THE SECRETS OF THE NCL HAVEN LUXURY EXPERIENCE

[Sthrngary]

2 minutes ago, Niffernay said:

Hi Gary - who were the bartenders in the Haven?  Any special drinks they made for you and/or your entourage?  Besides the 1942 in a champagne flute 😂  Glad you had a great trip! 

I do not remember there names, to much 1942.  The best drinks are the ones they make with smoke.  Make sure the bar is not crowed when you order them.  It is a show and takes a while.  Both Bartenders are the best on the ship.  Enjoy.

[Niffernay]

3 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

Both Bartenders are the best on the ship

They always are 🙂

 

Thanks Gary.

[cruising sister]

I was just on the Joy and the bar service was one of my negatives. The bar is small in the Haven and if all the chairs are taken it is almost impossible to get noticed for a drink. The bar service in the covered pool area and sun deck was almost nonexistent. We stayed on the ship in most ports and rarely got service. The Haven was full so the servers had to work a lot but the rest of  of the ship was not so they could have easily have moved people around for better service. Overall we loved the Haven but found the menu lacking in the restaurant but service was impeccable. I would do it again if the price is right and do more specialty dinners to offset the limited Haven menu. 

[Sthrngary]

9 minutes ago, cruising sister said:

I was just on the Joy and the bar service was one of my negatives. The bar is small in the Haven and if all the chairs are taken it is almost impossible to get noticed for a drink. The bar service in the covered pool area and sun deck was almost nonexistent. We stayed on the ship in most ports and rarely got service. The Haven was full so the servers had to work a lot but the rest of  of the ship was not so they could have easily have moved people around for better service. Overall we loved the Haven but found the menu lacking in the restaurant but service was impeccable. I would do it again if the price is right and do more specialty dinners to offset the limited Haven menu. 

Thank you for your honest and transparent review.  There were a few folks that simply never left their bar seats.  Kind of rude of them but there right.  Some times the bar was crowed for sure. Thanks again.

[DrSea]

2 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

It was great. The quality was even better. They took off a few items and added a few.

What options did they take out?

[Sthrngary]

13 minutes ago, DrSea said:

What options did they take out?

I think you are asking about the Haven Menu.  The pork chop was at dinner not lunch.  They used to have Beef Short Ribs at dinner.  They added lobster tails at dinner.  Hope that helps. 

[DrSea]

1 hour ago, Sthrngary said:

I think you are asking about the Haven Menu.  The pork chop was at dinner not lunch.  They used to have Beef Short Ribs at dinner.  They added lobster tails at dinner.  Hope that helps. 

Yes I was referring to the Haven Menu. Thanks for the clarification.

[Jerzzygirl]

Hi Gary, I followed your live reports. Thanks for all the info. I’m confused about the haven LOUNGE menu. The Escape & breakaway havens that  I was in did not have this menu pre COVID, where do you order from the lounge menu? Our next Haven cruise will be on the Joy in June to Bermuda. Can you order off this menu at the bar area or also the observation longe? The other question I have is about vibe. I am a  HUGE fan of the vibe and usually I still get the vibe pass even in haven but my next cruise on the Joy I was thinking of not getting the pass BUT how was the bar service up on the sun deck? Thanks so much! 

[LGW59]

16 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

Thank you for your honest and transparent review.  There were a few folks that simply never left their bar seats.  Kind of rude of them but there right.  Some times the bar was crowed for sure. Thanks again.

Why is it rude if they are sitting at the bar ordering drinks?

[Sthrngary]

3 hours ago, LGW59 said:

Why is it rude if they are sitting at the bar ordering drinks?

 Not rude to sit at the bar at all. To take a seat there for the entire day, every day is a bit much.  Just my opinion when it is so busy. 

[Sthrngary]

7 hours ago, Jerzzygirl said:

Hi Gary, I followed your live reports. Thanks for all the info. I’m confused about the haven LOUNGE menu. The Escape & breakaway havens that  I was in did not have this menu pre COVID, where do you order from the lounge menu? Our next Haven cruise will be on the Joy in June to Bermuda. Can you order off this menu at the bar area or also the observation longe? The other question I have is about vibe. I am a  HUGE fan of the vibe and usually I still get the vibe pass even in haven but my next cruise on the Joy I was thinking of not getting the pass BUT how was the bar service up on the sun deck? Thanks so much! 

First question, if you watch the video's on YouTube of the Breakaway/Getaway Haven Courtyard, you will see tables for eating.  There is usually a server out there for the small buffet in the Courtyard but you can't count on it.  On the rare occasions I wanted to eat out there, I used my butler. On the Joy, if you watch the video's, not tables so not as easy to eat a meal out there.  Just lounge chairs.  Same holds true, use the butler.  That is why you suite has the wireless phone. Also, remember the Horizon Lounge has the much nicer buffet (small but nice) which takes the place of the one in the Courtyard. 

 

I was just on the Joy.  No reason to get the vibe pass on this ship.  Servers all over the place for drinks and butler for food. Funny, I will be on the Breakaway in Dec 2022.  I booked a Club Suite hoping to win a bid for the Haven.  If not won, hello vibe.  I ran out of cash (LOL) on the Joy trip last week.  

 

Cruise well.

[cruising sister]

2 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

 Not rude to sit at the bar at all. To take a seat there for the entire day, every day is a bit much.  Just my opinion when it is so busy. 

I don’t fault the people at the chairs. I fault the bar staff. I found bar service in the Haven lacking. Lots of new workers. We only asked for mixed drinks once and our main order were cans of soda with a glass of ice. I even tried the tip up front and asking to keep diet lemon lime on stock as that is what I drink. We ended up going to the bar by the casino and always had great friendly service. Sun deck and covered pool area was hit or miss and mainly a miss. Don’t get me wrong we loved the Haven but there is room for improvement.  
Butler service was great. I saw ours working so hard as the Haven was full. She really was the best. We asked for certain snacks and she went over the top the decorations for our anniversary was wonderful. 

[nyc2pdx]

Now that I am home, and can take some time to write a proper response...I just wanted to say thank you to all who provided feedback on how to get the best Haven experience, especially with the Butler.

 

This trip I wrote a letter to my Butler and handed it to her at the beginning of the voyage.  I outlined several things I liked, and didn't like.  I told her that if the Do Not Disturb was on the door sign, it did not apply to her.  I would lock the door with the deadbolt if I wanted privacy.  I asked her to deliver breakfast in the morning without calling me-just come in and set it up (I was in a 2BR suite, so the bedroom was separate from the living room/dining area).  I mentioned I disliked the chocolate covered strawberries and also peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.  I also told her that I like to have dessert before retiring, so I might ask her to deliver the dessert from a specialty restaurant.  I also a 100€ bill 'in case she does have some time off and could enjoy it' (I was on a 16 day TA cruise on the Epic).  

 

I can say without a doubt that Lea (she said "like Princess Lea!") not only made my vacation great, she took it to a new level.  I had no idea how much a good butler could make or break a cruise until this trip.  Lea handled one side of the Haven suites on deck 16.  She was incredibly busy.  But, she never let it show. She thanked me for allowing her to set up breakfast without calling.  She said her job is to be in the background, just making things better-it is what she likes to do, and has done it for 12 years.  She doesn't want to be a concierge, and just enjoys making people happy.  She enjoys looking for ways to impress each guest.  

 

When she found out how much I liked the desserts at night, she started going to the Main dining room (because they rotate desserts, and she knew I was only eating in either the Haven or Specialty) and surprising me each night with a different dessert.  When the weather was forecasted to get a little rough, I came back to my suite to find 2 bottle of ginger ale and some green apples...with a note: drink this if you feel sick, and eat a green apple if that doesn't work!  I mentioned once how much I loved the apple juice (I think it came from Europe-it was so rich tasting...) and I found a carafe of it in my fridge the next day.  I mentioned in my letter how I abhor onions unless they are completely mixed in and I cannot see them.  I didn't realise the country potatoes I ordered for breakfast actually came with onions because mine had none.  I went to the buffet one day and saw the country potatoes were loaded with onions...so she ordered them without for me.  If I had breakfast in my room and skipped lunch, I came back to a tray of canapés and some sandwiches to 'tide me over until dinner'.  

 

I gave Lea the largest tip I have ever given anyone, and she deserved every last euro of it.  She made my voyage not just a holiday, but an amazing vacation I will never forget.

 

Is this the service everyone got in the Haven on the Epic?  Not at all.  While in the lounge, I happened to strike up a conversation with a couple who expressed real displeasure with their Haven experience, particularly the butler.  I suggested speaking with the butler and setting the tone, and taking control of the situation by letting them know what they liked and what they expected.  I saw them a week later in the Haven, and they mentioned how that conversation with their Butler turned things around right away.  The lesson learned?  They cannot read your mind.  Communication is key.  If you want something, ask for it!

 

I also felt like I was asking too much of her.  Maybe I was.  Some might say I was.  But, she would ask me things like "Jeff, just call me and I can do that for you!" or when I was feeling a little off, she said "Do you want me to get you something from Bistro?  Or someplace else?"  She was eager to please.  She told me that her job is to do this, and she does it because she likes it.  She said it can be disappointing when people think they are asking too much or are shy to use her services.  That is why she is there, and she wants to make a connection with you and make you smile.

 

The downside of my recent Epic experience?  Lea set the Butler bar so high, I think it will be tough for anyone to meet it!  But hopefully, I'll get her as my butler again someday.

 

Good luck with your butler experience!!

 

 

 

[GeezerCouple]

53 minutes ago, nyc2pdx said:

Now that I am home, and can take some time to write a proper response...I just wanted to say thank you to all who provided feedback on how to get the best Haven experience, especially with the Butler.

 

This trip I wrote a letter to my Butler and handed it to her at the beginning of the voyage.  I outlined several things I liked, and didn't like.  I told her that if the Do Not Disturb was on the door sign, it did not apply to her.  I would lock the door with the deadbolt if I wanted privacy.  I asked her to deliver breakfast in the morning without calling me-just come in and set it up (I was in a 2BR suite, so the bedroom was separate from the living room/dining area).  I mentioned I disliked the chocolate covered strawberries and also peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.  I also told her that I like to have dessert before retiring, so I might ask her to deliver the dessert from a specialty restaurant.  I also a 100€ bill 'in case she does have some time off and could enjoy it' (I was on a 16 day TA cruise on the Epic).  

 

I can say without a doubt that Lea (she said "like Princess Lea!") not only made my vacation great, she took it to a new level.  I had no idea how much a good butler could make or break a cruise until this trip.  Lea handled one side of the Haven suites on deck 16.  She was incredibly busy.  But, she never let it show. She thanked me for allowing her to set up breakfast without calling.  She said her job is to be in the background, just making things better-it is what she likes to do, and has done it for 12 years.  She doesn't want to be a concierge, and just enjoys making people happy.  She enjoys looking for ways to impress each guest.  

 

When she found out how much I liked the desserts at night, she started going to the Main dining room (because they rotate desserts, and she knew I was only eating in either the Haven or Specialty) and surprising me each night with a different dessert.  When the weather was forecasted to get a little rough, I came back to my suite to find 2 bottle of ginger ale and some green apples...with a note: drink this if you feel sick, and eat a green apple if that doesn't work!  I mentioned once how much I loved the apple juice (I think it came from Europe-it was so rich tasting...) and I found a carafe of it in my fridge the next day.  I mentioned in my letter how I abhor onions unless they are completely mixed in and I cannot see them.  I didn't realise the country potatoes I ordered for breakfast actually came with onions because mine had none.  I went to the buffet one day and saw the country potatoes were loaded with onions...so she ordered them without for me.  If I had breakfast in my room and skipped lunch, I came back to a tray of canapés and some sandwiches to 'tide me over until dinner'.  

 

I gave Lea the largest tip I have ever given anyone, and she deserved every last euro of it.  She made my voyage not just a holiday, but an amazing vacation I will never forget.

 

Is this the service everyone got in the Haven on the Epic?  Not at all.  While in the lounge, I happened to strike up a conversation with a couple who expressed real displeasure with their Haven experience, particularly the butler.  I suggested speaking with the butler and setting the tone, and taking control of the situation by letting them know what they liked and what they expected.  I saw them a week later in the Haven, and they mentioned how that conversation with their Butler turned things around right away.  The lesson learned?  They cannot read your mind.  Communication is key.  If you want something, ask for it!

 

I also felt like I was asking too much of her.  Maybe I was.  Some might say I was.  But, she would ask me things like "Jeff, just call me and I can do that for you!" or when I was feeling a little off, she said "Do you want me to get you something from Bistro?  Or someplace else?"  She was eager to please.  She told me that her job is to do this, and she does it because she likes it.  She said it can be disappointing when people think they are asking too much or are shy to use her services.  That is why she is there, and she wants to make a connection with you and make you smile.

 

The downside of my recent Epic experience?  Lea set the Butler bar so high, I think it will be tough for anyone to meet it!  But hopefully, I'll get her as my butler again someday.

 

Good luck with your butler experience!!

 

So glad you had a good experience, and that your butler also liked just being able to come in and set things up, including for breakfast.  That works especially well with separate BR and LR/DR, but we've had that arrangement (on another cruise line) when in a large PH suite that is really just one large room.  [I have no idea why they call those "suites", but that's a separate issue, and doesn't matter of course.]. In those "rooms" it was amazing how silent the butler could be with breakfast.  What tended to wake us up some mornings was not any noise, but the smell of that bacon. 😉

If we mumbled "Good morning", the butler would respond in kind.  If we said nothing, the butler was gone without a word.  If we started talking (about the weather, or a question), then the butler obviously answered us and we had a brief but pleasant conversation.  The fact that we were horizontal in bed a few times was a non-issue.  They are professionals, and always made us feel comfortable.

 

But yes, you described the situation well:  No surprise, they can't read minds.  And some people do prefer "less" in terms of services, so the butlers have a balancing act if the passenger doesn't let them know what they tend to prefer.

 

DH told our second butler on NCL which fruit he preferred.  So a lovely plate of just those fruits was left on our table the next day.  Twice!  DH enjoyed it all.  The next day, two plates arrived, also twice.  DH ate those, too.  The *next* day, a *huge* platter of them arrived! Yikes!  We laughed along with the butler as we asked for "less, please, or you'll have to roll him off the ship by the time we return!"

 

There were other little things the butlers did that made a nice difference.  We sometimes request meals from a specialty restaurant in our suite, especially if there's difficulty with reservations, but sometimes just if we are tired after excursions.  That is such a treat.

 

On our Alaska cruise on the Sun, we had that wonderful forward facing OS, and the view was absolutely AMAZING.  We didn't want to leave that view; that was why we took the cruise, after all.

We ate almost every meal at our own table, right in front of the huge wall of windows.

The butler really had a chance to learn which foods/snacks/desserts we liked, and they tended to show up unannounced.   The only thing they couldn't do was provide the calorie-free versions!

 

It all makes each trip so much more of a special treat.

 

GC

 

 

[icedearth15324]

I just recently had my upgrade to the Haven approved for my cruise this coming week. I'm really excited to experience it. Hard part is going through all 43 pages of info here about it haha.

[Niffernay]

14 minutes ago, icedearth15324 said:

I just recently had my upgrade to the Haven approved for my cruise this coming week. I'm really excited to experience it. Hard part is going through all 43 pages of info here about it haha.

You will love it and never want to go back to "regular" cruising.  Enjoy!!

[nyc2pdx]

5 hours ago, icedearth15324 said:

I just recently had my upgrade to the Haven approved for my cruise this coming week. I'm really excited to experience it. Hard part is going through all 43 pages of info here about it haha.

I second that...once you go haven, you will always go Haven!  Make sure you write a letter to your butler!

[Sthrngary]

6 hours ago, icedearth15324 said:

I just recently had my upgrade to the Haven approved for my cruise this coming week. I'm really excited to experience it. Hard part is going through all 43 pages of info here about it haha.

As you have questions, just ask.  I never mind repeating them.  Enjoy your cruise.

 

Cruise well.

[LGW59]

On 12/7/2021 at 3:07 AM, Sthrngary said:

 Not rude to sit at the bar at all. To take a seat there for the entire day, every day is a bit much.  Just my opinion when it is so busy. 

Why?  If buying drinks and tipping (assuming) they are enjoying their cruise, good on em!

[nyc2pdx]

2 hours ago, LGW59 said:

Why?  If buying drinks and tipping (assuming) they are enjoying their cruise, good on em!

I agree...spend your vacation as you want!  I spent much of my last cruise staring out to sea.  I was trying to read a book, but never seemed to get past the first page...hmmm...I wouldn't have changed a thing.  

[familytradition]

On 12/8/2021 at 6:59 AM, icedearth15324 said:

I just recently had my upgrade to the Haven approved for my cruise this coming week. I'm really excited to experience it. Hard part is going through all 43 pages of info here about it haha.

I am doing the same exact thing for a December 19th cruise! 

[familytradition]

On 12/8/2021 at 1:45 PM, Sthrngary said:

As you have questions, just ask.  I never mind repeating them.  Enjoy your cruise.

 

Cruise well.

I'm jumping on this offer! I so appreciate everything you've shared initially, and my current strategy is reading backwards through the replies for the most up-to-date information. I have 10 days to figure this out, and I have a few simple questions for seasoned Haven cruisers:

 

We don't drink alcohol, so we don't purchase a drink package. Are soft drinks complimentary in Haven? You've mentioned the French press several times; are there other specialty coffee drinks? If so, are any or all of them complimentary?

 

I love the idea of requesting breakfast set-up. Would it be appropriate to give a couple of options from the Haven menu for every member of the family and simply ask the butler to surprise us? Or do I need to provide a specific request each night?

 

I've read that the butler or steward unpacks our suitcases. That's a dream come true for this mom. However, it's a Christmas cruise, and I need to keep gifts hidden. How can I get that message to them with my luggage? 

 

Since this is a late upgrade, what is the best strategy and timing for communicating our preferences via a letter? 

 

Finally, we originally selected a noon timeslot for our COVID testing. Since Haven can board early, will we still need to follow our testing schedule before heading to the port? Or can we bump that earlier, too? 

 

I want to get the most out of the experience, but I don't want to over-ask and end up paying for something we really don't need or want. I also don't want my excitement and giddiness about all of the perks to make me come across as an entitled brat because I don't know what's acceptable!

 

I appreciate all of the advice!

 

 

 

[Sthrngary]

17 minutes ago, familytradition said:

We don't drink alcohol, so we don't purchase a drink package. Are soft drinks complimentary in Haven? You've mentioned the French press several times; are there other specialty coffee drinks? If so, are any or all of them complimentary?

I am assuming you are in a Haven Suite.  Unless you are in the (H2) Deluxe Owners Suite, all the soda's other items in the suite have a charge.  I ask my butler to take out all "For Sale Items" on day one.  This is a habit from years of cruising.  Just a suggestion.

 

Make sure you tell your Butler to only bring "Room Service" from the Haven Restaurant.  When you dine in the Haven Restaurant, they serve French Press.  Also Specialty coffee's which any where else would be at a cost.  My butler "Lucky" would bring breakfast to the suite and I always asked for the French Press Coffee. 

 

Unless you get the "Premium Plus Drink Package" the Starbucks on board has a cost.  For you not drinking alcohol, I would NOT get the "Plus" package.  Please call NCL to make sure you are not charged for soda's because you don't have a drink package.  Better safe then sorry.  Another place to get a GREAT cup of coffee and snacks is the Haven Horizon Lounge.  I personally started every morning there.

 

23 minutes ago, familytradition said:

I love the idea of requesting breakfast set-up. Would it be appropriate to give a couple of options from the Haven menu for every member of the family and simply ask the butler to surprise us? Or do I need to provide a specific request each night?

 

As nice as it sounds to have Breakfast in the room, it is much better at the Haven Restaurant.  If you do suite service, be specific.  It will help your butler. Get a copy of the Haven Menu on day one. 

25 minutes ago, familytradition said:

I've read that the butler or steward unpacks our suitcases. That's a dream come true for this mom. However, it's a Christmas cruise, and I need to keep gifts hidden. How can I get that message to them with my luggage? 

 

I suggest you unpack your own luggage.  That way the present stay hidden.  The butlers do this task if you ask them but often you don't see them right away. Then your presents are in plain sight. Just my thoughts. 

 

27 minutes ago, familytradition said:

Since this is a late upgrade, what is the best strategy and timing for communicating our preferences via a letter? 

 

Contact the Haven On-Shore desk, call NCL and ask them to transfer you to the Haven Desk.  I also do a detailed letter for the butler.  Look at the posts here on Cruise Critics with examples.  Very Helpful. 

 

30 minutes ago, familytradition said:

Finally, we originally selected a noon timeslot for our COVID testing. Since Haven can board early, will we still need to follow our testing schedule before heading to the port? Or can we bump that earlier, too? 

Call NCL and see if them can make a change for you.  I got there at 10:00 AM.  Was on the ship at 11:15 AM.

 

31 minutes ago, familytradition said:

I want to get the most out of the experience, but I don't want to over-ask and end up paying for something we really don't need or want. I also don't want my excitement and giddiness about all of the perks to make me come across as an entitled brat because I don't know what's acceptable!

 

Don't worry about it.  Just ask for what you want and let them know to tell you if there is a cost.  I asked for a special desert one night at the Haven Restaurant.  They had to charge me because it came from a Specialty Restaurant.  No issue at all.

 

Hope that helps, 

 

Cruise well.

[familytradition]

On 12/9/2021 at 3:14 PM, Sthrngary said:

I am assuming you are in a Haven Suite.  Unless you are in the (H2) Deluxe Owners Suite, all the soda's other items in the suite have a charge.  I ask my butler to take out all "For Sale Items" on day one.  This is a habit from years of cruising.  Just a suggestion.

 

Make sure you tell your Butler to only bring "Room Service" from the Haven Restaurant.  When you dine in the Haven Restaurant, they serve French Press.  Also Specialty coffee's which any where else would be at a cost.  My butler "Lucky" would bring breakfast to the suite and I always asked for the French Press Coffee. 

 

Unless you get the "Premium Plus Drink Package" the Starbucks on board has a cost.  For you not drinking alcohol, I would NOT get the "Plus" package.  Please call NCL to make sure you are not charged for soda's because you don't have a drink package.  Better safe then sorry.  Another place to get a GREAT cup of coffee and snacks is the Haven Horizon Lounge.  I personally started every morning there.

 

 

As nice as it sounds to have Breakfast in the room, it is much better at the Haven Restaurant.  If you do suite service, be specific.  It will help your butler. Get a copy of the Haven Menu on day one. 

 

I suggest you unpack your own luggage.  That way the present stay hidden.  The butlers do this task if you ask them but often you don't see them right away. Then your presents are in plain sight. Just my thoughts. 

 

 

Contact the Haven On-Shore desk, call NCL and ask them to transfer you to the Haven Desk.  I also do a detailed letter for the butler.  Look at the posts here on Cruise Critics with examples.  Very Helpful. 

 

Call NCL and see if them can make a change for you.  I got there at 10:00 AM.  Was on the ship at 11:15 AM.

 

 

Don't worry about it.  Just ask for what you want and let them know to tell you if there is a cost.  I asked for a special desert one night at the Haven Restaurant.  They had to charge me because it came from a Specialty Restaurant.  No issue at all.

 

Hope that helps, 

 

Cruise well.

Thank you for sharing all of your wisdom and experience! 

[Sthrngary]

The below link is of my family and me on our recent NCL Joy family cruise vacation.  We stayed in the H2-Haven Deluxe Owners Suite with Large Balcony.  The YouTube.com video has a Timeline Table of Contents agenda so you can go to the area you would like to hear and see.  

 

I discuss the Haven Amenities, Amenities special to just the H2 Owners Suite, Pros/Cons and a lot more.  The entire video last 14 minutes.  If you like it, give it a thumbs up.  If you have a comment on how I can improve my presentation, let me know. My goal was to provide a real consumers point of view.  This is part of a video series I do called, "The Cranky Old Man" Which I am.  

 

Cruise Well Everyone and Enjoy Every Minute.

 

Link: