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

[Daniel A]

2 minutes ago, omahabob said:

 

Excellent points. But I've never see a better quality anything offered by trendy coffee shops, certainly not food. The prices were better 'quality' though, at least to the owners.

 

However, all of this having been said, and to nauseating levels in numerous other threads, could we please not make this into a class warfare debate?

Well....  I think that was the point I was making.  Thank you for pointing that aspect out.  

Edited July 3, 2023 by Daniel A

[omahabob]

Yeah, although I was quoting you for the first part, the last part wasn't really directed at you specifically. Sorry if I didn't make that clear.

[Daniel A]

Just now, omahabob said:

Yeah, although I was quoting you for the first part, the last part wasn't really directed at you specifically. Sorry if I didn't make that clear.

I guess I didn't make myself clear.  I only highlighted that part of your post to indicate my full agreement with that request.  

[McGarrett5oh]

We were on the Celebrity Silhouette at Christmas this year and while their "Retreat" is arguably comparable to NCL's Haven, we were in a standard balcony and didn't once feel a class difference since we weren't in the "Retreat".   The "Retreat" guests have their own restaurant (oddly located right next to the MDR entrance and they have a private sundeck and bar in the front of the ship (which I accessed early one morning just to see).  While there might have been early access for the guests to the 1 smaller venue onboard, it didn't bother us.  We knew those guests were paying a premium for premium service.  

 

We are going to experience the Retreat for the first time next January on the Beyond, which will be an interesting comparison to the Haven experience we'll experience for the first time this Fall on the Prima.

 

But I digress.

 

The purpose of this post is to support the knowledge that I hope we all have, that people cruise for different reasons and value services differently.

 

For us, and that's just us, the value we believe we will get from our Haven experience in Europe this Fall will be:

 

1.  The "ship within the ship" (ability to avoid the crowds when we want to)

2.  The escalated food and service in the Haven restaurant and bar

3.  The ability to get priority disembarkation at the ports*

4.  The enhanced service quality from a Butler and Concierge when and if needed

5.  The enhanced service quality we have received from the Pre-Cruise Concierge personnel.

 

Getting priority access to the entertainment is not a priority for us.  

 

* We are taking this cruise to see the areas in and around the ports on the itinerary.  We have independent plans in each port and since there are just a relatively short number of hours to do so, thus forcing us (et al) to have to "speed date" that day's port, #3 above has incredible value to us on this cruise.

 

Recognizing that everyone has their own opinion on what value is and what their priorities are, I offer ours as simply a point of reference.

 

 

 

[Sthrngary]

45 minutes ago, McGarrett5oh said:

We are going to experience the Retreat for the first time next January on the Beyond

@McGarrett5oh Excellent choice of a ship to try the Retreat.  The Beyond was designed with the Retreat area in mind.  Other Celebrity ships like the Equinox Retreat is retrofit.  If I am not mistaken and I hope it is not, you might cruise with Captain Kate.  That is a true Joy.  She is awesome. 

 

In addition, the Lumina which is the Suite only restaurants is one of my favorites.  Unlike the Haven Restaurant, the menu changes nightly with some standards every night. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[graphicguy]

Haven guests are offered many perks for the elevated fare they pay.  Escort on and off the ship via “back elevators”.   Haven Section in the main theaters.  Escort into Cavern Club or Syd Norman’s, no matter how many or how few take advantage of that.

 

Haven Restaurant has better food and better service than the Garden Cafe.  So, no need to be escorted there.  That makes no sense!

 

If you want that kind of service, book a Haven Suite.  NCL has been offering the Haven elevated levels of service for a long while.  zit’s not a secret.  

 

I know I have to pay more for the Haven.  I know I don’t get that level of service booking an inside cabin.  Knowing this, as they say “….where’s the beef?”

[knscruiser322]

How much do you guys pay the porters at the terminal when you arrive with your luggage?

 

Last time I went on a cruise was years ago and I gave the guy a $20.

 

Is it still reasonable to give a $20 or do I have to up this to $50 now.

[graphicguy]

4 minutes ago, knscruiser322 said:

How much do you guys pay the porters at the terminal when you arrive with your luggage?

 

Last time I went on a cruise was years ago and I gave the guy a $20.

 

Is it still reasonable to give a $20 or do I have to up this to $50 now.

How many bags do you check?

[omahabob]

I didn't. Ours were just two of many, many bags coming off that bus. Doubt if I could have gotten over to them to offer a tip anyway.

Edited July 3, 2023 by omahabob

[RocketMan275]

18 minutes ago, knscruiser322 said:

How much do you guys pay the porters at the terminal when you arrive with your luggage?

 

Last time I went on a cruise was years ago and I gave the guy a $20.

 

Is it still reasonable to give a $20 or do I have to up this to $50 now.

I go five a bag.

[Daniel A]

30 minutes ago, knscruiser322 said:

How much do you guys pay the porters at the terminal when you arrive with your luggage?

 

Last time I went on a cruise was years ago and I gave the guy a $20.

 

Is it still reasonable to give a $20 or do I have to up this to $50 now.

Trust me, the Longshoremen's Unions make sure they don't need to rely on your tips for their living.  It's only beer money for them.  $5 a bag is more than enough.  (Spoken from a former member of several unions...)  Nothing against unions here, but do you tip the kid at the supermarket who packs your bags, or the guy stocking the egg cartons in the dairy?  There are too many workers with their hand out as if their existence is dependent on your generosity.

 

The workers on the cruise ship aren't unionized and their salaries are calculated based upon the expectation that we will tip above and beyond the mandatory tips we are charged in our initial booking.  The "porters" at the terminal are unionized port employees, not cruise line employees.

[jessicasquared]

Two random questions:

1) does anyone know what kind of fresh squeezed or pressed juices are available in the Haven restaurant?

2) Does anyone have the contact info for Haven pre-cruise concierge? 

Edited July 3, 2023 by jessicasquared

[omahabob]

1)  No clue.

2)  NorwegianConciergeDesk@ncl.com

[Homeport5]

On 6/9/2023 at 5:55 PM, Daniel A said:

How often can you get the laundry bags?

Careful with the laundry bags.  I've done this on NCL about 4 times and the laundry comes back smelling like an old man who used too much aftershave.  It's like they forget to use soap.  I keep trying it thinking they will improve their approach but no luck.  Did it on Celebrity and it was WONDERFUL as everything was pressed.  I mean everything.  NCL gets a thumbs down on laundry.  Way too stinky.

[knscruiser322]

Thanks for the tips for the Porters. Saves me some money. Since I'll have 2 pieces of luggage, I'll just do $5 a piece as some of you noted.

 

[amygutman]

1 hour ago, Homeport5 said:

Careful with the laundry bags.  I've done this on NCL about 4 times and the laundry comes back smelling like an old man who used too much aftershave.  It's like they forget to use soap.  I keep trying it thinking they will improve their approach but no luck.  Did it on Celebrity and it was WONDERFUL as everything was pressed.  I mean everything.  NCL gets a thumbs down on laundry.  Way too stinky.

Sorry you had bad experiences but a hysterical description! Our laundry experiences have been 180 degrees different - came back the next day, smelling lovely and everything pressed (even DH's cotton underwear which was odd to say the least. Crisp underwear is apparently not comfy 😄). 

 

Anecdotal experiential differences are always interesting - but it's been our experience from the small ships (Pearl, Gem, Dawn) to the larger ships (Escape, Breakaway). Hoping for the same on the Encore where laundry will be very important as we are packing as light as possible for Alaska. 

 

Warmest, Amy

[Daniel A]

1 hour ago, knscruiser322 said:

Thanks for the tips for the Porters. Saves me some money. Since I'll have 2 pieces of luggage, I'll just do $5 a piece as some of you noted.

Just to clarify; sometimes people refer to the workers who take your luggage and put it into the cages at embarkation as being porters.  I would only tip them $5 regardless of the number of bags.  I would tip $5/bag for a porter at disembarkation if the luggage is being taken to a drop point at a hotel shuttle stop or taxi stand.  In Fort Lauderdale, I sometimes park in the port parking structure.  If the porter takes my luggage all the way to my parked car, then I will be more generous than the $5/bag.  My reasoning for this is that during the extra time it takes to get to the car in the structure, the porter could have gotten another run and tip. 🦺  💸

[McGarrett5oh]

19 hours ago, knscruiser322 said:

How much do you guys pay the porters at the terminal when you arrive with your luggage?

 

I’ve read consistently that, in Europe, tips in general are not expected on land.  Anyone with a perspective on tipping the porters in Europe (e.g. Southampton)?  TIA

[Lunesse]

On 7/3/2023 at 2:42 PM, McGarrett5oh said:

The "Retreat" guests have their own restaurant (oddly located right next to the MDR entrance and they have a private sundeck and bar in the front of the ship (which I accessed early one morning just to see).

Having Lumina right next to the MDR was actually really great. It made it very easy for staff to fetch something of the MDR menu if desired without running it up stairs or elevators or whatever from farther away, no delays when from the same kitchen. 😃  A hidden plus of the layout.

On 7/3/2023 at 2:42 PM, McGarrett5oh said:

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Lillibet16]

Huge thank you to everyone who shared informative and tips on this thread especially the original poster. Booked our first trip on NCL in 30 years and will be staying in the Haven. We usually cruise on Celebrity and stay in the Retreat. This sounds even better. Can’t wait!!

[Treasure Hunter]

Don’t remember what the original post was! We have been on numerous Celebrity retreat stateroom ( Edge and Reflection among many) with and without access to the MDR menu. Mostly preferred the MDR. Luminae is weird. The Haven restaurant ( and I would only go on a ship with a real Haven because the Pearl and Gem substitutes don’t count) is much much better. Even though the menu doesn’t change the quality is much better in the Haven. I would say that service is equal. Jumbo shrimp cocktail, surf and surf and the banana parfait seals the deal.

[McGarrett5oh]

On 7/4/2023 at 2:28 PM, McGarrett5oh said:

I’ve read consistently that, in Europe, tips in general are not expected on land.  Anyone with a perspective on tipping the porters in Europe (e.g. Southampton)?  TIA

Found my answer:  

 

[knscruiser322]

I have a question, not Haven related, but figured you folks will answer much quicker.

 

I don't recall if I have to carry my passport with me at all times getting on and off the ship at the Bermuda port.

 

I was planning on leaving our passports in the safe in our cabin and then carry with us a copy of our passports and we also have our US driver's license as well.

[omahabob]

No. Picture ID and your room key.

[KangCruiser]

On 6/29/2023 at 4:38 PM, graphicguy said:

Boy...do I have a cunundrum for the CC peanut gallery here.

 

In brief, I'm booked in a Haven Spa Suite on the Epic for a Mediterranean cruise.  With the coupons and the "deals" offered, I got in for a shade over $4,500, all in.  I'm solo.  I usually don't feel privileged for booking solo cruises in the Haven.  My money....my choices.  I'm retired.  I worked a lot to send my son through a Jesuit Private HS and a 4 year college degree with no loans for him to shoulder.  Paid for home.  I drive a one year old Honda Accord, which while not sexy, I love.  

 

So, why am I telling you all this?

 

Welllllllllll......I can upgrade my Haven Spa Suite for a 2 BR Haven Suite within steps of the Restaurant, bar, concierge etc.  Again, I'm a solo, but the upgrade would be about $350.

 

Would you?  Could you? Pros?  Cons?

 

I usually don't feel guilty, but this has me talking to myself given I'm considering it.  

 

 

We were on the Epic in December booked in a 2 bedroom, and then bought the spa pass on top of that. At $350, I would book the 2BR all day long just for the huge bathroom....But, you should also know the spa is quite the hike from Haven Courtyard. We found that because of the distance (and other factors) we didn't use it much. Similarly, if we had of chosen the spa room, I don't think we would have gotten full use of the Haven services like priority on/off ship at ports or escorts to shows. There is no way I would go upstairs to the opposite end of the ship to use this service to go back downstairs. Just something to think about!