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

[Sthrngary]

12 minutes ago, mconthehighseas said:

I am a few days from check in, and I am so grateful for this thread @Sthrngary. 

My pleasure. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

[McGarrett5oh]

1 hour ago, mconthehighseas said:

  I know some of you mentioned Maria earlier,  but if she is not available, it looks like she has some good colleagues.

I've only had the opportunity to speak to 2 different pre-cruise Haven concierges (not Maria nor Robin).  Both have been over the top professional, friendly, helpful and knowledgeable.  When you spend the $$ it takes to enjoy the Haven, it's reassuring to know that you will get appropriate service in the lead up to your cruise.  BTW, they have been responsive to a couple of non-urgent emails I've sent but there was a lag as I expected.

[cruisebeachgirl703]

In the Haven lounge anyone know the times the snacks come out. a.m., noon, evening? Not a fan of buffet but would be o.k. if there when they first come out.

[Sthrngary]

1 hour ago, cruisebeachgirl703 said:

In the Haven lounge anyone know the times the snacks come out. a.m., noon, evening? Not a fan of buffet but would be o.k. if there when they first come out.

@cruisebeachgirl703 I would like to approach your question differently.  Early morning, go to the Haven Horizon Observation Lounge. Lite breakfast foods, fresh pastries, the best specialty coffee machine I have ever used, fruit and cereals.  Around lunch time it has lite lunch.  Just before dinner some snacks.  

 

The Haven Restaurant has a very nice breakfast semi-buffet area for smoke salmon, pastries, cereals and much more.  Most folks order from the menu and still get some items off this area.  One of my favorite things. 

 

Not the exact time you are looking for however gives you and idea.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[Branbay]

4 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

@cruisebeachgirl703 I would like to approach your question differently.  Early morning, go to the Haven Horizon Observation Lounge. Lite breakfast foods, fresh pastries, the best specialty coffee machine I have ever used, fruit and cereals.  Around lunch time it has lite lunch.  Just before dinner some snacks.  

 

The Haven Restaurant has a very nice breakfast semi-buffet area for smoke salmon, pastries, cereals and much more.  Most folks order from the menu and still get some items off this area.  One of my favorite things. 

 

Not the exact time you are looking for however gives you and idea.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

@Sthrngary In regards to the Escape Haven Courtyard or the sundeck, are there servers that you can order lunch from or would I have to go to the dining room?  Thanks

 

[Sthrngary]

5 minutes ago, Branbay said:

 

@Branbay I can not be 100%.  Usually, the Sundeck one would use the wireless phone in the suite to have the Butler bring you a burger or such.  In the courtyard by the pool, servers depend but if I am not mistaken, same situation as the Haven Sundeck.  

 

Other will comment with additional information.  

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

[NikkiPoooo27]

26 minutes ago, Branbay said:

In regards to the Escape Haven Courtyard or the sundeck, are there servers that you can order lunch from or would I have to go to the dining room? 

Anytime I've ordered actual food I've used the mobile phone and had the butler get it. The sundeck/courtyard servers are just going to bring like fresh fruit and drinks.

[RocketMan275]

29 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

@Branbay I can not be 100%.  Usually, the Sundeck one would use the wireless phone in the suite to have the Butler bring you a burger or such.  In the courtyard by the pool, servers depend but if I am not mistaken, same situation as the Haven Sundeck.  

 

Other will comment with additional information.  

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

On Breakway last March, there were servers in the Couryard.

[Branbay]

3 minutes ago, NikkiPoooo27 said:

Anytime I've ordered actual food I've used the mobile phone and had the butler get it. The sundeck/courtyard servers are just going to bring like fresh fruit and drinks.

Thank you for your response 

[knscruiser322]

Hi Gary, 

 

been reading this thread since I was on the fence on upgrading to a Haven suite and I finally did it after reading your reviews of the Haven on the Joy. Tried messaging you a question privately but wouldn't let me.

I was wondering what is considered a generous and fair tip for your butler, bartender, and steward? The last time I cruised was almost 4 years ago so everything has changed.

[cruiseny4life]

1 hour ago, knscruiser322 said:

Hi Gary, 

 

been reading this thread since I was on the fence on upgrading to a Haven suite and I finally did it after reading your reviews of the Haven on the Joy. Tried messaging you a question privately but wouldn't let me.

I was wondering what is considered a generous and fair tip for your butler, bartender, and steward? The last time I cruised was almost 4 years ago so everything has changed.

Oh my! Butler tipping....uh oh! You may get the gremlins (myself included) going. I'd recommend you take a look at a few of the previous conversations regarding tipping Haven staff (butler, concierge). Here is my all-time favorite thread:

 

 

Here's a few more:

 

 

 

 

Happy reading and enjoy your Haven cruise! It's really a lovely experience. 

[knscruiser322]

Thanks so much! Definitely will go through all of it!

[CDR Benson]

2 hours ago, knscruiser322 said:

Hi Gary, 

 

been reading this thread since I was on the fence on upgrading to a Haven suite and I finally did it after reading your reviews of the Haven on the Joy. Tried messaging you a question privately but wouldn't let me.

I was wondering what is considered a generous and fair tip for your butler, bartender, and steward? The last time I cruised was almost 4 years ago so everything has changed.

 

 

If I may insert here, hoping to preclude the heavy rolls that usually accompany this question.  (This question has been asked and answered multiple times, as evidenced by the threads dedicated to the matter of tipping that cruiseny4life linked above.)  I understand the purpose of your question:  you desire to provide a fair amount, neither undertipping (you aren't a Scrooge), nor over-tipping (nor are you John Beresford Tipton).  So, you try to get an idea of what others do.  It's reasonable.

 

The bottom line, though, is that how much you tip is really up to you.  Based upon your evaluation of the quality of service you receive.  Also, when you tip.  Some, like Sthrngary and myself, tip up front.  Others don't see the sense in tipping until after they have received their service, so they can accurately gauge the crew members' performances.

 

If you tip up front, do you fork over the entire amount, or, as I do, half at the start and half at the end?  (Some consider advance tipping a bribe; I say, "Who cares?")

 

Because of these variables, it's difficult to advise you.  I can tell you how much I tipped and when, but it might not meet your standards or sense of propriety or the quality of service you receive.

 

Then, there's the perspective of the ship's crew whom you tip.  There's a bit of a break there because, especially in the case of the butlers, I believe most of the crew are motivated by professionalism and a sincere desire to provide good service, and they will, regardless of tip.  (Allowing for, of course, the occasional bad apple who will slip in---which also affects the amount you decide to tip.)

 

Furthermore, the crew members realise that not every traveller is rich.  Yes, for some, sailing in the Haven is a regular thing, and they can afford to tip generously.  But the crew also understands that other guests have saved for quite a while to afford what might be the only time they'll ever stay in the Haven and they're more limited in what they can afford in tips.  Essentially, the butlers and other service staff will appreciate whatever you tip them.

 

I realise this wasn't a definitive answer to your question.  My point was more along the line of "Don't overdwell on this."  Take what information you obtain here and from other threads, then decide how you want to do it.

 

 

 

Edited June 15, 2023 by CDR Benson

[knscruiser322]

Thanks for the well thought out reply. Myself and my wife are normally the type of people to do things ourselves so I may not utilize the butler services as much as I should. I upgraded to the Haven mainly for the private areas so my wife can have a relaxing vacation without having to wrestle a freaking lounge chair if she decided she wanted to chill on the sun deck.

I myself am a generous tipper and after reading the threads, yes I skimmed through them, it seems like general rule of thumb would be from $10-20 per day for butler and $5-10 per day for Steward which is fair to me.

I'm normally the tip at the end of the cruise type thing, but I appreciate all the input on this.

[RocketMan275]

40 minutes ago, CDR Benson said:

If you tip up front, do you fork over the entire amount, or, as I do, half at the start and half at the end?  (Some consider advance tipping a bribe; I say, "Who cares?")

I don't consider advance tipping a bribe, I just refer to it as prepaid gratuities.

[Daniel A]

Without wanting to contribute to a thread drift, my tipping starts with finding the bar I am most likely to frequent and give a very nice tip to the bartender assigned to that bar.  (This usually gets me past needing to wait to get the bartenders attention at a busy time and also gets me past some of the restrictions of a beverage package.)  Everyone else who gets tipped gets it on the last night of the cruise as I want the service provider to want to earn a good tip.  (If my advance tip isn't as good as some other cabins, it may drop me down in their list of priorities - I don't want that to happen as it would then be too late to make a change.)  I tip what the service was worth to me.  If I hardly use the butler or concierge, I don't see any reason to tip them as much as my steward.  JMHO

[Sthrngary]

4 hours ago, knscruiser322 said:

Hi Gary, 

 

been reading this thread since I was on the fence on upgrading to a Haven suite and I finally did it after reading your reviews of the Haven on the Joy. Tried messaging you a question privately but wouldn't let me.

I was wondering what is considered a generous and fair tip for your butler, bartender, and steward? The last time I cruised was almost 4 years ago so everything has changed.

@knscruiser322 CruiseCritic.com does not allow messaging even though it has what looks like a method.  When you want me to respond, please do @Sthrngary which will give you a menu to click my screen name.  That is a question directly to me.  On to your question.

 

This has been debated for a very long time.  I no longer give advice for what a person should do.  All I offer is what I did and why.  That way, the negative comments I used to get I rarely gain anymore.  Remember, "You do YOU!".

 

1. Butler:  I am the crazy insane person that crafted the famous "Butler Letter".  The reason was I had several butlers in a row that were Hit/Miss.  The moment I did the Butler Letter, my butlers were all hits.  Long story and it needs to be a very well written letter sharing your likes/dislikes and requests if allowable. In that correspondence that I give to my butler the very first day is their tip.  With two people in a Haven Suite I tipped $150.00.  With four in the Haven Owners Suite I tipped $250.00.  Just want I did and does not reflect right or wrong. 
2. Bartenders:  I usually give them a $20.00 bill a couple of times during the week.  
3. Room Steward:  I usually give them an extra $100.00.

 

I feel this hard working folks were out of work for the Covid-19 situation.  I might over tip a bit as a way to give them a slight improvement to make up for lost time.  Everyone has a variation on how and what they tip.  This is just me.  Hope that helps.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[sherylc]

I am curious what snacks/appetizers/etc people have gotten from their butler. We are going to be in a 3 BR Garden Villa on the Star so no Haven lounge or restaurant I believe. (kinda bummed to miss out on the Haven dinner menu!!) This is my first NCL cruise so I am wondering what items are reasonable to ask the butler to bring to the room. (some thoughts include potato chips or popcorn to munch on during the day, maybe shrimp cocktail or spring rolls, cheese and crackers in the afternoon, are chocolate covered strawberries only a paid extra?)   Wondering what people have found to be "reasonable requests."

[cruisebeachgirl703]

7 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

@cruisebeachgirl703 I would like to approach your question differently.  Early morning, go to the Haven Horizon Observation Lounge. Lite breakfast foods, fresh pastries, the best specialty coffee machine I have ever used, fruit and cereals.  Around lunch time it has lite lunch.  Just before dinner some snacks.  

 

The Haven Restaurant has a very nice breakfast semi-buffet area for smoke salmon, pastries, cereals and much more.  Most folks order from the menu and still get some items off this area.  One of my favorite things. 

 

Not the exact time you are looking for however gives you and idea.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

Thanks Gary. I know I can ask the  concierge the exact times board but was hoping to "prepare".

[cruisebeachgirl703]

On 6/13/2023 at 6:53 AM, cruisebeachgirl703 said:

She has fantastic access re: upcoming sales, sailings, "hidden" perks and special events? 

hoping for details on hidden perks.

[mconthehighseas]

I just saw that there is a wireless phone for contacting the butler.
Is this in addition to the room phone?
Can it be used for contacting the concierge as well?
I'm guessing that things can vary from crew to crew, but I am interested to know generally when to use that.

[omahabob]

Yes and yes.

 

 

[amygutman]

4 hours ago, cruisebeachgirl703 said:

hoping for details on hidden perks.

Hmm...I'll go check my notes (yeah...I do keep notes on these things). Keep in mind, hidden perks are hidden for a reason - meaning they are not consistently provided nor advertised. However, I find that if you are polite and pleasant, most of the perk requests are happily fulfilled. Please, please do not assume that just because I'm listing what we've been offered and enjoyed, that these are standard. It's clearly at the discretion of the on-board Haven staff.  Off the top of my head:

 

• Extra Portable Phones: That way both parents can split up and still keep an ear out for kiddo in the kid's club (or one phone each for 2 couples, etc). This is based on availability
• Game Participation: Our friends had a Haven that they had mentioned to the pre-concierge that they would love to be chosen for one of the nightly "how well do know your spouse" (sic) shows. Lo and behold...guess who was "randomly" chosen
• Popcorn: great for midnight movies and not on the room service menu
• Pizza Delivery: I don't mean regular room service size - but actual full pizzas from the buffet or Italian restaurant. Can only get when those restaurants are open
• Free Printing: Ask at the concierge desk, email files to the concierge and they will print what you need including boarding passes, hotel confirmations, etc. This avoid business center fees
• Special Event Meals: I ordered an entire caviar tasting/ private chef service for DH's birthday. Was not listed as an available option but the pre-concierge made it happen. Definitely a one and done experience (as it turns out, DH does not like caviar 😆)
• Escorts/Pick-Ups: (no...not THAT kind) Aside from theater / excursion outings, we've had our concierge offer to pick up our kiddo from the kid's club and bring him to a lunch outing when DH and I had a spa date. We found out our butler on one cruise was a HUGE arcade fan but never played on the ship. We asked the concierge, and the butler not only took kiddo to the arcade but was given a "pass" by the casino desk to have an hour of free play. They both had a fantastic time. This was more of a hidden perk on-bard than from the pre-concierge, but priceless. 
• Extra Laundry: definitely hit or miss, but the pre-concierge reminded us that it never hurts to ask about adding extra bags of laundry to our one-bag perk. We've never been charged for the 2nd bag (note - we usually leave a 5$ clipped to the item list with a thank you note) 

 

I'm sure there are other things, but these are the major things the pre-concierge has "perked" us with over the years. Maybe other folks can chime in as well...

 

Warmest, Amy

[knscruiser322]

@Sthrngary, another question on the tipping part.

 

For your bartender or steward, how would you normally approach giving them the tip? Last time I cruised was at least 4 years ago and I tipped my steward on the last day just handing him the cash like I'm doing a drug deal, lmao.

 

I'm curious, do you try to get an envelope at guest services and provide it to them in there?

 

Also question on the Go-Karts/Laser Tag. You mentioned we can ask the concierge to reserve spots in advance, are they strict with the times that you provide? Like if you were maybe 10-15 minutes late or something. I noticed there was a separate line for Haven/Ultimate pass holders on Go-Kart, if we don't have a reservation, is the wait long? And is it less crowded at night because kids aren't allowed on? 

[Sthrngary]

16 minutes ago, knscruiser322 said:

I'm curious, do you try to get an envelope at guest services and provide it to them in there?

@knscruiser322 Remember, you most likely paid for the gratuities pre-cruise for the room steward.  The next tip you give them if any at all is the last day.  There will be envelopes put in your suite.  The bartender I usually give $20.00 for the crew on the first day and do another $20.00 a few days in. 

 

18 minutes ago, knscruiser322 said:

You mentioned we can ask the concierge to reserve spots in advance, are they strict with the times that you provide?

They can only give you what they have.  However, there is a special line when entering the go-cart area for Haven Guest to fill in the race if cars are available.  More crowed at night, less crowded in the day.  All of your questions have to do with the number of people on your ship.  No way to give a definitive answer. 

 

I found the go-carts hit or miss.  I did it once and that was enough for me.  Same with Lasor tag. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.