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

[goldmom]

We also really enjoy stopping off in the lounge for a drink (or two) on our way back to our cabin in the evening.  We've had some lovely conversations with the staff and other passengers.  Super convenient if you're in the Haven proper.

[graphicguy]

Thanks all for the input.  I truly appreciate it.  Y'all give me all sides of the cabin change.  I needed that.

 

Just an update, I decided to stay in the Haven Spa Cabin.  Mainly because it has a larger balcony (I think) than the 2 BR Haven Suite.  Plus, while I don't know how much I'll use it, having access to the Spa is a positive, too.

 

Being a few steps away from the Haven Bar and Restaurant with the 2 BR suite is appealing.  But, walking the stairs from the Spa Cabin to the Haven isn't a bad thing.

 

The final decision maker was wondering if I'd have a better time in the 2 BR Suite vs the Spa Suite.  Maybe if I was traveling with a SO or family, the extra room of 2 BR would be used.  But, as it is, me being a solo, I don't know that it really matters. Now, if something happens over the weekend, where I fall madly and completely in lust....I mean LOVE, and impressing the new Love interest is in play, that decision might come back to haunt me.

 

Plus, while the upgrade charge for the 2 BR was mighty tempting, just because I can, doesn't mean I should.  I can use that $348 I would have spent for the upgrade on a nice excursion.

[Daniel A]

2 hours ago, graphicguy said:

Thanks all for the input.  I truly appreciate it.  Y'all give me all sides of the cabin change.  I needed that.

 

Just an update, I decided to stay in the Haven Spa Cabin.  Mainly because it has a larger balcony (I think) than the 2 BR Haven Suite.  Plus, while I don't know how much I'll use it, having access to the Spa is a positive, too.

 

Being a few steps away from the Haven Bar and Restaurant with the 2 BR suite is appealing.  But, walking the stairs from the Spa Cabin to the Haven isn't a bad thing.

 

The final decision maker was wondering if I'd have a better time in the 2 BR Suite vs the Spa Suite.  Maybe if I was traveling with a SO or family, the extra room of 2 BR would be used.  But, as it is, me being a solo, I don't know that it really matters. Now, if something happens over the weekend, where I fall madly and completely in lust....I mean LOVE, and impressing the new Love interest is in play, that decision might come back to haunt me.

 

Plus, while the upgrade charge for the 2 BR was mighty tempting, just because I can, doesn't mean I should.  I can use that $348 I would have spent for the upgrade on a nice excursion.

You made the correct decision because you chose what was right for you; not what would be right for others.  Enjoy your cruise!

Edited June 30, 2023 by Daniel A

[McGarrett5oh]

4 hours ago, cruiseny4life said:

When I sailed Getaway in April and Sept., 2022,

Hi @cruiseny4life   Did you post a review of this cruise anywhere on Cruise Critic (or elsewhere).  Thanks!

[cruiseny4life]

42 minutes ago, McGarrett5oh said:

Hi @cruiseny4life   Did you post a review of this cruise anywhere on Cruise Critic (or elsewhere).  Thanks!

Hey there - I did! I'm going to post the one after-cruise review (April, 22) and the three "live'ish" reviews below. Feel free to ask questions on those threads if you have any. I'm verbose, so apologies beforehand! I also start the lives way too soon, so you may want to ignore a bunch of my chatter before I even board the ship. 

 

April, 22 - Getaway, Haven Penthouse Suite

September, 22 - Getaway, Haven Aft-Facing Suite with Master Bedroom

December, 22/January, 23 - Getaway, Haven Aft-Facing Suite with Master Bedroom

March, 23 - Joy, Haven Suite

 

[Seminole1975]

On 6/29/2023 at 6:30 PM, mconthehighseas said:

I have two more butler questions.

Do we get escorted to special Haven and/or suite seats at the shows, or do we have to hope our room keys will give us access?

And about how many cabins does a butler have to care for?

 

Our cruise is getting close, and I am having trouble remembering everything I read - stress and excitement will do that!

We have never been escorted to the theater for MDQ or Burn the Floor on the Getaway. My choice. The Haven has reserved seats and they are marked off.  I just went to the theater and seated myself. Sometimes you can find better seats elsewhere.

[Treasure Hunter]

I don’t like the Haven seats. I like center third row and I always get it by being escorted to the theater via the crew elevator and secret side entrance before the main doors open. The assistant concierge or a butler always takes a group of us down. It’s my favorite perk. 

[Treasure Hunter]

When we traveled with our grandkids, it was great to find cut up fruit, vegetables and dip, cheese and crackers when we came back to the room from an excursion. This way we didn’t have to rush to eat dinner because the kids were starving.

[Greenpea2]

We have always been escorted by a Concierge when we saw the big shows. On the Prima, we liked the section they gave us. On other ships we moved to the center across from the section--still had bar service that way and the view was better!

[Treasure Hunter]

I have always found Butler service excellent in the Haven proper 

[graphicguy]

I have never had a bad seat in the main theater productions on any ship.  Haven section has been rarely full on any sailing, also.  

 

However, I will take the Haven escort to Syd Norman’s and Cavern Club shows.  The bands in those venues are outstanding.  And, getting the escort to and inside the venues for pick of seats is something I’ll take advantage of.  

 

 

[knscruiser322]

I know this has been asked or answered before, but do we need reservations for the Haven restaurant or can I just walk in and they'll sit us.

[Sthrngary]

41 minutes ago, knscruiser322 said:

I know this has been asked or answered before, but do we need reservations for the Haven restaurant or can I just walk in and they'll sit us.

No Reservations Needed however on a very few occasions, you have to wait for a table to open up.  Very rare. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

[Sthrngary]

49 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

However, I will take the Haven escort to Syd Norman’s and Cavern Club shows.  The bands in those venues are outstanding.  And, getting the escort to and inside the venues for pick of seats is something I’ll take advantage of.  

@graphicguy  The escort to Syd Norman's and or the Cavern Club is not a Guarantee Haven Benefit. On the many Haven Cruises I have been on, for what every reason, this early access to those small venues has never been offer or available to myself and my guest.  I think like many things with NCL it is based on who is in charge of the Haven Desk.  I totally wish it was a Guaranteed Haven benefit.  I have had to do Standing Room Only for the Beatles Shows more times than I can remember.  To have had a seat would have been a luxury.

 

I am not contradicting your statement in anyway.  I am just saying, if any of us are so lucky to have the benefit, some other need to understand it is a hit or miss situation to have "Realistic Expectations".

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[RocketMan275]

50 minutes ago, knscruiser322 said:

I know this has been asked or answered before, but do we need reservations for the Haven restaurant or can I just walk in and they'll sit us.

 

8 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

No Reservations Needed however on a very few occasions, you have to wait for a table to open up.  Very rare. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

We've waited on a table only a couple of times.  In both cases, the Matre'd said she could seat us immediately but if we wanted to wait about 10 minutes, she would have a much better table for us.  (It helps to tip the Matre'd early in the cruise, maybe $10.)  

[knscruiser322]

Thanks for the replies! 

 

I just finished doing my Check-In online. At what day do they allow you to print out the e-docs? 

[graphicguy]

2 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

@graphicguy  The escort to Syd Norman's and or the Cavern Club is not a Guarantee Haven Benefit. On the many Haven Cruises I have been on, for what every reason, this early access to those small venues has never been offer or available to myself and my guest.  I think like many things with NCL it is based on who is in charge of the Haven Desk.  I totally wish it was a Guaranteed Haven benefit.  I have had to do Standing Room Only for the Beatles Shows more times than I can remember.  To have had a seat would have been a luxury.

 

I am not contradicting your statement in anyway.  I am just saying, if any of us are so lucky to have the benefit, some other need to understand it is a hit or miss situation to have "Realistic Expectations".

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

Gary…I wonder as you say, it’s dependent on the ship/concierge.  I’ve been in the Haven on both Away ships.  Concierges on them posted escorted meet up times…usually 30-45 mins before show time.  The concierge would escort us through some back area into Syd’s where we had our choice of seats.   But, if you were in line 30-45 mins without being a Haven guest, you would get good seats, too!

 

Either way, there was a waiting period to get good seats  regardless of your cabin type!

[omahabob]

2 hours ago, RocketMan275 said:

 

We've waited on a table only a couple of times.  In both cases, the Matre'd said she could seat us immediately but if we wanted to wait about 10 minutes, she would have a much better table for us.  (It helps to tip the Matre'd early in the cruise, maybe $10.)  

 

Tip the Maitre'd? I thought the only people we needed to tip in the Haven were the butler and concierge. Time out. Sthrngary! I need a ruling on this! 🤪

[Sthrngary]

2 minutes ago, omahabob said:

 

Tip the Maitre'd? I thought the only people we needed to tip in the Haven were the butler and concierge. Time out. Sthrngary! I need a ruling on this! 🤪

@omahabob You are killing me.  LOL.  Here is the deal.  This is JUST ME.  I tip everybody and do it discretely with a verbal thank you.  I also try to make everybody laugh and enjoy the process.  The tips are just as important as making someone love to be of service to you.  Either one works, both together give you the highest chance of potential success.  Success is that during my cruise, I and my family are treated like a "Rock Star".  I want to walk into the Haven Bar and have the bar tender and all the Haven locals yell, "Hi Gary" like they did for Norm on Cheers.  That takes lots of work but worth the outcome.  

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[Sthrngary]

19 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

I wonder as you say, it’s dependent on the ship/concierge

@graphicguy 100%.  You are right on this point.  My point in commenting is after all these years responding to this op-ed stream, controlling expectations has been the key.  One of the main examples is the escort to the small venues.  Some folks get it others don't.  Unless we are clear, it might or might not happen, a Haven guest ask and they do not receive.  Disappointment happens which can escalate. 

 

To clarify my point because I am always to wordy.  I was on the Joy for my third voyage and this time my first Solo Cruise and not in the Haven.  I had a Club Balcony Suite and to make it Haven Lite, I had booked the entire week in the Vibe Beach Club.  I must say, I love the Vibe as long as the weather is warm and good.  I made friends quick with everyone of the crew members in the Vibe.  Obviously I am an Extrovert. One day at lunch, the Vibe Manager asked me if I wanted a "Haven Cheese Burger" for lunch.  "I Do Love a Tasty (Haven) Burger".  (Shameless movie reference).  I was one of only two people in the Vibe at the time.  I was thrilled and enjoyed every single bite.  I did not post that happening until now.  The Manager was just being nice to me.  

 

So back to your very accurate point.  Lots of these kind gestures in the have have a huge amount to do with the Haven Concierge.  Just not going to happen all the time unless in writing as a Haven Amenity. My way to mange expectation.  If it happens, fabulous.  If not, no issue. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[RocketMan275]

19 minutes ago, omahabob said:

 

Tip the Maitre'd? I thought the only people we needed to tip in the Haven were the butler and concierge. Time out. Sthrngary! I need a ruling on this! 🤪

You don't have to tip the matre'd.  It's like everything else, tipping improves service.  Our motto is "tip early, tip often, tip well."

[omahabob]

1 hour ago, Sthrngary said:

.... I want to walk into the Haven Bar and have the bar tender and all the Haven locals yell, "Hi Gary" like they did for Norm on Cheers.  That takes lots of work but worth the outcome....

 

If they play the theme music, you know you've finally arrived.

[graphicguy]

This is a conundrum I wrestle with.  There are multiple Haven Bartenders.  There are multiple waitstaff in the Haven Restaurants and staff by the Haven Pool around the loungers.  There are 2-3 Concierges.  Who gets what?  

 

Do I divide up the amount I tip and spread out much smaller amounts?  Do I give larger amounts to fewer, most helpful Haven personnel, that would leave some without a tip?

[Treasure Hunter]

Yes we tip our steward $20 at beginning of cruise and extra later if we really think he/she is special because they share. We tip the Butler around $100-150 depending on our needs being met. We tip the concierge if they have been pleasant or particularly helpful $50-$100. If they print out a crossword without grumbling. Do a lot of escorting. We don’t drink alcohol but if the bar staff slips us a free coke we tip $5 each time. We tip the Maitre’D if they seat us quickly at a good table ( end of cruise &25-50). But that’s just us. 

[ashkay16]

I believe what the question was and i have the same question on an upcoming Haven cruise is that I also believe in tipping up front and then at the end . Do I tip each butler , bartender , concierge as there are probably at least 2-3 for each one ? Even though there is 24 hour butler service Im sure my butler doesnt work the entire 24 hours every day .  If I give tip to bartender , concierge , butler do they share with other Haven bartenders , butler , etc that I may encounter .  Thanks in advance for any help .