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

[latebloomer56]

2 hours ago, cruiseny4life said:

I had experience with this just last week. Gosh, it feels like forever ago since I was on Joy (not Pearl). We took advantage of the Haven Sundeck every single day, often for hours at a time. Each day there were some children on the sundeck. I instantly thought back to some of these Haven Sundeck threads/age policy and chortled to myself about some who would go crazy. 

 

These kids were respectful, walked around, and (probably, most importantly) were not taking up expensive real estate in the hot tubs. No one said a word. Staff saw them. There were kids that looked to be about ten, 13, and some who were in that 15 - 17 age range (so might have been the right age to be there). We truly had no issues and I smiled knowing they were making nice vacation memories. 

 

I have no doubt your photo-loving grandson would be welcome on the sundeck. Should he "technically" be there? Well...no, but I would have loved it if the loud, obnoxious drunk forty year olds who were hogging the hot tubs (no doubt peeing in them too) had been banned and we had more of those respectful, quiet children on the sundeck. 

 

Have a memorable, enjoyable cruise with your family! I'm looking forward to hearing all about the adventures you have. 

Sadly may be our last family trip. Very important to make good memories.

[UKstages]

9 hours ago, rather be in Hawaii said:

Too bad we aren’t on the same cruise. We could wander the ship in search of bottles of Veuve😉

 

probably better that you're not on the same cruise.

 

less competition!

 

all's fair in love and veuve.

[Sydneyberlin]

7 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

@Sydneyberlin So happy for you.  Lets of folks that know their Haven Stuff here.  Read the original article on page one.  Ask anything you want to know.  

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

Thank you so much @Sthrngary, creator of this incredibly useful post, an amazing feat you’ve accomplished there for all of us!

 

Will definitely report back with my impressions afterwards and post any questions I might still have beforehand.

 

Chatted to the land based concierge desk just now and it was very pleasant though it was almost too much choice being thrown at me all at once 😁 Staying in the Haven is a science in itself it seems!

[amygutman]

5 hours ago, latebloomer56 said:

Sadly may be our last family trip. Very important to make good memories.

Live every day like it's your last, no regrets.

Blessings, Amy

[RocketMan275]

13 minutes ago, Sydneyberlin said:

Chatted to the land based concierge desk just now and it was very pleasant though it was almost too much choice being thrown at me all at once 😁 Staying in the Haven is a science in itself it seems!

You can call them back to resolve any questions you still might have.

[Sthrngary]

3 minutes ago, Sydneyberlin said:

Thank you so much @Sthrngary, creator of this incredibly useful post, an amazing feat you’ve accomplished there for all of us!

 

Will definitely report back with my impressions afterwards and post any questions I might still have beforehand.

 

Chatted to the land based concierge desk just now and it was very pleasant though it was almost too much choice being thrown at me all at once 😁 Staying in the Haven is a science in itself it seems!

@Sydneyberlin Your are more than welcome.  It is not as much of a science as it is a pleasure.  Take it one step at a time.  Really.  I wrote this stream because I wanted folks to get all the value they wanted when they paid a premium for the Haven.  Also, to have realistic expectations  when they finally sailed.  You can guess, I might have had some less then great experience over a 44 year cruising life.  I will suggest a couple of things to consider, if I might.  I am sure, you might have read some of this on the stream but you kind words came at a very good time. 

 

1. Online Registration:  Do it the moment you can. Get it over with.  Remember, when in the Haven, you can board when every the ship has been cleared.  I still request the earliest boarding time because I simply love the Pre-Cruise Port Haven area especially in the New NCL Terminal in Miami.
2. Carry On Luggage: The escort from the Haven port lounge takes you to the Haven Courtyard.  Drop off you Carry on luggage in your suite so you can explore.  Your suite might not be ready but it is a very nice perk.
3. Room Service:  There is no service fee and your butler or a member of their team brings you room service.  Let them know you prefer to order off the Haven Menu when doing room service as long as the Haven Restaurant is open. 
4. Prime Rib and Lobster Tails:  My favorite prime rib is in Cagney's with the Haven Restaurant as a very close second.  It is ok to ask for a Lobster tail with it.  I know, I did it many times. 
5. Smoking Cocktail at the Haven Bar:  Wait for a time when they are not busy and ask for a smoking cocktail.  It is a show and worth seeing.  
6. Lunch when you Board:  I always go to the Haven Restaurant except once.  That was because I was outvoted by my family.  The regretted that decision.  They usually give you the choice of the American Diner as a perk day one lunch.  If you choose the American Diner, do yourself a favor and order the milkshake.  It will cost extra but worth it.  Made my meal if I had to miss the Haven Burger. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

[psac]

28 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

@Sydneyberlin Your are more than welcome.  It is not as much of a science as it is a pleasure.  Take it one step at a time.  Really.  I wrote this stream because I wanted folks to get all the value they wanted when they paid a premium for the Haven.  Also, to have realistic expectations  when they finally sailed.  You can guess, I might have had some less then great experience over a 44 year cruising life.  I will suggest a couple of things to consider, if I might.  I am sure, you might have read some of this on the stream but you kind words came at a very good time. 

 

1. Online Registration:  Do it the moment you can. Get it over with.  Remember, when in the Haven, you can board when every the ship has been cleared.  I still request the earliest boarding time because I simply love the Pre-Cruise Port Haven area especially in the New NCL Terminal in Miami.
2. Carry On Luggage: The escort from the Haven port lounge takes you to the Haven Courtyard.  Drop off you Carry on luggage in your suite so you can explore.  Your suite might not be ready but it is a very nice perk.
3. Room Service:  There is no service fee and your butler or a member of their team brings you room service.  Let them know you prefer to order off the Haven Menu when doing room service as long as the Haven Restaurant is open. 
4. Prime Rib and Lobster Tails:  My favorite prime rib is in Cagney's with the Haven Restaurant as a very close second.  It is ok to ask for a Lobster tail with it.  I know, I did it many times. 
5. Smoking Cocktail at the Haven Bar:  Wait for a time when they are not busy and ask for a smoking cocktail.  It is a show and worth seeing.  
6. Lunch when you Board:  I always go to the Haven Restaurant except once.  That was because I was outvoted by my family.  The regretted that decision.  They usually give you the choice of the American Diner as a perk day one lunch.  If you choose the American Diner, do yourself a favor and order the milkshake.  It will cost extra but worth it.  Made my meal if I had to miss the Haven Burger. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

On two different ships (Breakaway and Joy) since the re-start, that Haven burger at lunch has been absolutely incredible. Whatever the secret is, it really works.  👍👍👍👍

[Suite Heart]

57 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

@Sydneyberlin Your are more than welcome.  It is not as much of a science as it is a pleasure.  Take it one step at a time.  Really.  I wrote this stream because I wanted folks to get all the value they wanted when they paid a premium for the Haven.  Also, to have realistic expectations  when they finally sailed.  You can guess, I might have had some less then great experience over a 44 year cruising life.  I will suggest a couple of things to consider, if I might.  I am sure, you might have read some of this on the stream but you kind words came at a very good time. 

 

1. Online Registration:  Do it the moment you can. Get it over with.  Remember, when in the Haven, you can board when every the ship has been cleared.  I still request the earliest boarding time because I simply love the Pre-Cruise Port Haven area especially in the New NCL Terminal in Miami.
2. Carry On Luggage: The escort from the Haven port lounge takes you to the Haven Courtyard.  Drop off you Carry on luggage in your suite so you can explore.  Your suite might not be ready but it is a very nice perk.
3. Room Service:  There is no service fee and your butler or a member of their team brings you room service.  Let them know you prefer to order off the Haven Menu when doing room service as long as the Haven Restaurant is open. 
4. Prime Rib and Lobster Tails:  My favorite prime rib is in Cagney's with the Haven Restaurant as a very close second.  It is ok to ask for a Lobster tail with it.  I know, I did it many times. 
5. Smoking Cocktail at the Haven Bar:  Wait for a time when they are not busy and ask for a smoking cocktail.  It is a show and worth seeing.  
6. Lunch when you Board:  I always go to the Haven Restaurant except once.  That was because I was outvoted by my family.  The regretted that decision.  They usually give you the choice of the American Diner as a perk day one lunch.  If you choose the American Diner, do yourself a favor and order the milkshake.  It will cost extra but worth it.  Made my meal if I had to miss the Haven Burger. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

 

Hi, Gary! (You Old Grouch, you😆)

 

Hope you're doing well. Still waiting to run into you and your fam on a cruise. I'm sailing the Joy in April. Yeah...in the Haven. (No wonder I can only afford one vacation a year. LOL!!!)

 

Edited March 29, 2023 by Suite Heart
not finished

[Sthrngary]

25 minutes ago, Suite Heart said:

 

Hi, Gary! (You Old Grouch, you😆)

 

Hope you're doing well. Still waiting to run into you and your fam on a cruise. I'm sailing the Joy in April. Yeah...in the Haven. (No wonder I can only afford one vacation a year. LOL!!!)

 

@Suite Heart My next cruising adventure will be a test of the emergency broadcast system.  10-days in the Mediterranean.  I will miss the Waterslides, Go Carts, Lasor Tag and Broadway shows.  However I will hope to enjoy learning the culture of countries I have never traveled.  

 

After this next trip, as you have indicated, it might take me two years to cruise again.  Retirement gives me the time and I wonder where all the money went. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy the Haven to its fullest. 

[Sydneyberlin]

1 hour ago, Sthrngary said:

1. Online Registration:  Do it the moment you can. Get it over with.  Remember, when in the Haven, you can board when every the ship has been cleared.  I still request the earliest boarding time because I simply love the Pre-Cruise Port Haven area especially in the New NCL Terminal in Miami.
2. Room Service:  There is no service fee and your butler or a member of their team brings you room service.  Let them know you prefer to order off the Haven Menu when doing room service as long as the Haven Restaurant is open. 
3. Prime Rib and Lobster Tails:  My favorite prime rib is in Cagney's 
4. Lunch when you Board:  I always go to the Haven Restaurant except once.  That was because I was outvoted by my family.  The regretted that decision.  They usually give you the choice of the American Diner as a perk day one lunch.  If you choose the American Diner, do yourself a favor and order the milkshake.  It will cost extra but worth it.  Made my meal if I had to miss the Haven Burger. 

Thanks again @Sthrngary, I feel honoured even chatting to you! Always loved your writing style, so considered and always helpful, it’s very unique!

 

We’re coming from the land Down Under but we love America- great people, awesome (albeit a bit unhealthy) food and quite a few very good friends to pay a visit pre- and post-cruise as well. What that means though that we probably won’t be able to resist the American Diner on Day 1, just for the Mozzarella sticks (and advice taken, the milk shake) as you won’t believe how impossible those are to find outside the great US of A. Certainly not with the same taste and texture. We also have 15 more chances to enjoy the Haven lunch and we cannot wait for that. Now “Prime Rib” is also something very American and usually not served down here though Aussies eat meat all the time. I’m a big fan of meat myself and have never really gotten into it (maybe the reason being that it was always at some Vegas casino buffet- probably not the best place I could imagine!) in the past though it must be something special the way everyone is raving about it. So again, I will follow your advice and will order Prime Rib at Cagney’s. Something tells me that might be a converted after this experience, I will definitely report back!

 

One question I just thought of: I’ve heard a lot about people asking for a specially prepared dish in the Haven restaurant and some are lucky. Who do I ask for that? Just the normal wait staff? And how do I approach it, “Could you maybe” and then a discrete $10 note with it? Just curious. And I’m not thinking anything crazy, but maybe something typical German that doesn’t require any exotic ingredients.

[Sthrngary]

14 minutes ago, Sydneyberlin said:

won’t be able to resist the American Diner on Day 1,

@Sydneyberlin Go for it then.  I did have something nice but it reminded me of growing up.  The have what we American's Call a Blue Plate Special.  Usually comfort food.  For me that day it was Roast beef, mashed potatos, green beans and a salad.  I really enjoyed it.  The Blue Plate Special changes every day at the American Diner.

 

16 minutes ago, Sydneyberlin said:

’ve heard a lot about people asking for a specially prepared dish in the Haven restaurant and some are lucky. Who do I ask for that?

The head waiter.  Now I caution you to have realistic expectations.  On longer cruises then a week, even the Haven Restaurant has some nightly specials so you have that to look forward too.  On the special orders, they may or may not be able to accommodate your request.  They really are not set up that way.  But, you don't get if you don't ask.  Good luck and let us know how the cruise goes.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[Jordan61]

5 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

The head waiter.  Now I caution you to have realistic expectations.  On longer cruises then a week, even the Haven Restaurant has some nightly specials so you have that to look forward too.  On the special orders, they may or may not be able to accommodate your request.  They really are not set up that way.  But, you don't get if you don't ask.  Good luck and let us know how the cruise goes.

 

Piling onto this: if for instance I ordered the raviolo for dinner, do you think I could ask them to sneak me some shrimp to go with it? I'm not a lobster gal but I do love me some shrimp, and I don't see a shrimp dish as an entree on the dinner menu.

[Treasure Hunter]

The only special meal we ask for is our by the pool at lunch . We ask for a BLT sliced chicken club with mayo. Absolutely delicious and a perfect casual lunch. We just ask the waiter who then asks permission. We’ve gotten it every time.

[UKstages]

for the larger, grander requests, a day's notice is really helpful and virtually guarantees you'll get what you're looking for. the other thing you can do, apart from adding shrimp or a lobster tail, is that you can ask (with a day's notice) to have an entirely different cuisine. until the prima introduced the indulge food hall, the only place to get indian food was the buffet. if you're in the haven, and you fancy indian food, just ask. tell them which day you'd like it and they'll have it for you.  it will be probably be an elevated version of what the buffet has on offer and you'll get to dine with your traveling companion in the haven and still have access to their apps and desserts.

[Sydneyberlin]

52 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

@Sydneyberlin Go for it then.  I did have something nice but it reminded me of growing up.  The have what we American's Call a Blue Plate Special.  Usually comfort food.  For me that day it was Roast beef, mashed potatos, green beans and a salad.  I really enjoyed it. 

 

The head waiter.  Now I caution you to have realistic expectations.  On longer cruises than a week, even the Haven Restaurant has some nightly specials so you have that to look forward too. 

Roast beef, potatoes and beans is one of those combinations that would work here in Australia as comfort food as well. Might give it a try, thanks for the tip!

 

Now on the nightly specials, that’s something I didn’t know. I was wondering why some people post about that and others don’t- it depends on the length of the cruise! We should be good then as we’re 15 nights. Would be great to have some little variety there!

[Sthrngary]

55 minutes ago, Jordan61 said:

 

Piling onto this: if for instance I ordered the raviolo for dinner, do you think I could ask them to sneak me some shrimp to go with it? I'm not a lobster gal but I do love me some shrimp, and I don't see a shrimp dish as an entree on the dinner menu.

Ask the night before.  Give them a heads up.  50% 50% chance.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

[cruiseny4life]

11 hours ago, Jordan61 said:

 

Piling onto this: if for instance I ordered the raviolo for dinner, do you think I could ask them to sneak me some shrimp to go with it? I'm not a lobster gal but I do love me some shrimp, and I don't see a shrimp dish as an entree on the dinner menu.

They do have Shrimp Louie as an appetizer, so cold shrimp is definitely there, though not as an entree, as you said.

 

10 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

Ask the night before.  Give them a heads up.  50% 50% chance.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

While you could probably get it without an issue the night of, definitely follow Gary's advice and give them a heads up. Whenever I request special items, I talk with the maitre d the day before. I've never been denied. Every special request I've made has been an item that's on the Haven menu (breakfast, lunch, or dinner), so I haven't asked for something extraordinarily odd. 

 

As for shrimp, every single night we eat in the Haven Restaurant, my lovely husband orders a shrimp cocktail, with 11 - 13 pieces of shrimp. He's always received this. I bet they'd be happy to grill some of this yummy Shrimp Louie/cocktail shrimp for you! 

[Jordan61]

4 minutes ago, cruiseny4life said:

As for shrimp, every single night we eat in the Haven Restaurant, my lovely husband orders a shrimp cocktail, with 11 - 13 pieces of shrimp. He's always received this. I bet they'd be happy to grill some of this yummy Shrimp Louie/cocktail shrimp for you! 

 

They offer sautéed shrimp as an add-on to the caesar salad, so I'm hoping they'll be able to sneak me some of that. Or I suppose I could order a caesar salad with shrimp, hold the salad! 😄

Edited March 30, 2023 by Jordan61

[UKstages]

1 hour ago, Jordan61 said:

Or I suppose I could order a caesar salad with shrimp, hold the salad!

 

this is the way that's done:

 

(from "five easy pieces")

 

Bobby : I'd like a plain omelette, no potatoes, tomatoes instead, a cup of coffee and wheat toast.

Waitress : [points at his menu]  No substitutions.

Bobby : What do you mean? You don't have any tomatoes?

Waitress : Only what's on the menu. You can have a number two, a plain omelette, it comes with cottage fries and rolls.

Bobby : Yeah, I know what it comes with, but it's not what I want.

Waitress : Well, I'll come back when you make up your mind

Bobby : Wait a minute, I have made up my mind. I'd like a plain omelette, no potatoes on the plate, a cup of coffee and a side order of wheat toast.

Waitress : I'm sorry, we don't have any side orders of toast. I'll give you an English muffin or a coffee roll.

Bobby : What do you mean you don't make side orders of toast? You make sandwiches, don't you?

Waitress : Would you like to talk to the manager?

Palm Apodaca : Hey, mac...

Bobby : Shut up.

[to the waitress] 

Bobby : You've got bread and a toaster of some kind?

Waitress : I don't make the rules.

Bobby : OK, I'll make it as easy for you as I can. I'd like an omelette, plain, and a chicken salad sandwich on wheat toast, no mayonnaise, no butter, no lettuce, and a cup of coffee.

Waitress : A number two, a chicken salad sand. Hold the butter, the lettuce, and the mayonnaise, and a cup of coffee. Anything else?

Bobby : Yeah, now all you have to do is hold the chicken, bring me the toast, give me a cheque for the chicken salad sandwich, and you haven't broken any rules.

[justhappy]

I HAVE to finish this scene

 

”You want me to hold the chicken, huh?

”I want you to hold it between your knees” 

That Jack Nicholson glare nails it.

 

Please be polite to your servers in real life folks, no swiping all the plates to the floor or such 😂

Edited March 30, 2023 by justhappy

[psac]

On 3/29/2023 at 8:55 PM, Jordan61 said:

 

Piling onto this: if for instance I ordered the raviolo for dinner, do you think I could ask them to sneak me some shrimp to go with it? I'm not a lobster gal but I do love me some shrimp, and I don't see a shrimp dish as an entree on the dinner menu.

I’m late to the party, but I would say definitely yes. Our go to appetizer the last few trips has been the Caesar Salad with the grilled shrimp, because the salad itself is good, and the shrimp it comes with is really good. For entrees, we tend to just add a lobster tail to anything. One meal my wife got the app risotto with two lobster tails as her main. So point being, as long as it’s something already on the dinner menu, mixing and matching is easy for them. So yes just asking for some grilled shrimp from the Caesar salad in with the ravioli should be totally doable!  Enjoy!

[Pie]

On 3/15/2023 at 2:50 PM, Jordan61 said:

Thank you Gary! I'm on the Bliss in May. Husband is an early riser, so I am going to give him the mission of procuring these for me!

we always have our butler bring them in the morning 🙂

[Sydneyberlin]

Actually, there’s something we just thought of and some of you might know the answer. One of the reasons for betting that high to get a room in the Haven was the new “Once a day” servicing policy for standard staterooms. For us, that sounds like a real nightmare as we love taking a nap mid day which would make it really difficult to schedule the one service per day.

 

But now we’re in the Haven, we’re wondering: Would it be too much to ask for fresh sheets/bedding every second day or so? We’re two big boys and tend to sweat a lot so one of the joys of staying at nice hotels is for us being able to ask for fresh bedsheets every day. We’d like to get fresh sheets on the cruise too- is this too much to ask for? Please don’t come with saving the planet if cruising on a ship diesel powered cruise ship in the first place, we all know that this is just a bs excuse to save money. 

[DaisyGoldberg]

I don't care for seafood, so I'm the one in the Haven dining room ordering the Shrimp Scampi, hold the shrimp.

 

I do have to disagree about the American Diner. What they called a "milkshake" was basically chocolate milk in crushed ice [[shudder]].  

[Greenpea2]

On 3/22/2023 at 8:37 AM, latebloomer56 said:

Still love this thread, long but think I have tried to check each page always looking for tips to make our vacation time together special.

We are not on a larger ship we are on the Pearl in 30 days. I am surprising the boys with the Haven, we have always had 2 bedroom suites on NCL it works for us. Now question cabin 14508, has anybody stayed in this cabin? Assume the balcony is small but we are across from the pool so they can use the public areas. Second question my 13 year old grandson is big he looks much older and is a quiet young man for sail away or coming in and out of Bermuda will he be allowed to go to the top deck? He is a camera buff and will want to take pictures. I don't want any grief bringing him up there this trip will most likely be our last one together. 

Thanks everybody for all the tips and information so far. 

They might let him. When I was on the Bliss (Haven), they allowed a few kids up on the Haven sundeck just for sailllway. Then they were gone. I would ask the Concierge once you board. Chances are it will be OK, but better to ask, in my opinion. 🙂