Sthrngary

Thank you for a great response. Well said. Cruise well

Thank you for the kind words and it was my pleasure. I do the same. My last cruise when I was solo and Haven Lite, I ate in Cagney's three nights. It was great. On the first cruise I took last year, I booked for the first time, Crystal Cruises. 8 days before the cruise my wife got break through covid. I also had Travel Insurance and it made me whole in 15 business days. I hope lots of people read this because that could have been a financial nightmare for both of us. What makes life grand is to look back and remember our past. My children have no idea what it is like not to have things. That is for another posting as well. Butlers are Hit or Miss. Some are better trained then others. Yours missed. This is why I request all items taken out of the fridge on day one. On the carry on, he backed off quick did he not. This kind of stuff happens all the time. NCL needs to know about it. You paid the premium. It would help if they had a complete list of all amenities instead of folks like you and me having to post them. It is like it is all a big secret when it should be common knowledge. Great story and thank you for sharing. You made your cruise positive and memorable. Cruise well.

@Dederee I have done the Thermal Spa many times. I love it. The key is weather for me. If the weather is good and I have to choose, I do the Vibe Beach Club. If the weather is going to Average or Bad, I do the Thermal Spa. Either way you can not go wrong. If you can upgrade to the Haven for $500.00 each, it is the bargain of the century. Usually that upgrade is for a Haven Spa Suite which is not in the Haven Proper. My wife and I really loved that suite which came with a complementary pass to the Thermal Spa. That seems to be the best of both worlds. I get a lot of push back on the Premium Plus Beverage Package but I love it because of the freedom that it provides me. Everything on a Cruise has a premium so it is not about super value. I just want to feel like a Rock Star for 7 days in a year. One day, I was in the Observation Lounge in the early morning. I went to the Starbuck for a cup of nice coffee. I sat in front of the Starbucks. A man and his son came to the Starbucks for a cup of coffee. He has a mixture of cash and credits of some sort and the Starbucks employee could not us it to pay for the coffee. The argument got louder and louder. I was the only person there at the time. I went up to the Starbucks Employee and said, "His coffee and what every his son wants is on me." The Employee looked at me with a look of relief. The Guest instantly chilled out. It did not cost me a cent instead the employee used my Premium Plus package. From that day forward, when I went to Starbucks, early in the morning and the employee saw me, he started to make my coffee before I even got to the counter. He called me by my name and always checked on me. I saw the guest again and this time with his wife. His wife came up to me and thanked me and the gentleman explained why he was so upset that morning. Part of my Haven or Haven Lite experience was to make my cruise great. To do that, I think we all have an obligation to make someone else day. I do this much more for me than for anyone else. That cruise was my one and only solo cruise and I was missing my family. My family is the ones I would look to make happy. This situation gave me an outlet to change my state by changing someone else. Cruise well and remember to enjoy every moment.

@HearthosesteeldrumsplayinGreat to hear from you. I am so envious that you have begun cruising on RSSC. Please when you have some time, compare it to the Haven. Last year, I wanted to do my first Luxury Cruise. I REALLY wanted to go on RSSC. Long story, I got turned off on them because some of the most loyal RSSC client in their private FaceBook group were more than rude. I ended up going on a Crystal Cruise voyage before they went out of business. The Personalized treatment was over the top and so was the food. It just was to soon to cruise and it was a bit boring. That was my fault. As a husband to a wife that sound just like you, the Haven is an awfully nice way to cruise. You only live once. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

About the Author: Gary (sthrngary) writes exclusively about his actual cruise experience. He is known to be truly knowledgeable about the NCL Haven. His writings are never paid for by any company. It is his hobby and passion. Unlike many other op-eds on CruiseCritic.com, Gary will respond to all your questions and all he asks is a like on this main op-ed if you agree it was worthy. Opening: Hello everyone. After my last cruise just few months ago, I have rarely posted or commented. I wanted to give CruiseCritic.com a rest. I review all your comments every day and appreciated what I learned. As some of you noticed, I was asked to update my op-ed on the “Secrets of the NCL Haven.” I did so at the beginning of the year 2022, based on my experience on the NCL Joy, with my family, on the November 26, 2022, sailing. Thanks for the great response to that update. I had such a wonderful time on the NCL Joy, I decided to go on the ship again as a first time Solo Traveler. Now for a bit of transparency, my November 2021 NCL Joy cruise with my family was a new level of expensive. We were not only in the Haven, but we also had one of the two (H2) Deluxe Owners Suites. A true once in a lifetime experience. I did an immensely popular YouTube video on this unique suite. You can imagine how my mind thought about not going in the Haven for my Solo cruise, after that experience. For my solo cruise, I booked a Club Suite which was an incredible bargain. Because of the expense of the Family Cruise as you might expect, my funds were limited. I am also retired which also limits my “Fun Funds” for vacations especially for myself only. This created the notion of a strategy called, “Haven Lite.” Do not anyone get the wrong, I had eight upgrade bids for the Haven on that solo cruise. As a solo cruiser, the rub is you must pay the upgrade bid twice if you win. If you bid $500.00, it cost the solo traveler $1,000.00. This limited my willingness to bid high. More importantly, the Haven Suites were sold out early. This was because NCL cancelled cruise on a large ship that hit a sand bar. All those passengers were given options with the Joy sailing date I was on as on. If those distressed guests had a Haven Suite prior, they had first rights to the Joy’s Haven inventory that was left. The result was a Haven fully booked much earlier then normal. I knew this could happen, so I started planning my “Haven Lite” cruise. The rest of this op-ed will focus on my experience. Remember, your experience will change based on what is most important to you and your family. I guess all you long-time members of CruiseCritic.com know why I made that disclaimer, LOL. Haven Lite Strategy: Goal: Have as close to a Haven Luxury Experience as possible during a cruise without having a Haven Suite. Approach: Utilize all the tools and amenities that NCL offers including but not limited to pre-pay for amenities. Do not forget to leverage the “Free at Sea” promotion as well as any benefits you receive from your credit card provider. Strategy: Below are some the add-ons I purchase to great the Haven Lite experience. Each add-on to a cruise may have some due diligence that needs to be done along with some expense. Some examples are but not limited to the follows: Vibe Beach Club: You cannot prepurchase the Vibe Beach Club. Your strategy must be to get in the Vibe Beach Club line as soon as folks are let onboard. This means you must research where the club passes are being sold and make a run for it. You also must remember each member of your party has to be on the line to get the pass. From a strategy standpoint, the Vibe has a limited set of passes for the week because the daily passes are so much more profitable for NCL. Specialty Restaurants: I always receive the “Free at Sea” promotion that provides me with two (2) specialty restaurants. I book my cruise with my American Express Platinum Card which provides me with “On-Board Credit” and one additional French Restaurant for two. This is a grand total of three (3) specialty restaurants. I then buy a specialty restaurant package with either two (2) or three (3) additional dinners. If I were in the Haven with a Haven Restaurant, I would not buy this additional package. The Specialty restaurants you choose is up to you. We all have our favorites. Premium Plus Beverage Package: To each his own on this package however I aways purchase the “Premium Plus Beverage Package” using the upgrade option when utilizing the “Free at Sea” promotion. Since I am going Haven Lite, I have saved so much money from a Haven fare, this option is reasonable. Many would disagree with this claim but as I said, it is a personal choice. My goal here is to show the many ways I make my cruise as luxurious as possible based on my definition of luxury. The “Plus” package allows me to have very high-end spirits, wines, and French Champagne that I would never purchase at home. Don Julio 1942 tequila is one of my favorites. A bottle, if purchased at a liquor store would cost close to $200.00. The larger bottles are closer to $400.00. On a ship, a shot is $45.00 each. This is just one example of things I have tried and enjoyed while cruising Haven Lite. Now if you do not drink, then take a pass. Remember, this is not about finding a way to justify the upgrade for the “Plus” package. Drink responsible. Unlimited Streaming Internet: The internet on a cruise ship is awful on its best day. I remember when you had to buy it by the minute a decade ago. It was expensive then and now. The “Free at Sea” promotion gives you 250 minutes of normal internet. The upgrade to Unlimited Streaming is about $100.00. If I were in the Haven, I am not sure I would upgrade. Haven Lite, I do it every time. Excursions: Talk about personal choices. My opinion, all cruise excursions are over-priced, lack luster, and underwhelming. The exception is a few cruises in Europe. Over the years I have done most every excursion. Knowing that the value does not meet the investment, I still have some favorites. I have just resolved myself that paying a premium is just the cost of admission. My favorites include: · All Inclusive Over the Water Bungalow: I wish you were at this attraction for more time for the price of $550.00 for two people. The other issue is the horrible 45-minute ride to the location. Past that, this excursion gives everyone what they might want. Food, Drink, Water, and Privacy. For 6 hours you feel like you are on one of those islands that only billionaires can visit. You can also engage with the neighbors who want to be in a group in the water. That is what my wife and I did. We did tequila shots, eat steak/lobster, and floated in the water with our new friends for most of the time at the resort. With all that tequila in our systems, the right back was a gas. · NCL Private Island Beach Villa: The NCL private island is lovely. It is a joint venture with the local government. It looks and feels brand new. You can reserve a Private Beach Villa with golf cart transportation, some soft drinks, butler service, air conditioning, internet and the list goes on. The cost is now $899.00 for all six guests. Not bad if you split it with a group of friends. The kicker is you must pay for both food and drinks. Add a few hundred for that. Seems like the price of a cruise for 7 hours on the beach. We always find a way to have folks join us and share the expense. The Spa: I love a great massage. When you are on a cruise ship, the massages are not great, they are good. The price is high because we are all captive. Not of this is an issue for me. I always book one massage for the second sea day. You must book it quick because everyone else has the same idea. To enjoy this experience even more, allow me to give you some advice. When the spa personnel attempt to upsell you, just say, “Not today!” This is the one issue I have with the spa. Also, remember the tip was included automatically. Many people miss that little tidbit. The Average day comparing the Haven Luxury Experience and Haven Lite: The Morning: · Haven: I wake, get dressed and go to the Haven Observation lounge. I get a cup of coffee (Starbucks from a great machine), I have two Haven Almond Danish (Only available in the Haven) and look out the window at one of the best views on the ship. · Haven Lite: I wake, get dressed and to the Observation lounge. I get a cup of coffee made at the actual Starbucks, I have granola with milk and look out the window at one of the best views on the ship. Breakfast: · Haven: I wait for my family to wake, and we go to the Haven Restaurant for breakfast. On the first few days we get a full breakfast then we sometimes simply skip breakfast in the future. The night before, I ask the server if I can have a filet with my steak and eggs. I always order French Press Coffee. The breakfast is always great. · Haven Lite: I wait for my family to wake, and we go to the Main Dining Room for breakfast. On the first few days we get a full breakfast then we sometimes skip the meal. Steak and eggs are usually not an option, so I substitute some other kind of meat. I order a Starbucks cappuccino. The breakfast is always great. Mid-Morning: · Haven: My family and I go to the Haven Sundeck. We usually get an umbrella near one of the Hot Tubs. I let the bar server know to check on my group from time to time. Rarely a crowd and has a lovely view. · Haven Lite: My family and I go to the Vibe Beach Club. We usually get an umbrella near one of the Hot Tubs. The staff bring over ice water and fresh fruit. It you want an umbrella where this is none, you just ask. The bar service is in the Vibe beach Club and the bar is twice the size of the Haven Bar. Rarely a crowd and has a lovely view. Lunch: · Haven: We go to the Haven Restaurant and usually sit outside. The food is always great, yet it is a long unrushed lunch. To long when things are going on that you want to attend. After a day or two, all you really want is a burger and fries. You usually can get that on in the Haven Courtyard sitting near the Haven Pool or on the Haven Sundeck. Worst case you ask your butler. · Haven Lite: We go to the Main Dining Room. The food is always exceptionally good, yet it is a longer lunch because it is a full-service restaurant. After a day or two, all you really want is a burger and fries. This is when the buffet becomes a great option. Like most buffet, you need to make good choices. We also consider the 24/7 restaurants which surprisingly has a nice menu and a great burger. They are also quick. Afternoon: · Haven: This is where it gets complicated. The Haven is a wonderful place just to hangout, especially in the sun. Yet, the rest of the ship has fun activities going on all day. We usually leave the Haven to venture on the rest of the ship. When the crowds get to much, we simply go back to the Haven Sundeck. · Haven Lite: There is no difference being in the Haven or Haven Lite in the afternoon. It is important to leave the Haven especially if you like pool games, music, and water slides. When the crowds get to you, you simply go back to the Vibe Beach Club. Pre-Dinner: · Haven: I go to the Haven Bar for a nice relaxing cocktail. I usually sit at the bar meeting new friends and engaging. I am waiting for my family to join me because I can not stand hearing, “My hair looks awful,” “I have gained so much weight on this cruise.,” “I am retaining water.,” “Who has my Tylenol?” I stay out of the family flame thrower by having a drink alone. · Haven Lite: I go to the “A” List Bar for a nice relaxing cocktail. Now cut and past the above because nothing changes except the bar location. Dinner: · Haven: I absolutely love the Haven Restaurant. I am fully aware they do not change their menu’s and I am still quite satisfied. The quality of the food, service and flexibility suits me. Please remember we have three (3) Specialty Restaurants we can choose from during the week for variety. I also have never had an issue eating in the Haven Restaurant at 07:00 PM any night I wanted to do so. · Haven Lite: I add two or three specialty dining packages to my account. The nights I do not do a Specialty Restaurant, I do the Main Dining Room and have enjoyed it. The food quality of the MDR is not as good as the Haven however it is so much better then attempting the same dish in my kitchen. My 07:00 PM timing has never been an issue with the MDR and I always pre-book my times/days of specialty restaurants 125 days prior to the cruise. Entertainment: · Haven: It is true that the Haven Guests have a special reserved seating area for the larger venues. It is located stage left in the orchestra section. I have very rarely used these seats because when I arrive, I find a better seat on the end so my lovely bride can go to the bathroom and not bother anyone. Much has been written that the Haven team will escort you to the smaller venues like the Cavern Club or the Comedy Club through the back door prior to the doors opening. I have found this to be extremely inconsistent. · Haven Lite: The same comments as above. Most all the entertainment is accessible with nice seats if you just get their a few minutes early. Getting On and Off the Ship: · Haven: Nothing beats the quick access to and from the ship when you are in the Haven. The port days, you use the service elevator. When it is the last day, you do the same. The priority allows for a full and none rushed breakfast. You can even take a shower the day you leave. This one amenity is the greatest loss for me when I am not in the Haven. · Haven Lite: It is all about the strategy you use. Let us begin. The instant I can check-in online I do so. The reason is I can choose the earliest boarding time which is usually 09:00 AM. I sit remarkably close to the entrance doorway so I can make my mad dash for the purchase of a Vibe Beach Club pass. On the excursion days, I follow the rules and go to the places where my group needs to meet. I always plan to go early. On the last day, I hide in the Observation deck with a cup of coffee. The night before I went to the Front desk to get the luggage tags that best allows me to get off the ship and make my flight. As I said, it takes some planning, but it has been seamless and quick. Conclusion: With some strategy and planning you can make your non-Haven cruise close to the Haven experience. Now that I have done both approaches and said that statement, here are my thoughts. All my life I was working sixty plus hours a week. I left home on Sunday afternoon with my family and friends enjoying my pool. I came home on late Friday night or Saturday morning to see dishes in the sink which I did immediately. None of this do I regret nor harbor resentment. I had a stroke at age 60 and retired. Those decades of demanding work, budgeting, savings, and smart investing gives me the option of staying in the Haven or choosing not to do so. I realize I am fortunate and never forget where I came from. Growing up, we did not have enough money to even eat out at a restaurant. Some of you might remember Howard Johnson’s Restaurants. Once a week they would have an all you can eat, fried chicken dinner. Once a quarter, my mom would take us there. We can never forget where we have come from. All that said, I believe in a concept called the price vs. value formula. “When the Price of a Product or Service exceeds the value by one penny; then and only then will the guest purchase.” I would take the Haven every time if I had unlimited funds. I do not and most of you do not either. Now I look at the sailings, sometimes you can get a very reasonable rate in the Haven. If not, I book a Club Suite or Suite followed by an upgrade bid for a Haven Suite. As you can tell from this op-ed, I always know what the Haven rate was prior to booking a club suite. That way I can realistically bid with the highest chance of winning a Haven Suite. I am just not disappointed if my bid is not accepted. Now, “you do you,” as my 36-year-old son tells me all the time. My wants and needs are different than yours. My budget or willingness to stretch my budget is also my own. Do your due diligence and most importantly, be happy with your final decision because of your research. “Cruise well and enjoy every moment"

I was on Crystal Cruises mid-2021. My butlers name was, Engin. He was the best Butler I have ever had in every way. No one ever came close. There is a huge difference in butlers from any Main Stream Cruise brand to a Luxury Cruise Brand. Before anyone takes a shot at Crystal, their going out of business had nothing to do with the high level of personalized customer service you received. It is a shame they are gone. Cruise well everyone and enjoy every moment.

I hope I don't sound like an idiot with my response. I have traveled on NCL. The only time my fully stocked fridge was not charge was when I had an H2 Haven Deluxe Owners Suite. Every other time those fridge items including the water on the desk has a cost. I also tip my butler upfront also. That has been a good practice for me. Cruise well everyone and enjoy every moment.

I am going to respond because something that you said is so very important. You called NCL twice and got two different answers to the same question. You now know why asking the question here, to folks that actually went on a Cruise, asked for the item is better then NCL. It also tells you to always ask more then one person at NCL important questions that can make or break a cruise experience. Should we have too do this, NO. Is it best we do, Yes. Cruise Well.

All me to share. First, if I was not on a budget, which because retirement I am; I would just pay what it costs to stay in the Haven. Second, I was actually a solo traveler a few months ago and bid on the Haven but missed. That story will be my not post on this blog. Third, as a solo, I was on the Joy. I booked a Club Balcony with the "Free At Sea" promotion. I also used my American Express Platinum card to get OBC and a meal at the French Specialty Restaurant. The fare before taxes was $800.00. The balcony was slightly less. Finally, I realized two things for me on solo traveling. The NCL Joy did not have a Studio section so sometimes, they allowed solo's to simply pay a single fare for Club Suites and some others. Second, the Haven Bid upgrade was times two. Back on the original question. If I had the means, I would always and I mean always be in the Haven. I would also do luxury cruising in Europe. If we all research fares, you will some sometimes Luxury brands give a fare that is close to single fares for solo's. It all depends on the experience you want to have on your cruise and everyone is different. Cruise well.

This very specific question has been asked many time in the past. The best source is NCL and the Pre-Cruise Haven Desk as indicated above. From the many op-eds and answer I have read in the past, the consciences is NO the beds can not be separated. Again, Ask NCL directly. On the butler question from above. I felt the same way when I first had a butler. Over the years I created some information that I gave my family. It is below and I hope you like it. The Haven Butler: Overview: On day one, I provide the butler a letter that has some of our basic needs. I also tip them upfront which has always worked for me. The Haven Butler is not under the normal gratuities program so what they get from us is their income. What your Haven Butler WILL do for you: 1. Set up your suite: Butlers will do everything from packing and unpacking your luggage to offering pillow menus, and stocking and re-stocking your suite bar with your drink preferences. They will also bring CDs, books, board games and DVDs to your room. They can even draw you a bubble bath if you ask -- or if they sense you could use one. 2. Handle logistics: Butlers will save you from spending your vacation waiting in line or dealing with the minutiae of your trip. They will handle all your reservations for specialty restaurants and book appointments for the spa, salon, and private fitness training. They can book ship or private shore excursions and arrange shoreside dining and entertainment. They will even work with the chef to expedite special dietary requests, such as paleo or gluten-free meals. 3. Make deliveries: Butlers will be your complimentary room service provider. They will deliver fancy canapes daily, like foie gras terrine and crab legs (examples only, always check additional costs), and upgraded turn-down amenities, such as a chocolate box. They can present in-room tea service. They will also bring you room service or morning cappuccinos and espresso, even serving you dinner course-by-course, in your suite or on your balcony. Please always ask for all food deliveries to be ONLY from the Haven Restaurant. 4. Take care of your laundry: Butlers will handle laundry, dry-cleaning and pressing requests, and return your clothes expertly folded and wrapped in tissue paper. There is always a cost to your suite. 5. Have a party: If you are social types, butlers can help you organize cocktail or dinner parties in your suite and even bartend or help while your guests are present. For special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries, they might decorate your suite or present bubbly and celebratory cakes. 6. Take care of the little details: Butlers will shine shoes, place bookmarks in books and wrap eyeglasses in cleaning cloths. They will even solve problems for you, such as finding an appropriate crew member to fix broken eyeglasses or stuck luggage locks. 7. Give advice: Butlers know their ships inside out and are often familiar with ports. They might advise on everything from the finest shopping street to the best hours to hit the onboard fitness center. What your Haven Butler WILL NOT do for you: 1. They won't work exclusively for you: Most butlers juggle several suites; for the best service, plan. Make requests, such as for dining reservations, private shore excursions and beauty appointments, well in advance so butlers can manage their time to make your wishes reality. If they do not instantaneously answer a page, they might be busy with another passenger. 2. They won't babysit: Don't expect the butler to watch your kids, although they might assist in hiring a sitter and often play with children, time permitting. 3. They won't act as aides: If physically challenged, travel with a companion. A butler will always assist in an emergency but should not be expected to help you with daily physical needs. 4. They won't be your personal companion: While some butlers can be chatty -- particularly with solo passengers seeking company -- they are not your friend or travel companion. They can escort you to a restaurant or show, but they will not sit with you. 5. They cannot always fulfill challenging requests: If you ask for a miracle, such as dinner reservations in the ship's hottest restaurant 15 minutes before you wish to eat, a butler cannot always meet your request. That said, butlers try to make magic. They can serve you dinner from that restaurant in your suite or secure a table at a later hour, instead. Cruise well and I hope this was helpful

@KKBNow you don't know me very well but I want to share some things that I enjoy. They might or might not appeal to you so pick and choose. First, so sorry for you loss. On your dad, my wife and I had a similar situation and it can be tough. If anyone deserve a nice vacation, it is you. On to some thoughts. Like the Haven, many things I suggest are often times debated. My wife and I always do the Premium Plus Beverage Package. Lots of reason. My main reason is I like Tequila 1942. I also like French Champagnie. I don't overdo it (Much) but it is nice to have things I normally don't do at home when on vacation. I call it, being treated like a "rock star" for one week a year. I also like the Haven Sun deck. I make sure the servers know I would like them to check on me from time to time. In your room, you have a wireless phone that you can take with you and call your butler. There is a simple but nice lunch menu. When I am on the Haven Sundeck, I have the butler bring me up some lunch or a snack. Not sure which ship your are on so this may or may not relate. For most main shows, the Haven has a area on Stage right, side. However, if you ship has the show Elements, consider siting third or fourth row center. I won't tell you why just you will thank me after the show. If you choose to go to Cagney's for dinner one night, come in early and have a drink at the "A" list bar. Never crowned and classy. For desert in Cagney's consider the Chocolat Cake. There is a story here. Several years ago, the Haven had a small, round Chocolat Cake. I actually broke a diet to have it on my second night cruising. It was unbelievable. In November 2021 when I was cruising in the Haven again, I ordered what looked like the same cake. It was a disappointment. Then, I got the slice of cake in Cagney's and there was the taste. Unlike many other cruise lines, the butler and the Haven desk do different things. The desk is in the Haven proper by the Haven bar. If you want Go-Cart, Lasor Tag, Show Reservations or change Specialty Restuarant reservations; they are your best choice. On day one, you will be offered a complementary lunch at the American Dinner. Pass on it. Go to the Haven Restuarant. Get to know the servers and the menu. Remember the Haven Menu does not change from day to day. If you give them 24 notice, you can have items from the MDR brought to you. Another request from those whom has stayed in the Haven before is, Filet with Eggs in the morning. On the menu it shows Strip. Just tell them the day before. When you want off the ship, go to the Haven Desk and they have a service elevator to take all Haven Guest off the ship super-fast. On your last day, you can have breakfast and get off the ship super-fast. For me, that reduces my stress if my air reservations are before 12 pm. I have a habit of checking my room bill everyday. There is always something that needs to be changed. Go to the Haven Deck not Guest Services. Finally, one night when the Haven Bar is not crowded, ask the bartender to make you a "Smoking" drink. It is a show and I always get anyone in the bar area to join me. It delights everyone. Hope that helps. Cruise well

@KKB I would like to take a different tack. My reason are simple. Many times folks posting comments have not actually experienced what they are giving opinion on. I have experienced the Haven on many occasions, I have cruised solo. I have not experienced the Haven Solo though. Taking the fact that you can obviously budget the investment/premium for both the Haven and as a solo cruiser as a given. The Haven was designed to be the best of both worlds. To get the best our of it, you have be very clear on the amenities provided so your can leverage them if you choose. Lots written on the Haven Amenities on CruiseCritic.com so you have a resource. As a solo, it almost makes it easier to be in the Haven. Some examples: I like coffee delivered in the morning from my butler. I wake up early like 06:30 to 07:00 AM. I tell the Butler to bring it then. If my family was with me, it would wake them up. I also like and I hope you will try the Almond croissants that are only available in the Haven. They are live changing. In my recent Solo Cruise I was not in the Haven but many guest were there on my cruise because I recommended it so much. One of those guest brought me a plate with two of those Croissants. Yum. I was a professional speaker for decades traveling the world so I have been a Solo in travel situation as a life style. Eating alone can be a blessing and a hardship. Sometimes, a nice meal, on your balcony is just what the doctor ordered. As a solo, I also had an easy time getting seats at the Haven Bar or even more importantly in the Cavern Club for the Beatles shows. The best part of the Haven is when the craziness of the ship gets to much, you can just go through the Haven doors and chill. You will love it. One more thing. The subject of the Haven or any main stream brands VIP section always has folks that want to argue about it. Most of the time they have never experienced it like I alluded to above. Take everyone's point of view with a grain of salt; the truth will rise to the top. Cruise well.

@nferrIf you read the CruiseCritic.com topics on the Haven, you will recognize my screen name. I write about it all the time. I truly love it. Yet when I read your thoughts, I agree with you. On my last cruise which I was a solo, I did not stay in the Haven. One night, I met a really nice gentleman that cruise much more then I do and always as a solo cruiser. He also eats in Cagney's, almost nightly, at 5:30 PM. One night, I had dinner with him. Wonderful conversation and the meal was lovely. At the end of the meal, he always ordered two irish coffee's. I share this with you because everyone has a different take on how to cruise. Whether to stay in the Haven, do a club suite or balcony or stay in NCL single cabins which is also a nice option for a solo. You have every right to approach cruising anyway you want and I am happy to hear you enjoy it as much as I do. For all my Haven fans out there. During my last cruise, I actually went to the MDR and the Buffet which I usually don't do when staying in the Haven. In both cases, I really enjoyed it. I also did some things I have not done in the past like lots of those fun pool games. My next cruise will be in December and because of that experience, I will change my approach a bit. What I love most about this board and CruiseCritic.com in general is we accept that everyone approaches and enjoys cruising in their own way. Thank everyone for that. It has made the last few years tolerable. Cruise well.

You are quite right, that was some Fuzzy math. Allow me another stab at it. My last trip was a Solo trip on the NCL Joy. I stayed in a club suite which was very nice. My basic fare was $800.00 (usually it would have been $1,600). I added the Vibe Beach Club for $200.00 for the week which brought my total to $1,000.00. There was of course taxes and other adds that took the fare to $1,300.00 or so. Then I added the Premium Plus Beverage Package for and upgrade of $250.00; Upgraded my internet to streaming unlimited for $100.00; and added three specialty restaurants for $90.00. The Total was $1,600 ish. If I would have booked the Haven on this cruise I would have been close to $4,000.00 without the Vibe (unneeded if in Haven), Premium Plus, Upgraded Internet and Specialty Restaurants. If I would have gotten an upgrade bid I would have been all in. This cruise, that was not in the cards. I still had a great time and called it Haven lite. Sorry about the math. Cruise well.

Well said as always. I could just clarify one thing. When every we ask our Butler for a soda or beer, please be advised there might be a cost. Always ask so we don't get a surprise. My reason for commenting it to set realistic expectations. People are confused on this issue all the time. Cruise well.

You never have to say, "All Due Respect" for me. It makes me feel uncomfortable. My family think I have no idea of life or anything else in general. That is what I am used too. Now that we got that out of the way. If you gave me the following choices, Vibe or Haven; I would do the Haven every time. No question. If I am at a $800.00 solo rate, add $200.00 for Vibe for a total of $1,100.00. I choose the Vibe. Please remember both my recent cruises were during very low capacity but the Haven was sold out. Always take the situation into mind. My Vibe experience on the NCL Joy with a double vibe area was the best of that type of experience I have ever had. If Haven would have upgraded me, I would not have done the Vibe. I love cruising so much and sometimes, I just can't justify the Haven. That is what created Haven Lite. Cruise well

I am so excited you had this opportunity in the NCL Haven. I am also appreciative that you reviewed the Breakaway. I will be cruising on the Breakaway in December 2022. I have cruise the Haven on the Getaway which is a sister ship and the Joy. On to LeBistro. In 2019, it had a different menu. Even then, it was not my favorite. The key to French cuisine in my opinion are the sauces and gravy's. Add to that the seasoning used. The food tasted kind of bland. Knowing this, a persons enjoyment of LeBistro is on the choices they make. I had the Scallop soup and lamb chops. The food for me was very good however the portion sizes was tiny. I made the best of this experience because I had the Premium Plus Beverage package. My meal included many (did I say many) glasses of very nice French Champagne. This dining experience was far less for the food and more for the feeling provided by the staff as well as the atmosphere. I completely agree with your statement. Cruise well.

It depends if you can upgrade at the lowest end of the bid process. If what you are saying is based on paying retail, I completely agree. I write all the time about those luxury brands. Please also remember that a luxury brand is not for everyone. It is a completely different cruising experience. I like both experience however we all have to make that decision for ourselves.

This is a huge blog. I wrote it several years ago and it still gets entries to this day. Everyone wants something different from their drink package. Some folks it is all about wines, other high end spirits and then it is convenience. Have a look and if you have specific questions, please ask on that stream so we do not highjack this topic. Cruise well.

LOL, I really wanted to explain myself and you gave me a venue. I am trying not to post to much and allow other to take the lead. I knew you were kidding. I am in the process of drafting a op-ed called, Life and Times of a Cruise-aholic. I will post it soon. I can't tell you how much it means to me that folks enjoy their cruises because of posts I do. It allows me to live through their experiences. The Haven is a great experience for sure. Cruise well.

@cruiseny4life Quite the jab but I deserve it. Here is the real deal and I hope everyone understands. The only reason I did Haven Lite was because I was doing a Solo Cruise on the NCL Joy. My suite rate was $800.00 as a solo. It was a club suite. I could have gotten a Haven Suite for approximately $3,450.00 for that solo cruise. As much as I love the Haven, and I do love the Haven; that difference was just to much. My strategy was to upgrade to the Haven. I was not successful and there was a pretty good reason why. Some weeks before, an NCL ship was damaged on a sand bar. Those passengers were given a great deal to choose the Joy the week I was doing my Solo. Instantly, the Haven Suites were gone not allowing for upgrades. Understandable. When life provides you with lemons, you make Lemonade. I created for myself the Haven Lite. It worked out well and I even enjoyed some of the Specialty restaurants. All this said, I assure everyone reading. On my December 4, 2022 cruise out of New Orleans, my wife and I are in another Club Suite. I will be aggressively bidding on a Haven Suite. It makes more sense then. Where when you bit as a solo, you have to pay two upgrade amount. When you are double occupancy, it is the same making it much more of a value. I did learn a valuable less on on that solo trip. The Vibe Beach Club on the Joy is the place to be. That experience was great and I never would have even considered it if I was in the Haven. The Joy Vibe is twice as big as other and has two huge hot tubs. The staff was outstanding. Just my two cents. I like everyone who cruises once a year should be treated like a "Rock Star King". Cruise well

All me to clarify. Regardless of the stateroom I purchase, I always get the Premium Plus Drink Package. I wrote an very popular CruiseCritic.com op-ed on this "Plus" package. The only way to get it is to purchase it. Being in the Haven does not get you the package. I do this package because during this week I drink things I would never drink at home. Tequila 1942, French champagne, nicer red wines, imported bottled water, specialty coffees and starbucks. The drink package in the Haven is no difference then the package everyone gets as a perk. The upgrade for the Premium Plus is $250 per person for seven day trip. Cruise well.

Thank you

Thank you so much. It has been fun seeing all the contributions and life this thread has taken on. Cruise well

OK, great. Here is another strategy if you want the Vibe Beach Club. Step one: Get the earliest arrive time at the port possible. When you get there, even if you are early, there will be a line. Step two: research online where the Vibe Beach Club passes are being sold on the ship. Step three: When you get in the waiting room to board, get a set closest to the entry door. Step four: get in and to the Vibe Table as fast as you can. This is the process I did and I was in a Club Suite. I was second online. The Vibe was a game changer if I was not in the Haven. If the weather for the week looked bad, i would have done the Thermal Spa if the ship had it. Both are purchased on the ship (Thermal Spa sometimes is available pre-cruise so check). I am not suggesting doing both. Just make a wise business decision based on weather. Cruise well.