Just off Getaway-Haven

[Debde]

Hi everyone. Just got off the Getaway out of NOLA in the haven. Brief review here and answers to some things on other threads I was on so hope to help those of you who were involved in those discussions.

Embarkation;

Easy as pie. Did a hail Mary and flew in the same day. Got to the port around 10:45 and was on the ship by11:15. Zipped through security, checked in at the Haven desk and never went in the Haven waiting room. They saw us coming and said right this way-we are boarding!!😃 we took advantage of the free lunch at Margaritaville. Glad we did. It was good but not worth the extra fee.

Food:

I can't cook so everything is good. We had meals in the Haven, MDR, O'Sheehans and the buffet. Not a reservations was made prior to boarding and had no problem anywhere. To answer some questions- hot roast beef at O'sheehans- I ordered it because it was a topic on another thread- it is a bit fatty-I'd pick the hot turkey. Shepards pie has lamb in it and the pizza is what it is. Get it as soon as it comes out the oven.

Dress code in haven-I saw no bathing suits or pajamas on my sailing so I think that debunks that rumor!! LOL People did have shorts on for Dinner in both the Haven and MDR but they were nice shorts with collared shirts IE-no wife beater tanks!! LOL  Only thing I noticed, including my husband just because we forgot, is to remove your hats guys!! 😉

Room-

Courtyard room. Naveen the butler was fantastic!! Room steward Moncito-also great. They figure out your style quickly and nice surprises just kept appearing in the room.

Haven Bar:

Never waited in 3 deep people to get a drink as some stated. Servers did walk around the courtyard area taking drink orders. Another debunked theory for my sailing!! LOL The bartenders were GREAT!!

Shows-

Not one pre- booked and had no problem.

Escape the big top-we stunk at it but had some laughs.

Million dollar quartet-if you like that music-you'll love it. The Jerry Lee Lewis actor was hysterical.

Syd Normans-rock trivia-fun but FYI-questions not music

Do the water slides-the one that the floor drops out from under you is not to miss!!

Casino:

Plenty of video poker machines. That's my thing!!♠️

Going home:

Last day was a breeze. Got up-had breakfast in the Haven at about 8;00. Went back to our room, grabbed our bags [carried our own] went out by the concierge at 8:45. someone came and escorted us out at 9:00. Was in the cab by 9:30 heading to the airport. Easy as pie again.

 

Thanks to everyone who answered my questions before I left. hope this helps  some of you who have not yet sailed.

Loved the Getaway. Another great cruise NCL. Thank you!!

[GettotheSun]

That's awesome!  Sounds like you had an amazing time.  We are are on the Getaway in March, so this is super helpful, thank you.

 

(wow, you are brave flying in same day)

[kdmbluerzr]

Great info, thanks! We are on the Getaway next Sunday, super excited!  🙂 

[Aprille]

Thanks so much for the info. We set sail on the Getaway on Feb 7th for a 9-nighter with my 90 year-old mom who is flying from Amarillo TX to NO by herself! Hubby and I are driving from Houston. We're in a 2BR family suite in the Haven. We've never sailed out of NO but glad to hear it seems to be as easy as the other ports we've sailed out of while staying in the Haven. I've read some conflicting posts on the ease of finding the Haven check-in at the NO port but I had assured my mom to just follow me. LOL!

 

Also glad to hear the complimentary lunch on embarkation day is still available at Margaritaville. Volcano nachos, here we come! Even the 3 of us can eat it all so it's certainly not worth $14.95 per person.

 

May I ask who the concierge is and if there is an assistant concierge?

Edited January 19, 2020 by Aprille

[kelleyfarms]

We had Virginia as our concierge on our B2B before Christmas.  She was probably the best we ever had, so friendly and helpful.

 

John

 

[pup931]

Thank you! I was worried about Haven Check-in. So there isn't a problem finding where to check in for Haven? No confusing lines with clueless staff?

[FLAHAM]

So the Margaritaville lunch is great, but it's not worth $14.95?  That's what I pay for a very average, hole-in-the-wall deli sandwich, side and Pepsi here in the midwest. 

[Debde]

Hi guys;

1.- Yes- I sure was brave doing the same day fly in. Had to do this the last 2 cruises. The panic level gets easier!! LOL

2.-Shame on me. I forget the name of the concierge. She was very nice although did not need much help from her. Day one they give you a sheet to fill out and hand in when you are ready to book shows and dinner reservations so I handed it in the next day and all was done like magic!! One day I asked her to book the MDR Savor for us. It was a same day booking at a prime dinner time and we were in. 👍

3.-Soon as you go through security you will see a huge sign that points you to the haven check in. Easy to see. The waiting room to board, which I never went in, the person that checks you in takes you directly to it so not problem finding that either. All the staff in port seem to understand the whole Haven embarkation process now.

4.-Yes-totally recommend lunch day one at Margaritaville. It is no charge. Haven menu does not change for lunch or dinner so you will not miss out on anything in the Haven restaurant. Taco salad and Nachos were great but not worth the cover charge IMO so we were glad to get that complimentary.

[zeppgirl]

Thanks for the info! We are doing getaway in june but out of rome- not sure how similar it will be, but helpful info!

[Sand and Seas]

Great information!   Thanks for sharing with us😎

[fastpitchdad]

I really liked the Haven Bartenders.. Patrick and ??? Can't believe I for his name.

 

Did you see Howl at the moon?

[GettotheSun]

3 hours ago, Debde said:

Hi guys;

1.- Yes- I sure was brave doing the same day fly in. Had to do this the last 2 cruises. The panic level gets easier!! LOL

2.-Shame on me. I forget the name of the concierge. She was very nice although did not need much help from her. Day one they give you a sheet to fill out and hand in when you are ready to book shows and dinner reservations so I handed it in the next day and all was done like magic!! One day I asked her to book the MDR Savor for us. It was a same day booking at a prime dinner time and we were in. 👍

3.-Soon as you go through security you will see a huge sign that points you to the haven check in. Easy to see. The waiting room to board, which I never went in, the person that checks you in takes you directly to it so not problem finding that either. All the staff in port seem to understand the whole Haven embarkation process now.

4.-Yes-totally recommend lunch day one at Margaritaville. It is no charge. Haven menu does not change for lunch or dinner so you will not miss out on anything in the Haven restaurant. Taco salad and Nachos were great but not worth the cover charge IMO so we were glad to get that complimentary.

 

We are taking our first cruise this March, so I'm no where near daring enough to fly in same day.  Insurance is one thing but going back home with your tail between your legs is another, LOL.  

 

You mention you didn't use the concierge that much, did you use the butler much?  (in terms of specific requests or room service?).  Sounds like both butler and steward were good.  

 

Glad to hear the port seems to have a bit more organization for Haven guests.  I'm not sure how common it is for an experience like yours to literally be 'whisked' off to the Haven right away, but good for you!!!!  I can hope, but not counting on that. haha

 

 

I will leave first day lunch up to a family vote (Haven or Margaritaville...can't include buffet as an option as it would get too many votes, LOL).  I'm guessing we will do Margaritaville.

 

Hope you don't mind if I think of some additional questions to ask...so glad you had a great cruise!

 

 

 

 

[Debde]

1 hour ago, GettotheSun said:

 

We are taking our first cruise this March, so I'm no where near daring enough to fly in same day.  Insurance is one thing but going back home with your tail between your legs is another, LOL.  

 

You mention you didn't use the concierge that much, did you use the butler much?  (in terms of specific requests or room service?).  Sounds like both butler and steward were good.  

 

Glad to hear the port seems to have a bit more organization for Haven guests.  I'm not sure how common it is for an experience like yours to literally be 'whisked' off to the Haven right away, but good for you!!!!  I can hope, but not counting on that. haha

 

 

I will leave first day lunch up to a family vote (Haven or Margaritaville...can't include buffet as an option as it would get too many votes, LOL).  I'm guessing we will do Margaritaville.

 

Hope you don't mind if I think of some additional questions to ask...so glad you had a great cruise!

 

 

Believe you me-this thing called work gets in the way sometimes and we have had to roll that dice a bit lately. I have not had a disaster yet and god willing will not but if it does, I'm sure I'll stop this madness!!! LOL

 

For the butler-we asked him to keep our fridge stocked with milk and chocolate milk, regular coffee pods only for the coffee maker and room service one lunch. Everything else he did, he  just did for us on his own. He was good!! The giant bowl of peanut M&Ms were a huge hit!! He said-he noticed we liked the sweets!!

 

As for being 'whisked' away-LOL never happened before but if you sail in the Haven-you board first so no reason getting there early. This time-we were just lucky. Also-if you get there early-you have to deal with the crowds still leaving so I think 10;30 or after is perfect.

 

Ask away...................😉

 

Fastpitchdad-

Did not see Howl at the moon and I think the other bartenders name was Craig-maybe not spelling that right. No matter the names-they both were excellent. My drinks are simple but I saw them making some interesting drinks. One made something called the Haven surprise. No one know what it was but they sure were loving it!!

[GettotheSun]

1 hour ago, Debde said:

 

Believe you me-this thing called work gets in the way sometimes and we have had to roll that dice a bit lately. I have not had a disaster yet and god willing will not but if it does, I'm sure I'll stop this madness!!! LOL

 

I hear you about work.  We have so very limited options and if we did a Saturday to Saturday, we'd have no option but to fly in same day...nope.  Not ready for that, haha.

 

 

Quote

For the butler-we asked him to keep our fridge stocked with milk and chocolate milk, regular coffee pods only for the coffee maker and room service one lunch. Everything else he did, he  just did for us on his own. He was good!! The giant bowl of peanut M&Ms were a huge hit!! He said-he noticed we liked the sweets!!

 

Sounds like you had a great butler!  That's awesome.

 

I do have many more questions, but just making sure I don't forget anything, haha

 

 

Edited January 20, 2020 by GettotheSun

[DrSea]

I was on this cruise the week before you. I do miss sitting in the Haven hot tub. Back at it working. 

 

And I totally get the whole flying in and leaving the same day bc of work. Can't be helped sometimes. The rush is half the fun 😉

 

My question to you is, would you only ever do Haven? Could you go back?

Edited January 20, 2020 by DrSea

[cksv]

9 hours ago, FLAHAM said:

So the Margaritaville lunch is great, but it's not worth $14.95?  That's what I pay for a very average, hole-in-the-wall deli sandwich, side and Pepsi here in the midwest. 

Not when you’ve already paid for your food as part of your cruise fare. The old a la carte pricing was more reasonable as one could split the volcano nachos for $5 a person, and not sure what kind of hole in the wall you’re paying $15 for a sandwich at when you can get a foot long for $5. Maybe at an upscale deli here in San Francisco though!

Edited January 20, 2020 by cksv

[FLAHAM]

4 hours ago, cksv said:

Not when you’ve already paid for your food as part of your cruise fare. The old a la carte pricing was more reasonable as one could split the volcano nachos for $5 a person, and not sure what kind of hole in the wall you’re paying $15 for a sandwich at when you can get a foot long for $5. Maybe at an upscale deli here in San Francisco though!

Good lord, I'm not desperate enough to eat at Subway.  $9.95 for a decent turkey and swiss on rye sandwich, $2 for a small cole slaw side, $2 for a fountain soda, $2 for the tip jar and $1.50 for the State of Ohio = $17.45. 

[Debde]

16 hours ago, DrSea said:

 

My question to you is, would you only ever do Haven? Could you go back?

 

My fate is doomed to Haven only on NCL or Yacht club on MSC  🥴

[david_sobe]

On 1/19/2020 at 12:40 PM, kelleyfarms said:

We had Virginia as our concierge on our B2B before Christmas.  She was probably the best we ever had, so friendly and helpful.

 

John

 

Had Virginia 10 years ago this week aboard the Sky.  She is definitely one of the better concierges.  

[Kirstys1]

22 hours ago, Debde said:

 

Did not see Howl at the moon and I think the other bartenders name was Craig-maybe not spelling that right. No matter the names-they both were excellent. My drinks are simple but I saw them making some interesting drinks. One made something called the Haven surprise. No one know what it was but they sure were loving it!!

To confirm the other bartender was Craig, he is actually really good friends of mine. He definitely is very good at drinks, i never order from the menu anymore, he just knows! I just hope they move him back to a more lively bar like atrium or spice or the pool. He has a real genuine talent for making people happy. Seems a shame to keep that talent to haven... 
 

I’m going to try and get a haven surprise on my next getaway cruise with Craig I think... 6 weeks!! 

[Georgia_Peaches]

What are your thoughts on the open air Haven pool deck area?  Did you find it hot?  I love the Breakaway, Getaway's sister ship because the Haven pool deck area is enclosed by a retractable roof that is never retracted...at least in my experience.  I like the climate controlled area of the Haven courtyard and have avoided Getaway because it's open air.  Just wondered what you thought of it.  Thank you.

[GettotheSun]

1 hour ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

What are your thoughts on the open air Haven pool deck area?  Did you find it hot?  I love the Breakaway, Getaway's sister ship because the Haven pool deck area is enclosed by a retractable roof that is never retracted...at least in my experience.  I like the climate controlled area of the Haven courtyard and have avoided Getaway because it's open air.  Just wondered what you thought of it.  Thank you.

 

It's funny you mention that, because when I booked the Getaway, I didn't realize the Haven didn't have a retractable roof.  It was someone on CC who told me it did not...guess I won't know the difference, haha

[Debde]

17 hours ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

What are your thoughts on the open air Haven pool deck area?  Did you find it hot?  I love the Breakaway, Getaway's sister ship because the Haven pool deck area is enclosed by a retractable roof that is never retracted...at least in my experience.  I like the climate controlled area of the Haven courtyard and have avoided Getaway because it's open air.  Just wondered what you thought of it.  Thank you.

 

I never found it hot in there but I can say-we had fantastic weather. I thought I would miss it too but never did. Now-in bad weather/rain, I'd think it would really stink not to be able to close that up.

 

Kirstys1-Craig is the best. I made him laugh because we had a running joke of my daytime drink, night time drink and bed time drink!

[ktcat cruz]

Tell me about the free lunch at Margaritaville? We sail out of New Orleans on Feb 2. I wanted to go there but my husband doesn't want to pay the fee. Is it only free on embarkation day? Are the drinks free if we have beverage package?

 

Thanks!

[cksv]

8 minutes ago, ktcat cruz said:

Tell me about the free lunch at Margaritaville? We sail out of New Orleans on Feb 2. I wanted to go there but my husband doesn't want to pay the fee. Is it only free on embarkation day? Are the drinks free if we have beverage package?

 

Thanks!

Yup, lunch is free on embarkation day for guests staying in The Haven. Everyone else is subject to the $15 per person cover charge. The specialty drinks (margaraitas, etc) are covered under your drink package.

Edited January 21, 2020 by cksv