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

[Sthrngary]

Hi ALL:

 

I also wrote an OP-ED on the Premium PLUS Drink package so my comment here should have some validity.

 

NCL realized we all started to do our due diligence.  With the Haven, we studied all the amenities and how to gain every ounce of benefit from the premium fare. The same thing holds true for the Premium PLUS Drink Package.  

 

In an effort to increase profits and revenues, NCL increased the cost for specific spirits.  Where the PERK Free At Sea drink program has a limit of $15.00 per drink.  The Premium Plus Drink Package does not.  By increasing the cost of Grey Goose and Bailey's for example, they think more people will buy the Premium Plus Drink Package or even better yet, the new Free At Sea PLUS program. 

 

On the Premium Plus Drink Package you are now limited to the number of "Selected" Bottles of wine you can order at lunch and dinner.  Some have reported, those bottles if wine is left can not go with you to your suite.  NCL is changing policies and procedures because we learned how to leverage their plans.  Bravo to us and we now have to go back to the drawing board with new strategies for the new rules.  We are just the kind of folks that will excel with that challenge.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.  

[SaltyPawz]

We are 130 days from our first Haven experience, and, as mentioned in this thread, I received this email from NCL's pre-cruise Concierge team.  When I clicked on the "click here" link to select Haven amenity preferences, I was directed to an online form to choose alternate pillow preferences, soda/water preferences, and liquor/wine choices (since we're staying in a DOS).  To note... there were no snack/food options nor a box to write any other requests. But, I'm sure that'll be handled by phone or email to the Concierge team.  

And, I was able to book our specialty dining reservations today.

Now, it's time to sit back, relax, and wait until we can complete the online check-in process.   

Again, thank you to everyone for the "what-to-expect" posts! 

[CDR Benson]

Coïncidentally, we are 130 days from our first Regent Seven Seas cruise.  May we both have most pleasurable, and thoroughly indulgent, voyages.

[SaltyPawz]

5 minutes ago, CDR Benson said:

Coïncidentally, we are 130 days from our first Regent Seven Seas cruise.  May we both have most pleasurable, and thoroughly indulgent, voyages.

Hear, hear, CDR Benson! 

 

If you review your experience, I would most enjoy reading your post, as an RSS cruise would be a lovely addition to our bucket list! 

[Sthrngary]

41 minutes ago, CDR Benson said:

Coïncidentally, we are 130 days from our first Regent Seven Seas cruise.  May we both have most pleasurable, and thoroughly indulgent, voyages.

@CDR Benson Which of the RSSC ships are you on and why did you choose it?  If you don't mind me asking?

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[knscruiser322]

Quick question regarding drinks. 

 

Can I order a custom drink from the Haven bar that I saw on the menu at the Local?

 

I like to drink my occasional Mudslide when I'm on a cruise. I'm guessing yes since the Haven seems to accommodate a lot of requests, but wanted to confirm.

 

Also didn't see if anyone answered my question on the priority of getting on/off ships at ports like Bermuda.

 

Thanks again!

[Sthrngary]

2 minutes ago, knscruiser322 said:

Quick question regarding drinks. 

 

Can I order a custom drink from the Haven bar that I saw on the menu at the Local?

 

I like to drink my occasional Mudslide when I'm on a cruise. I'm guessing yes since the Haven seems to accommodate a lot of requests, but wanted to confirm.

 

Also didn't see if anyone answered my question on the priority of getting on/off ships at ports like Bermuda.

 

Thanks again!

Yes on the drink.

 

Off the ship YES, on the ship it depends.  Some times yes, sometimes no.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[CDR Benson]

31 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

@CDR Benson Which of the RSSC ships are you on and why did you choose it?  If you don't mind me asking?

 

Not at all.  You may remember me stating someplace that, for our next cruise, once we'd done the Canada cruise on Joy, the Good Mrs. Benson and I decided to go all out on luxury---we didn't care where the ship went; we were just going to indulge in the royal treatment on board.  

 

The chance came sooner than I figured, when in February, 2022, Regent Seven Seas, seeking to shake off the barnacles of COVID, offered a free upgrade of two stateroom categories for booking with it.  Our choice was a matter of finances.  The fare for taking Regent Seven Seas Mariner to the Caribbean was the easiest on my wallet.  In fact, when one factored in that Regent would pay our airfare, provide lodgings for the night before sailing, transportation, and, further, not stick us with any upcharges like gratuities or beverages or minibar contents, it was coming out no more expensive than our Canada cruise.

 

It was 'way ahead of our schedule---we were still nine months away from taking our Canada cruise on Joy---but I couldn't resist the opportunity.  I contacted a travel agent who specialised in luxury cruise lines and set it up almost overnight.  Travel insurance through U.S.A.A. is a breeze.  And we've been sitting, waiting to go for seventeen months, now.

 

With a little more than four months to go, the ticking of the clock is starting to get louder.

 

 

 

 

Edited July 18, 2023 by CDR Benson

[jessicasquared]

Hi friends! I have a few questions that I’ve seen varies answers for.

1) For Haven guests, is online check in available earlier? I think it’s normally 21 days prior, same for Haven?

2) If you get terrible bogo flights via NCL, can anyone help change them? I believe the answer is no but want to ask the experts 😉 

3) If you have the regular free at sea, can you bring any bottles of wine on for the cabin? 

thank you all in advance! 

[Sthrngary]

9 minutes ago, CDR Benson said:

 

Not at all.  You may remember me stating someplace that, for our next cruise, once we'd done the Canada cruise on Joy, the Good Mrs. Benson and I decided to go all out on luxury---we didn't care where the ship went; we were just going to indulge in the royal treatment on board.  

 

The chance came sooner than I figured, when in February, 2022, Regent Seven Seas, seeking to shake off the barnacles of COVID, offered a free upgrade of two stateroom categories for booking with it.  Our choice was a matter of finances.  The fare for taking Regent Seven Seas Mariner to the Caribbean was the easiest on my wallet.  In fact, when one factored in that Regent would pay our airfare, provide lodgings for the night before sailing, transportation, and, further, not stick us with any upcharges like gratuities or beverages or minibar contents, it was coming out no more expensive than our Canada cruise.

 

It was 'way ahead of our schedule---we were still nine months away from taking our Canada cruise on Joy---but I couldn't resist the opportunity.  I contacted a travel agent who specialised in luxury cruise lines and set it up almost overnight.  Travel insurance through U.S.A.A. is a breeze.  And we've been sitting, waiting to go for seventeen months, now.

 

With a little more than four months to go, the ticking of the clock is starting to get louder.

 

 

 

 

@CDR Benson That my good friend is wonderful news.  My I make a suggestion.  On YouTube is a lovely couple the did a very low key but excellent series of video's on RSSC.  As the expense of a cruise goes up, the number of video's created for that brand goes down.  It should be a very simple search.  

 

I have watched these and other many times as I day dream about going on RSSC.  What makes these video special in my minds eye, is the people are not influencers nor travel agents.  Just retired folks looking to enhance their cruising experience.  

 

Can't wait to read your review.  No pressure, just looking forward to it. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[Sthrngary]

5 minutes ago, jessicasquared said:

1) For Haven guests, is online check in available earlier? I think it’s normally 21 days prior, same for Haven?

Online Check is the same for everyone.  Haven Guest can board when ever they want.  However, my habit is to do the online check in as soon as available and get the earliest check in time.  Old habits die hard. 

 

7 minutes ago, jessicasquared said:

2) If you get terrible bogo flights via NCL, can anyone help change them? I believe the answer is no but want to ask the experts 😉 

This is the question of the year.  It comes up so many times and the answer and or solutions are less than perfect.  I am no expert on Cruise Airfare and have stated my opinion of how they worked in the past.  Others who have the highest knowledge base come in and get very, very specific.  I will do my best here for you. NCL and every other cruise brand has a contract with airlines.  They do not focus on our needs, they focus on the lowest costs.  That is why depending on the airlines used, you might not have the ability to choose seats, you might not get airline points, you might not be given any luggage making that a cost at the airport and you might not be able to change ANYTHING without loosing all the benefits.  Call the airline directly.  Sometimes they will work with you, more often they say NO.  Worth a phone call. 

 

12 minutes ago, jessicasquared said:

3) If you have the regular free at sea, can you bring any bottles of wine on for the cabin? 

thank you all in advance! 

Yes you can and their is a fee.  Go to the NCL website on FAQ, they will give you all the details.

 

Hope that helps.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

[CDR Benson]

4 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

@CDR Benson That my good friend is wonderful news.  My I make a suggestion.  On YouTube is a lovely couple the did a very low key but excellent series of video's on RSSC.  As the expense of a cruise goes up, the number of video's created for that brand goes down.  It should be a very simple search.  

 

My friend, my transom is always open for you to toss suggestions over.  

 

In February of last year, after I received the Regent special offer (I had been on its mailing list for some time), I contacted my "personal cruise representative" from Regent to clarify some details about the offer.  After getting satisfactory answers, I devoted a day to reviewing YouTube videos on Regent and, specifically, Mariner.  From that, I learnt enough to know that Regent was just the sort of luxury experience we were seeking.  I was also informed of a travel agent experienced with the brand, and after researching him, I selected him to make the arrangements.

 

Before giving him his marching orders, I studied the deck plans of Mariner, along with acquiring any on-line information about her stateroom arrangements, and identified the suite we wanted.  Booking almost two years in advance, the T.A. had no trouble reserving it.

 

I don't recall the low-key videos by the couple of whom you speak.  It's probable that I've never seen them.  But, if you suggest them, they're worth a look.  I'll seek them out this evening.

 

 

 

[cruiseny4life]

20 minutes ago, jessicasquared said:

Hi friends! I have a few questions that I’ve seen varies answers for.

1) For Haven guests, is online check in available earlier? I think it’s normally 21 days prior, same for Haven?

2) If you get terrible bogo flights via NCL, can anyone help change them? I believe the answer is no but want to ask the experts 😉 

3) If you have the regular free at sea, can you bring any bottles of wine on for the cabin? 

thank you all in advance! 

1) Answered. 🙂

2. No one will help change your flights. The flights NCL books are the flights you get. You can get lucky if the airline has a schedule change, which allows you to change your flights...this depends on each airline's policy. Read through this webpage before booking BOGO flights (BOGO is totally different than the customized air service NCL offers). https://www.ncl.com/air-service-standards 

3. All the wine you can carry, with no corkage fee since you have the Free at Sea beverage package (otherwise known as Unlimited Open Bar Package). See the green highlighted sentence below. They change the name of this package almost as often as I change my undies. 

 

Source: https://www.ncl.com/faq#!#can-i-bring-alcohol-board

[NikkiPoooo27]

48 minutes ago, knscruiser322 said:

Also didn't see if anyone answered my question on the priority of getting on/off ships at ports like Bermuda.

My most recent experience was that the escort on or off the ship was available the first 90 minutes the ship was in port, and then the last hour or 2 (basically whenever there would get to be a line at the gangway). That was the same for all Alaska ports, and it seems like "during busy times" may be a standard they're using. 

 

As far as drinks go, I even had the bartender in the Mojito bar see my keycard and remind me that G, the Haven bartender, would make me any of his mojitos so I didn't need to come down there just to get one if I wanted. I told him G had already told me that, but G needed to share me with the rest of the ship! I definitely got my mom mudslides from the Haven bar, and got myself a couple of chocolate grasshoppers. They spoiled me for French 75s though, because they would do it "modifed, modified" with rose champagne and good cane syrup instead of prosecco and simple syrup.

[SaltyPawz]

With all the amenities, closet space and drawers in Haven Rooms, I’ve decided I don’t need to bring many of the recommended items (I.e. umbrellas, magnet hooks, over-the-door organizer, hairdryer, robes, slippers, etc).  

What items do you pack to make your cruise more enjoyable? Any suggestions? 

 

[NikkiPoooo27]

1 hour ago, SaltyPawz said:

What items do you pack to make your cruise more enjoyable? Any suggestions? 

 

They do have an umbrella in the closet for you in the Haven suites anyway! I still bring my own hair dryer, because I have a lot of hair and I don't like theirs. 

 

I still bring a small fan, just for the circulation. Mine is solar-powered.

 

I have a set of note cards made with my name and cabin/suite number printed on them, for leaving notes for the butler, steward, concierge, etc. The envelopes that come with them are nice for tips as well.

 

I bring a good stainless water bottle for taking into port, and a travel coffee mug because I like the fancy latte machine in the horizon lounge but they only have small mugs... this last cruise most mornings I'd do two lattes into the travel mug with a hot chocolate packet, then go back to the room and add 2 more nespresso shots (just so I didn't feel like I was hogging the machine, though there was almost never anyone else using it, oddly).

 

A mesh bag to hold my swimsuit when going to and from the thermal suite. 

[Sthrngary]

8 hours ago, SaltyPawz said:

With all the amenities, closet space and drawers in Haven Rooms, I’ve decided I don’t need to bring many of the recommended items (I.e. umbrellas, magnet hooks, over-the-door organizer, hairdryer, robes, slippers, etc).  

What items do you pack to make your cruise more enjoyable? Any suggestions? 

 

Here is a standard list.  

 

1.      Money Belt: Amazon is your friend.  For safety of all valuables while in a port.

2.      Over the counter medication: Tylenol /Allergy/Seasick Meds(optional)/Preparation H /Rolaids/Tums / Band-Aids/Polyisoprene/Cough drops.  We pack a small medical kit. 

3.      Cell Phone Security Cord: Designed to stop thieves from snatching your phone from out of your hands.

4.      Travel Neck Pillow: Makes air travel a little nicer.

5.      Portable Umbrella/Ponchos: Portable vs. the long umbrella in the suite.

6.      Power Strip with Electric and USB (Can NOT be a Surge Suppressor): This allows flexability on where it the cord is plugged in. 

7.      Extra Long USB (Multi-Device) Charger Cables: Has all male ends for iPhones and other devices.

8.      Neck Lanyard for Suite Card: Stops from losing your suite card and makes the suite card available when ordering drinks.

9.      Lightweight Backpack: Light weight and allows for easy of carrying non-valuable items while in port.  Also, it is much easier to have when doing air travel.

10.    Hair Dryer:  The Hair Dryers in the room are mid-low power.  If you have thick hair, bring your own.

11:    Thermal Cup:  Many Haven's don't have a bar on the Haven Sundeck. This allows for your drink to stay cold and will fit two drinks. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[cruiseny4life]

11 hours ago, SaltyPawz said:

With all the amenities, closet space and drawers in Haven Rooms, I’ve decided I don’t need to bring many of the recommended items (I.e. umbrellas, magnet hooks, over-the-door organizer, hairdryer, robes, slippers, etc).  

What items do you pack to make your cruise more enjoyable? Any suggestions? 

 

We've only ever taken 7 - 10 day cruises. We pack basically the same for these cruise lengths. If we went on a longer cruise, we might pack differently. I don't really think so though. Shorter? We'd pack way less! We don't take advantage of the laundry on the ship. We just re-wear clothes *gasp* 

 

Clothing

3 t-shirts

1 Bahamas shirt - gotta have that collared shirt in case we want to be fancy (never needed it, just wore it because I had it)

1 pair of jeans

1 belt

3 pairs of athletic shorts, 1 becomes my bathing suit

1 hoodie

1 hat (I'm balding, so it's a must)

5 pairs of sock

5 pairs of undies

1 pair sneakers

1 pair flippie floppies

 

Reviewing this list, I realize we've never brought a rain jacket. We've always just used our hoodie or gotten wet in the rain. I might  revise this to bring a rain jacket. Mine fits into my fist when bunched up. But, we haven't had a use for it (despite rain), so I may just say forget it. I don't want to add to the list above.

 

Other Stuff For the Ship

Cell phone

1 multi device wireless charging device

My meds - I'm fat and getting older so the basic diabetes drugs

Cards Against Humanity

Phase 10 card game

Deck of cards

 

For Shore Excursions

Goggles - like swimmers use, not the giant snorkel goggles

Beach blanket

2 backpacks

2 fillable water bottles (Nalgene-style)

1 pair water shoes

 

We pack all of this in one carry-on sized bag and we each bring a backpack. Nothing more. We're super light packers. For our very first cruise we took two bookbag style backpacks and that was it. no carry-on. We found we didn't have a place for souvenirs so we have since started bringing the carry-on sized bag along with us to put our purchases in. 

 

Since we sail in the Haven, we never bring a used laundry bag. We just use the NCL-provided laundry bags. We pack these in the carry-on bag when we disembark. 

 

Given the amount of storage available in the Haven, we never, ever have an issue fitting everything in the closets/drawers/etc. We always have empty space. Hmmmm...maybe we should rent this space out to those in other class of rooms? Dang, that's a good business idea! 

 

Edited July 19, 2023 by cruiseny4life

[SaltyPawz]

Wow! These lists are super helpful. Thank you all!

[NikkiPoooo27]

13 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

.      Power Strip with Electric and USB (Can NOT be a Surge Suppressor):

 

They confiscated mine on the Alaska cruise, even though it didn't have a surge protector.

[Sthrngary]

10 minutes ago, NikkiPoooo27 said:

 

They confiscated mine on the Alaska cruise, even though it didn't have a surge protector.

Hit or miss.  I hide mine in my luggage but yes. Could happen.

 

Cruise well well and enjoy every moment.

[Daniel A]

16 minutes ago, NikkiPoooo27 said:

They confiscated mine on the Alaska cruise, even though it didn't have a surge protector.

 

4 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

Hit or miss.  I hide mine in my luggage but yes. Could happen.

On my last cruise, I bought a new power strip on Amazon, I printed a copy of the item description where it clearly says there was no surge suppressor and that it was designed for use on cruise ships.  I put both the power strip and the printed description in a clear baggy and put it in my checked luggage.   I figured that if they found it in my luggage, the description was self-explanatory and would clear up any questions they might have in my absence. I didn't have a problem.

[NikkiPoooo27]

14 minutes ago, Daniel A said:

I figured that if they found it in my luggage, the description was self-explanatory and would clear up any questions they might have in my absence. I didn't have a problem.

 

I was planning on wrapping it with a notice next time. I've used this exact one before,  and it's predecessor that was identical but with different usb outlets several times with no problems. 

[mrshorsy]

18 hours ago, cruiseny4life said:

We've only ever taken 7 - 10 day cruises. We pack basically the same for these cruise lengths. If we went on a longer cruise, we might pack differently. I don't really think so though. Shorter? We'd pack way less! We don't take advantage of the laundry on the ship. We just re-wear clothes *gasp* 

 

Clothing

3 t-shirts

1 Bahamas shirt - gotta have that collared shirt in case we want to be fancy (never needed it, just wore it because I had it)

1 pair of jeans

1 belt

3 pairs of athletic shorts, 1 becomes my bathing suit

1 hoodie

1 hat (I'm balding, so it's a must)

5 pairs of sock

5 pairs of undies

1 pair sneakers

1 pair flippie floppies

 

Reviewing this list, I realize we've never brought a rain jacket. We've always just used our hoodie or gotten wet in the rain. I might  revise this to bring a rain jacket. Mine fits into my fist when bunched up. But, we haven't had a use for it (despite rain), so I may just say forget it. I don't want to add to the list above.

 

Other Stuff For the Ship

Cell phone

1 multi device wireless charging device

My meds - I'm fat and getting older so the basic diabetes drugs

Cards Against Humanity

Phase 10 card game

Deck of cards

 

For Shore Excursions

Goggles - like swimmers use, not the giant snorkel goggles

Beach blanket

2 backpacks

2 fillable water bottles (Nalgene-style)

1 pair water shoes

 

We pack all of this in one carry-on sized bag and we each bring a backpack. Nothing more. We're super light packers. For our very first cruise we took two bookbag style backpacks and that was it. no carry-on. We found we didn't have a place for souvenirs so we have since started bringing the carry-on sized bag along with us to put our purchases in. 

 

Since we sail in the Haven, we never bring a used laundry bag. We just use the NCL-provided laundry bags. We pack these in the carry-on bag when we disembark. 

 

Given the amount of storage available in the Haven, we never, ever have an issue fitting everything in the closets/drawers/etc. We always have empty space. Hmmmm...maybe we should rent this space out to those in other class of rooms? Dang, that's a good business idea! 

 

Are you doing a crazy amount of laundry ? 3 T-shirts on a 7-10 day cruise ! 
 

[Treasure Hunter]

What about toothpaste toothbrush. Hairbrush, hair products, over the counter meds like Tylenol Pepto Aleve. Ships don’t sell those anymore. Last trip (. 8 days in Greek Islands. I brought a pharmacy ( saline spray, TheraTears, Glyoxide, Vaseline, antibiotic cream and bandaids. Etc.). Why wear heavy jeans?