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I desperately long for the day I can start a blog post without any kind of disclaimer, like this one, that this trip was pre-COVID. This was, in fact, my first visit to New Orleans in early February this year just before things exploded. With that – on to the cabin review:
Let me begin with a quick overview of this cruise before we look at the aft cabin itself that was simply amazing. I normally book a suite (or The Haven) on Norwegian NCL cruises. I love the special attention you get from your Butler, the Concierge as well as all the perks reserved for suite guests.
But this time, as a newly minted Platinum Plus guest, we wanted to see just how big the difference really was. On top of that, the chance to book such a huge aft balcony cabin room was too good to pass up on. Take a look the video review:
With our one step down from top status with NCL we received a lot of perks such as two free specialty restaurant meals. This, in conjuction with the drink and dining package we selected, resulted in almost every night in a specialty restaurant. It felt very much like suite life-lite. On Breakaway class ships the Haven restaurant is so small that I did not miss that either.
So what about the rest. The shows were great and I really did not miss blocked seats as a Haven guest nor the escort to the shows as there was simply lots of space at each event.
I was expecting to have decent contact with the concierge for booking restaurants and such but I have to admit they seemed all but annoyed at my calls. A perk of status, that is not a perk, is no perk. I hope NCL can work on this once life is back to normal.
Overall this Western Caribbean cruise out of New Orleans was a really good time. There were a number of staff we knew well from a number of other cruises and they were so happy to see us and we them. They made us feel welcomed as friends and that is all but impossible to replicate with any perk or privilege.
Bottom line – book this aft ADA room if you can get it and especially so if you need an ADA room. If you don’t need an ADA room book it anyway if open – just know you may have to give it up if someone who needs it also books the same cruise you do! – René
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Very nice review.
What does Plat. Plus get you over being Platinum?
@John – See the link in the post for the chart for the extra perks of Plat+ vs Plat (not THAT much on paper btw). Having said that, a Concierge I really trust and know tells me they have been directed by NCL to show extra special attention to Plat+ and Ambassadors vs the other levels.
Sounds like a great experience, I know we are all looking forward to the days when options to explore return.
I have to say though, while ADA accommodations can be more spacious and have a more open floor plan it can be challenging to those of us who have a disability when ADA options are unavailable because people book them for the very reasons you stated.
I would certainly be in line if a carrier had a priority or verification process when offering these limited accommodations on a needs basis versus general booking.
Access can mean the difference between traveling or not traveling for many people…thankfully I am not in that category and can adapt easily if necessary.
Just a friendly PSA on behalf of the many good people out there who might otherwise experience things we all do.
@HuntingtonGUy – As clearly mentioned in the post and the video, NCL will note if you DO NOT need the room and then they are free to move you (wherever they want) if someone who calls to books needs it i.e. I am not taking an ADA room away from someone. Beyond that, many times, they HOLD ADA rooms till just before sailing and they open up when no one has booked them.
I did miss that, thanks for pointing it out. Glad you had a great cruise and I’m glad they do consider the bigger picture. Thanks.