SaltyPawz

We are 130 days from our first Haven experience, and, as mentioned in this thread, I received this email from NCL's pre-cruise Concierge team. When I clicked on the "click here" link to select Haven amenity preferences, I was directed to an online form to choose alternate pillow preferences, soda/water preferences, and liquor/wine choices (since we're staying in a DOS). To note... there were no snack/food options nor a box to write any other requests. But, I'm sure that'll be handled by phone or email to the Concierge team. And, I was able to book our specialty dining reservations today. Now, it's time to sit back, relax, and wait until we can complete the online check-in process. Again, thank you to everyone for the "what-to-expect" posts!

Thank you!

SthrnGary. Your thread has helped me immensely preparing for our upcoming Haven trip in November. I especially love reading how you “spoil” your wife! Hubby knows we are going on a cruise, but he doesn’t know anything about the Haven. It will fill me with so much joy to see him relax and enjoy our time together. In my mind, his hardest decision to make will be what the next drink will be! p.s. how do I highlight your name in these response?

Here’s the guidance from NCL’s website.

I don't have as much experience as most folks on this thread. I've taken only one cruise, and it was years ago on the Pearl in a two bedroom deluxe family suite with balcony. My bestie and I picked this trip to scratch off something on our bucket list. The suite was perfect for us! She had her own bedroom with a full bathroom, and so did I. I enjoyed the spacious bathroom with full windows. It was quite an experience to enjoy a shower while looking out at the water. We enjoyed breakfast in our room many mornings and the chef's treats delivered to our room every day. We were close to the stairs, so going outside was only one flight up. Since it was our first cruise, we didn't know what services the butler and concierge provided. All my pre-cruise research focused on what to pack and where to go on our excursions/port stops. Because our experience was so wonderful, I chose NCL for my upcoming cruise.

I’m still new to cruising -one cruise to Alaska on NCL eight years ago. The entire trip was wonderful, and I can’t think of one complaint or disappointment. When we decided on another cruise, NCL was my first choice. Shockingly, my account was still in tact and the TA was able to help me plan this trip based on my experience many years ago. Again, expectations. So these threads are extremely helpful in answering questions, offering tips and advice, and, as Gary states time and time again, managing expectations. I’m six months out from our scheduled NCL cruise and am filled with excitement and wonder. Sthrngary: off topic, but if you read this post, I do have question. Alabama or Auburn?

Sthrngary, I read your title and thought, oh no, what happened?! Your “Haven” thread has been so helpful for me as we plan our first Haven trip this fall. Again, this post is quite thought provoking as well. So, thank you for sharing your insight! When I read about recent changes to the PPBP, I must admit I was a little disappointed and curious about other possible changes that can occur in the next six months. Again, as always, thanks for your post!

My experience at the Seattle port was several years ago, and I wasn’t in the Haven. We were in a 2-bedroom Family Deluxe Suite w/balcony with priority boarding, butler, and concierge. We flew into Seattle and didn’t rent a car, so we hired a driver to take us to the port. He dropped us off as close as possible to the NCL area. We arrived at the port around 11a.m. There was a table outside with a “priority boarding” sign. We checked in there and were escorted to a lounge area with a few snacks and drinks and received our card and handed over our luggage. Within 30 minutes, we were on the ship and in our room. I hope all of our upcoming experiences are this seamless. With all of the wonderful reviewers on this forum, I’m sure someone has a recent, Haven-specific experience to share.

Thank you for the feedback! Much appreciated.

Thanks you for the advice! I look forward to reading about your RSSC adventure! After reading this thread, one is most definitely on our bucket list.

Any recommendations for a Haven experience cruising to Canada/New England? Best ship? Best time of the year to go?

We’ve booked our first Haven room for the Nov 25 cruise on Escape to the Caribbean. My second cruise and hubby’s first. On the first cruise, my bestie and I sailed on Pearl to Alaska. We weren’t in the Haven, but in a family two-bedroom suite with balcony. It was wonderful! Although we had a butler and concierge, we didn’t understand their benefits, so we never used them. Since it’s my hubby’s first cruise, I’m going all out to plan a wonderful experience for him, and this thread is such a blessing. The only decisions he will have to make are what to drink and what to eat. After reading 65+ pages of this thread and watching many YouTube videos, I can honestly write that I have no questions to ask. - Flights are booked and hotel is reserved* since we are flying in the day before the cruise. - Transportation to/from cruise is booked. - My pre-concierge requests and butler letter are ready. - Excursions are booked. - I’m prepared to make all available reservations -once available. Now, all I have to do is sit back, wait to pack, read more posts, and count down the days! Thank you to everyone providing comments regarding their experiences and to all the questions asked and answered. A great thank you to @Sthrngary for starting and maintaining this and @CDR Benson for providing your comprehensive experience. You’ve made this process both easy and enjoyable. I couldn’t be better prepared. *We had e-credits and rewards, so we booked our own flights and hotel room.