Haven Questions

[Shellbelle28]

On 9/5/2021 at 10:18 AM, Daniel A said:

One Haven perk we enjoyed very much was the ability to be escorted via back passages to the theater while the main entrances were still closed.  Being able to pick your best seats without climbing over people or dealing with chair hogs was very much valued by us.

On one cruise we were on (on the Pearl I think) the theatre doors were closed prior to a performance because they were doing some last minute work on the set. A big crowd was milling around in the tiny space in front of the elevators waiting to get in before the show. We were standing and waiting and saw the door crack open and the concierge poked his head out, waved us over and escorted us in. One woman, who had been angling herself through the masses to get ahead of everyone else was so mad she nearly killed my husband with her death stare, LOL.

[Daniel A]

34 minutes ago, Shellbelle28 said:

On one cruise we were on (on the Pearl I think) the theatre doors were closed prior to a performance because they were doing some last minute work on the set. A big crowd was milling around in the tiny space in front of the elevators waiting to get in before the show. We were standing and waiting and saw the door crack open and the concierge poked his head out, waved us over and escorted us in. One woman, who had been angling herself through the masses to get ahead of everyone else was so mad she nearly killed my husband with her death stare, LOL.

 

🤣

[Two Wheels Only]

53 minutes ago, Shellbelle28 said:

One woman, who had been angling herself through the masses to get ahead of everyone else was so mad she nearly killed my husband with her death stare, LOL.

 

Seeing that look is worth the price of the Haven. 🤣

[complawyer]

1st off, sthrngary, i have read all your haven posts to date and (1) they are always spot on, (2) nobody says it better than you!

 

because of covid, and some other reasons, we have been unable to cruise since 2018, however inthe past i have booked a 2 bedroom on 2 separate occasions for my wife, myself my grandson and his friend. my grandson is 6'2" and neither he nor his friend had any problems sleeping in the smaller of the 2 bedrooms. the only unfortunate thing is there is no true "haven" on the dawn, but nevertheless we have a 2 bedroom suite. since each of my friends are single ladies, and they are joining us on different cruises and different ships, both of them are satisfied with the accomodations.

 

by the way, i have also booked the 2 bedroom suite on the star trans atlantic lisbon to rio. no one is joining us on that one, but my wife loves the set up and the stall showers in both bathrooms.

 

hopefully, one day/cruise  our paths will cross!

[Sthrngary]

1 minute ago, complawyer said:

1st off, sthrngary, i have read all your haven posts to date and (1) they are always spot on, (2) nobody says it better than you!

 

because of covid, and some other reasons, we have been unable to cruise since 2018, however inthe past i have booked a 2 bedroom on 2 separate occasions for my wife, myself my grandson and his friend. my grandson is 6'2" and neither he nor his friend had any problems sleeping in the smaller of the 2 bedrooms. the only unfortunate thing is there is no true "haven" on the dawn, but nevertheless we have a 2 bedroom suite. since each of my friends are single ladies, and they are joining us on different cruises and different ships, both of them are satisfied with the accomodations.

 

by the way, i have also booked the 2 bedroom suite on the star trans atlantic lisbon to rio. no one is joining us on that one, but my wife loves the set up and the stall showers in both bathrooms.

 

hopefully, one day/cruise  our paths will cross!

You are to kind.  I would love to cross paths.  Cigars and drinks on me. Allow me to share a resent experience.  I do not want to hijacks' this thread because I am enjoying it so much.  So please take this story as a "Haven" Story.  

 

I thought to my self, "What if the Haven was the entire ship".  So I went on another cruise brand that was a luxury brand.  The entire ship was the Haven.  I did not enjoy the experience like I thought I would. This completely surprised me.  How did I miss this was my thought.  Then it came to me.

 

As much as I love the food, drink and personalized of the Haven.  I also love going to the other aspects of a NCL ship.  Even though I am 64, I still like all that a NCL ship has to offer especially the entertainment.  On the bigger ships, I am the first one in my family that goes on the waterslide.  The 10 years olds find me funny for being on line with them.  I just love it.  

 

Than, when the crowds get to me, I escape to Heaven in the Haven.  It took another experience to have a new appreciation for the Haven.  I am so excited for my November trip. 

[complawyer]

well i 1st discovered the haven, a few years ago. we normally booked in   what was formally referred to as a mid ship mini suite and were perfectly content with the cabin. one year ncl ran a promo, where the costs of a suite was just a little bit more than what i was paying for the mini, plus the costs of food drink and daily gratuities. at that time the promo included the gratuities, plus i was now getting the butler and all the other goodies. consequently it was a no-brainer to upgrade to the haven .by the way it was on the getaway, which has since become our favorite ship. we were booked on the getaway this november from athens to rome and my main reason was the ports in israel. since they have closed their borders to outside travelers, i didnt want to take the chance of paying for this cruise and missing these 2 ports. ive commented before that on the ncl 1st southeast asian cruise on the star, there was something wrong mechanically so we couldnt dock in either taiwan or hanoi. and i really wanted to view hanoi 50 years after the war.

 

by the way, (and im sure you and your wife must feel the same) if i cant book a haven, my wife wont even consider going on the cruise.

 

you're on for the drinks, but unfortunately, i'll pass on the cigars. by the way, i'm 73

[Sailing12Away]

10 hours ago, ecco41 said:

I just returned from a 7 day cruise from Seattle to Alaska in the Deluxe Owners Stateroom  (DOS) on the Encore.  We were very fortunate to reserve this cabin because they always appear to be “sold out”.  YouTube Videos can show the details of the 2 bedroom, 3 bath cabin that is 3 times the size of a normal cabin, and the balcony is so large it wraps around the front quarter of the bow of the ship.  However, it was Maria the Butler and all the Haven Staff that made it all special. We met Maria and her supervisor after our cabin tour and before we left to explore the Encore around noon.  We introduced ourselves and I presented her with a gift.  The gift was a wrapped mini-maglite flashlight to pre-thank her for being our Butler.  She didn’t understand at first that this was just our gift to her for being our Butler.  Her face brightened when she realized the maglite was just a welcome present.   At the end of the cruise, we also gave her a $60 per day tip ($20 x 3 occupants).  BTW, it seems passengers need to depart the ship by 930 AM, so we encountered no delays in Boarding the ship as we arrived at 1030 AM, were through Covid Testing at 1115, and started our Cabin Tour at 1130.  It appears that NCL learned many things from the prior 3 cruises.

The Haven experience began when we were escorted from the Check in Area to the Encore right to Elevator being reserved for Haven Boarding on Deck 7 and taken directly to Deck 17.  We stopped in the main lobby of the Haven for a quick visual tour, then asked our escort to be taken to our room to drop our carryon luggage.  We headed to Room 18700, he tested our keycard, told us the room wasn’t quite ready, and gave us a brief tour of the 1400 sq. ft. space that would be our home for week.  A bottle of Moet Chandon Champagne was in an ice bucket, the Bar Top had at least 6 boxes of water, 6 bottles of Pellegrino, 6 bottles of a Spanish Sparkling Water, and various mixers, Pepsi, Sprite, Mountain dew, and other soft drinks (probably 20 cans at any one time).  There were three bottles of Liquor I had ordered at no extra charge, and I guess the 20 cans were to enable us to use any “mixer” we wanted with the liquor.  For 7 days at least two buckets of ice and three place settings with napkins were sitting on the Bar or the dining table.   The second morning I mentioned the room service coffee was not very good, so at 6:30 AM every subsequent day a press pot of coffee was waiting along with an assortment of pastries.  I like my coffee strong, so Maria left it un-pressed so I could do it when I thought it was ready.  If I was awake, I would open the door.  If not, I would open the door of the master bedroom and it would be there on our dining table.  There was also an expresso machine on the bar with assorted pods from which you could select whenever I wanted something stronger.

Every afternoon, there would be a selection of goodies.  We liked the mini BLT sandwiches, so she brought those.  The fruit bowl was always replenished and Maria might just use her imagination or bring up selections available in the Haven observation Area buffet.  It was raining in Ketchikan so she found us another Haven Umbrella.  She had tears in her eyes when we hugged and departed the ship.  We saw her at least once a day since we spent quite a bit of time in this amazing cabin.

The Haven bar staff, restaurant staff, and people generally around the Haven were just as spectacular.  They staged a Birthday concert for one of my friends at the Bar area, had birthday cakes arranged to present to her at various times (3 separate times), one of the drink servers sings, so we encouraged him to sing Show Tunes every time we were in the Bar.  Not only is the Haven staff well trained, I think NCL focuses on finding “nice, genuine, and caring” because those traits are impossible to train.  Because my two companions and I were genuinely interested in their lives, backgrounds, and families, we developed a connection with the staff and we believed they liked us as much as we liked them. 

We went on no organized excursions, but those that did could meet at the concierge desk and were escorted down to the deck 4 for a speedy exit.  In most ports, we started the day with a leisurely breakfast at the Haven Restaurant and walked off the ship to explore the port.  There was a Haven Area at the main shows, we scanned our key cards, and walked to the reserved seating area where an Attendant let us into the roped area.  We mainly walked the Stairs up and down the ship to get around, so we never felt overly exposed to crowds or potential Covid situations.  In the rare cases we used the elevators, we quickly put on a mask for the short rides in the crowded environment.   i would reserve the DOS AGAIN if I could ever find its availability again.  with only 2 of them on the Encore, I might never have that opportunity again!

Was the birthday celebration after Icy Straight Point? If so, I have a video of that serenade. The last night of the cruise was amazing at the Haven bar, Ronnie did a show for everyone and then all of the bar staff sang to us. Not sure if I can upload the videos directly here, but I'll try...

 

[Sailing12Away]

Last night in the Haven bar on Encore, 8/28/21 sailing.

 

[ecco41]

1 minute ago, Sailing12Away said:

Was the birthday celebration after Icy Straight Point? If so, I have a video of that serenade. The last night of the cruise was amazing at the Haven bar, Ronnie did a show for everyone and then all of the bar staff sang to us. Not sure if I can upload the videos directly here, but I'll try...

 

 

Sailing12Away, THAT WAS THE THREE OF US!  Reading your posts, I thought we were on the same cruise, and we were.  Wasn't that a fabulous time!   Since this was our first NCL cruise, we weren't sure if they do this all the timer, or they were just so happy to be cruising again and seeing their "crew family" again after all this time.  Thank you for posting it.  I took a video for the couple that was celebrating their birthday the next day and they were dancing to Ronnie's song on Friday Night.  

[kruiserkatie]

7 hours ago, Sailing12Away said:

Last night in the Haven bar on Encore, 8/28/21 sailing.

 

Love this Haven team. Really go over and above for the guests. We really enjoyed getting to know them. Great personalities that just shine.

 

We enjoyed them so much we are sailing again in October. 
 

We now need to ask Ronnie for a song  or two. He is talented!

Curious as to how many guests enjoyed the impromptu performances.

I think that NCL should consider adding light entertainment to the Haven on the larger ships. Maybe an acoustic guitar in the observation on a night or two. 

[PammyMouse]

13 hours ago, Two Wheels Only said:

 

Seeing that look is worth the price of the Haven. 🤣

When we were on Pearl in Haven in 2018 we ate at the main dining room a few times for lunch and dinner to mix things up a bit.  Each time we got put very near or next to the rear windows, got extra wine without asking, it was great!

[ecco41]

3 hours ago, kruiserkatie said:

Love this Haven team. Really go over and above for the guests. We really enjoyed getting to know them. Great personalities that just shine.

 

We enjoyed them so much we are sailing again in October. 
 

We now need to ask Ronnie for a song  or two. He is talented!

Curious as to how many guests enjoyed the impromptu performances.

I think that NCL should consider adding light entertainment to the Haven on the larger ships. Maybe an acoustic guitar in the observation on a night or two. 

There were not many people in the Haven Bar/Reception area.  For Colleen's Birthday, there were probably no more than 15?  We were having so much fun that a few people came down from the Dining Room because they heard clapping and celebrating to see what was happening.  The Friday Closing performance was word of mouth and was probably no more than 30.  We changed our Choir of Man reservation in order to participate in the repeat performance to Thursday.  Turned out the Choir of Man Friday show was cancelled for "technical difficulties" so we were able to hear Ronnie's medley of songs and also see the Choir of Man.  BTW, Ronnie won a talent show competition that took place in the Middle East among many of the guest workers a few years ago.   

[AmberMurmer]

I know this thread has gone in lots of directions but I am a first time Norwegian and first time Haven cruiser in 23 days...I just got the letter about on shore concierge and I realized I don't know what I can ask the shore side concierge. I have already gotten dining time I wanted and there are no entertainment thing available until on board...so what else is there to ask shore side before I get on the ship? TIA!

[complawyer]

you can discuss any shore excursions you might want to take, any little niceties you might prefer that will make your cruise a little brighter, let him know ahead of time what you would like your butler to do for you.

 

actually, i usually dont even respond to the shore butler unless i have a really special request. if its near my wife's birthday or our anniversary, i might ask for a cake or a specific bottle of wine.

 

if i need anything extra, i usually speak to the concierge once i get aboard the ship. i have posted before that its nor like i need a concierge to get me tickets to a broadway show, usually, i just approach him shortly before the end of the cruise and make arrangements to have him walk us off early.

 

i have used the concierge on board to get excursion tickets, or into a specialty restaurant if i was having trouble getting a reservation.

[Sthrngary]

Interesting thing just happened for me.  I emailed a question to the online Haven pre-cruise desk about getting streaming internet for all of my guest (4), the suite only has one device at a time.  They answered my question and told me to call the number provided to purchase directly. 

 

When I did, I asked if there was some document(s) to show exactly what comes with each Haven Suite.  They sent me two document.  "Amenities for the Joy" and  "Welcome Aboard the Haven". This was new to me and these documents were exactly what I was looking for.  All of my questions were answered.  I have attached them below.  They are PDF's Hope it helps out. 

 

Cruise well every one.

Amenities JOY.pdf Welcome Aboard Haven+.pdf

[Daniel A]

2 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

Interesting thing just happened for me.  I emailed a question to the online Haven pre-cruise desk about getting streaming internet for all of my guest (4), the suite only has one device at a time.  They answered my question and told me to call the number provided to purchase directly. 

 

When I did, I asked if there was some document(s) to show exactly what comes with each Haven Suite.  They sent me two document.  "Amenities for the Joy" and  "Welcome Aboard the Haven". This was new to me and these documents were exactly what I was looking for.  All of my questions were answered.  I have attached them below.  They are PDF's Hope it helps out. 

 

Cruise well every one.

Amenities JOY.pdf 58.99 kB · 0 downloads Welcome Aboard Haven+.pdf 126.24 kB · 0 downloads

Are the beverage amenities listed in the Welcome Aboard Haven PDF complimentary?

[Sthrngary]

1 minute ago, Daniel A said:

Are the beverage amenities listed in the Welcome Aboard Haven PDF complimentary?

Yes but it is based on you Haven Suite Code.  I was most interested in a H2.  Download the document it is very detailed.

[Old & Retired]

14 minutes ago, Daniel A said:

Are the beverage amenities listed in the Welcome Aboard Haven PDF complimentary?

The free beverages are for a very select few Haven rooms.

[CruiseAF]

17 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

Interesting thing just happened for me.  I emailed a question to the online Haven pre-cruise desk about getting streaming internet for all of my guest (4), the suite only has one device at a time.  They answered my question and told me to call the number provided to purchase directly. 

 

When I did, I asked if there was some document(s) to show exactly what comes with each Haven Suite.  They sent me two document.  "Amenities for the Joy" and  "Welcome Aboard the Haven". This was new to me and these documents were exactly what I was looking for.  All of my questions were answered.  I have attached them below.  They are PDF's Hope it helps out. 

 

Cruise well every one.

Amenities JOY.pdf 58.99 kB · 3 downloads Welcome Aboard Haven+.pdf 126.24 kB · 6 downloads

Do you know if any cognac, other than Courvoisier is available in the haven bar, even at an up charge?  

[Daniel A]

15 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

Yes but it is based on you Haven Suite Code.  I was most interested in a H2.  Download the document it is very detailed.

I did, I'll be in an H4 family suite.  🤷‍♂️

Edited September 10, 2021 by Daniel A

[Sthrngary]

58 minutes ago, Daniel A said:

I did, I'll be in an H4 family suite.  🤷‍♂️

My best guess is it will be.  As you know, there are two drink programs.  The "Premium Drink Package" which is the perk.  Also, the "Premium Plus Drink Package" which is an upgrade from the perk.  You can download both lists of brands and amenities off of the NCL site.  Back on your question.  The Haven bar and wine cellar is the best stocked on the ship. If they have it, it will be there.  That is the best information I can offer.  I hope it helps. 

[skeeter195]

1 hour ago, Daniel A said:

I did, I'll be in an H4 family suite.  🤷‍♂️

Which ship is this on?  I have a 2 bedroom haven booked on the Breakaway and Encore and neither of them are an H4.  One is an H6 and the other an H5.  

[Two Wheels Only]

27 minutes ago, skeeter195 said:

Which ship is this on?  I have a 2 bedroom haven booked on the Breakaway and Encore and neither of them are an H4.  One is an H6 and the other an H5.  

 

Several alphanumeric codes have changed over the past year. The 2BR Haven on Breakaway and Encore used to be H4. They are now H6 (Breakaway/Encore deck 18) or H5 (Encore deck 17).

[caitlynambrai]

2 hours ago, Two Wheels Only said:

 

Several alphanumeric codes have changed over the past year. The 2BR Haven on Breakaway and Encore used to be H4. They are now H6 (Breakaway/Encore deck 18) or H5 (Encore deck 17).

Epic 2BR is H6 on the Epic, too.

 

[caitlynambrai]

Does anyone know the menu of the Haven Grill on the Epic?  Is it separate from the Haven restaurant?