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

[Treasure Hunter]

Yes they are being mailed. I last got them it was three weeks before the cruise and this time they were purple instead of gold. We had a two bedroom suite in  The Haven proper on the Encore.

[Treasure Hunter]

We just give them to a regular porter ( true for NY and Miami)

[Daniel A]

17 hours ago, Fogfog said:

Re luggage tags for Haven

When should we expect those IF they are still being mailed? Color?

 

At embarkation: Is there a Haven drop off for luggage If we have to pre-print them ourselves. 

I prefer to "wear a belt AND suspenders", so I have used the Haven tags and I've also attached ones I printed from home.  I also use these Cruise Critic luggage tag holders.  They're very secure and much larger and visible than the ones I got in the mail.  I do attach both to each piece of luggage.  The Cruise Critic tag holders are $5.00, they are reusable and will accommodate luggage tags from some other cruise lines.  If you're interested, here is a link to the Cruise Critic web page.  The only thing I'll add is that the web page doesn't clearly show where to click to open the purchase order page.  You would need to click on the very bottom of the page where it says:

 

Buy Cruise Critic Cruise Luggage Tag Holder

Narrow Tag
Wide Tag

You would click on the words "Wide Tag."

The link is here:  Cruise Critic Store: Cruise Luggage Tag Holder - Cruise Critic Community

 

Edited April 2 by Daniel A

[Daniel A]

@Fogfog - I just noticed that you can click on the words Wide Tag in my above post and it will take you to the order page.

[Candy Apple 12]

On 3/30/2024 at 9:33 AM, McGarrett5oh said:

 As a test I mentioned in a previous post, we have always singled out exceptional service on post cruise surveys so on this next Haven cruise we're going to ask our attendants early on if we can take their picture with their name tag "for the survey".  I have a feeling that may motivate them more so to provide quality service than the hope for a tip, as the comments on the survey have a signifcant impact on their long term compensation & promotions.  They won't know whether they will get positive or negative reviews from us, but certainly can hedge their bet.

This sounds like a great idea! I’m going to try it next time.

 

On 3/31/2024 at 11:43 AM, Battlement said:

 FYI I also like to order the occasional dish from one of the MDRs at Haven/Luminae.  This week, Haven was swamped, and could barely get their own food out to the tables. When I asked our butler about MDR food the one time we dared room service with him, he said ‘I only have the Haven menu. The other one changes every day’. So I probably could have gone to the MDR, asked for a menu (it’s not on the NCL app, other apps include daily menus) and then tried to convince him to bring me some French onion soup? 😂

 

 

 
The last two cruises I asked our butler to bring the next day’s MDR menu to our room each evening. Since I have to eat gluten free, this allowed me to see the menu in advance in case I wanted to order something from the MDR. With special diets, they ask you to order ahead so they have plenty of time to prepare the special meal.
 

In December on the Bliss our butler had no problem with this. For some reason our butler on the Escape in February could not understand my request even though I had clearly written it out in my butler letter. Halfway through that cruise, he finally got it.   
 

I agree that the app should include the MDR menu. I’m sure others would appreciate having at their fingertips to help them decide what to do for dinner instead of walking to the MDR. 

[Crusing5960]

22 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

@Crusing5960 You are right, gratuities is a hot bed for debate and controversial responses.  So lets start with the normal response. 

 

• Gratuities are personal, give what you think is right based on the experience you received.
• Give the Butler his/ tip on day one.
• Give the Butler half his/her tip on day one and the other half at the end based on service. 
• Only provide gratuity to the butler at the end of the trip and only if they did a great job. 
• No need to tip the Haven Concierge, wait staff or bartender. 
• Always tip the Haven Concierge, wait staff or bartender. 
• Never give extra to the room steward.
• Always give extra to the room steward.

 

Did you get all that.  Now for what I think you are really trying to do.  You are new, you want to prepare, you want to be fair because gratuities is so important to the crew. I will share what I do and as so many people have told me over the many years, that does not make it right.

 

• Butler:  I usually give the butler between $100 and $150 per seven day cruise.  I am not sure if you will have the same stateroom and butler for the 21 days so you might want to provide the gratuities at the beginning or end of each week.  You know your situation best.  The Butlers on NCL do not participate in the pre-paid gratuities program. 
• Haven Concierge: I usually give $50.00 to the Concierge staff per seven day cruise.  Usually at the end of the week the day before we leave.  Since you are on a 21 day cruise, you can do it three times or all at once at the end.  Some pay more, some pay less, some don't tip at all. 
• Servers and Bartenders:  If you get great service or you feel it would make your future service better, provide gratuities as it seems appropriate.  I usually tip the bartender on day one with $20.00.  I do it again a couple of time if my service is good to great. Some guest do more, less and none. Servers are if the service was outstanding.  I tend to wait to the end of the cruise to pick and choose who did the best job. 

 

I am sure other will kick in.  Hope that was helpful.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

 

Thank you so much! @Sthrngary

[aroundtheriverbend]

Hello, trying to find this in the many pages but no luck so far...  when booking dining reservations (which I think you can do 130 days in advance) do you have to be paid in full beforehand (which is at 120 days)?  Thank you!

[RocketMan275]

1 minute ago, aroundtheriverbend said:

Hello, trying to find this in the many pages but no luck so far...  when booking dining reservations (which I think you can do 130 days in advance) do you have to be paid in full beforehand (which is at 120 days)?  Thank you!

No.

[NclCruiuser]

afternoon - hope everyone is staying dry and safe. Quick question - will be on the Joy staying in the Courtyard Penthouse with balcony (HF) room. Will I need to bring a nightlight or two? What about enough outlets for charging IPADs, phones, CPAP machine, etc. Do I bring some European plug converters? Will the Cruise line provide extension cords if needed? Have seen mentions in this group about candy for the crew. How much and what did you bring? Who do you give it to and how do you do that? Anything else I should know about?

Best... Steve

[Sthrngary]

5 minutes ago, NclCruiuser said:

afternoon - hope everyone is staying dry and safe. Quick question - will be on the Joy staying in the Courtyard Penthouse with balcony (HF) room. Will I need to bring a nightlight or two? What about enough outlets for charging IPADs, phones, CPAP machine, etc. Do I bring some European plug converters? Will the Cruise line provide extension cords if needed? Have seen mentions in this group about candy for the crew. How much and what did you bring? Who do you give it to and how do you do that? Anything else I should know about?

Best... Steve

@NclCruiuser I am so excited for you.  I personally love the NCL Joy.  Allow me to help:

Night Light:  I always bring a night light for the bathroom. It is rumored you can ask for one but I never count on that.  Smart move by the way. 

 

• CPAP: Please call the Haven Pre-Cruise Desk and tell them you will be bringing a CPAP.  They will provide you with an extension cord if needed and water for the CPAP at no charge.
• Outlets: This one is tricky.  I usually bring a Power Strip that is made for Cruise Ships.  Most Surge Suppressors can hurt the electrical system on a ship so they are very strict.  I put the power strips in a central location with one of the multi charger cords for two iPhone and other devices. 
• Outlets:  When the re-designed the Joy from the Asian Market to the US market, they added US power sources.  You should be fine.  Do I also take a European converter, yes. 
• Candy for the Crew:  I have never done this but I think they would like it.  I have seen some folks give out small Milky ways and such.  I think they would like a gratuity better but it is the thought that counts.  I have traveled all my adult life for business and every week I would bring the flight crew of the jet I was on a box of See's Chocolates.  See's is a bit expensive but that is what I did.  I am about to go to Europe with my adult daughter.  I have ordered two boxes of 1 lbs and several small boxes for agents at the counter.  Again, not needed but it is the thought that counts. Give it to those that did a good job per your question. I also have a small thank you note i give with the candy.

 

I hope that answered your questions.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

 

[graphicguy]

OK…all you Haven Vets…. 

 

Have an opportunity to book a 7 day Bermuda cruise to either Bermuda in June (my B-Day) or in Sept for Canadian itinerary.  Both in HI cabin.  Been years since I’ve been to Bermuda.  But, Sept in Canada makes it right in the middle of leaves changing.

 

Any input on Joy (I’ve never sailed her)?  Sailed her to either Bermuda or Canada?

 

Both are cheap (I mean really cheap for Haven) and about the same fare!

 

TIA!

[DMH15]

On 3/30/2024 at 9:13 PM, Daniel A said:

@Battlement don't let a sub par butler queer you on the Haven. Give it another chance.   I just returned today from a week long trip to a resort DW and I just love.   We go there just about every year.   This year we made the mistake of going during spring break.   No college aged kids but it was a very different (and unpleasant for us) experience.   It was more the crowds and the type of guests that made it a different experience.   We will keep returning there in the future but not during spring break time.   My point is that if this was our first experience there, we would never plan to return there.  Try the Haven on a different ship next time.

I once cruised on the Jewel in an aft suite as it was my niece’s graduation present.  I was prepared for Spring Break crowds but was ASTOUNDED at how this cruise affected us positively.   There were lots of kids and so it seems like parents spent time with them.   I did not expect a near empty and (almost) smoke-free casino.  
 

it was a pleasurable week.  

[NclCruiuser]

3 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

OK…all you Haven Vets…. 

 

Have an opportunity to book a 7 day Bermuda cruise to either Bermuda in June (my B-Day) or in Sept for Canadian itinerary.  Both in HI cabin.  Been years since I’ve been to Bermuda.  But, Sept in Canada makes it right in the middle of leaves changing.

 

Any input on Joy (I’ve never sailed her)?  Sailed her to either Bermuda or Canada?

 

Both are cheap (I mean really cheap for Haven) and about the same fare!

 

TIA!

We are going in June. My wife tells me that later in the year is hurricane season. Not sure where you are sailing from and these days with crazy climate changes, might not make any difference anyway.

Best.... Steve

[Sthrngary]

5 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

OK…all you Haven Vets…. 

 

Have an opportunity to book a 7 day Bermuda cruise to either Bermuda in June (my B-Day) or in Sept for Canadian itinerary.  Both in HI cabin.  Been years since I’ve been to Bermuda.  But, Sept in Canada makes it right in the middle of leaves changing.

 

Any input on Joy (I’ve never sailed her)?  Sailed her to either Bermuda or Canada?

 

Both are cheap (I mean really cheap for Haven) and about the same fare!

 

TIA!

@graphicguy Bermuda. The Joy is one of my favorite ships.  It was originally designed for the Asian Market, quickly got redone to for the US market. The Pool area is a bit different but I kind of liked it.  Overall, very nice comfortable ship.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

 

[DMH15]

On 3/28/2024 at 11:47 PM, Battlement said:

An update, and thanks to everyone who's been following:

 

I'd like to talk a little about butlers. 

 

I've cruised as "high end" as Oceania and Windstar, and as "entry-level" as the $299 3-day Senor Frog's run on Carnival (much younger days...ahh). But anyway, someone mentioned that butlers are hit or miss. I very much agree, and on our current cruise, our butler is very much a miss. 

 

I tipped him $100 cash on Day 1, telling him that I really wanted my wife and son to be impressed with the NCL experience, and that I would continue to pay for excellent service. We've gotten the complete opposite. You know when you go to the store, and the person at the desk seems to want to do anything but help you? By the very set of their face, you can tell they hate their job, at least at that moment, and they just don't want to do anything but the absolute bare minimum, and even that will be reluctantly?

 

Not one smile, not one thank you (even when I handed him the cash...don't you learn that in kindergarten?) Only an every-other-day visit, where we sometimes get snacks and sometimes don't. 

 

On Day 2, the boat rocked like crazy. This caused the delay that cut our shore time in half. Vomit bags were on every floor railing. Our awesome room steward came and lashed down the balcony furniture (he's great). All 3 of us got totally seasick - first time ever for me, in over 25 cruises. We called the butler for room service. He brought it an hour late (they get busy, I know). I tipped him another $20. He grumbled that the pork chop took 30 minutes to be ready. 

 

Then, because my wife was uncomfortable calling him for the dishes to be taken away, I put them in the hallway with ALL the other dishes from half the visible rooms at 11pm. 

 

He gave us the third degree about it the next day, making it clear that he looks bad if there are dishes in the hall. 

 

You can hate your job. I've been there. You can also be overwhelmed, overworked, have personal stuff going on. I get that too. 

 

But you cannot expect to last long as a butler on an expensive, exclusive area of a cruise ship if you treat your customers like crap. 

 

The bar is also overwhelmed, as the change from 2 port days to 2 sea days has vastly increased customer traffic on those days. I get it. I tipped a random server at OSheehan's 20$ just for bringing my kid a second Shirley Temple without asking (O'Sheehan's was the only food place open at 9:32PM tonight - the buffet was closed. Boat was at sea). That guy was overworked too, but he tried his best.

 

I really wanted to like NCL Haven. I really did. But between Butler McCrankyton and the mostly average food and the insanely overpacked Haven bar area...not sure I would do this line again. 

 

Sorry to be negative on this awesome thread. I know there have been extenuating circumstances on this run. We've still had a really good time, enjoying as much of the cruise as possible. Our room steward is fantastic, doing his job with a smile and a ton of great service (he's gonna get heavily tipped, even though I know he's already included in the daily Service Charges). Our cab drivers in Bermuda were amazing. There's a really cool bartender who works in the Casino and remembered my name and drink order immediately (also tipped). 

 

I don't regret booking this cruise one bit. It was a great price and the dates were perfect. 

 

One final thanks for all the advice given on this thread. If I'm being a downer, feel free to delete this. But I would want to know about this week, if I were planning an NCL Getaway Haven trip anytime soon. 

I have taken several NCL Suite and Haven cruises and one Yacht Club on MSC.  

 

On the NCL Sun there is no Haven but there are 20 suites and we opted for the large aft corner suite for a 14 night South American cruise.  
 

We had heard about a great butler on the Sun, Armando.   As each butler had 10 suites we knew we had a 50/50 chance.   But… no.  We drew the “new butler”.   We had no one to compare him to as this was our first suite cruise.  But I had done research and knew something was not right.  Some other suite pax also asked us about it.  We talked to a nice couple who said they did not know about afternoon snacks.   When I told them they could get a plate of cookies. Their eyes became as big as saucers.
 

But hey, we were on vacay, had a great 2 room suite, a bigggg balcony, which opened off the living room and bedroom, we loved Il Adagio for suite breakfast and lunch, we had a great steward and a fantastic concierge, Karen G.   
 

But what’s worse than a snarky butler you ask?   LOL.  How about one that gets off in one of the ports and keeps on going????

 

So… poor Armando.   They gave him a top steward to help him.  Like a junior butler.   
 

Guess what?   I redistributed our. Original guy’s tips amongst the others and this was still my favorite cruise, got to step foot on Antarctica!

 

Every cruise is different. We look back at this and figure ANY butler beats NO butler.  And everything else was incredible.  We got to have dinner with the Hotel Director, Brian Walters who was charming and so very interesting.  
 

We loved that ship, and that aft suite so much, we rebooked it for an 11 night Southern Caribbean, which we loved equally as well, and had a wonderful butler that time.  

Edited April 3 by DMH15

[DraesMiran]

On 8/21/2023 at 12:27 PM, RocketMan275 said:

That's fine but we wanted to finish  the rest of the bottle on our balcony that evening.  

The 'delivered' bottle wasn't delivered until after we went to bed.

Next time we'll just ask for a second glass to take with us.

Yeah. My butler gently chastised me for carrying my own bottles back to my room. 

[graphicguy]

3 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

@graphicguy Bermuda. The Joy is one of my favorite ships.  It was originally designed for the Asian Market, quickly got redone to for the US market. The Pool area is a bit different but I kind of liked it.  Overall, very nice comfortable ship.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

 

Thanks, Gary!

 

I’m leaning towards Bermuda.  New ship (for me) and Bermuda is so nice!

[kd1044]

5 hours ago, graphicguy said:

OK…all you Haven Vets…. 

 

Have an opportunity to book a 7 day Bermuda cruise to either Bermuda in June (my B-Day) or in Sept for Canadian itinerary.  Both in HI cabin.  Been years since I’ve been to Bermuda.  But, Sept in Canada makes it right in the middle of leaves changing.

 

Any input on Joy (I’ve never sailed her)?  Sailed her to either Bermuda or Canada?

 

Both are cheap (I mean really cheap for Haven) and about the same fare!

 

TIA!

 

I did the Canada Cruise in the Fall on the Dawn and it was great!  September is my B-day.  Great color and the stop in Acadia was the best.  I also ate as much lobster as was humanly possible while in Mane.  I ate a lot of oysters too.

 

I am still trying to get to Bermuda.  They have overnight stops that sound interesting.   Maybe an itinerary out of New York would be fun.

[Laszlo]

10 hours ago, graphicguy said:

Thanks, Gary!

 

I’m leaning towards Bermuda.  New ship (for me) and Bermuda is so nice!

Will be there in June also, leaving on the Gem June 28th out of Boston in a forward suite

[goldmom]

13 hours ago, graphicguy said:

OK…all you Haven Vets…. 

 

Have an opportunity to book a 7 day Bermuda cruise to either Bermuda in June (my B-Day) or in Sept for Canadian itinerary.  Both in HI cabin.  Been years since I’ve been to Bermuda.  But, Sept in Canada makes it right in the middle of leaves changing.

 

Any input on Joy (I’ve never sailed her)?  Sailed her to either Bermuda or Canada?

 

Both are cheap (I mean really cheap for Haven) and about the same fare!

 

TIA!

We're doing the Joy to Bermuda in May and the Breakaway to Canada in October.  I prefer the Joy to the Breakaway.  More restaurants, love the Horizon Lounge and the balconies on deck 17 are deep enough to squeeze in a lounge chair.

I'd probably pick Bermuda, but you can'r go wrong either way.  Enjoy!

[graphicguy]

Thanks all.  No wrong answers.  Both itineraries are desirable.

 

Given it's my birthday (month) in June, I just booked the Joy, 7 nite to Bermuda in an HI cabin.  As always, kind of last minute, so although the GF has an open invite, it's questionable whether she will be able to get time off work to join me.  She wants to go. But, she knows me well as she said "would you not go if I couldn't?"  

 

It's a rhetorical question.  God love her!  

 

It's been quite a while since I've been to Bermuda (10 years ago).  I was in New EnglandCanada a year and a half ago on the Breakaway.  Great cruise.  Met other great Cruise Critic posters there.  And, I was in a Balcony.  It too was "cheap" (about $700 all in).

[Fogfog]

@graphicguy

And we couldn't get you on the Prima TA.

boo.

 

So if we can go back to the OPs theme, what are your top take aways/hints/best ways to enjoy Haven and also be a great Haven guest ?

[PatJim]

19 hours ago, graphicguy said:

OK…all you Haven Vets…. 

 

Have an opportunity to book a 7 day Bermuda cruise to either Bermuda in June (my B-Day) or in Sept for Canadian itinerary.  Both in HI cabin.  Been years since I’ve been to Bermuda.  But, Sept in Canada makes it right in the middle of leaves changing.

 

Any input on Joy (I’ve never sailed her)?  Sailed her to either Bermuda or Canada?

 

Both are cheap (I mean really cheap for Haven) and about the same fare!

 

TIA!

You can let the weather decide for you—sort of like flipping a coin😁. We booked a Bermuda cruise September 2022, and ended up going to Canada/New England!  Got an email from NCL 8 pm night before departure, so had to scramble to repack and get Canadian documentation (COVID-related and no longer required).  Felt sorry for cruisers already in New York who only had warm-weather clothes with them.  There were a lot of sweat shirts bought in Newport, our first port of call.

 

I would choose Bermuda in June, as I think weather is increasingly more iffy on East Coast in September.  Jim and I have done numerous Canada/NE cruises from NYC in September.  Sometimes we see fall foliage, but usually we don’t.  Timing it this far in advance is tricky.  Good luck with your choice.

 

[PatJim]

6 hours ago, goldmom said:

We're doing the Joy to Bermuda in May and the Breakaway to Canada in October.  I prefer the Joy to the Breakaway.  More restaurants, love the Horizon Lounge and the balconies on deck 17 are deep enough to squeeze in a lounge chair.

I'd probably pick Bermuda, but you can'r go wrong either way.  Enjoy!

Are you on the May 19th cruise?  We’re in #17110.

[PatJim]

6 hours ago, goldmom said:

We're doing the Joy to Bermuda in May and the Breakaway to Canada in October.  I prefer the Joy to the Breakaway.  More restaurants, love the Horizon Lounge and the balconies on deck 17 are deep enough to squeeze in a lounge chair.

I'd probably pick Bermuda, but you can'r go wrong either way.  Enjoy!

PS. The 2-bedroom suites in Haven proper do have small balconies, but ours is slightly larger, as it extends in front of the master bathroom.  Regardless of size, we always request a lounger with our pre-cruise concierge list, and usually it’s there when we board.