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

[NclCruiuser]

we have the Unlimited Open Bar package. Is bottled water not included? Do I have to buy an additional package just to take any kind of bottled water to the beach?

 

Best... Steve

[benel204]

5 minutes ago, NclCruiuser said:

we have the Unlimited Open Bar package. Is bottled water not included? Do I have to buy an additional package just to take any kind of bottled water to the beach?

 

Best... Steve

My understanding is that the Free at Sea open bar package does not include water to take with you. Hence we were advised (elsewhere on another CC forum and on YouTube reviews) to purchase the boxed water to be delivered to your cabin on Day 1 of the cruise if you wanted bottled/boxed water to have on hand.  [The boxed water packages were not not expensive.]

Look on your NCL app for "beverage" add ons or upgrades I forget where it is.

Edited March 25 by benel204

[graphicguy]

@benel204  Thanks for the shout out.  Can’t really add to what’s already been said.

 

Water….personally, given the plastic water bottles overall have proved to have sharp plastic shards in them.  Box water?  Meh!

 

I’ve toured NCL’s water purification facilities on board.  I trust it more than any bottle or boxed water.  

 

I carry a refillable Brita filtered water bottle with me and fill it on board!

[Sthrngary]

I had no idea many years ago that this "Topic" would have the original version and an updated version. I also had no idea that the second updated version would have 159 pages of responses.  

This stream sometimes takes on a life of it self.  However for me personally, when someone is so excited about their Haven Suite like, @benel204 it is all worth it.  All that really matters is that people have a good time cruising.  

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

[Niffernay]

1 hour ago, benel204 said:

we'll be in cabin next door

@benel204 It sounds like you are in the cabin we are in in January.We didn't get to cruise this year so I splurged and spent an extra $360 to ugrade to the DOS (from a 2-bedroom); DH is going to be surprised. I did a lot of research on the wind issue and it seem the consensus is that the wind can get pretty wild when you're at sea, but because the balcony is so deep, you can sit back and be sheilded from it.  If you search YT for NCL Escape and your cabin number, there's a couple videos of it. (I don't know if I'm allowed to post the actual link and I don't want to get chastized). The cabin looks incredible. I hope you have a wonderful cruise and come back and please post a review and pictures so I can live vicariously through you for the 7 months after you get back. 🤣 🛳️

[benel204]

7 minutes ago, Niffernay said:

@benel204 It sounds like you are in the cabin we are in in January.We didn't get to cruise this year so I splurged and spent an extra $360 to ugrade to the DOS (from a 2-bedroom); DH is going to be surprised. I did a lot of research on the wind issue and it seem the consensus is that the wind can get pretty wild when you're at sea, but because the balcony is so deep, you can sit back and be sheilded from it.  If you search YT for NCL Escape and your cabin number, there's a couple videos of it. (I don't know if I'm allowed to post the actual link and I don't want to get chastized). The cabin looks incredible. I hope you have a wonderful cruise and come back and please post a review and pictures so I can live vicariously through you for the 7 months after you get back. 🤣 🛳️

Ha ha --  I sure will post first impressions after we get settled and later a longer review!!  I'm the one living vicariously through all the travelers posting on this site.  I'm flabbergasted about how many cruises people have done, and in a year!  When do they have the time? 

p.s. what is "YT"

[Niffernay]

5 minutes ago, benel204 said:

p.s. what is "YT"

You Tube. i never know what i can and can't say here 😁

And we do one cruise a year which is why I'm overly exicted for 2025 because we missed this year.

[Candy Apple 12]

On 3/25/2024 at 10:57 AM, NclCruiuser said:

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

On our Bliss Panama Canal cruise, we tipped the night butler separately because he delivered hot tea every morning at 5:30 AM. My husband is at work by 6 AM every day and wakes up early, even on vacation! We asked the concierge and the day butler does not have to “tip out” to the night butler.

[Battlement]

An update, and thanks to everyone who's been following:

 

I'd like to talk a little about butlers. 

 

I've cruised as "high end" as Oceania and Windstar, and as "entry-level" as the $299 3-day Senor Frog's run on Carnival (much younger days...ahh). But anyway, someone mentioned that butlers are hit or miss. I very much agree, and on our current cruise, our butler is very much a miss. 

 

I tipped him $100 cash on Day 1, telling him that I really wanted my wife and son to be impressed with the NCL experience, and that I would continue to pay for excellent service. We've gotten the complete opposite. You know when you go to the store, and the person at the desk seems to want to do anything but help you? By the very set of their face, you can tell they hate their job, at least at that moment, and they just don't want to do anything but the absolute bare minimum, and even that will be reluctantly?

 

Not one smile, not one thank you (even when I handed him the cash...don't you learn that in kindergarten?) Only an every-other-day visit, where we sometimes get snacks and sometimes don't. 

 

On Day 2, the boat rocked like crazy. This caused the delay that cut our shore time in half. Vomit bags were on every floor railing. Our awesome room steward came and lashed down the balcony furniture (he's great). All 3 of us got totally seasick - first time ever for me, in over 25 cruises. We called the butler for room service. He brought it an hour late (they get busy, I know). I tipped him another $20. He grumbled that the pork chop took 30 minutes to be ready. 

 

Then, because my wife was uncomfortable calling him for the dishes to be taken away, I put them in the hallway with ALL the other dishes from half the visible rooms at 11pm. 

 

He gave us the third degree about it the next day, making it clear that he looks bad if there are dishes in the hall. 

 

You can hate your job. I've been there. You can also be overwhelmed, overworked, have personal stuff going on. I get that too. 

 

But you cannot expect to last long as a butler on an expensive, exclusive area of a cruise ship if you treat your customers like crap. 

 

The bar is also overwhelmed, as the change from 2 port days to 2 sea days has vastly increased customer traffic on those days. I get it. I tipped a random server at OSheehan's 20$ just for bringing my kid a second Shirley Temple without asking (O'Sheehan's was the only food place open at 9:32PM tonight - the buffet was closed. Boat was at sea). That guy was overworked too, but he tried his best.

 

I really wanted to like NCL Haven. I really did. But between Butler McCrankyton and the mostly average food and the insanely overpacked Haven bar area...not sure I would do this line again. 

 

Sorry to be negative on this awesome thread. I know there have been extenuating circumstances on this run. We've still had a really good time, enjoying as much of the cruise as possible. Our room steward is fantastic, doing his job with a smile and a ton of great service (he's gonna get heavily tipped, even though I know he's already included in the daily Service Charges). Our cab drivers in Bermuda were amazing. There's a really cool bartender who works in the Casino and remembered my name and drink order immediately (also tipped). 

 

I don't regret booking this cruise one bit. It was a great price and the dates were perfect. 

 

One final thanks for all the advice given on this thread. If I'm being a downer, feel free to delete this. But I would want to know about this week, if I were planning an NCL Getaway Haven trip anytime soon. 

Edited March 29 by Battlement

[cruiseny4life]

7 hours ago, Battlement said:

I tipped him $100 cash on Day 1, telling him that I really wanted my wife and son to be impressed with the NCL experience, and that I would continue to pay for excellent service. We've gotten the complete opposite. 

 

Not one smile, not one thank you (even when I handed him the cash...don't you learn that in kindergarten?) Only an every-other-day visit, where we sometimes get snacks and sometimes don't. 

 

Then, because my wife was uncomfortable calling him for the dishes to be taken away, I put them in the hallway with ALL the other dishes from half the visible rooms at 11pm. 

 

He gave us the third degree about it the next day, making it clear that he looks bad if there are dishes in the hall. 

 

The bar is also overwhelmed, as the change from 2 port days to 2 sea days has vastly increased customer traffic on those days. I get it. I tipped a random server at OSheehan's 20$ just for bringing my kid a second Shirley Temple without asking (O'Sheehan's was the only food place open at 9:32PM tonight - the buffet was closed. Boat was at sea). That guy was overworked too, but he tried his best. 

 

One final thanks for all the advice given on this thread. If I'm being a downer, feel free to delete this. But I would want to know about this week, if I were planning an NCL Getaway Haven trip anytime soon. 

Ugh! Well, I for one, am sorry that your Haven experience hasn't been as fantastic as mine on Getaway. That sucks and is wrong! You are obviously an understanding soul who is fine when some things go awry, but the service shouldn't be off putting all the time. I know folks on here who have cruised the real luxury lines state that NCL butlers aren't trained to be true butlers. I believe them. But, there is a basic standard that should always be met. It sounds like this hasn't been met for you.

 

Regarding the upfront tip (which is always controversial on Cruise Critic) - I do wonder if butlers are tipped upfront and many passengers "pinky swear" more tips will be provided throughout the cruise. Then, those same passengers who received good/great/fantastic service, cheap out and leave the ship without tipping any additional monies. I could see butlers who receive an upfront tip being worried about doing extra for someone who is going to leave them "high and dry" after promising more.

 

I am absolutely NOT saying you would do that, but I'm sure it happens. I just wonder what the frequency is. Personally, I always tip at the end of the trip. I expect service to be great, and if it is a tip will reflect that. If it isn't, the tip will reflect that. It's personal and neither your method, or mine, is correct or incorrect. I won't get on the bandwagon either way on that. You do you. And I'll do me. 

 

Now, if a butler were to give my husband or I "the third degree," there would certainly be no tip. There would be some very unpleasant words directed at the butler and the concierge would become involved. Regardless what some think, there is not a safety issue in leaving dishes in the hall. Some cruise lines (hi Carnival) even ask passengers to do this. If I want to leave dishes in the hall, so long as they're stacked neatly against the wall, then I'm going to. If a butler, or other passengers are put out by it, well they can go you know what. Now that is a bandwagon I'll join! 🤡

 

Bars in the Haven are a joke. Drink service is pathetically slow. The only exception is Pr1ma and I suspect V!va where there is an outdoor bar which helps. NCL totally fails on bar service. To me, it is absolutely not the onboard crew's fault. It's the expectation NCL places on the Haven bar to serve those at the bar, those in the restaurant, those in the lounge, and those on the sundeck. It was totally poor design. And, it is terrible. It's probably the only area I would give the Haven a fantastically failing grade. And I have had some absolutely amazing bartenders in the Haven. I have a lot of empathy for them. I'm not sure how they deal with the bustling servers that want drinks for their diners and with the drunks that are annoying. 

 

I'm not sure you're still on the ship, but if you are, please report your issues to the concierge. I know it won't really help you, but hopefully those that board in the future will have a better experience if you let the concierge know that your experience has been poor.

 

I sincerely appreciate you letting us know how the trip went/is going. Unfortunately not every trip report is glowing. I know I complain in mine, but I still see the good. I've had enough excellent experiences in the Haven to know I still value the product. I wish you could have had similar experiences and join me as a "Haven Maven."  

[Sthrngary]

7 hours ago, Battlement said:

An update, and thanks to everyone who's been following:

 

I'd like to talk a little about butlers. 

 

I've cruised as "high end" as Oceania and Windstar, and as "entry-level" as the $299 3-day Senor Frog's run on Carnival (much younger days...ahh). But anyway, someone mentioned that butlers are hit or miss. I very much agree, and on our current cruise, our butler is very much a miss. 

 

I tipped him $100 cash on Day 1, telling him that I really wanted my wife and son to be impressed with the NCL experience, and that I would continue to pay for excellent service. We've gotten the complete opposite. You know when you go to the store, and the person at the desk seems to want to do anything but help you? By the very set of their face, you can tell they hate their job, at least at that moment, and they just don't want to do anything but the absolute bare minimum, and even that will be reluctantly?

 

Not one smile, not one thank you (even when I handed him the cash...don't you learn that in kindergarten?) Only an every-other-day visit, where we sometimes get snacks and sometimes don't. 

 

On Day 2, the boat rocked like crazy. This caused the delay that cut our shore time in half. Vomit bags were on every floor railing. Our awesome room steward came and lashed down the balcony furniture (he's great). All 3 of us got totally seasick - first time ever for me, in over 25 cruises. We called the butler for room service. He brought it an hour late (they get busy, I know). I tipped him another $20. He grumbled that the pork chop took 30 minutes to be ready. 

 

Then, because my wife was uncomfortable calling him for the dishes to be taken away, I put them in the hallway with ALL the other dishes from half the visible rooms at 11pm. 

 

He gave us the third degree about it the next day, making it clear that he looks bad if there are dishes in the hall. 

 

You can hate your job. I've been there. You can also be overwhelmed, overworked, have personal stuff going on. I get that too. 

 

But you cannot expect to last long as a butler on an expensive, exclusive area of a cruise ship if you treat your customers like crap. 

 

The bar is also overwhelmed, as the change from 2 port days to 2 sea days has vastly increased customer traffic on those days. I get it. I tipped a random server at OSheehan's 20$ just for bringing my kid a second Shirley Temple without asking (O'Sheehan's was the only food place open at 9:32PM tonight - the buffet was closed. Boat was at sea). That guy was overworked too, but he tried his best.

 

I really wanted to like NCL Haven. I really did. But between Butler McCrankyton and the mostly average food and the insanely overpacked Haven bar area...not sure I would do this line again. 

 

Sorry to be negative on this awesome thread. I know there have been extenuating circumstances on this run. We've still had a really good time, enjoying as much of the cruise as possible. Our room steward is fantastic, doing his job with a smile and a ton of great service (he's gonna get heavily tipped, even though I know he's already included in the daily Service Charges). Our cab drivers in Bermuda were amazing. There's a really cool bartender who works in the Casino and remembered my name and drink order immediately (also tipped). 

 

I don't regret booking this cruise one bit. It was a great price and the dates were perfect. 

 

One final thanks for all the advice given on this thread. If I'm being a downer, feel free to delete this. But I would want to know about this week, if I were planning an NCL Getaway Haven trip anytime soon. 

@Battlement my online name is @Sthrngary.  I wrote the original Thread and updated to this thread.  I am the one the constantly says the Butlers are Hit/Miss. Did you do a butler letter or did you simply tip the butler on day one?  Just a question.  

 

On to your real time review.  Never say your are sorry for telling the truth.  Sure some folks with come at you or say you are being picky.  I am NOT one of those folks.  I have cruise the Getaway in the Haven.  Many of the things you mention I have felt.  Yet it all has gotten a bit different as the crowds, staffing issue and almost sold out booking continue.  Your feedback will allow others to make a better business decision.  

 

What a lot of folks don't get about CruiseCritic.com is if I know and issue, I may be able to avoid it.  If I don't know, I might fall right into it.  I also have cruise upper end lines like Oceania.  Two different animals.  NCL, Royal, MSC, Celebrity and Carnival are great for some trips.  Regent, Oceania, Seabourn, Silver Seas, and Crystal are for other trip.  Completely different expectation for both sets of cruising.  Some of what you wrote makes that clear. What is funny is sometimes, those other brands are about the same price as a Haven Suite.  You just have to be clear on which approach suit your next cruise vacation. 

 

I am glad for the most part you are having a nice time.  I am sad for some of your disappointments.  I appreciate the time it takes to share your experience so thank you.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[graphicguy]

@Battlement....well, heck....that sux!

 

At one point, NCL only promoted the creme de la creme to the Haven.  Their best Concierges, their best restaurant staff, their best bartenders and yes, their best Butlers.

 

While I've not experienced what you did, I do believe NCL has had difficulty keeping good staff  (as have all the cruise lines).

 

Is it due to the COVID hangover that all industries find difficulty finding and keeping good staff?  Maybe.  Dunno, though!

 

The last Butler I had (Walter) on my Prima Cruise several weeks ago typified what we've come to expect....cordial, polite, attentive, punctual.  Same with the Concierge (Lyster).

 

I know crew seem to put an emphasis on the surveys, as does NCL.  Might want to let them know about this.  I have been surprised how NCL has responded in a positive way to some of the issues  and negative feedback I've provided. No harm in giving it a shot.  

Edited March 29 by graphicguy

[Treasure Hunter]

Wow, I am  so sorry. I always want people to have a wonderful time ( I love cruising so much). I have been in the Haven on the Getaway with grandkids and I wouldn't say it was perfect but it sure was better than your trip. However, we didn't have bad weather, missed ports and don't drink alcohol. I'm not interested in going on NCL unless I am in the Haven. Especially love the peace on the sundeck.  If you are still onboard, you need to tell the concierge. If not write about it on your survey.

[Battlement]

I really appreciate the supportive replies here. I was a retail pharmacist for a loooong time, and the main reason I left is that insane budget cuts led to understaffing and undertraining of technicians, while at the same time our reliance on said technicians was quadrupled (example: if a tech types your prescription "insert this motrin pill rectally" I, the pharmacist, cannot simply correct the mistake but must send it back to the overworked tech, marked as a mistake, that goes against their accuracy rating, makes everything take longer, and builds resentment between techs and pharmacists. (This is a small example of the many reasons your prescription takes so long these days - added immunization duties without added staff are another). 

 

I digress a bit, but I hope you can see the analogy. Having been in the awful position of being unable to serve my patients properly, I can understand the possibility that crew morale is low because of overwork. But, why does our room steward come in smiling and hustling to meet our very low expectations? Why was the swamped O'sheehan's guy so awesome? Why are a few Haven staff members smiling, while one bartender rolled his eyes when my wife asked to sample 2 types of wine before wasting a glass on something she wouldn't like (we paid for premium plus, and this same bartender certainly has no problem spending 15 minutes making a dozen lemon drop type shots in little glasses for a group of very overserved women?)

 

Anyway, thanks  @Sthrngary @cruiseny4life @graphicguy @Treasure Hunter for your support. My wife and I absolutely hate to complain, particularly when we know we will have to see the person again. The follow-up survey is another matter entirely. That stuff can actually help corporate fix stuff (or not, but always worth a try!)

 

Gonna enjoy the last 2 days on the ship!

[graphicguy]

This may be one of those scenarios where you drop a line to the GM. I believe the Concierge desk has a form you can anonymously fill out and submit to Customer Service. It's a brief form that is similar to a "suggestion" submission.  In the past, I've found that those get the attention of the higher ups in pretty short order.

 

Just another avenue available.

[CAKEisgood]

Hello. We are considering a Mediterranean cruise on the Breakaway (our first time on that ship) and I wonder about the opportunity cost to book a Haven suite or a balcony suite on this ship in an aft cabin. It will be port intensive, and we will need time to relax at the end of the day. We are Platinum level and that will get us some extra perks (laundry, specialty dining). Thoughts? Thank you! 

[graphicguy]

1 hour ago, CAKEisgood said:

Hello. We are considering a Mediterranean cruise on the Breakaway (our first time on that ship) and I wonder about the opportunity cost to book a Haven suite or a balcony suite on this ship in an aft cabin. It will be port intensive, and we will need time to relax at the end of the day. We are Platinum level and that will get us some extra perks (laundry, specialty dining). Thoughts? Thank you! 

There’s a significant difference in price and service between the balcony and Haven Cabins.  

 

Haven Cabins give you access to the Haven Bar and Restaurant, which employ the best personnel on the ship, and offer the best food and drinks on the ship, too!

 

With the Haven, you’ll have access to the Concierges.  They will make all your restaurant and entertainment reservations (mostly getting you reservations you couldn’t get via normal channels).  S/he will also escort you on and off the ship with priority access.

 

Your Butler will execute room service, including multi course dinners.  S/he will also bring daily snacks and host any soires you may entertain in your cabin.

 

So, significant differences!

[RocketMan275]

9 hours ago, graphicguy said:

So, significant differences!

Another significant difference.  The aft Haven suites have the largest (huge) balconies on the ship.  Only the DOS with large balconies are larger.

[Treasure Hunter]

You are not in the Haven proper although you have Haven amenities. You’ll need to do a long walk if you forget anything. We stay in the Haven all the time except for shows and casino. We don’t need a big balcony as we have theHaven sundeck with lunch and bar service right there. But it is cheaper and you get a full suite.

[roddy good boy]

18 minutes ago, Treasure Hunter said:

You are not in the Haven proper although you have Haven amenities. You’ll need to do a long walk if you forget anything. We stay in the Haven all the time except for shows and casino. We don’t need a big balcony as we have theHaven sundeck with lunch and bar service right there. But it is cheaper and you get a full suite.

I have been in several categories in the Haven (the two bedroom, spa suite and aft balcony). It’s true that it’s a bit of a hike to the Haven from the aft, but that’s a beautiful suite. It’s also true that you feel like a bit of an outsider when you are not staying in the Haven proper. But, I love the thermal spa and am in there quite a bit. My husband loves the Haven sun deck, so when the kids sail with us we do the 2 bedroom, when they don’t we do the HI (old spa suite). It’s a great compromise for us.

[graphicguy]

1 hour ago, RocketMan275 said:

Another significant difference.  The aft Haven suites have the largest (huge) balconies on the ship.  Only the DOS with large balconies are larger.

Very true.  I think that comes into play depending on the itinerary.  There are some where that's much more appreciated than others.

 

I've only sailed on the Gem with a large Aft Cabin.  It was indeed quite nice. For Alaska, it would have been wonderful.  Instead, we were sailing ABC, which I had been to many times previously.  

[graphicguy]

2 minutes ago, roddy good boy said:

I have been in several categories in the Haven (the two bedroom, spa suite and aft balcony). It’s true that it’s a bit of a hike to the Haven from the aft, but that’s a beautiful suite. It’s also true that you feel like a bit of an outsider when you are not staying in the Haven proper. But, I love the thermal spa and am in there quite a bit. My husband loves the Haven sun deck, so when the kids sail with us we do the 2 bedroom, when they don’t we do the HI (old spa suite). It’s a great compromise for us.

Have done a couple Haven Spa Cabins (Getaway/Breakaway)...nice, and perfect for 2 people.  Not a fan of the whirlpool.  We liked it....ONCE.  It's really too small for 2 people.  But, those cabins are close to the Spa, which is nice.

 

Stayed in a 2 BR Cabin IN the Haven Courtyard.  Nice cabin.  Not sure it made much difference to me whether being in the Courtyard or not.  Can't say that it did.  But, at the time, it was cheap (I mean really cheap for a 2BR Cabin).

 

Stayed in a Haven Cabin on the Prima, which has most (all?) the cabins in the Haven Courtyard.  Again, that Haven is so big, I'm not sure it really matters as it wasn't that close  to the bar and restaurant.

 

For me, book the cheapest Haven Cabin that works for me, regardless of where it is.  The amenities are the same in all of them (except the top Suites, which also include some alcohol bottles).

 

 

[McGarrett5oh]

@Battlement  We also did the type of research you did on this thread and after long consideration decided to tip our butler on the Prima one half of what we had budgeted.  For a 14-day cruise with 4 people in a 2 bedroom suite, I decided that about $10/day per person was the appropriate amount.  And to @Sthrngary (and other's points), that it's hit or miss on the butler, we will NEVER tip in advance again.  Despite the butler letter and the gratitude he showed us, we didn't really get the minimal service we were expecting.  The cabin steward, who has a much harder job (not knowing if she would be tipped), was much more pleasant and attentive than the butler and only received her deserving tip at the end of 2 long weeks.  Despite the wait, her quality of service never waivered.  

 

Recently we spent 10 days in the Retreat on Celebrity, whose Butlers are even more stretched (i.e. # of cabins they service), we opted not to tip in advance.  We saw our Butler 2 more times the entire voyage (in the hallway and he never asked if we needed anything), yet saw our cabin steward several times a day.  We tipped him, but not the Butler at the end of the cruise.  

 

So as we plan for a cruise in the Haven on the Breakaway, we have lowered our expectations and see the value in the restaurant and the ability to get away from the crowds, not the Butler service. 

 

As a test I mentioned in a previous post, we have always singled out exceptional service on post cruise surveys so on this next Haven cruise we're going to ask our attendants early on if we can take their picture with their name tag "for the survey".  I have a feeling that may motivate them more so to provide quality service than the hope for a tip, as the comments on the survey have a signifcant impact on their long term compensation & promotions.  They won't know whether they will get positive or negative reviews from us, but certainly can hedge their bet.

Edited March 30 by McGarrett5oh
typo

[Sthrngary]

2 minutes ago, McGarrett5oh said:

@Battlement  We also did the type of research you did on this thread and after long consideration decided to tip our butler on the Prima one half of what we had budgeted.  For a 14-day cruise with 4 people in a 2 bedroom suite, I decided that about $10/day per person was the appropriate amount.  And to @Sthrngary (and others points), that it's hit or miss on the butler, we will NEVER tip in advance again.  Despite the butler letter and the gratitude he showed us, we didn't really get the minimal service we were expecting.  The cabin steward, who has a much harder job (not knowing if she would be tipped), was much more pleasant and attentive than the butler and only received her deserving tip at the end of 2 long weeks.  Despite the wait, her quality of service never waivered.  

 

Recently we spent 10 days in the Retreat on Celebrity, whose Butlers are even more stretched (i.e. # of cabins they service), we opted not to tip in advance.  We saw our Butler 2 more times the entire voyage (in the hallway and he never asked if we needed anything), yet saw our cabin steward several times a day.  We tipped him, but not the Butler at the end of the cruise.  

 

So as we plan for a cruise in the Haven on the Breakaway, we have lowered our expectations and see the value in the restaurant and the ability to get away from the crowds, not the Butler service. 

 

As a test I mentioned in a previous post, we have always singled out exceptional service on post cruise surveys so on this next Haven cruise we're going to ask our attendants early on if we can take their picture with their name tag "for the survey".  I have a feeling that may motivate them more so to provide quality service than the hope for a tip, as the comments on the survey have a signifcant impact on their long term compensation & promotions.  They won't know whether they will get positive or negative reviews from us, but certainly can hedge their bet.

@McGarrett5oh Your plan is based on your past experience.  It is based on lowered expectations.  That makes is right for you.  My Butler Letter should never have been needed.  The Butlers if truly trained and committed to doing the job, should have performed their duties. Some did NOT.  So My Butler letter got better results for me, not everyone obviously.  

 

A little time has passed and many butlers for me.  My additional experience now shows me that better brands, have better butlers.  Better brands pay their butlers so the tip that the guest provides is just an extra thank you rather then a major part of their compensation.  Butlers on Main Stream Brand, in Suites or VIP area's will always be over worked, under supervised and trained.  They always look nice thought.  But looks can be deceiving.  

 

@McGarrett5oh in my opinion, the most powerful thing you said was, "lower your expectations".  I say it another way, "Have Realistic Expectations".  That is why to this day, whether on NCL or Regent Seven Seas; I still say, "Butlers are hit or miss."  Same, it should not be that way. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[cruisebeachgirl703]

On 3/29/2024 at 12:47 AM, Battlement said:

An update, and thanks to everyone who's been following:

 

I'd like to talk a little about butlers. 

 

I've cruised as "high end" as Oceania and Windstar, and as "entry-level" as the $299 3-day Senor Frog's run on Carnival (much younger days...ahh). But anyway, someone mentioned that butlers are hit or miss. I very much agree, and on our current cruise, our butler is very much a miss. 

 

I tipped him $100 cash on Day 1, telling him that I really wanted my wife and son to be impressed with the NCL experience, and that I would continue to pay for excellent service. We've gotten the complete opposite. You know when you go to the store, and the person at the desk seems to want to do anything but help you? By the very set of their face, you can tell they hate their job, at least at that moment, and they just don't want to do anything but the absolute bare minimum, and even that will be reluctantly?

 

Not one smile, not one thank you (even when I handed him the cash...don't you learn that in kindergarten?) Only an every-other-day visit, where we sometimes get snacks and sometimes don't. 

 

On Day 2, the boat rocked like crazy. This caused the delay that cut our shore time in half. Vomit bags were on every floor railing. Our awesome room steward came and lashed down the balcony furniture (he's great). All 3 of us got totally seasick - first time ever for me, in over 25 cruises. We called the butler for room service. He brought it an hour late (they get busy, I know). I tipped him another $20. He grumbled that the pork chop took 30 minutes to be ready. 

 

Then, because my wife was uncomfortable calling him for the dishes to be taken away, I put them in the hallway with ALL the other dishes from half the visible rooms at 11pm. 

 

He gave us the third degree about it the next day, making it clear that he looks bad if there are dishes in the hall. 

 

You can hate your job. I've been there. You can also be overwhelmed, overworked, have personal stuff going on. I get that too. 

 

But you cannot expect to last long as a butler on an expensive, exclusive area of a cruise ship if you treat your customers like crap. 

 

The bar is also overwhelmed, as the change from 2 port days to 2 sea days has vastly increased customer traffic on those days. I get it. I tipped a random server at OSheehan's 20$ just for bringing my kid a second Shirley Temple without asking (O'Sheehan's was the only food place open at 9:32PM tonight - the buffet was closed. Boat was at sea). That guy was overworked too, but he tried his best.

 

I really wanted to like NCL Haven. I really did. But between Butler McCrankyton and the mostly average food and the insanely overpacked Haven bar area...not sure I would do this line again. 

 

Sorry to be negative on this awesome thread. I know there have been extenuating circumstances on this run. We've still had a really good time, enjoying as much of the cruise as possible. Our room steward is fantastic, doing his job with a smile and a ton of great service (he's gonna get heavily tipped, even though I know he's already included in the daily Service Charges). Our cab drivers in Bermuda were amazing. There's a really cool bartender who works in the Casino and remembered my name and drink order immediately (also tipped). 

 

I don't regret booking this cruise one bit. It was a great price and the dates were perfect. 

 

One final thanks for all the advice given on this thread. If I'm being a downer, feel free to delete this. But I would want to know about this week, if I were planning an NCL Getaway Haven trip anytime soon. 

No doubt butlers are hit or miss. We have sailed JOY haven, 3 times in 1 1/2 years. Butler #1, total bust. Butler #2, mediocre. Butler #3, very good. Tipped all 3 on day 1. Letter given. Still hit or miss. Haven bartenders, #1, mostly o.k., bartenders #2, overworked and with attitude. I was served a glass of champagne with someones lipstick on it. Eye roll given to me when this was pointed out and asked to replace. #3, did not go to Haven bar since only rose champagne available due to ncl downgrade. All 3 room stewards very good. Haven to us is no longer worth the $ or effort. Glad you are making the most of it. Vacation is supposed to be enjoyed!