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

[Daniel A]

Well... I cannot believe how much I messed up regarding my last cruise in September.  As you may have noticed, I left my laptop on board Breakaway, jumped through a couple of hoops and got it back.  When I was putting our passports away, I noticed an envelope from NCL on which I had written "$500 Gift Card."  I didn't remember ever buying a gift card, but then I recalled buying one before the pandemic shutdown.  I bought it to use toward the Eastern Med cruise that I was finally able to book after the restart and take last month.  I wish I remembered that card when I was paying for that cruise, but I remember it now!  😒  I don't foresee another NCL cruise in the next 18 months and the card is losing $3.00 a month so now it's only good for $450.  I just put it on e B a y at a discount as it will be close to nothing by the time I get to use it.  Oh well, hopefully, somebody should end up benefitting from it.  Between paying shipping charges for the return of my laptop and losing the use of the $500 card, this cruise is still costing me money.  💸 🤷‍♂️

 

I think I need another cruise.

 

[thesh0rty]

@Daniel A it’s sold 😉

Edited November 3, 2023 by thesh0rty

[Zahni80]

Hello everyone! First of all I can’t believe I made through 135 pages… 

 I‘d like to thank you all for the unbelievable tips and tricks provided by all contributors. @Sthrngary and @CDR Benson you are awesome. 
We‘ll be sailing the Escape next August in the Mediterranean. We‘re from Germany and this will be our first cruise with an International Cruise Line. We been on German cruise ships like Aida and MeinSchiff, which are great in their own way but completely different from American ships. So this will be a new experience which I’m looking forward to (my wife not so much, she is kind of afraid of being nickeled and dimed, as we are not used to paying gratuity oder service charges, them being included on the ships we been before)

i think I might have found a question never asked before. We’re booked in an aft facing penthouse, and I wondered whether there are any locker rooms in the haven courtyard. For example, say I have wet trunks after being in the hot tub, and I would to get a drink at the bar. Can I change my clothes somewhere so I don’t have to go to the bar all wet?

[Beamco]

35 minutes ago, Zahni80 said:

Hello everyone! First of all I can’t believe I made through 135 pages… 

 I‘d like to thank you all for the unbelievable tips and tricks provided by all contributors. @Sthrngary and @CDR Benson you are awesome. 
We‘ll be sailing the Escape next August in the Mediterranean. We‘re from Germany and this will be our first cruise with an International Cruise Line. We been on German cruise ships like Aida and MeinSchiff, which are great in their own way but completely different from American ships. So this will be a new experience which I’m looking forward to (my wife not so much, she is kind of afraid of being nickeled and dimed, as we are not used to paying gratuity oder service charges, them being included on the ships we been before)

i think I might have found a question never asked before. We’re booked in an aft facing penthouse, and I wondered whether there are any locker rooms in the haven courtyard. For example, say I have wet trunks after being in the hot tub, and I would to get a drink at the bar. Can I change my clothes somewhere so I don’t have to go to the bar all wet?

While I have not made use of the changing rooms in the Haven Courtyard I do remember seeing the private spa treatment rooms and sauna at the front of the courtyard. I pasted a description of what is available note it says "changing room" no mention of lockers but some type of bag for your change of clothing would work. I also would not have a problem with placing my bag on a lounger while in the hot tub and I'm sure it would be quite safe, so no real need for a locker. Additionally,  there are many seats and even a few tables in the courtyard that you can use for food and drink with table service from the Haven staff. Enjoy the Escape Haven I have experienced it twice and enjoyed it both times!

 

The two-story Courtyard in The Haven has a retractable roof, a swimming pool, two whirlpools, private sundeck, private spa treatment rooms, changing areas, and a sauna.

[Traveling Fools]

17 hours ago, Daniel A said:

I think I need another cruise.

 

😂

[Traveling Fools]

1 hour ago, Zahni80 said:

We been on German cruise ships like Aida and MeinSchiff

 

Mu wife is German and enjoys watching the German TV series Mein Schiff.  It can be a dangerous show to watch.  Ended up costing a bundle of money to trave to Tahiti for a cruise. 😮

[RocketMan275]

2 hours ago, Zahni80 said:

Hello everyone! First of all I can’t believe I made through 135 pages… 

 I‘d like to thank you all for the unbelievable tips and tricks provided by all contributors. @Sthrngary and @CDR Benson you are awesome. 
We‘ll be sailing the Escape next August in the Mediterranean. We‘re from Germany and this will be our first cruise with an International Cruise Line. We been on German cruise ships like Aida and MeinSchiff, which are great in their own way but completely different from American ships. So this will be a new experience which I’m looking forward to (my wife not so much, she is kind of afraid of being nickeled and dimed, as we are not used to paying gratuity oder service charges, them being included on the ships we been before)

My wife was born in Germany and lived there until she was 18.

She loves Norwegian.

[Daniel A]

1 hour ago, RocketMan275 said:

My wife was born in Germany and lived there until she was 18.

She loves Norwegian.

Are you Norwegian???????????  😆

[Zahni80]

@Beamco oh, now I see it myself: changing rooms. Yeah, I also don’t see any need for lockers in the Haven. 

[Zahni80]

Seems like a lot of people here have german wifes 😂 they tend to have expensive tastes 

[RocketMan275]

51 minutes ago, Zahni80 said:

Seems like a lot of people here have german wifes 😂 they tend to have expensive tastes 

Lot of former military here.  It's fairly common for former military to have German wifes.

[graphicguy]

r

5 hours ago, RocketMan275 said:

Lot of former military here.  It's fairly common for former military to have German wifes.

You know, that’s an excellent point.  

 

My military brothers have a goodly amount of spouses from the Middle East.  But, we served in the Gulf War!  If we served in Europe, there would be more European military spouses!

Edited November 4, 2023 by graphicguy

[Traveling Fools]

20 hours ago, RocketMan275 said:

Lot of former military here.  It's fairly common for former military to have German wifes.

Met mine in Nogales, AZ

[RocketMan275]

49 minutes ago, Traveling Fools said:

Met mine in Nogales, AZ

Met my German wife in Huntsville Al.  She had married and divorced an Army guy she met in Germany.

[Traveling Fools]

On 11/4/2023 at 1:38 PM, RocketMan275 said:

Met my German wife in Huntsville Al.  She had married and divorced an Army guy she met in Germany.

 My wife's first husband (former Air Force) worked with NASA and spent some time in Huntsville.

[RocketMan275]

Just now, Traveling Fools said:

 My wife's first husband (former Air Force) worked with NASA and spent some time in Huntsville.

The US brought the German Rocket Scientists to the US to kick-start our rocket program, they ultimately settled them in Huntsville.  Those Germans thought Huntsville was similar to Bavaria.  Consequently, there remains a strong German presence in Huntsville.  Multiple German restaurants and beer gardens.  Our Civic Center is named after Von Braun.

[Crusing5960]

Thank you @Sthrngary for starting this topic and all your great advise. Also, thanks to all who have contributed by asking and answering questions. We have cruised NCL in the past but this will be our first time in the Haven. We are sailing on the Encore in April for 21 days! I read through all 135 pages and took notes. I feel that any question I had what I started on page one has been answered, but it is good to know this is here in case something comes up between now and April. 

[Sammae]

Thank you everyone who contributed here! I'm trying to compile a list of amenities and experiences that applies to non-Haven suites, and I found it helpful to go through the 135(!) pages here to see what might apply over on the non-Haven side.

 

If anyone has any non-Haven experience they'd like to share, let me know, or go drop it in the non-Haven thread, please!

[RocketMan275]

On 2/13/2022 at 11:26 AM, Sthrngary said:

Prior to going on your cruise, you will have to go online to do a digital check in.  As the cruise gets closer, you will choose your check-in time which will link you to having a reservation for the port covid test.  They will send you a barcode.  Print it or download it to your phone.  I did both.  I hope that helps.

 

Cruise well.

Gary:  you did an extensive planning document for distribution to all passengers in your group.  Can you show me where it is?

[SaltyPawz]

It’s day five of our first Haven experience on the Escape, and we (hubby and I) are having a wonderful time! Hubby is sold on the Haven for any future cruises. Right now, we are enjoying this beautiful balcony and a delicious tasty beverage. 

 

If you have any questions while we’re still on board, let me know! More to follow later. 

[SaltyPawz]

NCL Escape - First Haven Experience (but not the last)

 

From the time we arrived at the Port Canaveral terminal to sitting in the Haven Lounge was less than 30 minutes.  We were greeted by the head concierge, Dilip, and given a brief overview of the Haven and his services.  The bar was open and there were limited snacks (M&Ms, gummies, a few bread pastries).  The bar was in full swing.  A spa representative was there, and the two concierges were busy with passengers.  

 

Lunch in the Haven restaurant and American Diner were offered beginning at 11:30.  We weren’t given an idea when rooms would be ready, so we left to explore the ship.  We came back to the Haven area around 3.  The rooms were ready by then.  

 

The DOS (H3) is a very nice room with more than enough space for two people.  The best part -the huge balcony! We spent many, many hours in the loungers. 

 

Within 10 minutes of being in the room, we were greeted by our butler, Jojit.  It seemed we were one of the last on his route to meet.  So, we did write a butler letter with a pre-tip/bribe (whatever you want to call it).  He opened it immediately and read it out loud.  With the pre-cruise concierge, we requested two extra firm pillows and snacks (peanut M&Ms, trail mix, chips).  None was in the room, but he took care of it within 30 minutes. 

 

Our room steward was excellent. We were offered twice a day services, but requested once a day. However, each night we saw him in the hallway, he would greet us by name, and ask if we wanted turn down service or if we needed anything. 

 

We didn’t utilize butler services very much although he asked us multiple times a day if we needed anything. 

 

Two Haven bartenders were such a treat! My hubby drinks beer, and I normally enjoy red wine. The red wine selection on NCL is okay, but if you like variety, even with the Premium beverage package, you might get bored. Of note, I’ve never had a mudslide, but one of the bartenders made a banana mudslide for me, and it was delicious! Also, if you like espresso and coffee-flavored drinks, try a carajillo. It was fun to watch the bartenders at work making drinks and meeting other cruisers. 

 

After eating at many specialty dining restaurants and trying the buffet once for lunch, we decided to eat most meals in the Haven restaurant. The menus do not change, but we combined this with that/eliminated this and added that/ordered an extra side of this.  More than the food, we looked forward to one particular server who always made our meal fun and enjoyable.  

 

There were very few kids -we saw maybe 10.  

 

Getting off at ports was very easy. A concierge would escort you to the level. Although we were told to look for the Haven sign when getting back on, we saw it only one time. When you get spoiled with it once, you miss it when it’s not there! 

 

Disembarking through Haven is fantastic! Once we were given the all clear, we were collecting luggage within 10 minutes. Customs line was the longest we waited the whole trip. 

 

First impressions…. We love the Haven and are already planning our next cruise. 

 

This thread offered the best advice: 1) have reasonable expectations, 2) communicate your reasonable expectations, and 3) don’t let something minor ruin your experience. So, thank you @Sthrngary for creating this thread and for everyone else for all your posts! 

[hero78]

About to head to the airport to fly to Panama for our very first Haven experience on the Joy! I'm so excited. I have my butler letter ready. Thanks to everyone who has given such great advice. I'll post a review when we home. 🙂

[Daniel A]

1 minute ago, hero78 said:

About to head to the airport to fly to Panama for our very first Haven experience on the Joy! I'm so excited. I have my butler letter ready. Thanks to everyone who has given such great advice. I'll post a review when we home. 🙂

You're sailing out of Panama?

[CDR Benson]

On 12/3/2023 at 4:43 PM, SaltyPawz said:

NCL Escape - First Haven Experience (but not the last) . . .

 

First impressions…. We love the Haven and are already planning our next cruise. 

 

This thread offered the best advice: 1) have reasonable expectations, 2) communicate your reasonable expectations, and 3) don’t let something minor ruin your experience. So, thank you @Sthrngary for creating this thread and for everyone else for all your posts! 

 

Very pleased that you and your husband had such a wonderful Haven cruise.  Much of what you relate in your trip report echoes what the Good Mrs. Benson and I experienced.  That's why we'll be back on Norwegian Joy next November in the same Haven suite we enjoyed last year.  So, I completely understand your enthusiasm.

 

Welcome back!

 

 

 

(Appropos of nothing in your post, but I know some folks are wondering, the GMB and I returned from our Regent Seven Seas cruise this past Saturday.  I'm working on both my trip report, which I'll post on the Regent board, and a "Regent Vs. NCL Haven" comparison, à la Sthrngary's "Oceania Vs. NCL Haven", which I will post on this board.  I'm shooting for having them up this week-end.)

[cruiseny4life]

18 minutes ago, CDR Benson said:

 

Very pleased that you and your husband had such a wonderful Haven cruise.  Much of what you relate in your trip report echoes what the Good Mrs. Benson and I experienced.  That's why we'll be back on Norwegian Joy next November in the same Haven suite we enjoyed last year.  So, I completely understand your enthusiasm.

 

Welcome back!

 

 

 

(Appropos of nothing in your post, but I know some folks are wondering, the GMB and I returned from our Regent Seven Seas cruise this past Saturday.  I'm working on both my trip report, which I'll post on the Regent board, and a "Regent Vs. NCL Haven" comparison, à la Sthrngary's "Oceania Vs. NCL Haven", which I will post on this board.  I'm shooting for having them up this week-end.)

I was thinking about y'all as I knew you'd be onboard when I got off my Pr1ma cruise. Looking forward to hearing your review/comparison!!!