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

[Sthrngary]

40 minutes ago, vetteman06 said:

Disappointing 1st contact with NCL concierge for pre-cruise selections an hour ago.  First NCL cruise and first Haven experience upcoming on Encore April 10, 2022 from Miami.  Great suggestions through this thread.  We are booked in the larger two bedroom Haven family suite with an upgrade pending for the owners suite.  The concierge pre-cruise could only: 1) remove the for-purchase items from the suite, 2) make specialty dining reservations, and 3) add extra pillows. Having cruise in top suites on RCL and other luxury lines, had what I thought were reasonable expectations for NCL Haven experience. What a let down. Considering cancelling our Haven cruise next January.  The complete conversation was a bummer.  For example, in Haven family suite (party of 6), butler will supply only two bottles of water per day.  Pre-planning is an attractive perk of the top suites across most if not all cruise lines.  NCL seems to have used the pandemic to cut corners on the most profitable segment of the cruise. The answer today was go wait in line at the onboard concierge. Call me,

disappointed.

@vetteman06Allow me to assist.  I two have cruise on many other brands.  Every brand I found had kind of a Rubic Cube to go through.  That is why I started this thread the updated it.  The problem I have found with NCL is it is kind of very standardized until you get on the ship.  

 

Water: Tell your butler when you see them to provide more water.  Let them know that you have 6 folks in your suite.  Make sure you tell the butler, to approve all expenses added to the room prior to doing them.  Look back on this thread for the "Butler Letter" I and other use.  The water should be on that letter with some other items.  

Haven Robes and Slippers:  On the Butler Letter, ask for every guest to have a Haven Robe and slippers.  

The H2 Haven Deluxe Owners Suite:  Below is a link to a You Tube video on the owners suite.  It is from the Joy however it is the same.  I explain all the amenities of that suite.  FYI, it comes with soda, mixers, waters, and three bottles of spirits.  The replace the soft drinks upon consumption. Every other suite or stateroom those items are an extra charge. The link is: 

 

 

What Comes With A Haven Suite:  I am attaching a document which is a spread sheet of sort.  Look at the two Digit Code and follow the left side for what comes with each Haven Suite.  Again, it is for the Joy but holds true for the Encore.

 

As much as I LOVE the Haven and NCL, I do have some issues similar to yours.  On a recent luxury segment trip, I casually asked for some of my favorite vodka and baileys to the butler.  The next thing that happened was I had a litter of both on my desktop.  Nothing had an extra cost, everything in the mini-fridge was complementary.  My butler did everything where with NCL those duties are split between the on-ship Haven Concierge and the Haven Butler. 

 

I am taking the time to write this to you to help set expectations.  The Haven is NOT perfect for sure.  I hope this helps and I look forward to your review of your cruise.  The Encore is lovely.

 

Cruise Well.

Amenities JOY.pdf

[mnpurple]

@vetteman06 I'm curious to know what you asked for that they couldn't help with? I called the concierge last week and they were extremely helpful for what requests we had.

[HBCcruiser]

46 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

FYI, it comes with soda, mixers, waters, and three bottles of spirits. 

Question - Are they able to switch out the hard alcohol for wine? I am in an OS in July with my 2 DDs. We don't really drink hard alcohol (unless it is in a fancy fu-fu drink). 😜

[Sthrngary]

10 minutes ago, HBCcruiser said:

Question - Are they able to switch out the hard alcohol for wine? I am in an OS in July with my 2 DDs. We don't really drink hard alcohol (unless it is in a fancy fu-fu drink). 😜

@HBCcruiserYes.  They give you a special list of sprits and wines.  The Owners Suite also comes with one bottle of French Champagne.  We opened ours and it seems spoiled. If that happens to you, ask for another bottle.  We just don't drink Champagne.  That H2 Deluxe Owners Suite is spectacular.  You will love it.

 

Cruise well.

[Sailing12Away]

2 hours ago, HBCcruiser said:

Question - Are they able to switch out the hard alcohol for wine? I am in an OS in July with my 2 DDs. We don't really drink hard alcohol (unless it is in a fancy fu-fu drink). 😜

This was the list of options available to us 🐀 when we were on the Pearl last month in the 3br villa.

[HBCcruiser]

3 minutes ago, Sailing12Away said:

This was the list of options available to us 🐀 when we were on the Pearl last month in the 3br villa.

REALLY wish I could have joined you all. 🐀

[Kirk2121]

4 hours ago, vetteman06 said:

Disappointing 1st contact with NCL concierge for pre-cruise selections an hour ago.  First NCL cruise and first Haven experience upcoming on Encore April 10, 2022 from Miami.  Great suggestions through this thread.  We are booked in the larger two bedroom Haven family suite with an upgrade pending for the owners suite.  The concierge pre-cruise could only: 1) remove the for-purchase items from the suite, 2) make specialty dining reservations, and 3) add extra pillows. Having cruise in top suites on RCL and other luxury lines, had what I thought were reasonable expectations for NCL Haven experience. What a let down. Considering cancelling our Haven cruise next January.  The complete conversation was a bummer.  For example, in Haven family suite (party of 6), butler will supply only two bottles of water per day.  Pre-planning is an attractive perk of the top suites across most if not all cruise lines.  NCL seems to have used the pandemic to cut corners on the most profitable segment of the cruise. The answer today was go wait in line at the onboard concierge. Call me,

disappointed.

2 bottles of water we weren't sure if complimentary.  So we never used them. 

 

We had iced tea.  Pretty much butler always had full & ice.  But only 2 of us. 

 

It was pretty much surprise & delight for us.  We'd never been in such a nice place.  But our cagneys was great but now haven was greater 🙂 ruined us jk hopefully! We will try to manage our expectations for our May interior room. 

[Yinster]

Another perk of the Haven that I personally often forget is the movies on the TV are free for Haven guests. 

 

Sometimes it is nice to sit in the cabin at night chilling out watching a movie.

[vinotinto]

Hello all! Thank you for the great thread and info. It's our first time in the Haven and we booked it fairly last minute. We are on the Breakaway from New Orleans.

 

1. Anyone taken the Breakaway from New Orleans in the last few months? How was it?

 

2. Is there a separate check-in line in NOLA for Haven? Any tips for navigating the crowds in NOLA at the port and getting to the Haven area?

 

(Sorry, lots of questions about coffee coming up!)

3. We have the regular Premium Beverage Package (not the Plus). Would cappuccinos in the Haven Restaurant at breakfast be included? What about fresh juice? If they are not included, does anyone remember how much they are?

 

4. Is there a cappuccino machine in the courtyard or just a regular coffee urn?

 

5. Anyone cruised with teens recently? Were they able to get frozen virgin drinks in the Haven area? They don't have a drink package (only the adults do), do you remember how much virgin drinks were? And lemonade and iced tea are included (but not soda, correct)? (what else is included?)

 

6. Last question! I saw the suggestion to send a letter in advance with requests. We don't have any requests, but asking for the minibar to be emptied and giving some ideas of snacks we like sounds like a good plan. Is this something that should be sent to NCL *before* the trip or is it more effective to hand in to butler when we arrive?

 

Thank you all!

Edited March 8, 2022 by vinotinto
edited because I forgot a question

[Starflyr3]

1.  Not in the last few months, but from NO, yes.

 

2.  Yes

 

3.  Yes to coffee. Not sure about fresh juice, but probably

 

4. I don’t drink coffee. But I assume you could order a cappuccino in the courtyard

 

5. idk. I want to know, too.  My teen is begging to be allowed to order virgin daquiris.

 

6. pre cruise, they only do a few requests.    Things like egg crate mattresses for beds, emptying the fridge, maybe some shorex and restaurant reservations.

 

I both email the pre cruise concierge and I take a butler letter.

[vinotinto]

3 minutes ago, Starflyr3 said:

1.  Not in the last few months, but from NO, yes.

 

2.  Yes

 

3.  Yes to coffee. Not sure about fresh juice, but probably

 

4. I don’t drink coffee. But I assume you could order a cappuccino in the courtyard

 

5. idk. I want to know, too.  My teen is begging to be allowed to order virgin daquiris.

 

6. pre cruise, they only do a few requests.    Things like egg crate mattresses for beds, emptying the fridge, maybe some shorex and restaurant reservations.

 

I both email the pre cruise concierge and I take a butler letter.

Great, thank you so much! Have fun in the Epic!

[Starflyr3]

3 minutes ago, vinotinto said:

Great, thank you so much! Have fun in the Epic!

Thanks!  Have fun on the BA!  We have her booked for March 2023

[Sthrngary]

35 minutes ago, vinotinto said:

1. Anyone taken the Breakaway from New Orleans in the last few months? How was it?

I was on the Getaway not the Breakaway. Sister ship. The same really.  One of the best cruises I had ever taken and I was in the Haven.

 

36 minutes ago, vinotinto said:

2. Is there a separate check-in line in NOLA for Haven? Any tips for navigating the crowds in NOLA at the port and getting to the Haven area?

New Orleans is a bit different then lets say, Miami.  We choose to stay in the Holiday Inn by the stadium instead of the Hotels by the Port (The Night Before).  This was because the Holiday in had a Hotel and Parking package.  We took a cab to the terminal/port.  The Construction was not good but the cab we took navigated it well.  When you get to the Port, everyone goes through the same security.  When you are through, look to your far right to see the Haven Posters.  The staff is clueless of where the Haven Entrance is located. Be patient, you will find it.  Then it is smooth sailing. 

 

40 minutes ago, vinotinto said:

3. We have the regular Premium Beverage Package (not the Plus). Would cappuccinos in the Haven Restaurant at breakfast be included? What about fresh juice? If they are not included, does anyone remember how much they are?

Funny thing, specialty coffee's are available in the Haven for Haven Guest.  This includes Cappuccinos and my favorite which is a French Press.  On the Juices, I think they are fresh because that tasted great. 

 

43 minutes ago, vinotinto said:

4. Is there a cappuccino machine in the courtyard or just a regular coffee urn?

Yes, it is on a side table in the Courtyard.  

 

44 minutes ago, vinotinto said:

5. Anyone cruised with teens recently? Were they able to get frozen virgin drinks in the Haven area? They don't have a drink package (only the adults do), do you remember how much virgin drinks were? And lemonade and iced tea are included (but not soda, correct)? (what else is included?)

On the Frozen Virgin Drinks in the Haven the answer is no.  You need to pay for them. No clue how much they are. You should consider a soft drink package for them which will also not include the Virgin Drinks.  Your reference to lemonade and Ice Tea refers to the MDR and Buffet.  Those still exist. 

 

47 minutes ago, vinotinto said:

6. Last question! I saw the suggestion to send a letter in advance with requests. We don't have any requests, but asking for the minibar to be emptied and giving some ideas of snacks we like sounds like a good plan. Is this something that should be sent to NCL *before* the trip or is it more effective to hand in to butler when we arrive?

Nothing needs to be sent to the Haven Desk prior.  The Butler will take care of clearing out the "for sale items".  Smart idea by the way.  As mentioned above an egg crate mattress topper is again the Butler.  Don't expect much from the butler on special snack foods.  They will do their best however the snacks sent to your room are standardized.  

 

Final note, you can ask your butler to bring you coffee in the morning from the Haven Restaurant.  Also let your butler know when ever they are open, to bring room service from the Haven Restaurant which means only what they serve.  

 

Cruise well

[vinotinto]

35 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

I was on the Getaway not the Breakaway. Sister ship. The same really.  One of the best cruises I had ever taken and I was in the Haven.

 

New Orleans is a bit different then lets say, Miami.  We choose to stay in the Holiday Inn by the stadium instead of the Hotels by the Port (The Night Before).  This was because the Holiday in had a Hotel and Parking package.  We took a cab to the terminal/port.  The Construction was not good but the cab we took navigated it well.  When you get to the Port, everyone goes through the same security.  When you are through, look to your far right to see the Haven Posters.  The staff is clueless of where the Haven Entrance is located. Be patient, you will find it.  Then it is smooth sailing. 

 

Funny thing, specialty coffee's are available in the Haven for Haven Guest.  This includes Cappuccinos and my favorite which is a French Press.  On the Juices, I think they are fresh because that tasted great. 

 

Yes, it is on a side table in the Courtyard.  

 

On the Frozen Virgin Drinks in the Haven the answer is no.  You need to pay for them. No clue how much they are. You should consider a soft drink package for them which will also not include the Virgin Drinks.  Your reference to lemonade and Ice Tea refers to the MDR and Buffet.  Those still exist. 

 

Nothing needs to be sent to the Haven Desk prior.  The Butler will take care of clearing out the "for sale items".  Smart idea by the way.  As mentioned above an egg crate mattress topper is again the Butler.  Don't expect much from the butler on special snack foods.  They will do their best however the snacks sent to your room are standardized.  

 

Final note, you can ask your butler to bring you coffee in the morning from the Haven Restaurant.  Also let your butler know when ever they are open, to bring room service from the Haven Restaurant which means only what they serve.  

 

Cruise well

This is great info, thank you! And thank you for  this and the previous Haven thread. Even though I booked last minute, I feel pretty prepared! I am going to get the kids the soda package - it will be great to just pay $8/day and not have to worry about how many virgin pina coladas they are having!

[luckyinpa]

2 hours ago, Yinster said:

Another perk of the Haven that I personally often forget is the movies on the TV are free for Haven guests. 

 

Sometimes it is nice to sit in the cabin at night chilling out watching a movie.

This is true but last night only 23 choices on getaway. I watched the card counter which was not really about that lol. I do think they need more variety.

 

Also note to those that order filet for bfast every day. It may take longer to kill the cow and others may be served before u so be patient

[luckyinpa]

First world issue of the day. So darn windy past day I really wish they built a roof on getaway.

[Yinster]

6 minutes ago, luckyinpa said:

This is true but last night only 23 choices on getaway. I watched the card counter which was not really about that lol. I do think they need more variety.

 

Also note to those that order filet for bfast every day. It may take longer to kill the cow and others may be served before u so be patient

Personally I think 23 movies is ample on a cruise ship. You don't go cruising just to watch movies. I downloaded movies  on a tablet before a cruise anyway 

 

Regarding the filet, if you let them know in advance like the night before then you might wait as long. 

[luckyinpa]

I have the standing filet order for the week but I think it still flustered them

[Lionkingrichard]

50 minutes ago, Yinster said:

Personally I think 23 movies is ample on a cruise ship. You don't go cruising just to watch movies. I downloaded movies  on a tablet before a cruise anyway 

 

Regarding the filet, if you let them know in advance like the night before then you might wait as long. 

Daughter said she watched 14. She had her own bedroom and with no teens on the ship she would settle in after 9. I watched 3-4, but one of them might have been blurry and don't remember it?🥴

 

BOND was cool to watch as I had missed it the theaters!

Edited March 8, 2022 by Lionkingrichard

[Sthrngary]

1. In-Suite Movies: Seems our topic is not trending towards complementary in suite movies. We watched a couple however it also became a point of disagreement.  When you can go see "Footloose", "Comedy Shows", "Live Music" and or "The Beatles"; then why are my adult children watching a movie they have seen before. We can stream them at home.  I lost this battle.
2. Room Service: When I told my family to order from the Haven Restaurant Menu if it was open.  Then right before we are about to go to Dinner, the butler brings in room service chicken fingers.  I loose my mind.  We live in Alabama, the Chicken Finger capital of the world.  We are about to go to a very NICE restaurant and YOU are ordering Chicken Fingers???? Remember my children are 31 and 36 respectively.  I lost this battle also.
3. Coin Pushers in the Casino: Please don't waste our money on this addictive machines where there is no real payout. I would rather you play one hand of Blackjack for $100.00 win or lose.  Your odds are better then a Coin Pusher.  Lost, Lost, and did I say Lost again.  

When push comes to shove, I realized something from my family and posting on CruiseCritic.com.  Everyone has things that make them happy to do.  Even on a cruise.  I might not agree with them however it is their time so they get to decide.  All that matters is everyone has a good time.

 

Cruise well!

[CDR Benson]

As I recall, sir, you treated your offspring to this cruise.  If so, then another human attitude might have come into play in the instances you cited.

 

When one is spending his own money, he will maximise his gain, get the most out of the experience.

 

When someone else is footing the bill, one can be more like, "Eh, who cares?"

 

 

 

[dmms]

Ok SthrnGary, that last post was laugh out loud hilarious 😆 

I can’t even interest our adult children in a cruise vacation- ‘not my thing’ they say!

Not sure which is funnier- the movies or the chicken fingers! Interesting stat about Alabama though😏

My lose my mind moment occurs instead at a nice beach house on Hilton Head where the young adults huddle together at various times of day/night to watch reruns of the show The Office  on a laptop and laugh hysterically together. 
Truly to each their own

And that is why we cruise without them in the Haven.

Miss them - sometimes at sea

Cruise well without them - Absolutely 

And really enjoy all your stories!

[nattie]

@SthrnGary, a bit confused by your answer on the Virgin drunks earlier? Are they included in teens soda package? Every cruise line has its own rules, so dont want to assume it is included.

 

Pre-cruise concierge email - I have sent one and received a very "canned" response back. I did get what I was mainly asking for (menus), so I didnt really care, but interaction didnt leave me with "warm/fuzzy, taken care of" feeling I somehow expected from reading others experiences. I am chalking this up to a lot of people wanting to upgrade recently and land concierges being a bit overworked. 

 

[Magsthecapp]

I have a couple Haven restaurant questions. 

 

1. My wife can't each red meat that isn't ground. It looks like the Chicken/fish options on the Haven dinner menu are pretty limited. Are there other options to accommodate her so she doesn't get bored?

 

2. The wife also have several other food allergies/limitations. What's the best way to deal with that? 

 

 

[Sthrngary]

4 minutes ago, Magsthecapp said:

1. My wife can't each red meat that isn't ground. It looks like the Chicken/fish options on the Haven dinner menu are pretty limited. Are there other options to accommodate her so she doesn't get bored?

On day one, to the the Haven Maitre d' and tell them your needs.  They can get you entree's from the Main Dining Room with advanced notice.  You also should have two specialty restaurants with your Haven Suite via "Free at sea".  The Seafood is lovely btw. 

 

7 minutes ago, Magsthecapp said:

2. The wife also have several other food allergies/limitations. What's the best way to deal with that? 

Tell your Butler (Snacks) and the Maitre d' at every restaurant you dine in.  They are used to that.  You can also alert Pre-Haven Desk of your needs prior to your cruise.  You will get a letter from the Haven with that contact information on it.  

 

Hope that helps.

 

Cruise well.