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

[ashkay16]

I will be first time in Haven this July on the Joy . Last year on Joy non haven .  Love the Joy and really looking forward to experiencing the Haven .  Enjoy everyone !

[Sthrngary]

Just now, ashkay16 said:

I will be first time in Haven this July on the Joy . Last year on Joy non haven .  Love the Joy and really looking forward to experiencing the Haven .  Enjoy everyone !

@ashkay16 Allow me to share some wonderful experiences.  First of all, the Haven Horizon Observation area is off the charts.  Now I have been on the Joy in the Haven and non-Haven suites.  Below the Horizon is the full ships Observation area with a Starbucks.  The Haven Horizon had a Starbuck Machine that was also wonderful.

 

On the 18th deck, in the front of the ship is the Haven Library. I loved this area and when I wanted privacy and quiet, I would go there. 

 

The Beatles Review from the main theatre to the cavern club were some favorites. The Chocolate Cake in Cagney's is awesome (Not have but great).

 

The "Smoking Drink" at the Haven Bar was a show and drink all in itself. Nice experience. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[ashkay16]

Thanks you so much . Yes last year went on the Joy but not Haven .  This year in the Haven and cant wait . Saw Beatles show 3 times however when went to Cagneys ate so much couldnt eat dessert . Will make sure to try the cake this time !!!

[Sailing12Away]

It always makes me chuckle when people create an account here on CC just to complain about NCL. Claiming they've done research, yet go on to complain that the menu in the Haven doesn't change. Anyone who's at least read through a handful of these pages will know the menu doesn't change, so that shouldn't be a surprise. They should also have learned that you can make special requests and with enough advanced notice, the staff there will do just about anything within their power to make things happen. 

 

Haven on the jewel class ships is definitely different from on the newer ones - but expecting luxury cruise ship service on still a main stream cruise line is just silly. It doesn't matter what someone pays for their cruise, you're still on a main stream cruise line. If I choose to pay $50K for a Toyota Civic, just because I paid more than someone else (or overpaid....) doesn't mean my Toyota transforms into a Tesla or my car will last longer or drive faster than someone else's Civic.

 

Faulting someone's level of English is also amusing to me when the poster themselves may have been the one with a hard to understand accent - not the NCL staff member. Complaints about your butler can always be raised to the concierge or guest services to be escalated all the way up to general manager on your behalf. 

 

Jewel class ships don't have a separate Haven bar. Expecting there to be pool staff standing around waiting to take your order and run and get you something is just insanity and setting unrealistic expectations. For comparison, last 2 trips were on the Joy which does have it's own bar and my hands were never empty once when I was in the hot tub or relaxing in the sun. Different ships, different Haven amenities - again, don't expect the 0-60mph in <5 seconds when you're driving your Civic and not your Tesla.

[Greygooser]

17 hours ago, Daniel A said:

 

I don't know if this will help, but here's a thread from last August.  Read posts #'s 12 & 13:

 

 

Wow, thank you! For anyone else, post #92 covers the debarkation experience in Civitavecchia as well.

[BrownEyedGirl686]

11 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

@ashkay16 Allow me to share some wonderful experiences.  First of all, the Haven Horizon Observation area is off the charts.  Now I have been on the Joy in the Haven and non-Haven suites.  Below the Horizon is the full ships Observation area with a Starbucks.  The Haven Horizon had a Starbuck Machine that was also wonderful.

 

On the 18th deck, in the front of the ship is the Haven Library. I loved this area and when I wanted privacy and quiet, I would go there. 

 

The Beatles Review from the main theatre to the cavern club were some favorites. The Chocolate Cake in Cagney's is awesome (Not have but great).

 

The "Smoking Drink" at the Haven Bar was a show and drink all in itself. Nice experience. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

So glad to hear all of this we will be on the Joy in just 4 weeks and I cannot wait.  😁

[jill5172]

15 hours ago, Sailing12Away said:

 

"Haven on the jewel class ships is definitely different from on the newer ones"

 

Thanks for this reminder; we've only sailed Haven on the larger ships.  We are doing a Greek Isles cruise this summer on the Jade.  I know we'll miss the Haven bar (especially the guys in our group, who love to make friends with the bartenders) and restaurant, but I expect we'll find other alternatives.  If nothing else, we will hang out in our spacious garden villa.  😁 

 

Otherwise I appreciate any observations y'all have for differences in Haven amenities on Jade vs. the larger ships, and suggestions to make it even more special since it's a smaller ship.  

[Sailing12Away]

2 hours ago, jill5172 said:

 

Thanks for this reminder; we've only sailed Haven on the larger ships.  We are doing a Greek Isles cruise this summer on the Jade.  I know we'll miss the Haven bar (especially the guys in our group, who love to make friends with the bartenders) and restaurant, but I expect we'll find other alternatives.  If nothing else, we will hang out in our spacious garden villa.  😁 

 

Otherwise I appreciate any observations y'all have for differences in Haven amenities on Jade vs. the larger ships, and suggestions to make it even more special since it's a smaller ship.  

The garden villa is an entire separate entity unto itself. You will want for nothing in that room. There will be no need to venture into 'gen pop' as you'll have your booze, soda, snacks, and even meals if you want them right there where you are. You'll get a personal escort to any dinner reservations and shows you want to go to. Just communicate often and early with your butler so they know what you want/need - they will all bend over backwards for you.

[mtrancher]

On 4/27/2023 at 9:08 AM, TimCruise23 said:

wolft927: In response to your question, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and when I was younger carnival. 
 

I read in detail the forums but there is no excuse for staffing a 24,000 USD suite with staff who don’t understand basic English. Nor is there an excuse that the haven pool area has no service or attendants checking in ever except promptly at 4 to remove the water, juice, and gummy bears. 
 

I eat at McDonalds and pay $10 for a meal and expect $10 in value. They usually deliver that. Paying $24,000 and getting what I’d best describe as mediocre to poor service isn’t what someone should expect. 
 

Having Haven butlers understand basic English, having someone check in on pool area even once an hour, having the bars have the cocktail and drink lists they have not what’s at other bars, isn’t a absurdly high standard. 
 

Tim
 

Sounds like you are headed back to Royal and Celebrity!  Enjoy!
 

 

 

[YVRteacher]

11 hours ago, jill5172 said:

 

Thanks for this reminder; we've only sailed Haven on the larger ships.  We are doing a Greek Isles cruise this summer on the Jade.  I know we'll miss the Haven bar (especially the guys in our group, who love to make friends with the bartenders) and restaurant, but I expect we'll find other alternatives.  If nothing else, we will hang out in our spacious garden villa.  😁 

 

Otherwise I appreciate any observations y'all have for differences in Haven amenities on Jade vs. the larger ships, and suggestions to make it even more special since it's a smaller ship.  

Many Haven guests on the Jewel class ships make Sugarcane their bar.  I’ve spent so many fabulous nights there and every bartender has been terrific.

[estvil30]

Hello Haven Cruisers !

I have a unique question for you all.

We are planning our next cruise for January in the Haven.

We will be traveling with an elderly parent. She has mobility issues.

Has anyone had experience working with your Butler to get breakfast, lunch, and dinner served in your room? ( or at least 2 meals a day.)

Of course we would speak with the butler and tip accordingly.

Has anyone had experience with this type of situation?

 

[luckyinpa]

every single meal can be in  your cabin. thats the great thing about haven

[JustAPilot]

Is there a secret to better pricing for the Haven? Haven is always full so someone is justifying paying $6,000+ a person, but man that’s an outrages vacation in the Turks and Caicos or somewhere more posh. Paying 6 grand for a vibe club personal experience I just can’t pull the trigger there. 

[RocketMan275]

43 minutes ago, JustAPilot said:

Is there a secret to better pricing for the Haven? Haven is always full so someone is justifying paying $6,000+ a person, but man that’s an outrages vacation in the Turks and Caicos or somewhere more posh. Paying 6 grand for a vibe club personal experience I just can’t pull the trigger there. 

Nothing unique about the haven.  Book early.  Watch for price drops.  Use a TA that discounts.  There really isn't a secret.  The Haven is much more than a Vibe Club experience.  Special restaurant for all your meals.  Butler service.  Twice a day room service.  Escorts on/off the ship.  We wouldn't cruise any other way.

[CDR Benson]

41 minutes ago, JustAPilot said:

Is there a secret to better pricing for the Haven? Haven is always full so someone is justifying paying $6,000+ a person, but man that’s an outrages vacation in the Turks and Caicos or somewhere more posh. Paying 6 grand for a vibe club personal experience I just can’t pull the trigger there. 

 

Obviously, everyone's preference for suite location, level of service, cruise destination and length, and other such variables is personal.  As is how much one is willing to pay for these things.  So, I cannot necessarily speak to what you hold as most important.  But, like yourself, I couldn't justify paying the price on many of the Haven offerings by NCL.  Not until I came across Norwegian Joy and her Haven suites that aren't on the "millionaires' row" decks of the Haven proper.  Those suites, designated HI and HJ, have significantly lower fares and fell within my price point.  They were larger than the seventeenth-deck Haven suites, to boot.  Aye, you have to endure a one- or two-minute elevator ride to get to the Haven community spaces, but it's worth it.

 

 

[cruiseny4life]

2 hours ago, JustAPilot said:

Is there a secret to better pricing for the Haven? Haven is always full so someone is justifying paying $6,000+ a person, but man that’s an outrages vacation in the Turks and Caicos or somewhere more posh. Paying 6 grand for a vibe club personal experience I just can’t pull the trigger there. 

You gotta just keep on searching for deals. There's a great thread that many of us have commented on regarding deals in the Haven. I've actually found the Haven for less than $300/person/night which is a dang great price! I've noticed it is getting a bit more difficult, but I'm not giving up. I have some FCC to burn through. We'll find something in the $300 - $400 person/night realm soon. 

 

You might have to scroll a bit, but there are some 2022/23 prices toward the end:

 

 

[ashkay16]

Booked in Haven this July on the Joy to Bermuda .  5 adults in HH Family Villa Suite with Balcony 15th deck right by elevators up two floors right to Haven entrance . Came to about 2,200 each all in . 

[Sailing12Away]

3 hours ago, JustAPilot said:

Is there a secret to better pricing for the Haven? Haven is always full so someone is justifying paying $6,000+ a person, but man that’s an outrages vacation in the Turks and Caicos or somewhere more posh. Paying 6 grand for a vibe club personal experience I just can’t pull the trigger there. 

Generally the 'average' price I expect to pay for a full Haven ship (Encore, Bliss, Joy, etc) is around $500/pp/day. If I can find it cheaper than that it's a bargain, and for a great itinerary or premium room I'm willing to pay more. For the jewel class ship, I personally wouldn't pay more than $350/pp/day - I would rather take a non-Haven suite for much less and forgo the pool (the only difference on those ships).

 

There are deals to be found, typically longer cruises, transatlantic trips, repositioning trips.... but yes, right now there are plenty of deals out there. Prices listed are for 2 people, so divide that cost/day by 2 for your $500/pp/day barometer.

[Treasure Hunter]

Or you can gamble and get the casino discount. ( no free lunch but I love the slots so it’s a nice perk)

[JustAPilot]

Really good feedback here thank you everyone. I actually never thought about breaking it down by “per night” rate which at $500 a night is what you’re paying for a luxury hotel room so it makes sense. And thank you CDR Benson for the Joy recommendation, wife and I have been underwhelmed by the older Epic and previous ship experiences, we like shiny new things so I’ve only been looking at Encore, Bliss ect. Another point to consider is Yacht Club comes in 2 thousand or less vs Haven and I get suspect as to why that is..

Edited May 3, 2023 by JustAPilot

[McGarrett5oh]

@Sthrngary  Again thank you for this fabulous information. 

 

We have some specific requests for our specialty dining reservations (e.g. window booth, dates, times). 

 

What is the best way to reserve our Specialty Dining reservations 130 days from departure.  An email to the concierge desk with the specific detailed requests (day before 130? or day of 130?) or a phone call on day 130?

 

Thank you!

[Sthrngary]

34 minutes ago, McGarrett5oh said:

@Sthrngary  Again thank you for this fabulous information. 

 

We have some specific requests for our specialty dining reservations (e.g. window booth, dates, times). 

 

What is the best way to reserve our Specialty Dining reservations 130 days from departure.  An email to the concierge desk with the specific detailed requests (day before 130? or day of 130?) or a phone call on day 130?

 

Thank you!

@McGarrett5oh In an effort to stay with my goal of transparency and assisting others to set "Realistic Expectations", here are my thoughts.  You can of course make your request to the Concierge Desk via email and if you don't here back call them.  My best results for table location was by talking to the Haven Concierge when I get on board. They then call the restaurant and make the request. 

 

For the actual reservation, do it 130 in advance on your online account, if that does not work, send an email.  If you don't hear back call.  I take nothing for granted. Additional advice is to look online for past dailies for your ship.  See the times for the shows.  Choose the show and coordinate the dining times accordingly.  Give ourself at least 2 hours for dining and a pre-show drink. 

 

I believe I have addressed all your questions.  

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[NCL4EVA]

So sorry if this has already been covered but is there a benefit to an upgrade from a 2 BR Deluxe Family Suite on deck 11 to the 2 BR Family Villa in the Haven on the NCL Pearl? I understand on the smaller ships there no restaurant and just a smaller lap pool in the courtyard. Not sure if it's worth the cost to bid on an upgrade as they look like similar spaces. Thank you!

[Sthrngary]

59 minutes ago, NCL4EVA said:

So sorry if this has already been covered but is there a benefit to an upgrade from a 2 BR Deluxe Family Suite on deck 11 to the 2 BR Family Villa in the Haven on the NCL Pearl? I understand on the smaller ships there no restaurant and just a smaller lap pool in the courtyard. Not sure if it's worth the cost to bid on an upgrade as they look like similar spaces. Thank you!

@NCL4EVA Oh boy this is one heck of a question.  In my humble opinion, even on the Pearl which does not have a Haven Bar or Restaurant, it totally depends on the amount of the upgrade bid accepted. This is when you have to look at what the Haven gives you on a smaller ship and the investment that you have to make to gain the amenities.  

 

To better emphasize my comments I always believe I should give a personal experience.  My original Haven Suite was indeed a Haven Two Bedroom Family Villa.  We had four adults in the suite.  My adult children, my wife and me.  Prior to the cruise, I stayed in the Haven Spa Suite on the Getaway which is one of the larger ships.  When I returned, I cancelled my Pearl Cruise and rebooked the NCL Joy.  If I was going to pay that kind of money, I wanted the entire Haven Experience.  The same Haven Suite on the Joy was about the same as on the Pearl.  Hence my advice above. 

 

So bid low, accept if you get the bid or not.  Be happy with what you get.  If you get the Haven you will love it.  I am just a Haven Guy on a larger ship unless the price is right.  My two cents only and other opinions will be different. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

[SaltyPawz]

9 hours ago, NCL4EVA said:

So sorry if this has already been covered but is there a benefit to an upgrade from a 2 BR Deluxe Family Suite on deck 11 to the 2 BR Family Villa in the Haven on the NCL Pearl? I understand on the smaller ships there no restaurant and just a smaller lap pool in the courtyard. Not sure if it's worth the cost to bid on an upgrade as they look like similar spaces. Thank you!

I don't have as much experience as most folks on this thread.  I've taken only one cruise, and it was years ago on the Pearl in a two bedroom deluxe family suite with balcony.  My bestie and I picked this trip to scratch off something on our bucket list. 

 

The suite was perfect for us!  She had her own bedroom with a full bathroom, and so did I.  I enjoyed the spacious bathroom with full windows.  It was quite an experience to enjoy a shower while looking out at the water.  We enjoyed breakfast in our room many mornings and the chef's treats delivered to our room every day.   We were close to the stairs, so going outside was only one flight up. 

 

Since it was our first cruise, we didn't know what services the butler and concierge provided.  All my pre-cruise research focused on what to pack and where to go on our excursions/port stops.  

 

Because our experience was so wonderful, I chose NCL for my upcoming cruise.