Haven help please

[dltodaro2]

We are sailing tomorrow on the Jewell to Alaska. We were originally booked in an inside and upgraded to a mini suite on Wed. Today we upgraded to a Haven Courtyard Penthouse with balcony on deck 14. I am trying to figure out the perks or what to expect. I have never sailed on NCL. Any help would be appreciated.

 

Deb

[Leavethekidswithmom]

You scored, also be advised the your butler and concierge are not part of the DSC. Congrats

[Vortech]

A lot of the benefits are listed on the Haven section of the NCL web site, but some stuff that was more on the surprise end of things when we did the haven on a similar ship:

 

The fact that the Haven courtyard can be covered by a rolling roof - that can be a big benefit if the Alaska weather gets cold or rainy, which is fairly likely - and also has staff wandering through during the day with snacks and can take food / beverage orders.

 

Breakfast (and maybe sea days at lunch?) we could go to a signature dining room (it was Cagney's for us but I heard that's changed but it does not matter because it's a different menu than dinner anyway) for better food & more peace and quiet than the buffet, etc. (I wake up very slowly and very reluctantly. A quiet environment before I get food makes everyone safer.)

 

The Haven Concierge was a huge part of why we enjoyed the trip. (he also arranged for things that were not guaranteed perks like Bridge tour, behind the scenes tour, reservations to hard to get activities on ship, reserved seating for shows, advance access to the special nights at the buffet, and more)

Obviously I'm talking about an individual so maybe yours will not be great, but Anoop was fabulous, personal, helpful, efficient, always easy to reach, and pleasant. 3 years later and I still remember his name (and there are members of my family where I can't remember their names)

 

Speaking of easy to reach, our room had a portable ships phone with the extensions of the Haven support staff and other ship stuff programed on speed dial. Someone told me that was exclusive to the Haven, but I'm not sure. If it is, I'm very glad I had it. I almost always had it with me and it made for an "every whim" vacation experience.

 

Hope that helps/gets you excited.

Edited August 22, 2015 by Vortech

[dltodaro2]

You scored, also be advised the your butler and concierge are not part of the DSC. Congrats

Yes, we are excited. I have read in prior post $50 for concierge and from $5-10 a day per a person for the butler. And to tip more for exceptional service.

 

Deb

[Leavethekidswithmom]

Yes, we are excited. I have read in prior post $50 for concierge and from $5-10 a day per a person for the butler. And to tip more for exceptional service.

 

 

 

Deb

 

 

What did you get a H5? Wait until you see the room, it is REALLY sweet.

[dltodaro2]

A lot of the benefits are listed on the Haven section of the NCL web site, but some stuff that was more on the surprise end of things when we did the haven on a similar ship:

 

The fact that the Haven courtyard can be covered by a rolling roof - that can be a big benefit if the Alaska weather gets cold or rainy, which is fairly likely - and also has staff wandering through during the day with snacks and can take food / beverage orders.

 

Breakfast (and maybe sea days at lunch?) we could go to a signature dining room (it was Cagney's for us but I heard that's changed but it does not matter because it's a different menu than dinner anyway) for better food & more peace and quiet than the buffet, etc. (I wake up very slowly and very reluctantly. A quiet environment before I get food makes everyone safer.)

 

The Haven Concierge was a huge part of why we enjoyed the trip. (he also arranged for things that were not guaranteed perks like Bridge tour, behind the scenes tour, reservations to hard to get activities on ship, reserved seating for shows, advance access to the special nights at the buffet, and more)

Obviously I'm talking about an individual so maybe yours will not be great, but Anoop was fabulous, personal, helpful, efficient, always easy to reach, and pleasant. 3 years later and I still remember his name (and there are members of my family where I can't remember their names)

 

Speaking of easy to reach, our room had a portable ships phone with the extensions of the Haven support staff and other ship stuff programed on speed dial. Someone told me that was exclusive to the Haven, but I'm not sure. If it is, I'm very glad I had it. I almost always had it with me and it made for an "every whim" vacation experience.

 

Hope that helps/gets you excited.

 

Yes, this helps alot. Is the breakfast and lunch in Cagney's casual dress? I have never done a tour of the ship. Is it worth doing? If so, do I just request attending the tour?

 

Where is reserved seating for the shows? Do I request it or just show up?

 

Thank you,

Deb

[triptolemus]

Quick PDF from NCL...

 

http://www.thehaven.ncl.eu/assets/docs/Haven_amenities_chart.pdf

[dltodaro2]

What did you get a H5? Wait until you see the room, it is REALLY sweet.

 

Yes it is H5.

[dltodaro2]

Quick PDF from NCL...

 

http://www.thehaven.ncl.eu/assets/docs/Haven_amenities_chart.pdf

 

Thank you. This helped. Does water get replenished or do you just get one bottle.

 

Deb

[triptolemus]

Thank you. This helped. Does water get replenished or do you just get one bottle.

 

I think it that category, you will see one complimentary bottle of water (1.5L) and it will not be replenished. Don't quote me on that, though.

[Vortech]

Yes, this helps alot.

 

Is the breakfast and lunch in Cagney's casual dress?

Yeah, it was. We dressed for the day - not pool attire or anything - though so there might be limits?

 

I have never done a tour of the ship. Is it worth doing? If so, do I just request attending the tour?

I thought it was cool, but I like behind the scenes stuff and big tech/machinery. I think our concierge offered it, but you can always ask nicely and the worst they can say is "no."

 

Where is reserved seating for the shows? Do I request it or just show up?

IIRC, we told them which shows and seatings we wanted so they could plan, but it was always the same area (balcony stage left) which had a sign reserving it for haven guests.

[dltodaro2]

Thank you for all the help.

[bonvoyagie]

You should also get priority boarding - at street level as you get to the terminal, there should be a table off to the right for Suite and VIP check -in

 

Once you check in here, you are taken in small groups directly to the security screening area - jumping the line - and taken to the suite check in area where you can enjoy snacks and comfortable chairs while you set your onboard accounts, get your security photo taken etc.

 

Then you will be escorted either to your suite, or to the Modernero for lunch deck 13 mid ship = the mid ship elevator is the only one that goes to deck 14 and the haven - you have to use your card key to get there.

 

Enjoy the services of the butler - he will work with the room steward to make sure everything inside the suite is to your liking - he will serve you meals in suite if you desire. Every day there are snacks delivered.

 

The concierge is there to handle everything outside the suite - he can make dinner reservations for you - even at the last minute. He arranges the reserved seating in the theater, special escorts off the ship, he can work with you to arrange shore excursions and is generally interested in making sure you are having a good time.

 

Enjoy the suite life

[sjh422]

Just read on RCI web site that some of their ships will change to the western Caribbean instead of the Eastern Caribbean.

[DMH15]

Your breakfast and lunch venue is Moderno, previously The Star Bar. We loved it.

[sjh422]

Just read on RCI web site that some of their ships will change to the western Caribbean instead of the Eastern Caribbean.

 

sorry, posted on wrong threqd.

[strykes]

Thank you. This helped. Does water get replenished or do you just get one bottle.

 

Deb

 

You only get one bottle but you can request your minibar be emptied and then ask the butler to keep a pitcher of ice water in the fridge.

 

Enjoy! You'll love the priority boarding/disembarkation, tenders, and private dining. The concierge will also make sure you know where to be for great views.

 

I think the key for first time Haven is just ask. You will be taken care of very well!

[ginger123snaps]

ENJOY! You will love it! It is such a nice experience. NCL has the suite experience right!