THE SECRETS OF THE NCL HAVEN LUXURY EXPERIENCE

[May B]

I’d like to chime in here, even though I’ve never gone in Haven (nor even on NCL). I’m actually following this tread for a friend!

 

What I’d like to say to revsoles is this: you have paid a pretty penny to cruise with the Haven experience. Part of what you’re paying for is to be able to enjoy the services of your butler and the concierge. You are claiming your product, not imposing. If you ordered three shirts from Amazon but only received two, would you just say, ok, I’ll be happy with the two, b/c I don’t want to impose?

 

Have a great time!

[Pace67]

22 hours ago, Revsoles said:

I’m wondering if anyone else has had less than impressive Haven pre-cruise experience? This forum maybe raised my expectations for the Haven experience, and I hope my on board experience is better, but I have had zero communication from the concierge in advance of our cruise (tomorrow), I finally emailed the concierge desk at the beginning of this week and got a robo-response email saying I would receive a reply in 48 hrs and…crickets. We didn’t have many requests and it’s nothing we can’t handle when we get on board, but a little irritating if the practice of concierge reaching out isn’t uniform. Is it possible this is just for loyalty tier members? This is our first NCL cruise so who knows? I booked online direct through NCL last fall and my only experience with NCL customer service via phone (not the concierge but general line) was very poor as I called with a question about being double charged for Wi-Fi upgrade and the agent put me on hold for 20 minutes (the timer was ticking on my car’s infotainment screen so I knew precisely how long it was) and then came back and presumably forgot who he was talking to because he started in answering questions about Covid testing, which I did not ask. I’m pretty easy going, but that was exasperating, and he was never able to answer the original question so I will have to deal with that on board I guess.
 

I wasn’t planning on doing the butler letter, I hate to impose, but after seeing many have had positive experience with it, I now am doing that and I hope that gets better results!

 

I am determined to have a great time regardless, but I would like to receive at least close to the same level of service as others are getting in Haven.

When you contact the Haven Concierge via email, it is not the concierge specific to your cruise. It is a general concierge email and they send requests to your specific ship concierge. There isn't anything you really missed out on pre-cruise from them. I emailed them dining reservations for specialty restaurants and an FYI that we are vegetarians and they replied it would be forwarded to our ships concierge and confirmed once on board. Last cruise once on board the concierge confirmed the reservations and handed us a piece of paper to choose show reservation times. We turned that in, had our dinner reservations handled and really didn't ask them for anything else. Also, the letter and luggage tags are now sent out 45 days prior to the cruise. I believe it used to be 60 days, but now it is 45 I was told. I would encourage you to do the butler letter as @Sthrngary suggested. He is a seasoned traveler and has really good advice. Your butler is the one you want an established relationship with as he/she is the one who can enhance your Haven experience. To sum up what I am trying to say is there really isn't a "pre-Haven" experience. It will arrive when you step into the Haven waiting area at the port, have a glass of fresh juice and a light snack, then get escorted onto the ship by a member of the Haven team. Your muscles will slowly relax and the tension in your neck will ease as the passengers waiting in line have to step aside to let you walk past them escorted to the front of the line and onto the Haven elevator to have a relaxing lunch in the Haven dining room with a glass of wine. This is when you will know it was worth it. Enjoy your cruise!!!

[Sthrngary]

3 hours ago, May B said:

I’d like to chime in here, even though I’ve never gone in Haven (nor even on NCL). I’m actually following this tread for a friend!

 

What I’d like to say to revsoles is this: you have paid a pretty penny to cruise with the Haven experience. Part of what you’re paying for is to be able to enjoy the services of your butler and the concierge. You are claiming your product, not imposing. If you ordered three shirts from Amazon but only received two, would you just say, ok, I’ll be happy with the two, b/c I don’t want to impose?

 

Have a great time!

@May BFirst, hello. If I am not mistaken, I read many of your post on Crystal Cruises.  I know you are away and read some of my posts before and after my Crystal Cruise. I love, love, love the NCL Haven. That said, there is no comparing the butler or personalized service I received on Crystal. It was a whole other level that one had to experience. My butler on Crystal was Engin. He was incredible. 
 

Now why would I bring this up on a Haven Thread? The answer is that level of personalized service, I have never felt on NCL or any other mainstream cruise brand. Just never happened for me personally. Yet as I have said so many times, I still prefer the NCL Haven. The ships, activities, entertainment and Haven give me a cruising experience that suits me better. This thread shows that.
 

So I give up some personalized service, an over the top butler to Stay in the Haven. My goal is and has always been to set realistic expectations. I hope that is what I have done with my writings. The trade off I outline is not for everyone. No cruise brand is everyone’s favorite.  Sometimes, we all have to give up something’s , to get something else.  
 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. Life is to short.

[CDR Benson]

On 3/26/2022 at 9:34 PM, Revsoles said:

I’m wondering if anyone else has had less than impressive Haven pre-cruise experience . . . I would like to receive at least close to the same level of service as others are getting in Haven.

 

Aubreyc1988---Vacruizer---and now Revsoles.  The list of cruisers receiving sub-standard service from the Haven grows.  It's not just a one-off thing, now.  The reported details indicate that, rather than providing stellar service, more and more Haven staffers are set on doing as little as they can get away with not doing, until a Haven customer makes a fuss.

 

As I remarked in a previous post on the thread initiated by aubreyc1988 ("A quick review on my first time in the Haven, NCL Joy March 5th 2022"), there's was not the experience NCL held Haven residency out to be.  A stay in the Haven, NCL proclaims, is cruising free from the lines and crowds and inconveniences of the regular cruise ship experience.  The Haven guest, we're told, receives more personal attention.  He's catered to by a butler and a concierge dedicated to only Haven passengers.  He has a private restaurant and a private lounge, all staffed by folks who will indulge his requests.  The price jump to the Haven is exorbitant, but NCL promises it's worth it.

 

Gary Tilkin, a frequent poster whose cruise experience and opinions I respect, has introduced some background that might explain the reduced performance of the Haven staffers.  But he also allows that the Haven has fallen down on the job.  He agrees that some of the noted Haven staff's shortcomings were indefensible.

 

They certainly were, and Mr. Tilkin is a man who knows.  As for the circumstances that are hindering the Haven staff's ability to deliver---they amount to an increase in the number of Haven guests to the point that the Haven staffers can no longer successfully manage them.  It may be a reason, but it's no excuse.  That's NCL's problem---it promised an upscale level of service to Haven customers; that's its obligation.  And it certainly had no problem taking its customers' money.

 

Each new account of poor Haven service posted here adds to the dismay.  In less than six months, I'll be finding out for myself how bad or how good it is.  But I'm not expecting as gracious and sublime experience as I was a couple of months ago.

 

 

Edited March 28, 2022 by CDR Benson

[Greenpea2]

On 3/26/2022 at 9:34 PM, Revsoles said:

I’m wondering if anyone else has had less than impressive Haven pre-cruise experience? This forum maybe raised my expectations for the Haven experience, and I hope my on board experience is better, but I have had zero communication from the concierge in advance of our cruise (tomorrow), I finally emailed the concierge desk at the beginning of this week and got a robo-response email saying I would receive a reply in 48 hrs and…crickets. We didn’t have many requests and it’s nothing we can’t handle when we get on board, but a little irritating if the practice of concierge reaching out isn’t uniform. Is it possible this is just for loyalty tier members? This is our first NCL cruise so who knows? I booked online direct through NCL last fall and my only experience with NCL customer service via phone (not the concierge but general line) was very poor as I called with a question about being double charged for Wi-Fi upgrade and the agent put me on hold for 20 minutes (the timer was ticking on my car’s infotainment screen so I knew precisely how long it was) and then came back and presumably forgot who he was talking to because he started in answering questions about Covid testing, which I did not ask. I’m pretty easy going, but that was exasperating, and he was never able to answer the original question so I will have to deal with that on board I guess.
 

I wasn’t planning on doing the butler letter, I hate to impose, but after seeing many have had positive experience with it, I now am doing that and I hope that gets better results!

 

I am determined to have a great time regardless, but I would like to receive at least close to the same level of service as others are getting in Haven.

I have attempted twice to use the pre-cruise concierge service--totally useless. Never communicated anything to the onboard staff. I have found that once you board, you can easily take care of any needs/desires. 

[Sthrngary]

48 minutes ago, CDR Benson said:

Gary Tilkin, a frequent poster whose cruise experience and opinions I respect, has introduced some background that might explain the reduced performance of the Haven staffers.  But he also allows that the Haven has fallen down on the job.  He agrees that some of the noted Haven staff's shortcomings were indefensible.

 

They certainly were, and Mr. Tilkin is a man who knows. 

@CDR BensonWhen I read someone going on an NCL Ship and the outline of their lack of service; you are right, some of those situation are indeed indefensible.  It is important that if any guest on any cruise line is less then happy with the service or product, they address it right away.  It is is not that important, OK.  If it is a serious issue, it should be dealt with immediately so one can move on to the best cruise possible. 

 

My biggest frustration is for the few folks that had issues, the there is a majority that were more then satisfied. My cruise in the Haven on the Joy at the end of November with my family was lovely.  The one issue I had was resolved almost instantly.  My communication with Pre-Cruise desk with great success.  Yet if some of the outlined things happened to me, I would be less then thrilled.  I would us my own advice and address it instantly which I did.

 

If anyone who has not cruise in the Haven has an opportunity for a reasonable upgrade bid, I say go for it.  For those like myself that has had rare issue, it will depend on the fare at the time.  For those considering the Haven, look at the Great, Good, Bad and Ugly; make a decision that works for you. Ask lots of questions and process the answers.  Remember, "Realistic Expectations".  

 

One final word and I will be backing away from CruiseCritic.com for a while.  True luxury comes at an investment.  The Luxury Brands like Regent Seven Seas Cruises will blow your mind on the personalized service, accommodations and dining. With that comes an investment that makes the Haven look like  the bargain of the year.  There are trade offs, just know that they are so you are not disappointed when you sail.

 

All my best to everyone.  Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[RocketMan275]

1 hour ago, Greenpea2 said:

I have attempted twice to use the pre-cruise concierge service--totally useless. Never communicated anything to the onboard staff. I have found that once you board, you can easily take care of any needs/desires. 

I've a different experience.  I booked Breakaway with less than a month before sailing.  I called the pre-cruise concierge desk since I knew I wouldn't receive the pre-boarding letter.  I asked if there was anything I needed to do that would have been in the letter.  The very nice person asked about several of my preferences.  All of which were in place when we boarded.

[lgdesign]

I too have had multiple successful conversations (via e-mail) this month with the pre-cruise concierge desk.  I requested the letter showing pillow options, teas, waters, etc.  We also requested distilled water for a CPAP device plus a sharps container.  I also asked them to switch some dining times... got prompt responses each time.  They actually reached out to me first last month... asking if there was anything I needed before it was even on my radar.

 

I've been in the Haven a few times now and have yet to have a bad experience like those described.  Granted, those times were all pre-COVID before NCL started filling the Haven with last minute upgrades.  My cruise is a in a few weeks, so It will be interesting to see how it goes.

 

For us communication has always been key and I have always left notes in our suite (and not waited til I ran into our butler or steward) to make any changes or reasonable requests as the cruise went on.  They were always taken care of very promptly.

[Luv2Cruz4Ever]

20 hours ago, RocketMan275 said:

I've a different experience.  I booked Breakaway with less than a month before sailing.  I called the pre-cruise concierge desk since I knew I wouldn't receive the pre-boarding letter.  I asked if there was anything I needed to do that would have been in the letter.  The very nice person asked about several of my preferences.  All of which were in place when we boarded.

Same here…we upgraded our two spa balcony cabins to two Haven Courtyard Balcony cabins within 4 weeks of our sail date.  We called the Concierge number and had all of our requests noted, and they even suggested other items that we would like (snack mix for the room, pitcher of ice water available at all times, cookies after dinner).  They were very accommodating and very pleasant to talk to.  I’m looking forward to my first NCL and Haven experience!

[Sthrngary]

So, I hope everyone is reading all the comments as a whole.  The topic was how the Pre-Cruise Concierge did a good or bad job.  Initially, sever folks said their calls were not good.  Then other came back and said their calls were good. 

 

Some folks thought the NCL reservation team was the Pre-Cruise Concierge.  Others simply had a bad experience with the Concierge.  I just find it interesting and in a was sad.  It shows inconsistency.  Those have to be fixed by NCL.  

 

Conclusion, the fact my services have been excellent, it does not mean everyone had my experience.  

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[CDR Benson]

11 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

Some folks thought the NCL reservation team was the Pre-Cruise Concierge.  Others simply had a bad experience with the Concierge.  I just find it interesting and in a was sad.  It shows inconsistency.  Those have to be fixed by NCL.  

 

At the risk of furthering your disappointment in NCL's inconsistency, my friend, have a look at the "Let Down on Breakaway so far" thread.

 

My level of confidence in the quality of the Haven experience continues to ebb.

 

 

[RunBikeCruiseDC]

We are bidding to upgrade to the Haven.  It seems that most people don't know until 2 days before sailing so I doubt we will be able to communicate with the conceirge/butler prior?  My husband and I are low key so it's probably not such a big deal.  No matter what happens, we're going to have a great time relaxing - it's been over two years since we really got to get away and chill without the dogs!   I'm looking forward to sleeping in.

[RocketMan275]

37 minutes ago, RunBikeCruiseDC said:

We are bidding to upgrade to the Haven.  It seems that most people don't know until 2 days before sailing so I doubt we will be able to communicate with the conceirge/butler prior?  My husband and I are low key so it's probably not such a big deal.  No matter what happens, we're going to have a great time relaxing - it's been over two years since we really got to get away and chill without the dogs!   I'm looking forward to sleeping in.

I faced a similar issue on our last cruise since it was a late booking and I didn't have time to receive the letter from the concierge.  The concierge number is (855-625-4286).  While time will be short they may be able to help.  At least they can tell you what you can do once aboard.  I called them twice and they were a pleasure  to deal with.

[Sthrngary]

53 minutes ago, RunBikeCruiseDC said:

We are bidding to upgrade to the Haven.  It seems that most people don't know until 2 days before sailing so I doubt we will be able to communicate with the conceirge/butler prior?  My husband and I are low key so it's probably not such a big deal.  No matter what happens, we're going to have a great time relaxing - it's been over two years since we really got to get away and chill without the dogs!   I'm looking forward to sleeping in.

I hope you get your upgrade.  As you may or may not know.  I am the OP on this stream.  So any questions you have just ask.  On another note, I also had an upgrade bid in for my Joy, March 19, 2022 cruise.  I did not receive it. I was solo for the first time and in a Club Balcony Suite.  I did Haven Lite.  It was fabulous.  I share this because of course I would have preferred the Haven.  However I had a great time either way.  Really, GREAT either way.

 

Your post is about getting with the Concierge via phone or email.  At this point, as other have shared, don't worry about it.  You will be fine.  Just relax and enjoy.

 

Cruise well.

[Pace67]

On 3/28/2022 at 10:39 AM, Sthrngary said:

@CDR BensonWhen I read someone going on an NCL Ship and the outline of their lack of service; you are right, some of those situation are indeed indefensible.  It is important that if any guest on any cruise line is less then happy with the service or product, they address it right away.  It is is not that important, OK.  If it is a serious issue, it should be dealt with immediately so one can move on to the best cruise possible. 

 

My biggest frustration is for the few folks that had issues, the there is a majority that were more then satisfied. My cruise in the Haven on the Joy at the end of November with my family was lovely.  The one issue I had was resolved almost instantly.  My communication with Pre-Cruise desk with great success.  Yet if some of the outlined things happened to me, I would be less then thrilled.  I would us my own advice and address it instantly which I did.

 

If anyone who has not cruise in the Haven has an opportunity for a reasonable upgrade bid, I say go for it.  For those like myself that has had rare issue, it will depend on the fare at the time.  For those considering the Haven, look at the Great, Good, Bad and Ugly; make a decision that works for you. Ask lots of questions and process the answers.  Remember, "Realistic Expectations".  

 

One final word and I will be backing away from CruiseCritic.com for a while.  True luxury comes at an investment.  The Luxury Brands like Regent Seven Seas Cruises will blow your mind on the personalized service, accommodations and dining. With that comes an investment that makes the Haven look like  the bargain of the year.  There are trade offs, just know that they are so you are not disappointed when you sail.

 

All my best to everyone.  Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

I sure hope you will not be gone too long. Your advice is very useful and when you continue to cruise, you find even more things to give to this conversation. I'm sure it can feel like quite a burden to give advice & pointers and to describe what a great experience you get within the Haven and then to see that some people do not share this joy or have a less than positive experience. This burden, I would assume, can be quite draining. So, I understand your need for a break. I, for one, would like to point out that most likely 99% of the people who read your posts thoroughly enjoy and appreciate all the time and effort you put into this thread. It does not go unnoticed. However, it will if you are gone too long :). 

Thank you for always being positive, helping me look forward to my upcoming cruises (I have 4 booked) and providing so much knowledge to this cruising community. 

All the best to you.

[meincp]

Hello, I wanted to thank @Sthrngary and other that contributed to this post.  I had booked two Standard balconies on the Joy the week before Christmas for me, my husband and two kids-Daughter  will be 21 on the cruise and the son will be 17.   This will be our first NCL, but, we have been on several Princess cruises-not really fully by choice, my parents are loyal Princess passengers and my cousins use to work there so we had the F&F discount.   Although Princess was not our ideal ship, my family has fun wherever we go.   However, I was so intrigued with NCL from a good friend - she is currently on the Encore with her family-a ship with a Go-Kart track-that is crazy.  Plus the entertainment look so much better more geared to us than the entertainment on Princess..  This forum gave me good info to change to our Two Balcony Cabins to Haven Family Villa Suite with Balcony.   I thought it might be helpful to someone else if I provide justifications for making the switch.    

1. Kids request for all family vacation-they do not need their own room, they prefer to have their own beds.  I am going through the almost empty nester stage so I would appreciate having the same room before they get too serious with their relations and that won't happen.
2.  I do not consider the Free Perk i.e. Beverage Package, SD, internet-free.  It's built into their price. I budgeted about $1500 a day for all of us on this trip and I prefer not having the burden of wondering if things cost too much while I am on vacation.  
   • Beverage Premium-considering mainly for Specialty Coffee and Starbucks, I do not drink that much, but if I had the option to drink, go with top shelf
   • Specialty Dining-all the menus look so good and if I am upgrading Beverage then why not upgrade SD too
   • Internet-we are just used to always having great connection-why do we need to sacrifice one of our pleasures-might as well upgrade that too
3. Husband was looking at Youtube on NCL and the Joy since I told him about the cruise and he asked if I looked into pricing the Haven
4. Opportunity Cost
   • Haven Family Villa Suite with Balcony ended up being $200 less than 2 Balcony rooms while upgrading Beverage, SD and Internet
   • Lose 2 SD with 2nd Balcony
   • All the perks with Staying at Haven, but losing SD every night, unlimited internet and Beverage Plus
   • Haven has Nespresso Machine in room, just need to get Heavy cream to put in fridge
   • Reported that Haven Restaurant is the best on the ship
     • Can still eat at SD, just ala carte

We used Costco Travel and for some reason they wouldn't let us book 4 people in one cabin on their website, so we had to call them to get connected to a travel agent.   We were on hold for more than 30 minutes, but it worked out well for us.   For some reason the travel agent was not able to give son the Soda package-which was fine because he doesn't drink soda anyway-he only drinks 2% milk, chocolate milk, hot chocolate, water or tea, ended trimming the cost down by $100.  The other nice surprise was the Costco cash card we received increase from $90 to $320.  

 

Again, thanks for everyone's comments on this thread, it certainly help me make this decision to go with a Haven Cabin for this trip.

Edited April 25, 2022 by meincp

[abugarcia1]

On 3/27/2022 at 7:42 PM, Pace67 said:

When you contact the Haven Concierge via email, it is not the concierge specific to your cruise. It is a general concierge email and they send requests to your specific ship concierge. There isn't anything you really missed out on pre-cruise from them. I emailed them dining reservations for specialty restaurants and an FYI that we are vegetarians and they replied it would be forwarded to our ships concierge and confirmed once on board. Last cruise once on board the concierge confirmed the reservations and handed us a piece of paper to choose show reservation times. We turned that in, had our dinner reservations handled and really didn't ask them for anything else. Also, the letter and luggage tags are now sent out 45 days prior to the cruise. I believe it used to be 60 days, but now it is 45 I was told. I would encourage you to do the butler letter as @Sthrngary suggested. He is a seasoned traveler and has really good advice. Your butler is the one you want an established relationship with as he/she is the one who can enhance your Haven experience. To sum up what I am trying to say is there really isn't a "pre-Haven" experience. It will arrive when you step into the Haven waiting area at the port, have a glass of fresh juice and a light snack, then get escorted onto the ship by a member of the Haven team. Your muscles will slowly relax and the tension in your neck will ease as the passengers waiting in line have to step aside to let you walk past them escorted to the front of the line and onto the Haven elevator to have a relaxing lunch in the Haven dining room with a glass of wine. This is when you will know it was worth it. Enjoy your cruise!!!

Boy does that sure sound like an experience worth looking forward to!

[Sthrngary]

8 hours ago, meincp said:

Hello, I wanted to thank @Sthrngary and other that contributed to this post.  I had booked two Standard balconies on the Joy the week before Christmas for me, my husband and two kids-Daughter  will be 21 on the cruise and the son will be 17.   This will be our first NCL, but, we have been on several Princess cruises-not really fully by choice, my parents are loyal Princess passengers and my cousins use to work there so we had the F&F discount.   Although Princess was not our ideal ship, my family has fun wherever we go.   However, I was so intrigued with NCL from a good friend - she is currently on the Encore with her family-a ship with a Go-Kart track-that is crazy.  Plus the entertainment look so much better more geared to us than the entertainment on Princess..  This forum gave me good info to change to our Two Balcony Cabins to Haven Family Villa Suite with Balcony.   I thought it might be helpful to someone else if I provide justifications for making the switch.    

1. Kids request for all family vacation-they do not need their own room, they prefer to have their own beds.  I am going through the almost empty nester stage so I would appreciate having the same room before they get too serious with their relations and that won't happen.
2.  I do not consider the Free Perk i.e. Beverage Package, SD, internet-free.  It's built into their price. I budgeted about $1500 a day for all of us on this trip and I prefer not having the burden of wondering if things cost too much while I am on vacation.  
   • Beverage Premium-considering mainly for Specialty Coffee and Starbucks, I do not drink that much, but if I had the option to drink, go with top shelf
   • Specialty Dining-all the menus look so good and if I am upgrading Beverage then why not upgrade SD too
   • Internet-we are just used to always having great connection-why do we need to sacrifice one of our pleasures-might as well upgrade that too
3. Husband was looking at Youtube on NCL and the Joy since I told him about the cruise and he asked if I looked into pricing the Haven
4. Opportunity Cost
   • Haven Family Villa Suite with Balcony ended up being $200 less than 2 Balcony rooms while upgrading Beverage, SD and Internet
   • Lose 2 SD with 2nd Balcony
   • All the perks with Staying at Haven, but losing SD every night, unlimited internet and Beverage Plus
   • Haven has Nespresso Machine in room, just need to get Heavy cream to put in fridge
   • Reported that Haven Restaurant is the best on the ship
     • Can still eat at SD, just ala carte

We used Costco Travel and for some reason they wouldn't let us book 4 people in one cabin on their website, so we had to call them to get connected to a travel agent.   We were on hold for more than 30 minutes, but it worked out well for us.   For some reason the travel agent was not able to give son the Soda package-which was fine because he doesn't drink soda anyway-he only drinks 2% milk, chocolate milk, hot chocolate, water or tea, ended trimming the cost down by $100.  The other nice surprise was the Costco cash card we received increase from $90 to $320.  

 

Again, thanks for everyone's comments on this thread, it certainly help me make this decision to go with a Haven Cabin for this trip.

Nice review.  Coffee in the Haven is lovely.  French Press from the Haven Restaurant or your butler.  My favorite coffee time was in the early morning in the Haven Horizon Observation Lounge.  They have a fabulous coffee machine that was excellent. Milk will be no issue in the Haven Restaurant. 

 

My original cruise was to Balconies that were connected on the Pearl.  That was three years ago.  I changed it many times due to covid issues and cancellations.  We also ended up in the Haven Two Bedroom family villa.  Fast forward, within the last 6 months I have cruised on the Joy twice.  First in the Haven Owners Suite and second solo in a Club suite.  You will love the joy.  

 

Cruise well.

[cruisebeachgirl703]

Gary,

From your memory can you please post joy haven restaurant hours for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Thanks. 

[Sthrngary]

4 hours ago, cruisebeachgirl703 said:

Gary,

From your memory can you please post joy haven restaurant hours for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Thanks. 

Breakfast: 07:00 AM to 09:30 AM

Lunch: 12:00 PM to 02:00 PM

Dinner: 05:30 PM to 09:30 PM

 

Cruise well

[cruisebeachgirl703]

Thanks Gary!

[scooter6139]

4 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

Breakfast: 07:00 AM to 09:30 AM

Lunch: 12:00 PM to 02:00 PM

Dinner: 05:30 PM to 09:30 PM

 

Cruise well

Is there anything edible in the Haven Restaurant in-between these meal times?  I know there are "snacks and stuff" in the forward Horizon Lounge, but do they have anything similar in the restaurant?

[Candy Apple 12]

21 minutes ago, scooter6139 said:

Is there anything edible in the Haven Restaurant in-between these meal times?  I know there are "snacks and stuff" in the forward Horizon Lounge, but do they have anything similar in the restaurant?

No, the restaurant is closed. You can call your butler to bring you food if you want to eat something when the Haven restaurant is closed. Of note, on our recent Bliss cruise, the breakfast times were adjusted depending on the arrival time into the port. We had some very early port arrival times and the restaurant opened earlier for breakfast on those days.

[Sthrngary]

50 minutes ago, scooter6139 said:

Is there anything edible in the Haven Restaurant in-between these meal times?  I know there are "snacks and stuff" in the forward Horizon Lounge, but do they have anything similar in the restaurant?

I know the Haven like the back of my hand.  I also have traveled enough on NCL to give some recommendations.  That means the way I feel which might not suit your needs to keep that in mind.

 

Food and good food is never an issue.  When the Haven Restaurant is closed, the buffet is open.  Most NCL ships have a 24/7 restaurant that is really good.  They are called different things on different ships.  I love the burgers and wings there.  The hotdogs are good also.  

 

The key to enjoying the Haven in general is to leave it and enjoy the ship also.  When the ship gets to busy or you just want some privacy, you go back to the Haven.  You will not get a complete cruise experience if you stay in the Haven the whole time.  Remember, I do the Haven a lot.  I also love the pool games at the main pool, go cart track, Lasor tag and the water slides.  

 

I recently went on the NCL joy for the second time in four months.  The first time I was in the Haven, the next time I was in a club suite outside the Haven.  The club suite taught me to enjoy the whole ship and my next trip with will be in the Haven, will be that much better.  This includes foods.  

 

I hope all that makes sense.  Ask me anything.

 

Cruise well.

[complawyer]

being the anti-social animal that i am, not to mention a grumpy old curmudgeon, since they call the haven "a ship within a ship" other than going to the specialty restaurants, shore excursions, possible shows, and sugarcane, im more than happy to stay where i am in the haven. yes, ill explore the ship, but by and large, there isnt a great deal of anything else on board that i require or care to see or hear.

 

before i get blasted, we've been on 18 ncl cruises, and while i'm not as well haven versed as sthrngary, ive booked enough of them to stay put and stay satisfied