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

[Battlement]

So after an excellent dinner served by a clearly overwhelmed (but still awesome) Haven restaurant staff, I went down to the casino to get my butt kicked at poker 😉 Staff has been great all around, although the weather/itinerary change issues have definitely been tough for them. I tipped a bartender in the bar area by the American Diner $20, and he's basically been our best friend since then. Drinks coming fast and furious! He was down in the casino later, and remember our names, drinks, etc. I also tipped the butler early and mentioned that I wanted to "convert" my wife to an NCL believer. He's been ok so far, but also clearly playing catchup from the changes. 

 

We received a broadcast this morning that the ship had to slow down due to rough seas, and the Bermuda arrival will be delayed until Wednesday. This bothers us not one bit, as we didn't book this one for the ports, but rather the ship/Haven amenities. The $100 credit they're giving us is a nice gesture though.

 

The "streaming" internet is not exactly light speed, but has been totally reliable. Speedtest put it at around 3MBPS down and 2 up. Fine for our needs, but haven't tried to stream any shows or anything yet. 

 

Any questions, hit me up!

[RocketMan275]

52 minutes ago, cruiseny4life said:

Ok, Thanksgiving was in the Haven, because we were on Pr1ma and all Haven rooms are "in" the Haven on that ship. 

We were on Prima last month and I would not consider our Haven cabin to be in the Haven proper.  We had an aft owners suite on deck 10.  The exclusive haven elevators were down the hall.  One walked by numerous non-haven cabins to get to the elevators.  The haven lounge, bar, and restaurant were all located on deck 16.

[Fogfog]

41 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

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.

Hi Dan

Our last 8 sailings have been in YC out of Florida and as YC is inclusive (unlike Haven which is not) we didn't get hit with drink fees at embarkation.

I recall years ago that being the case on another line--where our acct showed weird small charges which after inquiry we learned it was the bev tax.

I do recall having this from port to port sailing around Spain during a TA 5 years ago. 

The story about your Marseille sailing was a good one! 

[NclCruiuser]

What is the general rule for tipping? I'll handle bar tenders, etc but for the concierge and butler (anyone else?) how much is appropriate. Since there seems to be day and night staff, do you tip each of them? BTW one thing I just found out and hated - I booked through the Marriott points program and got my "final" bill that I paid. When I called NCL to ask about one of their policies she asked it I wanted to pay for the tips now? I was like - WHAT?? I had already paid a large amount for "additional fees". I asked and she told me $25 per day per person for waiters, back staff, etc. I'm fine with those charges but why not include it in what I just paid rather than surprise me with it later. 

Best... Steve

[tcmagnum]

54 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

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.

I can only go with personal experience...Cruises (that I've been on) leaving New Orleans charge the tax until international waters (took several hours to get to that point) and I wasn't waiting to 'start my cruise' for a small amount.  I've heard from friends that Galveston is another port that charges the tax.

 

I don't remember getting charged tax on our cruise out of Miami.  But that was 4 years ago, so maybe I just don't remember.

 

Not sure if this info helps or not...

  

[tcmagnum]

36 minutes ago, Battlement said:

So after an excellent dinner served by a clearly overwhelmed (but still awesome) Haven restaurant staff.

 

We received a broadcast this morning that the ship had to slow down due to rough seas, and the Bermuda arrival will be delayed until Wednesday. This bothers us not one bit.

You guys have a great attitude!!

You are going with the flow and giving the staff a chance to get caught up.

Have a great cruise!!

[cruiseny4life]

1 hour ago, vacation44 said:

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.

 

 

 

I re-read the post. You are right! Mozz sticks inside the Haven. Oh my! NCL's trying to get me back. 🙂

[cruiseny4life]

57 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

We were on Prima last month and I would not consider our Haven cabin to be in the Haven proper.  We had an aft owners suite on deck 10.  The exclusive haven elevators were down the hall.  One walked by numerous non-haven cabins to get to the elevators.  The haven lounge, bar, and restaurant were all located on deck 16.

Ooooo! I stand corrected. It does look like you were among the others. When I was onboard in 13210, we were in a private behind doors Haven area. I thought all Have staterooms were like that, but it looks like deck 10 and 11 do have a couple of Haven rooms on them. Thanks!!

[graphicguy]

1 hour ago, Fogfog said:

Hi Dan

Our last 8 sailings have been in YC out of Florida and as YC is inclusive (unlike Haven which is not) we didn't get hit with drink fees at embarkation.

I recall years ago that being the case on another line--where our acct showed weird small charges which after inquiry we learned it was the bev tax.

I do recall having this from port to port sailing around Spain during a TA 5 years ago. 

The story about your Marseille sailing was a good one! 

Howdy.....when MSC was getting a foothold in the North American market, I found fares for YC that were way less $$ than NCL Haven or Royal Star.  I sailed them 2x...once out of FL and the other a Mediterranean itinerary.  

 

Enjoyed both immensely...even more given the fare.  Been tough to find "a deal" the last couple of years, though.  I've tried.  Beautiful ships (I sailed Meriviglia and Divina).  They keep "re-upping" my status match.  I haven't sailed them for a few years, but they've now extended my Diamond status to 2026.  I keep shopping them though.

 

Drinks.....I probably should be more cognizant of taxes or not.  I always surprise myself when I review my on board portfolios to see those $1 here....$2 there charges and then remember we were in port when I ordered drinks and it's the tax.

 

 

[DMH15]

Thanks for the update!   Enjoy!!!

[Daniel A]

4 hours ago, graphicguy said:

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.

I've paid the tax while our Princess ships were in and leaving Ft. Lauderdale.   ( Port Everglades-they don't differentiate by piers  ) 

 

@Battlement don't forget the almond croissants at breakfast.   You won't be disappointed...

Edited March 25 by Daniel A

[RocketMan275]

6 hours ago, NclCruiuser said:

When I called NCL to ask about one of their policies she asked it I wanted to pay for the tips now? I was like - WHAT?? I had already paid a large amount for "additional fees". I asked and she told me $25 per day per person for waiters, back staff, etc. I'm fine with those charges but why not include it in what I just paid rather than surprise me with it later. 

Best... Steve

That's an often asked question.  The best answer IMHO is this:  those 'fees' can be adjusted, upwards or downwards, based  upon your perception of the services provided.  You could not do that if they were incorporated in the cruise fare.  These fees can be adjusted once on board by visiting Guest Services.  You can also provide additional tips/gratuities in cash directly to any crew member ships officers not included.

[cruisebeachgirl703]

6 hours ago, Battlement said:

So after an excellent dinner served by a clearly overwhelmed (but still awesome) Haven restaurant staff, I went down to the casino to get my butt kicked at poker 😉 Staff has been great all around, although the weather/itinerary change issues have definitely been tough for them. I tipped a bartender in the bar area by the American Diner $20, and he's basically been our best friend since then. Drinks coming fast and furious! He was down in the casino later, and remember our names, drinks, etc. I also tipped the butler early and mentioned that I wanted to "convert" my wife to an NCL believer. He's been ok so far, but also clearly playing catchup from the changes. 

 

We received a broadcast this morning that the ship had to slow down due to rough seas, and the Bermuda arrival will be delayed until Wednesday. This bothers us not one bit, as we didn't book this one for the ports, but rather the ship/Haven amenities. The $100 credit they're giving us is a nice gesture though.

 

The "streaming" internet is not exactly light speed, but has been totally reliable. Speedtest put it at around 3MBPS down and 2 up. Fine for our needs, but haven't tried to stream any shows or anything yet. 

 

Any questions, hit me up!

" He's been ok so far, but also clearly playing catchup from the changes. "

 

What changes?

[benel204]

Questions about Haven Deluxe Owner's Suite H3

Hello all, well we've upgraded again.... (for our 11-night Escape Med cruise in May 2024) this time to the Haven Deluxe Owner's suite. 

Thanks again to @Sthrngary@graphicguy, @Treasure Hunter, and so many others for your posts on this forum. I've combed through and had a couple of questions.

As context: We upgraded from Haven Spa Penthouse to Haven Aft, and now DOS H3 (forward on Deck 17).

The fares on this cruise have been dropping, dropping, dropping --- (actually quite frustrating for NCL newbies like us). However we've been able to 'ride the fare change waves,' pay a little more and get upgrades.  [We prefer the upgrades to FCC as we don't know if/when we'd use FCC (and NCL won't re-fare after final).]

 

Questions about the Haven DOS H3:

I've chatted online with an NCL rep about DOS amenities beyond other Haven suites, and it sounds like it's primarily daily water (spring and sparkling) and 3 bottles of "liquor."

Question:  We had previously purchased the "water package" (boxes of water) so we'd be able to take water with us in the port stops. 

Are we able to take the now "included" DOS water off the ship? I'm assuming it's the same boxed water.

Question: Are the 3 bottles of liquor options primarily wine? Or would the menu of options include liqueurs? We wouldn't drink 3 bottles of wine but may want to take home a sipping liqueur.

Question: Any tips for this DOS cabin? Although I am concerned about motion sickness, we won't have sea days.  Plus, the ports are close to each other, so hoping for the best re motion. We think it's going to be fun having a front row view of ports as we arrive (especially Amalfi coast and Malta).

Edited March 25 by benel204

[RocketMan275]

8 minutes ago, benel204 said:

Questions about Haven Deluxe Owner's Suite H3

Hello all, well we've upgraded again.... (for our 11-night Escape Med cruise in May 2024) this time to the Haven Deluxe Owner's suite. 

Thanks again to @Sthrngary@graphicguy, @Treasure Hunter, and so many others for your posts on this forum. I've combed through and had a couple of questions.

As context: We upgraded from Haven Spa Penthouse to Haven Aft, and now DOS H3 (forward on Deck 17).

The fares on this cruise have been dropping, dropping, dropping --- (actually quite frustrating for NCL newbies like us). However we've been able to 'ride the fare change waves,' pay a little more and get upgrades.  [We prefer the upgrades to FCC as we don't know if/when we'd use FCC (and NCL won't re-fare after final).]

 

Questions about the Haven DOS H3:

I've chatted online with an NCL rep about DOS amenities beyond other Haven suites, and it sounds like it's primarily daily water (spring and sparkling) and 3 bottles of "liquor."

Question:  We had previously purchased the "water package" (boxes of water) so we'd be able to take water with us in the port stops. 

Are we able to take the now "included" DOS water off the ship? I'm assuming it's the same boxed water.

Question: Are the 3 bottles of liquor options primarily wine? Or would the menu of options include liqueurs? We wouldn't drink 3 bottles of wine but may want to take home a sipping liqueur.

Question: Any tips for this DOS cabin? Although I am concerned about motion sickness, we won't have sea days.  Plus, the ports are close to each other, so hoping for the best re motion. We think it's going to be fun having a front row view of ports as we arrive (especially Amalfi coast and Malta).

Don't know about water packages.

However, you will recieve three bottles of liquor.  Yes, liquor.  You can swap those bottles of wine if you prefer.  It's difficult to predice what liquor will be available due to supply chain issues.  We've received titos vodka, bulleith bourbon, hendrix gin on our first cruise and we received black jack, gentleman jack and 1792 bourbon on our last cruise.  IOW, not really top-shelf but adequate.

Suggest you contact the pre-cruise concierge for the latest information.

855-625-4283

norwegianconciergedesk@ncl.com

Our experience in the forward facing owners suites had not been good.  We've found the balcony to be almost unusable due to wind.  In fact, twice on our Mar 23 cruise, the crew lashed the balcony furniture together to prevent it being blown over board.  YMMV.

 

[Sthrngary]

20 minutes ago, benel204 said:

Questions about Haven Deluxe Owner's Suite H3

Hello all, well we've upgraded again.... (for our 11-night Escape Med cruise in May 2024) this time to the Haven Deluxe Owner's suite. 

Thanks again to @Sthrngary@graphicguy, @Treasure Hunter, and so many others for your posts on this forum. I've combed through and had a couple of questions.

As context: We upgraded from Haven Spa Penthouse to Haven Aft, and now DOS H3 (forward on Deck 17).

The fares on this cruise have been dropping, dropping, dropping --- (actually quite frustrating for NCL newbies like us). However we've been able to 'ride the fare change waves,' pay a little more and get upgrades.  [We prefer the upgrades to FCC as we don't know if/when we'd use FCC (and NCL won't re-fare after final).]

 

Questions about the Haven DOS H3:

I've chatted online with an NCL rep about DOS amenities beyond other Haven suites, and it sounds like it's primarily daily water (spring and sparkling) and 3 bottles of "liquor."

Question:  We had previously purchased the "water package" (boxes of water) so we'd be able to take water with us in the port stops. 

Are we able to take the now "included" DOS water off the ship? I'm assuming it's the same boxed water.

Question: Are the 3 bottles of liquor options primarily wine? Or would the menu of options include liqueurs? We wouldn't drink 3 bottles of wine but may want to take home a sipping liqueur.

Question: Any tips for this DOS cabin? Although I am concerned about motion sickness, we won't have sea days.  Plus, the ports are close to each other, so hoping for the best re motion. We think it's going to be fun having a front row view of ports as we arrive (especially Amalfi coast and Malta).

@benel204 Congrats.  I was in the H2 Owners Suite on the Joy.  I did a YouTube Video which I will put the link below.

 

 

Three Bottles:  They will give you a list to choose from once onboard.  Lot of choices.  

 

Water:  The water is yours to use as you wish. Yet you can take it off the ship.

 

Mixers:  The soda, juices and mixers are replenished daily at no charge.  You tell the Butler what you want. 

 

Motion: Not an issue at all.  The deck is huge and while the ship is sailing, it tends to be a bit windy.  

 

If you have any other question, just ask.  

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[benel204]

1 minute ago, RocketMan275 said:

Don't know about water packages.

However, you will recieve three bottles of liquor.  Yes, liquor.  You can swap those bottles of wine if you prefer.  It's difficult to predice what liquor will be available due to supply chain issues.  We've received titos vodka, bulleith bourbon, hendrix gin on our first cruise and we received black jack, gentleman jack and 1792 bourbon on our last cruise.  IOW, not really top-shelf but adequate.

Suggest you contact the pre-cruise concierge for the latest information.

855-625-4283

norwegianconciergedesk@ncl.com

Our experience in the forward facing owners suites had not been good.  We've found the balcony to be almost unusable due to wind.  In fact, twice on our Mar 23 cruise, the crew lashed the balcony furniture together to prevent it being blown over board.  YMMV.

 

Thanks for your thoughts.  Good to know there will be other options for liquor.  We aren't big drinkers, but will plan to pack at least one when we disembark.

 

Regarding the aft-facing, I have read that some people experience the wind and we definitely considered that in our decision (between DOS and 2bd-villa, about the same $$). However, with no sea days, I envision we will use the balcony primarily during when we arrive and then prior to departing from ports.  From other cruises we've done (not many) that's typically when we sat outside.

 

And Thanks for the concierge email! -- I asked the NCL chat rep and they only game the phone #. 

 

 

[RocketMan275]

9 minutes ago, benel204 said:

Thanks for your thoughts.  Good to know there will be other options for liquor.  We aren't big drinkers, but will plan to pack at least one when we disembark.

 

Regarding the aft-facing, I have read that some people experience the wind and we definitely considered that in our decision (between DOS and 2bd-villa, about the same $$). However, with no sea days, I envision we will use the balcony primarily during when we arrive and then prior to departing from ports.  From other cruises we've done (not many) that's typically when we sat outside.

 

And Thanks for the concierge email! -- I asked the NCL chat rep and they only game the phone #. 

 

 

We have never experience wind issues in the aft haven suites.  

I would suggest calling the pre-cruise concierge rather than emailing. There are many more things to discuss than the liquor.  I've found them to be most helpful.  They are wonderful to talk with and will offer many more suggestions.

[benel204]

10 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

@benel204 Congrats.  I was in the H2 Owners Suite on the Joy.  I did a YouTube Video which I will put the link below.

 

 

Three Bottles:  They will give you a list to choose from once onboard.  Lot of choices.  

 

Water:  The water is yours to use as you wish. Yet you can take it off the ship.

 

Mixers:  The soda, juices and mixers are replenished daily at no charge.  You tell the Butler what you want. 

 

Motion: Not an issue at all.  The deck is huge and while the ship is sailing, it tends to be a bit windy.  

 

If you have any other question, just ask.  

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

Wow, love your video tour, Gary! So THAT's what your voice sounds like. 😁

I am relieved to hear you say that motion is not an issue. That was my #1 concern about being "in the Haven" proper.

Our DOS H3 is not as large as the H2 you had, but for two people, it will be plenty large.

In your video I thought it was interesting that you're overall conclusion was 'wouldn't do again' -- but I understand that was 3 years ago and things change.

 

Overall, I've comparing the fare and cabin on this NCL cruise to what we almost did with Viking (almost same itinerary).  I know the the cruise lines are apples and oranges.

So far we are still spending less on this Haven DOS (all in with gratuities), than Viking in a Veranda-type cabin. 

[benel204]

9 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

We have never experience wind issues in the aft haven suites.  

I would suggest calling the pre-cruise concierge rather than emailing. There are many more things to discuss than the liquor.  I've found them to be most helpful.  They are wonderful to talk with and will offer many more suggestions.

Good to know you've not experienced wind issues in aft suites.

 

Thanks for the tip to call them.  I believe we will be low maintenance guests but I do want let them know about some dietary/food preferences.

BTW how far in advance is a good time to call?  We are about 45 days away.

 

Edited March 25 by benel204

[SaltyPawz]

41 minutes ago, benel204 said:

Questions about Haven Deluxe Owner's Suite H3

Hello all, well we've upgraded again.... (for our 11-night Escape Med cruise in May 2024) this time to the Haven Deluxe Owner's suite. 

Thanks again to @Sthrngary@graphicguy, @Treasure Hunter, and so many others for your posts on this forum. I've combed through and had a couple of questions.

As context: We upgraded from Haven Spa Penthouse to Haven Aft, and now DOS H3 (forward on Deck 17).

The fares on this cruise have been dropping, dropping, dropping --- (actually quite frustrating for NCL newbies like us). However we've been able to 'ride the fare change waves,' pay a little more and get upgrades.  [We prefer the upgrades to FCC as we don't know if/when we'd use FCC (and NCL won't re-fare after final).]

 

Questions about the Haven DOS H3:

I've chatted online with an NCL rep about DOS amenities beyond other Haven suites, and it sounds like it's primarily daily water (spring and sparkling) and 3 bottles of "liquor."

Question:  We had previously purchased the "water package" (boxes of water) so we'd be able to take water with us in the port stops. 

Are we able to take the now "included" DOS water off the ship? I'm assuming it's the same boxed water.

Question: Are the 3 bottles of liquor options primarily wine? Or would the menu of options include liqueurs? We wouldn't drink 3 bottles of wine but may want to take home a sipping liqueur.

Question: Any tips for this DOS cabin? Although I am concerned about motion sickness, we won't have sea days.  Plus, the ports are close to each other, so hoping for the best re motion. We think it's going to be fun having a front row view of ports as we arrive (especially Amalfi coast and Malta).

We were in an H3 on Escape in Nov/Dec. Room 17100. It’s a beautiful room, and we took advantage of the huge balcony for many hours each day. 
 

For the three included bottles of spirits, we selected all liquors, no wine. And yes, we took the cartons of water with us off the boat. 
 

If Jojit is your butler and Anthony is your room steward, you are in for quite a treat!

[benel204]

7 minutes ago, SaltyPawz said:

We were in an H3 on Escape in Nov/Dec. Room 17100. It’s a beautiful room, and we took advantage of the huge balcony for many hours each day. 
 

For the three included bottles of spirits, we selected all liquors, no wine. And yes, we took the cartons of water with us off the boat. 
 

If Jojit is your butler and Anthony is your room steward, you are in for quite a treat!

Thank you for sharing that you were in the H3 cabin (we'll be in cabin next door).

Lovely photo -- it would sure be a delight to be in the "captain's seat" a while if the wind permits. 

What I read is that the 17th deck aft cabins might be better for wind because of the overhang above that protects.  I'm glad it will be shaded anyway -- I wouldn't tolerate the sun long.😎

 

And I will make note of the names of your cabin crew and pass on regards if they are on the May sailing.
 

Edited March 25 by benel204

[RocketMan275]

8 minutes ago, benel204 said:

Good to know you've not experienced wind issues in aft suites.

 

Thanks for the tip to call them.  I believe we will be low maintenance guests but I do want let them know about some dietary/food preferences.

BTW how far in advance is a good time to call?  We are about 45 days away.

 

I usually call about 30 days out but 45 is all right too.

BTW, they can make your specialty dining reservations so the day dining opens up would be good too.

[benel204]

2 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

I usually call about 30 days out but 45 is all right too.

BTW, they can make your specialty dining reservations so the day dining opens up would be good too.

Thanks @RocketMan275  We did make our specialty dining reservations back at 120 days from sailing, but may use the Concierge to change one of the dates if they are able.

[RocketMan275]

Just now, benel204 said:

Thanks @RocketMan275  We did make our specialty dining reservations back at 120 days from sailing, but may use the Concierge to change one of the dates if they are able.

I once called the concierge to change dining to date that was 'sold out'.  The concierge said they couldn't do that but they would forward the request to the on-board concierge.  They said they couldn't promise but past experience indicated that about 90 percent of the time, the change would happen.  It did.