First Time in Haven

[marvin79]

Hey everyone, I have cruised with NCL many times (platinum) but this will be our first time on the Haven (Epic). We will be in cabin 16023, wanted to know any information about the cabin and what not to miss from the Haven. Very excited about our cruise.

[bwelborn]

Following this; just booked my first Haven cabin today.

[bnorris10]

We are in 16016 on dec 19 looking forward to breakfast served in room a few times and apparently u can order what ever u want so I'm having filet and eggs

 

Looking forward to being walked into shows early to get good spots

 

Looking forward to fresh fruits and snacks in my room in the afternoons

 

Looking forward to using haven hot tub area instead of the oh so horribly over crowded hot tubs every where else

[suzycruise]

I had my first experience in The Haven on the Getaway this month. I was on their special 12 night cruise starting on Halloween day.

 

No one ever walked us to shows nor did they offer to. No one told me about the special roped off area in the Getaway Theatre which is reserved for Haven guests until I asked about it at the Concierge desk. No one told me I could order ANY food item from anywhere on the ship, if so, I would have had a Le Bistro dinner sent to my Haven Penthouse Balcony. I did have the crab cakes benedict for breakfast on 3 days and it was divine. However, I tried ordering it a few minutes past 10:30am and my "butler" said "no" as the Haven restaurant was "closed " - so much for asking for whatever you want, whenever you want.

 

I purchased the Haven with an upsell offer, I'd never pay full price for it otherwise.

 

I DID love the private Haven courtyard, mini-pool, two hot tubs and the amazing sundeck with cabanas on deck 17. Very quiet and peaceful. We did have our fruit bowl refreshed daily and received lite snacks in the afternoon. If you let your butler know your favorites, (ours was cheesecake from O'Sheehans) you'll most likely get it delivered daily to your cabin.

 

All in all, it was a remarkable experience that I'll never forget.

 

Oh, debarkation day, take advantage of your Concierge walking you out to the terminal. It will save you lots of time not being in the major lines. This is another thing NOT explained but I learned while waiting to debark.

Edited November 27, 2015 by suzycruise

[bnorris10]

I had my first experience in The Haven on the Getaway this month. I was on their special 12 night cruise starting on Halloween day.

 

No one ever walked us to shows nor did they offer to. No one told me about the special roped off area in the Getaway Theatre which is reserved for Haven guests until I asked about it at the Concierge desk. No one told me I could order ANY food item from anywhere on the ship, if so, I would have had a Le Bistro dinner sent to my Haven Penthouse Balcony. I did have the crab cakes benedict for breakfast on 3 days and it was divine. However, I tried ordering it a few minutes past 10:30am and my "butler" said "no" as the Haven restaurant was "closed " - so much for asking for whatever you want, whenever you want.

 

I purchased the Haven with an upsell offer, I'd never pay full price for it otherwise.

 

I DID love the private Haven courtyard, mini-pool, two hot tubs and the amazing sundeck with cabanas on deck 17. Very quiet and peaceful. We did have our fruit bowl refreshed daily and received lite snacks in the afternoon. If you let your butler know your favorites, (ours was cheesecake from O'Sheehans) you'll most likely get it delivered daily to your cabin.

 

All in all, it was a remarkable experience that I'll never forget.

 

Oh, debarkation day, take advantage of your Concierge walking you out to the terminal. It will save you lots of time not being in the major lines. This is another thing NOT explained but I learned while waiting to debark.

 

I have done alot of research prior to my trip to know what I can expect and what I can ask for on the boat .... I am not sure they can bring you food from le bistro's since that is a specialty restaurant although I have heard people say they have been brought special deserts on occassion - HOWEVER , what i mean by order anything is that the card they give you to have breakfast to your room list items you can order but you can actually write down that you want a filet and eggs instead

[BirdTravels]

You are in for a treat. The Epic just came out of a 3 week dry dock last month. We were on the first voyage from Southampton to Barcelona. Everything is new and fresh in the Havens. All new carpets, tiling, beds, bedding, pillows.

 

 

 

Spend a few minutes of quality time with your butler on the first day. Let him know what your likes and dislikes are. He will bring you an afternoon snack each day,,, you can ask him what the default snack is, and swap out for something different.

 

 

 

We normally order white tablecloth breakfasts on port days, since most of the shore excursions start really early. Mentioned in other posts, the breakfast cards have options, but just write what you want on the card, and your butler will deliver it right on time. There is a door to the master bedroom and guest bedroom that can be closed so that your butler can set up while others are getting dressed.

 

 

 

When you board, you will be escorted to the Haven Club Lounge and given a tour of the Haven facilities. The Lounge, very close to your room, has a bar and is a nice place to have a drink at night. Then lunch in the Haven Restaurant. It is good for breakfast (and you'll get an idea on what to put on that breakfast card (I order a filet steak and eggs with a side of bacon)). Personally, I think that Haven Restaurant is great for breakfast, o.k. for lunch, worth a try once for dinner (we usually eat there after the Captain's reception in the Haven Lounge).

 

 

 

The concierge staff will take care of any bookings you want (shows, shoreex, dinner, spa). If you have reservations at the Cirque, they will escort you through a rear entrance and seat you before the main doors open. At the Theater, they will let you cut to the front of the line for Priscilla and Burn the Floor and offer you seating in the Havens section on the left side (we normally just grab a seat in the center section of the theater). And the concierge will get you to the front of the tender line and disembarkation lines.

 

 

 

Spend time in the Haven courtyard (fresh water pool and twin hot tubs). The Haven sauna looks out into the courtyard, Haven steam rooms in the locker rooms, and the small Haven gym on Deck 17 overlooking the courtyard. Spend time up on Deck 18 Posh Club, the private Havens sun deck and bar. Another quite spot to get some sun and no-waiting bar service.

 

 

 

Remember, your concierge and butler are NOT part of the DSC, so you should tip them independently.

 

 

 

Have a great time.

 

Edited November 28, 2015 by BirdTravels

[marvin79]

Awesome... Thanks everyone... Can't wait!

[bnorris10]

 

Spend time in the Haven courtyard (fresh water pool and twin hot tubs). The Haven sauna looks out into the courtyard, Haven steam rooms in the locker rooms, and the small Haven gym on Deck 17 overlooking the courtyard. Spend time up on Deck 18 Posh Club, the private Havens sun deck and bar. Another quite spot to get some sun and no-waiting bar service.

 

For the pools is the water heated?

[davesgirl51]

I had my first experience in The Haven on the Getaway this month. I was on their special 12 night cruise starting on Halloween day.

 

No one ever walked us to shows nor did they offer to. No one told me about the special roped off area in the Getaway Theatre which is reserved for Haven guests until I asked about it at the Concierge desk. No one told me I could order ANY food item from anywhere on the ship, if so, I would have had a Le Bistro dinner sent to my Haven Penthouse Balcony. I did have the crab cakes benedict for breakfast on 3 days and it was divine. However, I tried ordering it a few minutes past 10:30am and my "butler" said "no" as the Haven restaurant was "closed " - so much for asking for whatever you want, whenever you want.

 

I purchased the Haven with an upsell offer, I'd never pay full price for it otherwise.

 

I DID love the private Haven courtyard, mini-pool, two hot tubs and the amazing sundeck with cabanas on deck 17. Very quiet and peaceful. We did have our fruit bowl refreshed daily and received lite snacks in the afternoon. If you let your butler know your favorites, (ours was cheesecake from O'Sheehans) you'll most likely get it delivered daily to your cabin.

 

All in all, it was a remarkable experience that I'll never forget.

 

Oh, debarkation day, take advantage of your Concierge walking you out to the terminal. It will save you lots of time not being in the major lines. This is another thing NOT explained but I learned while waiting to debark.

 

Seriously??.!! Who was your Concierge?

[suzycruise]

Seriously??.!! Who was your Concierge?

My Concierge was John Sousa on the Getaway.

 

 

love to cruise

[suzycruise]

Yes, sometimes I felt like a 3rd rate citizen, as if they knew I was there on an "upsell" instead of those who paid full price. Could be my imagination but it's how I interpreted what happened in my experience.

 

love to cruise

[davesgirl51]

I know John and I am shocked. :eek:

[suzycruise]

I know John and I am shocked. :eek:

I'm not saying John isn't a good Concierge. Everytime I pasted him at the Concierge desk, he was always full of smiles and answered every question. I just wish I'd been given more info about The Haven perks upfront so that my cruise experience was maximized.

 

love to cruise

[DMH15]

I'm not saying John isn't a good Concierge. Everytime I pasted him at the Concierge desk, he was always full of smiles and answered every question. I just wish I'd been given more info about The Haven perks upfront so that my cruise experience was maximized.

 

love to cruise

 

 

No concierge has ever explained the perks to me. I did my own research on CC. I think I read a the suite reviews I could find and made notes. It helped a lot.

[bnorris10]

No concierge has ever explained the perks to me. I did my own research on CC. I think I read a the suite reviews I could find and made notes. It helped a lot.

 

That is exactly what I am doing

[trrrip]

I'm booked into the Haven room 16021 next October and have been reading this thread with interest to help get best experience.

 

Thanks for the great advice and pics.:)

[watchdiva]

Having been a cc member for 11 years now I have learned more through these forums than I ever have from any concierge. Whenever we're on a new ship I read as many reviews of Haven/Suites as I can. I am quite surprised about suzycruise's comments...it is up to each of us to learn as much as we can before we board.

[Kingofwylietx]

Hey everyone, I have cruised with NCL many times (platinum) but this will be our first time on the Haven (Epic). We will be in cabin 16023, wanted to know any information about the cabin and what not to miss from the Haven. Very excited about our cruise.

 

I'm excited for you! You'll have a great time, here is something to read before your trip: https://www.ncl.com/thehaven/

 

This is from an old post on CC, by another forum user:

Suite categories are designated by the letter “H” (Haven suites) or letter “S” (Non-Haven suites). Stateroom categories not beginning with the letters H or S do not receive perks.

 

Some ships have S categories only: Sky, Spirit, Sun, Dawn, Star, and Pride of America

Some ships have S & H categories: Jewel, Pearl, Gem and Jade

Some ships have H categories only: Epic, Breakaway, Getaway, Escape & Bliss

 

 

• Haven suites have access to the Haven regardless of where they are situated on the ship. The Haven has its own pool, hot tub, sauna, and sundeck. Some have their own restaurant and bar within the Haven complex. Some Havens also have a retractable roof over the central area. Haven configuration varies based on ship class/generation

 

• All suites have complimentary access to a private restaurant for breakfast and lunch. On “Haven Only” ships Haven Suites have a private restaurant for all three meals.

 

• All suites have Butler and Concierge service.

The Concierge can assist with dining reservations, shore excursion booking and guidance in

many other areas. He or she also provides delivery of invitations and information to the suite, and

performs all escorts on and off the ship.

The Butler provides delivery of daily amenities, meals en suite, replenishes coffee and other

supplies, and oversees the maintenance of the suite. Gratuity should be based upon services

provided.

 

• All suites receive invitations to a special cocktail reception with the Captain and other Officers.

 

• All suites receive priority embarkation {including express through check-in, as well as a private lounge with various amenities to enjoy while awaiting escort aboard} and disembarkation {which includes a private area to gather, and escort off the ship & directly to the VIP Luggage area and Porter Services}, as well as priority tendering.

 

• All suites receive one bottle of Sparkling Wine, one large bottle of water, a bowl of fresh fruit (replenished upon consumption) and a fresh flower arrangement in their suite. (Note: Garden Villas, Deluxe Owner's Suites and Owner's Suites receive Champagne instead of Sparkling Wine)

 

• Garden Villa's receive 6 bottles of alcohol with unlimited mixers, soda and water, while Deluxe Owner's Suites and Owner's Suites each receive 3 bottles of alcohol with unlimited mixers, soda and water. All other categories do not receive complimentary liquor.

 

• All suites are provided with a variety of Elemis brand toiletries.

 

• All suites are equipped with a Coffee/Cappuccino/Espresso Machine (Most are Lavazza pod-style machines), however the Sun has Lavazza machines in the Owner’s Suites, but drip-style coffee brewers in all other suites (because these suites cannot accommodate Lavazza devices).

 

• All suites have access to the Pre-Cruise Concierge service, which helps to coordinate your individual selections on pillow types, coffee and tea preferences, and a variety of special requests. Phone number for this service is 855-625-4283.

 

• All suites (except the SG and SJ suites on Deck 12 of the Star and some suites on the Sun) have a portable phone, which can be used throughout the ship.

 

• All suites are equipped with the "Bliss Bed" which truly lives up to its name, fitted with upgraded bedding. Also provided with upgraded bathrobes, as well as slippers.

 

• All suites have an expanded Room Service menu. Essentially, order whatever you want, and if it is available on the ship you will have it.

 

• Some suites have access to a reserved section of the theater on some ships, based upon stateroom category, as well as other factors, which can vary from sailing to sailing.

 

Disclaimer: Perks are subject to change at any time without notice. This list is intended to offer a general guide only, and should not be considered as “official” in any way, shape or form. This document is constructed from personal experience and the experience of others, and is a collaboration of input from many helpful members of Cruise Critic. Many thanks to all who have contributed to the development, and continual updating of the information contained herein.

 

 

 

I had my first experience in The Haven on the Getaway this month. I was on their special 12 night cruise starting on Halloween day.

 

No one ever walked us to shows nor did they offer to. No one told me about the special roped off area in the Getaway Theatre which is reserved for Haven guests until I asked about it at the Concierge desk. No one told me I could order ANY food item from anywhere on the ship, if so, I would have had a Le Bistro dinner sent to my Haven Penthouse Balcony. I did have the crab cakes benedict for breakfast on 3 days and it was divine. However, I tried ordering it a few minutes past 10:30am and my "butler" said "no" as the Haven restaurant was "closed " - so much for asking for whatever you want, whenever you want.

 

I purchased the Haven with an upsell offer, I'd never pay full price for it otherwise.

 

I DID love the private Haven courtyard, mini-pool, two hot tubs and the amazing sundeck with cabanas on deck 17. Very quiet and peaceful. We did have our fruit bowl refreshed daily and received lite snacks in the afternoon. If you let your butler know your favorites, (ours was cheesecake from O'Sheehans) you'll most likely get it delivered daily to your cabin.

 

All in all, it was a remarkable experience that I'll never forget.

 

Oh, debarkation day, take advantage of your Concierge walking you out to the terminal. It will save you lots of time not being in the major lines. This is another thing NOT explained but I learned while waiting to debark.

 

That is terrible!! While I agree that you should know what you are purchasing, the concierge bears responsibility too. They should have asked if you have previously sailed in the Haven....then explained the benefits since your answer would have been 'No'.

[Paddy41]

Kingofwylietx:

Can you tell me where you got the info about all suites having access to breakfast/lunch in Cagney's? I thought that was the case but was just told by someone else that only Haven suites get this perk. I was trying to find the suite perks on the NCL site and couldn't find it.

[watchdiva]

All suites S and H have private breakfast, lunch and on some ships dining. Not all ships have a Haven restaurant so suite pax eat in whatever restaurant is designated for suite pax breakfast and lunch.

[BirdTravels]

Kingofwylietx:

Can you tell me where you got the info about all suites having access to breakfast/lunch in Cagney's? I thought that was the case but was just told by someone else that only Haven suites get this perk. I was trying to find the suite perks on the NCL site and couldn't find it.

 

Page 5 and 15 of your Welcome Aboard book talks about the private dining room available to suites

 

ncl.com/welcomesuites

 

These are full suites Sx not mini-suites Mx.

Edited January 17, 2016 by BirdTravels

[Fishymom]

So I can ask for gummy beans and cheeseburgers to be delivered every afternoon?

 

and its included?

[cpj]

I have done alot of research prior to my trip to know what I can expect and what I can ask for on the boat .... I am not sure they can bring you food from le bistro's since that is a specialty restaurant although I have heard people say they have been brought special deserts on occassion - HOWEVER , what i mean by order anything is that the card they give you to have breakfast to your room list items you can order but you can actually write down that you want a filet and eggs instead

 

Like everything else in life. If you tip well the butler will get you anything you want if available.

[Linda the Book Lover]

Kingofwylietx:

Can you tell me where you got the info about all suites having access to breakfast/lunch in Cagney's? I thought that was the case but was just told by someone else that only Haven suites get this perk. I was trying to find the suite perks on the NCL site and couldn't find it.

 

What NCL lists is just a few things on their accommodations page. When you book a Suite and close to the embarkation date you will receive a boarding packet which will give you the location of your Suite breakfast /lunch location. Sometimes it is Cagney's and sometimes it may be Modernos. All Suites get this perk for those two meals. On some ships there is a Haven restaurant which is where the Haven passenger can enjoy all three meals.

[Paddy41]

All suites S and H have private breakfast, lunch and on some ships dining. Not all ships have a Haven restaurant so suite pax eat in whatever restaurant is designated for suite pax breakfast and lunch.

 

Our suite is S so I guess we do get it. It is the Gem and I don't think there is a Haven restaurant. I think they use Cagney's.