Letter to butler in Haven

[amygutman]

On 3/17/2023 at 12:28 AM, DebbieCruises said:

Does anyone just list their needs/wants/preferences with the precruise concierge?  We have cruised in the Haven for years and thought that was the expectation.  The butler always seems to have received the information before we ever board the ship. 

We have used the pre-concierge for our last 5 Havens and have had outstanding service. According to others, their experiences and if their expectations / promises were met have been mixed (either really great, partially fulfilled or non-existent). 

 

Excursions are directed to a special Haven / Suite excursion contact number as well (which helps nab those hard-to-get bookings). Our overall responses are usually within 24-48 hours M-F, and often followed / preceded by a phone call. We've been successful in requesting: mini-fridge items, excursions, show / dining reservations, special occasion "occasions" (once a full caviar tasting for DH's birthday with private chef), private tours, and room snack preferences. I would say we have been 95% on requests being passed on to the on-ship Butler / Concierge. I'm sorry to report the infamous "pillow menu" has never been fulfilled (nor has it ever affected our vacation).

 

In regards to the wonderful Butler Letter...we have modified it for every trip from @Sthrngary's awesome template and found it most helpful.

 

The Pre-Concierge email is: NorwegianConciergeDesk@ncl.com.

 

Have a wonderful trip! Warmest, Amy

Gutman-Enright Butler Letter_General.docx

[RocketMan275]

On 3/19/2023 at 10:39 PM, westcoastmom said:

I didn't even know the existence of a precruise concierge. This is the first time on NCL and first time Haven suites. My travel agent went incommunicado once she got our booking so this thread is very helpful.

To reach the Pre-Cruise Concierge Desk, please call
1-855-625-4283 | 9am - 6pm EST or email NorwegianConciergeDesk@ncl.com

[Branbay]

On 3/23/2023 at 1:49 PM, amygutman said:

We have used the pre-concierge for our last 5 Havens and have had outstanding service. According to others, their experiences and if their expectations / promises were met have been mixed (either really great, partially fulfilled or non-existent). 

 

Excursions are directed to a special Haven / Suite excursion contact number as well (which helps nab those hard-to-get bookings). Our overall responses are usually within 24-48 hours M-F, and often followed / preceded by a phone call. We've been successful in requesting: mini-fridge items, excursions, show / dining reservations, special occasion "occasions" (once a full caviar tasting for DH's birthday with private chef), private tours, and room snack preferences. I would say we have been 95% on requests being passed on to the on-ship Butler / Concierge. I'm sorry to report the infamous "pillow menu" has never been fulfilled (nor has it ever affected our vacation).

 

In regards to the wonderful Butler Letter...we have modified it for every trip from @Sthrngary's awesome template and found it most helpful.

 

The Pre-Concierge email is: NorwegianConciergeDesk@ncl.com.

 

Have a wonderful trip! Warmest, Amy

Gutman-Enright Butler Letter_General.docx 21.78 kB · 42 downloads

 

[Branbay]

Thank you for this insightful post, Amy.  My wife and I will be sailing NCL & the Haven for the first time this coming July.  My wife knows what ship we are going on, but she has no idea we'll be in the Haven as it's a surprise for her.  After reading numerous posts about the butler letter, I will give one to ours when we board. I have a quick two-part question; if you don't mind, we will be boarding in Miami. Will there be some signage or a kiosk directing us where to go? And do I drop our luggage off before I park in the garage?  Thanks

[cruiseny4life]

1 hour ago, Branbay said:

I have a quick two-part question; if you don't mind, we will be boarding in Miami. Will there be some signage or a kiosk directing us where to go? And do I drop our luggage off before I park in the garage?  Thanks

We cruised out of Miami on March 18th. It was the easiest experience ever to find Haven. There were three handsome men standing behind a large kiosk with a gold background that said "The Haven" on it. One of these guys led us inside to a pre-check-in location as we arrived early. The other guests had to present ID to security at the door and walked right. We were escorted in, didn't get stopped by security, and were led left to a bank of chairs. We waited there until the check-in counter opened. It's really, really easy!

 

We took an Uber, so I cannot really answer your luggage question, though (to save aggravation), I think you'd be best just to park the car, then bring your luggage as the amount of vehicles in port is enormous! But! Definitely, look to others for a better answer on this. 

[BirdTravels]

1 hour ago, Branbay said:

Thank you for this insightful post, Amy.  My wife and I will be sailing NCL & the Haven for the first time this coming July.  My wife knows what ship we are going on, but she has no idea we'll be in the Haven as it's a surprise for her.  After reading numerous posts about the butler letter, I will give one to ours when we board. I have a quick two-part question; if you don't mind, we will be boarding in Miami. Will there be some signage or a kiosk directing us where to go? And do I drop our luggage off before I park in the garage?  Thanks

 

Last time we were in Miami, the bridge from the parking structure to the terminal (far end of first picture) was not open. So, you took the elevators down to ground level and walked across the street to the main terminal where there were a lot of porters lining the walkway (second picture). 

 

There is only one entrance to the terminal. At the entrance, there is a special line for Haven guests with big gold signage. They will check your documents and escort you into the terminal and take you to a private elevator. 

 

At the top of the elevator, there is a private Haven's check-in area before main security. The Haven has its own security screening and check in. You will then be directed upstairs (or elevator) to the VIP waiting area with refreshments and  seating (and where you can look down on the steerage class check-in and waiting area). 

 

The concierge team will be in the lounge taking reservations and helping you prepare for your luxury cruise. 

 

I hope that these photos help with understanding what things will look like when you surprise your wife!

 

Parking structure next to main terminal and bag drop off

 

 

Haven Entrance to Main Terminal

 

 

Haven Check-in

 

 

 

Haven waiting area

 

 

 

 

Steerage

[9tee2Sea]

I am in my first Haven cabin in Jan 2024.  The only thing I can think of telling the Butler is that we want Martinis on the balcony around 4:30pm and maybe a way to have a pot of coffee in the morning in the room.  Other than that, I really can't think of why I need a Butler.   I don't want them to unpack, don't do afternoon snacks, bedding has always been fine on NCL.  But who knows, maybe as the cruise progresses, I will think of something.

[Branbay]

1 hour ago, cruiseny4life said:

We cruised out of Miami on March 18th. It was the easiest experience ever to find Haven. There were three handsome men standing behind a large kiosk with a gold background that said "The Haven" on it. One of these guys led us inside to a pre-check-in location as we arrived early. The other guests had to present ID to security at the door and walked right. We were escorted in, didn't get stopped by security, and were led left to a bank of chairs. We waited there until the check-in counter opened. It's really, really easy!

 

We took an Uber, so I cannot really answer your luggage question, though (to save aggravation), I think you'd be best just to park the car, then bring your luggage as the amount of vehicles in port is enormous! But! Definitely, look to others for a better answer on this. 

Thank you!

[Branbay]

44 minutes ago, BirdTravels said:

 

Last time we were in Miami, the bridge from the parking structure to the terminal (far end of first picture) was not open. So, you took the elevators down to ground level and walked across the street to the main terminal where there were a lot of porters lining the walkway (second picture). 

 

There is only one entrance to the terminal. At the entrance, there is a special line for Haven guests with big gold signage. They will check your documents and escort you into the terminal and take you to a private elevator. 

 

At the top of the elevator, there is a private Haven's check-in area before main security. The Haven has its own security screening and check in. You will then be directed upstairs (or elevator) to the VIP waiting area with refreshments and  seating (and where you can look down on the steerage class check-in and waiting area). 

 

The concierge team will be in the lounge taking reservations and helping you prepare for your luxury cruise. 

 

I hope that these photos help with understanding what things will look like when you surprise your wife!

 

Parking structure next to main terminal and bag drop off

 

 

Haven Entrance to Main Terminal

 

 

Haven Check-in

 

 

 

Haven waiting area

 

 

 

 

Steerage

I cannot thank you enough for this information. Thank you again!

[Beamco]

@BirdTravels Were these pictures taken at the middle of the terminal or off to the left side of the building? I ask because we embarked in Miami and Jan 25th - we arrived some time between 12 and 12;30 - the Uber dropped us off at the far left side of the terminal - this was the only place he could pull in because the parking at the middle of the terminal was filled with buses - it looked like the buses were letting passengers off probably from the airport. I gave my bags to a porter then I dove into a sea of humanity! Needless to say it was a zoo. There were very long lines everywhere outside the terminal. Having sailed haven many times before I walked to what I thought was the middle of the terminal  looking for signage but saw none. I saw a terminal official and asked where to check in for Haven they sent me back to the far left side of the terminal, they instructed me to go to the head of the very long line and tell the guard I was Haven, I did that, they let me in an area where it appeared people who needed assistance were waiting. I had to show my documentation to someone at a folding table , they then let me get on an elevator that brought me right up to the Haven security, check in and lounge area. I never once saw a Haven sign until I got off that elevator. It all worked out and it was probably just me trying to multitask in a sea of humanity. Other than a few anxious moments thinking I would have to stand outside in a line outside that was incredibly long embarkation went real smooth. I am planning another Haven trip from Miami soon and would like to avoid the mess so if anyone can tell me what I missed it would be appreciated! I also may have arrived just when the Joy passengers from the previous cruise were still disembarking and loading onto the buses delivering passengers from the airport either way it seemed like they were not letting people in at the middle of the terminal but were sending them through the left side of the building, maybe that's why I didn't see any Haven signage, or again it was just me LOL

 

Edited April 5, 2023 by Beamco
to add a statement

[RocketMan275]

1 hour ago, 9tee2Sea said:

I am in my first Haven cabin in Jan 2024.  The only thing I can think of telling the Butler is that we want Martinis on the balcony around 4:30pm and maybe a way to have a pot of coffee in the morning in the room.  Other than that, I really can't think of why I need a Butler.   I don't want them to unpack, don't do afternoon snacks, bedding has always been fine on NCL.  But who knows, maybe as the cruise progresses, I will think of something.

Fetching cocktails isn't a butler task.   Might be possible but you'll have to pay extra.

If you're in the Haven proper, it might be better for  you to fetch them from the bar yourself.

[amygutman]

4 hours ago, Branbay said:

Thank you for this insightful post, Amy.  My wife and I will be sailing NCL & the Haven for the first time this coming July.  My wife knows what ship we are going on, but she has no idea we'll be in the Haven as it's a surprise for her.  After reading numerous posts about the butler letter, I will give one to ours when we board. I have a quick two-part question; if you don't mind, we will be boarding in Miami. Will there be some signage or a kiosk directing us where to go? And do I drop our luggage off before I park in the garage?  Thanks

I agree with the above commenters re: the Haven boarding experience and I see you got a ton of great advice prior to me "cruising" the threads this morning. Honestly, the worst part of the past few Haven Boarding experiences is that they have been so quick in the lounge we have not been able to eat and drink our fill of snacks and champagne. 😅 

 

Our first trip on Gem wasn't a Haven but a huge aft suite (back before we knew what the Haven was). It was a surprise for our 10th anniversary. DH thought we were getting a standard balcony and almost plotzed his pants when were were escorted on-board with the rest of the suite guests. Little did either of us know that we would be hooked for life and now go exclusively Haven (or a suite if the ship does not have a Haven / Yacht Club). Definitely bougie, but hell...I love every moment and I know your wife and you will love every moment too!

 

Warmest, Amy

[Branbay]

6 minutes ago, amygutman said:

I agree with the above commenters re: the Haven boarding experience and I see you got a ton of great advice prior to me "cruising" the threads this morning. Honestly, the worst part of the past few Haven Boarding experiences is that they have been so quick in the lounge we have not been able to eat and drink our fill of snacks and champagne. 😅 

 

Our first trip on Gem wasn't a Haven but a huge aft suite (back before we knew what the Haven was). It was a surprise for our 10th anniversary. DH thought we were getting a standard balcony and almost plotzed his pants when were were escorted on-board with the rest of the suite guests. Little did either of us know that we would be hooked for life and now go exclusively Haven (or a suite if the ship does not have a Haven / Yacht Club). Definitely bougie, but hell...I love every moment and I know your wife and you will love every moment too!

 

Warmest, Amy

Thanks, Amy, I've received an incredible amount of detailed advice and I appreciate everyone's assistance with my question.  My wife will be thrilled when she finds out.  Thank you again

[Jordan61]

12 minutes ago, amygutman said:

Definitely bougie, but hell...I love every moment and I know your wife and you will love every moment too!

 

LOL. I said to husband the other day, "47 more days and we'll be living the sweet life. Well actually, 47 more days and we'll be living the bougie life!"

[BirdTravels]

1 hour ago, Beamco said:

@BirdTravels Were these pictures taken at the middle of the terminal or off to the left side of the building? I ask because we embarked in Miami and Jan 25th - we arrived some time between 12 and 12;30 - the Uber dropped us off at the far left side of the terminal - this was the only place he could pull in because the parking at the middle of the terminal was filled with buses - it looked like the buses were letting passengers off probably from the airport. I gave my bags to a porter then I dove into a sea of humanity! Needless to say it was a zoo. There were very long lines everywhere outside the terminal. Having sailed haven many times before I walked to what I thought was the middle of the terminal  looking for signage but saw none. I saw a terminal official and asked where to check in for Haven they sent me back to the far left side of the terminal, they instructed me to go to the head of the very long line and tell the guard I was Haven, I did that, they let me in an area where it appeared people who needed assistance were waiting. I had to show my documentation to someone at a folding table , they then let me get on an elevator that brought me right up to the Haven security, check in and lounge area. I never once saw a Haven sign until I got off that elevator. It all worked out and it was probably just me trying to multitask in a sea of humanity. Other than a few anxious moments thinking I would have to stand outside in a line outside that was incredibly long embarkation went real smooth. I am planning another Haven trip from Miami soon and would like to avoid the mess so if anyone can tell me what I missed it would be appreciated! I also may have arrived just when the Joy passengers from the previous cruise were still disembarking and loading onto the buses delivering passengers from the airport either way it seemed like they were not letting people in at the middle of the terminal but were sending them through the left side of the building, maybe that's why I didn't see any Haven signage, or again it was just me LOL

 

The main terminal entrance is on the left side of the terminal next to the parking structure. Yes, the center of the terminal is reserved for buses (leaving with departing passengers and arriving with new passengers). The only Uber drop off that I know of is on the left side of the terminal. And that is where the Haven entrance is. The photo of the "outside" Haven boxes was from December 2022. 

[CDR Benson]

6 minutes ago, Branbay said:

My wife will be thrilled when she finds out.  Thank you again

 

As Doctor Gutman alluded, the spouse's reaction is one of the best rewards of staying in a suite, and especially, in the Haven.  On our cruise last September, the look of amazed delight on the Good Mrs. Benson's face was worth every cent it took to get us there.

 

Here's hoping you enjoy the same reward for your efforts.  (And it's rather a sure bet you will.)

 

 

[Branbay]

7 minutes ago, CDR Benson said:

 

As Doctor Gutman alluded, the spouse's reaction is one of the best rewards of staying in a suite, and especially, in the Haven.  On our cruise last September, the look of amazed delight on the Good Mrs. Benson's face was worth every cent it took to get us there.

 

Here's hoping you enjoy the same reward for your efforts.  (And it's rather a sure bet you will.)

 

 

Thank you, Commander, appreciate it.

[amygutman]

39 minutes ago, Branbay said:

Thanks, Amy, I've received an incredible amount of detailed advice and I appreciate everyone's assistance with my question.  My wife will be thrilled when she finds out.  Thank you again

Get a commemorative photo of her "OH MY G-D" face when she realizes ... will be a great souvenir!

[Beamco]

Thank you @BirdTravels Good info as always! 

[UKstages]

7 hours ago, RocketMan275 said:

The only thing I can think of telling the Butler is that we want Martinis on the balcony around 4:30pm and maybe a way to have a pot of coffee in the morning in the room.

 

7 hours ago, RocketMan275 said:

Fetching cocktails isn't a butler task.   Might be possible but you'll have to pay extra.

If you're in the Haven proper, it might be better for  you to fetch them from the bar yourself.

 

just to further clarify the reasoning behind the advice you've been given here, which is absolutely correct...

 

alcoholic drinks, with a drink package, are "free" at any bar. alcoholic drinks delivered to your room - anywhere on the ship, including the haven - count as "room service" and while there is no fee for room service delivery in the haven, you would be charged the cost of the beverages. as suggested, it's much simpler (and probably quicker) to get your drinks in the haven bar and take them back to your room. some butlers bend the rules and you may be able to get "free" drinks delivered to your room; some haven guests have reported this, but it should not be your expectation. and it most likely won't happen.

 

a pot of coffee in the morning is a piece of cake. butlers do that in their sleep! in fact, they can, with your permission, do it in your sleep... they can let themselves in and leave a pot of coffee, along with a piece of cake! (or whatever else you'd like to eat for breakfast.)

[GeezerCouple]

6 minutes ago, UKstages said:

 

<snip>

a pot of coffee in the morning is a piece of cake. butlers do that in their sleep! in fact, they can, with your permission, do it in your sleep... they can let themselves in and leave a pot of coffee, along with a piece of cake! (or whatever else you'd like to eat for breakfast.)

 

This is a real treat for us:  Having *our* breakfast delivered in *our* sleep! 😉  

We do this most mornings.
We leave a note with what we want (and it's usually a *big* breakfast!), and the time.

 

We tell our Butler at the beginning, in the "Butler Letter", that the "privacy" notice is NOT for them; it's for everyone/anyone *else (e.g., the Steward).  So IF there is a reason the Butler needs to come in, they should just knock/ring, and then come in.  IF we do actually want privacy, we'll bolt the door.

 

So, at the designated time in the morning, the Butler arrives, and it is *so* pleasant to wake up to the aroma of coffee and bacon, and perhaps the very gentle clink of some china.

If we are awake, we'll greet them, and they will return the greeting.  If we are asleep, the Butler will soon quietly leave, and we'll get up whenever we get up.  Usually the breakfast arrival does rouse at least one of us enough to notice there is coffee and bacon nearby...

(The Butlers are professionals.  They can deal with someone sleeping as well as with someone sitting and watching TV or out on the balcony watching the ocean.)

 

We also have some dinners served.

In that Butler Letter, we also mention that we are usually *very* flexible time-wise.  Therefore, if we have a request at a time that is otherwise busy, they should let us know and we can almost always easily reschedule.  And if not, we'll say so, but that is really rare.

 

We also let the Butler know what types of snacks we like.  Mostly, those are fruits of various sorts, with fresh pineapple being a favorite.  Also, what snacks we do not want (they'd just be wasted) and we remind them about food allergies, etc.

 

We very much appreciate all of the help the Butler provides; it makes our trip so much more pleasant.

... and we tip generously. 🙂 

 

GC

 

[Branbay]

I wanted to thank everyone for their suggestions; I do have one question, and while it's somewhat subjective, my intentions are not to create a slew of responses.  I've read other posts regarding the attire worn for dinner in the Haven restaurant. My wife has no idea she'll be in the Haven, so I'm already getting peppered with "what do I wear" questions.  We would not wear flip-flops and bathing suits to dinner because that's not us.  But I do not think a men's jacket would be necessary; I'd be comfortable more along the line of business casual, and maybe my wife in a pair of slacks and a nice top.  I'm curious as I've read posts where some folks felt uncomfortable in their attire due to the classiness of the restaurant. In all honesty, we would more than likely be eating outside most of the time. Thanks

[cruiseny4life]

20 minutes ago, Branbay said:

I wanted to thank everyone for their suggestions; I do have one question, and while it's somewhat subjective, my intentions are not to create a slew of responses.  I've read other posts regarding the attire worn for dinner in the Haven restaurant. My wife has no idea she'll be in the Haven, so I'm already getting peppered with "what do I wear" questions.  We would not wear flip-flops and bathing suits to dinner because that's not us.  But I do not think a men's jacket would be necessary; I'd be comfortable more along the line of business casual, and maybe my wife in a pair of slacks and a nice top.  I'm curious as I've read posts where some folks felt uncomfortable in their attire due to the classiness of the restaurant. In all honesty, we would more than likely be eating outside most of the time. Thanks

I am the direct opposite of you as I do wear my flippie floppies, t-shirt, and athletic shorts (Nike, Adidas shorts) to the Haven Restaurant for all meals. Having said that, in my experience most guests do dress a bit better than we do, though there are some slobs that are just like us!

 

I do actually know how to present myself well, so rest assured, I know a thing or two about looking halfway decent (I just choose not to on vacation). Business casual is absolutely fine and in line with what most wear. No jacket is necessary, though you will see a handful of gents with a jacket. When I say business casual, I am thinking of Docker's style pants, polo shirts, short sleeve button up shirts for the guys. For ladies, a dress, capris, a nice blouse, that type of wear. Don't stress too much. Jeans are perfectly acceptable for anyone, as well. 

 

I do have to mention, not once have I felt uncomfortable in the Haven Restaurant in my slumming it, I'm on vacation, attire. 

[Branbay]

1 minute ago, cruiseny4life said:

I am the direct opposite of you as I do wear my flippie floppies, t-shirt, and athletic shorts (Nike, Adidas shorts) to the Haven Restaurant for all meals. Having said that, in my experience most guests do dress a bit better than we do, though there are some slobs that are just like us!

 

I do actually know how to present myself well, so rest assured, I know a thing or two about looking halfway decent (I just choose not to on vacation). Business casual is absolutely fine and in line with what most wear. No jacket is necessary, though you will see a handful of gents with a jacket. When I say business casual, I am thinking of Docker's style pants, polo shirts, short sleeve button up shirts for the guys. For ladies, a dress, capris, a nice blouse, that type of wear. Don't stress too much. Jeans are perfectly acceptable for anyone, as well. 

 

I do have to mention, not once have I felt uncomfortable in the Haven Restaurant in my slumming it, I'm on vacation, attire. 

Thank you for this information!

[CDR Benson]

3 hours ago, cruiseny4life said:

I am the direct opposite of you as I do wear my flippie floppies, t-shirt, and athletic shorts (Nike, Adidas shorts) to the Haven Restaurant for all meals. Having said that, in my experience most guests do dress a bit better than we do, though there are some slobs that are just like us!

 

I do actually know how to present myself well, so rest assured, I know a thing or two about looking halfway decent (I just choose not to on vacation). Business casual is absolutely fine and in line with what most wear. No jacket is necessary, though you will see a handful of gents with a jacket. When I say business casual, I am thinking of Docker's style pants, polo shirts, short sleeve button up shirts for the guys. For ladies, a dress, capris, a nice blouse, that type of wear. Don't stress too much. Jeans are perfectly acceptable for anyone, as well. 

 

I do have to mention, not once have I felt uncomfortable in the Haven Restaurant in my slumming it, I'm on vacation, attire. 

 

 

Branbay, I am on the other end of the spectrum from my fellow correspondent, cruiseny4life.  I would wear a suit to any restaurant or occasion, except for the Good Mrs. Benson complaining that, if I dress at that level, then she has to.  So, I scale back.

 

On our last cruise, of the eight times we dined in the Haven Restaurant, once I wore my service dress uniform (special event) and the rest I wore a sport coat with dress shirt and trousers.  (No necktie---I was on vacation, after all.)

 

And, like cruiseny4life, not once have I felt uncomfortable in the Haven Restaurant because of my attire.

 

The not-tongue-in-cheek part of this post, sir, is to iterate what cruiseny4life stated above.  Business casual attire, as he describes it, is the usual level of dress for the Haven Restaurant.  The point I am adding is that, no matter at what level you and your wife wish to dress (obviously, reductio ad absurdum exempted), you won't feel out of place.  With what you state as you and your wife prefering to wear, you'll fit in just fine.