Please tell me about Haven Penthouse suite life on Getaway.

[ISABELLA]

We cruised a lot over the years - Celebrity most exclusively in the past 15 years. Cruised with RC and Princess in the past. Thinking about booking Haven PH suite. Please tell me what to expect. This will be our first time on NCL. I am kinda foodie , I know food is very subjective. What to expect from Haven - food and service?

What specialty restaurant is offering the best experience for a special anniversary dinner? 

Any additional tips and information are very appreciated.

[Laszlo]

25 minutes ago, ISABELLA said:

We cruised a lot over the years - Celebrity most exclusively in the past 15 years. Cruised with RC and Princess in the past. Thinking about booking Haven PH suite. Please tell me what to expect. This will be our first time on NCL. I am kinda foodie , I know food is very subjective. What to expect from Haven - food and service?

What specialty restaurant is offering the best experience for a special anniversary dinner? 

Any additional tips and information are very appreciated.

On our 12 day cruise in January on the Getaway the Haven restaurant had the best food and service by far. We also ate at Le Bistro, Cagney's, Moderno and two of the standard restaurants...

 

Service in the Haven restaurant was excellent. Butler - Concierge can be hit or miss.

 

Check out the videos below

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited March 1, 2023 by Laszlo

[RocketMan275]

Most of your questions will be answered here:

 

 

[Georgia_Peaches]

The haven PH suite is really nice.  The Haven complex is really nice too.  Some things I don't really enjoy about the Haven experience (as opposed to MSC Yacht Club) is that the thermal suite isn't included unless you book a Haven Spa suite and the dinner menu of the Haven restaurant never changes.  Otherwise, great amenities, service, and facilities.

[Sthrngary]

50 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

Most of your questions will be answered here:

 

 

I am the author of the above CruiseCritic.com blog.  I also have cruised in the Haven on the Getaway.  If you read the above blog, you will get lots of information to help you.  Because both of us have also experienced the Celebrity Retreat, I can give you a comparison. 

 

The key to the Haven, Retreat and the MSC Yacht Club is the notion started by NCL called having a "Ship-With-In-A-Ship".  Throughout any explanation, please keep that in mind. A mega ship experience with a Boutique ship just for you and a few other lucky guest. 

 

I have always made it clear that the Haven Restaurant is my federate of all restaurants on Mainstream Cruise lines.  The quality of the food, the plating and the service really suits me and I am a foodie also.  The downside is the menu does not change at any meal.  NCL makes up for that by providing you with the "Free At Sea" program which gives you two specialty restaurants.  If you book your cruise with an American Express Card and use an American Express authorized travel agent, you will receive $300.00 of on board credit and a dinner for two at the french restaurant. My choice for a special meal as you asked would be the french restaurant.  Not so much for the food as for the experience.  Lovely.

 

When cruising in the Celebrity Retreat, you have access to their suites only restaurant.  The menu changes for lunch and dinner.  Food and service is great also.  However celebrity does not provide any specialty restaurant meals.  I give this to you for comparison only. 

 

If you read the original post above, which was updated in 2022, it will share some benefits of the Haven which are two many to list in my reply.  My personal opinion is if you have never cruised The NCL Haven, you deserve to experience it.  The way I look at things is every time you try a new brand, you will find things you like, like better and don't like.  Many things about Celebrity I liked.  Other things I did not like.  It is all about what you are used too.  When cruising in any mainstream brands "Ship-With-In-A-Ship" you personalized service will always be a great enhancement from the rest of the ship.  Hope that helpled.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[Treasure Hunter]

We just got off the getaway. We were in a two bed family suite in the Haven. The food in the Haven restaurant for breakfast and lunch was excellent. This cruise was jammed because of winter break in NY so it was not a typical cruise with 4800 guests ( 1200 were kids). If I wasn’t in the Haven, I would have killed myself. The kids did take over the Haven pool on sea days but thankfully the put up a sign in the hallways that the outside sundeck was 16+ and it worked. Food for dinner was good except beef quality was not what it used to be. Even with a set menu, you can make little changes. A shrimp cocktail with six big delicious shrimp instead of shrimp Louie. A plate of spaghetti with marinara, steamed veg. They will try to accommodate you. The best meal we had was LaCucina ( lasagna, gnocchi, tiramisu). In previous cruises we liked Le Bistro and Ocean Blue. The rooms are great. The extra perks like being brought down early for the theater shows, embarking, debarking, and Lourdes the assistant concierge is wonderful printing my husbands crossword puzzle for him everyday. Hubert , the concierge is mediocre at best and screwed up our behind the scenes ship tour (do not take, $129 is a rip off). We had gorgeous weather and eat lunch by the pool. They even made us chicken BLT sandwiches which remembered from years ago on the Gem. The M&Ms are missing from the pool ( might be because of the kids). The rest of the ship was in chaos because of the crowds. Burn the Floor was great, Million Dollar Quartet ( I have seen four time) was a bust because of understudies. Thank goodness that Splash Academy was wonderful although they only had time for 100. Kids a day. We love the Haven and have booked the Encore for next winter. Sunday we are on Celebrity Edge in a Royal Suite ( we will get all specialty meals unlimited free). I still like the Haven . Only problem with NCL is the smoking in the casino.

[ISABELLA]

Thank very much for such informative comments and great videos - all are very helpful. We love Persian Garden on X, disappointed that Thermal spa is not included. Can we purchase a pass to TS? Also, I don't see how much are gratuity and if they are included in the cruise price. 

 

[ggTexasGal]

8 hours ago, ISABELLA said:

Thank very much for such informative comments and great videos - all are very helpful. We love Persian Garden on X, disappointed that Thermal spa is not included. Can we purchase a pass to TS? Also, I don't see how much are gratuity and if they are included in the cruise price. 

 

The Thermal Spa passes should be available (if not sold-out) when logged into your account. 

Bookable items are listed on the left-hand side (scroll down under the NCL logo).

 

The Daily Service Charge covers "tips", unless you wish to give cash tips onboard.

[ISABELLA]

Just finished reading the "Haven" blog - fantastic. Very informative. How extensive menu for dinner in Haven since it is fixed? Where to find out what is included in Premium beverage package? How much is Daily service charge for Haven per day/person?

Thank you again.

[Sthrngary]

39 minutes ago, ISABELLA said:

Just finished reading the "Haven" blog - fantastic

Thank you and I am so proud of all the contributions on that blog.  I tend not to contribute as I once did and allow those on recent Haven Cruise to do all the heavy lifting.

 

41 minutes ago, ISABELLA said:

How extensive menu for dinner in Haven since it is fixed?

It is pretty extensive and that is nice.  You can also ask for meals from the Main Dining room menu if you give the staff enough heads up.  Still this is a point many don't like especially those that travel Celebrity Retreat or MSC Yacht Club.  Search Haven Restaurant Menu on CruiseCritic.com for the most recent PDF.

 

44 minutes ago, ISABELLA said:

Where to find out what is included in Premium beverage package?

Go on the the NCL.com site, go to FAQ, and look for Premium Beverage Package list.  You can also look at the Premium Plus Beverage Package which is an upgrade to the standard package.  Their is many blogs on CruiseCritic.com on these packages and what makes them different.  Example, on the standard Premium Beverage Package, Bottled Water, energy drinks, fresh juices and specialty coffee's are not included.  However, as a Haven Guest those juice and specialty coffee in the Haven are include for all guest.  Starbucks is NOT. 

 

48 minutes ago, ISABELLA said:

How much is Daily service charge for Haven per day/person?

The daily fee's have just gone up.  I hate to sound like a broken record.  Those new gratuities are a recent blog on the CruiseCritic.com NCL area with lots of comments.  Remember, the Butler is not included in the gratuities program that is put on your suite portfolio.  Lots of articles on what to tip your butler are also searchable.  Opinions vary. On normal gratuities, that information is available on the NCL.com site. 

 

Hope that helps.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

 

[cruiseny4life]

I wrote a lengthy review of my first ever NCL cruise (only other cruise was Carnival back in 2009) back in May. We stayed in a Haven Penthouse Suite on Deck 14 (14130). It was a wonderful experience. If you'd like to read my thoughts, you can find the review here:

 

Of course I'm happy to answer any questions you might have (here or there). Also, I thought I included photos of the room we had in the review, but I didn't, so here's what the room looked like. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ISABELLA]

I would like to thank you all for great input, that helped me to understand what is Haven. Still make me wonder as wonderful experience is, why Haven is not fully ALL inclusive. 150 min free internet is useless. So adding for unlimited Wifi, all gratuity, Spa Thermal passes increased our price by almost 30%. So, we are "digesting" all and comparing with other options. 

[Sthrngary]

@ISABELLA I am the author of "The Secrets of the Haven VIP Experience". Your comment on the Haven not being All-Inclusive has been debated for some time.  The facts are, it is not but most folks like myself, approach with a strategy to come as close as possible to "All-Inclusive".

 

Some of the things I do are s follows:

• I use my American Express Platinum with a AMX approved travel agent to get the perk of On Board Credit and dinner for two in the French Restaurant.  This gives me a total of Three Meals in specialty restaurants utilizing the Free At Sea promotion. 
• Upgrade the 150 minutes of Internet to Unlimited Streaming.  If you have more folks, it just is used one device at a time.  Just the way it is.
• When in the Haven, I skip the Vibe Beach Club which I do prefer over the Haven Sundeck because it has a bar.  Instead I consider the Thermal Spa but only if it is important to me or cold weather.  Personals preference. 
• I upgrade to the Premium Plus Drink Program and if so, evaluate the new Free At Sea PLUS program for the benefits it provides me.  Takes some due diligence but worth the effort.  
• Pre-Pay the gratuities and create a letter for the butler with my want's and needs.  See Butler letter on the Haven Secrets blog.  I personally prepay the tip to the butler.  Please look up gratuity for butler posts, everyone has a different approach.  Just know, butlers are not included in the standard gratuities program. 

 

I am analytical so I have taken cruise from different brands, put them on an excel for comparison.  I add what other brands provide for their VIP area's and amenities I am looking for to get as close as an Apple to Apple comparison.  The reality is with all in approach, NCL sometimes is higher and some times is lower.  I would prefer all Mainstream Brands VIP area's would provide the same benefits and amenities but their Marketing Team would not agree with me.  

 

The bottom line is when you do the comparisons, they seem to be about equal.  Personal preference has some folks loving the Haven and other prefer the Retreat.  Both groups like the VIP area's over the rest of the ship as one might assume.  Hope that helps.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[RocketMan275]

49 minutes ago, ISABELLA said:

I would like to thank you all for great input, that helped me to understand what is Haven. Still make me wonder as wonderful experience is, why Haven is not fully ALL inclusive. 150 min free internet is useless. So adding for unlimited Wifi, all gratuity, Spa Thermal passes increased our price by almost 30%. So, we are "digesting" all and comparing with other options. 

There are some of  us who are glad it isn't all incluse.  All incluse just means the price is rolled into the cruise fare.  All inclusive doesn't mean that NCL would just include those perks at the present price. We have no need/desire for unlimited internet or the spa.    We don't want to pay for those things we don't use.

[Two Wheels Only]

28 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

All incluse just means the price is rolled into the cruise fare.  All inclusive doesn't mean that NCL would just include those perks at the present price.

 

That's the part that so many people don't understand. 

 

If NCL was all inclusive, people would complain that they are paying for things that they neither want nor need. 

 

If NCL makes things optional, people complain about "nickel and dime" tactics. 

 

 

[ISABELLA]

I agree with all comments. Not everybody like same things. We are not drinkers, so $1200?? beverage package is irrelevant to us, but we enjoy Persian Garden on X ships, and my husband has to have unlimited wifi. So, RocketMan275 to your point, why not give customer a choice what they would like to have.? Celebrity used to have that option. Thermal spa should be included for Haven guests for the price they pay. I was shocked by the price of 2days pass - $129/pp. 

All is taken under consideration.

 

 

[ISABELLA]

I understand - world is not perfect. 

Love cruise critic for kind people with a lot of knowledge and experience.

[RocketMan275]

15 minutes ago, ISABELLA said:

I agree with all comments. Not everybody like same things. We are not drinkers, so $1200?? beverage package is irrelevant to us, but we enjoy Persian Garden on X ships, and my husband has to have unlimited wifi. So, RocketMan275 to your point, why not give customer a choice what they would like to have.? Celebrity used to have that option. Thermal spa should be included for Haven guests for the price they pay. I was shocked by the price of 2days pass - $129/pp. 

All is taken under consideration.

I agree.  To a great extent, that is what "Free At Sea" is about.  You want unlimited WiFi, add it on.  You want a drink package, it can be added.

The bottom line is that some believe that a cruise line can include everything without increasing the fares.  But, everyone thinks their prefered perks should be free.  

BTW, if the price of the spa is $129 pd, including it in Haven means the price of the Haven would go up by $129 pd.  To me, I wouldn't pay $20 for the spa for a seven day cruise.

Edited March 3, 2023 by RocketMan275

[ISABELLA]

Well, we decided to give it a try. Booked Haven suite - seems everybody have great experience sailing in Haven. Would you recommend to book shows now or when we get onboard? 

Great recommendations from everyone. 

[cruiseny4life]

14 hours ago, ISABELLA said:

Well, we decided to give it a try. Booked Haven suite - seems everybody have great experience sailing in Haven. Would you recommend to book shows now or when we get onboard? 

Great recommendations from everyone. 

Not sure when your cruise is, but shows aren't able to be booked until 26 days in advance of your cruise for Haven passengers. If you're within 130 days of your sail date, you can book dining reservations. Or, you can wait. Last week we booked three specialty dining reservations and were about 18 or 19 days out from sailing. Of course we eat super early. No one else probably wants those 5:30 and 6 PM slots. 

[Sthrngary]

14 hours ago, ISABELLA said:

Well, we decided to give it a try. Booked Haven suite - seems everybody have great experience sailing in Haven. Would you recommend to book shows now or when we get onboard? 

Great recommendations from everyone. 

@ISABELLA It does not matter.  I personally book ahead if I can.  Just to have it done.  I have never here a Haven Guest being turn down a reservation for a show.  

 

I want to make a statement to you and everyone about the Haven.  My goal has always been to create realistic expectations of the Haven and it's amenities. In my opinion, the Haven is the best of both worlds if what you want is both a improved cruising experience and the availability of a mega ship with all that includes. It definitely won't be Ultra-Luxury nor are you paying for that. It will be enhanced in almost every way from the normal cruise experience.  

 

Again, have realistic expectations and you will enjoy the experience.  Just my two cents.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[ISABELLA]

5 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

@ISABELLA It does not matter.  I personally book ahead if I can.  Just to have it done.  I have never here a Haven Guest being turn down a reservation for a show.  

 

I want to make a statement to you and everyone about the Haven.  My goal has always been to create realistic expectations of the Haven and it's amenities. In my opinion, the Haven is the best of both worlds if what you want is both a improved cruising experience and the availability of a mega ship with all that includes. It definitely won't be Ultra-Luxury nor are you paying for that. It will be enhanced in almost every way from the normal cruise experience.  

 

Again, have realistic expectations and you will enjoy the experience.  Just my two cents.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

Our decision to book Haven was based on trying something new and different from Celebrity. 

We enjoy cruising with some expectation of what we have heard and read from different  sources.

==============

[Laszlo]

20 hours ago, ISABELLA said:

Well, we decided to give it a try. Booked Haven suite - seems everybody have great experience sailing in Haven. Would you recommend to book shows now or when we get onboard? 

Great recommendations from everyone. 

If you can book now great, if not just wait until you board. When you enter the Haven lounge the concierge will be talking about booking shows you can book. 

 

Edit.... I almost forget this while we were waiting in the Haven waiting room on the pier one of the concierge's was handing out paper and pens to book shows...... I still have my Haven Pen Lol

Edited March 7, 2023 by Laszlo