SaltyPawz

99 days to go. Haven Breakaway here we come! 🙂

11 hours ago, lastingtouch said:

Does anyone know who the concierge is on the Breakaway?  We'll be on for Halloween.

If you don’t already have an answer… We’ll be on Breakaway in early September. I plan to write a review. 
 

It’ll be our second Haven cruise. Our first was last November/December on Escape. Looking forward to another Haven experience! 

41 minutes ago, benel204 said:

Questions about Haven Deluxe Owner's Suite H3

Hello all, well we've upgraded again.... (for our 11-night Escape Med cruise in May 2024) this time to the Haven Deluxe Owner's suite. 

Thanks again to @Sthrngary@graphicguy, @Treasure Hunter, and so many others for your posts on this forum. I've combed through and had a couple of questions.

As context: We upgraded from Haven Spa Penthouse to Haven Aft, and now DOS H3 (forward on Deck 17).

The fares on this cruise have been dropping, dropping, dropping --- (actually quite frustrating for NCL newbies like us). However we've been able to 'ride the fare change waves,' pay a little more and get upgrades.  [We prefer the upgrades to FCC as we don't know if/when we'd use FCC (and NCL won't re-fare after final).]

 

Questions about the Haven DOS H3:

I've chatted online with an NCL rep about DOS amenities beyond other Haven suites, and it sounds like it's primarily daily water (spring and sparkling) and 3 bottles of "liquor."

Question:  We had previously purchased the "water package" (boxes of water) so we'd be able to take water with us in the port stops. 

Are we able to take the now "included" DOS water off the ship? I'm assuming it's the same boxed water.

Question: Are the 3 bottles of liquor options primarily wine? Or would the menu of options include liqueurs? We wouldn't drink 3 bottles of wine but may want to take home a sipping liqueur.

Question: Any tips for this DOS cabin? Although I am concerned about motion sickness, we won't have sea days.  Plus, the ports are close to each other, so hoping for the best re motion. We think it's going to be fun having a front row view of ports as we arrive (especially Amalfi coast and Malta).

We were in an H3 on Escape in Nov/Dec. Room 17100. It’s a beautiful room, and we took advantage of the huge balcony for many hours each day. 
 

For the three included bottles of spirits, we selected all liquors, no wine. And yes, we took the cartons of water with us off the boat. 
 

If Jojit is your butler and Anthony is your room steward, you are in for quite a treat!

32 minutes ago, pezgirlroy77 said:

Thank you so much. So last question (for now :)) should we have received luggage tags in the mail? The ones I printed off are printing weird. Thanks. 

For our November/December 2023 trip, we received the luggage tags 34 days prior to the cruise. 

45 minutes ago, vinotinto said:

This is super helpful! Do you remember if they still have Oberon? My plan right now is to NOT upgrade before the cruise and assess the situation once we are in the Haven. Last time, we did not come close to the $500 extra in drink upgrades, and we usually ordered wines that were more per glass than $15. But there weren't a lot of choices as they seem to run out of the higher prices wines rather quickly.

As a huge fan of Napa Valley reds and French Bordeauxs, I don’t recall seeing Oberon.  Silverado, Duckhorn, Decoy, Louis Jadot are a few reds I remember along with several Italian others (can’t remember the vineyard names).  There was one Chateauneuf-du-Pape, which was tasty. The Norwegian red blend seemed to be randomly available. 

If you’re a Chardonnay fan, there were three or four on the premium list. And, there were a couple of Rieslings (Eroica and Chateau Ste Michelle).  

I didn’t have any champagne, so I can’t comment on the Veuve Clicquot availability. 
 

If Michael and Suri are still at the Haven bar, you are in for a treat! Michael made a spicy margarita that was divine. And, they were both very patient and curious to learn what type of mixed drink to make. 

I hope this helps!

On 1/30/2024 at 10:23 PM, vinotinto said:

Hi all! Just booked the Escape Haven for March and wondering if anyone has pics of the wine list available at the Haven bar/restaurant by the glass and also by the bottle for the Premium Plus package. We are trying to decide between keeping the free at sea premium package or upgrading and we mostly drink wine. Last time, it made more sense to pay the difference than to commit to $60 extra per day. I’m wondering how much the list and prices has changed since we went in 2022 (I posted pics earlier in this thread).
 

Has anyone returned recently from the Escape, and can comment on how the availability of wines has been recently? We encountered issues with availability of certain wines last time we sailed in 2022.

 

thank you!

We were on the Escape (Haven) in November/December. I don’t have pictures but will share my experience. 

To note… Hubby enjoys beer (no wine, no liquor). I prefer wine in this order: red, rose, white, champagne. Since this was our first Haven experience, we did upgrade to Premium because I wanted to enjoy everything offered without an on-the-spot, additional cost coming to mind. (The decision to upgrade was a long one since we both had to upgrade even though hubby would not benefit -we didn’t see any “premium” beers.)

The wines offered were okay. In the specialty restaurants, I was given the bottle of wines ordered. At La Cucina, I ordered an Italian red from the premium list, and it went well with dinner. At Cagney’s, I ordered the same red and was given the bottle. (On a funny note, it was strange to walk around with a bottle of wine after dinner.  The second time, we got smart and brought a bag.)

At the Haven bar, I would get a glass of red if our daily chef treats included cheese/nuts/crackers, which it often did. And, depending on what I ordered for dinner at the Haven restaurant, I would have a glass. I quickly became “bored” with the wine offerings, but I realize I have specific likes/dislikes. 

However, the Haven bartenders made some VERY tasty concoctions based on my tastes (spicy margarita, not-so-sweet vodka spritzer, dark espresso martini). On another side note… I don’t usually enjoy milkshakes, or frappes, or sweet milky/creamy drinks. But, the Haven bartenders made a killer banana mudslide, and I enjoyed a few of those! 

For our upcoming Haven trip in September, I haven’t decided if we will upgrade. Not sure if it’s worth roughly $580 (upgrade cost plus gratuity) for one person to enjoy from the premium list. If we enjoyed whisky/bourbon or if the wine selection is widened, I’d have no hesitation.

Here’s hoping someone will provide you with pictures/updated list, so you can make the best decision for you. 

4 hours ago, Fogfog said:

TYVM  @graphicguy  

 

Was just reading that tiny text on it.

 

BTW

Can someone confirm that Haven has priority boarding at port calls? Is there a tent/awning somewhere or butlers looking for Haven pax?  

 

 

TYIA

This was my experience on the Escape this past November/December. 

When we wanted to get off the ship, the concierge would take us down (via service elevators) to the ramps. Mostly, this would be with a group of Haven guests. Once, it was just us two and the concierge held the line and we “cut”* in line to get off the ship. I use the word “cut” on purpose because there were at least a hundred guests in line that we could see. We heard a few grumbles behind us as we walked through security and down the ramps. This was my first experience “cutting” in a line as a Haven guest, so I thought I’d share my experience. 

Getting back on the ship… We never saw a Haven tent or a Haven sign outside the ship. We got in line and walked up the ramp through security. Once through security, we would look for a person with a Haven sign, and he/she escorted us to the service elevator up to the Haven area. 

*I use the word “cut” knowing it might cause friction since priority embarking/disembarking is a perk of Haven.  And, it’s a perk I very much enjoy having and using! The experience I mention was the first and only time it was used in front of a very long line of people. Sharing so you might store those in the expectations category. 

I have a few questions not exactly related to Haven, so I won’t be surprised if I’m pummeled or asked to post on another forum. 

We took our first Haven cruise the week after Thanksgiving on the Escape and loved it! We booked another Haven cruise for Canada/New England this fall that ports in NYC. 

Does anyone have preferences for flying into LGA or JFK? And, any recommendations for hotels near the Manhattan cruise terminal? 

Any advice will be greatly appreciated! 

19 hours ago, slidemaster5 said:

A Canada/New England trip - do you mean an MSC trip to Bahamas? lol.

When I first read your response, I had NO idea what it meant. Then, I read a recent news ticker. Truth be told, Canada/New England or the Bahamas would be just fine! Of course, safety is implied. 😜

Thank you all for the advice given regarding cruising in a Haven room on a ship with no Haven restaurant/courtyard/bar. We just booked a Canada/New England trip and decided to go with a ship that has all Haven amenities. 
 

As always, this thread is always so helpful! 
 

Happy Christmas to you and yours! 

On 12/18/2023 at 12:59 PM, Sand and Seas said:

Has anyone  been told of a new Haven restaurant dinner dress code?   Just got off Breakaway  and was surprised  to be sent to change  from sandals to shoes.  It was a bit of a hike  back  to our forward facing suite  on a different  deck but we did go and change to shoes.

 

  They said  change  was fleetwide 3 months ago?  Sandals  were allowed in Joy haven restaurant  in late  October.   (I did see a lady in a sundress and flip flops that same night....but I didn't  report her🙄)

 

On our recent cruise (November 25, Escape), a gentlemen wearing a tank top was asked to change. He came back wearing a t-shirt and was seated. Based on my observation, women and children had much more accepted, relaxed standards than men. 

Question for anyone who has cruised in a Haven room on a ship with no courtyard/restaurant/bar. After our recent cruise, we are sold on the Haven and are considering a Canada/New England cruise. The ship has Haven rooms but no courtyard/bar/restaurant. Is it worth it?  Or, is this the time to go Haven-Lite? 

13 minutes ago, Daniel A said:

Just show up when you want and the hostess will seat your party at your own table.   If you wish to share a table with specific people, just mention that to the  hostess.  Trust me, the Haven Restaurant's staff will know your preferences after the first day.  I wish all land based restaurants were as accommodating as the Haven. You will have a very enjoyable dining experience. 

I echo your post as this was our recent experience. By our third visit to the Haven restaurant, the hostess knew our names and that we preferred to sit outside. One particular staff member would take care of us -no matter where we were sitting. He knew our names, my husband’s drink preference, our desire for bread and butter, and would give me wine suggestions. The assistant maitre d often checked on us and would make suggestions. Although the menus don’t change, we ate most meals in the Haven mainly because of the atmosphere and top-notch service. And, since there were two of us, we never waited more than five minutes. 

NCL Escape - First Haven Experience (but not the last)

From the time we arrived at the Port Canaveral terminal to sitting in the Haven Lounge was less than 30 minutes.  We were greeted by the head concierge, Dilip, and given a brief overview of the Haven and his services.  The bar was open and there were limited snacks (M&Ms, gummies, a few bread pastries).  The bar was in full swing.  A spa representative was there, and the two concierges were busy with passengers.  

Lunch in the Haven restaurant and American Diner were offered beginning at 11:30.  We weren’t given an idea when rooms would be ready, so we left to explore the ship.  We came back to the Haven area around 3.  The rooms were ready by then.  

The DOS (H3) is a very nice room with more than enough space for two people.  The best part -the huge balcony! We spent many, many hours in the loungers. 

Within 10 minutes of being in the room, we were greeted by our butler, Jojit.  It seemed we were one of the last on his route to meet.  So, we did write a butler letter with a pre-tip/bribe (whatever you want to call it).  He opened it immediately and read it out loud.  With the pre-cruise concierge, we requested two extra firm pillows and snacks (peanut M&Ms, trail mix, chips).  None was in the room, but he took care of it within 30 minutes. 

Our room steward was excellent. We were offered twice a day services, but requested once a day. However, each night we saw him in the hallway, he would greet us by name, and ask if we wanted turn down service or if we needed anything. 

We didn’t utilize butler services very much although he asked us multiple times a day if we needed anything. 

Two Haven bartenders were such a treat! My hubby drinks beer, and I normally enjoy red wine. The red wine selection on NCL is okay, but if you like variety, even with the Premium beverage package, you might get bored. Of note, I’ve never had a mudslide, but one of the bartenders made a banana mudslide for me, and it was delicious! Also, if you like espresso and coffee-flavored drinks, try a carajillo. It was fun to watch the bartenders at work making drinks and meeting other cruisers. 

After eating at many specialty dining restaurants and trying the buffet once for lunch, we decided to eat most meals in the Haven restaurant. The menus do not change, but we combined this with that/eliminated this and added that/ordered an extra side of this.  More than the food, we looked forward to one particular server who always made our meal fun and enjoyable.  

There were very few kids -we saw maybe 10.  

Getting off at ports was very easy. A concierge would escort you to the level. Although we were told to look for the Haven sign when getting back on, we saw it only one time. When you get spoiled with it once, you miss it when it’s not there! 

Disembarking through Haven is fantastic! Once we were given the all clear, we were collecting luggage within 10 minutes. Customs line was the longest we waited the whole trip. 

First impressions…. We love the Haven and are already planning our next cruise. 

This thread offered the best advice: 1) have reasonable expectations, 2) communicate your reasonable expectations, and 3) don’t let something minor ruin your experience. So, thank you @Sthrngary for creating this thread and for everyone else for all your posts! 

It’s day five of our first Haven experience on the Escape, and we (hubby and I) are having a wonderful time! Hubby is sold on the Haven for any future cruises. Right now, we are enjoying this beautiful balcony and a delicious tasty beverage. 

If you have any questions while we’re still on board, let me know! More to follow later. 

Just sharing the timeline for my upcoming Haven trip.

130 days out: Booked specialty dining reservations (via app). 

130 days out: Selected Haven amenities preferences (via online form received in email). 

34 days out: Received a letter from NCL with luggage tags and pre-cruise concierge information. 

26 days out: Scheduled onboard entertainment (via email to pre-cruise concierge). According to a pre-cruise concierge, Escape releases only “The Choir of Man” to pre-book. All the rest must be booked on board. 

All that’s left to do is check in, pack, and embark! It’s our first Haven experience, so we’re very excited! (Well…. I am.  Hubby doesn’t know we’ll be staying in the Haven or about any amenities.)

On 9/27/2023 at 6:53 AM, CambsCruiser82 said:

I'm 36 days out and haven;t had an email for either the preferences or the pre-cruise concierge 😞

On 9/27/2023 at 7:38 AM, Sthrngary said:

@SaltyPawz NCL is consistently, inconsistant. The letter comes sometimes and not other times.  If you have some items you want to ask for, tag me back and I will give you an email address.  The things I ask for are rather basic.  Often, many are not done when I get onboard and I simply ask my butler and Bingo, done.  So, really not that important.

 

What I would consider important are Specialty restaurant reservations and changes.  If I did not get those done on 130 days prior to cruise, I handle them pre-cruise with the Haven Desk.  

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

Thank you both for the replies! 
 

A short update. With 59 days to go, I received the following email from NCL. From all the great advice on this thread, I booked our specialty dining as soon as it was available. And, I’m planning to print our luggage tags (using the NCL plastic tag covers from Amazon) after we check in online. 
 

“Your amazing vacation is on the horizon! Have you started the countdown? Now is a great time to check out all the exciting experiences and new enhancements on board and onshore that will make your cruise unforgettable. Visit your My NCL profile and start planning your shore excursions, specialty dining, onboard activities and much more. You're just one click away from selecting all your favorites, so go ahead and customize your cruise today.”

Question, please. I’m 60 days out from our first Haven cruise on the Escape. On my calendar, based on something I read on this thread, I marked a note to look for an email/letter from NCL pre-concierge. Is this still happening? Just curious if I should expect some kind of contact. 
 

Of note, a few months ago, I did reply to an email with our snack, drinks, and pillow preferences. Was that it, or is there typically another email/package/letter? 
 

Thanks for your insight!

4 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

@RocketMan275 I started pre-covid.  I weighed 300 lbs.  Not good especially since I was 5' 10". My adult son got my wife and I on Keto.  I lost 70 lbs.  Then stayed there for a while.  My wife in an effort to be able to walk a lot on our upcoming ports of call in Europe started to walk every day.  Be both went on Keto again and I walk with her ever other day.  My hips and knees are great.  Hers are getting better with the walking. 

 

I am 5 lbs away from my goal of 199 lbs for the cruise which is 60 days from now.  I did have ice cream yesterday though.  A little cheat. Thank you for asking.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

Congratulations to you on your weight loss, and best wishes on your pursuit of “onederland.”  It’s a phrase a friend uses when you FINALLY see numbers in the 100s. 

Considering a Haven cruise to Alaska. Bliss, Encore, and Joy are options. Any recommendations or preferences?

While you were enjoying your Haven vacay, did anyone experience a spa service (massage, facial, etc.)? Just curious what spa services are like on a cruise ship. 

I made the dining reservations online -after about seven tries switching between the app and webpage. Both kept giving me an error message, so I would refresh, and then try again. The webpage finally allowed me to book them. 
 

Just to note… we have two specialty dining options with the FAS package.  Although covered, you still have to add the reservations to your cart, and then check out to confirm.  We booked Cagney’s and Teppanyaki. Cagney’s listed no charge. For Teppanyaki, it also listed no charge but highlighted “cover charge applies.”  My NCL TA said that’s the difference between ordering from an a la carte menu and a place with a set menu. But, unless we order something with an uncharge or drinks that cost more than what’s covered, there’ll be no additional charge. 

Wow! These lists are super helpful. Thank you all!

With all the amenities, closet space and drawers in Haven Rooms, I’ve decided I don’t need to bring many of the recommended items (I.e. umbrellas, magnet hooks, over-the-door organizer, hairdryer, robes, slippers, etc).  

What items do you pack to make your cruise more enjoyable? Any suggestions? 

5 minutes ago, CDR Benson said:

Coïncidentally, we are 130 days from our first Regent Seven Seas cruise.  May we both have most pleasurable, and thoroughly indulgent, voyages.

Hear, hear, CDR Benson! 

If you review your experience, I would most enjoy reading your post, as an RSS cruise would be a lovely addition to our bucket list!