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

[knscruiser322]

Well put post @Sthrngary.

 

Question about the small venues like the Comedy Club. Is there a decent amount of seating or will most people have to stand around? And around what times does it start and close up shop till the next night?

[CDR Benson]

53 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

I hope this list helps those new to the NCL Haven . . . If you are a member in good We need realistic balanced comments because not even the NCL Haven is perfect. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

 

 

Next to your original post, my friend, this is the best item you have put on this thread.  It brings newcomers up to speed completely, but concisely.

 

To buttress some of your advice.  I followed exactly your direction with regard to luggage tags.  I quickly found that the tags I had printed from my electronic documents were easier to insert into the clear plastic sleeves I had obtained from Amazon than the tags sent to me from NCL were.

 

We used Luggage Forward to deliver our bags to the ship, which seemed to obviate the purpose of the NCL tags.  (Luggage Forward provides its own set of tags to meet its requirements.)  However, as I'm sure you'll appreciate, I felt it would be an intelligent back-up to have both the NCL tags and the Luggage Forward tags on our bags.  Anyway, it caused no issues.

 

 

As to our specialty restaurant reservations, I attempted to do these on line at the 130-day mark, and for some reason, they did not take.  As you recommend here, I contacted the Pre-cruise Concierge Desk, though I did it by e-mail, vice a phone call.  The next day, I received a cordial e-mail from the Desk, confirming the reservations I wanted.  (Those reservations also then appeared in my account on the NCL app.)

 

 

With regard to large show reservations, I made ours through the Haven Concierge ten minutes after arriving on board in the Haven.  There were no issues with evening or times---every show was available to us as Haven guests.  A half-hour before each show we reserved, a member of the Haven Concierge staff escorted us to the venue.

 

 

I have no direct experience with NCL Air, but I agree with your remarks.  For our Regent Seven Seas cruise in November, I accepted its air travel arrangements---it was significantly cost-effective (as that service is folded into the fare) and its agents were very efficient at handling it.  (Besides, it's only a two-hour flight; we could ride in the baggage compartment with the dogs and cats for that brief a time.)

 

But, otherwise, I'm better off arranging our own air travel, rather than let the cruise line do it.  I have more versitility in available flights---especially when scheduled flights get cancelled or bumped, as happens so often.  Also, if we decide to fly first class, the first-class fares I can obtain through the airlines are lower than what the cruise line insists on charging us.

 

 

That was an excellent post, sir.

 

 

 

Edited June 28, 2023 by CDR Benson

[Sthrngary]

17 minutes ago, knscruiser322 said:

Well put post @Sthrngary.

 

Question about the small venues like the Comedy Club. Is there a decent amount of seating or will most people have to stand around? And around what times does it start and close up shop till the next night?

@knscruiser322 It is a small venue.  The seating is limited.  I refuse to stand on lines one hour prior to the show to get a set.  When I was solo, I could come in at show time and get a seat.  If I was with my wife.  It was standing room only.  I have never seen the doors shut not allowing standing room only.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[Sthrngary]

8 minutes ago, CDR Benson said:

For our Regent Seven Seas cruise in November, I accepted its air travel arrangements---it was significantly cost-effective (as that service is folded into the fare) and its agents were very efficient at handling it. 

@CDR Benson I am waiting until you go on your Regent trip to consider it for myself and my lovely bride.  Regent is a Ultra-Luxury Brand providing Business Class for the International Leg.  Coach for the domestic leg.  It is one of many amenities and benefits of Ultra-Luxury all inclusive brands especially Regent.  I also assume, you are going to fly in at least a day or two early.  

 

A little recommendation to you and the Mrs. for your upcoming trip.  The real difference is being open to personalized service.  The food is better but relative.  It is still very important to know when you can book your excursions and specialty restaurant meals as relates to your suite category. Knowing the wonderful post you have made about how you enjoy dressing on occasion, you will be both pleased and appreciated. There is something about dressing for a fine dinner that makes it better or me.  I also like to have a fine drink, in a nice glass and have turned down Champagne in a plastic cup.  To light a cigar with a match, lighting a piece of wood so no chemicals get in the smoke. For me and I think you, little bits of preparation make a world of difference in our enjoyment. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[CDR Benson]

5 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

@CDR Benson I am waiting until you go on your Regent trip to consider it for myself and my lovely bride . . . There is something about dressing for a fine dinner that makes it better or me.  I also like to have a fine drink, in a nice glass and have turned down Champagne in a plastic cup.  To light a cigar with a match, lighting a piece of wood so no chemicals get in the smoke. For me and I think you, little bits of preparation make a world of difference in our enjoyment. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

 

With our Regent cruise only 150 days away, I've been haunting the Regent board daily.  There are comments from some who have perceived a decline in the quality of the Regent experience, especially on board Mariner, the ship on which we're scheduled to sail.  There are just as many, though, who've recently sailed on board her who say that it was a wonderful experience.  Hence, I'm not letting the naysayers taint my expectations.  

 

However it turns out, I'll be posting a thorough trip report that you can use to help determine if Regent Seven Seas is for you and your good wife.

 

Aye, I am looking forward to an upscaled elegance in being on board a Regent vessel, especially in the dining.  The Good Mrs. Benson pursuaded me not to bring my dress uniform for this cruise (particularly because there was no scheduled affair with the ship's captain and senior officers, as there is with Haven guests on NCL ships).  So, I went and got a new sport coat tailored, to wear on board.

 

We are in complete accord when it comes to drinks and cigars.  I'll be sure to raise a glass to you, sir, when I'm sitting in the Connaissour Club.

 

 

[Sthrngary]

3 minutes ago, CDR Benson said:

There are comments from some who have perceived a decline in the quality of the Regent experience, especially on board Mariner, the ship on which we're scheduled to sail.  There are just as many, though, who've recently sailed on board her who say that it was a wonderful experience. 

The key here which very much in your favor is what I call Frame of Reference.  Those complaining are doing so based on many past experience with the brand.  In the world of Social Media and brand reviews, the number of folks willing to post a complaint is much higher then those that are happy with the products.  Disappointment creates a need in humans to gain consensus.  

 

You and Mrs. Benson have no frame of reference to what Regent has to offer.  What I can tell you with a high level of certainty is, as much as I LOVE the NCL Haven; Ultra Luxury Brands excel in Personalized Service, Dining experience, Attention to detail, luxurious surroundings.  The down side is an older crowd, the entertainment is not over the top, the ports are the appeal rather than the go-cart tracks, and everyone seems to go to sleep a bit earlier. 

 

10 minutes ago, CDR Benson said:

We are in complete accord when it comes to drinks and cigars.  I'll be sure to raise a glass to you, sir, when I'm sitting in the Connaissour Club.

Sir, this comment was below the belt.  Not really, for me and obviously for you.  A leather chair, a fine drink, a lovely cigar and a interesting conversation enhances any experience.  You will surely receive this in the Connoisseur Club.  Envy is the word I am feeling. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

[Laszlo]

Have the Aft and Forward Non Haven Suites on the Gem been updated in the last 10 years? 

[bomabound]

3 hours ago, Hadacareer said:

You were lucky..we have booked several havens (last was last feb on the Escape) and have never got the luggage tags or letter or email..my awesome travel agent prints them off for us

I wonder if using a travel agent is the cause for international guests.  We booked directly through NCL.  I know the luggage tags and letter are completely unnecessary, and I have purchased the plastic luggage tags for holding cruise tags, but receiving them in the mail does add to the excitement for me.  Sort of like receiving the personalized welcome package from Disney World before a vacation….it just feels special.

[CDR Benson]

30 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

Sir, this comment was below the belt. 

 

My apologies, my friend.  No slight was intended.  Rather, just the opposite.

 

 

[Sthrngary]

6 minutes ago, CDR Benson said:

 

My apologies, my friend.  No slight was intended.  Rather, just the opposite.

 

 

Sir, it was a JOKE.  I was smiling as I wrote it.  I love the experience you are about to have.  The written word is not the best way to communicate sometimes.  One day, you and I will be enjoying an adult beverage together, on a cruise and simply enjoying life.  That is my hope anyway.

[CDR Benson]

16 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

Sir, it was a JOKE.  I was smiling as I wrote it.  I love the experience you are about to have.  The written word is not the best way to communicate sometimes.  One day, you and I will be enjoying an adult beverage together, on a cruise and simply enjoying life.  That is my hope anyway.

 

I suspected that it was in humour, but, as you noted, inflexion doesn't transmit well through the written word.  

 

I easily imagine us enjoying drinks in one hand and cigars in the other, swapping "war" stories, while the wives look on (and, no doubt, rolling their eyes).

 

 

 

 

Edited June 28, 2023 by CDR Benson

[omahabob]

We prefer to drive to a cruise, so we don't usually worry about air. But since the roads from the US to Puerto Rico are HORRIBLE 🤪, we booked air travel. Never really cared for cruise air, and we usually fly first class, so it makes more sense for us. But it highlights the last point in Sthrngary's post.2225 (has it really been that many?). To our knowledge, the insurance you get from NCL does not cover missing your connections between the airport and the ship if you book your own flights, nor does insurance from the airline. You can get third party trip insurance to cover that, but we just plan to arrive one day before the cruise and depart at least one day after (two on our next cruise). The hotel prices aren't that different from getting third party insurance, and there's far less stress, even if the ship isn't delayed. It also affords better opportunity to spend more time in your embarkation/debarkation port if you want.

[NikkiPoooo27]

3 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

Regent is a Ultra-Luxury Brand providing Business Class for the International Leg.  Coach for the domestic leg. 

 

The coach for domestic is the reason we *didn't* go with Regent for this Alaska cruise. They confirmed that they do consider both Vancouver and Alaska to be domestic flights, and there's no way my mother would fly coach for those flights (with 6+ hour legs). For a $20k+ 7-day cruise that seems very cheap on their part, indeed.

[Sthrngary]

4 minutes ago, NikkiPoooo27 said:

 

The coach for domestic is the reason we *didn't* go with Regent for this Alaska cruise. They confirmed that they do consider both Vancouver and Alaska to be domestic flights, and there's no way my mother would fly coach for those flights (with 6+ hour legs). For a $20k+ 7-day cruise that seems very cheap on their part, indeed.

@NikkiPoooo27 I am sure it does not surprise anyone that I study cruise brands.  I saved for a very long time to take my "Bucket List Cruise" to the Mediterranean.  I developed an Excel Spreadsheet to list out the best cruise brands for the best time.  All the big names were included like Regent, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Viking, SilverSeas, Oceania, and a lot more.  I included NCL with the Haven and Club Suite and Celebrity with the Retreat Suites.  

 

The task to list out what was received as an amenity and and extra cost was key.  How can I compare one brand/voyage to another if I can't find a way to compare an orange to an orange.  A lot harder then I had ever thought because the information is deep, deep in the details.  I found that each and every brands Marketing Department make my life even harder.  

 

Airfare was only one aspect of the enormous challenge.  When I started, I REALLY wanted to do a Regent Cruise, for 10-days on the newest Regent ship at the time.  The vision of finally having a truly all inclusive cruise was my goal.  Up to that point, I made my cruise all inclusive but it took lots of time, effort and due diligence.  The deeper you dig, the deeper you realized some brands are more so called all inclusive than others.  However no brand is as 100% all inclusive as they seem to market.  

 

You referred to Regent for Alaska.  When I made my comment I was not talking about Alaska.  I was referring to when you lets say want to do a Mediterranean Cruise starting from the United States.  I live in Birmingham, Alabama.  The closest Major hub is Atlanta a 2.5 hour drive.  The segment to Atlanta is Coach, the segment to JFK is Coach, the JFK to Athens is Business Class. The brand of the airfare was completely controlled by Regent.  That is when I found out some of the air brands they used.  It was all over the board.  Not all Business Classes are made the same.  None of this was a surprise to me.  Every single brand does not give you a choice of who you use unless you pay and additional fee.  Again, no issue.  UNLESS you are paying $25,000.00 for a 10-day cruise claiming business class airfare and all inclusive.  

 

Do I feel this was deceptive, "NO".  If you look deep enough, it is all in the fine print.  My point here is, for the price of a small SUV, I was hoping for something really over the top.  I realize, it does not exist.

 

This with all the research I had done brought me back full circle.  I gave up completely in finding any cruise brand that is truly all inclusive and realize, I will have to create that myself.  In doing so, I will only have to pay far, far less.  We as consumer really have to take accountability to read the fine print.  We have to think through the decisions we make.  Our family, memories and vacations depend on it.  Control and understand what you can control.  What you can't control is out of your hands.  

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[Hadacareer]

7 hours ago, bomabound said:

I wonder if using a travel agent is the cause for international guests.  We booked directly through NCL.  I know the luggage tags and letter are completely unnecessary, and I have purchased the plastic luggage tags for holding cruise tags, but receiving them in the mail does add to the excitement for me.  Sort of like receiving the personalized welcome package from Disney World before a vacation….it just feels special.

Could be!

[McGarrett5oh]

10 hours ago, CDR Benson said:

However it turns out, I'll be posting a thorough trip report that you can use to help determine if Regent Seven Seas is for you and your good wife.

@CDR Benson Assuming your Regent review will appear in another forum sir, I hope you will post a link to it in this forum so we can find what I anticipate will be a well written and entertaining read.   TIA. 

Edited June 29, 2023 by McGarrett5oh
Typo

[fastpitchdad]

12 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

 

1. Time It Takes To Eat in the Haven Restaurant:  If you want to Quick Meal like at lunch, go somewhere else. Not designed for that even if you ask.  Just the way it is.  Realistic expectations. 
2.  

 

 

 

Across several ships we have had show reservations or places we wanted to be at a specific time which required dinner in about an hour (once even less) and we let the server know. Each time they were very accommodating. 

[CDR Benson]

12 hours ago, McGarrett5oh said:

@CDR Benson Assuming your Regent review will appear in another forum sir, I hope you will post a link to it in this forum so we can find what I anticipate will be a well written and entertaining read.   TIA. 

 

I take your words very kindly, sir.  You can count on that link.

[Branbay]

@Sthrngary

@CDR Benson

 

Gentlemen,

I wanted to thank you both, as well as everyone else on this forum for their insightful comments, secrets, and suggestions.  As you know, the Haven will be a surprise for my wife, and we are embarking this Sunday out of Miami.  After thoroughly reading your suggestions, I am as prepared as I am going to be.  I have created the butler letter (using Gary's template), with our requests, and I have spoken to the shoreside concierge for certain reservations/questions.  The time has now arrived for the adventure to begin, for which I will post our experience upon our return.  I plan on snapping a photo of my wife's response when she finds out we are in the Haven, as I'm sure it will be priceless.  Thank you again.      

[CDR Benson]

8 minutes ago, Branbay said:

@Sthrngary

@CDR Benson

 

Gentlemen,

I wanted to thank you both, as well as everyone else on this forum for their insightful comments, secrets, and suggestions.  As you know, the Haven will be a surprise for my wife, and we are embarking this Sunday out of Miami.  After thoroughly reading your suggestions, I am as prepared as I am going to be.  I have created the butler letter (using Gary's template), with our requests, and I have spoken to the shoreside concierge for certain reservations/questions.  The time has now arrived for the adventure to begin, for which I will post our experience upon our return.  I plan on snapping a photo of my wife's response when she finds out we are in the Haven, as I'm sure it will be priceless.  Thank you again.      

 

Wishing you both a glorious experience!

 

 

[graphicguy]

I’ve made a couple of stabs at the “luxury” cruise lines.  I’m sure I haven’t covered all fares on all luxury lines, but in the end, Haven fares are usually significantly less for the same or similar experience.  So, when I get the chance and the Haven fares are good, I just go ahead and book them.

 

By no means is it definitive, but I know of 2 separate couples who took a Viking River Cruise who said they were bored to death.  I understand that the Viking Cruises are different, so I’m chalking their experiences up to the fact they didn’t know what to expect.  Still, they have the same cruising tastes as I do.  So, I stay way from Viking.

 

Different strokes…different folks.

 

Regent looks interesting.

[Sthrngary]

53 minutes ago, Branbay said:

@Sthrngary

@CDR Benson

 

Gentlemen,

I wanted to thank you both, as well as everyone else on this forum for their insightful comments, secrets, and suggestions.  As you know, the Haven will be a surprise for my wife, and we are embarking this Sunday out of Miami.  After thoroughly reading your suggestions, I am as prepared as I am going to be.  I have created the butler letter (using Gary's template), with our requests, and I have spoken to the shoreside concierge for certain reservations/questions.  The time has now arrived for the adventure to begin, for which I will post our experience upon our return.  I plan on snapping a photo of my wife's response when she finds out we are in the Haven, as I'm sure it will be priceless.  Thank you again.      

You are more than welcome.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

[Treasure Hunter]

I am currently on the Viking Mississippi. Just kill me now. Bored out of my mind. No professional lecturer ( just the CD who is working like a dog) many nights with NO entertainment other than the trio. Two out of three meals are Buffet with limited service. Never again.

[cruiseny4life]

40 minutes ago, Treasure Hunter said:

I am currently on the Viking Mississippi. Just kill me now. Bored out of my mind. No professional lecturer ( just the CD who is working like a dog) many nights with NO entertainment other than the trio. Two out of three meals are Buffet with limited service. Never again.

No blues? No jazz? They're really missing out on some fine entertainment if that's true!

 

Professional lecturer? Eh, well you and I do disagree a bit on cruise styles...but really, I'd think they would have some historians onboard! Civil War! Native routes! Impact of floods on the delta! Oh my, do I need to come on and relate Vicksburg's importance in 1863? Anything on my favorite river ever? The Atchafalaya River?

 

Food? So much amazing food for that region. I'm so sorry your trip is not living up to expectations. It really has everything to make a perfect river cruise.

[CDR Benson]

5 minutes ago, cruiseny4life said:

Professional lecturer? . . . I'd think they would have some historians onboard! Civil War! Native routes! Impact of floods on the delta! Oh my, do I need to come on and relate Vicksburg's importance in 1863? Anything on my favorite river ever? The Atchafalaya River?

 

How right you are.  One couldn't throw a dart at a chart showing the length of the Mississippi River without it hitting within five miles of a significant and/or fascinating historical event.  I'm surprised the river-cruising outfits don't have historians assigned to the ships' crews as full-time work.

 

As you noted, the Union assault on Vicksburg and its pivotal rôle in the progression of the Civil War (and, thus, the progression of America) would provide the grist for an absorbing lecture.  Especially in the hands of a knowledgeable, talented raconteur.  And there's much more American history to be sifted from the banks of the Mississippi.

 

They're missing a bet, here.