Considering a cruise.....

[Ashcan Bill]

Originally Posted by Dave128

Thanks for all of the recommendations, guys.

We've been on quite a few cruises and usually either book an excursion or head out to a local beach on our own. We've never been to these ports, so I think it will be a mix of beach time and sightseeing. I'm intrigued by James' recommendations in San Juan. I will most definitely bring this to my wife's attention.

On a side note, we pulled the trigger last night and booked a Haven room. I'm gonna be pampered for ten days! The room comes with all of the specialty restaurants and the ultimate beverage package included in the price. I'm pretty sure the butler even presses and starches your underpants. I'm gonna be full of good food and drunk the entire cruise!

Thanks again, fellas.

Originally Posted by Porch Dweller

Nice, Dave! The wife and I have been looking into those Haven Suites, but we want to do it when we have some more family and friends to go along and enjoy it with. And trying to get everyone on the same page is like herding oiled cats. Maybe in 2017...

After your cruise I'd be curious to hear your thoughts on the Haven.

The Haven Suites differ from ship to ship. In all cases you get an amazing cabin and service. The difference is some ships actually have a private area only accessible to Haven passengers, while on some ships it's simply a very upgraded cabin and overall experience.

The last time we cruised NCL, we stayed in a Haven Suite on the Pearl which had the private Haven area. The area included a separate pool with a retractable glass cover on top of the ship, separate sun area, separate hot tub, luxurious furniture around the pool - all in all a really unforgettable experience. I've looked into some other NCL ships and found while they offer Haven Suites, they don't all have the private Haven area.

I told the butler to stay the hell away from my underpants for his own good. The wife used him more than I did. They bring you a snack each afternoon. Will serve meals in your cabin if you want. Will bring you DVDs. Pretty much will do whatever you want them to do. They each cover a number of cabins though so they keep pretty busy. We were really low maintenance for him.

One of the perks I really enjoyed was daily breakfast in Cagny's Steakhouse. Steak and eggs, French Press coffee - those were the days.