THE SECRETS OF THE NCL HAVEN LUXURY EXPERIENCE

[gmbhardy]

12 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

But, the cruise lines have to approve it before it can be used to sail. 

 

44 minutes ago, Cruise Gopher said:

 

 

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. 

 

 

You’re on that thread right now

[Sthrngary]

1 hour ago, Cruise Gopher said:

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. 

 

 

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?

 

From Sthrngary:  As recommended, when you meet your butler, make sure they know to always (when it is open) provide your food choices from the Haven Restaurant.  The Room Service food is less then spectacular.  This now answers your question about what you can order.  Just get a copy of the Haven Restaurant Breakfast Menu.  I would recommend asking for the French press coffee.  Remember, in the Haven, your butler is your room service server.  The secret to butlers is to rally let them know how much you appreciate their service.  The really want to please.  

 

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?

 

From Sthrngary:  The offering is usually the same for each Haven Suite.  However, you can ask your butler for some other items as you indicated.  Most of what you asked for should be more then acceptable.  Communications is the key.  A word of advice.  The first few days those afternoon snacks are great.  Then all the quality and quantity of food kind of gets to you.  I have so far as asked our butler to stop delivering those snacks because the took my hunger away from dinner.  You do you.

 

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. 

 

From Sthrngary:  That is the post #1 that I did some years ago.  Just go back and read it.  The full version of that post was attached in one of the previous postings for download.  Just know, there are no bad questions.  I get what you are attempting to accomplish.  Reach out to me anytime.

[Two Wheels Only]

2 hours ago, Cruise Gopher said:

 I don’t want to look like a fool or ask for something that is just not the norm and then be embarrassed.

 

1 hour ago, Sthrngary said:

Communications is the key.

 

Make your requests known to and understood by the butler. None of the requests in your post are out of bounds. 

[complawyer]

i dont believe you will look like a fool, regardless of what you request. i believe if it's available on board, it's fair game to request.  1st day out, i ask to butler to bring a fresh pot of coffee, hot water, croissants and sweet rolls at around 7 each morning.  we usually though eat breakfast in the haven restaurant unless there is an early excursion.  i dont think requesting a shrimp cocktail is unreasonable.

 

i have asked for a cheese, cracker and meat tray on many occasions with no problems.

 

if you want any type of sandwich, and they have the ingredients, go for it.

 

cookies, mm's whatever goodies are available.  

 

that's why youre in the haven. to be spoiled, pampered and catered to. i think strngary lays it out perfectly, and my only hope is that one day we find each other on the same cruise and have aa few drinks together

[Sthrngary]

40-days to my NCL Haven cruise on the Joy.  It took two-years, four (4) cancelations three (3) different ships, 125% FCC and 10% off next cruise to get here.  Since I am the original OP-ED for this Haven stream, I thought it would be interesting to give some of my preparation for this upcoming cruise.  I hope it helps everyone. This preparation is my therapy when cruise was simply not happening.  Before I begin, I wanted everyone to know.  This will be my two adult children’s first experience in the NCL Haven.  We have one of the two (H2) Haven Deluxe Owners Suites with Large Balcony.  As some of you know, it is huge with two bedrooms, wrap around balcony, in the Haven Courtyard and can have 6 guests.  We are a party of four.  My hope is my children will finally give me a complement on a well-done family vacation.  My hope is actually a misguided dream.  Enjoy this post. 

 

• Family Journey Document:  I used to write very detailed manuals for my clients prior to retirement.  They were designed to give a consumers view of their products.  I took that experience and do this document for my family.  They don’t even think about a cruise or vacation until just a few days before.  Then they want all the information instantly and each of them get both demanding and stressed out.  This document is done with every single aspect of the vacation.  Flights, Dates, Times, Checklists, Pre-Cruise Reservations for Specialty Restaurants/Excursions/Entertainment, Family Rules, and the list goes on.  I have it printed professionally and hold it on my desk until the questions start hitting me.  Some of the below items are also included in the document.
• Online Digital Check-In:  Literally months before the cruise I do every single bit of online check-in.  What I have learned is it forces you to look at thinks like passports dates and requirements.  Not to mention the new rules for covid-19 testing and vaccines.  As everyone will notice, NCL is not allowing you to the fully check in until 21 days prior to the cruise.  At that time, additional information will be needed, and we will all have to watch a safety video.  In my family, two passports needed to be renewed.  
• Excel Spreadsheet Calendar:  It is a on single page that shows the week plus we are vacationing. All key times and event are listed, color coded and explained.  This calendar is not for what you do every minute of every day.  This is a cruise and that would be no fun.  You need to have flexibility if you want to relax on a vacation.  The Calendar does have Flights, Hotels, Ground Transportation, pre/during/ post Dining Reservations, Excursions, Time In/Out of ports and the list goes on. The calendar is also in the above Journey document.
• Pre-Cruise Hotel:  My approach is do this way ahead of time.  I always book this hotel the day before the cruise and as close to the port as possible.  My next cruise is our of the Port of Miami.  We are staying at the Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay.  I am a Marriott Titanium Elite member for life.  They provide complementary upgrades, drinks, and breakfast. It allows the vacation to start the day before the cruise.
• Pre-Cruise Dinner:  When in Miami, I make a reservation at “The Capital Grille”.  I do this for many reasons.  Mostly, it is one of my favorite steak places; the place has a fond memory for me; I prefer to have my major beef dinner off the ship because I am not a fan of the ships steakhouse; and many be most importantly, I get a $500.00 American Express Gift Card for the dinner.  
• Airfare:  I never use the cruise line airfare unless it is free (nothing is ever free).  I want control of my air brand, times, and connections.  I am a lifetime 5-Million Mile Platinum Elite member with Delta.  My wife and I are upgrading to Delta Comfort right away and usually 1^st Class for most domestic flights.  We have American Express Platinum Cards which provides us with complementary entry to the Delta Sky Club with if you have ever been stranded at the airport is a gift.  My elite status also allows for higher weight limits for our bags.  Finally, I print out our boarding passes.  Every member of my family has a TSA pre-check approval so it avoids the lines at security. 
• Letter to Butler:  I learned a long time ago that Butlers were Hit/Miss.  Until I realized they don’t have a crystal ball.  I began writing them a letter that I give them the moment I meet them onboard.  I have written about this before and the public perception of what I do is 50%/50%.  The main reason is I give the Butler his full tip/gratuity upfront.  Many folks don’t like that however I have found this practice has gotten my family the best service since the practice was started.  You do you.  A couple of other hints are if you Butler does not find you day one, you find them.  The letter talks about each family member.  Their likes and dislikes.  Special requests like extra lounge chairs on veranda, Haven Robes/Slippers for each guest in the suite, only Haven Restaurant Food for room service and the list goes on.  Unless I am in the (H2) Haven Deluxe Owners Suite where the bar, mixers and waters are all complementary; I ask for all “for sale” items to be removed from the suite.  Lots more but everyone has different wants and needs.
• Luggage Tags:  I print my own which become available after your documents are released.  That is usually a few weeks prior to the cruise leaving.  I purchased from Amazon those clear plastic Luggage Tag Holders with the metal clips.  In the past the fancy luggage tags send by the cruise brand have been ripped off .  I almost did not have luggage one trip.  Lesson learned. 
• Excursions:  I will be straight; I really am not a fan of any mainstream cruise companies’ excursions offering.  They are usually expensive and do not live up to the hype.  However, I have a huge fan of the “Beach Villa’s”  on the private island, “The Cabana Beach” in Cozumel, Catamaran/Snorkel/Lunch adventures (Jolly Rancher), and the All-Inclusive Over the Water Bungalow.   Some of those items get sold out and I have missed them in the past.  Now I book them as soon as they are available which means they are paid in full. This then shows up on the Excel Calendar and in the Journey Document.  Most of these choices got the $50.00 off perk and the cabana’s/Villa’s are buy one and it accommodates four (my family).
• Specialty Restaurant Reservations:  Haven guest can reserve your specialty restaurant days/times 130 days prior to cruising.  All other guests are at 120.  Now you see why I do the Excel Calendar.  I want to have specific restaurants on specific nights to coordinate with what we do for excursions that day. I also want to have a variety of foods so we mix the Specialty Restaurants with the Haven Restaurant since the Haven Restaurant menu never changes.  My times coordinate with normal times for the evening shows.  I like to have a pre-dinner drink; not be rushed during dinner and time for an after-dinner drink prior to the show time. 
• Pre-Paid Gratuities:  I always do the pre-paid gratuities.  This way, the expense is paid prior to the cruise giving me the feeling this is an All-Inclusive vacation.  The only exception is the Haven Butler which I tip in the letter given to them on day one. See Haven Butler Letter above. 
• Family Slot Pull:  A family tradition since everyone is over 21 is the Casino Slot pull.  It is $25.00 per person, and we never win.  However, we always enjoy the event.  Every cruise we produce another approach to come in on the money.  Just fun stuff that can be reserved and prepaid prior to getting on the cruise. 
• Purchase of Cruise Travel Insurance:  Up to just a few years ago, I never did Cruise Travel Insurance.  Now, when you are on Medicare you are not covered outside of the United States.  The forced me to buy the insurance initially.  Earlier this year I went on a cruise that was fully vaccinated.  My wife got break through covid-19, 8-days before we left.  Unlike NCL, this cruise brand had a cancellation fee of 50%.  The Insurance company paid me back with the money in my account withing 13 business days.  I am now a believer. I make the Insurance Companies printable Insurance Card a part of my Journey Document.  
• Pre-Print My Boarding Documents:  The key to these documents is the barcode.  The way NCL does this now, they register the bar code, and you are good to go.  I put the barcode in the Journey document.  You will also notice the NCL has new asked all of us for uploaded pictures, so they don’t have to take on at the terminal. It saves time and that is good since we all need a Covid-19 test at the terminal. 
• Haven Pre-Cruise Online Desk:  I send an email to these fine folks with pillow menu items, special requests, etc.  This cruise we are in the (H2) Haven Deluxe Owners Suite with Large Balcony.  It comes with a few extra amenities, so I make those request online.  After so many cancellations and the fact this cruise was supposed to for my 40^th Wedding anniversary; I figured make it an epic trip.

 

If you got this far, you may be saying. 
 

“Gary, you do too much work.  You should just go with the flow.”

 

That is the normal response to me on these types of postings.  What everyone does not understand is, once I have done these actions items, I am DONE.  Completely DONE.  I leave my house for the airport in an Uber, and I don’t have a care in the world.  When my family is completely stressed out about the details, I just refer them to the Journey Document I gave them.  Things still go wrong because that is the nature of a cruise vacation.  Yet the thing I can handle, I do handle.  Makes everything else so much less stressful. 

 

Well, there you have it.  Let me know if you have any questions.  Happy to help.  

 

Cruise well everyone.

[Cruise Gopher]

Thanks for all the responses.  To build on my idea of a "Haven for Dummies" idea, I have gone ahead and created a shared Google sheet with items that people have requested in the Haven. 

 

I'd love for those who are seasoned Haven cruisers to add to this list so that Haven newbies can get ideas on what is acceptable to request.  The goal is to make things a bit less intimidating for those sailing in the Haven for their first time so they can enjoy and get the most out of their Haven experience.

 

@Sthrngary I have added things from your 1st post on this thread.  But please do add anything else you can think of.

 

Haven for Dummies Spreadsheet

[Sthrngary]

38 minutes ago, Cruise Gopher said:

Thanks for all the responses.  To build on my idea of a "Haven for Dummies" idea, I have gone ahead and created a shared Google sheet with items that people have requested in the Haven. 

 

I'd love for those who are seasoned Haven cruisers to add to this list so that Haven newbies can get ideas on what is acceptable to request.  The goal is to make things a bit less intimidating for those sailing in the Haven for their first time so they can enjoy and get the most out of their Haven experience.

 

@Sthrngary I have added things from your 1st post on this thread.  But please do add anything else you can think of.

 

Haven for Dummies Spreadsheet

The Haven Butler:

Overview: 

On day one, I give the butler a letter that has some of our basic requests.  I also tip them upfront which has always worked for me.  The Haven Butler is not under the normal gratuities program so what they get from us is all they get. 

What your Haven Butler will do for you:

1. Set up your suite: Butlers will do everything from packing and unpacking your luggage to offering pillow menus, and stocking and re-stocking your suite bar with your drink preferences. They'll also bring CDs, books, board games and DVDs to your room. They can even draw you a bubble bath if you ask -- or if they intuit you could use one.
2. Handle logistics: Butlers will save you from spending your vacation waiting in line or dealing with the minutiae of your trip. They will handle all your reservations for specialty restaurants and book appointments for the spa, salon, and private fitness training. They can book ship or private shore excursions and arrange shoreside dining and entertainment. They will even work with the chef to expedite special dietary requests, such as paleo or gluten-free meals.
3. Make deliveries: Butlers will be your complimentary room service provider. They will deliver fancy canapes daily, like foie gras terrine and crab legs (examples only, always check additional costs), and upgraded turn-down amenities, such as a chocolate box. They can present in-room tea service. They will also bring you room service or morning cappuccinos and espresso, even serving you dinner course-by-course, in your suite or on your balcony. Please always ask for all food deliveries to be ONLY from the Haven Restaurant. 
4. Take care of your laundry: Butlers will handle laundry, dry-cleaning and pressing requests, and return your clothes expertly folded and wrapped in tissue paper. There is always a cost to your suite.
5. Throw a party: If you're social types, butlers can help you organize cocktail or dinner parties in your suite and even bartend or help while your guests are present. For special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries, they might decorate your suite or present bubbly and celebratory cakes.
6. Take care of the little details: Butlers will shine shoes, place bookmarks in books and wrap eyeglasses in cleaning cloths. They will even solve problems for you, such as finding an appropriate crew member to fix broken eyeglasses or stuck luggage locks.
7. Give advice: Butlers know their ships inside out and are often familiar with ports. They might advise on everything from the finest shopping street to the best hours to hit the onboard fitness center.

What your Haven Butler will not do for you:

1. They won't work exclusively for you:Most butlers juggle several suites; for the best service, plan. Make requests, such as for dining reservations, private shore excursions and beauty appointments, well in advance so butlers can manage their time to make your wishes reality. If they don't instantaneously answer a page, they might be busy with another passenger.
2. They won't babysit: Don't expect the butler to watch your kids, although they might assist in hiring a sitter and often play with children, time permitting.
3. They won't act as aides: If physically challenged, travel with a companion. A butler will always assist in an emergency but should not be expected to help you with daily physical needs.
4. They won't be your personal companion: While some butlers can be chatty -- particularly with solo passengers seeking company -- they aren't your friend or travel companion. They can escort you to a restaurant or show, but they won't sit with you.
5. They cannot always fulfill challenging requests: If you ask for a miracle, such as dinner reservations in the ship's hottest restaurant 15 minutes before you wish to eat, a butler cannot always meet your request. That said, butlers try to make magic. Perhaps they can serve you dinner from that restaurant in your suite or secure a table at a later hour, instead.

 

[cruising sister]

Thanks for all the advice. I am so excited to go and experience everything. I like the idea of letter to the butler. We do not care for the canapés so I will definitely request something we like. 

[pbenjamin]

1 hour ago, Cruise Gopher said:

Thanks for all the responses.  To build on my idea of a "Haven for Dummies" idea, I have gone ahead and created a shared Google sheet with items that people have requested in the Haven. 

 

I'd love for those who are seasoned Haven cruisers to add to this list so that Haven newbies can get ideas on what is acceptable to request.  The goal is to make things a bit less intimidating for those sailing in the Haven for their first time so they can enjoy and get the most out of their Haven experience.

 

@Sthrngary I have added things from your 1st post on this thread.  But please do add anything else you can think of.

 

Haven for Dummies Spreadsheet

 

You might want a column for who it is you are asking to do some of these things.  Emptying the fridge of for sale items, the pillow menu, etc. can or should be dealt with in a letter to the concierge desk prior to the cruise.  We asked for the bed in the second bedroom to be made up with an egg crate pad on our one cruise with a butler/concierge and put that in the letter.

 

The idea of pre-printing your breakfast request on a card and stapling it to the door hanger is kind of odd.  It would only make sense if you wanted the same breakfast every day.  Who travels with a stapler anyway?  Writing on the back of the card works fine.

[psac]

Wouldn’t you normally go to the concierge for these items as opposed to the butler?

 

>>They will handle all your reservations for specialty restaurants and book appointments for the spa, salon, and private fitness training

[justhappy]

10 minutes ago, psac said:

Wouldn’t you normally go to the concierge for these items as opposed to the butler?

 

>>They will handle all your reservations for specialty restaurants and book appointments for the spa, salon, and private fitness training

Yes, this is what I was told and did when I was in the Haven.

[Sailing12Away]

14 hours ago, Cruise Gopher said:

Haven for Dummies Spreadsheet

Thank you! I added a few items that we've requested and received in our room when sailing Haven.

 

From what I've been told by our butlers in the past, the butler handles anything that happens INSIDE your room. The concierge handles anything that happens OUTSIDE of your room.

So reservations, excursions, resolution of your bill.... that's all concierge. You can tell your butler, but all they're going to do is tell the concierge. So better to go straight to the source. If there's a problem with your room itself, or something extra you need in your room - butler. Otherwise, call the concierge.

[mjcatlvr]

Great Spreadsheet. I hope that if anyone uses this as a checklist that they consider tipping very generously😉! I added my Unsweetened Iced Tea that is a simple must for me. As far as emptying out the "for sale" things in the fridge and "Pillow Menu", I call ahead to the Haven Concierge and put in those requests about two months out. My husband is a Vegetarian so we also request that the treats reflect that as best as possible. I prefer to pack and unpack myself. All of these folks work very long hours in many different capacities, so try not to be that person who consumes more than your share of their time.

[rmandmm]

16 hours ago, Cruise Gopher said:

Thanks for all the responses.  To build on my idea of a "Haven for Dummies" idea, I have gone ahead and created a shared Google sheet with items that people have requested in the Haven. 

 

Haven for Dummies Spreadsheet

Thanks for putting this together…it’s a great tool to go with this thread. I make something similar to @Sthrngary ‘s journey report in excel (do it for every vacation, have for years) and I agree it allows me to be 100% relaxed from minute 1 of heading to the airport. Thanks again for sharing!

[Kfamilycruise]

1 hour ago, mjcatlvr said:

Great Spreadsheet. I hope that if anyone uses this as a checklist that they consider tipping very generously😉! I added my Unsweetened Iced Tea that is a simple must for me. As far as emptying out the "for sale" things in the fridge and "Pillow Menu", I call ahead to the Haven Concierge and put in those requests about two months out. My husband is a Vegetarian so we also request that the treats reflect that as best as possible. I prefer to pack and unpack myself. All of these folks work very long hours in many different capacities, so try not to be that person who consumes more than your share of their time.

What was the number to "call ahead" to Have Concierge? And how many days before sale date did you do so? I have the concierge email, but didn't know there was a number. Thanks!

[mjcatlvr]

8 minutes ago, Kfamilycruise said:

What was the number to "call ahead" to Have Concierge? And how many days before sale date did you do so? I have the concierge email, but didn't know there was a number. Thanks!

Haven Pre-Trip Concierge: 855-625-4283  M-F 9-6. I called about 2 months out.

[flyguyjake]

22 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

Unless I am in the (H2) Haven Deluxe Owners Suite where the bar, mixers and waters are all complementary

Hi, We're staying in H2 on Bliss this December. Is that right that we can get bottles and mixers and bottled water refills daily? So there's no reason to upgrade our Prem Drink Pkg? We also want to get Starbucks each morning.

[Kfamilycruise]

1 hour ago, mjcatlvr said:

855-625-4283  M-F 9-6. I called about 2 months out.

Thanks so much! Does anyone know if you can still invite a non haven guest to dinner for a fee?

[mjcatlvr]

1 minute ago, Kfamilycruise said:

Thanks so much! Does anyone know if you can still invite a non haven guest to dinner for a fee?

Yes, you can still set that up for a fee for the dining room or could host a dinner in your cabin.

[Kfamilycruise]

2 minutes ago, mjcatlvr said:

Yes, you can still set that up for a fee for the dining room or could host a dinner in your cabin.

Excellent! Thanks so much!

[complawyer]

hate to sound cynical, (although i am) just like anywhere else, for a fee, or a vegas handshake, you can probably get whatever you want almost anywhere. check with the concierge,make friends with him if you are able, and maybe he can wave the fee

[Sthrngary]

9 minutes ago, flyguyjake said:

Hi, We're staying in H2 on Bliss this December. Is that right that we can get bottles and mixers and bottled water refills daily? So there's no reason to upgrade our Prem Drink Pkg? We also want to get Starbucks each morning.

Look at the down loads on post #809.  One says Joy Amenities.  The same will hold true to the Bliss.  If you are in a (H2) DOS as I am, the chart will clearly show your amenities.

 

All that said, my wife and I both are upgraded to the Premium Plus package.  I did not upgrade my two adult children to plus. It is a choose we do and have done for our NCL cruises.  Look at the many blogs for the Premium Plus package and you will get pros and cons.  
 

Cruise Well!!

[Sthrngary]

17 minutes ago, Kfamilycruise said:

Thanks so much! Does anyone know if you can still invite a non haven guest to dinner for a fee?

You can but it is no guaranteed. Ask the host/hostess at the Haven Resturant.  If they are busy, they can say no.  FYI only. 

[flyguyjake]

26 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

Look at the down loads on post #809.  One says Joy Amenities.  The same will hold true to the Bliss.  If you are in a (H2) DOS as I am, the chart will clearly show your amenities.

Reviewed. We like to enjoy a bottle of Chandon each am. Would we be able to have the butler bring this to the room if we had the plus bev pkg? If not, can we get it at dinner and take it back to the room unopened? We also like Mich Ultra, can we get a 12pk to the room daily?

[Sthrngary]

2 minutes ago, flyguyjake said:

Reviewed. We like to enjoy a bottle of Chandon each am. Would we be able to have the butler bring this to the room if we had the plus bev pkg? If not, can we get it at dinner and take it back to the room unopened? We also like Mich Ultra, can we get a 12pk to the room daily?

Because this question gets confusing when read out of context, let me start out this way.  This answer is ONLY for a (H2) Haven Deluxe Owners Suite.  At no time can you ask your butler to bring wine or sprits to the room other then day one.  On day one, on a 7 day cruise, you receive three bottles from the list on on reply # 809.  Any other request for adult beverages will have a cost. Regardless of plan. 

 

On bottles of wine, if I am not mistaken, they have to open the bottle. We would have on glass, cork it and take it back to the suite. We would do this at lunch and dinner. This always gave us a bottle & a half in the suite at all times.  This is one of the main reasons we do the premium plus plan,

 

On the Ulta, ask your butler. My gut tells me they won’t do that regardless of plan or suite selected. On this, I could be wrong. 
 

Hope my answer helps.