THE SECRETS OF THE NCL HAVEN LUXURY EXPERIENCE

[Sthrngary]

For anyone interested.  I am currently working on another very detailed cruising document.  It outlines how to pre-plan your cruise to make it an "All-Inclusive VIP Luxury Cruise Experience".  It is called, "My Personal Journey for a Luxury VIP All-Inclusive Cruise Vacation".  

 

In it I again go down the path I took with my goal of upgrading my past cruise experience and making it as all-inclusive as possible. It is a total of nine pages.

 

This journey document is similar to the Above Haven Document.  The difference is the cruise line I wanted to book was in the Luxury Segment rather then Mainstream.  The cruise I choose as somewhat of a "Luxury Cruise Test Drive" what a Crystal Cruise out of the Bahama's at the end of July 2021.

 

After that cruise, I will publish the review on CruiseCritic.com as normal and have a journey document for Crystal.  Please remember, when we want to upgrade our experience and the other information is by marketers; we don't get the right information.  What we want to know is, if I pay the premium, is it worth it.  We also want to know what are the amenities I will receive and what are the Rule to the Game to get the most out of the experience.

 

No my knowledge, there is very few documents or video's that focus completely on the clients point of view.  If you want this document on this topic stream, just let me know. 

 

[cabincop]

This is great info for first time Haven guests. I’ve been on 55 cruises & in the Haven at least 15times. It’s the only way to cruise for me

[Sthrngary]

3 minutes ago, cabincop said:

This is great info for first time Haven guests. I’ve been on 55 cruises & in the Haven at least 15times. It’s the only way to cruise for me

I know RIGHT.  You can have the best of both worlds.  A HUGE ship with all that it has to offer.  Plus, a private exclusive VIP area to get away from the crowds.  The alternative is going Luxury Cruising and you lose the large ship, entertainment and other things.  

[HBCcruiser]

I love that spreadsheet. Is there any way you can share the Excel version? Great info too BTW. 

Thank you -

 

Suggestions: - perhaps list some of your favorite specialty drinks from the Haven Bar and continue to report and make suggestions on other Haven suites. Guess that means more cruises for you! 😃

 

[mtrancher]

@Sthrngary Very much appreciate your posting and attachment of the Haven review. I have had the pleasure of one Haven cruise as myself and all those that traveled with me won't cruise unless we have the resources to utilize the Haven.

Very few vacation experiences offer the high degree of service versus price; offered in the Haven.

My 1st concierge service on NCL was in 2000. My concierge had a simple philosophy; If you don't ask I can't do it for you. She was fabulous and made the trip all the much better. Our second cruise with the concierge wasn't so great. She was leaving the ship and had one family she wanted to take care of and focus all her attention. While we had 36 people on board in suites she did little to assist us.

Our last cruise which was in the Haven, David, the concierge was always there for us. We don't have huge demands, but David anticipated most everything, making sure our days were as stress free and simplified as possible. He even track our adult children's  return from the mainland in Harvest Caye. I wasn't worried, but he came and told me they made the last ferry from the mainland and would have no problem making the ship.

In the end, between the Haven staff, the butler and the concierge; all the issues I usually face and have to fix on vacation get delegated to them, thus reliving me of almost all concerns. To me that's the best vacation!!

[copper004]

On 4/13/2021 at 2:13 PM, Sthrngary said:

Done

I would love to see your study document. Please send to Copper0044@gmail.com. Thanks!

Stay safe! 😷

[ColeyCola]

50 minutes ago, HBCcruiser said:

 

 

Suggestions: - perhaps list some of your favorite specialty drinks from the Haven Bar and continue to report and make suggestions on other Haven suites. Guess that means more cruises for you! 😃

 

That's a great idea! Bc I love trying new drinks. lol

[Sthrngary]

44 minutes ago, copper004 said:

I would love to see your study document. Please send to Copper0044@gmail.com. Thanks!

Stay safe! 😷

Please clarify document. Happy to send.

[Treasure Hunter]

I would love to see anything you do. We cruised Haven twice and a regular mini suite once . Only the Haven from now on. Three reasons to cruise NCL for us. We can go out of NY in the winter. I gamble ( want a big casino) this gives us a nice discount on the Haven . And great entertainment. Because of these items an upscale cruise like Regent and Oceania are not my favorite. We cruised with Oceania to Cuba , a fun experience . And Regent in the Greek Islands, lovely small ship experience. The Haven restaurant is just as good for food quality as the upscale lines. Only problem is choosing when to cruise to eliminate children in the Haven courtyard. At least the sun deck is adults only. Having cruised numerous times with grandchildren on RCCL and taken a suite on Royal , I still prefer the Haven all things considered.

[copper004]

2 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

Please clarify document. Happy to send.

I was was going to request the previously mentioned “longer Haven document” but see you posted the file on the previous page. Thanks for sharing! 👍🏼

[Yesimapirate]

22 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

For anyone interested.  I am currently working on another very detailed cruising document.  It outlines how to pre-plan your cruise to make it an "All-Inclusive VIP Luxury Cruise Experience".  It is called, "My Personal Journey for a Luxury VIP All-Inclusive Cruise Vacation".  

 

In it I again go down the path I took with my goal of upgrading my past cruise experience and making it as all-inclusive as possible. It is a total of nine pages.

 

This journey document is similar to the Above Haven Document.  The difference is the cruise line I wanted to book was in the Luxury Segment rather then Mainstream.  The cruise I choose as somewhat of a "Luxury Cruise Test Drive" what a Crystal Cruise out of the Bahama's at the end of July 2021.

 

After that cruise, I will publish the review on CruiseCritic.com as normal and have a journey document for Crystal.  Please remember, when we want to upgrade our experience and the other information is by marketers; we don't get the right information.  What we want to know is, if I pay the premium, is it worth it.  We also want to know what are the amenities I will receive and what are the Rule to the Game to get the most out of the experience.

 

No my knowledge, there is very few documents or video's that focus completely on the clients point of view.  If you want this document on this topic stream, just let me know. 

 

You are quite a character (meant in a good way).  While I don't agree with everything you wrote, ice definitely enjoyed reading it.   Takes me back to when I traveled weekly for work for 20 years and prided myself on knowing more than the airlines or hotels and spent hours every night on flyertalk.com. 

 

Thank you for the effort you've put into this. 

[Sthrngary]

1 hour ago, Yesimapirate said:

You are quite a character (meant in a good way).  While I don't agree with everything you wrote, ice definitely enjoyed reading it.   Takes me back to when I traveled weekly for work for 20 years and prided myself on knowing more than the airlines or hotels and spent hours every night on flyertalk.com. 

 

Thank you for the effort you've put into this. 

LOL, I am quite the character and you saw right through me.  I was on the road for 30+ years, 5,000,000 miles on Delta, lift time elite level with Marriott.  I bet you and I both used to know exactly the right time to get up and get on line when going on a flight.  You are absolutely correct that many of what I did in that crazy long document is up for debate for sure.  It was therapy for me during my hiatus from the human race called covid-19.  The effort was purely my pleasure.

[graphicguy]

2 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

LOL, I am quite the character and you saw right through me.  I was on the road for 30+ years, 5,000,000 miles on Delta, lift time elite level with Marriott.  I bet you and I both used to know exactly the right time to get up and get on line when going on a flight.  You are absolutely correct that many of what I did in that crazy long document is up for debate for sure.  It was therapy for me during my hiatus from the human race called covid-19.  The effort was purely my pleasure.

WOW!  I thought I was the road warrior.  3M+ Miles on Delta.  Platinum with Hilton.

 

You’ve got me beat significantly.  Kudos!

[oteixeira]

@Sthrngary Well done once again.  I used this thread when doing my first haven cruise and while I like to fly by the seat of my pants a little on vacation things like the letter to the butler and the tips and tricks in the restaurants were extremely helpful to us.

Thanks so much for this!

[RocketMan275]

3 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

LOL, I am quite the character and you saw right through me.  I was on the road for 30+ years, 5,000,000 miles on Delta, lift time elite level with Marriott.  I bet you and I both used to know exactly the right time to get up and get on line when going on a flight.  You are absolutely correct that many of what I did in that crazy long document is up for debate for sure.  It was therapy for me during my hiatus from the human race called covid-19.  The effort was purely my pleasure.

Thanks for the document. I'll give some feedback after I've reviewed.

I too used to travel quite a bit.

We're looking forward to our fist Haven/NCL cruise in March 22.  

 

[Yesimapirate]

1 hour ago, graphicguy said:

WOW!  I thought I was the road warrior.  3M+ Miles on Delta.  Platinum with Hilton.

 

You’ve got me beat significantly.  Kudos!

Lightweights 😉   7MM on AA.  One year I did 302 nights in hotels averaging less then 2 nights per stay.  I like cruising because I get one bed for a week!

[Acruzaholic]

@Sthrngary Would you please also forward your longer document on the Haven you have shared with others-send to sportsmansmarina@gmail.com.  Thank you for your consideration and all the hard work you have done. I am also a Gary! 

[CarolinaMamma]

@Sthrngary thank you for all the helpful information. We are in our early 50s and kind of at the point in life where we have had enough of crowds and lines, and we appreciate good food. I think the Haven will be a great way to relax and enjoy our cruise.  We will be traveling with our 21, 17 and 15 year old children, who will appreciate all the big ship amenities while we enjoy the peace and quiet of the Haven! 
 

I’m curious to know if you and your wife have any keto favorites from the Haven restaurant. My husband and I have been eating keto for almost four years, and know how to do low-carb on a cruise, but our upcoming cruise on Encore will be first time in the Haven. (Was supposed to happen in spring of 2020.)  any favorites from the menu or special things they custom made for you? 

 

also curious to know if the Haven bar had any interesting  low-carb cocktails beyond the usual vodka and club soda or dry martini. 
 

Thank you! 

[oteixeira]

42 minutes ago, CarolinaMamma said:

@Sthrngary thank you for all the helpful information. We are in our early 50s and kind of at the point in life where we have had enough of crowds and lines, and we appreciate good food. I think the Haven will be a great way to relax and enjoy our cruise.  We will be traveling with our 21, 17 and 15 year old children, who will appreciate all the big ship amenities while we enjoy the peace and quiet of the Haven! 
 

I’m curious to know if you and your wife have any keto favorites from the Haven restaurant. My husband and I have been eating keto for almost four years, and know how to do low-carb on a cruise, but our upcoming cruise on Encore will be first time in the Haven. (Was supposed to happen in spring of 2020.)  any favorites from the menu or special things they custom made for you? 

 

also curious to know if the Haven bar had any interesting  low-carb cocktails beyond the usual vodka and club soda or dry martini. 
 

Thank you! 

The Haven bar is a bespoke (they say) bar.  You tell them the spirit you want, and if you like fruit, dry, etc. and they surprise you.  I think if you walked up and said make me the best low carb/low sugar drink you can think of you would be spoiled all week.

[Sthrngary]

2 hours ago, CarolinaMamma said:

@Sthrngary thank you for all the helpful information. We are in our early 50s and kind of at the point in life where we have had enough of crowds and lines, and we appreciate good food. I think the Haven will be a great way to relax and enjoy our cruise.  We will be traveling with our 21, 17 and 15 year old children, who will appreciate all the big ship amenities while we enjoy the peace and quiet of the Haven! 
 

I’m curious to know if you and your wife have any keto favorites from the Haven restaurant. My husband and I have been eating keto for almost four years, and know how to do low-carb on a cruise, but our upcoming cruise on Encore will be first time in the Haven. (Was supposed to happen in spring of 2020.)  any favorites from the menu or special things they custom made for you? 

 

also curious to know if the Haven bar had any interesting  low-carb cocktails beyond the usual vodka and club soda or dry martini. 
 

Thank you! 

The Haven Restaurant is had lots of Keto option.  The Lunch Pork chop, the Hamburger without a bun was GREAT, Prime Rib, Salmon, Short Ribs, they have a great Cheese and Meat board, lunch had a Chef's salad.  I think you will have no issues on food there.  FYI, if you have a special request, just ask them.  You can look up the Haven menu on line and in Cruise Critic.  NOTE, the Haven Menu does not change, so use the Specialty Dining if you want a better variety.  

 

Remember, you have two nights in Specialty Restaurants also with your trip.  The sky is the limit on those as well.  

 

Let me know if you have any other questions.

The Haven Bar has the best Mix-ologist on the ship. I usually did Tequila, Infused Vodka's, however, if you explain no sugar to them, they will make you something special.  Usually not crowed so they take their time with you.

Edited April 16, 2021 by Sthrngary
Forgot to add text

[Sthrngary]

3 hours ago, Acruzaholic said:

@Sthrngary Would you please also forward your longer document on the Haven you have shared with others-send to sportsmansmarina@gmail.com.  Thank you for your consideration and all the hard work you have done. I am also a Gary! 

That document is downloadable on the previous page.  You will see it in an icon on one of the posts. 

[CarolinaMamma]

@SthrngaryI just read your long document, and I am so much like you on the detailed planning! I have a color-coded calendar, too, which I print out across two pages and post in the cabin. Here’s one more detail I add. I love watching the sail away out on deck with a drink in hand, and I love sunsets, so before making dinner or show reservations, I put all the sail-always on the calendar, and I look up the sunset times on the particular date for the time zone we will be in, and even which way the ship will be pointing, so that I can either make sure we will be on the waterfront in a restaurant where we can see it, or eat before or after it. It sounds like a minor detail, but sunsets and sail-always are just so nice to watch.
 

I have a bin in the attic, from out last cruise which didn’t happen, which has the plastic luggage tags, lanyards, hole punch, mini LED flashlights, a different colored laundry bag for each person, over-he-door shoe hangers to store things, magnetic hooks for the walls, ‘bathroom packs” with all the essentials, envelopes for tips, and many other things that you talk about on your list. I am the obsessive planner for our family, like you are for yours. All this planning results in great vacations and my family is appreciative. Thanks for helping me plan our first Haven cruise.

[Sthrngary]

16 minutes ago, CarolinaMamma said:

@SthrngaryI just read your long document, and I am so much like you on the detailed planning! I have a color-coded calendar, too, which I print out across two pages and post in the cabin. Here’s one more detail I add. I love watching the sail away out on deck with a drink in hand, and I love sunsets, so before making dinner or show reservations, I put all the sail-always on the calendar, and I look up the sunset times on the particular date for the time zone we will be in, and even which way the ship will be pointing, so that I can either make sure we will be on the waterfront in a restaurant where we can see it, or eat before or after it. It sounds like a minor detail, but sunsets and sail-always are just so nice to watch.
 

I have a bin in the attic, from out last cruise which didn’t happen, which has the plastic luggage tags, lanyards, hole punch, mini LED flashlights, a different colored laundry bag for each person, over-he-door shoe hangers to store things, magnetic hooks for the walls, ‘bathroom packs” with all the essentials, envelopes for tips, and many other things that you talk about on your list. I am the obsessive planner for our family, like you are for yours. All this planning results in great vacations and my family is appreciative. Thanks for helping me plan our first Haven cruise.

A woman for my own heart.  I am adding the sunsets.  You have an outdoor area to the Haven Restaurant.  GREAT for Sunsets and Sunrises.  I never thought of that.  Enjoy

[voyager1964]

Very thorough, interesting and informative - thank you very much!

Could you please clarify the room service issue. On our last cruise, we often used the room service during the daytime (not for breakfast). To this end, I would call their number and order from the room service menu that was available, even though the order would be delivered by our butler.

How do you order room service directly from Haven restaurant? 

 

Thanks,

[don't-use-real-name]

2 hours ago, voyager1964 said:

Very thorough, interesting and informative - thank you very much!

Could you please clarify the room service issue. On our last cruise, we often used the room service during the daytime (not for breakfast). To this end, I would call their number and order from the room service menu that was available, even though the order would be delivered by our butler.

How do you order room service directly from Haven restaurant? 

 

Thanks,

Just que your Butler in on it and it will be taken care of - - -