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

[psac]

10 hours ago, knscruiser322 said:

Morning fellow CCer's.

 

Just got back yesterday from my first Haven experience on the Joy going to Bermuda from NYC. I'll try to keep my review short (lol) but detailed for those who have questions. This was a cruise with the Mrs.

 

We decided to arrive at the terminal around 9AM. Dropped luggage off at the porter and saw early cruisers like us already there waiting. The wait was only about 15-20 minutes before they opened up check-in and I have to say it was GREAT to be in the Haven line. The non Haven line was piling up and getting ridiculous. We were 2nd in the Haven line. Breezed through check-in, got our keycards, etc. and then waited in the lounge. Had light refreshments and snacks. A bit later the ships Concierge, Mr. "X", he liked to be called came in and greeted us and told us once the ship clears we'd be the first group to board the ship.

 

We boarded the ship around 11:20AM as it seems there were a lot of people leaving the ship last minute. Once we started boarding, we were greeted by the NCL Haven staff, butlers were assisting escorting groups up to the Horizon Lounge. The Haven Bar was already prepping drinks for everyone who was being escorted up to the lounge. We didn't stay in the lounge for long. Once you were escorted into the lounge you can just explore the ship. We decided to have lunch at the Haven restaurant.

 

A quick review on the Haven restaurant overall for all (3) meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert). The hostess that greeted us pretty much every meal was Marivic. She always tried to seat us at the same table at all (3) meals with the view. It was nice to come into the restaurant every time and not have to show your keycard or have them ask for your name. Another great service we noticed in the Haven. Everyone tries their best to make the experience exclusive for Haven guests.

 

Our best meals at the Haven were at breakfast. Lunch was just OKAY, and dinner I have to say was nothing out of the ordinary. Yes we have access to great cuts of meat and lobster, but one thing I noticed consistently and my wife as well is there is NOT enough seasoning in certain dishes. My wife tried a surf & turf the first night and the filet was definitely not seasoned enough. Cooked great but not enough flavor. I had the prime rib and I also noticed the flavor wasn't there. I do have to say that the Garden Cafe Prime Rib is DEFINITELY better than the one in the Haven. I noticed the Garden Cafe Prime Rib still maintained the same consistency in flavor and texture similar to my last cruise on the Escape almost 3-4 years ago! 

 

Throughout the length of the cruise, we pretty much tried every item on the menu at the Haven. And consistently the dinner menu was again nothing amazing. Breakfast was always consistent and great. At lunch, (2) items always got my wife's approval and it was the Seafood Fritto Misto and the Mushroom Flatbread. I do want to note that the Haven at least cooks the NY Strip Steak better than the filet. Flavor was definitely better than the filet.

I did try the "OMG" cheesecake mid week for dinner and all I have to say is "LOL". I'm from NYC and I know a good cheesecake when I taste it. Wife agreed and said there was no cheesecake taste and it tasted more like cake texture than that of a cheesecake.

Also want to note that the French Press Coffee was one of the best cups of coffee I had on the cruise, next to the ones in the Horizon lounge. I believe both use the same type of beans.

 

I'm going to fast forward my review and keep the parts much shorter now. The sundeck and courtyard were great areas to stay in. Although we didn't have a chance to go into the pool or hot tubs, we do recommend that it is a great amenity in the Haven compared to the crazy stuff happening on the general pool deck. I wanted to check out the hot tubs in the sundeck but it was HOT and I mean HOT up there from the beaming sun. We had our fair share of water fun at Horseshoe Bay on port day so that made up for everything.

 

The Horizon Lounge was the best place to relax, read a book, grab a quick snack or just admire the view. @Sthrngary, I had a couple of Almond Croissant's just for you. Was the best snack in the morning with a nice cup of coffee. My wife enjoyed the nice mini tarts they had there.

 

Haven rooms were available pretty early. I believe the ones in the Haven Proper were ready after 1PM and I do recall ours being ready after 2PM, might have been sooner, didn't keep track. Our stateroom was nice and roomy. We stayed on deck 14, outside of the Haven proper. We had a Haven Penthouse Suite. Wife enjoyed the spacious balcony, although we didn't frequent it much. She definitely loved the walk in closet space and she loved the robes and the crisp bedsheets, lol.

 

Our butler was Jayson. He was very attentive and I did present him with the butler letter in a seal envelope with his gratuity. I didn't expect I would utilize our butler that much on the cruise, but towards a few days in, we did request more room service and he did frequently bring more snacks etc. in for us. He was a great conversationalist and always kids around with both of us. At the last sea day of the cruise, I gave him an additional tip sealed in an envelope with a small note thanking him. Our room steward was Royal. Although I didn't see him much, he cleaned our room promptly and was spotless. He greeted us each time if we did run into him, but I can see how much busier they are now managing much more rooms and cleaning Haven rooms twice a day. I also gave our steward a tip on the last sea day in a sealed envelope with a note thanking him for his hard work.

 

Although we didn't utilize the concierge at all, the team lead by Mr. "X" seemed to be keeping up with Haven standards. I want to note that we did not tip the concierge team. Nothing against the team but we honestly didn't utilize the team at all. And most of the time we never see Mr. "X" at all. I always see only the assistants on the team.

 

I am not a big drinker so I didn't utilize the Haven bar as much as most guests did. I did however tip the bartender on the first day for (2) drinks. 

 

Since this was a Haven review, I am not going to note any Bermuda references except that Horseshoe Bay was amazing.

 

As the cruise comes to an end, we arrived back pretty early in NYC. The ship definitely docked at around 6AM I would say. We self carried our luggage off the ship and was the first group off the ship since Haven has priority debarking as well. We were off the ship at around 7:30AM and settled back into our normal routine quickly.

 

I want to wrap up this review with a couple of things I noted while cruising in the Haven. I noticed a lot of guests who stayed in the Haven only limited themselves to the Haven. I'm talking literally staying in either the lounge or courtyard and probably sundeck.

We also noticed that a lot of the guests who stayed in the Haven had certain "personalities" if you would call it. The "I am better than you" personality.

We didn't limit ourselves to the Haven at all, in fact most of our time was always in the Atrium similar to our last Escape cruise as we always like to see what is always happening around the ship. The Haven exclusivity and perks are definitely a plus, but we both didn't understand why some guests stuck to the mindset of "Ship within a ship" and not leave the Haven. I felt like the fun part was exploring the ship and discovering something new. We found out that there were fist fights in the general pool area over lounge chairs!

My wife said cruising in the Haven definitely changed our way of cruising. Once you go Haven you never go back as a lot of noted.

 

Thanks again to @Sthrngary for providing this amazing thread of information and everyone else as well who contributed. Sorry for the long winded review!

 

We liked the Haven lunch and dinners a lot on the Joy, but agree that the breakfasts are even more special!  We had Marivic (sp?) also as the hostess, and she was awesome. We made sure to give her a tip and to fill out a vacation hero card for her. Regarding the concierge, unless he got a promotion (which is possible, or could have been a temporary thing), Mr X is an assistant concierge. Patrick was our concierge in June, but he could have been off for the week or something. But we also have had varying amount of usefulness from the Haven concierges in general, but even when we don’t use them, we still give some tip, in that as I understand it, the concierge is the “boss of the Haven,” so if everything runs well, they are doing their job. And their escorts off the ship (especially debarkation) is definitely appreciated. But we definitely give a MUCH lower amount than the butler’s tip for instance. Glad you enjoyed!
 

[omahabob]

5 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

Southern Gary. The call me just Gary.  Funny, I am from NY. Yet live in the South...

 

Redstone transplant?

[Annies88]

18 hours ago, knscruiser322 said:

Morning fellow CCer's.

 

Just got back yesterday from my first Haven experience on the Joy going to Bermuda from NYC. I'll try to keep my review short (lol) but detailed for those who have questions. This was a cruise with the Mrs.

 

We decided to arrive at the terminal around 9AM. Dropped luggage off at the porter and saw early cruisers like us already there waiting. The wait was only about 15-20 minutes before they opened up check-in and I have to say it was GREAT to be in the Haven line. The non Haven line was piling up and getting ridiculous. We were 2nd in the Haven line. Breezed through check-in, got our keycards, etc. and then waited in the lounge. Had light refreshments and snacks. A bit later the ships Concierge, Mr. "X", he liked to be called came in and greeted us and told us once the ship clears we'd be the first group to board the ship.

 

We boarded the ship around 11:20AM as it seems there were a lot of people leaving the ship last minute. Once we started boarding, we were greeted by the NCL Haven staff, butlers were assisting escorting groups up to the Horizon Lounge. The Haven Bar was already prepping drinks for everyone who was being escorted up to the lounge. We didn't stay in the lounge for long. Once you were escorted into the lounge you can just explore the ship. We decided to have lunch at the Haven restaurant.

 

A quick review on the Haven restaurant overall for all (3) meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert). The hostess that greeted us pretty much every meal was Marivic. She always tried to seat us at the same table at all (3) meals with the view. It was nice to come into the restaurant every time and not have to show your keycard or have them ask for your name. Another great service we noticed in the Haven. Everyone tries their best to make the experience exclusive for Haven guests.

 

Our best meals at the Haven were at breakfast. Lunch was just OKAY, and dinner I have to say was nothing out of the ordinary. Yes we have access to great cuts of meat and lobster, but one thing I noticed consistently and my wife as well is there is NOT enough seasoning in certain dishes. My wife tried a surf & turf the first night and the filet was definitely not seasoned enough. Cooked great but not enough flavor. I had the prime rib and I also noticed the flavor wasn't there. I do have to say that the Garden Cafe Prime Rib is DEFINITELY better than the one in the Haven. I noticed the Garden Cafe Prime Rib still maintained the same consistency in flavor and texture similar to my last cruise on the Escape almost 3-4 years ago! 

 

Throughout the length of the cruise, we pretty much tried every item on the menu at the Haven. And consistently the dinner menu was again nothing amazing. Breakfast was always consistent and great. At lunch, (2) items always got my wife's approval and it was the Seafood Fritto Misto and the Mushroom Flatbread. I do want to note that the Haven at least cooks the NY Strip Steak better than the filet. Flavor was definitely better than the filet.

I did try the "OMG" cheesecake mid week for dinner and all I have to say is "LOL". I'm from NYC and I know a good cheesecake when I taste it. Wife agreed and said there was no cheesecake taste and it tasted more like cake texture than that of a cheesecake.

Also want to note that the French Press Coffee was one of the best cups of coffee I had on the cruise, next to the ones in the Horizon lounge. I believe both use the same type of beans.

 

I'm going to fast forward my review and keep the parts much shorter now. The sundeck and courtyard were great areas to stay in. Although we didn't have a chance to go into the pool or hot tubs, we do recommend that it is a great amenity in the Haven compared to the crazy stuff happening on the general pool deck. I wanted to check out the hot tubs in the sundeck but it was HOT and I mean HOT up there from the beaming sun. We had our fair share of water fun at Horseshoe Bay on port day so that made up for everything.

 

The Horizon Lounge was the best place to relax, read a book, grab a quick snack or just admire the view. @Sthrngary, I had a couple of Almond Croissant's just for you. Was the best snack in the morning with a nice cup of coffee. My wife enjoyed the nice mini tarts they had there.

 

Haven rooms were available pretty early. I believe the ones in the Haven Proper were ready after 1PM and I do recall ours being ready after 2PM, might have been sooner, didn't keep track. Our stateroom was nice and roomy. We stayed on deck 14, outside of the Haven proper. We had a Haven Penthouse Suite. Wife enjoyed the spacious balcony, although we didn't frequent it much. She definitely loved the walk in closet space and she loved the robes and the crisp bedsheets, lol.

 

Our butler was Jayson. He was very attentive and I did present him with the butler letter in a seal envelope with his gratuity. I didn't expect I would utilize our butler that much on the cruise, but towards a few days in, we did request more room service and he did frequently bring more snacks etc. in for us. He was a great conversationalist and always kids around with both of us. At the last sea day of the cruise, I gave him an additional tip sealed in an envelope with a small note thanking him. Our room steward was Royal. Although I didn't see him much, he cleaned our room promptly and was spotless. He greeted us each time if we did run into him, but I can see how much busier they are now managing much more rooms and cleaning Haven rooms twice a day. I also gave our steward a tip on the last sea day in a sealed envelope with a note thanking him for his hard work.

 

Although we didn't utilize the concierge at all, the team lead by Mr. "X" seemed to be keeping up with Haven standards. I want to note that we did not tip the concierge team. Nothing against the team but we honestly didn't utilize the team at all. And most of the time we never see Mr. "X" at all. I always see only the assistants on the team.

 

I am not a big drinker so I didn't utilize the Haven bar as much as most guests did. I did however tip the bartender on the first day for (2) drinks. 

 

Since this was a Haven review, I am not going to note any Bermuda references except that Horseshoe Bay was amazing.

 

As the cruise comes to an end, we arrived back pretty early in NYC. The ship definitely docked at around 6AM I would say. We self carried our luggage off the ship and was the first group off the ship since Haven has priority debarking as well. We were off the ship at around 7:30AM and settled back into our normal routine quickly.

 

I want to wrap up this review with a couple of things I noted while cruising in the Haven. I noticed a lot of guests who stayed in the Haven only limited themselves to the Haven. I'm talking literally staying in either the lounge or courtyard and probably sundeck.

We also noticed that a lot of the guests who stayed in the Haven had certain "personalities" if you would call it. The "I am better than you" personality.

We didn't limit ourselves to the Haven at all, in fact most of our time was always in the Atrium similar to our last Escape cruise as we always like to see what is always happening around the ship. The Haven exclusivity and perks are definitely a plus, but we both didn't understand why some guests stuck to the mindset of "Ship within a ship" and not leave the Haven. I felt like the fun part was exploring the ship and discovering something new. We found out that there were fist fights in the general pool area over lounge chairs!

My wife said cruising in the Haven definitely changed our way of cruising. Once you go Haven you never go back as a lot of noted.

 

Thanks again to @Sthrngary for providing this amazing thread of information and everyone else as well who contributed. Sorry for the long winded review!

 

Did they let you in your room to drop bags off that were not checked? They did in 2022 on Joy out of Miami.  

[Annies88]

16 hours ago, Daniel A said:

OK, here's a couple of questions which partially involve the Haven.  We will be sailing soon from Civitavecchia.  We booked a two-day pre-cruise deviation, so we need to make our own way to the port from Rome.  The hotel we are staying in has access to a private car service that will take us to Civitavecchia.  At this time, we do not understand how we are supposed to get our luggage checked.  Do we need to lug our bags to a port operated shuttle, is there a special drop for Haven guests?  Where is the Haven check-in located?  At this time, I do not know if the car service from the hotel has a permit that would allow us to be dropped off at the Breakaway.  Does anyone have boarding experience to share so we know what to expect?

 

P.S. We will not be taking any form of public transit from Rome to Civitavecchia.

I can’t comment on access at last time I was at that port was too long ago which had a bus to bring you from the street to ship. We took the train to and from Rome same day on our cruise (one day stop, long). The train was difficult to find on the way back (track to find in particular) and we almost missed the ship as it was late. I’d recommend car service and leave super early to be safe. 

[Treasure Hunter]

After what is spent on the cruise, flights, hotels etc. Definitely take the car service. Especially if your hotel can arrange it for you. Easy with no lifting and dragging luggage. Worry about missing the ship. Leave at nine am and enjoy your cruise. The cost is a drop in the bucket.

[knscruiser322]

3 hours ago, Annies88 said:

Did they let you in your room to drop bags off that were not checked? They did in 2022 on Joy out of Miami.  

 

I believe they allowed the guests in the Haven proper to drop off their bags as I saw a lot of Haven guests with their on luggage. I was outside the Haven proper and we didn't need our luggage at any time soon. It didn't take long for the luggage to come either. Definitely before dinner time.

[knscruiser322]

On another note. What are the similar "Haven" equivalents on the other cruise lines? I know MSC has the Yacht Club, how about Royal Caribbean.

 

The Mrs. wants to try other cruise lines if we were to cruise again. And she can't cruise non Haven anymore after this one. Preferably ones where they leave from NYC/NJ area. 

 

I thought about Virgin cruises, but she's not a big fan of flying out to other ports to cruise.

Edited August 1, 2023 by knscruiser322

[SteveGill]

14 hours ago, RocketMan275 said:

Cruising on Prima from Galveston in Feb.

Anyone have any insight in Galveston check-ins for NCL/Prima/Haven?

following - we are on this as well - our first NCL and obviously first Haven experience 

[PatJim]

On 7/31/2023 at 10:37 AM, Always Cruising said:

PatJim - was there a Haven line for security/bag scan or was it just after you went through the scanners?  TIA

 

There is a separate line at the cruise passenger terminal for Haven guests when you first enter, then all passengers go through the same security scans. The Haven line is always first to go through security.  Once through, someone checks your cabin number, then directs you to the Haven Lounge. 
Each terminal might have differences, though most, if not all, US ports are similar.  (We once embarked in Quebec City, and there was no separate line for Haven guests.  Utter chaos until we got to the top of the escalator and we located a Haven staff member.)

 

[Seminole1975]

Just double checking. I am getting ready to write a letter to the concierge and the butler about some things we need done. We leave 2 weeks from today!

I know the butler is not included in the pre-paid gratuities. I want to tip him/her 1/2 of the tip on the first day.

I think I also read that the concierge is not included in the prepaid gratuities. Is that correct? Thanks in advance for the answer. 

[Sthrngary]

2 minutes ago, Seminole1975 said:

Just double checking. I am getting ready to write a letter to the concierge and the butler about some things we need done. We leave 2 weeks from today!

I know the butler is not included in the pre-paid gratuities. I want to tip him/her 1/2 of the tip on the first day.

I think I also read that the concierge is not included in the prepaid gratuities. Is that correct? Thanks in advance for the answer. 

Yes

[Candy Apple 12]

@cruiseny4life Just double checking my understanding of your post about Miami embarkation, there is someone outside the terminal with a Haven sign? If so, I assume you drop off luggage with the porters first and then head to the terminal area?
 

I’m cruising with my husband, my mom, and my in-laws, and I’d like to be prepared. My mom has never been in the Haven, and I’m trying to keep it a surprise for her. It’ll be her first cruise since my dad died a few months ago. My in-laws have done the Haven, so I’ll make sure they don’t ruin the surprise. I’m trying to figure out the best way to surprise her on embarkation day. 

[wolft927]

6 minutes ago, Candy Apple 12 said:

@cruiseny4life Just double checking my understanding of your post about Miami embarkation, there is someone outside the terminal with a Haven sign? If so, I assume you drop off luggage with the porters first and then head to the terminal area?
 

I’m cruising with my husband, my mom, and my in-laws, and I’d like to be prepared. My mom has never been in the Haven, and I’m trying to keep it a surprise for her. It’ll be her first cruise since my dad died a few months ago. My in-laws have done the Haven, so I’ll make sure they don’t ruin the surprise. I’m trying to figure out the best way to surprise her on embarkation day. 

Yes, outside entrance will be a person with a haven sign flag, they will ask your names and then bring you into a seperate area where you will go up an elevator then through private security and check in. Then after that up an escalator or elevator to the lounge where you will wait to board 

[cruiseny4life]

45 minutes ago, Candy Apple 12 said:

@cruiseny4life Just double checking my understanding of your post about Miami embarkation, there is someone outside the terminal with a Haven sign? If so, I assume you drop off luggage with the porters first and then head to the terminal area?
 

I’m cruising with my husband, my mom, and my in-laws, and I’d like to be prepared. My mom has never been in the Haven, and I’m trying to keep it a surprise for her. It’ll be her first cruise since my dad died a few months ago. My in-laws have done the Haven, so I’ll make sure they don’t ruin the surprise. I’m trying to figure out the best way to surprise her on embarkation day. 

 

38 minutes ago, wolft927 said:

Yes, outside entrance will be a person with a haven sign flag, they will ask your names and then bring you into a seperate area where you will go up an elevator then through private security and check in. Then after that up an escalator or elevator to the lounge where you will wait to board 

What @wolft927 said!! I didn't take a photo outside, because it all happened so quickly. The guys (three of them when I was there) were standing at a little kiosk to the left, just before the entrance, with a large golden Haven sign over the kiosk. 

 

And yes, we dropped luggage off prior to accessing the entrance to the terminal. 

[Candy Apple 12]

38 minutes ago, wolft927 said:

Yes, outside entrance will be a person with a haven sign flag, they will ask your names and then bring you into a seperate area where you will go up an elevator then through private security and check in. Then after that up an escalator or elevator to the lounge where you will wait to board 

Wow, private security! Big upgrade from both Seattle and LA. The waiting area, should we be so unfortunate as to have to wait until noon yet again, looks much more comfy than the one in LA. 

 

1 minute ago, cruiseny4life said:

 

What @wolft927 said!! I didn't take a photo outside, because it all happened so quickly. The guys (three of them when I was there) were standing at a little kiosk to the left, just before the entrance, with a large golden Haven sign over the kiosk. 

 

And yes, we dropped luggage off prior to accessing the entrance to the terminal. 

 

Thank you, both!

[PatJim]

1 hour ago, Candy Apple 12 said:

@cruiseny4life Just double checking my understanding of your post about Miami embarkation, there is someone outside the terminal with a Haven sign? If so, I assume you drop off luggage with the porters first and then head to the terminal area?
 

I’m cruising with my husband, my mom, and my in-laws, and I’d like to be prepared. My mom has never been in the Haven, and I’m trying to keep it a surprise for her. It’ll be her first cruise since my dad died a few months ago. My in-laws have done the Haven, so I’ll make sure they don’t ruin the surprise. I’m trying to figure out the best way to surprise her on embarkation day. 

To keep the surprise going, tell your mom that you’re Platinum or Diamond, and that NCL now allows this Latitude category to use the Haven check in line.  We did this  with a friend who thought she was sharing our cabin, but we actually booked a 2-bedroom suite. 🥰

[PatJim]

23 hours ago, 2Cruise4Ever said:

 

It's funny how a few CC-ers try to puff up their feathers... YOU do NOT!!  And, I am so thankful for that!  I so appreciate all your tips / tricks.  In fact, I took your Butler letter and customized it for us for our next cruise in 13 days!  So excited!  

We have sailed NCL for over 20 years (probably not as many cruises as you, though).  And, we have been afforded some special requests that weren't really requested..  I won't elaborate... it's between us and them.  So, I get you about staying incognito!  We do, too. It's all about the relationships you / we forge with the staff and crew.  Not to expect anything special... just because we like to have those new friends.  We are still friends with many NCL-ers from when we first sailed as a family nearly 20 years ago.  It's an honor and a privilege to have those friendships.... and NOT to be flaunted!

This is so well put.  Thank you.

It’s a pleasure getting to know the staff, some of whom have become great friends over the years.  We’ve been known to book unplanned cruises just so we can see them.

Patricia

[Candy Apple 12]

19 minutes ago, PatJim said:

To keep the surprise going, tell your mom that you’re Platinum or Diamond, and that NCL now allows this Latitude category to use the Haven check in line.  We did this  with a friend who thought she was sharing our cabin, but we actually booked a 2-bedroom suite. 🥰

If I can keep my MIL from saying anything, I may be able to do that. Hubby and I will be platinum for the first time on this cruise, but in-laws are gold and my mom is bronze. My mom knows that we are in a 2 bedroom, but I don’t think she knows about the Haven. Maybe I can use that to my advantage. Maybe she’ll think the Haven is just a priority waiting area? The last two cruises Gian, the concierge, gave his Haven spiel while we were in the Haven terminal waiting area due to the delay in embarkation. For those of you who’ve had a normal embarkation time, does this spiel usually happen once you’re escorted up to the Haven? If so, that would make it quite a nice surprise. 

[Daniel A]

12 minutes ago, Candy Apple 12 said:

If I can keep my MIL from saying anything, I may be able to do that. Hubby and I will be platinum for the first time on this cruise, but in-laws are gold and my mom is bronze. My mom knows that we are in a 2 bedroom, but I don’t think she knows about the Haven. Maybe I can use that to my advantage. Maybe she’ll think the Haven is just a priority waiting area? The last two cruises Gian, the concierge, gave his Haven spiel while we were in the Haven terminal waiting area due to the delay in embarkation. For those of you who’ve had a normal embarkation time, does this spiel usually happen once you’re escorted up to the Haven? If so, that would make it quite a nice surprise. 

You could try saying that your credit card comes with a bonus that your travel party will have priority boarding through a priority lane called the Haven.  Similar to getting TSA Pre Check at the airports.  Just a sneaky thought....😏 

[PatJim]

26 minutes ago, Candy Apple 12 said:

The last two cruises Gian, the concierge, gave his Haven spiel while we were in the Haven terminal waiting area due to the delay in embarkation. For those of you who’ve had a normal embarkation time, does this spiel usually happen once you’re escorted up to the Haven? If so, that would make it quite a nice surprise. 

The concierge does talk to everyone in the lounge, if you arrive before the ship starts the boarding process.  At least these were our experiences at the Manhattan cruise terminal, where we always arrived pre-boarding.  Also was true for Vancouver.  Can’t remember for Copenhagen—too long ago—and we boarded late in Southampton, so no spiel there.  Guess you could board later so you wouldn’t have a wait in the Haven Lounge, but it would be a shame to start your vacation cruise later and maybe have to skip your first lunch in the Haven restaurant.😰

[Treasure Hunter]

Tell them in the lounge. Everything is so great that it’s surprise after surprise 

[BubbaBoat]

On 7/25/2023 at 3:45 PM, jlowe420 said:

What does everyone think about this scenario.  A solo traveler in the haven.  Should they be allowed to bring a friend or someone they met on the ship to dinner in the haven restaurant? 

What cruise will you be on?  Can I meet you and share dinner in The Haven, while my wife enjoys the buffet?

[jessicasquared]

Can anyone share the down-low for the Southaven port in regards to the Haven experience, process..? 

[jlowe420]

2 hours ago, BubbaBoat said:

What cruise will you be on?  Can I meet you and share dinner in The Haven, while my wife enjoys the buffet?

It's never happened I was just posing a hypothetical! 😅

[js]

@cruiseny4life Did you have cabin 14182 or very close on Joy. I think it was you that told me to get the cabin you had if I was booking an HJ and it was gone so I booked the one next door. I'm asking because we sail in less than two weeks and want to know if the balcony can fit a lounger. If it can, I want add to my butler letter (thank you @Sthrngary) and add to the tip. 
 

Thank you!