THE SECRETS OF THE NCL HAVEN LUXURY EXPERIENCE

[Sthrngary]

22 minutes ago, ColeyCola said:

Yes! Fingers and eyes crossed lol

It will go.  The better news is that the Joy is one of the first ships to be utilized out of the Bahama's in August.  Therefore the ship and crew will have all the rush off before all of our November cruises.  That is the best part from my standpoint.  

[ColeyCola]

2 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

It will go.  The better news is that the Joy is one of the first ships to be utilized out of the Bahama's in August.  Therefore the ship and crew will have all the rush off before all of our November cruises.  That is the best part from my standpoint.  

I'm very optimistic about it. But with the cdc I'm a realist too lol. 

[oteixeira]

Hi all,  would this be the first completely redone Haven (from a ship that was designed with a Haven area)??   Cool news:

Reaffirming the Company's commitment to elevating the guest experience at sea, the Cruise Line will debut an all-new The Haven by Norwegian complex aboard Norwegian Epic, following an extensive refurbishment in Marseille, France at the end of 2020. 

This is from an article talking about Epic and Getaway restarting in Europe.

 

https://newsfilter.io/a/1208fc9751d957b238690be5a381a166

[Sthrngary]

43 minutes ago, oteixeira said:

Hi all,  would this be the first completely redone Haven (from a ship that was designed with a Haven area)??   Cool news:

Reaffirming the Company's commitment to elevating the guest experience at sea, the Cruise Line will debut an all-new The Haven by Norwegian complex aboard Norwegian Epic, following an extensive refurbishment in Marseille, France at the end of 2020. 

This is from an article talking about Epic and Getaway restarting in Europe.

 

https://newsfilter.io/a/1208fc9751d957b238690be5a381a166

That is great news and great to hear.  

[WanderingBrit]

21 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

It will go.  The better news is that the Joy is one of the first ships to be utilized out of the Bahama's in August.  Therefore the ship and crew will have all the rush off before all of our November cruises.  That is the best part from my standpoint.  

At the risk of seeming pedantic, the Joy is cruising out of Jamaica to Belize and Mexico during August. Yes, we will still be the sacrificial lambs that help the crews smooth out the rough spots before you cruise in November, but we'll be doing so from Jamaica 😉

[Sthrngary]

2 hours ago, WanderingBrit said:

At the risk of seeming pedantic, the Joy is cruising out of Jamaica to Belize and Mexico during August. Yes, we will still be the sacrificial lambs that help the crews smooth out the rough spots before you cruise in November, but we'll be doing so from Jamaica 😉

And we all appreciate the efforts.  I will be doing the same thing for Crystal Cruises in July.  Leaving from the Bahama's.  We both will provide pictures I hope.  Happy Cruising.

[nyc2pdx]

Whats this about the Epic having a redesigned Haven?  I am booked on the transatlantic from Rome to NY departing Nov 20, 2021.  What are they doing to it?  just a facelift or something more?

[Cruise Gopher]

I just started a new thread with all the info and photos of the new Haven refurbishment on the Epic that was announced today.  I can't wait to sail on her in January in the Haven!

 

 

[Peachypooh]

I have followed this thread before and  I apologize but I don't have the time 

read all that I have missed. That said I have only ever sailed in the Haven on Ncl

both on their Jewell class ships and also a larger ship the Encore.

Near as I can tell for me anyway it was worth the extra money. Not having to 

wait in line, a dedicated restaurant with better food selection, and a larger cabin

were totally worth it. That said, if I did not have the money to sail in the Haven it

is certainly possible to have a fabulous time. It just requires some extra logistics.

The Observation lounge in the main part of the ship on the Encore was every bit

as enjoyable as the Horizon lounge (in the Haven). Timing when you go to the

restaurants will result in a less crowded experience too. It's all good. Plus

I sort of envied the people sailing on the deck where the gangplank was. So

easy for them to just get on and off the ship at the ports.

 

[graphicguy]

On 4/28/2021 at 10:12 AM, WanderingBrit said:

At the risk of seeming pedantic, the Joy is cruising out of Jamaica to Belize and Mexico during August. Yes, we will still be the sacrificial lambs that help the crews smooth out the rough spots before you cruise in November, but we'll be doing so from Jamaica 😉

I'm with you....only I'm sailing the end of August.  So, hopefully the kinks from start up will be worked out by the previous 2 or 3 cruises out of Jamaica before mine. 😉

 

[graphicguy]

Spoke to my TA last night about my upcoming Joy cruise in August.  She said (her words exactly) "....oh, they're definitely sailing".  That's a statement I haven't heard from her in a very long time.  She is trying to find out some of the info I've been asking for (see below).

 

So, the questions I have to those who are sailing the first few weeks of startup....

 

-How many passengers are sailing, given we've heard there will be a fraction of the passengers to sail on the first sailings?

-How will the embarkation/debarkation work having Jamaica as an origination and end point?  I know the Jamaican port can handle many ships in port at the same time.  Not sure how they've prepared being the fist  port back in service given FL is shut down since NCL requires full COVID vaccines.

-Will there be a separate area for Haven Guests to embark/disembark?

-What will transport be like from either the Kingston, Montego Bay and/or Ocho Rios airports?  Will NCL offer a transport service?

-How early can we board the ship given it does not depart until 8:00 p.m. on embarkation day?

-What do the new Haven and Specialty restaurants menus look like/feature?

-What sort of entertainment/shows will be featured on board?

 

Those are my questions.  Feel free to add your own.

 

 

 

[ColeyCola]

1 hour ago, graphicguy said:

Spoke to my TA last night about my upcoming Joy cruise in August.  She said (her words exactly) "....oh, they're definitely sailing".  That's a statement I haven't heard from her in a very long time.  She is trying to find out some of the info I've been asking for (see below).

 

So, the questions I have to those who are sailing the first few weeks of startup....

 

-How many passengers are sailing, given we've heard there will be a fraction of the passengers to sail on the first sailings?

-How will the embarkation/debarkation work having Jamaica as an origination and end point?  I know the Jamaican port can handle many ships in port at the same time.  Not sure how they've prepared being the fist  port back in service given FL is shut down since NCL requires full COVID vaccines.

-Will there be a separate area for Haven Guests to embark/disembark?

-What will transport be like from either the Kingston, Montego Bay and/or Ocho Rios airports?  Will NCL offer a transport service?

-How early can we board the ship given it does not depart until 8:00 p.m. on embarkation day?

-What do the new Haven and Specialty restaurants menus look like/feature?

-What sort of entertainment/shows will be featured on board?

 

Those are my questions.  Feel free to add your own.

 

 

 

Always a good sign! I feel confident in making my final payment in July. I wonder what the chances of being bumped off the ship would be like.

[WanderingBrit]

3 hours ago, graphicguy said:

Spoke to my TA last night about my upcoming Joy cruise in August.  She said (her words exactly) "....oh, they're definitely sailing".  That's a statement I haven't heard from her in a very long time.  She is trying to find out some of the info I've been asking for (see below).

 

So, the questions I have to those who are sailing the first few weeks of startup....

 

-How many passengers are sailing, given we've heard there will be a fraction of the passengers to sail on the first sailings?

-How will the embarkation/debarkation work having Jamaica as an origination and end point?  I know the Jamaican port can handle many ships in port at the same time.  Not sure how they've prepared being the fist  port back in service given FL is shut down since NCL requires full COVID vaccines.

-Will there be a separate area for Haven Guests to embark/disembark?

-What will transport be like from either the Kingston, Montego Bay and/or Ocho Rios airports?  Will NCL offer a transport service?

-How early can we board the ship given it does not depart until 8:00 p.m. on embarkation day?

-What do the new Haven and Specialty restaurants menus look like/feature?

-What sort of entertainment/shows will be featured on board?

 

Those are my questions.  Feel free to add your own.

 

 

 

That seems like a good list of questions to start with, especially for those of us in Haven.

I'm especially interested in occupancy levels - what percentage will she sail? This might be a once in a lifetime chance to cruise on a ship with so few passengers!

[Sthrngary]

5 minutes ago, WanderingBrit said:

That seems like a good list of questions to start with, especially for those of us in Haven.

I'm especially interested in occupancy levels - what percentage will she sail? This might be a once in a lifetime chance to cruise on a ship with so few passengers!

Your notion of a Once in a Life Time situation is exactly what I have been saying.  If we cruised a lot, we had some issues all of which could have been eliminated with less folks on the ship.  This may be all of our last opportunity to have a 60% or less filled ship.  

 

I have to add this note.  I have attempted, throughout the Covid-19 Pandemic to always be as positive as possible. Especially on CruiseCritic. I am now noticing the focus on future positive cruise experience more and more.  This was a tough and uncertain time for all.  Hopefully we can all finally vacation since most of us paid for that vacation a long time ago. 

 

I have to Thank NCL.  When my cruise was originally cancelled due to Covid, they gave 125% FCC.  People said I was nuts taking it but I did.  When my second cruise was cancelled, NCL gave me 10% of my next cruise booking.  I was able to take my family of Five whom were originally in a Haven 2-Bedroom Family Villa and upgrade them to the Haven (H2) Deluxe Owners Suite with no out of pocket expense.  That for me after all these years is a true "Once in a Life Time Event".  If you are on my cruise, there will be party in my room every night. I will make my 42 Wedding anniversary count!!!!

[ColeyCola]

57 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

Your notion of a Once in a Life Time situation is exactly what I have been saying.  If we cruised a lot, we had some issues all of which could have been eliminated with less folks on the ship.  This may be all of our last opportunity to have a 60% or less filled ship.  

 

I have to add this note.  I have attempted, throughout the Covid-19 Pandemic to always be as positive as possible. Especially on CruiseCritic. I am now noticing the focus on future positive cruise experience more and more.  This was a tough and uncertain time for all.  Hopefully we can all finally vacation since most of us paid for that vacation a long time ago. 

 

I have to Thank NCL.  When my cruise was originally cancelled due to Covid, they gave 125% FCC.  People said I was nuts taking it but I did.  When my second cruise was cancelled, NCL gave me 10% of my next cruise booking.  I was able to take my family of Five whom were originally in a Haven 2-Bedroom Family Villa and upgrade them to the Haven (H2) Deluxe Owners Suite with no out of pocket expense.  That for me after all these years is a true "Once in a Life Time Event".  If you are on my cruise, there will be party in my room every night. I will make my 42 Wedding anniversary count!!!!

Same. We took the ffc of 125% and received the 10% when the second one canceled. Went from mini suite. To large balcony haven, to two family suite ($200 upgrade from LB. Score!). 

And at least we have to option now of getting our money back so I'm ok either way it goes. (I'd hate to see another canceled trip though) 

[Seany527]

On 4/17/2021 at 4:20 PM, Sthrngary said:

On NCL, the owners suites and Three Bedroom Suites have a couple of special amenities.  With all do respect to NCL, for the price paid, they should.  

1. The (H2) Suite comes with three (3) bottles of premium spirits so you can have your own room bar.  They give you a list of choices and you can choose.  Some folks choose wine however I simply order a bottle using the Premium Plus drink program at a meal and bring that wine back to the room.
2. The mixers and waters are also complementary and refreshed daily.  
3. This suite comes with two lounge chairs and a dining table for four out on the balcony.  I would ask for an additional two Lounge chairs based on how many folks are staying in your cabin. 
4. Sometimes.  Let me emphasize this, SOMETIMES.  NCL gives H2 Suites a private and personal escort onto the ship from the port Haven Lounge just you and your guests.  This is special if it happens.  You can't count on it. 

Is it safe to assume the H4s on the Prima would include this as well? There are a lot of suites designated as “Owner” on that ship. 

[Sthrngary]

On 5/15/2021 at 1:59 PM, Seany527 said:

Is it safe to assume the H4s on the Prima would include this as well? There are a lot of suites designated as “Owner” on that ship. 

I have no clue.  I do want to say, the Prima decks look awesome though.  Love the hot tubs. 

[Cruise Gopher]

We booked a Prima aft Owner’s suite for 2023. I can’t wait!!

[Two Wheels Only]

On 5/15/2021 at 2:59 PM, Seany527 said:

Is it safe to assume the H4s on the Prima would include this as well? There are a lot of suites designated as “Owner” on that ship. 

 

I'd guess that only the H2 and H3 would get the "highest of the high" amenities. 

[FLcruisergrl]

On 5/15/2021 at 2:59 PM, Seany527 said:

Is it safe to assume the H4s on the Prima would include this as well? There are a lot of suites designated as “Owner” on that ship. 

I booked an H4 and didn’t even think of that. Logic would say yes, but NCL isn’t always logical. I’m not going to expect it, so if we get it, it will be a pleasant surprise!

[Cruiser42]

To the OP:

Thank you SO much for the detailed report of the Haven experience.  It was wonderful!

I cruised Haven once, years ago, on the Jewel (I hope I'm remembering that right),  when they were very new.  It was about 2k more.  The following years, it was WAY more.  Then, I was cruising with my mom and my aunt, every March.  We had a blast, but my aunt commented that she missed the crowds.  (what????  Not me).  Anyway, we never did it again.

Fast forward, I'm now married, and my husband had never cruised until he met me.  I've taken him on 3 RCCL cruises (I gamble and they are nearly free - very hard to pass up).  I wanted him to have the NCL experience - and the planets must have been in alignment, because with promotions, a previous credit and divine intervention, I booked the H6 Aft facing Haven suite on the Breakaway for about 3k.  I'm so excited!  He will lose his mind.  (we had a JR Suite on RCCL and he was so impressed!)

 

I, too, extend my cruise experience by reading these posts, looking at our itinerary, booking shore excursions,  making dining reservations, etc.  So I understand completely.  LOVED the idea of preprinting your breakfast requests!  That is so clever.  I'm stealing that one.......

 

I'm hoping that post pandemic our cruising experience is the same or better.  We are certainly changed.  We cruise in December (2021), and I cannot wait!

 

Thanks again - I hope you and your lovely wife are well, and have many cruises planned!  Be well - 

 

Lisa

[Two Wheels Only]

3 hours ago, Cruiser42 said:

I booked the H6 Aft facing Haven suite on the Breakaway for about 3k. 

 

Just for clarification, H6 was the old alphanumeric code for the aft-facing suites. Currently, a H6 on Breakaway is the 2BR Family Villa. The aft-facing suites are now either H7 or HA depending on deck.

 

If you booked before the change, you're fine. If people are reading the thread for info, it's important to be sure what is what.

Edited May 30, 2021 by Two Wheels Only

[Sthrngary]

15 hours ago, Cruiser42 said:

To the OP:

Thank you SO much for the detailed report of the Haven experience.  It was wonderful!

I cruised Haven once, years ago, on the Jewel (I hope I'm remembering that right),  when they were very new.  It was about 2k more.  The following years, it was WAY more.  Then, I was cruising with my mom and my aunt, every March.  We had a blast, but my aunt commented that she missed the crowds.  (what????  Not me).  Anyway, we never did it again.

Fast forward, I'm now married, and my husband had never cruised until he met me.  I've taken him on 3 RCCL cruises (I gamble and they are nearly free - very hard to pass up).  I wanted him to have the NCL experience - and the planets must have been in alignment, because with promotions, a previous credit and divine intervention, I booked the H6 Aft facing Haven suite on the Breakaway for about 3k.  I'm so excited!  He will lose his mind.  (we had a JR Suite on RCCL and he was so impressed!)

 

I, too, extend my cruise experience by reading these posts, looking at our itinerary, booking shore excursions,  making dining reservations, etc.  So I understand completely.  LOVED the idea of preprinting your breakfast requests!  That is so clever.  I'm stealing that one.......

 

I'm hoping that post pandemic our cruising experience is the same or better.  We are certainly changed.  We cruise in December (2021), and I cannot wait!

 

Thanks again - I hope you and your lovely wife are well, and have many cruises planned!  Be well - 

 

Lisa

Thank you Lisa.  In the future, NCL has a program with their casino's.  It will reduce the cost of your Haven Suite or provide you a none Haven suite complementary.  That is something to consider if you did not know about it.  

I will be cruising the Joy last week in November so I will report back on what has changed.  Enjoy your cruise and your husband will love it. 

Cruise well.

[Hadacareer]

*please could you send your document to @thewanderingwakefields@yahoo.ca ?  We are booked on the ncl getaway transatlantic dec 5 2021 inthe haven for the first time!

[Sthrngary]

25 minutes ago, Hadacareer said:

*please could you send your document to @thewanderingwakefields@yahoo.ca ?  We are booked on the ncl getaway transatlantic dec 5 2021 inthe haven for the first time!

On post 398 in this stream you can download the document.  On post 427 is the Excel Spreadsheet Calender.  I hope you like them.

 

On a side note, my review for the NCL Getaway for November 2019 won Review of the Week.  We stayed in a Haven Spa Suite.  I loved the Ship.  Ask me anything.  Be well.