Breakaway Syd Norman's Pour House - Haven Guest Question

[CruizinSusan70]

On 10/14/2022 at 8:35 PM, gatorchinsky said:

Is this a new thing to where the Haven guests get in to Syd’s or Cavern Club before all others? I’ve never seen that as we have always been able to get into these venues early without having people already in there.

We sailed on the Bliss in 2019 in steerage and had no problem getting into the Cavern Club by showing up early and never saw a bunch of people sitting the venue already.

Unfortunately have been advised that the Prima-donnas on the Prima have gotten escorted to cut the line at Syd's on the Prima.  

Having a roped off section in the theater is acceptable but having 20 people escorted into a venue with 50 seats while others wait in line for 30-60 minutes is an extremely bitter pill to swallow. 

[CruizinSusan70]

On 10/15/2022 at 4:28 PM, JGmf said:

I've stayed in the Haven many times, so I'm not a Haven-hater, but the notion of giving Haven folks first crack at seating at Syd's or Cavern Club -- such small venues -- crosses the elitism line. Purely my opinion of course.  Yeah, I know we/you pay more for the Haven, but it's a real 'in your face' move.  

👍👍👍

[deliver42]

Why do Haven guests feel so Entitled? You have the Haven and all it's perks. That's what you're entitled to. Not the whole ship.

[graphicguy]

No cost to go to Syd Norman's.  If you don't have the drink package, you would be charged for those.  But, nothing to come in and see the show.

[cruiseny4life]

41 minutes ago, deliver42 said:

Why do Haven guests feel so Entitled? You have the Haven and all it's perks. That's what you're entitled to. Not the whole ship.

I only sail Haven so I'm biased. I don't use the perk to get into comedy club/Syd shows as these do not interest me one bit. I did use the perk for a theater show and a show in the Illusionarium. Turns out, I didn't need to as there was plenty of room.

 

Here's why Haven guests expect the perk - it is listed in NCL marketing as a perk of staying in the Haven. If NCL didn't offer it, it wouldn't be used, therefore Haven guests wouldn't feel "entitled" to use it. Do I agree with it? Eh, I have mixed thoughts. I've definitely been in lines where "VIP's" were taken to the front after I had waited for a long time. Ever been to Disney? 

 

The fact is, NCL markets it. It's not something Haven guests demand - well I suppose some do based on a couple commenters above. If you don't like it, don't blame the guests. Blame NCL. Or, pony up the big bucks and stay in the Haven. That's the only current way to get into the venue ahead of others, as designed by Norwegian.

[wil e coyote]

On 10/15/2022 at 7:45 AM, AnitaVacation said:

Anyway, those of you that have seen it, what did you think??

We thought the Rumours show on BA in June was fantastic - so much so that we went back and saw it again, and then went to the 80's show later in the week - even though we had to stand in line like everyone else to get in...  🙂

I'm pretty sure there are multiple teams doing the same shows/on different ships - so YMMV.

[graphicguy]

1 minute ago, cruiseny4life said:

I only sail Haven so I'm biased. I don't use the perk to get into comedy club/Syd shows as these do not interest me one bit. I did use the perk for a theater show and a show in the Illusionarium. Turns out, I didn't need to as there was plenty of room.

 

Here's why Haven guests expect the perk - it is listed in NCL marketing as a perk of staying in the Haven. If NCL didn't offer it, it wouldn't be used, therefore Haven guests wouldn't feel "entitled" to use it. Do I agree with it? Eh, I have mixed thoughts. I've definitely been in lines where "VIP's" were taken to the front after I had waited for a long time. Ever been to Disney? 

 

The fact is, NCL markets it. It's not something Haven guests demand - well I suppose some do based on a couple commenters above. If you don't like it, don't blame the guests. Blame NCL. Or, pony up the big bucks and stay in the Haven. That's the only current way to get into the venue ahead of others, as designed by Norwegian.

Yep....it's part of the deal staying in the Haven...priority embarkation/disembarkation, priority seating at (some) shows, etc. 

 

Entitled?  It's what we've paid for.  Just like the Latitudes parties.   If you're not a  Latitude member, you're not invited.  Haven also hosts a Captain's Dinner Party, which is exclusive to the Haven guests.  There are a host of other "exclusive" perks.  If you stay in the Haven, you get the perks.

 

Want to mitigate your seating requests in Syd Norman's?  Get in line 1 hour before showtime.  You'll be one of the first in line for when the doors open (I think 30 minutes before showtime).  You might not get front row seats, but you'll still get a good seat. Haven guests will be there 45 minutes before showtime to get their seats.

[wil e coyote]

52 minutes ago, deliver42 said:

You have the Haven and all it's perks. That's what you're entitled to.

"...all its perks." This is it exactly. We've only stayed in the Haven twice, and so we are still learning what is and is not included. Since getting into Syd's was one of the perks (by virtue of having paid quite a bit of money) on our first Haven sailing, we thought it would be on our second one. When it wasn't we stood in line like everyone else.

[Sthrngary]

On 10/14/2022 at 3:11 PM, Juncti said:

Pretty wild that Breakaway wouldn't do it. We only did Haven once, but found from talking to people (plus Gary's extensive Haven guide) that pretty much any reasonable request is usually accommodated. 

@Juncti That you for the call out.  I want to address this question personally.  In all my travels in the Haven, I have never been given early access to the Cavern Club, Comedy Venue to this venue early.  I have read were lots of folks were given this luxury but it was never me.  I have been offered an escort to the main shows which I never took.  I know the sets for the Haven there are left of stage.  

 

I want to apologize to everyone that thought this was a policy of the Haven.  If I ever gave you that impression, it was incorrect. All that said, would I ask in the future.  Yes I will.  

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[CruizinSusan70]

7 hours ago, graphicguy said:

No cost to go to Syd Norman's.  If you don't have the drink package, you would be charged for those.  But, nothing to come in and see the show.

Only if there is space availability.....

[graphicguy]

9 minutes ago, CruizinSusan70 said:

Only if there is space availability.....

If there’s no space available, you can not even pay to get in.  Again, there is no charge to see the shows in Syd Norman’s.

Edited October 17, 2022 by graphicguy

[graphicguy]

2 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

@Juncti That you for the call out.  I want to address this question personally.  In all my travels in the Haven, I have never been given early access to the Cavern Club, Comedy Venue to this venue early.  I have read were lots of folks were given this luxury but it was never me.  I have been offered an escort to the main shows which I never took.  I know the sets for the Haven there are left of stage.  

 

I want to apologize to everyone that thought this was a policy of the Haven.  If I ever gave you that impression, it was incorrect. All that said, would I ask in the future.  Yes I will.  

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

Gary…..our concierge actually put up a typed sign on the top counter of his desk reminding Haven guests to meet him at the desk to be escorted to Syd Norman’s.  On our cruises, it wasn’t a perk we had to ask for.  We were informed of the perk.

[CruizinSusan70]

24 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

If there’s no space available, you can not even pay to get in.  Again, there is no charge to see the shows in Syd Norman’s.

Fully aware of it.   Just have to hope that there are not too many Prima-Donna's from the Haven taking up the majority of the real estate in Syd's on our 25 nights on the ship between the end of the month and March.

[Sthrngary]

22 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

Gary…..our concierge actually put up a typed sign on the top counter of his desk reminding Haven guests to meet him at the desk to be escorted to Syd Norman’s.  On our cruises, it wasn’t a perk we had to ask for.  We were informed of the perk.

This is great information.  Thank you for the clarification.  This is something most everyone in the Haven should know about.  Thank you again.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

[Sthrngary]

8 minutes ago, CruizinSusan70 said:

Fully aware of it.   Just have to hope that there are not too many Prima-Donna's from the Haven taking up the majority of the real estate in Syd's on our 25 nights on the ship between the end of the month and March.

@CruizinSusan70 LOL, the Haven Guests are not Prima-Donna's. But I can see how some folks might think that.  These Guest pay a premium to have essentially the same cruise as those in an Inside Cabin.  There are all kinds of perks.  Since there are only about 180 to 200 Haven Guest I don't think they will take up to much room.  

 

Now so everyone knows I am not jealous of this little perk which I just found out about.  I will be on the Breakaway, December 2022.  It has a Syd's.  I am not in the Haven (YET).  If I am, I will by all means take advantage of this, if not, I will enjoy those that have the opportunity.

 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[Greenpea2]

9 hours ago, deliver42 said:

Why do Haven guests feel so Entitled? You have the Haven and all it's perks. That's what you're entitled to. Not the whole ship.

Haven guests only feel entitled to the perks they have been told they have. I have never met a Haven guest who was "hoity toity", acted "entitled", or any of the other things I sometimes hear people say about them. Do some exist? Well, pretty sure they do.  But that type of person exists anywhere you go, including non-Haven cruisers! They are hard to miss.

[snorklinbarb]

2 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

@CruizinSusan70 LOL, the Haven Guests are not Prima-Donna's. But I can see how some folks might think that.  These Guest pay a premium to have essentially the same cruise as those in an Inside Cabin.  There are all kinds of perks.  Since there are only about 180 to 200 Haven Guest I don't think they will take up to much room.  

 

Now so everyone knows I am not jealous of this little perk which I just found out about.  I will be on the Breakaway, December 2022.  It has a Syd's.  I am not in the Haven (YET).  If I am, I will by all means take advantage of this, if not, I will enjoy those that have the opportunity.

 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

OT but wishing your wife luck in the slot tourney!

[2boyzmom]

3 hours ago, CruizinSusan70 said:

Fully aware of it.   Just have to hope that there are not too many Prima-Donna's from the Haven taking up the majority of the real estate in Syd's on our 25 nights on the ship between the end of the month and March.

I'll be sure us Prima Donnas (me and hubby) take up a booth for 6 . 🤣

[2boyzmom]

2 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

@CruizinSusan70 LOL, the Haven Guests are not Prima-Donna's. But I can see how some folks might think that.  These Guest pay a premium to have essentially the same cruise as those in an Inside Cabin.  There are all kinds of perks.  Since there are only about 180 to 200 Haven Guest I don't think they will take up to much room.  

 

Now so everyone knows I am not jealous of this little perk which I just found out about.  I will be on the Breakaway, December 2022.  It has a Syd's.  I am not in the Haven (YET).  If I am, I will by all means take advantage of this, if not, I will enjoy those that have the opportunity.

 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

I will be sure to post next month and let you know if we get in early.

[AnitaVacation]

2 hours ago, Greenpea2 said:

I have never met a Haven guest who was "hoity toity", acted "entitled", or any of the other things I sometimes hear people say about them. Do some exist? Well, pretty sure they do.  But that type of person exists anywhere you go, including non-Haven cruisers! They are hard to miss.

We encountered one on our last Haven sailing (last year). Older/Middle aged man (kinda big guy) with his petite little wife that wouldn't say Boo if she could.  Every morning at breakfast, this ogre would make a scene... demanding a particular flavor yogurt for his wife or a particular cereal (corn flakes, I think)... yelling at his waiter to 'go get my butler'... I was terribly embarassed for his wife, who just sat there looking down at her plate while he showed what a big man he was.... 

Sad that people think they need to act that way.... no common decency ....smh

Edited October 18, 2022 by AnitaVacation

[thatjoeguy]

4 minutes ago, AnitaVacation said:

We encountered one on our last Haven sailing (last year). Older/Middle aged man (kinda big guy) with his petite little wife that wouldn't say Boo if she could.  Every morning at breakfast, this ogre would make a scene... demanding a particular flavor yogurt for his wife or a particular cereal (corn flakes, I think)... yelling at his waiter to 'go get my butler'... I was terribly embarassed for his wife, who just sat there looking down at her plate while he showed what a big man he was.... 

Sad that people think they need to act that way.... no common decency ....smh

I’ve seen plenty of those outside of the haven as well…

[AnitaVacation]

4 hours ago, CruizinSusan70 said:

Only if there is space availability.....

This is a problem that NCL needs to address.  Thank you for the great shows, music, comedy, etc... perhaps you could make your venues a little larger??  We miss alot of the small venue shows because I am not willing to stand in line for an hour... instead of 6 small venues, maybe 2 or 3 larger ones?? 

[Greenpea2]

48 minutes ago, AnitaVacation said:

We encountered one on our last Haven sailing (last year). Older/Middle aged man (kinda big guy) with his petite little wife that wouldn't say Boo if she could.  Every morning at breakfast, this ogre would make a scene... demanding a particular flavor yogurt for his wife or a particular cereal (corn flakes, I think)... yelling at his waiter to 'go get my butler'... I was terribly embarassed for his wife, who just sat there looking down at her plate while he showed what a big man he was.... 

Sad that people think they need to act that way.... no common decency ....smh

Well, ugh! That really IS ugly. I would have hated having to see/hear that...people like that really need a reality check. 

[CruizinSusan70]

5 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

@CruizinSusan70 LOL, the Haven Guests are not Prima-Donna's. But I can see how some folks might think that.  These Guest pay a premium to have essentially the same cruise as those in an Inside Cabin.  There are all kinds of perks.  Since there are only about 180 to 200 Haven Guest I don't think they will take up to much room.  

 

Now so everyone knows I am not jealous of this little perk which I just found out about.  I will be on the Breakaway, December 2022.  It has a Syd's.  I am not in the Haven (YET).  If I am, I will by all means take advantage of this, if not, I will enjoy those that have the opportunity.

 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

If 10% of the 200 Haven guests take advantage of the early entry to Syd's perk, that means that 20/50 or 40% of the available seats will be for Haven guests.  

[CruizinSusan70]

2 hours ago, 2boyzmom said:

I'll be sure us Prima Donnas (me and hubby) take up a booth for 6 . 🤣

Enjoy your 14 nights on the 9 year old Breakaway next month.

We'll be spending 11 nights on the flagship of the fleet and away from your elitist attitude.