In the Haven vs. Not in the Haven

[sargemrs]

Thanks so much!  So if I understand, we can eat every meal in the Haven Restaurant if we wish?  We had a suite on the Dawn but our privilege was to eat at Cagneys  for breakfast and lunch which we all thoroughly enjoyed.  But with the Haven class it’s every meal and the quality of dining as good as Cagneys would you say?  Sorry to be asking so many questions but I need to know from a reliable source!!  Also I read somewhere on these boards that the forward elevators are much more crowded but you are advising us to use them to get to the Haven Restaurant?  Just gaining a little input here’s.... thanks so much for your time!

[Two Wheels Only]

3 minutes ago, sargemrs said:

So if I understand, we can eat every meal in the Haven Restaurant if we wish?

 

Yes, but the menu doesn't really change from day to day. There may be an item or 2 that is specific for a day but it's mostly the same breakfast menu everyday, the same lunch everyday, etc. You can mix things up a bit and they will accommodate you.

 

5 minutes ago, sargemrs said:

 But with the Haven class it’s every meal and the quality of dining as good as Cagneys would you say?

 

I'd put it above Cagney's as far as ambiance even though the dress code is Cruise Casual (see the thread about Dress Code in Specialty restaurants, lol). Shorts are allowed. Some of the food items are actually the same.

 

 

9 minutes ago, sargemrs said:

 Also I read somewhere on these boards that the forward elevators are much more crowded but you are advising us to use them to get to the Haven Restaurant?

 

They might be but it's still easier than making your way forward through the crowded parts of the ship. Though narrow, the hallways are usually empty. 

[sargemrs]

Ok, I get that!!!  Well you have certainly informed me greatly and I do appreciate it!!!  We’re really getting “cruise fever” now!!!  We have 3 specialty meals but don’t know if we’ll even want to use them!  We loved Carney’s so if the Haven restaurant is equal or better we’ll be SO happy.  Thanks again!!

[Two Wheels Only]

3 minutes ago, sargemrs said:

We have 3 specialty meals but don’t know if we’ll even want to use them!

 

There's nothing stopping you from using the SDP for "early" dinner then going to the Haven restaurant for "late" dinner or even just for dessert.

 

 

[sargemrs]

Oh my!!  Would have NEVER thought of that.... thanks for that option!, there’s some men in our group that will definitely enjoy hearing that!  You’re so kind to help!

[BNBR]

58 minutes ago, sargemrs said:

But with the Haven class it’s every meal and the quality of dining as good as Cagneys would you say?  

 

I liked Cagneys better. There is really nothing special about the Haven restaurant. The tables arent crowded together which is nice, the ambiance is pretty vanilla, decent but not special service, and a limited/small menu that never changes. 

 

Cagneys had a much more vibrant vibe to it and the food was just as good.   The Haven restaurant is like a specialty dining spot basically, with the same menu over and over. I personally have no interest in dining at the same spot 7 nights in a row with the same menu, and even the breakfast was lame after the 3rd day (small menu) and we were just going to the buffet. 

[sargemrs]

Well as I remember, Cagneys didn’t change their menu that much either.  We must be easy to please but we never tired of the breakfasts in Cagneys,  so on embarkation I assume our butler or assistant will escort us to the Haven for lunch as they did to Cagneys?

[BNBR]

11 minutes ago, sargemrs said:

Well as I remember, Cagneys didn’t change their menu that much either.  We must be easy to please but we never tired of the breakfasts in Cagneys,  so on embarkation I assume our butler or assistant will escort us to the Haven for lunch as they did to Cagneys?

 

I wouldn't want to eat at Cagneys every day either.  But if you like that kind of thing, you'll like Haven restaurant. As I said, it's basically similar to any other speciality restaurant in a way. I get tired of the same decor and food every day but others seem to enjoy 3 meals a day in the Haven restaurant. Only you know what you like. 

 

For us, we were escorted up with a bunch of other haven guests at the same time, it was packed in the Haven lobby. Then they give you an intro with some sliders and a welcome drink. I'd skip the intro and just go to the restaurant knowing what I know now. 

Edited January 10, 2019 by BNBR

[dongordon]

On ‎11‎/‎10‎/‎2018 at 8:55 PM, mommyto2girls said:

We have sailed only Haven 17 times but have done the Aft Haven on the BA a few times and are going again in January. We have never had any issues with service. The Butlers are wonderful. We sacrifice being in the Haven for the massive balcony ( we have confortably had 25 people on our balcony) . It is quite a walk but we are not going back and forth all day. Definitely love the room and the balcony. 

Agree with you 100%

One thing for sure, when you are in the aft, you certainly get a  lot of exercise (my Fit Bit goes wild!)

I only put on 4-5 pounds on a 14 day cruise!

That is good for me!!

 

Don 

[sargemrs]

Well we're excited and yes we'll bring our Fitbits!!!  I'm sure we won't lose weight, that's for sure!!

[dexddd]

13 hours ago, sargemrs said:

Well as I remember, Cagneys didn’t change their menu that much either.  We must be easy to please but we never tired of the breakfasts in Cagneys,  so on embarkation I assume our butler or assistant will escort us to the Haven for lunch as they did to Cagneys?

Depends when you get on. If before noon, you go to lounge and wait. If you are later, go  to lounge then can walk to restaurant.

 

As far as dinner, we skipped Cagney's and did Haven as some favorites and super quiet and great service.  Cagney's has been more of a miss for us lately.

[WhenIsOurNextCruise]

As Haven guests we have experienced the offer of free lunch at Margaritaville on embarkation day.  They offer free to get you to try it and then come back later in the cruise and pay.  We enjoyed Queso, great burgers, lovely dessert and the Havana & Banana frozen drink is excellent!

[sargemrs]

Oh, that is nice.  Thanks for the tips, everyone.  We're so excited!!!  

[dianefish]

How do they check if you bring a non-Haven guest in to use the sundeck or pool? 

[BNBR]

You walk in past the concierge and they typically know the guests pretty well.  If they suspect it, they may say something.  But really, they aren't verifying ID's and you would probably be fine.  They may also figure it out if your guest tries to order a drink and hands them a non-haven card.

[Two Wheels Only]

1 hour ago, dianefish said:

How do they check if you bring a non-Haven guest in to use the sundeck or pool? 

 

It's embarrassing when non-Haven guests are asked to leave the Haven or are escorted out of the Haven.

 

When using your card to enter the Haven, the concierge sees the picture of the guest who is about to enter. The concierge generally knows who is and isn't a Haven guest and will ask for a stateroom card if not sure.

 

Don't bring a non-Haven guest to any part of the Haven other than directly to your stateroom.

[Traveling Fools]

On ‎1‎/‎10‎/‎2019 at 2:13 PM, sargemrs said:

So your reasoning for embarking using the forward boarding area is to be nearer the Haven restaurant?

A group of us are cruising in Aft H6 suites.  I guess I didn't realize it's not in the Haven "proper" but has all the Haven amenities?  So we have to walk toward the front of the ship for the Haven restaurant?  Please give me more tips!

If you use the aft boarding area when initially embarking, you will get escorted onto the ship, into elevators, taken to deck 10, exit elevators, and escorted the entire length of the ship to the Haven for your official welcome; afterwhich you get to make the trek all the way back to your suite.  The trek forward includes luging your carry-on and dodging throngs of passengers.  It is a real PITA.  You can avoid all that by embarking using the forward boarding area.

 

If your suite is an aft penthouse you will not be in the Haven proper and will have to walk to the forward bank of elevators to get to the Haven and it's restaurant, bar, pool, sun deck, etc.  Ditto for expedited disembarkation.  NCL has at least 3-elevators they can dedicate for Haven passengers to embark and disembark.  They include 2-service elevators that are used to provide priority shore excursion disembarkation and to escort groups of haven guests to on-board ship activities for which they hold reservations, i.e. to the Cirque Dreams and Steam dinner show.

  .   

[sargemrs]

Thanks for all that info.  I figure the walk will be good for all of us.  Eating like we will be, we'll need something!  Since we're not into swimming or even "laying out" the walking to the Haven for meals and maybe relaxation if the Observation Deck is there, won't be too much, I hope.

[Traveling Fools]

17 minutes ago, sargemrs said:

Thanks for all that info.  I figure the walk will be good for all of us.  Eating like we will be, we'll need something!  Since we're not into swimming or even "laying out" the walking to the Haven for meals and maybe relaxation if the Observation Deck is there, won't be too much, I hope.

 

You'll be OK after embarkation, but do yourself a favor by using the forward boarding area when you first board the ship. 

[sargemrs]

1 minute ago, Traveling Fools said:

 

You'll be OK after embarkation, but do yourself a favor by using the forward boarding area when you first board the ship. 

Won't we just follow the butler/assistant onto the ship?  I'll try to remember to ask them to take us to the forward boarding area but I imagine they have their own guidelines, right?

[Traveling Fools]

4 minutes ago, sargemrs said:

Won't we just follow the butler/assistant onto the ship?  I'll try to remember to ask them to take us to the forward boarding area but I imagine they have their own guidelines, right?

 

Yes, but they will not take you to your suite first.  Believe me when you initially board the vessel use the forward boarding area.  The Haven's pre-boarding area is better set up to facilitate your boarding experience.  Schlepping your carry-on from the aft forward and back again through the ship and dodging lookie-loo passengers is a pain!  Been there done that!  Cut your commute time in half by using the forward boarding area.  

[sargemrs]

I hear you and will definitely do that if it's allowed!  Since it'll be lunch time, I imagine the orientation will be given, then they'll send us to the Haven Restaurant.  BTW maybe you can answer a question:  I've read on these boards about the surcharges that Cagney's is charging for items over $20.00.  Are there such surcharges in the Haven Restaurant?  I've read about the beautiful Observation Deck/Lounge, are the snacks free there and drinks (other than alcoholic one, of course) free or are you charged?

[Two Wheels Only]

51 minutes ago, sargemrs said:

Are there such surcharges in the Haven Restaurant?  I've read about the beautiful Observation Deck/Lounge, are the snacks free there and drinks (other than alcoholic one, of course) free or are you charged? 

 

None (so far)...

 

Even when items such as cappuccino have a price on the menu, we've never been charged nor have I read about anyone else being charged.

[Kosi]

8 hours ago, Two Wheels Only said:

 

It's embarrassing when non-Haven guests are asked to leave the Haven or are escorted out of the Haven.

 

When using your card to enter the Haven, the concierge sees the picture of the guest who is about to enter. The concierge generally knows who is and isn't a Haven guest and will ask for a stateroom card if not sure.

 

Don't bring a non-Haven guest to any part of the Haven other than directly to your stateroom.

 

[sargemrs]

EVERYONE in our group is Haven.  No rule breaking here! 😀