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

[Sthrngary]

6 hours ago, Elvis1209 said:

I live on Long Island but have a camper in upstate NY. 

@Elvis1209 White Castle for ever.  By the way, I grew up in Huntington, NY.  Walt Whitman HS.  A very LONG time ago.

 

Cruise well and enjoy ever moment. 

[CDR Benson]

5 hours ago, Elvis1209 said:

CDR, I have a question for you.  Are you actually in the NAVY?  The reason I ask may seem trivial to you, but to me it's like nails on the blackboard.  Is the ship "The Breakaway" or is it simply "Breakaway"?  I think it's just "Breakaway".  Ships are referred to in the feminine gender.  When referring to a lady it's "Mary", not the Mary.  Am I correct in assuming that?  You have to remember, I'm retired and have nothing else to think about!

 

I'm confused by why you're confused over whether I was in the Navy or not.  Because you're absolutely correct:  the proper reference to a ship by name omits the definite article.  For example, it would be "My first ship was U.S.S. Forrestal [or simply Forrestal]," and not "My first ship was 'the' U.S.S. Forrestal [ or 'the' Forrestal].  The same applies to any vessel.  I've never corrected the posters here who refer to a ship as "the" __________ because there'd be no point.  It's a quibble to anyone who's not a mariner.

 

The reason why I'm confused is because I've always used the proper, article-less reference, speaking, for example, of Norwegian Joy or Joy, and never "the" Norwegian Joy or "the" Joy.  Go ahead and check any of my posts.  I'll wait.

 

You're also correct that ships are traditionally referred to by feminine pronouns, "her" and "she".  I don't think I've yet had occasion to do that in my posts on this board, however.

[Sthrngary]

Hello every one how has, is and will continue to post on this thread.  As some of you many know, I just came back from a one week cruise on the Breakaway out of Port of New Orleans.  I was NOT in a Haven Suite.  I was in a Club Balcony Suite (MA).  I did what I always do from a "Haven Lite" standpoint however this time, I was with my wife vs. my solo trip on the NCL Joy doing Haven Lite in March 2022. 

 

Some observations:

1. Walking Past The Door for the Haven:  I will be the first one to tell you, when I went to the 16th deck to take the stairs up to 17 and the Vibe Beach Club entrance, I pass the Haven Courtyard door.  Each time, my mind reached out to open the door but I NEVER did.  I believe, to gain the access you have to invest in the premium. That was an uncomfortable feeling because I really love the Haven Experience.
2. My Wife Impression of Not being in the Haven:  For the past many years I have spoiled my family.  This was the first time my lovely bride had not been in the Haven in many cruises.  While cruising in the Haven, I would get comments like, "This is nice but I want to venture the rest of the ship more." or "We really don't need all these amenities."  Than you have NONE of the amenities and you tend to feel differently.  If not for the Vibe Beach Club on this Cruise, I am positive my wife would NOT have enjoyed this cruise as much as she actually did.  Now she sees the benefits and how lucky we were to have had the opportunity to be in the Haven. This is especially true now with full ships.  
3. Investment Matters:  As much as we both missed the Haven, we knew the trade offs.  Our (MA) Club Balcony Suite has a fare of $1,100.00 per guest.  The lowest Haven Suite was $3,500.00 per guest.  That was an easy decision so NO regrets. At those prices on this older ship which was drydocked in 2020, the Haven was sold out for months. That was to much of a cost difference for a retired guy like me. 
4. Dining On My NCL Cruise: If there was one thing I missed by not being in the Haven was the Haven Restaurant/Bar. I noticed the quality of the actual food on my cruise even in Specialty Restaurants was not as good as it had been (Ocean Blue was spectacular).  In the bars even with the Premium Plus Beverage Package, the inventory of higher end stuff was lacking.  The excuse was always "Supply Chain".  I feel like it was much more about saving money to make up for the losses during the pandemic. Those on my cruise that stayed in the Haven only had great things to say about the food and drink. 

 

Conclusion: Even though our "Haven Lite" cruise on the Breakaway was very good, as is reflected in my fair/honest review, my love is in the Haven. Until I can find an NCL Cruise on one of the newer NCL ships, or one of the biggest NCL ship (Encore, Bliss or Joy); at a decent Haven Fare, with a different itinerary, I will hesitate to cruise NCL again anytime soon.  Part of this is being a bit older, a little spoiled from the past, and the other part is the ships being in my opinion over crowded.  NCL should be very proud of their crews effort who were outstanding on all levels.  

 

My next cruise will be next year, November 2023, on the Oceania Riviera for 10 days in the Mediterranean. Before booking this cruise, I did a comparison of 7 cruise brands doing a similar itinerary.  When you are in a Penthouse, with a Butler, on a cruise ship/brand that specializes in Dining for the same or less than a Haven Suite for 7-day in the Caribbean; you have consider that path. Less cruisers, everyone is treated the same, everyone has access to all parts of the ship, and a much chiller approach.  I will miss dearly the NCL entertainment even though Oceania is an NCL sister brand in the Premium Plus/Luxury segment.  

 

I hope my thoughts are helpful in this stream I stared over four years ago and updated at the beginning of 2022.  I will look at prices every day as I normally do.  I hope to treat my older sister to her first cruise ever in the Haven.  Keep this stream going and always shoot folks straight.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

[RocketMan275]

1 hour ago, CDR Benson said:

You're also correct that ships are traditionally referred to by feminine pronouns, "her" and "she".  I don't think I've yet had occasion to do that in my posts on this board, however.

Is it correct that the tradition in the German navy was to use the masculine pronoun.

[CDR Benson]

17 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

My Wife Impression of Not being in the Haven:  . . . While cruising in the Haven, I would get comments like, "This is nice but I want to venture the rest of the ship more." or "We really don't need all these amenities." . . . Now she sees the benefits and how lucky we were to have had the opportunity to be in the Haven. 

 

My next cruise will be next year, November 2023, on the Oceania Riviera for 10 days in the Mediterranean. Before booking this cruise, I did a comparison of 7 cruise brands doing a similar itinerary. 

 

Speaking to the two points I broke out of your post, my friend . . .

 

With regard to heightened expectations, I experienced the same thing with the Good Mrs. Benson.  On our first cruise, with Holland America, we stayed in a Neptune Suite.  The suite level with HAL carries perquisites, but they're not as expansive or as sumptious as what's provided in NCL's the Haven.  For our second cruise, I was determined to enhance our experience and selected a stay in the Haven as our optimum choice.  During my exploration process, the GMB commented that she didn't need any special perks, that she didn't need a butler, that any size stateroom would be fine as long as it had a good-sized balcony.  In short, she insisted that we didn't need to spend the extra $$$ to stay in the Haven.  (Not that we didn't have it to spend; she's just frugal---a bonus in a wife.)

 

Then came our trip in the Haven this past September . . . 

 

Now, the GMB won't consider sailing in any accommodation that isn't the Haven, or that level.  She's been as spoilt by luxury as I have.

 

 

 

With regards to Oceania, you're doing well with a penthouse suite because of the configuration of Oceania Riviera.  The larger ships in Oceania's fleet have penthouse suites nicely situated beneath decks with other staterooms.

 

I looked at Oceania closely.  It offers a great deal and is inviting.  Unfortunately, all the Oceania cruises that fit our itinerary and budget involved its smaller thirty-tonne vessels.  And on those ships, through some absurdity in planning, all of its penthouse suites are situated beneath the activity deck (deck nine), with all the pools and bars and theatres.  Too much noise transmitting to the staterooms below.  At least, the risk of it is too likely for me to outlay that kind of money.

 

Oceania really shoots itself in the foot that way.

 

 

[CDR Benson]

48 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

Is it correct that the tradition in the German navy was to use the masculine pronoun.

 

That is correct:  German seamen refer to ships by masculine pronouns.  Chinese mariners, meanwhile, have always referred to ships by neutral pronouns.

 

I should have clarified that the tradition of referring to vessels as "she" and "her" occurred primarily in English-speaking lands.

 

 

 

Edited December 14, 2022 by CDR Benson

[RocketMan275]

13 minutes ago, CDR Benson said:

 

That is correct:  German seamen refer to ships by masculine pronouns.  Chinese mariners, meanwhile, have always referred to ships by neutral pronouns.

 

I should have clarified that the tradition of referring to vessels as "she" and "her" occurred primarily in English-speaking lands

Thank you.  I was curious if that were true or if it was just a rumor.

 

I've always thought it strange to use a feminine pronoun for a ship with an obvious masculine name, ie, why call the "Samuel B Roberts" she?

Edited December 14, 2022 by RocketMan275

[vacation44]

3 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

@Elvis1209 White Castle for ever.  By the way, I grew up in Huntington, NY.  Walt Whitman HS.  A very LONG time ago.

 

Cruise well and enjoy ever moment. 

Long Islander here and my husband also went to Walt Whitman.  

[CDR Benson]

8 minutes ago, vacation44 said:

Long Islander here and my husband also went to Walt Whitman.  

 

Did you folks take American history under Mr. Dixon in room 222?

 

[Treasure Hunter]

I have been on the Oceania Riviera in the Med the first summer it sailed. It is my favorite Oceania ship. You did good to pick her. One night eat dinner in the buffet. If it is still the same as when I sailed, they have a grill with prime steak and lobster tails. As many as you want. And of course boarding and leaving the ship for excursions is marvelous. But the entertainment will not come anywhere near NCL.

[Sthrngary]

1 hour ago, vacation44 said:

Long Islander here and my husband also went to Walt Whitman.  

@vacation44 I am 65 years old and graduated in 1975.  All my friends were into sports but I was very into the Music Department.  I was also into DECA (Distribution Education Club of America).  I won the Deca "Sales Presentation" contest which was a highlight of my Senior Year.  I grew up in Melville, NY and "Gentlemen Jerry Cooney" the boxer before he got big time, served us milk at the Dairy Barn near his house.  Good memories.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[Sthrngary]

52 minutes ago, Treasure Hunter said:

I have been on the Oceania Riviera in the Med the first summer it sailed. It is my favorite Oceania ship. You did good to pick her. One night eat dinner in the buffet. If it is still the same as when I sailed, they have a grill with prime steak and lobster tails. As many as you want. And of course boarding and leaving the ship for excursions is marvelous. But the entertainment will not come anywhere near NCL.

@Treasure Hunter Thank you for your post.  I know we have responded to each other from time to time so you know I am a detail crazy person.  I want to share a story here just for the enjoyment of writing it and sharing it. 

 

My wife and my best friends were booked on the Oceania Marina about the same time, for about the same itinerary in 2020. We were joining them for this "Bucket List Cruise".  It obviously got cancelled due to Covid.  Fast forward three years later.  My friends wife will be having a 70th birthday on the cruise next year.  When I heard she wanted to go on a cruise that included Greece I starting working on it. When I shared it with my friend, the was "Stand-of-ish".  He said "I am not going to do ANYTHING until next year." I knew what that mean which was financially this was a bad time.

 

Then after doing all my research including a very detail breakdown of 7 different cruise brands with approximately the same itinerary at the same time; Oceania did a promo for Labor day.  It was the same promo we took advantage of in 2020 which was a four category upgrade. This allowed both couples to get a Penthouse (PH3) at a very good fare.  I knew not even to ask him about this again because he was clear.  So I simply booked two Penthouses and paid for two deposits before the promo was over.  I also used my American Express Platinum Card for $300.00 extra on-board-credit as well as a wine event for both cabins.  

 

I told no one.  Not him, his wife and definitely not my wife who prior to our last cruise said, "I and DONE with cruises."  Two weeks ago I created a 15 page detailed Journey Document for this cruise that no one knew about.  Last week he asked me to have lunch with him.  I did and at lunch he asked me to help him book the cruise for his wife.  With a smile, I took out the Cruise Journey Document and said, "I already did it two months ago."

 

I handed him the bound book and he was besides himself.  If I would not have done what I did I would have lost that upgrade to Penthouse.  I fully believe this next cruise my be my last if my wife has anything to say about it.  So, I took a risk.  That risk paid off.  

 

You made mention of the entertainment difference between NCL and Oceania.  I absolutely knew this and it was one downside to this trip.  But after my last week on the NCL Breakaway, we only saw a couple of the shows.  We tended to go to sleep earlier then we did when we were young.  Someone playing the piano in a nice lounge would be just fine.  An evening after a nice port day with a Martini and a deck of cards (Gin) would also be fun.  The smaller ship, going into ports the larger ships have to Tender too is worth the loss of the big production shows.  That was part of the over all decision.

 

My issue now is that trip is over 10 months away and I have no more research today.  Thank you so much for responding and putting up with my long stories.  

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[CDR Benson]

You're a good fellow, Mr. Tilkin.

 

 

[Treasure Hunter]

You know already about Trivia on Oceania (blood sport). There aren’t big Broadway type shows but the entertainment is very pleasant and the dancers and singers are good. The penthouse is a lovely stateroom. The bed is very very comfortable and the soft furnishings are the highest quality. We will be in the Med in June on the old Celebrity Constellation with our son’s family. We have three concierge cabins in a row ( not retreat) on my dime with help from the casino. I envy you. Our itinerary includes three days in Athens , Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, Kotor, etc. ending in Ravenna ( with a long expensive car service to Venice). We have already been to most of the ports multiple times . The kids wanted to see the three Greek islands. When we went with Oceania we docked a 20 minute walk from St Marks square. Now we are two hours away. Your wife will love this cruise so much . 

[Treasure Hunter]

Also , we went to Cuba on Oceania from Miami. Three ports with an overnight in Havana ( which allowed us to see the Tropacana show). If they start doing it again I strongly recommend it. It was a wonderful cruise.

[Treasure Hunter]

Random thought. My father was in the Navy in WW 2. A radar operator on the destroyer escort USS Day in the South Pacific. Which is why I love the show Anything Goes. It has two of my favorite things. Sailors and tap dancing. Actually sailors who tap dance!

[Sthrngary]

2 hours ago, CDR Benson said:

You're a good fellow, Mr. Tilkin.

 

 

@CDR Benson You are always a Officer and a Gentleman.  ALWAYS.  Please give Mrs. B a hello from me. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

[Sthrngary]

1 hour ago, Treasure Hunter said:

You know already about Trivia on Oceania (blood sport). There aren’t big Broadway type shows but the entertainment is very pleasant and the dancers and singers are good. The penthouse is a lovely stateroom. The bed is very very comfortable and the soft furnishings are the highest quality. We will be in the Med in June on the old Celebrity Constellation with our son’s family. We have three concierge cabins in a row ( not retreat) on my dime with help from the casino. I envy you. Our itinerary includes three days in Athens , Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, Kotor, etc. ending in Ravenna ( with a long expensive car service to Venice). We have already been to most of the ports multiple times . The kids wanted to see the three Greek islands. When we went with Oceania we docked a 20 minute walk from St Marks square. Now we are two hours away. Your wife will love this cruise so much . 

@Treasure Hunter I really hope she will love it.  Something tells me YOU are correct.  Much different trip with our best friends and Europe.  I will let her know after my friend surprises his wife at Xmas. Our itinerary is very similar to yours.  I prices out Celebrity in my study with and without Retreat.  Nice of you to treat you family.  Those are best of times. 

 

Cruise well and please let me know how it goes.  I will do the same for you. 

[Treasure Hunter]

👍😁

[molemaui]

6 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

 

Conclusion: Even though our "Haven Lite" cruise on the Breakaway was very good, as is reflected in my fair/honest review, my love is in the Haven. Until I can find an NCL Cruise on one of the newer NCL ships, or one of the biggest NCL ship (Encore, Bliss or Joy); at a decent Haven Fare, with a different itinerary, I will hesitate to cruise NCL again anytime soon.  Part of this is being a bit older, a little spoiled from the past, and the other part is the ships being in my opinion over crowded

 

I'm doing things somewhat in reverse. I've sailed Oceania (absolutely fantastic), Silversesa (fantastic), Regent (OK), Viking Ocean (Great ship, sup par food), Holland America (pretty good but not great) and Celebrity Retreat (absolutely fantastic) several times each. 

 

From friends recommendations and CC boards, we are sailing the Prima later this month in the Haven. 

 

I get hung top with numbers and did what I call a "value analysis". We have among the least expensive Haven Suite and when I add unlimited internet and premium plus drink package, we are at approx. $1200/day for the two of us.  We've gotten pricing on every other line mentioned above under the $1000/day point so this is really a "leap of faith" and hoping the premium price is truly worth it. (comparing apples with apples, HAL and Celebrity were always in suites for pricing purposes. On Regent and Silversea, cabins were spacious enough at 336+ft/sq so suites weren't necessary)

 

It is said that Celebrity "copied" the Haven concept with their Retreat product on Edge class ships. We loved having our own uncrowded pool, sundeck, lounge and restaurant. Just like living in the suburbs, when you want to go out, you go to the city. On the Celebrity Retreat (like Haven I hope), you just get in the elevator. 

 

Like you, I'm retired so these splurges will be evaluated against more frequent trips at a lower level. 

 

Really appreciate your posts and have learned a lot about NCL. 

 

[Sthrngary]

10 minutes ago, molemaui said:

 

I'm doing things somewhat in reverse. I've sailed Oceania (absolutely fantastic), Silversesa (fantastic), Regent (OK), Viking Ocean (Great ship, sup par food), Holland America (pretty good but not great) and Celebrity Retreat (absolutely fantastic) several times each. 

 

From friends recommendations and CC boards, we are sailing the Prima later this month in the Haven. 

 

I get hung top with numbers and did what I call a "value analysis". We have among the least expensive Haven Suite and when I add unlimited internet and premium plus drink package, we are at approx. $1200/day for the two of us.  We've gotten pricing on every other line mentioned above under the $1000/day point so this is really a "leap of faith" and hoping the premium price is truly worth it. (comparing apples with apples, HAL and Celebrity were always in suites for pricing purposes. On Regent and Silversea, cabins were spacious enough at 336+ft/sq so suites weren't necessary)

 

It is said that Celebrity "copied" the Haven concept with their Retreat product on Edge class ships. We loved having our own uncrowded pool, sundeck, lounge and restaurant. Just like living in the suburbs, when you want to go out, you go to the city. On the Celebrity Retreat (like Haven I hope), you just get in the elevator. 

 

Like you, I'm retired so these splurges will be evaluated against more frequent trips at a lower level. 

 

Really appreciate your posts and have learned a lot about NCL. 

 

@molemaui You just helped me with overviewing the brands and your brief evaluation.  Thank you.  I thought it was interesting that you were not blow away by Regents.  That of all you wrote makes me feel better.  So, Thank you again.

 

You are about to go on one of the newest ship that NCL has built.  You are therefore paying a premium for the Haven.  If you would have gone on the Bliss, Encore or Joy your Haven Suite would have been less expensive.  So you are paying for both the Haven experience and the newest ship.  I AGREE with your choice 100%.

 

You will notice that the Haven and the Retreat are going to be very similar as compared to the Newest Celebrity ship like the Edge.  On Celebrity the Suites Dining room which is awesome the menu changes every day.  In the Haven restaurant it is the same menu for every meal, every day.  This is why NCL also gives you Free at Sea which provides two Specialty Restaurants.  

 

My recommendation would be for you to call your travel agent or if you booked directly with NCL and do the "Free at Sea PLUS" program.  This take the "Free at Sea" and adds things.  The "Free at Sea PLUS" Program gives you two extra Specialty Restaurants for a total of "4"; Unlimited Internet (non-streaming but you can upgrade that cheaply if you want it); The Premium PLUS Beverage Package (This is a swap since you already have it); and an extra $50.00 off for for excursions for a total of $100.00.  I found this to be the best value.

 

My thoughts are you will find the Retreat and the Haven to be very similar.  

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

[gmbhardy]

2 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

@molemaui You just helped me with overviewing the brands and your brief evaluation.  Thank you.  I thought it was interesting that you were not blow away by Regents.  That of all you wrote makes me feel better.  So, Thank you again.

 

You are about to go on one of the newest ship that NCL has built.  You are therefore paying a premium for the Haven.  If you would have gone on the Bliss, Encore or Joy your Haven Suite would have been less expensive.  So you are paying for both the Haven experience and the newest ship.  I AGREE with your choice 100%.

 

You will notice that the Haven and the Retreat are going to be very similar as compared to the Newest Celebrity ship like the Edge.  On Celebrity the Suites Dining room which is awesome the menu changes every day.  In the Haven restaurant it is the same menu for every meal, every day.  This is why NCL also gives you Free at Sea which provides two Specialty Restaurants.  

 

My recommendation would be for you to call your travel agent or if you booked directly with NCL and do the "Free at Sea PLUS" program.  This take the "Free at Sea" and adds things.  The "Free at Sea PLUS" Program gives you two extra Specialty Restaurants for a total of "4"; Unlimited Internet (non-streaming but you can upgrade that cheaply if you want it); The Premium PLUS Beverage Package (This is a swap since you already have it); and an extra $50.00 off for for excursions for a total of $100.00.  I found this to be the best value.

 

My thoughts are you will find the Retreat and the Haven to be very similar.  

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

Have you considered trying the Yacht Club on MSC. We think it’s superior to the Haven.

[Sthrngary]

1 minute ago, gmbhardy said:

Have you considered trying the Yacht Club on MSC. We think it’s superior to the Haven.

I have done the Yacht Club.  It is very nice.  I can also say that the Haven is much better on the newer ships like the Encore, Bliss, Joy and Prima.  Based on that comparison, I found the Haven more to my liking.  Now if it is the same itinerary, at about the same time, and the Yacht was much less fare, I would do it in a heart beat.  Remember the Yacht Club, Retreat and Haven is like evaluating food.  It is really relative to the guest.  All three are great. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[Elvis1209]

9 hours ago, RocketMan275 said:

I'm no longer travelling like I used to but I did get one visit to Lawry's.  One of my top three restaurants. 

It's my favorite restaurant!  I'm a prime rib junkie!!!!!

[molemaui]

35 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

@molemaui 

 

My recommendation would be for you to call your travel agent or if you booked directly with NCL and do the "Free at Sea PLUS" program.  This take the "Free at Sea" and adds things.  The "Free at Sea PLUS" Program gives you two extra Specialty Restaurants for a total of "4"; Unlimited Internet (non-streaming but you can upgrade that cheaply if you want it); The Premium PLUS Beverage Package (This is a swap since you already have it); and an extra $50.00 off for for excursions for a total of $100.00.  I found this to be the best value.

 

I have upgraded the internet and drink package. Once I saw Vueve Clicquot and Woodford Reserve along with a long list of single malts. that was the only choice!