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

[RocketMan275]

1 hour ago, graphicguy said:

This is a conundrum I wrestle with.  There are multiple Haven Bartenders.  There are multiple waitstaff in the Haven Restaurants and staff by the Haven Pool around the loungers.  There are 2-3 Concierges.  Who gets what?  

 

Do I divide up the amount I tip and spread out much smaller amounts?  Do I give larger amounts to fewer, most helpful Haven personnel, that would leave some without a tip?

You can avoid most of that condurum by tipping as you go.

After a meal service, leave $3 to $5 under  your plate.

Give the bartenders a buck or two after each drink.

Did the concierge escort you to a show? or off the ship to a excursion? Slip him a five.

We don't use the concierge much at all, sometimes not at all, but we will give him/her a twenty when he escorts us off the ship.

These are examples and you're under no obligations.

 

Edited July 2, 2023 by RocketMan275

[graphicguy]

I use the concierge…a lot.  I plan nothing.  I tell the concierge where and when I want to dine, I let her/him know which shows I want to see and when I want to see them, billing snafus, wifi issues, escorts…all done by the concierges.  Problem is there are 2-3 who take care of all this.

 

 Butler does very little for me.  Matter of fact, I request they remove most of the afternoon snacks and any wine perk.  Only one actually did as I requested.

 

I’ve been sailing solo recently.  So, assuming I require ½ attention/effort as a couple and even less than a family!

 

I do not dine in the Haven Restaurant daily.  And, every time I do, I have a different wait staff.

 

My tips are fixed.  I set aside $100 for concierges.  I would like to think they divide it among themselves.   Any bar staff, anywhere on the ship, gets $1/drink.  Haven Bar Staff that creates “smoky” drinks, get a fiver.  Butler gets $25.  Cabin steward gets $100.

 

Haven Restaurant gets $5/dinner.

 

In the end, $250 is my tip amount I set aside.  No more, no less!

 

Once it’s gone, the well is dry!

[graphicguy]

Another question…Free at Sea Plus?  Yay?  Nay?

 

For my 11 day cruise they charge $462 that gets me the Premium drink upgrade, 2 additional SDs, 2 more $50 excursion credits (which means nothing to me since I’m solo)!

 

Given I’m probably going to upgrade the FAS WiFi package is $340 by itself (little less given I get 15% off Latitudes discount) it kinda looks like a relatively good deal…if you can say anything on a cruise is a good deal (aside from the fare)!

[Sugar Magnolia]

9 hours ago, graphicguy said:

However, I will take the Haven escort to Syd Norman’s and Cavern Club shows.  The bands in those venues are outstanding.  And, getting the escort to and inside the venues for pick of seats is something I’ll take advantage of.  

 

 

Are they still providing Haven escort to Syd Norman's on some ships? There was no Haven escort to Syd this year on the Prima or the Getaway. Was told there were too many complaints so they stopped.

 

[graphicguy]

9 minutes ago, Sugar Magnolia said:

 

Are they still providing Haven escort to Syd Norman's on some ships? There was no Haven escort to Syd this year on the Prima or the Getaway. Was told there were too many complaints so they stopped.

 

A year ago on the Getaway was the last time I sailed in the Haven.  Concierge escorted us to Syd Norman’s 45 minutes before showtime.  Interestingly, on 4-5 of us took advantage of his escort.  Wish I could recall the Concierge’s name, as he was great (as they all have been).

 

That said, if you got in line 45 minutes before showtime, you got a seat, too!  So, aside from being the first in the venue, I don’t know that a Haven escort into Syd Norman’s netted a lot over lining up.

 

I think I read that it’s up to the concierge.  Who knows?

 

Good question!!!!

[McGarrett5oh]

6 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

Here is the deal.  This is JUST ME.  I tip everybody and do it discretely with a verbal thank you.  I also try to make everybody laugh and enjoy the process.  The tips are just as important as making someone love to be of service to you.  Either one works, both together give you the highest chance of potential success

My wife and I cruised on Virgin Voyages last year.  Tipping is discouraged and not expected by the staff.  To @Sthrngary’s point, we received exceptional service by being kind to the staff, making them laugh and feel appreciated.  But what we found to be the most effective was asking the staff member if we could take a picture of their name badge so that we could remember their name to give them props in the post cruise survey (which we did without exception).  
 

On Virgin, they tell you the survey is the most important way to recognize the crew, who presumably earn their “tips” from the company in financial, promotions and other means.  

While survey compliments may not be quite as important for NCL & the Haven as it is with Virgin, calling out good service during and after the cruise never hurts. IMO

[NikkiPoooo27]

I definitely do not recommend the Bliss for a sold out sailing, even in the Haven. It's nice if you never plan to leave the Haven complex, but it's just wall to wall people everywhere else. The elevators take *forever* to get to or from deck 17 because they stop at every single floor and they're full. 

 

I went to the concierge at 1:30 on boarding day to sign up for the beyond the scenes tour and it was already waitlisted, and the staff there are exhausted because they're just crazy busy the whole time they're open, inundated with people trying to get reservations for things that got filled up very quickly. The desk is 3 deep with people waiting every time I walk in the lounge.

[RocketMan275]

13 hours ago, graphicguy said:

That said, if you got in line 45 minutes before showtime, you got a seat, too!  So, aside from being the first in the venue, I don’t know that a Haven escort into Syd Norman’s netted a lot over lining up.

 

Seated instead of standing in line for 45 minutes is a worthwhile perk.

[Sthrngary]

7 hours ago, NikkiPoooo27 said:

I definitely do not recommend the Bliss for a sold out sailing, even in the Haven. It's nice if you never plan to leave the Haven complex, but it's just wall to wall people everywhere else. The elevators take *forever* to get to or from deck 17 because they stop at every single floor and they're full. 

 

I went to the concierge at 1:30 on boarding day to sign up for the beyond the scenes tour and it was already waitlisted, and the staff there are exhausted because they're just crazy busy the whole time they're open, inundated with people trying to get reservations for things that got filled up very quickly. The desk is 3 deep with people waiting every time I walk in the lounge.

@NikkiPoooo27 All of what you just outlined is completely accurate.  On the Haven Concierge situation.  The strategy is to be in the first group of Haven Guest to get on the ship.  Have your adjustments in writing so when you get to the Haven Concierge, they can check the off one at a time. Sometimes, pre-cruise, many things can be pre-reserved (Not Everything) and put in your portfolio.  

 

On a completely filled Bliss, Encore, Joy or any other of the larger NCL Ships.  I could not agree with you more.  A thought on this is to choose much less busy times.  The week after or before Holidays. When kids are in school, after the Prime Season.  I was on the Joy, it was not filled up.  I was thrilled.  Then another NCL ship had an accident, the sailing was cancelled the same week, NCL gave the Guests the ability to be on my cruise.  I went from 50% filled to completely filled in the matter of a week.  Just the way it goes.  

 

I was on a Crystal Cruises Voyage where the ship held 900 guests, their was 210 on board.  It was not great.  I would have thought it to me awesome but it needed some life. I was on the NCL Joy in the Haven when the ship was 50% full.  One of the greatest cruises of my life.  I went back on the Joy a few months later 100% filled not in the Haven.  The only thing that saved this cruise for me with a week in the Vibe Beach Club.  Timing is everything now that people are cruising again.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[graphicguy]

10 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

Seated instead of standing in line for 45 minutes is a worthwhile perk.

yeah...I get that.  

 

But, that also means if I'm seated I have to run outside Syd's to get a drink because both times, the Syd bar wasn't open yet.

 

First World Problems!!!!!

 

LOL!

[graphicguy]

1 minute ago, Sthrngary said:

@NikkiPoooo27 All of what you just outlined is completely accurate.  On the Haven Concierge situation.  The strategy is to be in the first group of Haven Guest to get on the ship.  Have your adjustments in writing so when you get to the Haven Concierge, they can check the off one at a time. Sometimes, pre-cruise, many things can be pre-reserved (Not Everything) and put in your portfolio.  

 

On a completely filled Bliss, Encore, Joy or any other of the larger NCL Ships.  I could not agree with you more.  A thought on this is to choose much less busy times.  The week after or before Holidays. When kids are in school, after the Prime Season.  I was on the Joy, it was not filled up.  I was thrilled.  Then another NCL ship had an accident, the sailing was cancelled the same week, NCL gave the Guests the ability to be on my cruise.  I went from 50% filled to completely filled in the matter of a week.  Just the way it goes.  

 

I was on a Crystal Cruises Voyage where the ship held 900 guests, their was 210 on board.  It was not great.  I would have thought it to me awesome but it needed some life. I was on the NCL Joy in the Haven when the ship was 50% full.  One of the greatest cruises of my life.  I went back on the Joy a few months later 100% filled not in the Haven.  The only thing that saved this cruise for me with a week in the Vibe Beach Club.  Timing is everything now that people are cruising again.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

Great advice.  That's imperative!

[graphicguy]

@McGarrett5oh...taking pics of worthwhile crew.  Great idea.  

 

Much better than mine where I carry a little notepad and mini pencil to write down names.  I forget the pencil, or the notebook, or tire of having one or the other left behind, etc.

[Sugar Magnolia]

3 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

But, that also means if I'm seated I have to run outside Syd's to get a drink because both times, the Syd bar wasn't open yet.

 

I walk into Syd's with a drink in each hand...problem solved

 

[RocketMan275]

2 minutes ago, Sugar Magnolia said:

 

I walk into Syd's with a drink in each hand...problem solved

 

Proves the old adage: Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance.

[Sugar Magnolia]

1 minute ago, RocketMan275 said:

Proves the old adage: Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance.

 

Tricks of the trade when traveling solo

 

[UKstages]

14 hours ago, Sugar Magnolia said:

Are they still providing Haven escort to Syd Norman's on some ships? There was no Haven escort to Syd this year on the Prima or the Getaway. Was told there were too many complaints so they stopped.

 

14 hours ago, graphicguy said:

Concierge escorted us to Syd Norman’s 45 minutes before showtime.  Interestingly, on 4-5 of us took advantage of his escort.

this topic has come up before, I think even in this very thread. the issue is not whether a concierge will provide this service… the real issue is whether the guest feels comfortable accepting this service. clearly, some do.
 

look, i know all about what it costs to stay in the haven. i know all about how it is supposed to make everything easy and eliminate the stress and hassle of cruising. i understand fully the class system that it engenders and the emotions that divide stirs up in both haven and non-haven guests.  i myself have sailed in the haven and I’ve sailed in most other cabins, too.
 

I would feel uncomfortable accepting this perk, should it be offered. (it never has been.) it feels very different than being escorted into an empty 750 seat or 1000 seat theatre, where the perk would not likely impact others. it’s very different than priority disembarkation. It’s very different than getting a reservation to a “sold out” restaurant.
 

to me, being escorted into syd’s in advance of opening, would be akin to having a personal escort at the buffet, who enables me to have a fast pass to access all the food ahead of others and has reserved a prime window table exclusively for me. that’s just not done, and for good reason.

 

as for whether or not private admission to the cavern club or syd’s negatively affects others, i would say it most certainly does. those people waiting in line? they were told that no reservations are accepted. they have a good faith belief that if they queue up early enough, they can get a seat. and yet, if the concierge lets four or fourteen or twenty people into the venue in advance, that means that four or fourteen or twenty of those waiting in line will not get seats when they ordinarily would have. and it means that the same number might be denied entry altogether.

 

NCL can’t have a widely advertised “no reservations” policy for a minuscule venue and then allow people to access that venue prior to the gen pop. they just can’t.

[RocketMan275]

18 minutes ago, UKstages said:

NCL can’t have a widely advertised “no reservations” policy for a minuscule venue and then allow people to access that venue prior to the gen pop. they just can’t.

Despite you're feeling uncomfortable, there is no reason why NCL can't offer this perk.

You might as well complain about those who pay more for a suite get a larger cabin. Obviously, if their cabin were smaller, other cabins could be larger.

Do you partake of the unlimited lobster tails in the Haven?  Should there be a limit and the additional lobster given to non-Haven guests?

Edited July 3, 2023 by RocketMan275

[Sthrngary]

19 minutes ago, UKstages said:

 

this topic has come up before, I think even in this very thread. the issue is not whether a concierge will provide this service… the real issue is whether the guest feels comfortable accepting this service. clearly, some do.
 

look, i know all about what it costs to stay in the haven. i know all about how it is supposed to make everything easy and eliminate the stress and hassle of cruising. i understand fully the class system that it engenders and the emotions that divide stirs up in both haven and non-haven guests.  i myself have sailed in the haven and I’ve sailed in most other cabins, too.
 

I would feel uncomfortable accepting this perk, should it be offered. (it never has been.) it feels very different than being escorted into an empty 750 seat or 1000 seat theatre, where the perk would not likely impact others. it’s very different than priority disembarkation. It’s very different than getting a reservation to a “sold out” restaurant.
 

to me, being escorted into syd’s in advance of opening, would be akin to having a personal escort at the buffet, who enables me to have a fast pass to access all the food ahead of others and has reserved a prime window table exclusively for me. that’s just not done, and for good reason.

 

as for whether or not private admission to the cavern club or syd’s negatively affects others, i would say it most certainly does. those people waiting in line? they were told that no reservations are accepted. they have a good faith belief that if they queue up early enough, they can get a seat. and yet, if the concierge lets four or fourteen or twenty people into the venue in advance, that means that four or fourteen or twenty of those waiting in line will not get seats when they ordinarily would have. and it means that the same number might be denied entry altogether.

 

NCL can’t have a widely advertised “no reservations” policy for a minuscule venue and then allow people to access that venue prior to the gen pop. they just can’t.

You are right, this topic has been talked about almost as much as children taking over the Haven Courtyard.  It has been hashed out over and over again.  Everyone has an opinion and we tend to argue on who is right and who is wrong.  I am usually very positive and refer back to my emphasis which is "Realistic Expectations".  I also attempt to be completely transparent. 

 

The Small Venues are marketed as, "First Come/First Served".  There is NO guarantee that a guest, Haven or otherwise will gain special pre-show entrance to the small venues.  This is why I always address this issue so folks in the Haven are not disappointed when this does not happen.  This for some folks seems to happen all the time.  For me, never once.  On to my main point.  This courtesy not amenity is usually all to do with the Haven desk Staff.  In that shows the inconsistency.  If this was openly offered to me as a Haven Guest, I would jump on it.  On the other hand, unless offered, I would never ask.  Just me but I had to comment. 

 

Most everyone knows me here and this stream has been a true sense of joy for me over these many years.  I will be the first to acknowledge one of the reasons my next cruise is not on NCL or the Haven is because I, on some level, don't like the feedback given to Haven Guest (by non-Haven Guests) on any/all special amenities or courtesy they receive.  I have justified that the enormous premium paid justifies all provided.  It still makes me just a bit uncomfortable.

 

My next cruise will be on Oceania.  Many reasons I did not take NCL and or the Haven for this upcoming trip in the Mediterranean.  One of those reason was I wanted to feel the difference when every single guest, once they leave their stateroom, is treated exactly the same.  Other reasons were smaller ship that can get into small ports, elevated dining and many more.  The joy of cruising is based on the experience we all want, we have many choices  That does not make Haven or no Haven bad or good.  It is simply part of the good business decision we all have to make for ourselves. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[Greenpea2]

On 7/2/2023 at 1:56 PM, omahabob said:

 

Tip the Maitre'd? I thought the only people we needed to tip in the Haven were the butler and concierge. Time out. Sthrngary! I need a ruling on this! 🤪

We have never tipped anyone at the Haven restaurant except the server. Always EXCELLENT service.

[RocketMan275]

1 minute ago, Greenpea2 said:

We have never tipped anyone at the Haven restaurant except the server. Always EXCELLENT service.

 

try it, you might be surprised.

[Greenpea2]

22 hours ago, ashkay16 said:

I believe what the question was and i have the same question on an upcoming Haven cruise is that I also believe in tipping up front and then at the end . Do I tip each butler , bartender , concierge as there are probably at least 2-3 for each one ? Even though there is 24 hour butler service Im sure my butler doesnt work the entire 24 hours every day .  If I give tip to bartender , concierge , butler do they share with other Haven bartenders , butler , etc that I may encounter .  Thanks in advance for any help . 

It's purely a personal choice. I never tip upfront. But I always tip. Even the one time I had a less than useless butler (only once, long ago). I just gave him something for what he did do, and gave the rest of "his" tip to the room steward. I find the room stewards deserve more or as much as the butler (we don't use the butler services much). I tip the bartenders per drink--sometimes more $ every couple of drinks. Just tip what you feel is right, when you feel like it, and who you think should get it. You can't go wrong that way.

[Greenpea2]

18 hours ago, McGarrett5oh said:

My wife and I cruised on Virgin Voyages last year.  Tipping is discouraged and not expected by the staff.  To @Sthrngary’s point, we received exceptional service by being kind to the staff, making them laugh and feel appreciated.  But what we found to be the most effective was asking the staff member if we could take a picture of their name badge so that we could remember their name to give them props in the post cruise survey (which we did without exception).  
 

On Virgin, they tell you the survey is the most important way to recognize the crew, who presumably earn their “tips” from the company in financial, promotions and other means.  

While survey compliments may not be quite as important for NCL & the Haven as it is with Virgin, calling out good service during and after the cruise never hurts. IMO

Totally agree with this. We always fill out a couple, or more than a couple, on those that were standouts in our opinion. 

[Greenpea2]

13 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

 

try it, you might be surprised.

Excellent is excellent. I don't reach higher than that and I don't pay for higher than that.

[Daniel A]

4 hours ago, UKstages said:

being escorted into syd’s in advance of opening, would be akin to having a personal escort at the buffet, who enables me to have a fast pass to access all the food ahead of others and has reserved a prime window table exclusively for me.

That's really not a bad idea you have there!😂

 

Seriously, there are all kinds of priority perks offered at all levels and facets of our society.  How about express lanes for carpools or EZPass drivers willing to pay more to beat the highway backups when all of the other drivers already paid for that express lane through their taxes?  What about the better quality of foods offered by the higher end grocery stores or trendy coffee shops?  What about the tax deductions given to families with children or people who own their own home and pay a mortgage?  How about the benefits of being a family with children who own their own home and pay a mortgage?  Senior citizen discounts, military discounts, student discounts...  I won't beat the horse any longer.  My point here is that we don't all get every perk or benefit our society provides, but we can get some.  When it's my turn, I won't feel guilty taking advantage of a perk to which I am rightfully entitled.  I also don't harbor a grudge against those who can use the express lane while I am stuck in rush hour traffic.

[omahabob]

16 minutes ago, Daniel A said:

....What about the better quality of foods offered by the higher end grocery stores or trendy coffee shops?...

 

Excellent points. But I've never see a better quality anything offered by trendy coffee shops, certainly not food. The prices were better 'quality' though, at least to the owners.

 

However, all of this having been said, and to nauseating levels in numerous other threads, could we please not make this into a class warfare debate?