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

[cruisebeachgirl703]

10 hours ago, Beamco said:

So earlier in this thread I commented that I would give you my take on the Haven experience on my first cruise post Covid. Prior to Covid I only cruised Haven, when I began to look at my return to the Haven I also found many Haven cruises were way over priced even for the Haven experience pre-covid. However I sat on the NCL website everyday and kept looking for a reasonably priced Haven cruise and was hoping it would be on a Breakaway Plus ship that I had not sailed on yet, Encore was too expensive for me but I came across a 15 day Panama Canal cruise from Miami to LA on the Joy  (departed Jan 21 arrived in LA on Feb 5) I paid roughly $3500 each for the first two guests in a Forward Facing Haven PH. My daughter came along and her fare was roughly $600. I used to try to keep the 7 days cruises I went on at a fare of $3000 per first 2 guests , so $3500 to me is/was a real bargain for a 15 day PC cruise. FYI during the last 5 days before the cruise a FF Haven cabin opened up and it was listed at $2850 per person. So if you are flexible and watch the web - deals come around all the time.

 

Now that I am back and spent 15 days in the Haven my impression is the Haven has lost nothing post COVID and the value is absolutely still there if you look for it. I was worried based on all the comments I read here and my concerns turned out to be completely unfounded. I upgraded to the FAS+ - I don't know if I drank enough to make it worth it but I do know I could have had top shelf liquor all day all 15 days if I wanted . As it is we ordered over 25 bottles of wine - had bottles of great Rose at lunch, very solid Cabs, Blends and Pinot's - I drank Woodford, Grey Goose, Titos JW Blue and tried a few single malts etc. The top shelf liquor brands never ran out- We had Starbucks , Specialty Coffees, bottled water etc. We always found something great to drink when we wanted it. Any wine by the glass was available on the + package, with 3 of us drinking more often than not they just opened a bottle for us but didn't place it on the table. Some popular bottles of wine did run out before the end of the cruise. Like @Sthrngary I like paying before I board and not worrying the rest of the cruise and the + package really hit the mark for me. The added $50 per tour helped, the unlimited internet use was enough for us - all in all the + was good but even with trying a lot of different drinks I probably did not hit the quantity mark needed to justify it. I may not do it next cruise but the peace of mind way of thinking may win out again. 

 

For 15 days I had fantastic service on all accounts from the Haven staff, Butlers, Concierge, Wait Staff, Wine Steward, etc.  the list goes on and on. My wife got real sick from over 20 hours of rough seas at the start of the cruise and our Butler did everything he could to make her comfortable - we did room service for breakfast , he brought her light meals when my daughter and I went out for dinner, he brought her Ginger Ale and Green Apple juice, again the service went above and beyond and I can't say enough good things about service throughout the ship.

 

We had 3 nights of specialty dining plus 2 from the + package 5 nights total- we then bought 5 nights for my daughter. We ate at Le Bistro our favorite and it still is, then we used a dinner voucher at Food Republic 4 items per and 12 items were way to much food, we ate at Tepanayki next it was also way to much food. I had the seafood dish, the shrimp were truly colossal, the scallops and grilled calamari also were great. We had them back way off on the garlic in our dishes and this made the food much better there to our tastes. The garlic we didn't eat others asked for it in their meals so to each his own. We asked they accommodated and we enjoyed Tepanayki more than we ever have. We then ate at Cagney's none of us had steak and it was a strong dining experience. I had a Veal Chop, was it steak house quality - NO - but it was very well prepared and a good meal. The list price for the Chop was $45, the Chop House on land that I like to go to for Veal Chop is $110 right now, at $110 it melts in your mouth for $45 it was not melt in your mouth good but still a great meal. If you are looking to compare Cagney's to your favorite land based Steak/Chop house you will be disappointed but all in all it was a great dining experience. We also ate at Ocean Blue and really enjoyed our meal but as another thread stated the specialty restaurants are preparing their foods in a manner to be very middle of the road, little seasoning etc. for me that is fine and it fits my expectations and I am a very picky eater. This stood out the most at Ocean Blue.

 

The Joy did not offer Food Republic at 50% off on the first night, we like it so we used it as one of our specialty dinners, we also ate lunch at the American Diner - had some appetizers, burgers, sandwiches nothing memorable but it was fine and we did not want 15 lunches at the Haven with the same menu every day. In fact by day 13 we would sit down for lunch and stare at the menu and try to figure out what to eat - again. For dinner they had a special every night in the Haven, however while it offered something different from the same menu every night they were simply taking one item off of the Main Dining room menu and offering it as a Haven Special. We tried them a couple of nights they were good but my review back to NCL was that I felt it harmed the Haven brand because preparation did not compare to the preparation on the other Haven dinner offerings. But all in all a different choice was welcome. 

 

For those that asked in other threads they no longer offer Captain Morgan it is Bacardi Spice - I was told it was fleet wide. 

 

If you have questions ask I will try to answer - but for me (a very opinionated person) the Haven experience is all that it ever was and maybe even better. So much so my wife and daughter pre cruise were not sure they even wanted to cruise again, by cruise end the 2 of them were looking for a Haven deal to Alaska! For me that is a huge win.

 

We are on the Joy in March. Can't wait. Do you know if Hannah Han was onboard assistant general manager? Current concierge?

[ashkay16]

   I am booked on the Joy this July  in Haven HH family villa suite on 15th deck ( 2 floors below the Haven )  it is me , my sister and my two daughters ( 22 and 19 ).  We sailed on the Joy last July not in the Haven and loved it.  Question is should i bid on a 2 bedroom when i get the email or just sit tight in the family villa suite ? Any real advantages or benefits from having cabin inside the Haven area ? 

[RocketMan275]

57 minutes ago, ashkay16 said:

   I am booked on the Joy this July  in Haven HH family villa suite on 15th deck ( 2 floors below the Haven )  it is me , my sister and my two daughters ( 22 and 19 ).  We sailed on the Joy last July not in the Haven and loved it.  Question is should i bid on a 2 bedroom when i get the email or just sit tight in the family villa suite ? Any real advantages or benefits from having cabin inside the Haven area ? 

Shorter walk to the bar is the biggest advantage.

No one can tell you whether yoou should bid or not since no one knows the relative pricing nor do they know your financial situtation. 

We were offered the opportunity to bid on a 2 Bdrm in the haven but we are quite content with our aft penthouse.  We like balconies.

[cruiseny4life]

1 hour ago, ashkay16 said:

   I am booked on the Joy this July  in Haven HH family villa suite on 15th deck ( 2 floors below the Haven )  it is me , my sister and my two daughters ( 22 and 19 ).  We sailed on the Joy last July not in the Haven and loved it.  Question is should i bid on a 2 bedroom when i get the email or just sit tight in the family villa suite ? Any real advantages or benefits from having cabin inside the Haven area ? 

I would never pay a penny more to be inside the Haven complex. I've sailed three times, once in a Haven Penthouse (deck 14, Getaway) and twice in a Haven Aft-Facing Penthouse w/Balcony (deck 13, Getaway). Both rooms are outside the Haven and we're booked in March in a Haven Suite on Joy. Again, it is outside the Haven.

I enjoy getting a vibe for the ship by being forced out of the Haven. It's interesting to wander back and forth on the pool deck from my room to the Haven. It also gives me time to see if there is anything interesting on the buffet. I won't go into my thoughts on the buffet here.
 

If you offered me an Aft-Facing Suite or Deluxe Owner's Suite (and it was just my husband and I), I'd always select the Aft-Facing Suite.

Unlike others, I'll always give you my opinion. Stay put. Save some cash. And enjoy a nice walk about the ship, or at least some stairs, between your Haven meals. At the end of the day though, you're going to love the experience and I hope you come back to tell us how the cruise was.

[ashkay16]

Thank you for the feedback . Was probably going to stay where we were as the room is huge and right by elevators up 2 floors right at the Haven entrance . Will also be wandering ship because even though we were on the Joy last year didnt get to do everything they have .  

[Sailing12Away]

The HH is a huge room with a curtain for privacy. The 2br is 2 district rooms and 2 bathrooms, but feels like less overall space. We're lazy and the walk to Haven amenities from the HH is fine for us. So for us, unless we need true bedroom separation the HH is a much better bargain.

 

American diner... Look for the shrimp & grits. It comes with andouille sausage and I don't eat fish, so I got double portion of the sausage with no issue.

[zgscl]

I ended up getting the 2 bedroom family villa with large balcony. I was torn between the space of the forward facing penthouse and the courtyard penthouse and decided to do the best of both worlds. 

[RocketMan275]

3 hours ago, Sailing12Away said:

The HH is a huge room with a curtain for privacy. The 2br is 2 district rooms and 2 bathrooms, but feels like less overall space. We're lazy and the walk to Haven amenities from the HH is fine for us. So for us, unless we need true bedroom separation the HH is a much better bargain.

 

American diner... Look for the shrimp & grits. It comes with andouille sausage and I don't eat fish, so I got double portion of the sausage with no issue.

 

When was that picture taken?

I just checked the menu for American Dinner and the Shrimp and Grits is no longer listed.

BTW, the fried chicken is gone as well.

[Treasure Hunter]

All the more reason to eat in the Haven for first day lunch as the burger in the Haven is twice as good as the one in the American Diner.

[wolft927]

6 hours ago, cruiseny4life said:

I would never pay a penny more to be inside the Haven complex. I've sailed three times, once in a Haven Penthouse (deck 14, Getaway) and twice in a Haven Aft-Facing Penthouse w/Balcony (deck 13, Getaway). Both rooms are outside the Haven and we're booked in March in a Haven Suite on Joy. Again, it is outside the Haven.

I enjoy getting a vibe for the ship by being forced out of the Haven. It's interesting to wander back and forth on the pool deck from my room to the Haven. It also gives me time to see if there is anything interesting on the buffet. I won't go into my thoughts on the buffet here.
 

If you offered me an Aft-Facing Suite or Deluxe Owner's Suite (and it was just my husband and I), I'd always select the Aft-Facing Suite.

Unlike others, I'll always give you my opinion. Stay put. Save some cash. And enjoy a nice walk about the ship, or at least some stairs, between your Haven meals. At the end of the day though, you're going to love the experience and I hope you come back to tell us how the cruise was.

Absolutely agree, we have stayed inside the haven in a 2 bedroom just my wife and I and also have stayed in the forward facing haven suite. April we are staying in the aft facing haven suite and have no desire to try and upgrade, the balcony is absolutely worth staying where we are. 

[Treasure Hunter]

We greatly prefer to stay in the Haven as I'm always stepping back into the room for something I've forgotten. We are right there when the Concierge is ready to bring us down early for shows. And I prefer using my own bathroom rather than the one in the hall. We still go to O'Sheehan's once in a while, the shows and the CASINO. Weather permitting, I'll be up on the  16+ sundeck if you want to find me.

[Sailing12Away]

1 hour ago, RocketMan275 said:

When was that picture taken?

I just checked the menu for American Dinner and the Shrimp and Grits is no longer listed.

BTW, the fried chicken is gone as well.

September on the Joy when we sailed to Canada & NE. I'll be back on the Joy in 12 days... will report back with any changes.

I'm in the minority as I'm not a huge fan of the Haven restaurant. I'm a picky eater, so finding enough things for me to want to go back more than once is hard. We'll be on a 15 day trip, so definitely will look into options for pre-planned non-Haven menu options to be eaten in the Haven area.

[2animallvrs]

Oh my goodness, what a day we've had!  Last June, we booked 2 club balcony suites on a 15 day Panama Canal Cruise aboard Norwegian Bliss that sails in 13 days.  We booked through Costco.  My husband called Costco Travel yesterday to enquire about something else & decided to see if there were any cabins left in the Haven & if so, what an upgrade would cost.  We were quoted a great rate, but before booking it, we wanted to run it by the people in the second cabin.  We all agreed to do it, so we called Costco this morning to do the upgrade.  Unfortunately, per the NCL agent to our Costco agent, the cabins we wanted had been taken & they now only had 2 cabins left in the Haven in another category.  These two cabins are: 12106 & 9706.  The NCL agent said she had stayed in 12106 & it had a wrap around balcony & was very nice, so we were going to book them, but wanted to make sure our excursions, speciality dinners, upgraded wifi, etc. would all transfer over first.  It turned into a mess!  We were on the phone over 8 hours!  Our excursions, showed we had not paid so would not transfer, but we have receipts showing everything is paid in full.  In the meantime, another agent came on duty & found the cabins we originally wanted in the Haven were still available, but the department she needed to call was by now closed!  We decided to keep our 2 original club mini suites with lg balconies until morning when NCL's department would be open again, only to find out we had already been switched to 12106 & 9706 & our excursions were lost!  In looking up these 2 cabins, they don't have a wrap around deck as we were told by the NCL agent & in fact, it appears to have an extremely small balcony with an obstructed view!  Has anyone on this site stayed in those Haven cabins on Norwegian Bliss?  We now have to wait until morning to HOPEFULLY, get this resolved.  Fortunately, all our conversations are recorded, so they will hear us repeatedly tell them not to give up our existing cabins, & they will hear the NCL agent misrepresent the cabins she described to us.  If anyone on this site can tell us about those 2 cabins, will you please let us know before tomorrow morning?  

Thank you for your help!

    

[cruiseny4life]

17 hours ago, Treasure Hunter said:

All the more reason to eat in the Haven for first day lunch as the burger in the Haven is twice as good as the one in the American Diner.

With extra mayo, extra cheese, and bacon, I agree! The American Diner burger has a nasty after taste...at least the single one I had. In April and September I couldn't finish the Haven burger. Then I realized I could customize! Look out March....Haven burger with a crab cake is coming my way. Mmmmmm...now that's a real secret of the Haven. Hehe

[Jordan61]

Hello all! I just finished reading every comment in this post (took me three days)! I was sad to watch Sthrngary's evolution from loving NCL and the Haven to looking elsewhere for his cruise vacations. But a big thank you for the butler letter, I am drafting my copy today!

 

One question: we originally booked a Club Balcony Suite, and this past weekend bit the bullet and upgraded to a Haven Courtyard Penthouse (we weren't eligible to bid). We are 89 days out from our cruise. When does the pre-concierge get in touch? I've searched and found conflicting information. If we are already past the window where they reach out, I want to get in contact with them, but if it's not for a while then of course I'll wait!

 

Thank you to Sthrngary and everyone else who has taken the time to add reviews, tips, tricks, and experiences!

[Treasure Hunter]

I was contacted a month out

[RocketMan275]

22 minutes ago, Jordan61 said:

When does the pre-concierge get in touch? I've searched and found conflicting information. If we are already past the window where they reach out, I want to get in contact with them, but if it's not for a while then of course I'll wait!

I received an email from the pre-concierge on 26 Oct for my cruise beginning on 5 March.

Just in case, here's the contract information:

 1-855-625-4283. 

norwegianconciergedesk@ncl.com

Strongly recommend calling instead of email.

The wait time is minimal and they can do things  you may not have thought of.

[HBCcruiser]

13 hours ago, 2animallvrs said:

Oh my goodness, what a day we've had!  Last June, we booked 2 club balcony suites on a 15 day Panama Canal Cruise aboard Norwegian Bliss that sails in 13 days.  We booked through Costco.  My husband called Costco Travel yesterday to enquire about something else & decided to see if there were any cabins left in the Haven & if so, what an upgrade would cost.  We were quoted a great rate, but before booking it, we wanted to run it by the people in the second cabin.  We all agreed to do it, so we called Costco this morning to do the upgrade.  Unfortunately, per the NCL agent to our Costco agent, the cabins we wanted had been taken & they now only had 2 cabins left in the Haven in another category.  These two cabins are: 12106 & 9706.  The NCL agent said she had stayed in 12106 & it had a wrap around balcony & was very nice, so we were going to book them, but wanted to make sure our excursions, speciality dinners, upgraded wifi, etc. would all transfer over first.  It turned into a mess!  We were on the phone over 8 hours!  Our excursions, showed we had not paid so would not transfer, but we have receipts showing everything is paid in full.  In the meantime, another agent came on duty & found the cabins we originally wanted in the Haven were still available, but the department she needed to call was by now closed!  We decided to keep our 2 original club mini suites with lg balconies until morning when NCL's department would be open again, only to find out we had already been switched to 12106 & 9706 & our excursions were lost!  In looking up these 2 cabins, they don't have a wrap around deck as we were told by the NCL agent & in fact, it appears to have an extremely small balcony with an obstructed view!  Has anyone on this site stayed in those Haven cabins on Norwegian Bliss?  We now have to wait until morning to HOPEFULLY, get this resolved.  Fortunately, all our conversations are recorded, so they will hear us repeatedly tell them not to give up our existing cabins, & they will hear the NCL agent misrepresent the cabins she described to us.  If anyone on this site can tell us about those 2 cabins, will you please let us know before tomorrow morning?  

Thank you for your help!

    

There is a great website called cruise deck plans . com that will show you deck plans and photos of cabin. This is a link to the Youtube video of cabin 13106 which is the same category. Yes, it looks like a small balcony 

 

[Jordan61]

24 minutes ago, Treasure Hunter said:

I was contacted a month out

 

9 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

I received an email from the pre-concierge on 26 Oct for my cruise beginning on 5 March.

 

LOL, this is what I meant by conflicting information! Thank you both so much; I will give them a call today. If it's too early, I suppose they'll tell me so.

Edited February 13, 2023 by Jordan61

[HBCcruiser]

13 hours ago, 2animallvrs said:

If anyone on this site can tell us about those 2 cabins, will you please let us know before tomorrow morning?  

Here is the floor plan:

 

[wolft927]

43 minutes ago, HBCcruiser said:

Here is the floor plan:

 

So I have stayed in 9706 before. Was our first Have suite and honestly outside the balcony being very very small, we loved the space. Usually cheaper then most of the other Havens. We have stayed in this, 2 bedroom, as well as our upcoming April is in the Aft facing Haven on the joy. I prefer to stay in Havens with separate bedroom space becasue then your butler can just walk in when bringing coffee or breakfast in the moirning if you like. 

[Sthrngary]

3 hours ago, Jordan61 said:

I was sad to watch Sthrngary's evolution from loving NCL and the Haven to looking elsewhere for his cruise vacations.

@Jordan61 Thank you for your kind words.  I am not gone, just was disappointed in the increased costs and decreased benefits.  This too will change as time goes on.  That is the blessing of the free enterprise system.  "Only when the Value Exceeds the price by one penny does the client buy!"  

 

NCL deserves full ships, full Haven areas and profit to make up for the huge loses they had to endure. It is amazing any cruise company is still in business.  I was spoiled and appreciate everything I experience in all my adventures with NCL and the Haven.  Only GREAT memories and experiences.  It is now time for other to experience it.  

 

The challenge with a Luxury Experience is when it does not continue to improve.  When you first receive it you are completely blown away as you will be with the Haven.  Then, and I know this is unfair to say, you expect more.  Now is not the time for more in the cruise industry.  But status que especially for new Haven guest will as I said blow your mind.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[Beamco]

On 2/12/2023 at 7:58 AM, cruisebeachgirl703 said:

 

We are on the Joy in March. Can't wait. Do you know if Hannah Han was onboard assistant general manager? Current concierge?

I don't follow the officers on any of the ships so I don't know who the Assistant General Manager was - Patrick was the concierge and we have sailed with him as Concierge before and he was great as always.

[Beamco]

19 hours ago, 2animallvrs said:

Oh my goodness, what a day we've had!  Last June, we booked 2 club balcony suites on a 15 day Panama Canal Cruise aboard Norwegian Bliss that sails in 13 days.  We booked through Costco.  My husband called Costco Travel yesterday to enquire about something else & decided to see if there were any cabins left in the Haven & if so, what an upgrade would cost.  We were quoted a great rate, but before booking it, we wanted to run it by the people in the second cabin.  We all agreed to do it, so we called Costco this morning to do the upgrade.  Unfortunately, per the NCL agent to our Costco agent, the cabins we wanted had been taken & they now only had 2 cabins left in the Haven in another category.  These two cabins are: 12106 & 9706.  The NCL agent said she had stayed in 12106 & it had a wrap around balcony & was very nice, so we were going to book them, but wanted to make sure our excursions, speciality dinners, upgraded wifi, etc. would all transfer over first.  It turned into a mess!  We were on the phone over 8 hours!  Our excursions, showed we had not paid so would not transfer, but we have receipts showing everything is paid in full.  In the meantime, another agent came on duty & found the cabins we originally wanted in the Haven were still available, but the department she needed to call was by now closed!  We decided to keep our 2 original club mini suites with lg balconies until morning when NCL's department would be open again, only to find out we had already been switched to 12106 & 9706 & our excursions were lost!  In looking up these 2 cabins, they don't have a wrap around deck as we were told by the NCL agent & in fact, it appears to have an extremely small balcony with an obstructed view!  Has anyone on this site stayed in those Haven cabins on Norwegian Bliss?  We now have to wait until morning to HOPEFULLY, get this resolved.  Fortunately, all our conversations are recorded, so they will hear us repeatedly tell them not to give up our existing cabins, & they will hear the NCL agent misrepresent the cabins she described to us.  If anyone on this site can tell us about those 2 cabins, will you please let us know before tomorrow morning?  

Thank you for your help!

    

Just stayed in a FFPH on the Joy and I have stayed in one on the Bliss as well. I love this cabin for many reasons - most of all because of the two rooms. This Joy Cruise my daughter slept there and on my Bliss cruise I wake earlier than my wife I would get out of bed make a Nespresso and read and or watch TV without disturbing her. The bathroom is great, lots of storage etc. However if you need a large balcony experience this is not the Haven Cabin for you, the balcony is small on every FFPH cabin - there is not a wrap a round balcony. For us we don't care we spend our outdoor time on the Haven sundeck.

[2animallvrs]

4 hours ago, Beamco said:

Just stayed in a FFPH on the Joy and I have stayed in one on the Bliss as well. I love this cabin for many reasons - most of all because of the two rooms. This Joy Cruise my daughter slept there and on my Bliss cruise I wake earlier than my wife I would get out of bed make a Nespresso and read and or watch TV without disturbing her. The bathroom is great, lots of storage etc. However if you need a large balcony experience this is not the Haven Cabin for you, the balcony is small on every FFPH cabin - there is not a wrap a round balcony. For us we don't care we spend our outdoor time on the Haven sundeck.

Thank you - we use our balcony quite a bit & were able to go back to our club mini suite with lg deck.  I hope I'm not going to regret it!!!