New to Haven - please share your favorite secrets or tips to make it great!

[dapowel2]

In your haven room, what room service food items are available after midnight for delivery by the butler?

[Seminole1975]

Hi, we are in H5 16130, which should be convenient to the Haven Dining & Lounge. Yes, I'm a bit nervous about sailing on the Breakaway...so many mixed reviews on the design and how she handles the crowds. But, hoping that for the Baltics, it might be a different vibe than all the NYC-based sailings.

 

Can't wait to visit these ports...that was the driver! The great ports, not the ship. Yes, right now planning mostly private tours, but since I have $100 in credit for each port stop, we may do a few NCL excursions, even if it's just a ride into a city and back. Still finalizing tour plans...if you have private excursions that you loved...please share!

 

Thanks much! Lynne

 

We used SPB tours in St. Petersburg and booked a private tour for the five of us. The guide and driver were fantastic!

 

We used an excursion credit in Stockholm. We docked in Nynashamn which is one hour away from Stockholm. We did NCL tour Stockholm by Land and Sea. We walked right off the ship and got on the bus. It was very nice and included the VASA museum which is a must see. We also had time on our own in the Old Town. It was nice not to have to worry about being late getting back to the ship. I wish I had had time to go to the ABBA museum tho. Stockholm is like any big city. So much to see!

 

In Helsinki we used the hop on hop off bus. That is all you need really. You just get off the ship and the buses are right there.

 

We were on the Getaway September 2017 in the Haven and loved it. Enjoy the cruise! It would be hard not to.

[GoTravelLife]

We’ve been in the Haven many times on several different ships. Last time on the Getaway, I did a pretty extensive write up of our experiences; along with pictures, menus etc from Haven. Hopefully it’s helpful. https://gotravellife.com/2018/01/03/about-us/

 

 

 

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[sharonann24]

We had our first NCL Haven and Breakaway experience last summer to Bermuda in July. I received the bid to upgrade to the Haven, and my second bid was accepted, and it was the best thing that could have happened. As you can imagine, the ship was very crowded for that trip and venue and the Haven made what could have been a miserable vacation with an unhappy husband into a wonderful experience. Priority embarkation, disembarkation, butler service, Haven restaurant, and all previously mentioned perks make this a smart choice. We will be on the July 13 Baltic cruise again in the Haven, also having received a really nice deal. The last time we were outside of the Haven (deck9) but this time we will be inside the Haven Proper in a spa suite on deck 14.

[BirdTravels]

The best place to watch sail aways and arrivals is the Haven sundeck all the way forward. Unfortunately, it is the smoking area. Attached are pictures of our spa Haven room per-dry dock.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2504449

 

We have our butler and steward empty the minibar and leave pic of ice water and ice tea in there. We ask for bowls of gummy bears, M&Ms and bar mix. And place special requests for snacks in the afternoon (even big kids like a good PB&J and chips once in awhile).

 

The Haven Restaurant is good for breakfast daily. We wouldn’t eat lunch or dinner there more than a couple of times. If you like prime rib, the Haven Restaurant serves the same prime rib served for a few in Cagney’s.

 

Don’t forget to tip your butler and concierge.

[norway olin]

The last time we were outside of the Haven (deck9) but this time we will be inside the Haven Proper in a spa suite on deck 14.

 

Haven spa cabins are not in the Haven Proper.

[xcell]

Ask for gummy bears -- they will bring you a bowl :P

[bam1957]

The quality of the breakfast delivered to our room, having that special elevator on embarkation day(major) and the choices of hanging out with everybody and exclusivity of the Haven.

[takeadip]

Hi all,

 

New NCL and new to the Haven on the Breakaway for 9 nights in June for Russia/Scandinavia. Traveling with DH and son age 18. We were lured by the Haven because we booked late (end of Feb) and the ship appeared to be quite full and after reading SO many reviews about how crowded this ship can be/feel in the buffet and elsewhere and the lines to disembark in key ports like St. Petersburg, we decided to splurge. Seriously considered Viking, Seaborne and Azamara given the Haven cost, but our availability of dates due to work and having an 18 yr old with us (not sure how fun those other ships would be for him!) tipped us over to the Breakaway. Hoping that having the Haven seems to be "worth it" especially to DH who is still smarting at the cost lol ; )

 

What are your tips for taking full advantage of the benefits of the Haven? Any "secrets" of the Haven alums?

 

Thanks all!

 

Lynne from Boston

 

Okay... this may sound crazy but here is the best haven tip I can tell you... we were in a 2 bedroom haven on breakaway and there was a cordless phone in the room... we would take it to shore with us and as we were starting to get back on the ship we would call the butler and request he start filling the huge tub in our room (it takes about 20 mins to fill cause it’s so large) that way once we got back to our room my wife would slip into a waiting hot tub to relax for an hour before dinner... also when we were separated on the boat... one of us would always have the cordless phone... the range was incredible on the ship...it made finding each other on the ship so easy... not sure if normal haven rooms have the cordless phone but they may...

 

Best,

Mark

[SMerritt]

ALL of the above are Excellent! Be sure to not forget your concierge and butler - they will book all of your shows, excursions, and dining reservations, including - your concierge can usually "fit" you into shows, dining, and other events even if they are showing full.

 

ALWAYS ask your concierge where to meet for priority/escorted disembarkation for ports, tendering, and last day disembarkation.

 

When you board the first day, find the VIP room - you will be checked-in and escorted through the "back doors" to the Haven.

 

Do not be "shy" with your butler - they are always happy to help! i.e. We do not care for the little "toast" appetizers so request a fruit, cheese & cracker plate or, pretzel rolls in the afternoon ;0)

 

WARNING! Once you have sailed in the Haven, you can't go back - we are on #18 - ENJOY!

[Carnac767]

For the Epic, the forward elevator bank on the starboard side (the one with blue lights), the forward and rear cars of that bank can be used as a priority to the Haven. What does that mean? Board the ‘vator, put your keycard in the slot, and press your deck. The elevator won’t stop until it reaches your deck. DO NOT DO THIS if other passengers are already on the elevator, as it will erase their deck selections and you will be hated.

[Carnac767]

Order room service breakfast and dinner through your butler. For dinner, you can have it from the Haven restaurant or any other on the ship. If you have the dining plan, remember to let your butler know that when you place your order.

[Mom2B&Z]

You mentioned being concerned about the crowds on Breakaway, being in the Haven will eliminate this issue...unless you go to the $10 sale ;). I find the crowds problematic at embarkation, disembarkation and when trying to get off in port. Haven allows you to bypass all of these lines. Plus as others have mentioned you have the Haven area itself, plus the restaurant. We are huge H6 fans, but you won’t go wrong in your H5. Enjoy your cruise!

 

 

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[Kfamilycruise]

We haven't been on the Breakaway yet, but did a Haven aft cabin and a 2 BR in the Haven on the Getaway and the Escape and they were all incredible.

 

If you have any issues at all, the Concierge smoothes them over very quickly. I think being in the Haven is worth it for the quick embarkation, disembarkation at every port and all of the snacks and the quiet in the courtyard. Such an amazing experience.

 

My kids fell in love with the Haven when they met the butler and he started bringing them lemonade, gummy bears and peanut m & ms. They had a great relationship with him.

 

I loved breakfast on the outside patio of the Haven on the Escape. Great way to wake up!

 

Enjoy!

[FLcruisergrl]

For the Epic, the forward elevator bank on the starboard side (the one with blue lights), the forward and rear cars of that bank can be used as a priority to the Haven. What does that mean? Board the ‘vator, put your keycard in the slot, and press your deck. The elevator won’t stop until it reaches your deck. DO NOT DO THIS if other passengers are already on the elevator, as it will erase their deck selections and you will be hated.

 

Wow! I wish I had known this.

[bmwman]

Hi all,

 

New NCL and new to the Haven on the Breakaway for 9 nights in June for Russia/Scandinavia. Traveling with DH and son age 18. We were lured by the Haven because we booked late (end of Feb) and the ship appeared to be quite full and after reading SO many reviews about how crowded this ship can be/feel in the buffet and elsewhere and the lines to disembark in key ports like St. Petersburg, we decided to splurge. Seriously considered Viking, Seaborne and Azamara given the Haven cost, but our availability of dates due to work and having an 18 yr old with us (not sure how fun those other ships would be for him!) tipped us over to the Breakaway. Hoping that having the Haven seems to be "worth it" especially to DH who is still smarting at the cost lol ; )

 

What are your tips for taking full advantage of the benefits of the Haven? Any "secrets" of the Haven alums?

 

Thanks all!

 

Lynne from Boston

 

Now to be controversial - how about not wasting your money and going on three cruises for the price on one.

 

Its is nice but for them money I would rather another 4 weeks at sea in a mini suite

[the2006Junket]

Now to be controversial - how about not wasting your money and going on three cruises for the price on one.

 

Its is nice but for them money I would rather another 4 weeks at sea in a mini suite

 

Hi bmwman, I don't think I'll consider my upcoming cruise and choice to stay in the Haven a waste of money, but you are, of course, welcome to your opinion! When we're not standing in line behind literally 4000 people for over an hour to get off in St. Petersburg and instead whisked to the front of the line...when I'm enjoying a complimentary room service breakfast on a busy port visit morning instead of battling the crowds in the buffet...when the concierge escorts us to the best seats at the shows instead of having to arrive in the too-small theater 30 min in advance to sit in the back...I'm pretty sure I'll determine that it was not a waste of money.

 

But isn't is wonderful we can all choose what is important to us?

 

My husband and I work (really hard) full time and don't have unlimited weeks to take multiple cruises instead of one anyway...

 

I'll be sure to post a review afterwards and share our opinion on the relative value of the Haven vs. the cost.

 

Cheers, Lynne

[DaisyGoldberg]

Not sure Haven is my thing for most vacations, but on the Breakaway the ability to get out of the hustle/bustle and the expedited boarding/disembarkation were well worth it. For a once in a lifetime trip where getting the most out of your time ashore is important, I think for this ship it's definitely a good choice if you can swing it.

 

On boarding day they definitely had one elevator set aside for Haven guests only (I had walked by it and when I asked another staff member he personally ushered me over to the waiting cab and I was taken directly to 16). At other various times during the week a concierge will get in the elevator to escort you directly via key card access off the ship or to the showroom. On the last day they took us down the freight elevators to the head of the disembarkation line.

[Cruizen Susan]

Cruise nice versus cruise twice!! ;):cool::ship:

[bam1957]

Hi bmwman, I don't think I'll consider my upcoming cruise and choice to stay in the Haven a waste of money, but you are, of course, welcome to your opinion! When we're not standing in line behind literally 4000 people for over an hour to get off in St. Petersburg and instead whisked to the front of the line...when I'm enjoying a complimentary room service breakfast on a busy port visit morning instead of battling the crowds in the buffet...when the concierge escorts us to the best seats at the shows instead of having to arrive in the too-small theater 30 min in advance to sit in the back...I'm pretty sure I'll determine that it was not a waste of money.

 

But isn't is wonderful we can all choose what is important to us?

 

My husband and I work (really hard) full time and don't have unlimited weeks to take multiple cruises instead of one anyway...

 

I'll be sure to post a review afterwards and share our opinion on the relative value of the Haven vs. the cost.

 

Cheers, Lynne

 

Nicely said!!!

[vince_g]

We had our first NCL Haven and Breakaway experience last summer to Bermuda in July. I received the bid to upgrade to the Haven, and my second bid was accepted, and it was the best thing that could have happened. As you can imagine, the ship was very crowded for that trip and venue and the Haven made what could have been a miserable vacation with an unhappy husband into a wonderful experience. Priority embarkation, disembarkation, butler service, Haven restaurant, and all previously mentioned perks make this a smart choice. We will be on the July 13 Baltic cruise again in the Haven, also having received a really nice deal. The last time we were outside of the Haven (deck9) but this time we will be inside the Haven Proper in a spa suite on deck 14.

 

Sorry to burst your bubble Sharonann, but the spa suites on deck 14 are NOT part of the Haven proper. Your cabin entrance is in a public hallway.

[ThePhoenix]

My favorite Haven cabins are the aft facing and forward facing penthouse cabins. Both have separate bedrooms which I really like. The aft cabin offers the ultimate in privacy since the bedroom wall doesn’t border another cabin. Gotta love that!

[ThePhoenix]

Also, I second the idea of figuring out what you like and want, then letting your butler know so he can get it for you. They know the more value they add to your experience, the bigger their tip will be. For us, we always wanted plenty of coffee and ice tea on hand. For snacks, we wanted fruit. And sometimes we wanted food from O Sheehan’s without having to actually go there.

[graphicguy]

Sorry to burst your bubble Sharonann, but the spa suites on deck 14 are NOT part of the Haven proper. Your cabin entrance is in a public hallway.

Have stayed in the Haven Spa Suites. Loved them.

 

You have access to the Haven Pool, the Haven Bar, the Haven Restaurant, the Concierge Desk, etc.

 

Not sure I follow them not being a part of the Haven?

[Cruise a holic]

We were on the Breakaway in the Haven once. The Haven is the only way to go on the Breakaway- you will have a concierge, or two available to help make reservations for any dinner, salon service etc. Enjoy the quiet area by the pool both upper and lower levels. When you venture out of the Haven and see the mobs, you will truly appreciate the high level of service in the Haven. We did a forward facing suite that is part of the Haven. Loved it- separate bedroom and living room, beautiful bathroom. Excellent service. The regular Haven Suites are one large room, but some people do not like to walk into the Haven, we like the walk- after over eating more walking is better. Bathrooms etc are available in the Haven proper so you do not need to go back to your suite often.

Enjoy your cruise.

My only negative comment is the price- Compared to Celebrity or Royal suites, we find it overpriced.