New to the Haven Suites, What can we get?

[phauenstein]

So we booked a Haven Spa Suite for the first time, on the Epic.  Other than the Thermal Spa access (please let me know what that is in layman's terms), we don't know what is really included.

 

Does anyone have any good or bad stories about the Haven Restaurant for breakfast/lunch/dinner.  I'm looking to get a good idea about the hours and food options, especially breakfast/brunch.  Is there anything you can ask for in the Haven Restaurant that they don't have, I heard someone say you can ask for anything being made at any of the other restaurants and they will make it and bring it to you (not that I would ask for that).

 

We are really simple folks, so this is a big splurge for us.  When I called to change my flights (arrive early), the concierge asked if we wanted to set up our room.  I had no idea that was such a thing as we're used to inside rooms, maybe a basic balcony.  They asked about how many pillows, what type of pillow, if we wanted fresh juice (fresh juice, didn't know that was an option), then asked if we wanted lemonade or iced tea (didn't know that was an option).  Then they started asking if we liked dried fruit and nuts as well as M&Ms and Gummi Bears.  Heck I like all that stuff.  I'm interested in hearing from people what are some other reasonable requests that will be filled as a Haven Suite cruiser?  I don't want to be that guy asking for everything under the sun and becoming a problem, but if I don't know what I can ask for (without an up charge, we will tip), as a simple guy, I probably won't ask for anything.

Looking for ideas and open to almost anything.

[RocketMan275]

7 minutes ago, phauenstein said:

So we booked a Haven Spa Suite for the first time, on the Epic.  Other than the Thermal Spa access (please let me know what that is in layman's terms), we don't know what is really included.

 

Does anyone have any good or bad stories about the Haven Restaurant for breakfast/lunch/dinner.  I'm looking to get a good idea about the hours and food options, especially breakfast/brunch.  Is there anything you can ask for in the Haven Restaurant that they don't have, I heard someone say you can ask for anything being made at any of the other restaurants and they will make it and bring it to you (not that I would ask for that).

 

We are really simple folks, so this is a big splurge for us.  When I called to change my flights (arrive early), the concierge asked if we wanted to set up our room.  I had no idea that was such a thing as we're used to inside rooms, maybe a basic balcony.  They asked about how many pillows, what type of pillow, if we wanted fresh juice (fresh juice, didn't know that was an option), then asked if we wanted lemonade or iced tea (didn't know that was an option).  Then they started asking if we liked dried fruit and nuts as well as M&Ms and Gummi Bears.  Heck I like all that stuff.  I'm interested in hearing from people what are some other reasonable requests that will be filled as a Haven Suite cruiser?  I don't want to be that guy asking for everything under the sun and becoming a problem, but if I don't know what I can ask for (without an up charge, we will tip), as a simple guy, I probably won't ask for anything.

Looking for ideas and open to almost anything.

[phauenstein]

3 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

11 minutes ago, phauenstein said:

So we booked a Haven Spa Suite for the first time, on the Epic.  Other than the Thermal Spa access (please let me know what that is in layman's terms), we don't know what is really included.

 

Does anyone have any good or bad stories about the Haven Restaurant for breakfast/lunch/dinner.  I'm looking to get a good idea about the hours and food options, especially breakfast/brunch.  Is there anything you can ask for in the Haven Restaurant that they don't have, I heard someone say you can ask for anything being made at any of the other restaurants and they will make it and bring it to you (not that I would ask for that).

 

We are really simple folks, so this is a big splurge for us.  When I called to change my flights (arrive early), the concierge asked if we wanted to set up our room.  I had no idea that was such a thing as we're used to inside rooms, maybe a basic balcony.  They asked about how many pillows, what type of pillow, if we wanted fresh juice (fresh juice, didn't know that was an option), then asked if we wanted lemonade or iced tea (didn't know that was an option).  Then they started asking if we liked dried fruit and nuts as well as M&Ms and Gummi Bears.  Heck I like all that stuff.  I'm interested in hearing from people what are some other reasonable requests that will be filled as a Haven Suite cruiser?  I don't want to be that guy asking for everything under the sun and becoming a problem, but if I don't know what I can ask for (without an up charge, we will tip), as a simple guy, I probably won't ask for anything.

Looking for ideas and open to almost anything.

Thanks, that will help my wife in visually seeing what they have so we can decide if we want to eat there more regularly than the rotating menus in the main restuarants.

[RocketMan275]

1 hour ago, phauenstein said:

Thanks, that will help my wife in visually seeing what they have so we can decide if we want to eat there more regularly than the rotating menus in the main restuarants.

Quite a few comments about the food quality in the Haven is far better than the MDR.

[dexddd]

The Haven experience can vary widely for people.  It sounds like you got a very proactive shoreside concierge which is unusual.

 

The biggest benefits we like are in room breakfast on shore days.  You can order off the Haven menu.  They won't bring drinks under a package to room though.

Edited December 22, 2022 by dexddd

[djkolp]

We just returned from a 12/10/2022 cruise on the Norwegian Escape. We had the two bedroom Haven Suite. As others have said, the quality of the food in Haven restaurant is unmatched by any other restaurant on the ship. It is absolutely the best. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner is available in the Haven. The butler and the concierge are extremely helpful. We didn't request much from either, but they will get you on and off the ship ahead of the thousands of other passengers. We chose the Haven after having this trip cancelled for the past 2 years due to the pandemic. We felt we would come into limited contact with other passengers. That plan didn't go too well as my wife contracted Covid-19 on this trip anyway. No fault of Norwegian, as they were very proactive on getting passengers to wash their hands. Just be aware that Covid-19 transmission on a cruise ship continues to be a very real possibility.  

[ChiefMateJRK]

48 minutes ago, djkolp said:

Just be aware that Covid-19 transmission on a cruise ship continues to be a very real possibility. 

Covid transmission is a very real possibility everywhere.

[phauenstein]

1 hour ago, dexddd said:

The Haven experience can vary widely for people.  It sounds like you got a very proactive shoreside concierge which is unusual.

 

The biggest benefits we like are in room breakfast on shore days.  You can order off the Haven menu.  They won't bring drinks under a package to room though.

I don't drink anymore and the wife rarely has a glass of wine or rum punch, so we just buy drinks as we go anyways. I get a couple of non-alcoholic beers normally and maybe something while gambling, like a virgin daquiri.

[BirdTravels]

3 hours ago, phauenstein said:

So we booked a Haven Spa Suite for the first time, on the Epic.  Other than the Thermal Spa access (please let me know what that is in layman's terms), we don't know what is really included.

 

Does anyone have any good or bad stories about the Haven Restaurant for breakfast/lunch/dinner.  I'm looking to get a good idea about the hours and food options, especially breakfast/brunch.  Is there anything you can ask for in the Haven Restaurant that they don't have, I heard someone say you can ask for anything being made at any of the other restaurants and they will make it and bring it to you (not that I would ask for that).

 

We are really simple folks, so this is a big splurge for us.  When I called to change my flights (arrive early), the concierge asked if we wanted to set up our room.  I had no idea that was such a thing as we're used to inside rooms, maybe a basic balcony.  They asked about how many pillows, what type of pillow, if we wanted fresh juice (fresh juice, didn't know that was an option), then asked if we wanted lemonade or iced tea (didn't know that was an option).  Then they started asking if we liked dried fruit and nuts as well as M&Ms and Gummi Bears.  Heck I like all that stuff.  I'm interested in hearing from people what are some other reasonable requests that will be filled as a Haven Suite cruiser?  I don't want to be that guy asking for everything under the sun and becoming a problem, but if I don't know what I can ask for (without an up charge, we will tip), as a simple guy, I probably won't ask for anything.

Looking for ideas and open to almost anything.

So far, you have hit two home-runs. The Thermal Suite on the Epic is the best in the fleet. And the Haven on the Epic is the best in the fleet. 

As soon as you embark, have the concierge book your shows and fix dining reservations. Make sure that you ask and understand which shows (if any) that the concierge will provide a private escort into the shows and the meeting times. 
 

Then after a lovely embarkation lunch in the Haven Restaurant, explore the Haven. Get up on the Posh Club sun deck and meet your bartenders. Find the private gym looking down on the courtyard (even if you don’t use it, you can say you were there). Find the private steam room and saunas behind the pool. Explore the two story lounge and find the outside restaurant (which is a great space to hang out on). 
 

On busy port days, we have our butler bring breakfast to the room and serve it on a white tablecloth. There will be check box hang tags in the room. Ignore the check boxes and order anything you want from the Haven restaurant. Steak, fried eggs, omelets, egg white omelets, ham, bacon, sausage, breakfast potatoes, hash browns, filled tomato, sautéed mushrooms, breads of your choice, fruits, juices. 

 

Make friends with your butler and let them know what your preferences are. They will bring the default daily snack. But make special requests if you want (we always order a PB&J sandwich for us big kids). Coordinate stuff like gummy bears, M&M (plain or peanut), bar mix with your butler. What isn’t eaten ends up in a zip lock daily and we (somewhat illegally) take it ashore for shore ex snacks. 

 

The link below has some photos of foods in the Haven. As you can see, we add a lobster tail or two to every dinner entree. We don’t do the Surf and [tony] Turf, we select the larger rib eye and add a couple of lobster tails. 

 

 

[phauenstein]

2 minutes ago, BirdTravels said:

So far, you have hit two home-runs. The Thermal Suite on the Epic is the best in the fleet. And the Haven on the Epic is the best in the fleet. 

As soon as you embark, have the concierge book your shows and fix dining reservations. Make sure that you ask and understand which shows (if any) that the concierge will provide a private escort into the shows and the meeting times. 
 

Then after a lovely embarkation lunch in the Haven Restaurant, explore the Haven. Get up on the Posh Club sun deck and meet your bartenders. Find the private gym looking down on the courtyard (even if you don’t use it, you can say you were there). Find the private steam room and saunas behind the pool. Explore the two story lounge and find the outside restaurant (which is a great space to hang out on). 
 

On busy port days, we have our butler bring breakfast to the room and serve it on a white tablecloth. There will be check box hang tags in the room. Ignore the check boxes and order anything you want from the Haven restaurant. Steak, fried eggs, omelets, egg white omelets, ham, bacon, sausage, breakfast potatoes, hash browns, filled tomato, sautéed mushrooms, breads of your choice, fruits, juices. 

 

Make friends with your butler and let them know what your preferences are. They will bring the default daily snack. But make special requests if you want (we always order a PB&J sandwich for us big kids). Coordinate stuff like gummy bears, M&M (plain or peanut), bar mix with your butler. What isn’t eaten ends up in a zip lock daily and we (somewhat illegally) take it ashore for shore ex snacks. 

 

The link below has some photos of foods in the Haven. As you can see, we add a lobster tail or two to every dinner entree. We don’t do the Surf and [tony] Turf, we select the larger rib eye and add a couple of lobster tails. 

 

 

That's awesome, this was the type of stuff I was looking for.  Was there anything you asked of your butler or know that can be asked that you think would be odd or was just something you ended up getting a lot of enjoyment from?

[cruiseny4life]

ALMOND CROISSANTS!!!!!! 

[phauenstein]

1 minute ago, cruiseny4life said:

ALMOND CROISSANTS!!!!!! 

Looks tasty for a morning treat.

[phauenstein]

25 minutes ago, BirdTravels said:

So far, you have hit two home-runs. The Thermal Suite on the Epic is the best in the fleet. And the Haven on the Epic is the best in the fleet. 
 

So, what is the "Thermal Spa" in simple terms.  I read the description and I'm still not 100% on what it is, what's included, what a really basic guy would be interested in, and maybe more-over, how busy is it, is it 24 hours, are there busier times?  I really wanted the spa suite because they used to have the in room hot tub.  I was disappointed that the rehab of the Haven area took the in room tubs out.  They still appear to have them in other ships.

Edited December 22, 2022 by phauenstein

[BirdTravels]

19 minutes ago, phauenstein said:

So, what is the "Thermal Spa" in simple terms.  I read the description and I'm still not 100% on what it is, what's included, what a really basic guy would be interested in, and maybe more-over, how busy is it, is it 24 hours, are there busier times?  I really wanted the spa suite because they used to have the in room hot tub.  I was disappointed that the rehab of the Haven area took the in room tubs out.  They still appear to have them in other ships.

 

41 minutes ago, phauenstein said:

That's awesome, this was the type of stuff I was looking for.  Was there anything you asked of your butler or know that can be asked that you think would be odd or was just something you ended up getting a lot of enjoyment from?

We don’t have a lot of requests. Keep the M&Ms, Gummy Bears, and bar mix filled. Keep a fresh pitcher of ice water and iced tea in the fridge. We like chocolate covered strawberries. 
 

Getting breakfast served in our stateroom on early port days is normally important (since the service in the restaurant slows down when everyone shows up at opening). 
 

The thermal suite 8:00 am - 10:00 pm daily except the last night when it closes at 8:00 pm. 
 

The Epic has women’s and men’s locker rooms with unisex saunas and steamrooms. People consider those areas “clothing optional” and there are offend jiggly bits in there. The Coed spaces have beautiful coed sauna and steamroom where a bathing suit is required. Luxurious hydrotherapy pool to bubble way the aches and pains of a long day of shore excursions. Large lounge areas to relax in including an aft facing balcony. A separate relaxation room. The Epic’s Thermal Suite is the biggest in the fleet. Yeah, it doesn’t have a snow room (which is a gimmick on newer ships and is mostly unused). And you get a private jacuzzi tub in your stateroom. 

Edited December 22, 2022 by BirdTravels

[phauenstein]

2 minutes ago, BirdTravels said:

And you get a private jacuzzi tub in your stateroom. 

The Haven Spa suites on the Epic no longer have the private jacuzzi tub in the room.

[BirdTravels]

1 minute ago, phauenstein said:

The Haven Spa suites on the Epic no longer have the private jacuzzi tub in the room.

Ooops. Sorry. 
 

We always get a spa pass (we did 4 NCL cruises this year). And the Spa Haven rooms are one of the more economical rooms.

 

Here’s a better post with better info

 

Have a great cruise.

[SunshineGal2022]

2 hours ago, phauenstein said:

So, what is the "Thermal Spa" in simple terms.  I read the description and I'm still not 100% on what it is, what's included, what a really basic guy would be interested in, and maybe more-over, how busy is it, is it 24 hours, are there busier times?  I really wanted the spa suite because they used to have the in room hot tub.  I was disappointed that the rehab of the Haven area took the in room tubs out.  They still appear to have them in other ships.

There's several walk through videos on Youtube.  A basic guy might like the hot tubs and the heated lounge chairs. There are the other rooms to explore, filled with salt, steam, and heat... but the hot tub may be your favorite.  

 

You may not need the spa room upgrade since there is there is the private Haven sun deck and a hot tub there.  But, that is outside, and the thermal spa is inside.  Sometimes it's nice to have a place to relax that is out of the sun and wind. 

[SunshineGal2022]

4 hours ago, phauenstein said:

So, what is the "Thermal Spa" in simple terms.  I read the description and I'm still not 100% on what it is, what's included, what a really basic guy would be interested in, and maybe more-over, how busy is it, is it 24 hours, are there busier times?  I really wanted the spa suite because they used to have the in room hot tub.  I was disappointed that the rehab of the Haven area took the in room tubs out.  They still appear to have them in other ships.

It's not 24 hours. 

 

It's an adult only (18+) area that is inside.  It has a jetted hot tub, sauna room, salt room, etc.  There is also a beverage station with cold water, tea, and fruited water.  It has heated lounges that face the ocean.  

 

There are limited amount of weekly spa passes sold the entire cruise.  I think it is 200, although that may vary per boat.  That 200 passes includes all the spa rooms, so there are only 198 other passes available since your room has 2. (For an example, I am not positive on the 200 passes.)  You won't have swarms and swarms of people in there, like on the main pool deck.  But it can get busy.

 

There are several posts about it here but the video walk throughs are your best bet since you can see you specific boat :)

 

Early morning and evening are the slowest times. 

[J0Y0US]

I will just say the non-rotating menu isn't that big of a deal because there is enough variety to get different things most days during a week long cruise.

 

Plus I suspect you got 1 or 2 specialty dining credits which mix up the week further as well.

[phauenstein]

15 hours ago, J0Y0US said:

I will just say the non-rotating menu isn't that big of a deal because there is enough variety to get different things most days during a week long cruise.

 

Plus I suspect you got 1 or 2 specialty dining credits which mix up the week further as well.

Yes, we have two specialty dining credits we will be using.  My wife is a really picky eater, so that standing menu, although enough options for me, might get really repetitive for her unfortunately.

[J0Y0US]

9 minutes ago, phauenstein said:

Yes, we have two specialty dining credits we will be using.  My wife is a really picky eater, so that standing menu, although enough options for me, might get really repetitive for her unfortunately.

 

Haven is the best restaurant on the ship then for her IMO. Just talk with them to start the cruise and ask about variations of dishes.

 

In the MDR you might be stuck with nothing for a picky eater where as in the Haven you can request things.

[djkolp]

On 12/22/2022 at 11:40 AM, ChiefMateJRK said:

Covid transmission is a very real possibility everywhere.

Of course it is, but the chances go up exponentially on a 5000 passenger ship. We were Covid free until we boarded a cruise ship. 

[gingersvp]

34 minutes ago, djkolp said:

Of course it is, but the chances go up exponentially on a 5000 passenger ship. We were Covid free until we boarded a cruise ship. 

 

I've been on 4 cruises since they re-started, COVID free. Caught COVID on a plane. It's all a crapshoot at this point. 

[gingersvp]

On 12/22/2022 at 8:01 AM, phauenstein said:

So we booked a Haven Spa Suite for the first time, on the Epic.  Other than the Thermal Spa access (please let me know what that is in layman's terms), we don't know what is really included.

 

Does anyone have any good or bad stories about the Haven Restaurant for breakfast/lunch/dinner.  I'm looking to get a good idea about the hours and food options, especially breakfast/brunch.  Is there anything you can ask for in the Haven Restaurant that they don't have, I heard someone say you can ask for anything being made at any of the other restaurants and they will make it and bring it to you (not that I would ask for that).

 

We are really simple folks, so this is a big splurge for us.  When I called to change my flights (arrive early), the concierge asked if we wanted to set up our room.  I had no idea that was such a thing as we're used to inside rooms, maybe a basic balcony.  They asked about how many pillows, what type of pillow, if we wanted fresh juice (fresh juice, didn't know that was an option), then asked if we wanted lemonade or iced tea (didn't know that was an option).  Then they started asking if we liked dried fruit and nuts as well as M&Ms and Gummi Bears.  Heck I like all that stuff.  I'm interested in hearing from people what are some other reasonable requests that will be filled as a Haven Suite cruiser?  I don't want to be that guy asking for everything under the sun and becoming a problem, but if I don't know what I can ask for (without an up charge, we will tip), as a simple guy, I probably won't ask for anything.

Looking for ideas and open to almost anything.

 

You can have food from other restaurants delivered, but you'll need to ask in advance (preferably 24 hours). The butler can provide you with menus. You can order from the upcharge restaurants and it'll pull from your specialty meals.

 

I saw that you don't drink much, but you can order all the mocktails and virgin frozen drinks within your drink package as well.

 

Definitely talk to the Haven restaurant about your wife's picky eating. I have a picky daughter and I plan to have a long convo with them about how to help get her fed. But basically, with a little planning, they can bring you anything that's made on the ship in any location.

[JesseB]

11 minutes ago, gingersvp said:

 

I've been on 4 cruises since they re-started, COVID free. Caught COVID on a plane. It's all a crapshoot at this point. 

It really is a crapshoot at this point! Im fully-vaxed and boosted and have traveled literally all over the world this year for work, was in meeting sitting beside people that tested positive and never got it....went one state over to visit family last month and ended up getting it...very mild case thanks to the vaccines but just so random...