maja651

Ok, my last post on this and I hope the last post in this thread.

I appreciate everyone's opinions. Thank you for providing them. Thanks in particular to those who were kind in providing them. In a sea of negativity it's nice to have some kind, non-judgmental people chime in (whether they agree with me or not).

I have a solution and know what I'm going to do. Let's let this thread die. PLEASE.

The topic has been beaten to death. Enough already.

The sundeck is part of the Haven pool area. You need to get to the sundeck through the pool area. There are stairs from the pool up to the deck. The Concierge should not be giving anyone access that isn’t a Haven traveler. All my Haven cruises I saw Concierge actually removing people who were not Haven guests who were so well mannered.

He's right about having to go through the Haven pool area to get to the sundeck. But, that just reminded me of something. There is a public sundeck adjacent to the Haven one (starboard versus port). On the Jewel, that sundeck had the same chairs as the Haven and no one ever used it. I know this because It was right outside the GV door's upper sundeck and sometimes we would prop open our door to go check out the 2 sundecks. So, problem solved. We will use the public sundeck that is right there. If I want to get butler service from there I will just call the butler and meet him at the gate that separates the 2 areas. ;p

I am sooooo mad and disappointed! I just got a call from Norwegian telling me that our Jacuzzi in Suite 8201 sailing this Friday 11/24 will not be functional. They offfered us $300 credit.

 

I told them I am not happy and that this cruise was a surprise for my Mother-in-law and now it is ruined! We originally booked 9201 but moved to 8201 for the bigger jacuzzi when it became available. The agent said 9201's jacuzzi is also not functional.

 

I AM PISSED!

I'd be super upset as well. I wonder why they can't get it fixed before your cruise ?

In all my cruises in suites, never has a Butler mentioned this to me.

Me either.

Hello Maja...long time no see.

I hope you have a great time in your owners suite! Its my understanding that non-Haven suites on the Pearl/Jewel get all Haven perks except access to the Haven pool area. They get priority boarding, tender, breakfast at Cagneys, etc. I am not familiar with a Haven sundeck on the Pearl or Jewel. If its not located inside the pool area, I would bet the concierge would have no problem with your adjacent friends to come with you if its on a port day and you stay on the ship. I never could understand the huge price difference for suites vs Haven suites on the jewel class ships. Such a huge price increase for access to a tiny pool. Even on the mega ships Epic and Getaway we never use the Haven pool but we do use the sundeck. I wish they had non Haven suites on the newer ships. One detail that is in your favor. The guests in the adjacent suites are only a total of 3? These amount of passengers could easily fit inside your suite however they are paying for another suite. Enjoy your cruise and give us a review when you get back. BTW, how are the pups?

Hi David! It's nice to see a friendly face in this thread. Lol. The sundeck is not located in the actual pool area it is above it. It's nice because it's quieter than the regular pool deck and the loungers are Haven loungers. Many people seem very upset about this potential threat to the Haven so I almost wish I never would've started this thread. What I don't think people understand here is that, I have no intentions of even going into the Haven any other time during the cruise, and it's likely we will just skip it altogether. I was really just throwing out a scenario to get opinions. Opinions I'm OK with, insults I am not. Although I should've known this would happen. I'm not sure when you read this thread but many insults were thrown out to me but were deleted from the moderator. You would have thought I had killed a baby or something based on some of these insults.

AnyWho I do appreciate the opinions and completely understand once again to all of those who think I don't, that the Haven suites are exclusive, expensive and should be kept that way.

The dogs are great thanks for asking! Hope all is well in your world!

I remember a pub crawl on the Pride of America back in 2007. It was sponsored by NCL and I believe cost $25 pp. It was fun! I am willing to bet that like another poster mentioned, due to the UBP, there is really no demand for a pub crawl anymore. You could always make your own, bring new "friends" you make at each bar with you to the next. :D

I will refer you to a post in which you answer your own question. I hope this helps.

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=42987573&postcount=4

Michelle/maja651: "It doesn't matter how many the suite holds or how many you actually booked in the suite. If you are in a Haven suite, you can use the Haven facilities. If you are not, you cannot. Imagine if everyone had a family member(s) that also wanted to do this? It would take away the exclusivity and less crowded space of the Haven."

Touché. I am flattered you took the time to research and find this quote. And, for the record, I do still believe that for most circumstances. You can read some of my earlier posts in this thread that allude to that. Again, thanks for the flattery. :D

Thank you for your review/live posts! I very much enjoyed reading it and following along on your cruise. :)

I sailed with her earlier this year, tell her we love her to bits and hope we see her again.

Will do!

on teh GEM haven (same size) the valet knew everyone and is saw people get bounced who didnt belong.

 

yes, it doesnt hurt to ask the concierge. but there is a reason why there is about a $2k difference between a suite and a haven access suite. if everyone asked for this favor and it was granted, teh haven would be meaningless. if your friends wanted haven access they should have booked it. otherwise, tehy need to accept that there may be times where you guys want to use it and they will have to find osmethign else to do. or you give up your benefit to spend time with them elsewhere ont he ship.

 

this is why i would never pay for haven if i was traveling with others who were non-haven. you either sacrifice perks you paid for to be a good travel companion, or you ditch your friends and/or try to skirt the rules.

I completely agree with you, and like I said earlier in my posts, I understand and believe those in the Haven should have exclusivity. It is not like I am thinking of asking for them to have 100% access. Just one port day, on the sundeck, and really only one person. If it doesn't work out, it is not a big deal at all. In fact, also, as I mentioned in an earlier post, we may just enjoy our huge front facing balconies that day.

I agree also as to only booking the same level of cabin on a cruise on a ship. In fact, one of the friends was thinking of downgrading to a balcony from her suite, and I very much discouraged her to do that. I told her of all of the suite perks she would be losing, and ultimately that is what swayed her to stay put.

Regarding our particular sailing, it is a bit different, because our suite happens to have Haven access. I was not seeking out a Haven suite, we just wanted suites that had connecting doors, with more space than the normal 2 bedroom suite, as that bedroom is unacceptable for an adult, in our opinion. For that reason, my friend who is sailing solo, paid double for the front facing penthouse that connects to our suite. She is also a platinum plus NCL member, has sailed almost exclusively in suites, and very much understands the Haven and ship etiquette. Neither she nor I will freak out if the concierge says no. We sailed together last year in the Garden Villa on the Jewel over Christmas, so we know what the Jewel class Havens look like, although we didn't really use it for that sailing. It is really not that big of a deal. We just thought it could be nice to use the sun deck on the Roatan day. Can we use other sundecks? Yep, and we may just do that.

Thanks all for your feedback. I know this is a touchy subject. I definitely struck a nerve for some of you and you did the same right back at me. lol

Happy sailing!

I have sailed with Yahira as concierge on two occasions. I found her on both occasions to be absolutely fantastic. I would run not walk to be on any ship where she is.

Fabulous! Thanks for the feedback!

I was in the Deluxe Owners Suite in March on the Epic. It was my sister, her 20 year old daughter and me. My niece met two nice young men who were in a suite as well, but not in the haven complex. Since it was Epic they were allowed carte blanche.

 

In 2015 we were on the Jewel in an aft penthouse. She made some friends in Moderno at breakfast who were in the haven and invited her to swim. As tough as it was I had to explain that it was not appropriate as our suite did not have access.

 

So, we were actually in rhe same scenario of your friends.

 

 

 

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I'm sorry but I still don't see our situations as the same. My friends, in particular the solo with the adjoining suite, booked at the same time. We have connected reservations. We did not meet randomly on a ship.

Respectfully, I too only book full fare suites no upsells. I too work very very hard for my money. And choose a suite cruise every 1.5 -2 years. I am frugal. Use coupons. Drive cars 10-12 years. I too have travelled with family and friends in non suite or "entry level suites". That was their choice on their vacation spending and I have mine. I have NEVER EVER asked for a single favor. And never would.

 

I either meet up with them after Haven meals or if I wish to dine with them I go on their turf. Same for pool area, bars, sundecks.

 

Sometimes it was just me and one other, like my mom or sister in a suite that sleeps 4. Sure, we could have cammed my cousin and her friend in there to ensure suite perks for all but part of my reason for booking a suite is to be comfortable. That is a personal decision.

 

You are certainly entitled to your own opinion but I respectfully disagree. No name calling here. I just believe very strongly that in order to guarantee suite or Haven perks for all... all must pay for them. It does not matter if it is crowded, occupied or not. I just believe fair is fair.

 

Are there exceptions made at the discretion of NCL? Yes. I have met a lady on the Sun given VIP staus, cruising solo in a non suite cabin. The senior staff knew her from her 120+ cruises on NCL. But she told me she never asks for favors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Thank you for your thoughts and opinion. I get it and completely understand where you're coming from. Please keep in mind though, all are in suites. The only difference is that ours is the owners suite that happens to have Haven access. We wanted 3 suites right next to each other facing front, so paying for Haven suites for all really wasn't an option.

I appreciate that we can have different opinions without verbally attacking each other. :)

And I only posted what I tip because Michelle asked me directly. In fact, I posted that I don't usually tip suite stewards, so not sure how that is exaggerating. Unless I actually ask THEM for money. ;)

You are right, I asked directly and I thanked you, and will thank you again for posting. :) THANK YOU :)

I believe the only way to sail on NCL is in the Haven. The rest of the ship is so crowded like the mall on black friday. I believe tat is because not enough public space The ships should have another public deck and a large theatre to hold most activities like bingo lectures etc. If you aren’t up at the crack of dawn no place to sit by the pool. The haven is private very comfortable and the service is excellent. The restaurant in the haven is very good as is the Haven bar. When you want to enjoy dinner at a specialty restaurant you can make reservations with the Haven concierge. From the minute you enter the terminal you will get vip treatment until the moment you leave the terminal to go home. The haven offers you a “huge” private balcony.

The Haven on the Jewel class does not have a restaurant or bar. It is very different than the larger ships. I do agree with you, on those large ships, the ONLY want to go is in a Haven suite.

I believe that 3 full fare suites should be given Haven access. Abuse would be if you dragged passengers from lower inside cabins to be with you. Get your TA or cruise consultant to assist b/4 you sail. Otherwise get the Hotel Mgr. on board to assist. NCL should value passengers willing to pay for the best they have to offer on a ship. As for these 1st class airline compares the issue is security. We have sailed on NCL where passengers not in suites, but on 3 or 4 BTB's were given suite privileges. The only way I would object is if there were many children involved. Enjoy your cruise.

Thank you, but I do understand that all 3 of these suites are not Haven access, and under normal circumstance, full fare or not, should not be allowed in the Haven. On these smaller ships, the Haven is so small, I get why people would be annoyed with non-Haven guests being up there. If we were a group or 4 in the owner's suite, 3 in the one PH, and 4 in the other, for a grand total or 11 peeps versus the 5 that we currently are, I would not even consider asking. But, since we are 5 TOTAL, and would only want to use it that one day in Roatan, I don't think it is a huge deal. Oh, and I I almost forgot. There will actually only be 3 of us, so only ONE additional person to ask for Haven access, on the Roatan day. Our friends in the non-adjoining suite will be doing something on the island that day.

Anyway, thanks for your feedback. :D

I think there are some mean spirited folks here.

 

The OP was just trying to get an idea what to expect. Was not trying to bully their way in, etc.

 

And, if you are talking about the sun deck on a day the ship is in port... chances are it will be empty, or close to it. Not going to bother anyone and the concierge/butler/staff might be okay with it.

 

And maybe not.

 

As my young granddaugher said the other day " Calm down Papa. Calm down""

Thank you. I appreciate your kindness. I wonder if these same people would be that way in person? It does seem like people are different behind the cloak of the Internet, versus in person.

I kind of knew the subject would stir up some controversy, so I am not shocked by the responses. I do value the opinions, and I do understand why some people feel so strongly about them. But, I also was honestly looking for opinions. If any of the negative nellies had read my responses to their posts, for most of them, I responded agreeing and understanding their viewpoint.

It's a weird thing but some posters like to brag about what suites they are in and how generous they are to the crew that work on the ships. I've seen a lot of people exaggerate and caught them "embellishing".

 

 

Not sure why they think anyone cares, but hey...it's the internet.

Interesting. Well, don't count me in that group. lol I just post for information and research. I also try to help others by replying to questions as my way of giving back to this community, :hearteyes:

Yes, it is. The Haven is a reserved area of the ship. First Class is a reserved area of the plane. Just because there may be extra room doesn’t mean you can give access away. It’s like asking that your friends in coach be given First Class meals.

 

This should be a FAQ because people ask all the time, “Can my friends come into the Haven with me?” Yes, just have them book a Haven room.

 

 

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I still disagree that it is not the same at all. And, although my friends are not in Haven suites, as they are in cabins that are connecting to ours, with a connecting reservation, and are in FULL PRICE NON-UPSELL SUITES, I do think that this is a special circumstance. Whether or not I ask for it now is up in the air at this time. And, if I do ask, and the concierge says no, I will not be upset.

Even if for 51 weeks in a row it was allowed, that would ultimately mean nothing. Even if every person who has sailed in the same suite as you will tried the exact same thing and was successful, that would ultimately mean nothing.

 

Since opinions (other than the concierge's) mean nothing, it seems that you are looking for assurance that your plan will work. Nobody on this forum can give you that. They can give their experience but theirs may or may not match what you will experience.

 

Your question is the equivalent of "Can I drive 100mph on I-95 going towards Miami without getting a ticket?". Sure, some have done it (myself ;p) and had no issue but that doesn't mean anything if you plan on trying it next week.

 

You are asking for something that you know isn't allowed and hoping that the concierge will allow it. If it is allowed, great. If not, there's no reason to be upset with anyone here nor with the concierge.

Good points. And no, I would not be upset if the concierge said no.

yes, yes, yes! You must sail with david.

I think he is on the breakaway, but please don't quote me or be angry if i am mistaken. :);p

 

judy

:) :) :)

Yes, the Concierge will decide, but with you being in the expensive owners suite you are putting them in an awkward position since you are a VIP passenger. They may find it hard to say no. By bringing them in to the Haven I think you know you will be abusing the system and you are doing wrong. You already know that though by the disclaimers in your original and subsequent posts. Regardless if the cabins are connecting and regardless of how many your suite can hold: No Haven fare SHOULD equal no access.

 

Disclaimer: The above post was not posted with snarky intentions and was solely intended to answer Maja's query.

That makes total sense. I certainly do not want to put the concierge in that type of position. I hadn't thought of it that way. Thank you. - Although - I may just check the Haven myself on the Roatan day and see if the sundeck has any people on it. If not, I may just bring ask that day and see if it will work out for that one day.

If you know that it is up to the concierge, what exactly are you asking us?

 

Do WE think that they should be given access? Our opinions mean nothing in that case.

I am asking, as stated in my original post, for opinions, and maybe experiences others have had. I know that many will be of the mind set that you have, that they SHOULD NOT have access. And, I get it, I am not stupid or entitled. I am just hoping to be able to use the Haven sundeck one port day with my friends. I am also just curious as to others' experiences and opinions.

There are reasons that those with Haven access are given access and that those without access are not.

 

If every guest with Haven access "gave" access to friends that do not have access, what would be the result? Would it be alright for you to invite your friends while others could not invite theirs?

I understand your point, and I expected some responses like yours. I guess we shall see what the concierge says. To clarify, I would not be "giving" access as you put it. I would be ASKING for access for my SUITE guest CONNECTING reservations and CABINS friends. All scenarios are not equal, which is why the concierge can ultimately decide. (Maybe the Haven will not be crowded that week, etc.)