allergy. At the Teppanyaki they made my meal (steak) somewhere else. Very sad actually because it wasn't the same cut of meat that I should have gotten, but they take no chances.

 

I have never had an issue with the care or concern of the staff on NCL, once they are informed. The canapes that get delivered to the room, I just don't touch. Sometimes the butler remembered, sometimes not, but no guarantee they were delivered by the butler.

 

We sailed in a 2 bed 2 bath family suite on the Getaway and had a wonderful time. My daughter has allergies to Shellfish, Fish, Avocado and Tree Nuts.

 

We let NCL know about the allergies on the Access Form and in response to the Concierge letter.

 

The maitre d' in the Haven Restaurant, who's lovely and extremely helpful on the Getaway, was notified and contacted us ahead of time. When we arrived she sat down with us to arrange my daughter's meals for the first day, in the Haven and at every venue on the ship. Every day at breakfast, or at our leisure, she met with us to pre order dinner. She brought us the menu from the restaurant we wanted for that day and then she called the chef at that restaurant and had everything ready when we arrived. Any thing is possible and NCL is very proactive about protecting your allergy person.

 

Enjoy your trip!

 

This all sounds very promising. I received a quote from princess today--$22000 for a two week Baltic. Norwegian is more our price point. I can book with Crystal for $24000 and that is all inclusive with a huge,shipboard credit. Norwegian is looking better and better. I don't understand how princess can quote what they do. Celebrity always,comes in much lower than princess but I always thought they were a,comparable product. Anyway, a suite on Norwegian is looking good. I'm looking for decent service, a clean room, tasty food and attention to the allergies. I don't need six star service. We shall see.