Haven/non-Haven guests together

[cruising7]

Weird situation and would love some thoughts.  We were scheduled to cruise Alaska May-June in 2 Haven family Suites.  My MIL moved the cruise to next summer.  My daughter was going with us (last family vac)  but will be married by then so we are trying to figure out how to have her fiance/husband come with us, without breaking the bank!  We are booked as a family of 6 (includes daughter) which is the max for the room.  No way we can afford to book another Haven cabin.  We were were thinking we'd book an inside cabin, but only put him on that room, and leave my daughter on the Haven reservation, so we'd pay for and she can enjoy perks and he can be in the Haven with us as a guest, but she'd go sleep in the inside cabin with him.  We have cruised in the Haven before, and I can't impagine Haven staff would give us a hard time about him being in the lounges etc with us - and he'd have the full drink package etc.   HOwever it feels weird, knowing that we get to know Butler/barterder/concierge etc. pretty well so it would be obvious we had another person around all the time not booked in Haven.  I can't imagine they'd complain...I don't even feel like we'd be doing anything wrong, but wondered what official rules are on guests in Haven....we've always kept to oursleves so before I book, just tossing it out to see if anyone thinks this sounds like a reasonable plan, or if I am overlooking a potential issue? 

 

[mjkacmom]

Everything I’ve read here is that he don’t be allowed anywhere except your cabin.

[ColeThornton]

You are incorrect in your assumptions.   The staff knows who is and isn't supposed to be in the lounges/common areas.  They are very good at that.  If they aren't a Haven guest they have no right to take advantage of Haven perks.  I'm pretty sure you realize this is wrong based on the fact that you bothered to ask.  Just think...what would it be like if a bunch of people did this?  It would be diluting the experience for your fellow Havenites.  

 

Enjoy your cruise.

Edited April 19, 2020 by ColeThornton

[Hearthosesteeldrumsplayin]

Anyone booked in the inside room will only be allowed to access your cabin in the Haven, not any other amenities---to include the meals.  Although you CAN have room service for your meals and all could participate.  The 2 bedroom is tight for 6 people....and the couch is usually not a pull-out bed, but a sleep on the cushions style, so not good for a couple.  On the ship we were on, there was a pullman-style bed over the bed in the smaller bedroom.

 

Also note that if you put one person in the inside cabin, they will be subject to the single supplement (read:  cha-ching).

 

I might suggest (if available) that you look at a ship that does not have the Haven.

You could likely get 2 suites (maybe one big with a smaller connection) for less than your Haven plus inside.  On the smaller ships (like Sky) the Owner's suite comes with a hot tub on the balcony and a connecting room (and 3 bottles of spirits!).  It has a Murphy bed, so the living area is very usable during the day, with the bed out at night.  It also has a bath and 1/2, so makes restroom issues not too much of a problem.

On medium side ships (like the Star), there is the 2 balcony suite, which are usually at the front, with either another (smaller) front suite that connects, or a smaller side stateroom (I don't think that one is a suite).  However, I only remember 1 bed in the larger suite, although the couch may make out into a bed.  (There were only 2 of us with our friends in the connecting suite...so we kept the door between open, and they joined us for breakfast daily in our suite.....it was quite nice!)  In Alaska, you won't get much use out of the front facing balconies, unless you bundle up---which would be great for cruising the sound, but the side balcony was usually calm enough to enjoy (out trip was to Canada, so similar issues).

 

Hope this helps!  I know you'll have a great trip....as long as you know what to expect, it is easier to deal with and temper expectations---especially on a budget!

[Two Wheels Only]

46 minutes ago, cruising7 said:

We were were thinking we'd book an inside cabin, but only put him on that room, and leave my daughter on the Haven reservation, so we'd pay for and she can enjoy perks and he can be in the Haven with us as a guest...

 

Non-Haven "guests" aren't supposed to be in the Haven common areas. He can visit the stateroom (even spend the night) but he isn't allowed to use the Haven pool, courtyard, bar, sundeck, etc.

 

46 minutes ago, cruising7 said:

We have cruised in the Haven before, and I can't impagine Haven staff would give us a hard time about him being in the lounges etc with us

 

As mentioned above, imagine if EVERY Haven stateroom allowed 1 or 2 "guests" into the Haven. 

 

46 minutes ago, cruising7 said:

I don't even feel like we'd be doing anything wrong, but wondered what official rules are on guests in Haven....

 

It would be wrong and is officially not allowed. 

 

46 minutes ago, cruising7 said:

...just tossing it out to see if anyone thinks this sounds like a reasonable plan, or if I am overlooking a potential issue? 

 

It isn't a reasonable plan. You might think that since your stateroom has a capacity of 6, it's no problem but think about the other Haven guests. If they allowed non-Haven guests to be their "guests" in the Haven, the facilities would be overloaded with non-Haven and Haven guests. You (the actual Haven guest) would have a diminished experience because non-Haven guests made the Haven less "Haven". 

 

A potential issue is that the son-in-law could be asked to leave (or possible escorted from) the Haven once it is discovered that he isn't supposed to be there. 

 

Yes, there have been instances where a concierge has let a non-Haven grandpa/grandma (for ex.) into the Haven to be with the family so it isn't impossible to have a "guest" but that is an example of the exception, not the rule.  

Edited April 19, 2020 by Two Wheels Only

[cruising7]

The extra person would not need to partake of food or drinks in the Haven .... I definitely wasn’t implying that. There are 10 of us fully booked in The Haven, so moving to another ship is not really a feasible plan. My MIL has paid over $30,000 for this trip.  Just wondering how big of a deal would it be for one non-haven guest to be with us in some common areas occasionally.  Yes an inside cabin for a solo person is pricier than for 2.....it’s about $3000 whereas the cheapest Haven room is $10,000 minimum and much more space than would be needed. We may just move her to the inside room and spend time with them in other areas....they will be newlyweds and happy with that too, and free drinks and other perks are offered for all bookings right now. The main reason for them to be in the Haven at all would be to spend time with grandma which they can do in her cabin and on her balcony, and at dinner, and we can see them on 90% of the ship.

 I genuinely appreciate the info - truly didn’t know official policy (never needed to before) but suspected there would be some reasons not to go this route. Just trying to figure out options for re-booking a year later when our family dynamic will be different than the original trip in 2020! I appreciate the (mostly) non-judgemental advice and thoughts 🙂 stay safe and kind everyone! 

Edited April 19, 2020 by cruising7
Delete

[NLH Arizona]

1 hour ago, cruising7 said:

Weird situation and would love some thoughts.  We were scheduled to cruise Alaska May-June in 2 Haven family Suites.  My MIL moved the cruise to next summer.  My daughter was going with us (last family vac)  but will be married by then so we are trying to figure out how to have her fiance/husband come with us, without breaking the bank!  We are booked as a family of 6 (includes daughter) which is the max for the room.  No way we can afford to book another Haven cabin.  We were were thinking we'd book an inside cabin, but only put him on that room, and leave my daughter on the Haven reservation, so we'd pay for and she can enjoy perks and he can be in the Haven with us as a guest, but she'd go sleep in the inside cabin with him.  We have cruised in the Haven before, and I can't impagine Haven staff would give us a hard time about him being in the lounges etc with us - and he'd have the full drink package etc.   HOwever it feels weird, knowing that we get to know Butler/barterder/concierge etc. pretty well so it would be obvious we had another person around all the time not booked in Haven.  I can't imagine they'd complain...I don't even feel like we'd be doing anything wrong, but wondered what official rules are on guests in Haven....we've always kept to oursleves so before I book, just tossing it out to see if anyone thinks this sounds like a reasonable plan, or if I am overlooking a potential issue? 

 

I doubt he will be able to go anywhere but your suite.  You might be able to ask the Concierge if he can eat a few meals, which you might have to pay for, in the Haven restaurant.  The reason non-Haven guests are not allowed in the pool, lounge, etc. is because if everyone brought a guest or two, there would not be enough room for those that actually paid for the benefits.  Think about it, would you like to go to the pool or lounge and not be able to find a lounger or seat because others brought guests who are not paying for the benefits....I know I'd be really ticked off and would be complaining.

[UODuckMan]

There is plenty to do outside of the Haven so I'd let your daughter and her new husband have their space outside of the Haven.  You'll be doing shore excursions together and you can meet them for other activities and some meals outside of the Haven.  Be upfront with the Butler and Concierge and I'm sure they could join you for a couple of meals either in your suite or the Haven Restaurant.  It seems like you're stressed about this, but I'm sure your daughter and son-in-law will still have one of the best vacations of their lives!!

[cruising7]

11 minutes ago, UODuckMan said:

There is plenty to do outside of the Haven so I'd let your daughter and her new husband have their space outside of the Haven.  You'll be doing shore excursions together and you can meet them for other activities and some meals outside of the Haven.  Be upfront with the Butler and Concierge and I'm sure they could join you for a couple of meals either in your suite or the Haven Restaurant.  It seems like you're stressed about this, but I'm sure your daughter and son-in-law will still have one of the best vacations of their lives!!

Yes this is exactly what we are thinking now.  We know they won’t even want to eat in Haven...at most they'd want to bring their own drink and sit in the lounge before dinner...We can do that in our rooms too.....we  have 2, 2 bedroom Haven Family suites. Technically we could add him to one of the rooms, but the sleeping arrangements would be weird. Luckily all bookings offer open bar and specialty dining now, and the Bliss is an amazing ship, Haven aside!  She is Platinum anyway so they will get some perks if she’s booked with him. (we’ve cruised NCL since she was little) Definitely not stressed....if I wanted to be annoying and take advantage I would not even have posted the questions lol we would just have done it. Mostly we are wanting to be sure grandma (who doesn’t like to leave Haven except to eat 😂) could see them. In the cabins are fine!  I like the idea of being upfront with staff too so as the week goes they could potentially sit in lounge with us. 
Replies were helpful thanks! 

Edited April 19, 2020 by cruising7

[dexddd]

The invite others to have meal has come and gone for a fee and not sure if they allow it anymore.  My understanding is no.

 

For next year it is Sun, Jewel, Encore, Bliss.  As mentioned, maybe you could just do Sun or Jewel in A non Haven suite (Sun no Haven).  Jewel has the same 2 bedroom suite for six.  Yes, not as fancy but fine.

 

I haven't paid attention to how many Haven on Encore or Bliss but Escape has roughly 90.  Imagine if now 90 extra guests even if not using bar or restaurant.

 

I know at initial meeting with concierge they tell the group no guests.

[don't-use-real-name]

How does the Haven crew know who is an authorized paying guest with Haven reservations ?

I found out getting a bucket of ice in the middle of the night -

The door to the small galley kitchen was open and had previously noted where the ice machine was -

After getting the ice leaving the galley there was a bulletin board with a rouge gallery of photos of the

Haven guests and their cabin number - those photos taken at registration but do not appear on your key card -

(Every time you use your key card the crew member can check if you are the person using the key card)

Thus the Haven crew knows who is naughty and nice and belonging in the Haven.

 

You do not hear much about exceptions to the visiting and guest rules - should not be a real problem if

done infrequently and authorized by the Concierge or Hotel Manager !  I don't know about the Butler.

 

The -AWAY class ships I believe that you could have a guest for dinner in the Haven for that customary

famous fabulous NCL service charge fee.

 

The JEWEL class Haven ships less of a problem - no restaurant or bar and fewer guest occupants.

 

Ask politely - expect a no or a maybe - be delighted and respectful if authorized - don't screw it for the next guest.

[Two Wheels Only]

29 minutes ago, don't-use-real-name said:

I don't know about the Butler.

 

The butler will have no problem serving non-Haven guests in the Haven guest's suite. 

 

32 minutes ago, don't-use-real-name said:

Ask politely - expect a no or a maybe - be delighted and respectful if authorized - don't screw it for the next guest.

 

I agree. There's no harm in asking but don't hold it against the concierge if the answer is "no". 

[Budget Queen]

1 hour ago, cruising7 said:

The extra person would not need to partake of food or drinks in the Haven .... I definitely wasn’t implying that. There are 10 of us fully booked in The Haven, so moving to another ship is not really a feasible plan. My MIL has paid over $30,000 for this trip.  Just wondering how big of a deal would it be for one non-haven guest to be with us in some common areas occasionally.  Yes an inside cabin for a solo person is pricier than for 2.....it’s about $3000 whereas the cheapest Haven room is $10,000 minimum and much more space than would be needed. We may just move her to the inside room and spend time with them in other areas....they will be newlyweds and happy with that too, and free drinks and other perks are offered for all bookings right now. The main reason for them to be in the Haven at all would be to spend time with grandma which they can do in her cabin and on her balcony, and at dinner, and we can see them on 90% of the ship.

 I genuinely appreciate the info - truly didn’t know official policy (never needed to before) but suspected there would be some reasons not to go this route. Just trying to figure out options for re-booking a year later when our family dynamic will be different than the original trip in 2020! I appreciate the (mostly) non-judgemental advice and thoughts 🙂 stay safe and kind everyone! 

No matter how many excuses you tell yourself-  NO. A nonhaven person can be in your room and that is it.  No he isn’t allowed anywhere else.    

 

Just have the honeymooners be on their own.  I doubt they are going to want to hang around much with a group anyway.    

[graphicguy]

OP...don’t worry.  Obviously you’re just trying to work logistics.  As others mentioned, the Concierges make it their job to know who is and who isn’t booked in the Haven.  They’re the gate keepers.  After the first day, they’ll have memorized your names and cabin numbers.

 

As such, they’re pretty stringent about who gets in the Haven, and what, if anything, non-Haven guests can do when accompanied by a Haven guest.

 

 

[FLcruisergrl]

2 hours ago, cruising7 said:

Just wondering how big of a deal would it be for one non-haven guest to be with us in some common areas occasionally. 

Unfortunately for your situation, it would be a big deal and is not allowed. As someone else has suggested, maybe look at a smaller ship with suites? The Sun will be sailing Alaska and has 2 amazing owners suites, with some great forward facing rooms/suites in between them.

[mianmike]

It totally depends on the Concierge.  We've seen a Concierge allow several non-Haven guests (past Haven guests with a relationship to the Concierge) in the Haven.  We once saw a couple who befriended a fellow on our rollcall get him a key to their Aft Haven cabin.  He hung out in the Haven the entire cruise.   We never could figure out how they worked that. 

[cruising7]

No worries.  I should’ve been more specific. The perks I was wanting to keep for my daughter where the open bar and specialty dining.  Luckily those are being offered on all bookings now. The only reason we are in Haven is that’s what my MIL wants and she pays. She books 2 years out and her generous, but fixed budget doesn’t allow adding another whole cabin at this point, and since we already maxed out the capacity, it puts her in a tough spot since things have changed. We are just trying to figure out if and  how to make it work.  We’ve cruised every year since 2006 and know each one is different...this year (2020) was to be our last....so now we’re really trying to figure out how to do the last, postponed, with new circumstances! I know my daughter and her fiancé very well and they would sleep in pool chairs LOL to be able to go on a cruise with us without paying! Hard to post all those details in one post which is why I was really just asking for advice on what the Haven policies are. Super happy that I had that clarify for me. Best wishes to all and thanks for the input! 
 

[nhtravels]

One piece of information that I can share (from our experience) is that your non-Haven guests can use the priority embarkation/disembarkation for ports, if you are traveling as a group.  It has been very helpful to us (we travel in 2 Haven cabins and then usually 2-4 balcony cabins for our married children/grandchildren).   

 

 

[Two Wheels Only]

1 minute ago, nhtravels said:

One piece of information that I can share (from our experience) is that your non-Haven guests can use the priority embarkation/disembarkation for ports, if you are traveling as a group.

 

That can happen (I've done that with my family) but it isn't always guaranteed. It's best to have it approved before arriving on embarkation day....get it in writing. 

[Coastalbreezes]

OP, you state "I’m not trying to get anything for nothing" but these two phrases say it all:

"At most they'd want to bring their own drink and sit in the lounge before dinner" (NOT allowed)

 "Be with us in some common areas occasionally" (NOT allowed)

[mertziek]

Good policy to follow - if you want to enjoy the Haven common areas, book in a Haven cabin.  Not fair to those booked in the Haven for you to haul in non-Haven booked passengers.  
 

“We have cruised in the Haven before, and I can't impagine Haven staff would give us a hard time about him being in the lounges etc with us“

So no, the staff will not want your non-Haven guest in the lounges and yes, he will justifiably be asked to leave by the Haven staff.

[xcell]

If your mom is paying for the trip, why don't YOU just pay for your future SIL to have a room with your daughter on the cruise -- count it as an early wedding present. 

[thistimeplease]

OP sounds like you have a plan.  Enjoy your cruise, enjoy the haven and sorry about the negativity from some of the posters.

[TSUmom]

I completely understand your way of thinking as we were in a similar situation a few years ago with an 80 year old solo traveler.  As others have already stated you should not even ask to allow them into the Haven area.  We only had him come to our cabin for dinner a few times and once we were actually allowed to have him eat dinner with us in the Haven restaurant but we did not ask the concierge invited him to dine with us.  I think it was kind of her and it may be because we never asked for "special" favors.  He was allowed to use priority tender with us but not priority disembarking at the end of the cruise.  

[thistimeplease]

2 minutes ago, xcell said:

If your mom is paying for the trip, why don't YOU just pay for your future SIL to have a room with your daughter on the cruise -- count it as an early wedding present. 

I believe the OP stated that she is going to get a inside room for her SIL and daughter.