Won Bid for Haven - Few Last Minute Questions

Hi,

I won a bid for aft Haven on Escape for this weekend. I have a couple of odd questions that I would love feedback on. I think today is last day to change these reservations.

1) Prior to getting the Haven I booked the 6 meal package and the SPA package. Now I think it would be a waste to not enjoy dinner in the Haven at least a couple of nights. I'm thinking about calling and changing to 4 night meal plan.

2) For those that have been in the Haven, do you also enjoy having the SPA?

3) How about the Vibe? Is it much different than the Haven?

I'd appreciate any other tips that will help a first time NCL & Haven cruiser. I have tried to read tips on cruise critic. I found out yesterday my bid was accepted. I haven't had time to really focus on it too much because I worked today and now trying to get dinner prepped for tomorrow.

Thanks

1. Use a couple of those SDP meals for lunch. That will give you plenty of nights for the Haven dinner and specialty dinner on other nights.

2. Spa is nice (adult-only and exclusive). I'd keep it.

3. VIBE sundeck and hot tub are most like the Haven sundeck but VIBE adds a bar and is adult-only. If you had planned on arriving early (before you won the bid) you might as well get VIBE passes. If the weather doesn't cooperate and/or you don't see yourself using it (because you have the spa), return your pass and let someone on the waiting list get it.

I was in a aft Haven room on the Escape in August. Definitely keep your spa, I had it and loved spending time in there especially late afternoons. I don't think you need Vibe. Haven has its own sun deck on 19 with waitress service. Have a great time!

1. Use a couple of those SDP meals for lunch. That will give you plenty of nights for the Haven dinner and specialty dinner on other nights.

 

2. Spa is nice (adult-only and exclusive). I'd keep it.

 

3. VIBE sundeck and hot tub are most like the Haven sundeck but VIBE adds a bar and is adult-only. If you had planned on arriving early (before you won the bid) you might as well get VIBE passes. If the weather doesn't cooperate and/or you don't see yourself using it (because you have the spa), return your pass and let someone on the waiting list get it.

Thank you for great tips. I never thought of using the SDP for lunch. I will need to change my reservations around but I would think lunch times would be easier to get then dinner times.

I was in a aft Haven room on the Escape in August. Definitely keep your spa, I had it and loved spending time in there especially late afternoons. I don't think you need Vibe. Haven has its own sun deck on 19 with waitress service. Have a great time!

Thank you ! I have been reading Escape & Haven reviews and I'm so excited we get the opportunity to experience it. My hubby doesn't know and so far I'm able to keep the secret. Can't wait until Saturday. Did you mind being so far away from the Haven. We are on deck 10 so quite aways. But the room and balcony look so nice. And I figure the exercise might help me with all the food and drink I will have. :)

Thank you ! I have been reading Escape & Haven reviews and I'm so excited we get the opportunity to experience it. My hubby doesn't know and so far I'm able to keep the secret. Can't wait until Saturday. Did you mind being so far away from the Haven. We are on deck 10 so quite aways. But the room and balcony look so nice. And I figure the exercise might help me with all the food and drink I will have. :)

We were on deck 9 aft last summer. Yes, it's a bit of a hike but the HUGE balcony more than makes up for it! We found ourselves not using the lounge too often, but we ate most dinners in The Haven. We did a Haven Spa suite over last NYE on Epic, which is considerably closer than an aft on Escape, and didn't use The Haven any more than we did in our aft suite.

1 - The Haven menu doesn't change, but the food is delicious. It's also open for lunch on sea days (same as specialty restaurants), so I would eat there instead of using an SDP meal on lunch. I personally would drop down to 3 or 4 night SDP to save a few bucks - it'll pay for the extra DSC.

2 - I would absolutely do the spa - my favorite spot on the ship. So relaxing, adults only - I could spend all day there.

3 - That's totally up to you. You'll need to arrive early (before boarding). Haven guests board first, so you shouldn't have a problem getting passes if you want them as long as you arrive before boarding begins. Plan on being there by 10:30 if you want them. Vibe is right next to The Haven. We didn't do Vibe on Escape but Posh is similar on Epic. After experiencing it on Epic we absolutely would do it on Escape. Again, adults only, awesome bar with great bartenders, and a small crowd. Great for getting to know people. We went there after getting back on board every port day and hung out there most sea days for a few hours. Easily worth $99 PP to us. But its not going to be terribly different than The Haven sun deck, just without the bar right there. The Haven has servers bringing you food & drinks, so service won't be lacking should you choose not to do Vibe.

We're sailing Escape in 52 days in The Haven (Penthouse this time, so we'll probably use The Haven a lot more) and plan on doing spa passes and Vibe. My wife doesn't know we upgraded - we were supposed to do a "cheap" cruise in a balcony but I had a good sales month and it's her 30th birthday :-)

Thank you for great tips. I never thought of using the SDP for lunch. I will need to change my reservations around but I would think lunch times would be easier to get then dinner times.

There are only a couple of specialty restaurants that are open for lunch that take the SDP (Pinchos, Margaritaville) but using the SDP there would allow you to also use the SDP the same night for dinner in a different specialty restaurant.

1) Prior to getting the Haven I booked the 6 meal package and the SPA package. Now I think it would be a waste to not enjoy dinner in the Haven at least a couple of nights. I'm thinking about calling and changing to 4 night meal plan. Since the menu in the Havens restaurant does not change, 2 nights is probably enough. We used one of our SDPs to have all you can eat tapas at Pinchos.

 

2) For those that have been in the Haven, do you also enjoy having the SPA? Yes. We always book a spa in addition to the Havens.

 

3) How about the Vibe? Is it much different than the Haven? The Havens sundeck and the vibe are separated by a 3" metal divider. Save your money and effort.

 

I'd appreciate any other tips that will help a first time NCL & Haven cruiser. I have tried to read tips on cruise critic. I found out yesterday my bid was accepted. I haven't had time to really focus on it too much because I worked today and now trying to get dinner prepped for tomorrow. You will check in with the Havens desk immediately after Security. And will be escorted to the Havens lounge on embarkation. If you want lunch in the Havens restaurant, get in there as soon as it opens because there will be a rush and service will slow to a snail's pace. The concierge desk will help you with making and changing all reservations. If you want to do Canvas-by-U (painting) or Escape-the-Bigtop (escape room), have the concierge book as soon as you embark.

Make sure your butler knows if you have any special requests. We always get a bowl of gummy bears and M&Ms along with keeping a pitcher of water in the fridge. On certain days, we get special sandwiches. On shore days, we have our butler bring us breakfast. There are check-box breakfast cards in the room. Disregard the check boxes and write whatever you want (eggs over easy, omelets, filet steak, mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, bacon, sausage, ham, breakfast potatoes, fresh fruit, breads, juices, and a diet pepsi).

Thanks

Don't forget that you need to tip your butler and concierge. Suggested $10-$15 per person in room per days of cruise for you butler (e.g., $10 * 2 people * 7 days); $5-$10 per person per day for the concierge; and $5-$10 per person per day extra for your steward for your larger room.

Would you mind stating what you bid and what category you were previously in?

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Would you mind stating what you bid and what category you were previously in?

 

 

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I was in balcony and paid 799 PP with gratuities and beverage package as my perks. My winning bid was 1300 PP for Aft Haven. I did get caught up in the bidding because I wanted to experience the Haven so bad. So I paid 2099 and the Aft Cabin was going for 2999 PP so not a great deal but still less than buying it outright. I didn't get the extra perks either but if I had upgraded outright I would of lost the pre-paid gratuities because they do not currently offer that and the taxes and fees had gone up about 100.

Congrats!!!! I would love to experience the Haven one time. We sail in two days and our bid still shows pending I think we will be spending the extra money we set aside for our bid. Have a great time and enjoy your cruise.

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I was in balcony and paid 799 PP with gratuities and beverage package as my perks. My winning bid was 1300 PP for Aft Haven. I did get caught up in the bidding because I wanted to experience the Haven so bad. So I paid 2099 and the Aft Cabin was going for 2999 PP so not a great deal but still less than buying it outright. I didn't get the extra perks either but if I had upgraded outright I would of lost the pre-paid gratuities because they do not currently offer that and the taxes and fees had gone up about 100.

I think you got a pretty good deal! Don’t forget, the gratuities for Haven are more than a regular cabin, but since you have them pre-paid, you don’t have to pay the increase! That, plus the increase in taxes and fees, plus the lower price, that’s pretty darn good!

Don't forget that you need to tip your butler and concierge. Suggested $10-$15 per person in room per days of cruise for you butler (e.g., $10 * 2 people * 7 days); $5-$10 per person per day for the concierge; and $5-$10 per person per day extra for your steward for your larger room.

Whose suggestion is that?? I did not know NCL suggested those amounts to tip in the Haven...

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You're going to absolutely love the Haven, especially the aft balcony. I was in a forward Haven penthouse (with tiny balcony) on the Breakaway. It was a fair walk to get to the Haven, but who even noticed? Everyone above gave you great advice. Here's my personal preference:

1. Keep you six SDP's. They're so fun. Use a one or two for lunch and go to the Haven restaurant for dinner at you leisure. My experience was that I just walked up and never had to wait more that a few minutes. Menu doesn't change, though.

2. I've had the spa on the Dawn where they don't have the Haven. Loved it, but my feeling is that it's somewhat redundant to the serenity of the Haven. If you can afford it, keep the spa pass as an option in case you get some noisy kids in the Haven area. If it's not in the budget, you're not giving up too much since you have the Haven area.

3. I've never gotten Vibe passes. I'm in the Haven on my next cruise in April and I won't bother with the Vibe then, either. It's so similar to the Haven sundeck EXCEPT it has a bar, which seems like it would be a lot of fun. However, you're never waiting for a drink in the Haven; service is great (I always get two at a time just in case). And the Haven has an inside bar anyway.

Thank you ! I have been reading Escape & Haven reviews and I'm so excited we get the opportunity to experience it. My hubby doesn't know and so far I'm able to keep the secret. Can't wait until Saturday. Did you mind being so far away from the Haven. We are on deck 10 so quite aways. But the room and balcony look so nice. And I figure the exercise might help me with all the food and drink I will have. :)

Remember to use the Waterfront to traverse from the back to the front of the ship (Deck 8 is nice). It won't get you all the way there, but it'll avoid the most congested and noisy areas.

Whose suggestion is that?? I did not know NCL suggested those amounts to tip in the Haven...

 

 

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NCL does not suggest what amounts to tip in the Haven. Tip amounts are based on what you think is fair for the service you receive.

Some people think there are unwritten rules that you should tip 10 bucks a day/per person for the Butler, as an example, however while that may be what they do it is not necessary for you to do.

Some people on this forum tend to exaggerate their generosity towards the crew.

NCL does not suggest what amounts to tip in the Haven. Tip amounts are based on what you think is fair for the service you receive.

 

Some people think there are unwritten rules that you should tip 10 bucks a day/per person for the Butler, as an example, however while that may be what they do it is not necessary for you to do.

 

Some people on this forum tend to exaggerate their generosity towards the crew.

That’s what I thought.

I just don’t get why someone adds a comment to the thread to remind the OP to tip and then says that the amount he/she thinks is right is what is suggested (as if that was some sort of “official policy”).

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I was in balcony and paid 799 PP with gratuities and beverage package as my perks. My winning bid was 1300 PP for Aft Haven. I did get caught up in the bidding because I wanted to experience the Haven so bad. So I paid 2099 and the Aft Cabin was going for 2999 PP so not a great deal but still less than buying it outright. I didn't get the extra perks either but if I had upgraded outright I would of lost the pre-paid gratuities because they do not currently offer that and the taxes and fees had gone up about 100.

Still a pretty good savings. Congrats!

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1- Tipping amounts are like eating at a restaurant....Everyone's opinion is different

2-In my experience at the Haven restaurant-they had a daily special entree that changed. So it might pay to see what's available before committing to a speciality restaurant.

Was on the Escape Aft Haven, Deck 10. You got a very good deal on your bid. Aft Havens sell out quickly and I just lucked out. Surprised a room was still open. Great room but a long walk up to Haven.

Haven restaurant food was very good but as mentioned, the menu doesn't change. Several have suggested to NCL to add 1 special meal ea nite. Guess suggestion hasn't gone anywhere. Could probably reduce 6 to 4 especially if it's a 7 day cruise. You will want to try several dinners there. Steak was equal to Cagney's.

Spa & Vibe - I found the Haven pool area with 2 hot tubs, and a lounge area upstairs very nice & peaceful. There is bar service at pool and lounges that sit in water to keep cool. Plus if you go upstairs and out, there is another hot tub and lounge area outside next to Vibe where you can get drinks & lunch served.

Just an FYI, I found the aft balcony could get very hot at times but you will truly enjoy your Haven room.

Was on the Escape Aft Haven, Deck 10. You got a very good deal on your bid. Aft Havens sell out quickly and I just lucked out. Surprised a room was still open. Great room but a long walk up to Haven.

 

Haven restaurant food was very good but as mentioned, the menu doesn't change. Several have suggested to NCL to add 1 special meal ea nite. Guess suggestion hasn't gone anywhere. Could probably reduce 6 to 4 especially if it's a 7 day cruise. You will want to try several dinners there. Steak was equal to Cagney's.

 

Spa & Vibe - I found the Haven pool area with 2 hot tubs, and a lounge area upstairs very nice & peaceful. There is bar service at pool and lounges that sit in water to keep cool. Plus if you go upstairs and out, there is another hot tub and lounge area outside next to Vibe where you can get drinks & lunch served.

 

Just an FYI, I found the aft balcony could get very hot at times but you will truly enjoy your Haven room.

Thank you for all the great tips. Do you think they will let me reduce specialty restaurant package from 6 to 4 on board? Also, do i need to print the luggage tags or will they do that when we arrive?

We were on deck 9 aft last summer. Yes, it's a bit of a hike but the HUGE balcony more than makes up for it! We found ourselves not using the lounge too often, but we ate most dinners in The Haven. We did a Haven Spa suite over last NYE on Epic, which is considerably closer than an aft on Escape, and didn't use The Haven any more than we did in our aft suite.

 

1 - The Haven menu doesn't change, but the food is delicious. It's also open for lunch on sea days (same as specialty restaurants), so I would eat there instead of using an SDP meal on lunch. I personally would drop down to 3 or 4 night SDP to save a few bucks - it'll pay for the extra DSC.

 

2 - I would absolutely do the spa - my favorite spot on the ship. So relaxing, adults only - I could spend all day there.

 

3 - That's totally up to you. You'll need to arrive early (before boarding). Haven guests board first, so you shouldn't have a problem getting passes if you want them as long as you arrive before boarding begins. Plan on being there by 10:30 if you want them. Vibe is right next to The Haven. We didn't do Vibe on Escape but Posh is similar on Epic. After experiencing it on Epic we absolutely would do it on Escape. Again, adults only, awesome bar with great bartenders, and a small crowd. Great for getting to know people. We went there after getting back on board every port day and hung out there most sea days for a few hours. Easily worth $99 PP to us. But its not going to be terribly different than The Haven sun deck, just without the bar right there. The Haven has servers bringing you food & drinks, so service won't be lacking should you choose not to do Vibe.

 

We're sailing Escape in 52 days in The Haven (Penthouse this time, so we'll probably use The Haven a lot more) and plan on doing spa passes and Vibe. My wife doesn't know we upgraded - we were supposed to do a "cheap" cruise in a balcony but I had a good sales month and it's her 30th birthday :-)

Thank you for the great tips. I am going to check when I get on board if I can reduce my dining package from 6 to 4.

Thank you ! I have been reading Escape & Haven reviews and I'm so excited we get the opportunity to experience it. My hubby doesn't know and so far I'm able to keep the secret. Can't wait until Saturday. Did you mind being so far away from the Haven. We are on deck 10 so quite aways. But the room and balcony look so nice. And I figure the exercise might help me with all the food and drink I will have. :)

I had an aft room also. The balcony and views from our room was magnificent. It was far from the Haven area, but we didn't mind the walk. It was pretty much the only exercise we got. Go for it and enjoy. Our butler was Dillip and he was wonderful.