Not a question, just excitement

[krittykat]

Just have to post and share my excitement.
Back in the old days (pre pandemic), my hubby, daughter and I had booked a cruise of the Western Caribbean on the Getaway out of New Orleans - a 2 bedroom cabin in the Haven.
Due to the pandemic and a series of other untimely events, we never got to take that cruise and ended up sailing around Spain instead.  A lovely cruise, however, not in the Haven, no basking in the Caribbean sun.  
Now we are back, still have my heart set on a warm cruise .... winters are so gray and damp in the Pacific NW.
Vacations have been planned out through 2024 (Ireland - road trip driving around the country - a great way to see the country) and a Greek cruise in 2024.  So, it has to wait until 2025 but just couldn't wait to push planning off.
We are now booked in the Haven, a 2 bedroom for the 3 of us.  A totally new experience - looking forward to the quieter aspect as we have never sailed on that large of ship and I don't do crowds well.
The butler kind of intimidates me, not sure how much we will truly use them. However, all other aspects are definitely exciting.   Nothing except relaxing, eating some good food, enjoying some tasty drinks...venturing out to explore a little.
Yes, I might have gotten a better deal if I had waited... but 50% off for the first 2 of us (or in NCL sale language - 2nd person sails free) and my daughter is essentially free - I didn't want to wait to lock in our cabin.

So, I had to share my excitement. 

[fredflint]

Enjoy your trip the butler will do as much or as little as you would like.   We had one on Celebrity and he brought us fresh croissants  and coffee in the morning and little snacks in the afternoon.  We had to stop them after a few days as it seemed the sea air was shrinking our clothes!  Depending the butler can take care of all your reservations as well as plan a party if you want to host one.  

 

Don't sweat the crowds being in Haven you should be able to bypass most of the crowds.  Don't stress getting on or off the ship and enjoy your time.  If you just relax on your balcony the whole  cruise it will still be great!

[complawyer]

when 1st meeting the butler, i ask him/her each morning to bring a pot of coffee, pot of decaf and pot of hot water for tea. along with sweet rolls, muffins and croissants. 

 

of course, gummy bears and peanut m&ms are a must.

 

if i ask nicely, he'll bring me a 6 pack of coke, and a couple of bottles of heineken for the fridge

 

the butler will bring you almost anything that is available on the ship.

 

if you want a meal from the specialty dining rooms, and wish to stay in  your cabin, he can arrange a white dinner table in your suite. breakfast and lunch are in moderno and cagney's respectfully.

 

you can arrange with your butler or the concierge to escort you priority off the ship, and depending  on the time you get back, the butler is usually waiting at the dock to escort you back on, bypassing the crowd. it also doesnt hurt on your 1st full  day if your having breakfast in moderno, to introduce yourself to the maitre'd and maybe slip him a $20. ive done this nearly everytime we've sailed, and they cant do enough for us. he even got my wife and i into cagneys one night for dinner when it was allegedly full with no more reservations available,  dont even be intimidated by the butler, he's there to help and make your cruise that much ore enjoyable and stree free

[krittykat]

6 minutes ago, complawyer said:

when 1st meeting the butler, i ask him/her each morning to bring a pot of coffee, pot of decaf and pot of hot water for tea. along with sweet rolls, muffins and croissants. 

 

of course, gummy bears and peanut m&ms are a must.

 

if i ask nicely, he'll bring me a 6 pack of coke, and a couple of bottles of heineken for the fridge

 

the butler will bring you almost anything that is available on the ship.

 

if you want a meal from the specialty dining rooms, and wish to stay in  your cabin, he can arrange a white dinner table in your suite. breakfast and lunch are in moderno and cagney's respectfully.

 

you can arrange with your butler or the concierge to escort you priority off the ship, and depending  on the time you get back, the butler is usually waiting at the dock to escort you back on, bypassing the crowd. it also doesnt hurt on your 1st full  day if your having breakfast in moderno, to introduce yourself to the maitre'd and maybe slip him a $20. ive done this nearly everytime we've sailed, and they cant do enough for us. he even got my wife and i into cagneys one night for dinner when it was allegedly full with no more reservations available,  dont even be intimidated by the butler, he's there to help and make your cruise that much ore enjoyable and stree free

Great advice! Thank you. I have lots of time to plan. This group is fantastic for information.

[BrownEyedGirl686]

We love our haven trips.  Although we don’t use our butler much either. 

[complawyer]

browneyedgirl68. you're missing at least 50% of the haven experience by not utilizing the butler. remember he's there for you and other haven guests.

 

imho, you're doing yourself a massive disservice by not using this perk to its fullest extent

 

as an aside  "rock on van morrison" 

[BrownEyedGirl686]

4 hours ago, complawyer said:

browneyedgirl68. you're missing at least 50% of the haven experience by not utilizing the butler. remember he's there for you and other haven guests.

 

imho, you're doing yourself a massive disservice by not using this perk to its fullest extent

 

as an aside  "rock on van morrison" 

I mean we ask for your “normal” removal of things from the fridge and the snacks; but aside from that…I can’t think of anything else that we use them for.  
 

If you don’t mind me asking what are some things you ask of them? 

[cruiseny4life]

We are what I'd consider fairly low key Haven cruisers. We get ourselves up in the morning for breakfast, don't ask for twice a day room cleaning, don't expect the butler to respond in minutes...we've learned, over four cruises (and lots of Cruise Critic research) how best to utilize the butler. They can be a real game changer in certain circumstances and a real ho hum experience, in others. 

 

Much like @complawyer explained, we ask for the following upon meeting the butler:

 

- Peanut M&M's to always be stocked

- Gummy bears to always be available

- Lungo Nespresso always available

- Remove the for pay items in the fridge (since the pandemic, NCL hasn't really stocked these anyway)

- A pitcher of iced tea and water always available in the fridge

 

On our first cruise (OMG IT WAS A YEAR AGO - why does time go so quick), we did ask the butler to bring us a plate of pastries, coffee, and hot tea at 7 AM. After one day, we canceled this service. The Nespresso maker is in the room and was perfectly fine for pre-breakfast caffeine. My husband only drinks tea with food and the pastries were just too much since we go to breakfast. We go to breakfast in the Haven Restaurant early, like 6:30/7 early. There's no need for all those extras. At least for us. 

 

We did find the butler service really helpful when we were having dinner in the Haven Restaurant one evening. Service took far too long, as it always does. I had a show to get to! My husband didn't want to go, so I left and he requested the butler bring my food to the cabin. After the show, I was able to return to the cabin and have crab cakes on the balcony, watching the sunset. We opted not to have a white tablecloth. Like, really? Do you need a freaking tablecloth? It's stupid (to us). 

 

On another cruise, I requested dessert be brought to our room after our meal in La Cucina. The butler brought it back, so we were able to enjoy when we wanted. Perfect! 

 

Here's where butler service is perfection: Like, divine! On Getaway, the line for Shanghai Noodle Bar is almost always long, with an hour wait. We wanted appetizers (the yummy spring rolls and pot stickers). We didn't want to wait in line. We spoke with our butler about the best time to order these from Shanghai Noodle Bar. He told us to give him an hour notice, preferably an hour before the restaurant opened to get the best. At 4 PM, for a 5:30 open, we let Francis know we wanted our appetizers! 

 

We ordered two orders each, so plenty as an appetizer before heading to the Haven Restaurant for dinner. Our wonderful butler knew we were big guys (aka, we're fatties), so he doubled our order! He brought the silly white tablecloth which we told him was not necessary. Most importantly, he brought yummy food directly to our room. Instead of waiting in line, getting a buzzer and waiting some more, we were able to have the food at our requested stuff our face time. 

 

In March, we made friends with other couples onboard who were...well they were slightly more needy than us. But, because of this, they received some amazing butler service. On the evening of their specialty dining reservations, their butler escorted them to the restaurants. They took the staff elevator to the floor of the restaurant, wandered the staff area, and then skipped the line. The butler had a conversation with the maitre d, the couple entered before others in the line. And, best of all!!!

 

Throughout the entire dinner service, the server brought the couple additional food, "compliments of the chef." They were first time Haven cruisers. They had no status with NCL. And, they were not wealthy or celebrities. It was just the service they received. We've never received this, but we have also never asked for an escort to the restaurant. We might next time! Not for the escort and skipping of line, but for the extra food. I like food. My belly enjoys food too! And I need to keep those rolls happy and well-fed. Of course, this might have been an anomaly, so we won't expect it (nor should you). I've never heard of this happening to other Haven cruisers, so it might just have been a one-off. 

 

Bottom line, be sure to do your research (as you're doing). If you have a question/aren't sure if the service is provided, then just ask. The worst they'll do is give you a very polite no or give you another option that may satisfy your requirements. 

 

Also, a word of warning - many Haven guests reportedly receive items that aren't necessarily a perk of the Haven. I point you to my story above about receiving extra food at Le Bistro with no extra charge or @complawyer's experience receiving cans of soda at no charge to his room. These are nice and certainly you should be thankful when they occur. But, it's not common. Be sure to keep your expectations level as the worst that can happen is someone else's above and beyond experience impacts your experience. 

But, enjoy the hell out of your Haven cruise! It will be absolutely delightful. You'll love it and never want to cruise another way. We sure won't! 

 

 

[krittykat]

57 minutes ago, cruiseny4life said:

 

 

- Peanut M&M's to always be stocked

- Gummy bears to always be available

- Lungo Nespresso always available

- Remove the for pay items in the fridge (since the pandemic, NCL hasn't really stocked these anyway)

- A pitcher of iced tea and water always available in the fridge

 

 

 

 

 

 

My daughter loves gummy bears and would love to have peppermint tea available. Me - coffee for the win. All your information is helpful regarding the butler and I will file away for our trip.
Thanks!

[Sand and Seas]

It is hard for us to think of things to ask our butler for too!

However, a good butler will find ways to do things for you anyway😉

 

Our first butler experience (many years ago), we didn't meet our butler until the 3rd or 4th day.  Needless to say, we didn't really use him and got by fine without him.  (But loved the Concierge!)

 

Our last butler found ways to do things for us even though we hadn't asked.  He was a sweet guy and we enjoyed the experience so much more.  We never asked for dinner in our room, but he did insist on escorting us to a specialty dinner one night.   Loved that express trip in the elevator!  My DH loved that he kept the M&Ms and gummy bear bowels full☺️ 

 

We generally cruise in Club Balconies but have now learned how to enjoy a Haven cruise. (Love the Haven restaurant!)  We are about to leave for a 12 Day Club Balcony and expect to have a great time.  However, our next cruise after that will be a 7 day Haven.  Will it be our last Haven?  Maybe or maybe not.....

[complawyer]

browneyedgirl68.

 

refer to my post #3. actually, if it's at all doable on the ship, the butler can get it done for you. also, try and take advantage of the concierge.  if nothing else, when the cruise is over and it's time to disembark the ship, he sets up a meeting area and walks you right off to the luggage area, bypassing the 100's of people waiting in the halls, or on the steps for their number to be called. another great perk (imo) is not only do you special tags for your luggage the day before disembarkation, but  they are stored in a completely separate area, making them easy to find 

[complawyer]

 cruiseny4life, not only did our butler get me a 6 pack of soda and a few bottles of heineken, they were replenished  on  request. but also, he substituted that horrendous wine they give you in the suite, for a bottle of moet et chandon. what a great guy. he was worth every dollar of my tip (about $200). by the way (1) other  than on/off the ship for excursions and final disembarkation, ive never had the butler or concierge escort us to any restaurant, or have dinner served in our suite.

 

i my be a maximum prima donna, but some things i can manage by myself and after being taken to cagney's for lunch on the day of embarkation, i have managed to find it again on my own. 

[krittykat]

13 minutes ago, complawyer said:

browneyedgirl68.

 

refer to my post #3. actually, if it's at all doable on the ship, the butler can get it done for you. also, try and take advantage of the concierge.  if nothing else, when the cruise is over and it's time to disembark the ship, he sets up a meeting area and walks you right off to the luggage area, bypassing the 100's of people waiting in the halls, or on the steps for their number to be called. another great perk (imo) is not only do you special tags for your luggage the day before disembarkation, but  they are stored in a completely separate area, making them easy to find 

Just that makes it worthwhile...always hate the chaos of disembarkation 

[Sand and Seas]

10 minutes ago, complawyer said:

browneyedgirl68.

 

refer to my post #3. actually, if it's at all doable on the ship, the butler can get it done for you. also, try and take advantage of the concierge.  if nothing else, when the cruise is over and it's time to disembark the ship, he sets up a meeting area and walks you right off to the luggage area, bypassing the 100's of people waiting in the halls, or on the steps for their number to be called. another great perk (imo) is not only do you special tags for your luggage the day before disembarkation, but  they are stored in a completely separate area, making them easy to find 

Yes!   When we are with the masses, there is no easy disembarkation even with Latitudes status.

Easy special elevator disembarkation is perhaps my favorite Haven perk.

[complawyer]

you got it!!! ive always said  that alone is worth the price of admission (lol)

 

there is another way, although sneaky and may not always work. on one cruise, i became better than acquainted with one of the people working at guest services. the night before disembarkation, i gave him $20 and asked if he could get me off the ship quickly.. worked like a charm . i always say, no matter where you are in the world, "si habla $20  "  also i realize that may sound a bit jaded, but whatever works!

[BrownEyedGirl686]

24 minutes ago, complawyer said:

browneyedgirl68.

 

refer to my post #3. actually, if it's at all doable on the ship, the butler can get it done for you. also, try and take advantage of the concierge.  if nothing else, when the cruise is over and it's time to disembark the ship, he sets up a meeting area and walks you right off to the luggage area, bypassing the 100's of people waiting in the halls, or on the steps for their number to be called. another great perk (imo) is not only do you special tags for your luggage the day before disembarkation, but  they are stored in a completely separate area, making them easy to find 

I will look back. Thank you!!! We definitely have used it for disembarkation. And the kids ask for the cagneys chocolate cake every other night - idk I guess I just feel guilty 🫠

 

but I am going to use them more this time - I think I may even have them pack up for me so I’m not wasting my last day. 

[cruiseny4life]

2 minutes ago, BrownEyedGirl686 said:

I will look back. Thank you!!! We definitely have used it for disembarkation. And the kids ask for the cagneys chocolate cake every other night - idk I guess I just feel guilty 🫠

 

but I am going to use them more this time - I think I may even have them pack up for me so I’m not wasting my last day. 

Just FYI, I strongly believe the chocolate cake served at dinner in the Haven Restaurant is a modified version of the Cagney's chocolate cake. Others will disagree with me. Let your kids try it. You might not need to pony up for a slice of chocolate cake every other night if your kids have the same opinion as me. 

[BrownEyedGirl686]

1 hour ago, cruiseny4life said:

Just FYI, I strongly believe the chocolate cake served at dinner in the Haven Restaurant is a modified version of the Cagney's chocolate cake. Others will disagree with me. Let your kids try it. You might not need to pony up for a slice of chocolate cake every other night if your kids have the same opinion as me. 

thank you for that!!! I am definitely going to pass it on. Let they try it out.  I have to say o guess it was kind of the butler but we have never paid for the cake when it was delivered. (Maybe we have used the butler more then I realized lol) 

[Ellipooh]

Mmm, peanut M&Ms…

[complawyer]

dont forget the gummie bears, a delight not to be missed or taken for granted

[psac]

8 hours ago, complawyer said:

 cruiseny4life, not only did our butler get me a 6 pack of soda and a few bottles of heineken, they were replenished  on  request. but also, he substituted that horrendous wine they give you in the suite, for a bottle of moet et chandon. what a great guy. he was worth every dollar of my tip (about $200). by the way (1) other  than on/off the ship for excursions and final disembarkation, ive never had the butler or concierge escort us to any restaurant, or have dinner served in our suite.

 

i my be a maximum prima donna, but some things i can manage by myself and after being taken to cagney's for lunch on the day of embarkation, i have managed to find it again on my own. 

By any chance were you in an owner’s suite???  These things are supposed to be included there. Otherwise I’m very (happily for you) surprised you got all that!!  We always just leave that crappy bottle there, unopened, because it’s just so bad. We used to ask if they could exchange it for something else, and early on they could, but then it switched to a no and we stopped asking. 

[complawyer]

no, the owners suite automatically comes with 3 bottles of booze. we usually have the 2 bedroom.

i always feel that it doesnt hurt to ask.

 

sometimes i ask him to switch it out for a bottle of prosceco my wife's favorite

[krittykat]

So much valuable information. This is why I love this site. It will a long wait for this trip but we'll worth it.