Sell me on the Haven

[JamieLogical]

8 hours ago, complawyer said:

while all the others who have finally made it on board are herded into the buffet line to try and find seats and plates.  while you are enjoying a quiet meal, and a calming drink, the others are being bombarded with offers of the daily  drink special, at an outrageous price, but good news... you can keep the plastic glass. more s**t to pack when the cruise is over,

 

I have been on seven NCL cruises so far and have never once eaten in the buffet or been offered a drink special and plastic cup on embarkation. We always have a decently leisurely lunch at O'sheehan's/The Local and I don't even think they have promotional plastic cups on board? Never saw those at any point in our cruise except maybe the gift shop?

[Notnewtoit]

15 hours ago, Trimone said:

The main problem with the Haven is price, I have a Haven room booked for September at the older pricing, looking now at the latest prices, I would have to consider going for a more luxurious brand of cruise line.

Agreed, we've sailed in the Haven multiple times and are just getting our post COVID groove back... but... Just booked Virgin instead of Haven because the price for a large Virgin suite was literally half the price of the Haven on a cruise that is only two days shorter on a similar routing. We LOVE the Haven, but I wasn't about to drop >$4k for two days. We'll see if Virgin floats our boat... on the face of it it's the right DNA for us.

Edited May 5, 2021 by Notnewtoit

[kodos]

10 hours ago, RolandofGilead said:

What I enjoyed about the haven is the feeling of a small community within the ship. I am a social person and enjoy meeting new people but prefer to have a little bit more sustained engagement. I generally stick to a somewhat set pattern in my day and was able to get to know a few groups of people that would be typically in the same places as me at different parts of the day. I had some great conversation with people at the bar at night after the kids were asleep. I enjoyed being able to meet people with different perspectives and from different stages in their lives.

 

This was similar to my last cruise with my first vibe passes. I somehow managed to do everything right to not only snag vibe passes but the first 6 sold. We never left the vibe the whole cruise. Same small community feel. We got to really know the vibe patrons and staff. In actuality the staff memorized our names from the moment it showed up on their computers when we badged in. I'm really looking forward to extending that experience in Haven to dinner and times other than just the sun deck. 

[Sweetnspicy]

I have never been able to justify the cost. I’m a social butterfly and want to be bar hopping and dancing. We always get an aft room and I love that for the rare times I need a quiet moment to sit and read. We spend every minute we can being active in port and then spend the nights mingling. If the price was AMAZING, once in a lifetime, then I might book it. I’m more interested in a suite on Virgin cruise next year. 

[Peachypooh]

Hello JamieLogical,

As others have said it is a personal choice and given the fact the Haven cabins are more expensive you would need to weigh the pros and cons yourself. Our experience is a little different. I actually feel like on the Gem class ships (I have sailed on the Pearl, Gem, and Jade but not the Jewell) the Haven was a better experience than the Haven on the Encore. We stayed in an Owner's Suite on the Gem class  that was so much bigger than all but the biggest Encore suite and it had wonderful balconies. When we did venture to the Haven area (we were not in that area) it was almost always deserted and very quiet. We could order drinks or food and sit in solitude there. On the Encore the Haven area attracted families with children and while I love children they dominated the pool are and were running and screaming unattended in the lounge area. Ironically when we went to the Observation lounge on the Encore that is for the non-Haven passengers it was relatively sedate and had a bar and food put out at 3:00. On both types of ships I loved the priority embarkation and disembarkation as I am a senior citizen and can't stand for long periods of time. 

[JamieLogical]

26 minutes ago, Notnewtoit said:

Agreed, we've sailed in the Haven multiple times and are just getting our post COVID groove back... but... Just booked Virgin instead of Haven because the price for a large Virgin suite was literally half the price of the Haven on a cruise that is only two days shorter on a similar routing. We LOVE the Haven, but I wasn't about to drop >$4k for two days. We'll see if Virgin floats our boat... on the face of it it's the right DNA for us.

 

Unfortunately, Virgin lost me when they announced they would have no drink packages.

[Notnewtoit]

7 minutes ago, JamieLogical said:

 

Unfortunately, Virgin lost me when they announced they would have no drink packages.

But... they do effectively... just buy a tab. We just got $200obc and they are currently selling a $300 tab for $200 iirc ... and the drinks aren't ridiculously overpriced so pay as you go may work out cheaper anyway. It doesn't have to be called a drinks package to be a drinks package. Having seen the way some folks with drinks packages choose to behave I actually see it as a plus.

Edited May 5, 2021 by Notnewtoit

[JamieLogical]

1 minute ago, Notnewtoit said:

But... they do effectively... just buy a tab. We just got $200obc and they are currently selling a $300 tab for $200 iirc ... and the drinks aren't ridiculously overpriced so pay as you go may work out cheaper anyway. It doesn't have to be called a drinks package to be a drinks package.

 

But even with the tab option, I still have to keep some sort of mental tally of where I am at. And I feel like I would have to spend the whole amount to make it feel worth it, but also not want to spend more than my tab.... Way more stress and math than I need to be dealing with on vacation.

[Notnewtoit]

6 minutes ago, JamieLogical said:

 

But even with the tab option, I still have to keep some sort of mental tally of where I am at. And I feel like I would have to spend the whole amount to make it feel worth it, but also not want to spend more than my tab.... Way more stress and math than I need to be dealing with on vacation.

Fair point, reality is I treasure my liver more than my bank balance; so it keeps me outta trouble with my bank manager but we all have different financial situations (and livers).

 

...and for $4k less I can drink the ship, put myself in an ICU bed and still save money.

Edited May 5, 2021 by Notnewtoit

[JamieLogical]

5 minutes ago, Notnewtoit said:

Fair point, reality is I treasure my liver more than my bank balance; so it keeps me outta trouble with my bank manager but we all have different financial situations (and livers).

 

...and for $4k less I can drink the ship, put myself in an ICU bed and still save money.

 

I literally just ordered this shirt two days ago....

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/752043788/funny-cruise-shirts-shut-up-liver-i

[Notnewtoit]

1 minute ago, JamieLogical said:

 

I literally just ordered this shirt two days ago....

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/752043788/funny-cruise-shirts-shut-up-liver-i

You NEEEEEEEED to do The Haven JaimieLogical, there just ain't no two ways about it. If Virgin sucks we'll see you there in 2023 if not before.

[JamieLogical]

1 minute ago, Notnewtoit said:

You NEEEEEEEED to do The Haven JaimieLogical, there just ain't no two ways about it. If Virgin sucks we'll see you there in 2023 if not before.

 

Don't worry. I only ever overtax my liver like that when I am on a cruise/vacation. In my real life, I drink maybe one beer a day or a cocktail if we go out to dinner... So I should be able to survive until I can meet you in 2023. 😁

[kodos]

This was the next logical step for me on slippery slope toward becoming a Haven user. I have been getting the thermal spa pass since the launching of the Star Class which had the first true spa. That has been were I go to relax in the late afternoon. It is also where I go to get ready for the evening since the bathroom is much bigger and I can leave the cabin to my wife. The specialty dining package was the next step. Combined with my latitudes perks I was only eating in the MDR once or twice a cruise. More recently with the price increase lowering demand I finally made it to the vibe. That experience was so good I probably would have paid twice as much for it. So basically I am already paying over $600 a person for Haven like experiences so what is $400 more in rough numbers to take it to the next level. Those numbers are also because I am splitting the cabin 4 ways which makes it into within my cost threshold. I am sure I'm going to have a great time but it won't change my cruising habits which are primarily route chosen. The big ships don't usually go to the more exotic places and I don't see the value of the haven on the ships that don't have the complex. 

 

[Sthrngary]

9 minutes ago, JamieLogical said:

 

But even with the tab option, I still have to keep some sort of mental tally of where I am at. And I feel like I would have to spend the whole amount to make it feel worth it, but also not want to spend more than my tab.... Way more stress and math than I need to be dealing with on vacation.

I respect your posting and have enjoyed engaging with everyone.  You just said the magic word, "Stress".  We should eliminate it at all costs.  Also, your comments show you are, like me, very much a detail person.  Finally, that you want to consider the Haven however, just like me, you want to make sure you get your value from the purchase. I think that is the correct assumptions.

 

1. Is the Haven Worth it for YOU?  Base on what I read and the due diligence you do, YES.  Why, because prior to your cruise, you will know every angle and amenity that the Haven has to over including how to properly utilize the butler. 
2. What about the Butler:  Hit or miss.  So increase your odds by being clear with your wants, needs and motives on day one with a well written letter.  Add their tip which is not part of the Pre-paid Gratuities and usually $100 to $150 for the week.  Because you did something we would never do in the past, give the tip upfront, you increased the chance of a very attentive butler.  This was a learning process for me.
3. Find the Secrets to ON/Off the Ship:  Depending on the port you board at, the Haven entrance is not always easy to find. Miami is easy, Port of New Orleans is hidden a bit.  Before you go, know where it is so there is no confusion or stress.  When off the ship for excursions, find out where the Haven re-board special area is located to eliminate the lines.  Going off the ship, have the Haven staff escort you down the service elevator for quick exit.
4. Drink Program:  That was the comment above.  Take the perk. Drink programs are much more about reducing stress and the bill at the end of the week then doing an accounting of every drink you have.  This is suppose to be a relaxing vacation. 
5. Relationships:  The Haven allows you to have a relationship with your servers, butlers, bartenders, and other Haven staff.  Just like the old days.  The Haven staff have to earn their spots.  They are the best of the best.  You deserve that especially after 1.5 years of covid isolation. 

I read every single comment.  You asked, "Sell me on the Haven".  You did not ask, if the Haven is the least expensive option.  To some, you can go on three cruise to one in the Haven.  To others like me, my time is to valuable to not have the very best food, drink, service and amenities on a big ship when I cruise.  You do you.

[Notnewtoit]

Just be careful folks... once you go Haven... you probably don't wanna go back to life 'before'. We couldn't go back to no private shady sundeck cabana, no priority embarkation/disembarkation at ports and no private  breakfast/lunch in Moderna/Cagneys or whatever. It's a drug 😉

[latebloomer56]

We have only been in the Haven once in the DOS on the Gem. Was nice for the priority embarkation and disembarkation the pool area was small and didn't get much use as there were 2 larger families that took over the area from early AM to dinner time. Having the DOS this wasn't that big a deal except for the pool, but we managed. 

However we do get suites on all NCL trips we like the ease this allows us getting on and off the ships.

We are booked on the Getaway in 2022 and understand this is a totally different experience from the Gem.

Looking forward to cruising again and happy we can do this in the Haven with our family (5 of us). If you like the ease of getting on and off the ship and a quiet place to read and have a drink or two 🙂 I can recommend the Haven even if just once to say you did.

[Notnewtoit]

17 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

 

I read every single comment.  You asked, "Sell me on the Haven".  You did not ask, if the Haven is the least expensive option.  To some, you can go on three cruise to one in the Haven.  To others like me, my time is to valuable to not have the very best food, drink, service and amenities on a big ship when I cruise.  You do you.

This post nails it 100%. I'm gonna observe though that stressing about busting a suitably scaled drinks tab on Virgin in comparison to the overall cost of the Haven (or a Rockstar Suite for that matter), is rather down in the noise. If you've ever been to Disneylandworld and been handed the bill at the end... you just have to kinda shrug and enjoy ... if you're in the lucky position of not having to count every $... which for many I fully understand is not optional, been there too.

 

(To your point about the question not being  "least expensive").

Edited May 5, 2021 by Notnewtoit

[Sthrngary]

2 minutes ago, latebloomer56 said:

We have only been in the Haven once in the DOS on the Gem. Was nice for the priority embarkation and disembarkation the pool area was small and didn't get much use as there were 2 larger families that took over the area from early AM to dinner time. Having the DOS this wasn't that big a deal except for the pool, but we managed. 

However we do get suites on all NCL trips we like the ease this allows us getting on and off the ships.

We are booked on the Getaway in 2022 and understand this is a totally different experience from the Gem.

Looking forward to cruising again and happy we can do this in the Haven with our family (5 of us). If you like the ease of getting on and off the ship and a quiet place to read and have a drink or two 🙂 I can recommend the Haven even if just once to say you did.

I was on the Getaway and in the Haven.  I figure if you are doing the Haven, you are booking a 2-Bedroom Family Villa.  The key difference for you will be 1) The Haven Restaurant; 2) The Haven Bar; 3) The Haven Host desk in the Haven area; 4) The larger Haven courtyard.  Your situation with families taking over the courtyard can also happen however it always depends on the sailing and if it is a holiday.  The experience is much better on the larger ships like the Getaway, Bliss, Encore and Joy.  One more thing, the shows I saw on the Getaway were GREAT and I am no push over.  Enjoy.

[KeithJenner]

1 hour ago, JamieLogical said:

 

I have been on seven NCL cruises so far and have never once eaten in the buffet or been offered a drink special and plastic cup on embarkation. We always have a decently leisurely lunch at O'sheehan's/The Local and I don't even think they have promotional plastic cups on board? Never saw those at any point in our cruise except maybe the gift shop?

My experience too.

 

As I said before, I suspect that it is because of the different ways that people go about their cruises, but there are many of these things which seem to be solutions to problems that just don’t exist for me.

 

Embarkation is a great example. We usually arrive fairly early, check in and then settle down with a book for a while (outlet latitudes level makes this relatively easy). We then board early and settle down somewhere comfortable with a drink and some food until the bags arrive and rooms are available.

 

I have had priority embarkation a few times (due to being in a suite of other reasons where we got suite benefits). To be honest, I found the fussing about and being escorted places really annoying. Last time we just politely said that we would rather just board by ourselves.

 

Like you, I have never been directed to the buffet on boarding. It always strikes me as odd when people on this board suggests ways of avoiding this problem. I assume it happens if you stand around looking lost.

Edited May 5, 2021 by KeithJenner

[oteixeira]

13 minutes ago, KeithJenner said:

My experience too.

 

As I said before, I suspect that it is because of the different ways that people go about their cruises, but there are many of these things which seem to be solutions to problems that just don’t exist for me.

 

Embarkation is a great example. We usually arrive fairly early, check in and then settle down with a book for a while (outlet latitudes level makes this relatively easy). We then board early and settle down somewhere comfortable with a drink and some food until the bags arrive and rooms are available.

 

I have had priority embarkation a few times (due to being in a suite of other reasons where we got suite benefits). To be honest, I found the fussing about and being escorted places really annoying. Last time we just politely said that we would rather just board by ourselves.

 

Like you, I have never been directed to the buffet on boarding. It always strikes me as odd when people on this board suggests ways of avoiding this problem. I assume it happens if you stand around looking lost.

Have you ever boarded in Miami?  Because just "boarding by ourselves" would mean waiting in a huge line usually at least for over an hour and being very uncomfortable (in my experience).  Think Disney ride but everyone wants to go on the same ride and arrived in the park at the same time.  This alone makes the boarding and disembark worth the cost of Haven....and it's just the very tip of the iceberg.   Now, if crowds and lines and being crammed in like a sardine into a building don't stress you out at all, then I guess it's OK.

[KeithJenner]

22 minutes ago, oteixeira said:

Have you ever boarded in Miami?  Because just "boarding by ourselves" would mean waiting in a huge line usually at least for over an hour and being very uncomfortable (in my experience).  Think Disney ride but everyone wants to go on the same ride and arrived in the park at the same time.  This alone makes the boarding and disembark worth the cost of Haven....and it's just the very tip of the iceberg.   Now, if crowds and lines and being crammed in like a sardine into a building don't stress you out at all, then I guess it's OK.

Yes, a couple of times.

 

Disembarkation has always been a pain there, as I mentioned earlier, but I’ve never had a problem with boarding.

 

Its been helped a little in the past few years by having a platinum plus seating area (I think there is one in Miami), so maybe our experience isn’t typical. We also board directly after suite guests.

To be honest though, my main point is that I would rather just find somewhere to sit with a book than spend the time fending off people trying to help with reservations that I made months ago and guide me to places I don’t want to go. I find that much more relaxing.

Edited May 5, 2021 by KeithJenner

[JamieLogical]

9 minutes ago, oteixeira said:

Have you ever boarded in Miami?  Because just "boarding by ourselves" would mean waiting in a huge line usually at least for over an hour and being very uncomfortable (in my experience).  Think Disney ride but everyone wants to go on the same ride and arrived in the park at the same time.  This alone makes the boarding and disembark worth the cost of Haven....and it's just the very tip of the iceberg.   Now, if crowds and lines and being crammed in like a sardine into a building don't stress you out at all, then I guess it's OK.

 

I wonder what the new terminal will be like. I've never had too negative an experience boarding in Miami. Usually get there fairly early, get through security, and then just end up sitting for a long time after checking in.

[Notnewtoit]

30 minutes ago, JamieLogical said:

 

I wonder what the new terminal will be like. I've never had too negative an experience boarding in Miami. Usually get there fairly early, get through security, and then just end up sitting for a long time after checking in.

The Haven should relieve you of that waiting part... they seem to turn those cabins first, our experience has been check-in, escorted walk on, Haven lounge, class of champagne, folks try and help you with reservations as mentioned, if you have them already (*guessing you will), they run you a quick summary print out, concierge says hi (say hi back, that relationship is invaluable) and staff (often butler) walk you direct to your cabin and show you how the coffee maker works. In my experience, once through port security it's ~15 minutes to popping first champagne cork in cabin, walking out on balcony and going "ahhhhhhhhh" while casually watching the bedlam below and wondering about refilling your glass before it's half empty or when it's only half full.

Edited May 5, 2021 by Notnewtoit

[B Midged]

If you enjoy a stale plate of snacks delivered to your room every night or a small pool where half of the people think it should be a playpen and the other half think it should be a library, than go for it. If not, then maybe not so much....

[Notnewtoit]

3 minutes ago, B Midged said:

If you enjoy a stale plate of snacks delivered to your room every night or a small pool where half of the people think it should be a playpen and the other half think it should be a library, than go for it. If not, then maybe not so much....

Well c'mon... the snacks are delivered around 3-4pm like clockwork, how long they then wait for one to eat them is not within the control of the snack. The pool thing does seem to be somewhat calendar dependent... it's always been quiet/mostly empty outside of school holidays for us, YMMV.