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

[graphicguy]

4 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

@Battlement I am not sure where port you are going out of.  I would get to the port 1 hour early in this case, 02:00 PM.  The first part is the hardest.  You just have to get through security.  Once that is done, there are signs to the Haven Entrance like for First Class Sky Miles Members at the Airport. These signs are not easy to find so really look.  You don't want to get on a regular guest line.  

 

I also don't like lines so standing a bit prior to getting through security is for me a necessary evil.  Again, just get through security. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

Good points.  

 

OP, where are you sailing from?  I think I missed that.

 

Gary, I may be misremembering, but I'm thinking initial embarkation is 2 hours before sailaway?  

 

It really doesn't matter, but am familiar with the FL ,SEA and NYC cruise ports.  Some are bigger and more accommodating than the others.

 

I try to miss all the crowds to begin with.  So, I tend to check in a little later anyway.  In this instance, everyone will try to check in at the same time.

Edited March 24 by graphicguy

[Treasure Hunter]

It sounds like the Westside pier if they are in Jersey. New York had 12 hours of torrential rain and flooding on Saturday. Today is sunny, breezy and cold. As Haven you will see a sign as soon as you enter the building to your left. You have your own security. Just keep repeating to people, “We are Haven”. You will be whisked through, taken to the Haven lounge and probably board shortly after that. I agree, get there at two o’clock. Will you drive or take the hotel shuttle? The porters, are terrific in NY just remember to tip.

[graphicguy]

11 minutes ago, Treasure Hunter said:

It sounds like the Westside pier if they are in Jersey. New York had 12 hours of torrential rain and flooding on Saturday. Today is sunny, breezy and cold. As Haven you will see a sign as soon as you enter the building to your left. You have your own security. Just keep repeating to people, “We are Haven”. You will be whisked through, taken to the Haven lounge and probably board shortly after that. I agree, get there at two o’clock. Will you drive or take the hotel shuttle? The porters, are terrific in NY just remember to tip.

Appreciate what you're saying. But, once you start shoving and pushing through the lines claiming Haven status, I think you're asking for trouble.

 

One you're in the terminal, different story.  You can get in the Haven lines.  Outside the terminal?  It might be unwise to try to cut line as there is no stipulated "Haven" line outside.

[Battlement]

Sorry, I totally left off which port! You can tell I'm a bit nervous/frustrated, just because I want this to be perfect for my wife and son (who are actually being totally chill about the whole thing!)

 

The port is called Manhattan Cruise Terminal, 711 12th Ave Manhattan, NY

 

We drove up yesterday, stayed in Weehawken NJ (Envue hotel - nice place) and are driving to the pier where we plan to leave the car for the week (parking is allegedly not a problem - I hope!)

Thanks all

 

[Sthrngary]

47 minutes ago, Battlement said:

Sorry, I totally left off which port! You can tell I'm a bit nervous/frustrated, just because I want this to be perfect for my wife and son (who are actually being totally chill about the whole thing!)

 

The port is called Manhattan Cruise Terminal, 711 12th Ave Manhattan, NY

 

We drove up yesterday, stayed in Weehawken NJ (Envue hotel - nice place) and are driving to the pier where we plan to leave the car for the week (parking is allegedly not a problem - I hope!)

Thanks all

 

@Battlement OK, you are and will be fine.  All cruise have something that does not go exactly to plan even if you are a detail person as we are.  Go to the pier earlier then the earliest they say.  All you have to do is get through security and you are good to go for the Haven.  Don't worry about it.  Out of your control and make it a fun quest.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[graphicguy]

51 minutes ago, Battlement said:

Sorry, I totally left off which port! You can tell I'm a bit nervous/frustrated, just because I want this to be perfect for my wife and son (who are actually being totally chill about the whole thing!)

 

The port is called Manhattan Cruise Terminal, 711 12th Ave Manhattan, NY

 

We drove up yesterday, stayed in Weehawken NJ (Envue hotel - nice place) and are driving to the pier where we plan to leave the car for the week (parking is allegedly not a problem - I hope!)

Thanks all

 

OK....I know there is bad weather issues in FL right now.  So, we can rule that out.

 

Not sure your itinerary or what ship you're on.

 

If they're saying don't come to the pier before 3, I'd wait a while for the crowds to clear.  Maybe get there around 3:30-4 and wait for the crowd to thin somewhat.

 

PS...Gary just saw your post.  Personally, I would not want to be in that morass of people getting there earlier.  That's me, though.

 

The less hassle the better for me to start the cruise.

Edited March 24 by graphicguy

[Treasure Hunter]

Yes Manhattan cruise terminal’s local name is the Westside pier. We live a half hour away and take a black car to the pier but there is reasonably priced parking on the roof of the building attached ( another reason to get there early). Also some people I know that don’t have tons of luggage park two blocks south in a parking lot for a little less money. There is plenty of room in the terminal ( enormous) and many uniformed guards directing inside the terminal. You will be fine and relaxed once you’ve parked the car and dropped off your luggage. Just keep saying Haven. 

[UKstages]

34 minutes ago, Treasure Hunter said:

Manhattan cruise terminal’s local name is the Westside pier.

 

that's interesting.

 

i live a few blocks away from the MCT and have never once heard it referred to as "the westside pier," mostly because there are many piers on the westside of manhattan.

 

chelsea piers, pier 25, pier 26, pier 34, pier 40, pier 45, pier 46, pier 51, pier 57, pier 78, pier 84, pier 88, pier 90 ... which one is "the" westside pier?

 

Edited March 24 by UKstages

[RocketMan275]

2 hours ago, graphicguy said:

OK....I know there is bad weather issues in FL right now.  So, we can rule that out.

 

Not sure your itinerary or what ship you're on.

 

If they're saying don't come to the pier before 3, I'd wait a while for the crowds to clear.  Maybe get there around 3:30-4 and wait for the crowd to thin somewhat.

 

PS...Gary just saw your post.  Personally, I would not want to be in that morass of people getting there earlier.  That's me, though.

 

The less hassle the better for me to start the cruise.

I agree.  It's going to be a mob scene if one arrives early.

Personally, I'd wait until 5 PM to arrive.  

No need to rush.  

[PatJim]

Battlement, we’ve sailed NCL out of New York’s Passenger Terminal numerous times (40+) and always arrive early, usually @8:30-9 am.  NY terminal staff never check arrival time on your check-in, so come whenever you wish.

For those arriving by cab or private car hire, direct the driver to stop directly in front of the build entrance once up the ramp.  Porters will take your checked bags; we always tip them.   Have never parked at the terminal, but believe there is an elevator taking you down to Departures and porters to take your bags.  Someone correct me if I’m wrong.

 
However you arrive, be sure to have your check-in paperwork available.  They do check that you’re a legit passenger, before you can get in a security line.  As mentioned above, look for a prominent Haven sign towards the left.  
 

The downside of early arrival is having to stand in the Haven check-in line waiting for officials to open it to check your passport.  We spend the time chatting with other passengers.  Once through security, you’ll be directed to the Haven lounge.  It used to be on the left after security, but recently we’ve been directed all the way down the terminal to the Haven lounge on the right.  
 

Early arrival is a personal decision.  Jim 💕 being early.  For him, vacation can’t start too early, and it starts for him when he’s in the Haven lounge.  (For me, it starts when I’m in the car, heading across town!). We usually have a small bite in the lounge—smoked salmon sandwiches are a favorite—knowing we’ll be sitting down to lunch in the Haven restaurant shortly after 11:30.

 

Once on board, we can either drop off our bags in our cabin (if staying in the Haven proper), leave them with the Haven restaurant hostess, or bring them with us to the restaurant.  Pre-lunch, Haven staff offer non-alcoholic drinks and hors d’oeuvres.  If you want an alcoholic drink from the bar, there is a NY alcohol tax while the ship is in port and in NY State waters.

 

You’re going to have a wonderful cruise, taken care of by the Haven staff.  We board the Joy in May for a short cruise to Bermuda, and can’t wait!

 

Patricia

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Treasure Hunter]

Maybe I’m lots older than you, I’ve spent my whole life here and we called it that long before there was a Chelsea pier. But any taxi driver or Uber worth his salt will know what you mean when you say you are sailing on a cruise ship. We cruise regularly year round on NCL from there. But Manhattan Cruise Terminal is more precise. 

[PatJim]

On 3/19/2024 at 3:54 PM, The Traveling Man said:

Thank you for refreshing my memory and correcting my mistake.  Yes, it is called the Garden Villa, not the Owner's Suite.  Poh-tay-toe, Pah-tah-tah ?  A rose by any other name would still be an amazing three-bedroom suite with more amenities than you can shake a stick at.  Dining table for eight, grand piano, giant big screen TV, living room with enough sofa seating for eight adults, etc., etc., etc.  Simply amazing !  Oh yeah, and wrap around one-way mirror windows from one end of the living room to the other that overlook the pool which is one deck below.

I forgot about the giant tv in the living room and the 1-way wraparound mirrored windows overlooking the pool deck!  One of us actually went down a deck one night to see if people could see in😆 

 

We had a fantastic concierge, Roseanne, who seemed to be everywhere we were, and insisted on escorting us to dinners.  Or have the butler escort us.  

[cruisebeachgirl703]

4 hours ago, Battlement said:

@Sthrngary@cruiseny4life@graphicguy 

Hello folks, 

Well, we've received a text barrage from NCL saying they've been delayed by weather, and that instead of our carefully planned 10:30-11am checkin time, we (apparently all 3500 of us) are to show up between 3pm and 6pm. 

Advice? I understand that weather is a factor that cant be controlled (although there was also a mechanical delay last week, altering their itinerary and delaying their boarding). I really have no desire to start our trip in a 3000 person cattle call panic at the NYC port. The text alert specifically says not to arrive before 3pm, as the port "won't be open". 

 

As a Haven passenger, what would you do?

 

Thanks again for any advice on this. We will basically be camping in a Jersey hotel lobby until it's time to head over. 

 

 

Looking foward to an update once  you are onboard. What time did it end up being. and following along this week.

[Fogfog]

2 hours ago, PatJim said:

 

Once on board, we can either drop off our bags in our cabin (if staying in the Haven proper), leave them with the Haven restaurant hostess, or bring them with us to the restaurant.  Pre-lunch, Haven staff offer non-alcoholic drinks and hors d’oeuvres.  If you want an alcoholic drink from the bar, there is a NY alcohol tax while the ship is in port and in NY State waters.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pat/Jim  helpful post

They charge NY taxes on alcohol for Haven even when you have prepaid the bev program/free at sea and grats etc? Yikes

We're planning on upgrading all that on the ship but don't want to be hit with more taxes and fees

Our sail away isn't til 6ish (TA) and that's cut right into cocktails/dinner etc. if we are on (Haven) early for lunch, afternoon on the ship etc

 

 

[graphicguy]

13 minutes ago, Fogfog said:

Pat/Jim  helpful post

They charge NY taxes on alcohol for Haven even when you have prepaid the bev program/free at sea and grats etc? Yikes

We're planning on upgrading all that on the ship but don't want to be hit with more taxes and fees

Our sail away isn't til 6ish (TA) and that's cut right into cocktails/dinner etc. if we are on (Haven) early for lunch, afternoon on the ship etc

 

 

I seem to remember it’s a city tax charged.  New York charges it!

[PatJim]

The beverage tax is a  N Y State requirement, not something NCL has a say in, except they are required to collect it.  It’s still in effect after sailaway, until the ship clears NY waters.  That will be sometime after sailing under the Verrazano Bridge, which occurs @ 40 minutes after leaving the dock. 
Think the tax rate is .875% per beverage.  On our last cruise, tax for drink I had at lunch on day of departure was $2.49.  It was either a glass of wine or a Matador from the bar.

 

[Fogfog]

11 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

I seem to remember it’s a city tax charged.  New York charges it!

Interesting.

Sailing out of FL in MSC YC - we don't get hit with that kind of tax. The YC libations are included so there's that (so much for "free at sea" NCL!)

and

it's FL not NY. 

[UKstages]

4 hours ago, Treasure Hunter said:

But any taxi driver or Uber worth his salt will know what you mean when you say you are sailing on a cruise ship.

 

a wisecracking stereotypical career cabbie in the 1940s or 50s or 60s, or even the 70s? 

 

sure.

 

cab drivers in new york today can barely find times square without waze. very few are natives, very few know anything beyond numbered streets and very few will know that the entrance ramp for the terminal on 48th street is several blocks north, if they can find the "cruise terminal" or "the westside terminal" at all.

[Treasure Hunter]

Ok you win

[Battlement]

Hi all! Thanks for following along, offering great advice, and just being cool people in general. Also, if my posts aren’t synchronous with the spirit of this thread, feel free to delete! 
 

But, if you’re wondering how we chose to handle a midnight text alert moving our boarding time from 10:30am to 3-6pm…

 

I got the wife and son going and we rolled to the NYC port (Manhattan Cruise Terminal, other names are valid) and besides a bit of traffic in the tunnel, it was smooth sailing (pun intended) from there. Traffic in the lot was absolutely minimal, and porters on the rooftop were taking turns to help the next car. I tipped the guy $40 and he took our bags, created a 6th luggage tag since we needed one (long story). He seemed so excited at the tip that when I asked where to park, he actually moved a cone and gave us the closest spot to the exit. Dude was acting like he won the lotto…I hope the bags actually make it to us😂

 

Haven check in was a breeze. We got there at 2:30, and were in the (packed) Haven lounge by 3, maybe 3:15. But even with all the people waiting for rooms to be ready, and bags everywhere, and the people who hold lounge seats with backpacks (yes, even in Haven) the staff was amazing. My son must have had a dozen pieces of the fried goodness they were passing (mozzarella sticks, spring rolls, etc) and I was able to easily get my cocktail(s) of choice despite folks camping at the bar (don’t blame them!). 
 

Long story short: so far, the Haven price tag has been absolutely worth it. We were in our stateroom ASAP, about 3 hours before they called ‘rooms ready’ for the ship. The service has been awesome, and I’m totally psyched for a great week. 
 

Wife took full advantage of the embarkation day spa deals, and is getting a treatment done now. Toenails or something? 
 

We are about to meet her for dinner at Haven restaurant. It’s go time!

 

Again, thanks to all of you for your help. The internet package seems pretty fast, so feel free to ask anything you’d like and I’ll answer as best I can. 

[Treasure Hunter]

I am so happy it all worked out. You are going to have a great time! If you get nervous about your luggage tell your butler and he will go look for it.

[cruiseny4life]

15 hours ago, Battlement said:

Hi all! Thanks for following along, offering great advice, and just being cool people in general. Also, if my posts aren’t synchronous with the spirit of this thread, feel free to delete! 
 

But, if you’re wondering how we chose to handle a midnight text alert moving our boarding time from 10:30am to 3-6pm…

 

I got the wife and son going and we rolled to the NYC port (Manhattan Cruise Terminal, other names are valid) and besides a bit of traffic in the tunnel, it was smooth sailing (pun intended) from there. Traffic in the lot was absolutely minimal, and porters on the rooftop were taking turns to help the next car. I tipped the guy $40 and he took our bags, created a 6th luggage tag since we needed one (long story). He seemed so excited at the tip that when I asked where to park, he actually moved a cone and gave us the closest spot to the exit. Dude was acting like he won the lotto…I hope the bags actually make it to us😂

 

Haven check in was a breeze. We got there at 2:30, and were in the (packed) Haven lounge by 3, maybe 3:15. But even with all the people waiting for rooms to be ready, and bags everywhere, and the people who hold lounge seats with backpacks (yes, even in Haven) the staff was amazing. My son must have had a dozen pieces of the fried goodness they were passing (mozzarella sticks, spring rolls, etc) and I was able to easily get my cocktail(s) of choice despite folks camping at the bar (don’t blame them!). 
 

Long story short: so far, the Haven price tag has been absolutely worth it. We were in our stateroom ASAP, about 3 hours before they called ‘rooms ready’ for the ship. The service has been awesome, and I’m totally psyched for a great week. 
 

Wife took full advantage of the embarkation day spa deals, and is getting a treatment done now. Toenails or something? 
 

We are about to meet her for dinner at Haven restaurant. It’s go time!

 

Again, thanks to all of you for your help. The internet package seems pretty fast, so feel free to ask anything you’d like and I’ll answer as best I can. 

Oh, thank you for coming back to report! I was reading this thread just now and saw your mention of us as you were trying to figure out what to do. I'm sorry I didn't answer earlier - it's a rare weekend that I monitor Cruise Critic. And this weekend, well it was a really, really hectic one with a long time spent at Home Depot and Costco getting ready for our spring planting/home repair season. And, of course changing out our winter tires to spring tires a day after the largest snowfall of the year. Oh, the irony!!

But, on to you! Ok, back to me, really, because I am so absolutely jealous that you had mozzarella sticks and spring rolls in the lounge at MCT. The best we've ever had are canapes! I would have devoured a dozen of each and had no space in my belly for lunch. But, that's what vacation's for! I'm glad that, even though packed, you found space in the lounge and made it onboard quickly. 

 

Please come back and let us know how everything is going (if you are/will do a live/review), I'm here for it! 

 

Have a most absolutely stunning and wonderful trip with the family!! 

 

@Treasure Hunter - not sure it's the same garage, but we also park a couple blocks south to avoid all the traffic in/out of the pier. Quick and dirty exit to the Lincoln Tunnel.

[cruiseny4life]

On 3/23/2024 at 12:00 PM, NclCruiuser said:

Good morning - will be traveling in June on the NCL Joy and have a few questions about the Haven rooms. The ones currently available are Haven penthouse - HI, Haven Courtyard - HF, and the Haven Courtyard - HE. Been reading as much as I can but could someone tell me if it is better to be part of the Haven Courtyard or have access to it. I do have some mobility and balance issues so being jostled by crowds not my favorite time. Also want to make sure that the rooms are quiet. Seems like the ones outside of the main area are also part of the general ship so concerned about kids running up and down the halls, very noisy people coming from bars, etc. Suggestions about which category to choose and if possible, what room, assuming it is available. Have only been on a few cruises several years ago if I don't count 2 years on a destroyer.

Much appreciated.... 

I think you already found your answer from @Sthrngary and @Treasure Hunter, but hey I'll throw my two cents in as I'm a slightly different cruiser than both. If I could choose (I can't on Pr1ma and V!va), I'd always settle myself outside of the Haven "proper." I prefer to be outside the Haven, BUT in your case, I would tell you the same as they mentioned. Given your accessibility needs, you would probably be better off in the Haven "proper."

 

When you require an escort to shows, you can simply show up at the concierge desk for the escort to shows. On Joy, back in March of last year, I had friends escorted by the butler through the staff hallways, rather than in public. You may see if this is available to you as you wouldn't have the same amount of jostling. 

 

Best wishes for a fulfilling cruise that is relaxing and peaceful - don't count on no kids running through the Haven. If you are looking for a childfree experience, better to explore Viking. But, I don't think there would be many kids running up and down the halls of the Haven "proper," so you'll likely be fine. I cannot comment on that experience. I do know that (despite cruising during Easter Break, Thanksgiving, and New Year's), I have never heard children running down the hallways of our non-Haven "proper" halls. Ok, Thanksgiving was in the Haven, because we were on Pr1ma and all Haven rooms are "in" the Haven on that ship. 

[graphicguy]

17 hours ago, Fogfog said:

Interesting.

Sailing out of FL in MSC YC - we don't get hit with that kind of tax. The YC libations are included so there's that (so much for "free at sea" NCL!)

and

it's FL not NY. 

I would think that as much as I've cruised the different ports, I would know which ones charge a state or city tax.  I don't recall which ones do or don't.  FL or MIA?  If they aren't charged I'm guessing that MIA doesn't have a drink tax.

[vacation44]

34 minutes ago, cruiseny4life said:

 

But, on to you! Ok, back to me, really, because I am so absolutely jealous that you had mozzarella sticks and spring rolls in the lounge at MCT. The best we've ever had are canapes! I would have devoured a dozen of each and had no space in my belly for lunch. But, that's what vacation's for! I'm glad that, even though packed, you found space in the lounge and made it onboard quickly. 

 

 

 

@Treasure Hunter

I read it as the mozzarella sticks and spring rolls were served in the Haven lounge inside the Haven and not in the terminal.  

 

But as a fellow mozzarella sticks lover, we were never served them in the Haven lounge either.  But then again, we never spent a lot of time in the lounge on embarkation day.