The NCL Haven Luxury VIP Experience "Secrets" REVISED for 2022

[NCLStarHawaii2003]

“Returning to the Ship: I never see a sign for Haven Guest when I come back to the ship.  I could be missingthem however it is never really an issue.”  Getting back on board seem

 

We were staying in a Haven suite on the Joy in October 2022 to Canada and New England and one of the best sights of all was getting back on the ship after a full day’s excursion, and seeing the person holding the Haven sign that allowed us to avoid the mass crowds at the elevators trying to cram in at the same time. We were taken on a crew elevator directly to the Haven lounge. Priceless….

[McGarrett5oh]

23 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

For the actual reservation, do it 130 in advance on your online account, if that does not work, send an email.  If you don't hear back call.  I take nothing for granted. Additional advice is to look online for past dailies for your ship.  See the times for the shows.  Choose the show and coordinate the dining times accordingly.  Give ourself at least 2 hours for dining and a pre-show drink. 

@Sthrngary  You were absolutely correct.  I was able to book the reservations (but not seat requests) on the app (not able to do so on the website).  Very easy.  Will request seating via an email to concierge desk, but plan to do so for sure once on board.  Thank you again!

[Daniel A]

Is there any advantage to trying to pre-book seating at an entertainment venue or would the concierge be able to help you on board on whatever day you decide you have time and energy to see a show?

[Sthrngary]

2 hours ago, Daniel A said:

Is there any advantage to trying to pre-book seating at an entertainment venue or would the concierge be able to help you on board on whatever day you decide you have time and energy to see a show?

@Daniel A Haven Concierge will have your back.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

[Daniel A]

3 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

@Daniel A Haven Concierge will have your back.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

You're the best!!  👍

[DaisyGoldberg]

On 5/9/2023 at 10:33 PM, NCLStarHawaii2003 said:

 

“Returning to the Ship: I never see a sign for Haven Guest when I come back to the ship.  I could be missingthem however it is never really an issue.”  Getting back on board seem

 

We were staying in a Haven suite on the Joy in October 2022 to Canada and New England and one of the best sights of all was getting back on the ship after a full day’s excursion, and seeing the person holding the Haven sign that allowed us to avoid the mass crowds at the elevators trying to cram in at the same time. We were taken on a crew elevator directly to the Haven lounge. Priceless….

I'd never seen it before until our last cruise - it was dinner time, 90-something degrees out, and there were easily 100 people in line in front of us and another 100 behind us. My sister who has major mobility issues but had powered through walking around port mentioned this would be the perfect time for a Haven intervention. I stepped aside and looked ahead and lo and behold there was a guy with a Haven sign working his way down the line, calling out for Haven passengers. We immediately jumped out of line and fell in behind him and were on board in minutes. 

 

I don't care particularly about butler snacks, or reserved seating at shows, but this kind of priority escort is what makes the Haven worthwhile for me. 

[pezgirlroy77]

Thank you for this. I will save this and come back to it. We will be in Haven in a Deluxe Owners Suite with my parents next door on the Breakaway in February of next year. We will have a 13 year old and a 7 year old. I have to say after we booked it I started reading all of these comments on another site about how much people hated having kids in Haven and how they shouldn't be there. I have to say those comments really concerned me. I appreciate your comments on kids in the first post here. My kids are not angels. Will they potentially have a meltdown. Yes. Will I ignore their meltdown. No. Will they swim in the Haven pool. Yes. Will I leave them alone in the Haven pool. No. I hope my kids and we as their parents behave the way that we should. 🙂 Thank you for all of the advice. 

[cruiseny4life]

25 minutes ago, pezgirlroy77 said:

Thank you for this. I will save this and come back to it. We will be in Haven in a Deluxe Owners Suite with my parents next door on the Breakaway in February of next year. We will have a 13 year old and a 7 year old. I have to say after we booked it I started reading all of these comments on another site about how much people hated having kids in Haven and how they shouldn't be there. I have to say those comments really concerned me. I appreciate your comments on kids in the first post here. My kids are not angels. Will they potentially have a meltdown. Yes. Will I ignore their meltdown. No. Will they swim in the Haven pool. Yes. Will I leave them alone in the Haven pool. No. I hope my kids and we as their parents behave the way that we should. 🙂 Thank you for all of the advice. 

I've sailed the Haven a few times. I can't remember any impolite kids. I was surprised on my last cruise. On embarkation day, a random guy and I were in the hot tub just talking, because that's what you do when you're strangers in the hot tub. Surprisingly, some ten'ish year old kid came over, got in the hot tub and just sat silently for a few minutes. I was kind of blown away a kid would willingly get in a hot tub with two old guys (to him). We all just enjoyed ourselves and didn't have any terrible experiences. 

 

So long as your kids are polite and not screeeeeeeaming, I think you (and they) will be just fine.  

[pezgirlroy77]

2 minutes ago, cruiseny4life said:

I've sailed the Haven a few times. I can't remember any impolite kids. I was surprised on my last cruise. On embarkation day, a random guy and I were in the hot tub just talking, because that's what you do when you're strangers in the hot tub. Surprisingly, some ten'ish year old kid came over, got in the hot tub and just sat silently for a few minutes. I was kind of blown away a kid would willingly get in a hot tub with two old guys (to him). We all just enjoyed ourselves and didn't have any terrible experiences. 

 

So long as your kids are polite and not screeeeeeeaming, I think you (and they) will be just fine.  

That is my type of kid. I appreciate that ability to do that. I am 45 and I have a hard time being with strangers like that. 

[Daniel A]

5 hours ago, DaisyGoldberg said:

I'd never seen it before until our last cruise - it was dinner time, 90-something degrees out, and there were easily 100 people in line in front of us and another 100 behind us. My sister who has major mobility issues but had powered through walking around port mentioned this would be the perfect time for a Haven intervention. I stepped aside and looked ahead and lo and behold there was a guy with a Haven sign working his way down the line, calling out for Haven passengers. We immediately jumped out of line and fell in behind him and were on board in minutes. 

 

I don't care particularly about butler snacks, or reserved seating at shows, but this kind of priority escort is what makes the Haven worthwhile for me. 

Does anybody have any experience with Haven preferred return to ship in Santorini, Greece?  I'm concerned about the funicular lines with 3 other ships in port.

[psac]

6 hours ago, pezgirlroy77 said:

That is my type of kid. I appreciate that ability to do that. I am 45 and I have a hard time being with strangers like that. 

I know people LOVE hot tubs, but I can’t ever add myself to a vat of people soup. 😜😁.  It seems like a very odd bonding process, for sure!  

[Daniel A]

On 5/12/2023 at 9:11 PM, Daniel A said:

Does anybody have any experience with Haven preferred return to ship in Santorini, Greece?  I'm concerned about the funicular lines with 3 other ships in port.

Just to make this earlier post clearer, I do not have any experience with this.  I am hoping somebody else may have seen this on Santorini.

[TampaGambler]

On 5/12/2023 at 4:02 PM, cruiseny4life said:

I've sailed the Haven a few times. I can't remember any impolite kids. I was surprised on my last cruise. On embarkation day, a random guy and I were in the hot tub just talking, because that's what you do when you're strangers in the hot tub. Surprisingly, some ten'ish year old kid came over, got in the hot tub and just sat silently for a few minutes. I was kind of blown away a kid would willingly get in a hot tub with two old guys (to him). We all just enjoyed ourselves and didn't have any terrible experiences. 

 

So long as your kids are polite and not screeeeeeeaming, I think you (and they) will be just fine.  

I second this…

 

As a Dad of three kids ages 8, 10 and 12, we’ve sailed in the Haven on a number of occasions and never had any problem. In fact, we’ve had guest come over and gave them items or offer things because they said they were so well behaved.

 

If your child is respectful and knows when they can be louder, you won’t have any problem at all, enjoy the cruise!

[Sthrngary]

Hello Haven Lovers, My online name is SthrnGary.  You can always reach out to me at @Sthrngary in any post on CruiseCritic.com.  I am the author of the original Secrets of the Haven and updated it in very early 2022.  Allow me to give some interesting history on this thread and children in the Haven.

 

Those that have read the first post written in either Haven Thread know they are long and detailed.  When I wrote the original thread I spent maybe two sentences review my experience with Children in the Haven Courtyard. Maybe 25 words out of thousands.  Those 25 word initially got the most comments mostly by parents who have taken their children on an NCL Cruise in the Haven.  

 

Years later this is the topic again.  I love creating engagement however for the right reason.  So this Sunday Morning on Mothers Day, I figured, "Clean the Kitchen", "Take Out the Garbage", "Vacuum the House", and "Make my wife breakfast in bed" followed by addressing this issue again on CruiseCritic.com.

 

We are all familiar with the term, Pool Chair Hog.  Add to those folk the person from a large group that holds and entire row for the group that never show up.  Let us not forget the new term for the Haven bar, the Bar Chair Hog for those that not only spend their entire cruise on one of the few bar chairs at the Haven Bar but also get upset when they get to the bare and someone else is sitting in that chair.  All of these examples are adults acting like entitled children.  I know a thing or two about entitled children, I raised two.  Yet as adult's, they are some fine human being. So why so many justifications that you children of well mannered, respectful and still great kids? That is the majority of the children onboard and the norm. 

 

Yet on more than one cruise, usually in holiday or spring break times, there were two to five children that did not fall into the kind and well mannered criteria.  I in not way criticized the kids, kids will be kids and as outlined adults can be way worse then children.  I criticized the parents for not paying attention, thinking the Haven Courtyard staff was they babysitters and never corrected the behavior.  I know that for me to say something to a child would not go over well so in my notable few situations, I just went to another area.  

 

The way I solved this issue was both simple and economical.  I only book cruises with NCL ships that have giant Hot Tubs on their sundeck that restrict the add to 16 and above. I stopped cruising during high family times like Thanksgiving, Christmas and Spring Break. Choosing another time was far less expensive as well so everyone wins.  Finally, I have chosen to take other brands when I want an adult only cruise which I can do now with Adult Children.  

 

Do I hate kids, not at all.  Are there times when I want to be with only adults, yes.  It is up to me to not get upset when I choose a cruise that is designed to be family oriented if this is an issue to me.  NCL is a family cruise line.  Other brands have far less kids if that is what you are looking for. So please understand the intent and it was not to put down your children.  It was to make better business decisions if that is an issue for me when cruising.  I hope that clarifies the intent of the those lonely 15 words that has create such controversy over the years. 

 

Cruise well even the kids and enjoy every moment. 

 

 

[Jordan61]

On 3/29/2023 at 6:52 PM, Sthrngary said:

On 3/29/2023 at 5:55 PM, Jordan61 said:

 

Piling onto this: if for instance I ordered the raviolo for dinner, do you think I could ask them to sneak me some shrimp to go with it? I'm not a lobster gal but I do love me some shrimp, and I don't see a shrimp dish as an entree on the dinner menu.

Expand  

Ask the night before.  Give them a heads up.  50% 50% chance.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

 

I have to report back on how this worked out! Last night (our first night on board) I ordered the chicken, and asked about getting the raviolo and adding shrimp the next night (tonight). Our server, May Rose, said that was no problem and she would let the chef know.

 

Tonight we went in to dinner and we weren't seated in May Rose's section, but she came over to us and said everything was arranged and she would let our current server know (Louie). My dinner comes, and guess what? The chef actually made me my own special raviolo with the shrimp INSIDE of it! It was amazing, and I was just so touched that they took the trouble to arrange something special for me, when I would've been happy with just a side plate of shrimp! May Rose came by to see if I liked it and I told her she had just made my entire vacation. 🙂

[Sthrngary]

7 hours ago, Jordan61 said:

 

I have to report back on how this worked out! Last night (our first night on board) I ordered the chicken, and asked about getting the raviolo and adding shrimp the next night (tonight). Our server, May Rose, said that was no problem and she would let the chef know.

 

Tonight we went in to dinner and we weren't seated in May Rose's section, but she came over to us and said everything was arranged and she would let our current server know (Louie). My dinner comes, and guess what? The chef actually made me my own special raviolo with the shrimp INSIDE of it! It was amazing, and I was just so touched that they took the trouble to arrange something special for me, when I would've been happy with just a side plate of shrimp! May Rose came by to see if I liked it and I told her she had just made my entire vacation. 🙂

@Jordan61 I am very happy you were pleased.  Your request was done with kindness and understanding.  In my humble opinion, that is what made the difference.  Not everyone gets the request they ask for.  That is why when I responded to your earlier post, I said 50%/50%.  Being treated like a "Rock Star" makes every ones trip.  Congrats.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

[Trivan]

@Sthrngary I wanted to thank you for this thread and the information it provides.  The first 10 pages 😂 help me decide to book the Haven for a family vacation in Aug.  We are new to cruising, just 1 prior on Disney to Alaska, so this will be a new adventure.  Now I have to finish going through the rest for most recent updates. 

[Sthrngary]

4 minutes ago, Trivan said:

@Sthrngary I wanted to thank you for this thread and the information it provides.  The first 10 pages 😂 help me decide to book the Haven for a family vacation in Aug.  We are new to cruising, just 1 prior on Disney to Alaska, so this will be a new adventure.  Now I have to finish going through the rest for most recent updates. 

@Trivan My pleasure.  Ask any questions you like and I or one of the other members will give you an answer.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[CDR Benson]

18 minutes ago, Trivan said:

@Sthrngary I wanted to thank you for this thread and the information it provides.  The first 10 pages 😂 help me decide to book the Haven for a family vacation in Aug.  We are new to cruising, just 1 prior on Disney to Alaska, so this will be a new adventure.  Now I have to finish going through the rest for most recent updates. 

 

The first ten pages of this thread scarcely scratches the surface of the Haven experience.  Granted, it will take awhile to peruse the entire thread, especially when occasionally some of the pages get mired in a tangent.  But, there is a wealth of cogent, pertinent information here (much of which provided by Sthrngary), and somewhere in these seventy-two pages, you'll likely find the answers to any of your questions.

 

Of course, experiences differ, and each poster can provide only how his voyage in the Haven progressed.  But, overall, this thread provides an excellent feel for what a stay in the Haven is like. 

 

With regards to the cruise my wife and I took in the Haven last fall, the information provided here was right down the fairway---and the most idyllic vacation we've taken in our lives.

 

I hope your stay in the Haven is equally enjoyable.

 

[Daniel A]

1 hour ago, Trivan said:

@Sthrngary I wanted to thank you for this thread and the information it provides.  The first 10 pages 😂 help me decide to book the Haven for a family vacation in Aug.  We are new to cruising, just 1 prior on Disney to Alaska, so this will be a new adventure.  Now I have to finish going through the rest for most recent updates. 

A word of caution:  Since this will be your second cruise, after this, you'll never want to cruise in any other way.  Other cruise lines probably will not live up to your expectations if you use the Haven experience as a baseline.  I am sure you will appreciate all of the available services and treatment afforded in the Haven.  Many other cruise lines do not offer this level of service but then the cost isn't nearly as dear.  Welcome to Cruise Critic!  Enjoy your sailings...  🛳️ 🚢 

[Trivan]

19 minutes ago, Daniel A said:

A word of caution:  Since this will be your second cruise, after this, you'll never want to cruise in any other way.  Other cruise lines probably will not live up to your expectations if you use the Haven experience as a baseline.  I am sure you will appreciate all of the available services and treatment afforded in the Haven.  Many other cruise lines do not offer this level of service but then the cost isn't nearly as dear.  Welcome to Cruise Critic!  Enjoy your sailings...  🛳️ 🚢 

Thank you all.  Fully aware of this "problem". 🤣  I dislike crowds and the issues when masses of people are together.  The "reserving lounge chairs" being one of my biggest pet peeve when vacationing at a resort.   So the cost of entry to have some where to sit almost guaranteed is the worth it.   From all the pictures I've seen, there are far more sitting in The Haven areas then guest, where in the public section seems the opposite.  on page 13.... hahah

[Sailing12Away]

On 5/12/2023 at 4:02 PM, cruiseny4life said:

I've sailed the Haven a few times. I can't remember any impolite kids. 

 

So long as your kids are polite and not screeeeeeeaming, I think you (and they) will be just fine.  

Oooh, you need to talk to those of us from the Joy who experienced the horrors of little "Ivy". Too young to know better (she turned 3 on that trip), so I fault the guardians more than the child. But yeah.... when the whole ship knows your kids name and warns others to come back later for meal time, it's a sign.

[cruiseny4life]

13 hours ago, Sailing12Away said:

Oooh, you need to talk to those of us from the Joy who experienced the horrors of little "Ivy". Too young to know better (she turned 3 on that trip), so I fault the guardians more than the child. But yeah.... when the whole ship knows your kids name and warns others to come back later for meal time, it's a sign.

Uh oh! Oh little darling. What a terrible monster she sounds....because of her parents. I haven't experienced that and I'm sorry you had to. I'd likely have put my foot in the proverbial mouth at some point along the way. 🙂 I suppose I should count myself fortunate to have only witnessed adult tantrums, rather than kids.

[Trivan]

For those who traveled with people under 21.  I'll be on the Joy, 2 bedroom Haven room. 

The NCL free at sea packages hurt my head trying to figure out whats included and not.

 

Our kids aren't big soda drinkers, but if they wanted a soda/juice during a meal in the Haven restaurant would that be an extra charge since they don't have a drink package?  Would they be able to go to the Haven bar and ask for a soda?   

Sorry for the noob question 🙂 

 

[cruiseny4life]

42 minutes ago, Trivan said:

For those who traveled with people under 21.  I'll be on the Joy, 2 bedroom Haven room. 

The NCL free at sea packages hurt my head trying to figure out whats included and not.

 

Our kids aren't big soda drinkers, but if they wanted a soda/juice during a meal in the Haven restaurant would that be an extra charge since they don't have a drink package?  Would they be able to go to the Haven bar and ask for a soda?   

Sorry for the noob question 🙂 

 

Technically, yes you would be charged for the soda. Same if they went to the Haven bar. In the restaurant, the likelihood is you wouldn't be charged, but don't be surprised if you are charged. NCL is well within their rights to charge for that soda. 

 

You could look into the soda package for the kids. I think (might be mistaken) that everyone in the room must have a package. Again, might be wrong on that and someone will alert us to this. If I'm right, then you've alreayd paid the gratuities so could find it on your invoice.