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

[JoieNsk]

15 minutes ago, Traveling Fools said:

 

Sorry...there isn't a lap pool aboard ship and if there was one it would be congested or you would have to schedule your swim time. 

Thank you for the information!

 

What I usually do - I go to the biggest pool on the ship early in the morning. On Holland America I was able to get to the pool as early as 7am. Usually that time of the day there is nobody there, or maybe one person - crazy like me :)))

 

Of course the laps are short. So I just swim back and forth for an hour: I go by time - not by how many laps. It works somehow.

 

Sometimes it still gets tricky, as on the cruises where there are a lot of older people - sometimes there are several people in the pool even as early as 7.30 am - not actually swimming, but lounging around. So I had to go to the outside pool: as it was kind of cold, nobody was hanging out there :))))

Edited September 25, 2023 by JoieNsk

[kasimir]

2 hours ago, Daniel A said:

Why can't they have a dedicated adult hot tub or adult only hot tub periods?

 

So thats the thing, with the Prima and Viva the Haven sun deck (on deck 17) with two hot tubs is an adult only area for 16+ and there are signs there when walking upstairs to deck 17.

But what Ben & David mention (and I read similar things in the reviews) is that kids are not respecting those rules and are roaming around in the adults only area. When they notified the staff and concierge, nobody took action either. 

 

I think the Haven on the BA/BA+ ships also have some kind of adult only area. 

[JoieNsk]

8 minutes ago, kasimir said:

 

So thats the thing, with the Prima and Viva the Haven sun deck (on deck 17) with two hot tubs is an adult only area for 16+ and there are signs there when walking upstairs to deck 17.

But what Ben & David mention (and I read similar things in the reviews) is that kids are not respecting those rules and are roaming around in the adults only area. When they notified the staff and concierge, nobody took action either. 

 

I think the Haven on the BA/BA+ ships also have some kind of adult only area. 

That does sound frustrating...

 

On Disney Cruise ships they have adult only areas, and they do enforce the rules - even on the Disney Cruise which are geared to families. I don't get why NCL can't enforce the rules on their ships?

 

Of course I would just tell the kids to leave myself (assuming they would listen). But I don't have to do anything like this, it should be enforced by the staff.

[Sthrngary]

4 hours ago, JoieNsk said:

I hope we will have great experience in Haven. I don't care about the Haven pool or hot tubs - I want a lap pool to do my laps, yes. But Heaven pool probably too short for that anyways. 

 

And our cruise is a port intense one - just one sea day. 

 

What I want from Haven - the great cabin, not standing in guest services line, and ability to request some things and save some time.

 

We are on the Epic, in the front facing 2-bedroom. As we are in the Mediterranean, I hope we would not regret booking the front of the ship: I would hope the waters are going to be smooth their in October. At least they were last year! I wanted to try that shower with the big window - so you don't miss any views even when you need to take a shower :))) And Epic is the only ship which have those upfront 2-bedrooms. So I figured we can give it a try - as we got a great deal on this cruise.

 

I still need to work two more shifts at work. But after that - I am on vacation :)))) We are leaving on Friday! Wish us luck with Haven :)))))

@JoieNsk I am the author of this thread.  You will have a fantastic time.  I will be in the Mediterranean first week of November on another brand and ship.  However, here is some information that might help you or at least manage your expectations. 

 

I was on the Epic Sister ship the Joy.  We had an H2 Haven Deluxe Owners Suite with Large balcony.  The Balcony was  half the front of the ship so I know front facing balconies.  My upcoming port intensive 10-day Mediterranean Cruise will again be a Front Facing Balcony.  

 

Front facing balconies are usually big, and have the same view as the captain does.  The challenge is when the ship is moving, it is very windy and sometimes unusable.  The water condition don't effect the balcony very much.  That is why I only get one with a "Port Intensive" itinerary.  You did the same thing so you should be good to go.  Just remember what happens when you are moving.  That will allow managing your expectations.  

 

The shower has a privacy screen which if you were in port, and the port was outside your shower window, you could close it.  I can attest the view is nice.

 

I think you asked about a lap pool in a later posting.  To my knowledge, the Epic does not have a lap pool.  As it relates to the Haven Pool and Hot tubs regarding children taking them over.  Yes this can happen however at this time of year, and in Europe, not likely. You should be fine.  

 

Most NCL ships hold 4000 guest with 200 or so in the Haven.  Once you get through the security which is "Same size fits all", look for the signs that say Haven Guest.  They can be hard to find but that is where you want to go.  It takes you to the Haven Check in.  Less congested, quicker and you are put in the Haven Port Lounge until boarding.  Haven guest are the first to board, you can go directly to your suite even if it is not completely cleaned yet to drop off your carry on luggage.  You can save some time onboard by utilizing the Haven Conciergerie.  The secret to that is when you initially enter the Haven Area which is where you are escorted once you get onboard, get in the line for the Haven Conciergerie.  It goes quick but is never ending.  Have someone get you a drink at the Haven Bar as you wait in line.  If what you want or need is not yet apparent.  You can use your butler or the conciergerie both have different responsibilities. 

 

The secret to the Haven is it is not perfect. Things happen.  Just share it if it does and always stay professional.  Most things are resolved in minutes.  I hope this helps you.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

 

 

[Sthrngary]

20 minutes ago, kasimir said:

think the Haven on the BA/BA+ ships also have some kind of adult only area. 

@kasimir I might sound like a broken record here but my heart is in the right place.  The Haven Sundeck is 16 years old or above.  When I choose NCL ships with the Haven in mind, I choose the ships that have a retractable roof over the Haven pool/courtyard, a Haven Sundeck with Hot tubs, and a Haven Horizon's Observation Lounge. My favorites are Bliss, Encore and especially the Joy.  The YouTube personalities were on the Viva which is a completely different layout and without the Horizon's Lounge, they lost the spectacular specialty coffee machine which had the greatest coffee. 

 

Choices and planning is everything with NCL.  Especially when choosing the Haven.  I hope this post helps.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[JoieNsk]

3 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

Thank you very much for the information!

 

We will enjoy it to the fullest :))) 

 

For the balconies - our room has so called "solarium" balcony. It can be good and bad at the same time. People are really divided on how good or how bad this is 🙂

 

My understanding - the wind should not be a problem on a balcony like this. But it is not exactly an open balcony I would like to have on the cruise. So we will see where we will stand on the discussion about a "solarium" balcony - once we try it 🙂 

[RocketMan275]

1 hour ago, kasimir said:

But what Ben & David mention (and I read similar things in the reviews) is that kids are not respecting those rules and are roaming around in the adults only area. When they notified the staff and concierge, nobody took action either. 

Actually, it is the parents of the children who aren't 'respecting those rules'.

[azappraiser]

4 hours ago, Daniel A said:

 

Why can't they have a dedicated adult hot tub or adult only hot tub periods?

 We did that back when I was a lifeguard; at 45 minutes after the hour, all kids had to get out of the pool & spas for adult swim for the next 15 minutes!

[psac]

11 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

This video review should be watched with other for ships like the Encore, Bliss, Joy Ect.  I prefer those ships to the newer Prima and Viva.  Personal choose

I’m totally with you.  We like shade. We like indoor area Haven options if the weather is bad. Last year we had booked the Prima for May 2023 before it started to sail.  Once the sailings and reviews started coming, we cancelled and moved to the Joy (which we had already been on once before) two or three weeks later than our original cruise. We couldn’t have been happier. The Joy Haven is amazing and we have it booked again for spring next year!

 

Speaking of the Joy, I work in Manhattan and caught it leaving the city today from our work coffee room window. A perfect dreary rainy day for the indoor sun deck on the Haven that we love!

 

[bluestar1]

4 hours ago, RocketMan275 said:

Actually, it is the parents of the children who aren't 'respecting those rules'.

THIS!   As a parent sailing in the Haven shortly with two tweens, I'm becoming overly concerned that we will get the side-eye just stepping foot into the area.  Clearly many children (parents) have caused problems, but then there are people like me who CHOOSE to sail outside of breaks because we 1: homeschool and 2. I'm not too fond of OPK (other people's kids) 😉  Mine are well-mannered, respectful, and will follow given rules.

 

Maybe it's the GenX parent in me, I was raised by a "I'll knock you into next week" type 🙂 I'm not AS strict but darn close.  Anyway, I hope we aren't judged before they actually SEE how my children behave. 

[Sthrngary]

20 minutes ago, bluestar1 said:

THIS!   As a parent sailing in the Haven shortly with two tweens, I'm becoming overly concerned that we will get the side-eye just stepping foot into the area.  Clearly many children (parents) have caused problems, but then there are people like me who CHOOSE to sail outside of breaks because we 1: homeschool and 2. I'm not too fond of OPK (other people's kids) 😉  Mine are well-mannered, respectful, and will follow given rules.

 

Maybe it's the GenX parent in me, I was raised by a "I'll knock you into next week" type 🙂 I'm not AS strict but darn close.  Anyway, I hope we aren't judged before they actually SEE how my children behave. 

@bluestar1 You and your family will be treated like “Rock Stars”.  The children issue is 5-10 year olds, who’s parents think the Haven crew are their baby sitters. The issue is the parents not the children.

[goldmom]

And younger, which is definitely on the parents.  We saw parents with 6-8 months old in diapers in both the hot tubs and pool.  A true health hazard and no one said anything.  I did report it to the Concierge, but the next day they were back at it.  I know as a parent I'd be totally grossed out and not want my kids in the pools after that.  It's really a shame when a few inconsiderate people ruin things for everyone.

[cruiseny4life]

11 hours ago, bluestar1 said:

THIS!   As a parent sailing in the Haven shortly with two tweens, I'm becoming overly concerned that we will get the side-eye just stepping foot into the area.  Clearly many children (parents) have caused problems, but then there are people like me who CHOOSE to sail outside of breaks because we 1: homeschool and 2. I'm not too fond of OPK (other people's kids) 😉  Mine are well-mannered, respectful, and will follow given rules.

 

Maybe it's the GenX parent in me, I was raised by a "I'll knock you into next week" type 🙂 I'm not AS strict but darn close.  Anyway, I hope we aren't judged before they actually SEE how my children behave. 

You'll be fine. I've been on four Haven cruises since April, 2022. Never, ever had an issue with any of the kids in the Haven. There were some entitled adults we snickered at, but the kids? No issues...well, except that one 2'ish year old who wouldn't stop screaming every time parents brought him in for dinner at 8:30/9 PM....gee parents, I wonder why your kid is screaming (now that's some mediocre parenting). 

 

But really, you and your kids will be fine. There won't be any side-eye and if there is parade magnificently past those lookie-loos who obviously hate their life. 

[Sthrngary]

Hello all:

 

Well that has been fun.  Every 4 months the topic is about kids in the Haven again.  We all share stories of horrible children unsupervised and then the topic shift back to how to gain an enhanced cruising experience in the Haven. In my original post, 5 years ago, I wrote a book on how to leverage the Haven.  Pages and Pages.  Two lines in ALL that text has to do with children in the Haven courtyard, pool and hot tub.  That was the first time this topic was hashed and rehashed about kids in the Haven.  Parents criticized my two sentence comment like it was the foundation of the op-ed.  Another parent sent me a picture of her daughter studying for a test while sitting at a table in the Haven Courtyard. 

 

The reality of the situation is this issue is NOT allows an issue.  The real issue is NOT the kids it is the parents.  NCL is designed with their fares to provide 3 & 4 passenger in the suite free so kids in Haven Suites are a thing.  NCL crew member have to have very high review scores to be in the Haven, they are paid more and if they ask a child's parents to handle a situations; that parent gives that crew member a bad review which takes them out of the Haven and they lose money.

 

I have been a cheer leader for the Haven for a very long time.  However if the possibility of kids in the courtyard, Haven Pool and Hot tub that are not supervised is a problem, we need to simply choose another brand.  NCL like other big companies have created a system when posted rules, if enforced cause issue for their employees.  

 

There are many brands/ships that are adult only, or very limited children because there is no kids program.  The success of a cruise is to know the "Rules to the Game" and make decisions based on those rules.  My hope is NCL will read all the comments and take action. However I have little hope of that. So please make your future booking decisions accordingly.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[CDR Benson]

35 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

We all share stories of horrible children unsupervised . . . My hope is NCL will read all the comments and take action. However I have little hope of that. 

 

I suppose tossing the little hellions over the side is out of the question.

 

[cruiseny4life]

39 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

I have been a cheer leader for the Haven for a very long time.  However if the possibility of kids in the courtyard, Haven Pool and Hot tub that are not supervised is a problem, we need to simply choose another brand.  NCL like other big companies have created a system when posted rules, if enforced cause issue for their employees.  

Yes, please!!! Go to Virgin, Viking, or whatever other lines are kid free if they trouble you. This will decrease demand and decrease the prices for me. Hehehehe

 

  

1 minute ago, CDR Benson said:

 

I suppose tossing the little hellions over the side is out of the question.

 

Perhaps the parents? 🙂

Edited September 26, 2023 by cruiseny4life

[Daniel A]

13 hours ago, bluestar1 said:

THIS!   As a parent sailing in the Haven shortly with two tweens, I'm becoming overly concerned that we will get the side-eye just stepping foot into the area.  Clearly many children (parents) have caused problems, but then there are people like me who CHOOSE to sail outside of breaks because we 1: homeschool and 2. I'm not too fond of OPK (other people's kids) 😉  Mine are well-mannered, respectful, and will follow given rules.

 

Maybe it's the GenX parent in me, I was raised by a "I'll knock you into next week" type 🙂 I'm not AS strict but darn close.  Anyway, I hope we aren't judged before they actually SEE how my children behave. 

I understand that your 'tweens' may be well behaved and respectful, but if there are tweens monopolizing the hot tubs (which is what I have experienced) I cannot make use of those hot tubs.  There is no way I'm going to climb into a hot tub with a tween or couple of tweens.  As a fully grown adult male, I would be the person getting the "side-eye" no matter the gender of the tweens.  I am also supposing that you wouldn't be too pleased with an adult male spending time in the hot tub with your children.  I can appreciate that your children should be able to make use of many of the Haven facilities, but there should be an understood time and place so others can change for the hot tub and know that they will be able to use the hot tub when they get there.  It is never a good situation for an adult to be in a hot tub with a couple of tweens or young teens while enjoying some adult beverages as part of the hot tub enjoyment.

 

All of the above being said, I just wanted to make the point that it isn't just rowdy children which are a big concern, it is the effect of the mere presence of children in certain situations which can be a challenge for some adults.  If the parents could be sensitive to the concerns of the other passengers and keep an eye out for possible conflicts, then there shouldn't be any problem.

 

I may be an outlier with these concerns, but they are very real to me and may be a good reason to avoid sailing on ships which have amusement parks on the upper decks - even if they also provide a fantastic experience like the Haven.

[cruiseny4life]

18 minutes ago, Daniel A said:

I understand that your 'tweens' may be well behaved and respectful, but if there are tweens monopolizing the hot tubs (which is what I have experienced) I cannot make use of those hot tubs.  There is no way I'm going to climb into a hot tub with a tween or couple of tweens.  As a fully grown adult male, I would be the person getting the "side-eye" no matter the gender of the tweens.  I am also supposing that you wouldn't be too pleased with an adult male spending time in the hot tub with your children.  I can appreciate that your children should be able to make use of many of the Haven facilities, but there should be an understood time and place so others can change for the hot tub and know that they will be able to use the hot tub when they get there.  It is never a good situation for an adult to be in a hot tub with a couple of tweens or young teens while enjoying some adult beverages as part of the hot tub enjoyment.

 

All of the above being said, I just wanted to make the point that it isn't just rowdy children which are a big concern, it is the effect of the mere presence of children in certain situations which can be a challenge for some adults.  If the parents could be sensitive to the concerns of the other passengers and keep an eye out for possible conflicts, then there shouldn't be any problem.

 

I may be an outlier with these concerns, but they are very real to me and may be a good reason to avoid sailing on ships which have amusement parks on the upper decks - even if they also provide a fantastic experience like the Haven.

You're an outlier to me. I'm an outlier to you, I suppose. I'm a big ole fat Millennial man. If there's space in the hot tub, I'm getting in. Don't care if it's a kid, a group of drunk hooligans, or no one. 

 

The parents and kids (though perhaps they paid a reduced fare) paid for the Haven. There is no reason they cannot be in the hot tubs and take it over for three or four hours. It's the same with the drunk hooligans. They stay in the hot tub for three or four hours, order drinks, and based on how long they stay in/amount they are drinking, I am sure they urinate in the hot tub. 

But anyway, if kids are in the hot tub, so long as they're over whatever age NCL does post (I forgot), then leave them be. They're having an amazing time on their vacation and your rights as a passenger should not infringe on their rights as a passenger. 

 

If the "presence of children" is challenging, perhaps those that find it challenging should pursue the adult only cruise lines. 

[CDR Benson]

31 minutes ago, Daniel A said:

All of the above being said, I just wanted to make the point that it isn't just rowdy children which are a big concern, it is the effect of the mere presence of children in certain situations which can be a challenge for some adults.  If the parents could be sensitive to the concerns of the other passengers and keep an eye out for possible conflicts, then there shouldn't be any problem.

 

I've resisted posting at length about the issue of children on board cruise ships----because one, it would be an extended soapbox speech; two, it would abrade a great many modern parents; and three, it would probably get blue-penciled by a moderator.

 

But, I have to say that Daniel A has a valid point.  Adults are forced to modify their behaviour by the mere presence of children, regardless of the youngsters' comportment.  For me to go beyond that violates my paragraph above, but Daniel A is right:  parents need to be sensitive to the concerns of other adults.

 

 

Edited September 26, 2023 by CDR Benson

[wolft927]

So, I have listened to both sides of this debate and here is my 2 cents. I believe that Kids should be able to utilize all the areas that the Haven allows them to use. But I also understand the frustration to a point regarding children taking over the Haven Hot Tubs and pool. If this is a frustration to you, simply book an adults only Cruise or vacation ( Virgin). 

 

Unless NCL decides Haven guests must be 18 ( which will never ever happen) you may want to cruise during times when most children are in school. This is exactly what we do 99% of the time. 

[CDR Benson]

12 minutes ago, wolft927 said:

Unless NCL decides Haven guests must be 18 (which will never ever happen) . . . 

 

Eighteen years of age is too low.  What NCL should require from a passenger is proof that he's moved out of his parents' basement.

 

(Even less likely to happen.)

 

 

[Daniel A]

2 minutes ago, CDR Benson said:

 

Eighteen years of age is too low.  What NCL should require from a passenger is proof that he's moved out of his parents' basement.

Why do you think they're sailing in the Haven with Mommy & Daddy in the first place?  When the cat's away...🍻 🥤 🤪 

[kasimir]

4 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

I have been a cheer leader for the Haven for a very long time.  However if the possibility of kids in the courtyard, Haven Pool and Hot tub that are not supervised is a problem, we need to simply choose another brand. 

 

I don't entirely agree on this. My wife and myself are fully aware that NCL is a family oriented cruise line, which includes that families are also allowed in the Haven. 

And we even tolerate kids as we made the choice to cruise with NCL, and if they become loud/rowdy/wild we try to find another place to escape to. Kids will be kids and I can understand them. 

 

My biggest issue is with the staff treating the written rules around the "adult-only areas" in the Haven so nonchalant for whatever reason. On top of that, other paying customers are outing their concerns (regarding the rules being broken) to the staff and concierge and nothing is being done, which is a major issue. 

In the end the rules are being broken. (period) ... If this is being tolerated who stops a smoker then to light up a cigarette in a non-smoking area? This is a slippery slope and the staff is there to ensure that the rules are being adhered to and if the staff fears to do anything about the situation because they fear repercussion regarding their income, then it needs to be escalated. 

 

To Ben and David their video, and an important comment they made, when cruising with Disney cruise lines there are adult-only areas as well, and the Disney staff ensures that no kids are allowed in there. If Disney can do it, NCL should also be able to do it. 

So this is a corporate and staff issue, and if NCL is unable to enforce the rule then just remove the rule and signs, but then we all have clarity and as customers can make the necessary choice for our next cruise. 

[Treasure Hunter]

No kids under 16 on the sundeck. I don't care how well behaved their parents think they are. Abide by the rule or I will make a stink. Any other part of the Haven is fair  game except actually sitting at the bar ( which I have seen). 

[bluestar1]

3 hours ago, Daniel A said:

I understand that your 'tweens' may be well behaved and respectful, but if there are tweens monopolizing the hot tubs (which is what I have experienced) I cannot make use of those hot tubs. 

I haven't looked at the rules, but in my experience of hotels and other venues usually hot tub use is at the very least 14 but often 16, and I'll reiterate I make my kids follow the rules. They won't be on the sun deck (although I've read everyone in the Haven is allowed at sail away, so I'll check first) and they won't be in hot tubs.