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

[Sailing12Away]

46 minutes ago, cruiseny4life said:

That's aboooot when we received them back in October, for our November cruise.

 

Where ya headed??

This trip is more about the people than the destination. Leaving from Orlando and headed to St. Thomas, San Juan, Amber Cove & GSC. 

 

On our Panama Canal trip we had made friends at the Haven bar (shocker, right?) with a group of folks. They all decided to cruise again this February, and their schedules and desires lined up and both couples booked the same trip. They told us about it, and we said we would tag along as well. Between all of their friends and our friends I think the final head count is going to be ~18 people in the Haven. 

 

So again... apologies now for anyone sailing on the Epic in the Haven about 30 days from now.... we will be a big group, but we're friendly and fun and will gladly invite you to do some shots with us. If you're more interested in quiet stuff - please come and tell us to STFU when we are being too loud. We will not be offended. Or if you want a more subtle approach, feel free to post in here about the loud large group of guests hogging the chairs at the bar and I'll take the hint.

[DMH15]

1 hour ago, Sailing12Away said:

This trip is more about the people than the destination. Leaving from Orlando and headed to St. Thomas, San Juan, Amber Cove & GSC. 

 

On our Panama Canal trip we had made friends at the Haven bar (shocker, right?) with a group of folks. They all decided to cruise again this February, and their schedules and desires lined up and both couples booked the same trip. They told us about it, and we said we would tag along as well. Between all of their friends and our friends I think the final head count is going to be ~18 people in the Haven. 

 

So again... apologies now for anyone sailing on the Epic in the Haven about 30 days from now.... we will be a big group, but we're friendly and fun and will gladly invite you to do some shots with us. If you're more interested in quiet stuff - please come and tell us to STFU when we are being too loud. We will not be offended. Or if you want a more subtle approach, feel free to post in here about the loud large group of guests hogging the chairs at the bar and I'll take the hint.

Love this!

 

I have made friends for life from my cruises.   The majority of people on cruises “get each other” and are people I enjoy meeting and spending time with.  

[Fogfog]

We have made some great friends on sailings.. from all walks of life and when we've been sailing a variety of cabin levels. So Haven bar not a shocker. Have kept in touch with all of them over the last decade +. 

For those who don't like cruising-- I think its may be a matter of fit--the brand/cabin level-experience level that didn't match expectations.

We like ocean sailing so much--and while we have considered river cruises and are not certain of which brand and itinerary to choose--the issue of low river water can make it a slog by bus... 

Happy sailing

 

[rbxlady]

3 hours ago, Sailing12Away said:

This trip is more about the people than the destination. Leaving from Orlando and headed to St. Thomas, San Juan, Amber Cove & GSC. 

 

On our Panama Canal trip we had made friends at the Haven bar (shocker, right?) with a group of folks. They all decided to cruise again this February, and their schedules and desires lined up and both couples booked the same trip. They told us about it, and we said we would tag along as well. Between all of their friends and our friends I think the final head count is going to be ~18 people in the Haven. 

 

So again... apologies now for anyone sailing on the Epic in the Haven about 30 days from now.... we will be a big group, but we're friendly and fun and will gladly invite you to do some shots with us. If you're more interested in quiet stuff - please come and tell us to STFU when we are being too loud. We will not be offended. Or if you want a more subtle approach, feel free to post in here about the loud large group of guests hogging the chairs at the bar and I'll take the hint.

 

You'll be on the Epic before we will (we're on the 3/31 sailing in the Haven), but y'all are the kind of people I like to see. My husband and I are introverts to the point where we could be happy going the whole cruise without talking to anyone but each other and our kids, but when there are extroverts around who are happy, inclusive, and otherwise not obnoxious we end up enjoying ourselves around them. We feel like we're part of the cool kids 🙂

[Fogfog]

1 minute ago, rbxlady said:

 

You'll be on the Epic before we will (we're on the 3/31 sailing in the Haven), but y'all are the kind of people I like to see. My husband and I are introverts to the point where we could be happy going the whole cruise without talking to anyone but each other and our kids, but when there are extroverts around who are happy, inclusive, and otherwise not obnoxious we end up enjoying ourselves around them. We feel like we're part of the cool kids 🙂

My DH is an introvert and he says he and the other introverts would be happy to sit near each other and not talk.   😂  However--he is so much fun - as many are -- once you make introductions. 

We have met so many great people sailing and the ones who are rude and unkind-- we steer clear of since ships are big enough that way. 🛳️

 

[rbxlady]

18 minutes ago, Fogfog said:

My DH is an introvert and he says he and the other introverts would be happy to sit near each other and not talk.   😂  However--he is so much fun - as many are -- once you make introductions. 

We have met so many great people sailing and the ones who are rude and unkind-- we steer clear of since ships are big enough that way. 🛳️

 

I can definitely play the extrovert when I need to, but I get exhausted. When other people make it easy for me to be social, I end up feeling energized for a little while and realize that's what extroverts must feel like when they're around other people.

 

Before we had kids, we cruised on RCCL so had fixed dinner times and shared a table with strangers. On our two weeklong cruises, we had such a great time with our table mates and looked forward to having dinner every night. It was so unlike us, but point being that we introverts appreciate extroverts who appreciate our need to recharge but still continue to make us feel like we're part of the group!

Edited January 24 by rbxlady

[Nilbog]

6 hours ago, rbxlady said:

My husband and I are introverts to the point where we could be happy going the whole cruise without talking to anyone but each other and our kids, but when there are extroverts around who are happy, inclusive, and otherwise not obnoxious we end up enjoying ourselves around them. We feel like we're part of the cool kids 🙂

You just described my DW and I to a T!  We could easily spend the whole cruise sitting in the Atrium or Observation Lounge and read or do puzzles.  But there are times we've been sucked into the cool crowd and had a good time.

[Sthrngary]

8 minutes ago, Nilbog said:

You just described my DW and I to a T!  We could easily spend the whole cruise sitting in the Atrium or Observation Lounge and read or do puzzles.  But there are times we've been sucked into the cool crowd and had a good time.

@Nilbog My wife is an introvert.  I am an extravert. It is a very fine balance but we both try to be respectful to the other.  Unfortunately for her, I end up finding the most animated couple onboard to hand out with.  Drive her nuts. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[DMH15]

9 hours ago, rbxlady said:

 

You'll be on the Epic before we will (we're on the 3/31 sailing in the Haven), but y'all are the kind of people I like to see. My husband and I are introverts to the point where we could be happy going the whole cruise without talking to anyone but each other and our kids, but when there are extroverts around who are happy, inclusive, and otherwise not obnoxious we end up enjoying ourselves around them. We feel like we're part of the cool kids 🙂

Love this!

 

extrovert here.  I am the offspring of two extrovert parents.  They were wonderful.   My mother had so many gifts… but the one trait I admired most about her was her ability to befriend and truly relate with anyone.  She was comfortable with billionnaires as well as the homeless guy on her corner (she lived downtown).  She was kind, funny and smart.  People still constantly tell me how much they loved my folks.   I hear new stories about them every day.  Ironically, some of their best friends were introverts who just liked being in their company. 

Edited January 25 by DMH15

[Daniel A]

I am an extrovert and DW is an introvert.  The problem is that when I meet up with others who are a good fit socially, DW shies away and decides she wants to go and hang out on our balcony.  I may be able to stay for one more drink with the others, but I now can't stay as long as I would like as I don't want DW feeling ignored and left alone - even though she was the one who decided to leave where we were and return to our cabin.  I will never win this one so, I fall back on 'Happy Wife..."  🤷‍♂️ 

[graphicguy]

I'm an extrovert (why else would I post on CC so much?).  GF is an extrovert, also.  We can cruise together and be traipsing around on an excursion or throughout the ship's activities and meet up hours later.  Both having had fun.

 

She's not a casino person, though.  If I get on a run (which is rare) in the casino, she'll leave me to my own devices and know eventually, we're both going to be collapsing in the cabin together...sooner or later.

[Chirphy6438]

Thank you Gary for the very informative information on the Haven experience.  

We are contemplating putting in a bid for a haven room.  I've heard mixed opinions on getting an upgrade vs. calling the cruise line and requesting an upgrade.  Any thoughts ? Thank you in advance.

[RocketMan275]

31 minutes ago, Chirphy6438 said:

Thank you Gary for the very informative information on the Haven experience.  

We are contemplating putting in a bid for a haven room.  I've heard mixed opinions on getting an upgrade vs. calling the cruise line and requesting an upgrade.  Any thoughts ? Thank you in advance.

Since most Haven cabins are sold out before sailing,  your chances of winning a bid are almost next-to-nothing.  NCL sends out emails soliciting an upgrade bids even when all the Haven Cabins are booked.  If  you really want to book a Haven room  your best chance is to call NCL and ask to upgrade.  You may even find that is cheaper than bidding.  

Of course the cheapest way to book a Haven room is to use a TA that discounts. 

[Sthrngary]

23 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

Since most Haven cabins are sold out before sailing,  your chances of winning a bid are almost next-to-nothing.  NCL sends out emails soliciting an upgrade bids even when all the Haven Cabins are booked.  If  you really want to book a Haven room  your best chance is to call NCL and ask to upgrade.  You may even find that is cheaper than bidding.  

Of course the cheapest way to book a Haven room is to use a TA that discounts. 

@RocketMan275 I agree with you.  Yet, what the heck.  Take a shot if you want to catch a discounted Haven Suite.  I personally have NEVER one a Bid.  But I only bid for a bargain.  Bargain in cruising happen but they tend to be rare. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[Treasure Hunter]

We are in a two bedroom Haven suite on the Encore (18th) and just got an upgrade offer to an owners suite. Not good for us as the second bedroom ( the one for our grandkids) doesn’t have a bunk that pulls down and they would kill each other sleeping in one bed. So I have to reluctantly pass on bidding.

[Sthrngary]

21 minutes ago, Treasure Hunter said:

We are in a two bedroom Haven suite on the Encore (18th) and just got an upgrade offer to an owners suite. Not good for us as the second bedroom ( the one for our grandkids) doesn’t have a bunk that pulls down and they would kill each other sleeping in one bed. So I have to reluctantly pass on bidding.

@Treasure Hunter First you are a great grand parent.  I might have missed something but my I assume the fold out sofa bet is or is not available.  If the parents are on that, I get you.  You might want to consider a rolla-way since the great room is so huge. Separate the grand kids that way.  But you might just be right.  Have a GREAT time on the Encore.  One hell of a ship. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[Treasure Hunter]

Yes my daughter is going to be on the sofa in the living room. It worked out great last February on the Breakaway. Thanks for the kind words. 

[MadisonBay]

@Sthrngary, I can't thank you enough for taking the time and sharing your Haven Secrets. My husband claims that I love planning for cruises almost as much as taking them.  I read your Haven Secrets many times and even printed it off and included it in my carry-on. Here's a weird confession - when I was stressing out about not making the ship after missing plane connections and spending the night before the LA cruise in CHARLOTTE not LA, I pulled out your Haven Secrets on the final flight. It distracted me and gave me comfort.  Bet you never heard that before. 

 

Back to the Haven thoughts FWIW - We disembarked yesterday from the Bliss after a very enjoyable 16-day Panama Canal Cruise. We are Sapphire Latitudes cruisers from our early years of cruising.  Since Covid, we have been cruising primarily on Regent and the QM2 suites. This was our first Haven cruise. We were looking at the Haven as a possible alternative.  We currently have 2 Regent cruises and a QM2 cruise booked but they can always be cancelled if we prefer the Haven.

 

Everything you said about the Haven applied to our experience on the Bliss. The early emails to the Pre Cruise Concierge were crucial in securing show/specialty dining reservations, lounge chairs on the balcony, and prearranging all our 'needs.'

 

Embarkation went very quickly maybe because we were the second to the last Haven guests to board. 😬 (Still stressed at the thought.) One addition to your Secrets is the Butler whisked us up from the terminal to Deck 6 on the Haven Only elevator to check in with our Life Boat Monitor, then back to the Haven Only elevator to Deck 17.

 

Another update to the Secrets is that on some nights the chef offered a special entree at dinner. I understand that on other ships a special appetizer, entree, and dessert were offered. It did not matter. The consensus of folks on our cruise was that the 'special' was underwhelming and sometimes lukewarm.  The food on the regular menu was outstanding and with some creativity avoided boredom on a 16-night cruise. We also had 5 dinners at specialty restaurants which served to reinforce the high quality of the food and the impeccable service in the Haven Restaurant.

 

Last addition to the Secrets - Yesterday was a total catastrophe disembarking from the Bliss.  Some non-Haven guests spent 3 +/- hours standing in lines before getting out of the terminal.  Haven benefits only extend to escorting on the ship.  Gian, the world's best concierge, took us down the service elevator and escorted us to the gangplank.  He apologized that he had no authority to do anymore. So we joined the line that moved at a glacial pace. Then out of nowhere, Gian with his magic Haven sign appeared and pulled us out of the line to join his other charges and marched us past the tired, frustrated, unhappy people in line down to claim our luggage.  As you said, all the Haven luggage was in one place.  Then Gian appeared again with his magic Haven sign and told the port security people that we were from the Haven and were to be put in the priority lane. It was 15 minutes from when Gian initially rescued us, we gathered our luggage, went through immigration, and were out on the street.

 

For 16 days, the concierge, our butler, the room steward, the bartenders, and servers all provided outstanding service.  Gian's commitment to all of us to the very end of the cruise (after tips had been distributed) showed a level of service we have experienced on no other cruise line.

 

@Sthrngary, to continue your research on luxury cruise experiences here are my thoughts...

 

Comparisons - Haven vs. Regent vs QM2 Suites

All 3 are great cruising experiences. Here is the best IMHO:

 

Concierge + Butler - Haven

Room Steward - Haven + QM2

Food Quality - Haven

Variety of food - Regent

Personalized Service - Haven

Restaurant ambiance - (Britannia vs Compass Rose vs Haven restaurant) - Haven hands down the winner

Excursions - Regent

WIFI - Haven (Bliss)

Evening Shows - Haven (Bliss)

Daytime Activities - QM2 (enrichment lecturers, Royal Shakespeare Company, Planetarium, library, watercolor classes, dance classes)

Specialty Restaurants - Regent. (Bliss specialty restaurants are inconsistent and QM2's Veranda was awful.)

Cabin size and finishes - Regent (both Concierge and Penthouse Suites)

Bathrooms - Regent

Balcony - Haven

Itinerary - Regent

Dress Code - Always a hot-button topic. I prefer Regent's 'Country Club/Smart Casual' (What's dumb casual?) QM2's formal nights can be a fun change but a hassle to pack. I don't like 'Daisy Dukes' in the Haven restaurant for dinner.  Not just one person.  How far does Freestyle Cruising go?

Bar and Bartenders - Haven! Haven! Haven! Because of the personalized service. Regent charges no cost/gratuities for drinks. QM2 has no limit on bringing alcohol aboard.

Pre and Post Cruise excursions - Regent

Outside seating - Haven

Inside seating - Haven Lounges

 

Note - didn't use fitness center or spa or attend trivia on any cruise

 

We loved the Haven experience more than we thought. 

The only con was the size of the cabin. It was small, with minimal storage but a great balcony. The bathroom with the tub/shower was dangerous. The bathroom arrangement in the Bliss Club Balcony rooms is far superior.

 

What's the verdict on the best cruise experience? It depends on the itinerary, the length, and the price. And it depends on what is important to you.  It's not a bad problem to have to decide between these three

 

@Sthrngary, thank you so much for your Haven Secrets. Now off to do 16 days of laundry. 

 

[Sthrngary]

15 minutes ago, MadisonBay said:

@Sthrngary, I can't thank you enough for taking the time and sharing your Haven Secrets. My husband claims that I love planning for cruises almost as much as taking them.  I read your Haven Secrets many times and even printed it off and included it in my carry-on. Here's a weird confession - when I was stressing out about not making the ship after missing plane connections and spending the night before the LA cruise in CHARLOTTE not LA, I pulled out your Haven Secrets on the final flight. It distracted me and gave me comfort.  Bet you never heard that before. 

 

Back to the Haven thoughts FWIW - We disembarked yesterday from the Bliss after a very enjoyable 16-day Panama Canal Cruise. We are Sapphire Latitudes cruisers from our early years of cruising.  Since Covid, we have been cruising primarily on Regent and the QM2 suites. This was our first Haven cruise. We were looking at the Haven as a possible alternative.  We currently have 2 Regent cruises and a QM2 cruise booked but they can always be cancelled if we prefer the Haven.

 

Everything you said about the Haven applied to our experience on the Bliss. The early emails to the Pre Cruise Concierge were crucial in securing show/specialty dining reservations, lounge chairs on the balcony, and prearranging all our 'needs.'

 

Embarkation went very quickly maybe because we were the second to the last Haven guests to board. 😬 (Still stressed at the thought.) One addition to your Secrets is the Butler whisked us up from the terminal to Deck 6 on the Haven Only elevator to check in with our Life Boat Monitor, then back to the Haven Only elevator to Deck 17.

 

Another update to the Secrets is that on some nights the chef offered a special entree at dinner. I understand that on other ships a special appetizer, entree, and dessert were offered. It did not matter. The consensus of folks on our cruise was that the 'special' was underwhelming and sometimes lukewarm.  The food on the regular menu was outstanding and with some creativity avoided boredom on a 16-night cruise. We also had 5 dinners at specialty restaurants which served to reinforce the high quality of the food and the impeccable service in the Haven Restaurant.

 

Last addition to the Secrets - Yesterday was a total catastrophe disembarking from the Bliss.  Some non-Haven guests spent 3 +/- hours standing in lines before getting out of the terminal.  Haven benefits only extend to escorting on the ship.  Gian, the world's best concierge, took us down the service elevator and escorted us to the gangplank.  He apologized that he had no authority to do anymore. So we joined the line that moved at a glacial pace. Then out of nowhere, Gian with his magic Haven sign appeared and pulled us out of the line to join his other charges and marched us past the tired, frustrated, unhappy people in line down to claim our luggage.  As you said, all the Haven luggage was in one place.  Then Gian appeared again with his magic Haven sign and told the port security people that we were from the Haven and were to be put in the priority lane. It was 15 minutes from when Gian initially rescued us, we gathered our luggage, went through immigration, and were out on the street.

 

For 16 days, the concierge, our butler, the room steward, the bartenders, and servers all provided outstanding service.  Gian's commitment to all of us to the very end of the cruise (after tips had been distributed) showed a level of service we have experienced on no other cruise line.

 

@Sthrngary, to continue your research on luxury cruise experiences here are my thoughts...

 

Comparisons - Haven vs. Regent vs QM2 Suites

All 3 are great cruising experiences. Here is the best IMHO:

 

Concierge + Butler - Haven

Room Steward - Haven + QM2

Food Quality - Haven

Variety of food - Regent

Personalized Service - Haven

Restaurant ambiance - (Britannia vs Compass Rose vs Haven restaurant) - Haven hands down the winner

Excursions - Regent

WIFI - Haven (Bliss)

Evening Shows - Haven (Bliss)

Daytime Activities - QM2 (enrichment lecturers, Royal Shakespeare Company, Planetarium, library, watercolor classes, dance classes)

Specialty Restaurants - Regent. (Bliss specialty restaurants are inconsistent and QM2's Veranda was awful.)

Cabin size and finishes - Regent (both Concierge and Penthouse Suites)

Bathrooms - Regent

Balcony - Haven

Itinerary - Regent

Dress Code - Always a hot-button topic. I prefer Regent's 'Country Club/Smart Casual' (What's dumb casual?) QM2's formal nights can be a fun change but a hassle to pack. I don't like 'Daisy Dukes' in the Haven restaurant for dinner.  Not just one person.  How far does Freestyle Cruising go?

Bar and Bartenders - Haven! Haven! Haven! Because of the personalized service. Regent charges no cost/gratuities for drinks. QM2 has no limit on bringing alcohol aboard.

Pre and Post Cruise excursions - Regent

Outside seating - Haven

Inside seating - Haven Lounges

 

Note - didn't use fitness center or spa or attend trivia on any cruise

 

We loved the Haven experience more than we thought. 

The only con was the size of the cabin. It was small, with minimal storage but a great balcony. The bathroom with the tub/shower was dangerous. The bathroom arrangement in the Bliss Club Balcony rooms is far superior.

 

What's the verdict on the best cruise experience? It depends on the itinerary, the length, and the price. And it depends on what is important to you.  It's not a bad problem to have to decide between these three

 

@Sthrngary, thank you so much for your Haven Secrets. Now off to do 16 days of laundry. 

 

@MadisonBay My pleasure and so glad you had a good time.  Thanks for the updates.  Much appreciated.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[DMH15]

MadisonBay, enjoyed your post and liked reading your comparisons.  

[Jordan61]

Great post @MadisonBay! I appreciate your comparisons to other cruise lines. And your comments about Gian made me smile; he was our concierge on the Bliss last year and he was awesome!

[sjn911]

Thank you so much...considering these suite ship within a big big ship experiences finally...MSC and NCL sound like fun places to try the experience with many cabin types and differences within the plan..thanks so.

[Sailing12Away]

18 hours ago, MadisonBay said:

The only con was the size of the cabin. It was small, with minimal storage but a great balcony. The bathroom with the tub/shower was dangerous. The bathroom arrangement in the Bliss Club Balcony rooms is far superior.

 

What's the verdict on the best cruise experience? It depends on the itinerary, the length, and the price. And it depends on what is important to you.  It's not a bad problem to have to decide between these three

 

There are some Haven cabin layouts that are better than others, and the same with the showers. We love sailing on the Joy on decks 14 & 15 as the cabins tend to be much larger than those in the courtyard and a cheaper price too, so better value. But the shower stinks, it's a high tub to climb over to get into the shower. Other cabins have no tub and a gorgeous walk in shower with ocean views.

 

So it's all a learning curve, and thanks to both this site and others out there you can see the specifics of your cabin type before you book so that you can find the best one for you. For us, I'll deal with a high tub as a con since the rest of that cabin & balcony make up for it (our cabin on Celebrity Summit was even worse, that tub was nearly above my knees and a hike to climb up into), but if I was booking a room for my folks or my MIL, no, I wouldn't give them that room at all.

[vinotinto]

Hi all! Just booked the Escape Haven for March and wondering if anyone has pics of the wine list available at the Haven bar/restaurant by the glass and also by the bottle for the Premium Plus package. We are trying to decide between keeping the free at sea premium package or upgrading and we mostly drink wine. Last time, it made more sense to pay the difference than to commit to $60 extra per day. I’m wondering how much the list and prices has changed since we went in 2022 (I posted pics earlier in this thread).
 

Has anyone returned recently from the Escape, and can comment on how the availability of wines has been recently? We encountered issues with availability of certain wines last time we sailed in 2022.

 

thank you!

Edited January 31 by vinotinto
Wrote 2021 instead of 2022. Fat fingers!

[Fogfog]

@MadisonBay

Loved your commentary and helpful framework.

We are comparing MSC s YC, our Regent experience and upcoming Haven...

 

See you are headed on a TP to Japan-

We were booked on Regent for the TP to Japan a few years out and to sail 2021,, then when Japan didn't allow spectators for the Olympics, our TP Vancover/Alaska/Japan was cancelled by Regent. No price protections/stateroom protections to move the sailing etc, nothing to incentivize rebooking. 😞 

You will have an outstanding time

 

Glad to read you had such a positive experience in Haven re service. We are looking fwd to the sailing.