the secrets of the ncl haven luxury experience

@pcakes122Your above post is one of the best I have read in a while. In my searches in 2019, no articles did a deep dive about these mainstream exclusive areas. Enjoy your cruise fully. The Butler was a non-issue because we simply did not know how to utilize their services effectively. The ship sailings focus much more on itinerary, since small ships can get into different much more unique ports. Here's a trick I think some folks may enjoy. While very nice and offered me Coffee and Tea and MM's for the room she told me to just ask people at the port. This allows you to get a feel for the food, service, menu and make relationships with the crew. They also have a smaller scaled down version of the Haven pool, hot tub, and sundeck. You motivated me. Now you're speaking my language! I chose not to do this yet know it could be available if you would so choose. Any recommendations from anyone that has had this type Haven Cabin? Even though it was small, I loved this private little hangout perk. I had no idea that after the massage we had access to Silver Cove. I am going on the Joy in May and this is very helpful. I cannot emphasize enough that any alcohol delivered by your butler, regardless of your drink package will be charged to your suite. I then insert them into purchased clear plastic luggage tags purchased off Amazon.com. For me personality, it also allows me to take care of details ahead of time. We just needed to know what, if any difference there was between the NCL Haven and a Luxury Cruise. The rules changed every week. Your question of which Haven is the best is a tough one. The odd thing is that all of them show as PrivaSea on the deck plans but most of them appeared normal from the outside and on videos that I found. I printed it out (only 12 pages) and he will gladly read it as we approach our cruise. During the day it would provide little appetizers and treats. The average cost for an inside state room, is about $499.00 per person (not including taxes & fees). First, I would like to say thank you, Gary, for taking the time to create a guide like this for Haven first-timers to try and help them get the most out of their experience. Not that we ever got bad service by the stewards or the Neptune concierge---it was never bad. I personally would love to read your review. Feb 2020 we got 1 in before the world shut down (1 week in Easter Island for the annual Tapaki Rapa Nui Festival followed by 2 weeks around S America on the Star. They are usually unsupervised and can be unruly. Be advised, I have no personal experience. Powered by Invision Community. Thanks for the info. My butler on my Crystal Cruises journey was the best and no butler on any brand has ever come close. I personally love the big ships and the feel it gives us when you see it and venture through it. Are you actually in the NAVY? I read a lot of review of folks that simply dont utilize their butlers. Later that afternoon we received confirmation in our suite. What we all must understand; no cruise is perfect. We booked another, Thank you again! I will say that following these boards was a lifesaver, especially a butler letter and pre-tip. What you must remember. Thanks for the update. Shidah. The NCL Haven Luxury VIP Experience "Secrets" REVISED for 2022, Q&A with James Rodriguez, President & CEO of Atlas Ocean Voyages, Q&A: Cruise Insurance with Steve Dasseos of the TripInsuranceStore.com - Summer Session '23. Forums. Pretty places deserve to be shared with others - why not Write a Review! I was on the Joy, fully booked, went to the Buffet for breakfast when in a Club Balcony suite. If I had to choose it would be the Encore or the Bliss. We did purchase the thermal suite pass and that was on deck 15, so even easier to get to! The reason was the Joy did not have a . Powered by Invision Community. My wife and I did a couples massage on Great Stirrup Cay, we were given a wristband that stated: Lagoon Access, we were driven to the spa which is located in Silver Cove via an electric cart. Deck 14, not in Haven Courtyard . Easier to figure when/if you want to go. i do give the cabin steward $20 on the very 1st day, $20 in the middle of the cruise and another$20 at the end. I also lost a little bit of my memory, "I think, what or yes memory". Prior to booking the Haven, the information available at the time was far from complete. The Haven | Norwegian Cruise Line You first must know what are some secrets to getting all the value you can, from the NCL Haven Luxury Experiences. Now I have to drive about 30 minutes to get to the nearest one! You can take it with you and call your butler from anywhere on the ship. This was not seen or felt on our cruise. I hope this information helps some folks enjoy their next cruise experience. I personally think you are over thinking it. Print it or download it to your phone. Norwegian's Luxury Cruise Experience - The Haven on NCL As you know I just sailed on the Joy and had a wonderful time. When I go to Vegas or LA I always go to In and Out for burgers and fries, then I go to Lawry's for prime rib! Many of us choose the Haven because we want a quiet reserved area to relax and enjoy. That elevator also goes 1 deck below the Haven lounge, opening directly to the Garden Cafe. I assume that the regular room service is probably comfort food etc - like on some other cruise lines? I hope that helps. www.brigs.us/portfolio. @HutchaI owe it all to YOU. It was clear the Luxury Brand ships were smaller; it is a different cruising experience than the huge 5,000 plus passengers ships. By Hence, a Ship within a Ship experience. Pretty places deserve to be shared with others - why not Write a Review! Things happen, crew members, like any other humans, have good and bad days. THE SECRETS OF THE NCL HAVEN LUXURY EXPERIENCE - Cruise Critic In the cruising industry, the last 10 years has shown a rise in the popularity exclusive suites/ship areas; also, the perks and amenities these premium cabins provide. It is important to note, my comments now will be from actual experience I have had. One of my top three restaurants. I'm about 1 month out from our trip on the Joy, butler letter in draft mode and figuring out our plans for each day, some which include doing nothing!! 25 Norwegian Cruise Tips You Need to Know - Should Be Cruising The brand we choose was Oceania Cruises, which is a sister to NCL and the Luxury brand of Regents Seven Seas. As for seating , you can sit in the Haven reserved seats on the left ,half way up from the stage or do as we do, go down 45 minutes before the show with the asst concierge or butler in the crew elevator and go into the theater in the secret passage near the stage and sit orchestra center third row. The coffee machine there made a better cup of specialty coffee then I can get at a coffee shop at home. The answer is quite simple. This area was my absolute favorite place on the ship. Way back when, my goal was and still is to enhance our cruising experience. We plan to have breakfast and dinner in our suite every day as it wouldnt be a good experience for us or anyone else trying to take a toddler to a formal restaurant. From what I understand it's really like an extension of the Haven private bar, private buffet, private beach with ample seating. We started the trend with Holland America Line (HAL), then to Celebrity Cruises and now NCL. Nor is the Haven Concierge. The result is as close to a fully inclusive vacation as possible. This brings us to topics of this document, newly updated. The suite was well kept, had a lovely two-person jetted tub overlooking our balcony. If you are on that elevator, tap your key on the key card device. The courtyards are all nice but I rarely spend much time there. Haven Guest can reserve specialty restaurants 130 days in advance. Sauna, steam, showers, and salt rooms. It's often stated that it depends very much on the concierge. I cant leave this conclusion section, without saying a few more words. The Suites only restaurant, Luminae, was the best restaurant on the ship by far. The Suites only restaurant, Luminae, was the best restaurant on the ship by far apart from the Crystal Cruises dining experience which was a new level. Powered by Invision Community. Have a fabulous cruise in December and I hope your wife wins the championship!!! Your post were my go to when I booked my first Haven suite on the Getaway. They get busy very often. 2021 December on the Windstar Wind Surf was great. Thank you again! Like we were the redheaded stepchildren of the Neptune suites. My always pre-thought-out email, addressed things I would normally ask for, when I arrive on the ship. The issue on the table is rude guests in any section of the ship, Haven or anywhere else. Here arejusta few: o Escorts to Show: Sounds good on paper however unless you have a mobility issue, it is not necessary. Because of one issue or interaction with a crew member or fellow passenger I would lose my mind. The conventional "wisdom" in most of the commentaries afterNorwegian Joyshifted some additional suites to Haven status was that the influx of now-Haven residents would fill the Haven past a comfortable capacity. There was no placeholder to add in the Haven butler in real time. Another word, you can have a private pool, padded lounge chairs, hot tubs, bars, restaurants, and butler. I did know that, I just wasn't sure because so many people said the show sells out and they could not get in. Since my Haven cruise last March on Breakaway, that's the only way I want to cruise! Indian women set fire to house of suspect as Manipur sex assault case In November 2018, my family and I went on the Celebrity Equinox in a cabin upgraded cabin level called the . You choose a large NCL Ship that has a full Haven facility. For some, yes and other not. It is the entitled parents that think their job of supervising their children ends when they get on board. On 2/13/2022 at 11:43 AM, Sthrngary said: 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Thank youSthrngaryand everyone who has contributed to these wonderful Haven threads. For my familys needs, yes it does. On our recent Joy sailing a few weeks ago, the pre-cruise concierge wouldnt book any shows. The NCL Haven luxury experience gives you this opportunity, for an investment of course. Add Cruise Critic's Community Forums to your iPhone's Home Screen! Ask and you will receive. As someone who has cruised in the Haven many times, I have a different experience, opinion and approach to Haven cruising. . This upgraded category also provided a butler. Ask and you will receive just give the crew some time to plan. We were just fine with that as well. This overview is to educate those who are considering the upgrade and want to know how to leverage it for their own wants and needs. The best strategy is to eat in the Haven Restaurant on the first night of cruising. It is nice and if the show is crowded, it is nice to know you have a seat. Folks hate that I provide a gratuity on day one. Please always ask for all food deliveries to be. Am I correct in assuming that? A good one to try is Lunch on day one. That is rude. There are way too many folks online that complain they did not see their butler until day three. Attitude makes a cruise. This is a personal preference however important to bring up as a point of reference for the rest of this topic. It only accessible to those with spa suites, Haven or otherwise, and a few passed that can be purchased. By It is climate controlled. Eileen From my first morning on board, I would wake up early. Let us break these down so you can fully leverage the Haven Secrets. I would say only half of the lounge chairs were being used. They will deliver fancy canapes daily. The provided luggage tags are lovely however have been accidently ripped off in the past. It is nice to have the option, without having to double your cruise fare again, to go on an Ultra-Premium or Luxury Cruise line. If you dont like what is on the Haven Restaurant Menu, tell your server in the afternoon you want something else and they will do their best to have it for you. The spa prices are listed on the pamphlet they provide within the Haven lounge area and I'm sure you can find the prices online. What is the 24-hour restaurant you guys are mentioning? I am considering doing it again. If you book Christmas, consider also booking the Vibe Beach Club or simply book a ship with hot tubs on the top Haven sundeck. Thank you for your comment. I'll tell the concierge. I did the best formatting that I could to make it look good. Remember, realistic expectations. Some call this day dreams. The reserved Haven seats are held until 10 minutes before the show and then released for the standing room crowd. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. In April, 2022, we stayed in a Haven Penthouse Suite (14130). I am glad my family and I did it. Most cruise lines have a sale for the first evening of sailing. You can communication these request via a special 800 number or send an email. We prefer to stay out a long time once we fly somewhere. I always do the Premium Plus Drink Program. It doesn't mean I am a "detractor", and I am not going to use Gary's thread to list where we differ (if I want to share my opinion on how to best experience the Haven, I would/should take the time to put my own thread together! Will Haven guest have special seating to ALL shows? The cruise brands profit much more on a Haven type level guest. I take one day at a time, LOL. If you dont already know, the NCL Haven is a Ship within a Ship concept. Depending on the ship you're on, the same restaurant (same menu, even) is called "The Local." We had 4 guests, yet it could have sleep 6. Good burger also, I might add. Haven Spa Suite: This is a little hint to some of us out there. This this thread has kept me active and interested in a subject I have enjoyed since my honeymoon 44 years ago. You can also google that title. I hope this information helps some folks enjoy their next cruise experience. Better for us to stay in somebodys bubble. Posh doesn't have hot tubs, but does have a great bar. Is the Haven Butler and Concierge included in the NCL Pre-Paid Gratuities Program? All those examples are usually adults. Regardless, a very nice perk. EnJOY. If you book those popular family dates, set your expectations accordingly. I walked her past the Haven embarkation area in Miami and got in the regular embarkation line. Thank every one for keeping this second edition of the Secret of the Haven going. I chose not to do this, yet know it could be available if I would so choose. On this issue, it is so fluid. Sometimes I'll stop and get a sack of ten for the trip. I am sure you will get your Haven Bid and have a nice time. Thank you for the complement. After cruising in the 90s (think Love Boat vibe) my Moms situation kept us mostly at home until 2011. Your spa tip at Silver Cove has definitely got my attention. The Haven guest have priority. We prefer to stay out a long time once we fly somewhere. That is what they do. I cant leave this conclusion section, without saying a few more words. Whether you go with a NCL Haven luxury experience; Celebrity suites or any other brands upper level, 2016Gary Tilkin Consultants Inc. | Login. The Good Mrs. Benson and I sailed onJoythis past September, as well, and in terms of Haven population, we had the same experience as yours. It is the quest of the, We have been cruising since our Honeymoon 43 years ago. If it persists, I will say something to the parents, whom react differently based on their childrens entitlement issues. My last trip, they did not have a Drink Package for my adult children. I did the same, the first time I had a butler. Haven Select Elevators Access: The Haven is usually located on the top floors of the ship. They closed down and I was ready to sell my house! Through 2020 we did 23 cruises but many were B2B which I still counted as 1 each. After the massage was over we were told by several staff we could utilize the lagoon area in Silver Cove, which included lounge chairs, floats, a restaurant (open until 2:00 pm), and a bar. The lowest cost for a Haven Suite is approximately $2,099.00 per person on average. Michaels club was a small, quite private lounge with a full bar. Because of your last thread we bid on the Haven for our TA on the Escape and your history (43 cruises) made me think about & summarize our history. THE SECRETS OF THE NCL HAVEN LUXURY EXPERIENCE - Cruise Critic We booked another, 2022 (2 trips planned really 5 B2B) Hope we get our Haven bid accepted 65 days total. And all of the requests we gave them for room items were completely ignored, and we had to start from scratch with the butler, which was fine. This is no ordinary bar. I asked for nuts. There are some amenities that are different than the other Haven Suites. You can communication these request via a special 800 number or send an email. I could not agree with this more. For me today, it is worth every penny. The past few years, my wife and I have chosen to attempt to improve our overall cruise experience by upgrading our cabins to suites levels sometimes in exclusive sections of a larger cruise ship (Reference: NCL Haven; Celebrity Suite; MSC Yacht Club). Voted Best Accommodations by Porthole Magazine, The Haven offers a luxurious oasis at sea where Haven guests can lounge, dine, and even check-in privately. . 30 downloads, Thank you for sharing , It gives me some ideas as to how to compose my letter to our butler I have a draft started of everyone's likes/dis-likes and snack requests, I must admit I am surprised , and pleased by teenagers request for fruit and granola bars VS candy . In the cruising industry, the last 10 years has shown a rise in the popularity of these exclusive suites/ship areas; also, the perks and amenities these premium cabins provide. After cruising in the 90s (think Love Boat vibe) my Moms situation kept us mostly at home until 2011. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Next Page 1 of 92 Sthrngary 3.2k October 19, 2018 Birmingham, AL #1 Posted February 13, 2022 2022 Update of the original post from 2019 This content is very long and detailed. Their food from the Main Dining restaurant was VERY GOOD. Every time we dined at a restaurant (mostly at specialty restaurants), the servers were also clued in, after greeting us, they would ask who had the allergy, and then they worked through the possibilities and also confirmed with the Chefs. Thanks again to all those experienced Haven travelers and the advice given. This one, however, is perfect. Fortunately, I have a website for our record and not much else to do until we leave in April. If I ever experience being in the complex/proper/enclave, whatever you call it, maybe I'll become one of those people. The food items are the same for all Haven Suites. From a frequent cruiser stand point, this little perk is much more then it seems to be at face value. That said, I would like to add that it is the responsibility of every cruiser to do their own research. Yes, AND the rules/protocols can even change once you are onboard and have set sail - this happened to us in August 2021. The down side is the suite is a much smaller sq. We enjoyed not being in the Haven (all four of our Haven cruises have been outside the Haven). So far as I know, you can't get the concierge to stop on your floor to get you. They wont be your date, for a show or dinner. That is Rude. IIRC it's like $50 per time. Attitude makes a cruise. The balcony was small'ish, but adequate for two people. I highlight all of my "maybes" in yellow and then update my "definites" with a brighter color. My wife and I, for the first time are taking the jump from Mainstream cruise brands (NCL, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, MSC, Carnival, Holland America), to a luxury cruise brand. I have 5 speeding tickets (Slovakia, Hungary, France) as documentation. Hopefully our butler isnt too annoyed at us. In your suite, you have a mobile phone. One more thing. We carry our luggage up the stairs, instead of waiting for the elevator as it would take forever to get an up elevator with enough space for us, and our bags. This trait provides me with a high level of enjoyment from my vacationing experience. Fairly limited menu there, but we loved the food. Just once or maybe twice. If anyone has specific questions, please fire away. They reduce the cost for the specialty restaurants by excess of 30% if you go the very first night. I recognize that it takes a generosity of spirit and a lot of time to put something like this together and I'm sure you are going to help many people through your efforts. They will do almost any small task you ask, within reason. I want to address you missing the buffet. . Can we have her eat with us in the Haven Restaurant? Designed with guests in mind, Norwegian has created a retreat so luxe, effortless . My love was Big Band Music and the Jazz Ensemble in my High School. I do not even know where to begin with the experience my wife and I had. This included access to the ships Michaels Club and the Suites Only restaurant called the Luminae. But, to us, something seemed a little off. Even more interesting is these exclusive special guest area suites sell out very quickly. They provide exclusive use of a specialty restaurant for breakfast and lunch for their Haven guest. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. They provide exclusive use of a specialty restaurant for breakfast and lunch for their Haven guest. Pretty places deserve to be shared with others - why not Write a Review! They wont watch your kids, when you go out for an evening. In the envelope are special luggage tags (I will discuss this next) and a letter requesting any special requests. If a guest were to get a main pool lounge chair first thing in the morning and attempt to put their stuff on it to reserve, it all day. I could use some advice about which ship has the "best" Haven (thoughts on the best courtyard and sundeck spaces, hot tubs and snack and bar services). We might give it a shot and see for lunch. They don't understand why the cruise ship brands, allow this to happen.