THE SECRETS OF THE NCL HAVEN LUXURY EXPERIENCE

[dwr777]

I can’t wait for your Joy Haven review! I’ll be there in January…

Edited September 26, 2021 by dwr777

[don't-use-real-name]

10 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

@debnjoe1438Congrats on your 40th on the Joy.  I am on a week or so before you in November for our 41st.  40th was cancelled.  I promise since I will be on first to do a detailed overview.  The very best part is we are in the new NCL Terminal at the port of Miami.  Where before, it was hard to find the Haven Lines/entrances.  Now it is very easy. They took their cue from MSC and the Yacht club with a private entrance.  

 

The lounge at the port is nice but just a comfortable holding area with some snacks.  The escort is not always your butler.  It is a member of the Haven Staff and you might be with a few other Haven Guest as you are eventually escorted in.  

 

I actually write a not to my butler and the Haven Concierge pre-cruise with my requests.  I do this because sometimes on day one, they have a small crowd.  I hand the the note and get a drink in the Haven Lounge.  I don't always see my Butler right away, so when I do or search them out, I give them the note.  

 

My goal is to get all the little details done fast so I can enjoy my vacation.  Be well and Cruise Well.

Sthrngary - Thanks for that update and congrats on number 41.

I am sure that debnjoe will appreciate your fine tuning the boarding process.

[debnjoe1438]

17 hours ago, don't-use-real-name said:

When you check in for your cruise there will be lines - - -

Lines for the common public

Lines for some with status - cruised one time too many on NCL

Lines for Casinos at Sea 

Lines for Platinum and Platinum + - this gets to be serious now

 

And line for Suites and Havens - that's you !

Don't just stand around find the line that you paid to be in Havens.

 

You may be made to wait in lounge briefly while your escort (Butler) is available.

Expect to be escorted by your Butler on board to your cabin in the Haven -

And shown the features of the Haven Lounge Restaurant Bar -

Any last minute dining reservations show times activities tell your Butler

or the Concierge to hop on it - get it confirmed !

Don't forget to let NCL know about your 40th Anniversary !

 

Bear in mind that things maybe crowded and the escort might be with

other Haven guest(s) - make friends - cruise mates - - - 

 

Now prepare to be spoiled and pampered -

And get the bedding situation settled to your satisfaction - pillows and all !

 

E N J O Y to the fullest ! ! ! ! !

 

 

Thank you, appreciate the information. 

[debnjoe1438]

11 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

@debnjoe1438Congrats on your 40th on the Joy.  I am on a week or so before you in November for our 41st.  40th was cancelled.  I promise since I will be on first to do a detailed overview.  The very best part is we are in the new NCL Terminal at the port of Miami.  Where before, it was hard to find the Haven Lines/entrances.  Now it is very easy. They took their cue from MSC and the Yacht club with a private entrance.  

 

The lounge at the port is nice but just a comfortable holding area with some snacks.  The escort is not always your butler.  It is a member of the Haven Staff and you might be with a few other Haven Guest as you are eventually escorted in.  

 

I actually write a not to my butler and the Haven Concierge pre-cruise with my requests.  I do this because sometimes on day one, they have a small crowd.  I hand the the note and get a drink in the Haven Lounge.  I don't always see my Butler right away, so when I do or search them out, I give them the note.  

 

My goal is to get all the little details done fast so I can enjoy my vacation.  Be well and Cruise Well.

Thank you. I'll look forward to your review once you get back. I hope you have a wonderful trip and Happy Anniversary.

[debnjoe1438]

On 7/15/2021 at 11:21 AM, WarfRatWA said:

To piggy back off Gary.....You can reserve specialty dinning 130 days out from departure (Haven guests.)  I believe all other guests can reserve at the 120 day mark.  I also think all available times are offered to the Haven guests.  Not sure that is true for everyone else at 120 days. 

 

I book my cruise online through NCL...and that is where I make my reservations for specialty dinning.  Its really easy and I always get my restaurant and time.  Just don't wait to that 120 day cuz the whole ship will be trying to get those slots.  Not sure how it works if you use a TA.

Strange, I am 125 days from my cruise. Q is the only dinning available to book. Even stranger, I booked this for 2 and the reservation on my summary just shows me. Go figure....

[don't-use-real-name]

2 hours ago, debnjoe1438 said:

Strange, I am 125 days from my cruise. Q is the only dinning available to book. Even stranger, I booked this for 2 and the reservation on my summary just shows me. Go figure....

Not all the restaurant/show bookings are put out 120 days or so and are grabbed pretty much

by those quick with a tablet smart cell phone or keyboard mouse and internet website.

As I posted earlier when you first get escorted on board twist the arm of the Concierge to

get those dining/show times or find out if your Butler is acting as the Assistant C.

Being in the Haven (suite) you are not bound by any designated boarding or check in time.

So with that in mind just show up and board at the earliest time to get those dining times

that are held back for the Concierge Haven guests !

Also note the Haven has its own Restaurant and Bar.

The Haven may have a Reservation desk for dining and show time - readers comments ?

There are not a lot of reservation times held by the C so don't be late.

If you can't get exactly what you want - take something close

and ask about standing by for any cancellation.

If the reservation is for later in the cruise visit the Maitre-D or host of the restaurant

in advance to discuss alternatives adjustments.

 

As for booking for a party of 2 the booking would be in the name of the person doing the

booking - it is when you are dining at a specialty restaurant that you will be asked how

each person is paying for the dinner (platinum promo perk other package or simply on 

account). So the booking in your name is for a party of 2 and not Mr. & Mrs. Joe n Deb.

Any concern make an advanced visit to the restaurant and see if everything is in order

or even to check on possible table (booth) locations (so you are not stuck in a corner

with swinging galley doors and waiter traffic interrupting your moment).

 

Pages to be inserted in NCL Cruising 101 -   LOL !

 

[TowerOrchard]

I skimmed through this & didn't see an answer. We are returning to the Haven on a Mexican Riviera cruise in March 2022 on the Bliss. When we've sailed the Haven before, we had the option of having our embarkation lunch at Margaritaville. Is this still an option or is it the Haven restaurant only? TIA!

[ggTexasGal]

7 minutes ago, TowerOrchard said:

I skimmed through this & didn't see an answer. We are returning to the Haven on a Mexican Riviera cruise in March 2022 on the Bliss. When we've sailed the Haven before, we had the option of having our embarkation lunch at Margaritaville. Is this still an option or is it the Haven restaurant only? TIA!

What was Margaritaville is now American Diner.

However, I don't know for certain that you will be offered that as an option on Embarkation Day for Lunch.

[Sthrngary]

3 hours ago, TowerOrchard said:

I skimmed through this & didn't see an answer. We are returning to the Haven on a Mexican Riviera cruise in March 2022 on the Bliss. When we've sailed the Haven before, we had the option of having our embarkation lunch at Margaritaville. Is this still an option or is it the Haven restaurant only? TIA!

@TowerOrchardgreat question.  @ggTexasGalsaid, the restaurant has changed.  I just spoke with the Pre-Cruise Haven Desk and ask the question for the Joy.  The answer was YES.  The way they answered it was it was a standard feature of Haven cruises on Embarkment day.  My understanding is the Lobster Rolls there are GREAT.

[FLcruisergrl]

3 hours ago, ggTexasGal said:

What was Margaritaville is now American Diner.

However, I don't know for certain that you will be offered that as an option on Embarkation Day for Lunch.

But they should definitely ask. On our Breakaway cruise it wasn’t offered outright, but I asked and they escorted us and another family who heard me make the request right over to (then) Margaritaville! It was not something I would’ve paid for, but a nice option to try. I’ll miss those watermelon margaritas!

[Cruise Gopher]

@Sthrngary is the embarkation lunch thing unique on each ship? Is this perk advertised somewhere? How do people know about it?

[nyc2pdx]

25 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

@TowerOrchardgreat question.  @ggTexasGalsaid, the restaurant has changed.  I just spoke with the Pre-Cruise Haven Desk and ask the question for the Joy.  The answer was YES.  The way they answered it was it was a standard feature of Haven cruises on Embarkment day.  My understanding is the Lobster Rolls there are GREAT.

This is news to me too.  When I was on the Joy in Dec 2019, I just ate in the Haven outdoor restaurant.  Ironically, I was the only one sitting al fresco.  It was in the 60s, and everyone was sitting inside, but to me, it was summer weather coming from the Pacific Northwest!

 

Which restaurant is it for the Haven on the Epic?

 

Edited September 27, 2021 by nyc2pdx

[Sthrngary]

13 minutes ago, Cruise Gopher said:

@Sthrngary is the embarkation lunch thing unique on each ship? Is this perk advertised somewhere? How do people know about it?

People don't know about it.  When you get on the cruise, sometimes they give you a card that says enjoy todays lunch at the "XXXX" restaurant or at the Haven Restaurant. Sometimes when the Haven Concierge gives you the speech in the Haven Lounge they mention it and say just show your room card.  The way it was said to me was, "Because everyone in the Haven likes to get onboard early then have lunch, they could (key word could) have a wait at the Haven Restaurant.  So they make the lunch an option at the other restaurant."

 

All this for me was pre-covid usually with filled ships.  Now it during covid and who knows if they change this.  All I can say is my representative said it is an option for my ship.  Now for the good news, I only eat at the Haven Restaurant for lunch on Embarkment day.  Just my routine.  There is a pork chop waiting for me.  

 

Cruise well. 

[complawyer]

please allow me to add my meager 2 cents. once the butler or the concierge takes us up to the haven area, we always go to the haven restaurant for lunch.  it's become a "complayer and spouse" tradition.

 

besides, i want the wait staff to get to know me as soon as possible. per a different thread, i always tip 

whoever waits on us.

[RocketMan275]

On 9/26/2021 at 1:29 AM, don't-use-real-name said:

Don't forget to let NCL know about your 40th Anniversary !

We're on Breakaway for our 30th anniversary in a DOS.  Is there something NCL normally does for an anniversary?

[RocketMan275]

On 8/22/2021 at 10:20 AM, Sthrngary said:

I am on the Joy Haven (H2) Deluxe Owners Suite at the end of Nov. our 43rd . Taking my three children whom never have been in the Haven.  I am on a flight to Miami right now.  We are going out on a Crystal Cruise tomorrow.  I will respond to your food question in the morning.  

I don't remember seeing your response.

[Sthrngary]

On 8/22/2021 at 10:10 AM, RocketMan275 said:

We've booked rooms at the Hilton Riverside.

I couldn't find any parking deals perhaps because not many cruises sailing now.

We're on Breakaway in the Deluxe Owners Suite.  Step son and wife have the connecting cabin.

We're celebrating out 30th and departure date is our actual anniversary.  

Any suggestions for dinner? Since two of us have been sleeved, doesn't have to be a lot of food.

My favorite restaurant in New Orleans is called Irene’s. It is a Italian place That reminds me of food in New York. That is always my first choice. New Orleans is one of the greatest towns in the United States for food. Sorry I forgot to respond. I hope this helps you a little bit

[don't-use-real-name]

26 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

We're on Breakaway for our 30th anniversary in a DOS.  Is there something NCL normally does for an anniversary?

Just like if you were having a Birthday CAKE there is Anniversary CAKE for this memorable event.

It is not something done automatically - you have to alert NCL about it. Optionally you can

have your CAKE in your cabin if you like. OH AND be prepared to be serenaded to a melody in

a restaurant "Let Me Call You Sweetheart" !!!

 

[TowerOrchard]

2 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

@TowerOrchardgreat question.  @ggTexasGalsaid, the restaurant has changed.  I just spoke with the Pre-Cruise Haven Desk and ask the question for the Joy.  The answer was YES.  The way they answered it was it was a standard feature of Haven cruises on Embarkment day.  My understanding is the Lobster Rolls there are GREAT.

Thanks so much for the information! The lobster rolls are EXACTLY what I will be enjoying!

[debnjoe1438]

20 hours ago, don't-use-real-name said:

Not all the restaurant/show bookings are put out 120 days or so and are grabbed pretty much

by those quick with a tablet smart cell phone or keyboard mouse and internet website.

As I posted earlier when you first get escorted on board twist the arm of the Concierge to

get those dining/show times or find out if your Butler is acting as the Assistant C.

Being in the Haven (suite) you are not bound by any designated boarding or check in time.

So with that in mind just show up and board at the earliest time to get those dining times

that are held back for the Concierge Haven guests !

Also note the Haven has its own Restaurant and Bar.

The Haven may have a Reservation desk for dining and show time - readers comments ?

There are not a lot of reservation times held by the C so don't be late.

If you can't get exactly what you want - take something close

and ask about standing by for any cancellation.

If the reservation is for later in the cruise visit the Maitre-D or host of the restaurant

in advance to discuss alternatives adjustments.

 

As for booking for a party of 2 the booking would be in the name of the person doing the

booking - it is when you are dining at a specialty restaurant that you will be asked how

each person is paying for the dinner (platinum promo perk other package or simply on 

account). So the booking in your name is for a party of 2 and not Mr. & Mrs. Joe n Deb.

Any concern make an advanced visit to the restaurant and see if everything is in order

or even to check on possible table (booth) locations (so you are not stuck in a corner

with swinging galley doors and waiter traffic interrupting your moment).

 

Pages to be inserted in NCL Cruising 101 -   LOL !

 

Thanks

[justhappy]

3 hours ago, RocketMan275 said:

We're on Breakaway for our 30th anniversary in a DOS.  Is there something NCL normally does for an anniversary?

When we sailed in the Haven on the Getaway for our 40th anniversary, it was noted by our PCC on our reservation. On our anniversary, our stateroom host decorated our stateroom with balloons and banners, filled our bathtub up and added bath salts and rose petals. There was also a towel swan on our bed surrounded by rose petals. We received a card with a $40 discount towards a spa treatment as well as an anniversary cake in our cabin.

[UKstages]

On 8/22/2021 at 11:10 AM, RocketMan275 said:

We've booked rooms at the Hilton Riverside... any suggestions for dinner? 

 

drago's - actually located inside the hilton, near the main entrance - is a new orleans institution. very popular restaurant, specializing in seafood. this is NOT a hotel restaurant, but an independent restaurant operating within a hotel.

[justhappy]

13 hours ago, UKstages said:

 

drago's - actually located inside the hilton, near the main entrance - is a new orleans institution. very popular restaurant, specializing in seafood. this is NOT a hotel restaurant, but an independent restaurant operating within a hotel.

Though not the person who requested a recommendation, thanks, the menu looks great. I was able to book a reservation on OpenTable for the night before our December cruise.

[skeeter195]

15 hours ago, UKstages said:

 

drago's - actually located inside the hilton, near the main entrance - is a new orleans institution. very popular restaurant, specializing in seafood. this is NOT a hotel restaurant, but an independent restaurant operating within a hotel.

The grilled oysters here are a must try IMO.  

[Cruise Gopher]

Sailing in the Haven for the first time in January and I’m still just struggling so much to understand the limits of what is acceptable to ask for. I don’t want to look like a fool or ask for something that is just not the norm and then be embarrassed.
 

Like for example I see people on here referencing that their butler will serve them breakfast in their stateroom. What exactly is acceptable to ask for? Are we talking a carafe of coffee and some pastries? Or can I have a full hot breakfast like eggs benedict delivered to my room?

 

Another example, afternoon canapés, can I go so far as to ask for some shrimp cocktail, or am I limited to something more basic? I also like meats,cheese,veggies,hummus etc for enjoying on the balcony when sailing away from ports during the cruise. Is that an acceptable request?

 

I would love for someone to write a “Haven for dummies” thread to explain some of these and give real examples of what is acceptable and where the limit is.