The NCL Haven Luxury VIP Experience "Secrets" REVISED for 2022

[Sthrngary]

45 minutes ago, Sailing12Away said:

For me personally, I'm hoping to be a fellow Haven bar chair hog with you one of these days.

This is one hell of an idea.  I am in and would love to be a Haven Bar Chair Hog.  I will even have a custom chair towel with the words, "This is SthrnGary's Chair and he needs a shot of 1942".  

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[Sthrngary]

53 minutes ago, dmms said:

@Sthrngary
Agree - let it go!

The email guy sounds a little like the PaulBrowning character who posted the false information in response to my query about Haven boarding @ Fort Canaveral.

Some people just don’t possess a good frame of mind;(

 

No, PaulBrowning was in the winner there.  You handle that very well.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

[CDR Benson]

I heartily join the above chorus of replies, Mr. Tilkin.  Don't give your mystery correspondent a second thought.  I can attest to the promptness with which you reply to personal e-mails and you have a throng of grateful posters who know how gracious and even-handed you are.

 

Any contention lies in Mr. No-Name's head.  Shrug him off, my friend.

[CruzinMel]

45 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

No, PaulBrowning was in the winner there.  You handle that very well.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

Hmm.  First PaulBrowning, and now a pigeon*....I think this corner of the internetz is making someone jealous. 

 

You are helpful, kind, detailed, pleasant and no-nonsense.  I am with the group that appreciates all of your advice, as well as the thread itself.

 

So let that pigeon fly away, and take their crap with them. 

 

*pigeon:  a noisy, intrusive bird that frequently makes deposits of an unpleasant nature and flies off before consequences occur.  

[mtrancher]

3 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

What is your thoughts on this subject?  I would really like to know. 

 

 

Since you asked.  No one on here with any sense of reason would ever think you are trying to be an "influencer." You posts are well thought out and full of information and you provide a common thread of to each their own, make their own cruise what they want of it.
So, like the people who post false information to watch the online fire drill, like those who vandalize others property or create computer virus' and those who enjoy 'messing' with people, the author of that e-mail is clearly looking to ruin your day, night and cause or inflict whatever pain they can get. 
What I would wish you to focus on is all the thank you's, appreciation it's, and other quips of thanks you have received over the course of several posts. I doubt there are any of us who have read your posts over the years that haven't learned something or perhaps altered our thoughts regarding our own vacation. As you said in your comments earlier you chose the high road, don't be surprised when those who take the low road attempt to drag you down with them.
I guess my point is simplified to say there are likely thousands of people who have benefited from your posts, and apparently at least one that is irritated or took notice enough to try and mess with you. Don't let the bast**d get you down.  Enjoy the view from the high road.

[bundtkate]

4 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

What is your thoughts on this subject?  I would really like to know. 

Few people take the time to say thank you, but people will nearly always take time out of their day to complain. You have endless posts here thanking you for your insights and accolades even outside this thread. Meanwhile, you've just got the one entitled jerk complaining in private because they know they'd have no support in this community. It takes no effort at all to be a jerk, but a lot of selfless dedication to do what you've done for the community here. I say you send that email straight to spam and give it exactly as much thought and consideration as everything else in that folder. The Nigerian prince offering you money has more credibility than this guy.

[dpemd]

What time does the Haven restaurant open for dinner? Is there enough time to eat there before the early show?

[CDR Benson]

47 minutes ago, dpemd said:

What time does the Haven restaurant open for dinner? Is there enough time to eat there before the early show?

 

On Norwegian Joy, it opened for dinner at 1730 (5:30 p.m.).  But one night we got there a little early, 1715, and they admitted right then.

[bookbabe]

19 hours ago, scooter6139 said:

I think this has been covered somewhere in the this 44 page thread, but can the Haven Concierge make Spa appointments?  On other lines you can pre-book these before embarkation.  No idea why NCL does not.

Our last few cruises in the Haven, on embarkation there was a spa rep set up at a table in the lounge beside the concierge desk and bar.  She had flyers of all the offerings, and I’m pretty sure she was taking bookings.

[Dcoy]

We were recently on the Getaway in a Haven suite. During the last day, we went to the ship’s shops to spend our nonrefundable on board credit. We were in the back of a long checkout line when a clerk noticed my Haven keycard holder in my hand. He directed us over to a counter down the hall and had someone check us right out.  

[rbxlady]

On 11/16/2022 at 8:53 AM, oteixeira said:

Alex went so far as to get reprimanded by letting too many of us in to Syd Normans for the rock show.  He basically said he would take the hit for us and just spread out so we weren't all in one spot.  He is all about the guest!  Ivan is going to be taking a head concierge gig soon but on one of the smaller ships.  I think he said the Gem.  He is also the one who confirmed to me that Starlink is already being tested on Joy as of last month!

Alex was fantastic! I sent NCL a glowing review of him personally.

 

Also, I heard rumors about Starlink and am very excited! I also want to sail on the Joy next, so that works out well for us if we do in fact do that.

Edited November 17, 2022 by rbxlady

[rbxlady]

On 11/16/2022 at 8:36 AM, oteixeira said:

Interesting, we were on her on Oct 29th and we had the escort, special area, all of it.  Not sure what happened on your sailing but my guess is it was a one time issue, maybe a lack of port workers that day.

Yeah, our sailing right before yours, we were escorted up/down for everything, including embarkation/debarkation at the beginning/end. We ate at the American Diner for lunch that day, so I don't know if the Haven restaurant was open, but we were permitted to drop our bags in our cabin so we could go to lunch.

 

ETA our checked luggage arrived before dinner. It was surprisingly fast. I was able to unpack pretty quickly so that we could enjoy the evening.

Edited November 17, 2022 by rbxlady

[rbxlady]

21 hours ago, scooter6139 said:

I think this has been covered somewhere in the this 44 page thread, but can the Haven Concierge make Spa appointments?  On other lines you can pre-book these before embarkation.  No idea why NCL does not.

We didn't book spa reservations but decided to use our OBC to buy thermal spa passes if there were any left (on the Getaway). We went to the concierge the first day, and they literally pointed us to a lady who was handling spa stuff on day 1 right next to the concierge desk. It was a pleasant, 60-second interaction to buy spa passes. I did see a lady in spa uniform from time to time in that same spot, so I suspect they might hang at the concierge desk when the spa is running specials.

 

So, long story short, concierge couldn't do that for me, but they had a person right there for it. Depending on the ship, the spa isn't a long walk.

[rbxlady]

15 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

What is your thoughts on this subject?  I would really like to know. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

I've never seen you as attempting to increase your "status" for some sort of personal gain. Internet clout is pretty meaningless in the real world.

 

I have always seen your posts as offering help and ideas for no other purpose than to provide information for others to use to make the best decisions for themselves. I did not think you received anything in return. I find your posts and comments extraordinarily charitable and helpful.

[dpemd]

Does anyone know how to arrange an escort for the show?

[cruiseny4life]

20 minutes ago, dpemd said:

Does anyone know how to arrange an escort for the show?

The concierge will post the shows an escort is available for, along with the time you need to show up at the concierge desk. If you don't see this sign, then just ask the concierge. They are the ones that offer the service and will have the information for your cruise. Additionally, in my experience, the concierge will provide a one-sided piece of paper that you fill out with the shows you are interested in. This also has the meet up times for the escort. 

[Treasure Hunter]

We were given the paper in the Haven waiting room before boarding. We filled it out while we waited and handed it right in. We got everything we wanted. We asked the concierge the day of our shows what time to be ready and wait near her/his desk. It was usually 45 minutes before show time. Once or twice our butler brought the group down, the rest of the time it was the assistant concierge. This is my favorite perk as I don’t see well and my husband can’t hear well so we sit up close. On show nights we told the Haven Maitre’d that we would be in early and he asked us to pre plan our dinner. Our shrimp cocktail was brought out immediately. After the show we went back to the restaurant and had leisurely dessert. It worked perfectly.

[Treasure Hunter]

If the concierge makes a fuss about taking you down in the crew elevator ( this happened once) stand your ground. 

[mearsfansinboise]

22 hours ago, Wedgie Wedgie said:

This is like watching a Scooby Doo where the mask is lifted off a brand new poster only to reveal---------

 

 

----------------------------------it's Karen the jilted Haven lowball bidder!

LOL - I feel bad for people named Karen tehse sd

 

17 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

Hello Everyone, I would like to ask for some help!  If you have followed this Streams on the Haven.  The original stream on the Haven or the stream focused on the Premium Plus Beverage Package; you know me and my writing style.

 

I just got an email from someone that conveniently left their name off.  It came to my personal email account which is very rare because I don't give that email out often.  However I am very easy to find.  It seems they followed my instructions for a butler letter on a recent NCL Epic cruise in October and got very good results.  They thanked me.

 

The last paragraph is as follows: 

 

"I sent you a pre-cruise email asking about my (draft) butler doc but you never responded... which is consistent with your "focus" the past 6 months on improving your status as a cruise critic "influencer" rather than seeking to "help" people asking questions/advice. Not to worry... i have already blocked your email as spam so no response is necessary/invited... //"

 

To everyone on CruiseCritic.com.  I might be well known on CruiseCritic.com but I am NO influencer.  I have never gotten one single dollar from a social media company, a person I have helped, a person I have answer their questions or a cruise company.  I do this as a hobby and for my personal enjoyment.  On the occasional times I have gotten a personal email, I have answered it quickly and to my best ability.  I do the same here on CruiseCritic.com when someone put @sthrngary in the context of your response. 

 

This last paragraph upset me.  It came across that I am some how obligated to respond to every inquiry.  What is funny is I do respond to every inquiry unless I don't receive one or accidentally delete it. Could happen.

 

What is your thoughts on this subject?  I would really like to know. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

 

WOW - the nerve .... "but you never responded" - true or not, you aren't an employee and you don't have to respond.  Wowzers .... secret haters suck.  You are thorough and helpful to any and all ... I'm sorry that got to you; but, they suck.  And that passive-aggressive don't worry, don't respond, I've blocked you BS ... just ... wow.  Nah, forget about them.

[mearsfansinboise]

23 hours ago, scooter6139 said:

I think this has been covered somewhere in the this 44 page thread, but can the Haven Concierge make Spa appointments?  On other lines you can pre-book these before embarkation.  No idea why NCL does not.

 

As someone else said, on embarkation day, the spa lady was there with the list of offerings and booking things for you.  However, on another day I wanted to book something else and went to the Haven concierge and he just picked up the phone and called them, said what I needed and what time, and got it booked. 

[Sthrngary]

10 minutes ago, mearsfansinboise said:

LOL - I feel bad for people named Karen tehse sd

 

 

WOW - the nerve .... "but you never responded" - true or not, you aren't an employee and you don't have to respond.  Wowzers .... secret haters suck.  You are thorough and helpful to any and all ... I'm sorry that got to you; but, they suck.  And that passive-aggressive don't worry, don't respond, I've blocked you BS ... just ... wow.  Nah, forget about them.

Your view is carried by the majority that responded.  Unfortunately, my personality is to please.  Might not be the best trait for our current world but it is the only way I think.  When something like this happens, I attempt to give the other person the benefit of doubt.  Maybe they did send me a request and I accidentally deleted it.  Maybe they sent it more than once or to an email account that was not me.  The key it, this specific email I did receive so some how they had the right place to get a hold of me. 

 

I sent them a reply and let them know that I appreciated the complements for what they learned and the results of the Butler Letter they used.  Yet the paragraph they sent to me was "Off Putting".  I had to respond because I was frustrated and a bit upset.  Logic tells me it was an one off.  I think most folks will agree, in any misunderstanding their are two sides of a story.  Hence the response sent.  

 

Thank you and every one that responded.  It made me feel better about this unique situation. My focus now is my upcoming cruise in Early December on the NCL Breakaway.  This is the first cruise booked in a long time that I don't think will be cancelled four times.  Knock on wood.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

[molemaui]

On 11/17/2022 at 11:55 AM, Sthrngary said:

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

 

I just wanted to thank you for your tremendous "Haven Primer". 

 

Having sailed many other lines (luxury and other), I've come to really enjoy "The Retreat" on Celebrity Edge class ships. Many have told me I have to try "The Haven". With your information and insights, I'm going to and know my cruise will now be even better. 

 

BTW, I see in your signature on other posts you're booked on Oceania next year. My opinion only-I think their food is the best at sea. (better than SIlversea and Regent) Be interesting to hear what you think. 

[Sthrngary]

20 minutes ago, molemaui said:

BTW, I see in your signature on other posts you're booked on Oceania next year. My opinion only-I think their food is the best at sea. (better than SIlversea and Regent) Be interesting to hear what you think. 

@molemauiThank you for your kind words.  I love the Retreat also.  You will notice many similarities. On the Oceania Cruise.  This is the second time this cruise has been booked.  The first time was in 2020 and it was cancelled due to covid.  This time, I booked it using the Labor Day Sale which provided the opportunity of a four category upgrade. 

 

My Preference was one of the New NCL ships like the Viva.  The cost for a suite was 50% higher then a Penthouse with a butler on Oceania.  I have traveled on Crystal before it had it issues.  I know what to expect from the area's that are different from Main Stream Cruising.  That made it easy to explain to my best friends whom will be joining use on this Bucket List Cruise.  

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[renji]

On 11/16/2022 at 5:49 PM, Sthrngary said:

Hello Everyone, I would like to ask for some help!  If you have followed this Streams on the Haven.  The original stream on the Haven or the stream focused on the Premium Plus Beverage Package; you know me and my writing style.

 

I just got an email from someone that conveniently left their name off.  It came to my personal email account which is very rare because I don't give that email out often.  However I am very easy to find.  It seems they followed my instructions for a butler letter on a recent NCL Epic cruise in October and got very good results.  They thanked me.

 

The last paragraph is as follows: 

 

"I sent you a pre-cruise email asking about my (draft) butler doc but you never responded... which is consistent with your "focus" the past 6 months on improving your status as a cruise critic "influencer" rather than seeking to "help" people asking questions/advice. Not to worry... i have already blocked your email as spam so no response is necessary/invited... //"

 

To everyone on CruiseCritic.com.  I might be well known on CruiseCritic.com but I am NO influencer.  I have never gotten one single dollar from a social media company, a person I have helped, a person I have answer their questions or a cruise company.  I do this as a hobby and for my personal enjoyment.  On the occasional times I have gotten a personal email, I have answered it quickly and to my best ability.  I do the same here on CruiseCritic.com when someone put @sthrngary in the context of your response. 

 

This last paragraph upset me.  It came across that I am some how obligated to respond to every inquiry.  What is funny is I do respond to every inquiry unless I don't receive one or accidentally delete it. Could happen.

 

What is your thoughts on this subject?  I would really like to know. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

I don't think you need to think twice about it.  You are always unequivocally gracious and generous. You actually don't owe anything to a stranger just because they decide they're entitled to demand something of you. Sometimes people bring their own interpersonal issues and even mental imbalance to these interactions. Just double down on your kindness and enjoy your positive interactions here!

[Sthrngary]

30 minutes ago, renji said:

Just double down on your kindness and enjoy your positive interactions here!

This is the best plan I can have.  Now I just have to get my wife to let me cruise some more.  LOL.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.