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

[pamps2801]

New to the Haven. What do you use the Butler for, that the room steward or room service doesn’t do for you. Thanks in advance.

Edited April 1, 2022 by pamps2801

[Sthrngary]

1 hour ago, pamps2801 said:

New to the Haven. What do you use the Butler for, that the room steward or room service doesn’t do for you. Thanks in advance.

 

Before you read below, please understand it is very important to me for you to have realistic expectations.  NCL has their butlers doing lost of things behind the scenes especially on day one.  I personally have had butlers that are hit/miss.  I fixed that with a butler letter done at home which I bring with me and in the letter is the Butlers full tip.  I give it to them on day one and that has resulted in my last few butlers being very good.  

 

Use good business judgement and be a great communicator.  Please and thank you also go a long way toward great personalized service.  Don't expect "Mr. French" from the old sitcom.  If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.

The Haven Butler:

Overview:

On day one, I provide the butler a letter that has some of our basic needs.  I also tip them upfront which has always worked for me.  The Haven Butler is not under the normal gratuities program so what they get from us is their income.

What your Haven Butler WILL do for you:

1.       Set up your suite: Butlers will do everything from packing and unpacking your luggage to offering pillow menus, and stocking and re-stocking your suite bar with your drink preferences. They will also bring CDs, books, board games and DVDs to your room. They can even draw you a bubble bath if you ask -- or if they sense you could use one.

2.       Handle logistics: Butlers will save you from spending your vacation waiting in line or dealing with the minutiae of your trip. They will handle all your reservations for specialty restaurants and book appointments for the spa, salon, and private fitness training. They can book ship or private shore excursions and arrange shoreside dining and entertainment. They will even work with the chef to expedite special dietary requests, such as paleo or gluten-free meals.

3.       Make deliveries: Butlers will be your complimentary room service provider. They will deliver fancy canapes daily, like foie gras terrine and crab legs (examples only, always check additional costs), and upgraded turn-down amenities, such as a chocolate box. They can present in-room tea service. They will also bring you room service or morning cappuccinos and espresso, even serving you dinner course-by-course, in your suite or on your balcony. Please always ask for all food deliveries to be ONLY from the Haven Restaurant.

4.      Take care of your laundry: Butlers will handle laundry, dry-cleaning and pressing requests, and return your clothes expertly folded and wrapped in tissue paper. There is always a cost to your suite.

5.       Have a party: If you are social types, butlers can help you organize cocktail or dinner parties in your suite and even bartend or help while your guests are present. For special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries, they might decorate your suite or present bubbly and celebratory cakes.

6.       Take care of the little details: Butlers will shine shoes, place bookmarks in books and wrap eyeglasses in cleaning cloths. They will even solve problems for you, such as finding an appropriate crew member to fix broken eyeglasses or stuck luggage locks.

7.       Give advice: Butlers know their ships inside out and are often familiar with ports. They might advise on everything from the finest shopping street to the best hours to hit the onboard fitness center.

What your Haven Butler WILL NOT do for you:

1.       They won't work exclusively for you: Most butlers juggle several suites; for the best service, plan. Make requests, such as for dining reservations, private shore excursions and beauty appointments, well in advance so butlers can manage their time to make your wishes reality. If they do not instantaneously answer a page, they might be busy with another passenger.

2.       They won't babysit: Don't expect the butler to watch your kids, although they might assist in hiring a sitter and often play with children, time permitting.

3.       They won't act as aides: If physically challenged, travel with a companion. A butler will always assist in an emergency but should not be expected to help you with daily physical needs.

4.       They won't be your personal companion: While some butlers can be chatty -- particularly with solo passengers seeking company -- they are not your friend or travel companion. They can escort you to a restaurant or show, but they will not sit with you.

5.       They cannot always fulfill challenging requests: If you ask for a miracle, such as dinner reservations in the ship's hottest restaurant 15 minutes before you wish to eat, a butler cannot always meet your request. That said, butlers try to make magic. They can serve you dinner from that restaurant in your suite or secure a table at a later hour, instead.

[Keith.W]

We haven't sailed in a Haven Suite since 2015, we are traveling with friends who are not in the Haven and sailing to Bermuda in September.

 

As this will be there first cruise , we want to put them at ease so once we check in in the Haven at the terminal can we join them or are we better to meet on board?

From what i recall , there is a different check in for haven then brought on board and introduced to the facilities before let go for lunch. We will probably meet them at the MDR for embarkation Lunch

 

Do you know if we can check inn at the same time with the new assigned check in times?

 

We are contemplating vibe passes, so we can spend the time with them do we request these through the concierge or guest services when we board.

 

While i know its up to the concierge pending availability is it worth requesting to see if we can add them to a dinner in Haven and what is the cost. I know this hit and miss, so dont expect it.

 

Is it 130 days out for Haven Suites to book dining  and dose anyone know the largest table setting for Cagneys and MDR.

If we book Tepanyaki, can we leave this to the pre cruise concierge to ensure we can get seated together. 

 

We all intend to upgrade to have the Premium+ beverage pack, while the first 2 guests in Haven have Premium beverage package the third guest has nothing. Last time we just shared for third guest and there was no issue as 2 drinks per card, is this still possible? 

 

When do you usually here from the pre cruise concierge , we are from Ireland so unsure the process for overseas guests.

  

[lgdesign]

What ship will you be on?

[Two Wheels Only]

21 minutes ago, Keith.W said:

We are contemplating vibe passes, so we can spend the time with them do we request these through the concierge or guest services when we board.

 

The concierge may have passes but there is no guarantee that passes will be there for you and your friends. You might be able to secure passes for everyone but I suggest that everyone get passes on their own. 

 

23 minutes ago, Keith.W said:

While i know its up to the concierge pending availability is it worth requesting to see if we can add them to a dinner in Haven and what is the cost. I know this hit and miss, so dont expect it.

 

There's nothing wrong with asking. Cost will be either $25pp or $35pp depending on how many guests that you want to bring, how busy the restaurant will be, the phase of the moon, etc. NCL once tried charging $50pp but that didn't go over so well. 

 

26 minutes ago, Keith.W said:

If we book Tepanyaki, can we leave this to the pre cruise concierge to ensure we can get seated together. 

 

You can book a table for more than the number of people in your stateroom. Even if there are just 2 in the stateroom, you can book a table for 8. 

 

27 minutes ago, Keith.W said:

Last time we just shared for third guest and there was no issue as 2 drinks per card, is this still possible? 

 

Sharing isn't supposed to be done. Sharing can lead to the revocation of the package and a charge of all previous drinks to the onboard account. Most people who share get away with it but there is a risk.

 

30 minutes ago, Keith.W said:

When do you usually here from the pre cruise concierge , we are from Ireland so unsure the process for overseas guests.

 

You can always contact them (NorwegianConciergeDesk@ncl.com.)

[Keith.W]

19 hours ago, Two Wheels Only said:

 

The concierge may have passes but there is no guarantee that passes will be there for you and your friends. You might be able to secure passes for everyone but I suggest that everyone get passes on their own. 

 

 

There's nothing wrong with asking. Cost will be either $25pp or $35pp depending on how many guests that you want to bring, how busy the restaurant will be, the phase of the moon, etc. NCL once tried charging $50pp but that didn't go over so well. 

 

 

You can book a table for more than the number of people in your stateroom. Even if there are just 2 in the stateroom, you can book a table for 8. 

 

 

Sharing isn't supposed to be done. Sharing can lead to the revocation of the package and a charge of all previous drinks to the onboard account. Most people who share get away with it but there is a risk.

 

 

You can always contact them (NorwegianConciergeDesk@ncl.com.)

Thanks so much for all the above answers, i will take all into consideration .

 

 

[Yinster]

21 hours ago, Two Wheels Only said:

There's nothing wrong with asking. Cost will be either $25pp or $35pp depending on how many guests that you want to bring, how busy the restaurant will be, the phase of the moon, etc. NCL once tried charging $50pp but that didn't go over so well. 

Last month on getaway, dinner for non haven guests were $45 and tax so $ 54 pp.

 

Prices have gone up

[njhorseman]

16 minutes ago, Yinster said:

Last month on getaway, dinner for non haven guests were $45 and tax so $ 54 pp.

 

Prices have gone up

I'm reasonably certain that's $45 plus 20%  gratuity, not tax.

Edited April 3, 2022 by njhorseman

[Yinster]

6 minutes ago, njhorseman said:

I'm reasonably certain that's $45 plus 20%  gratuity, not tax.

My mistake. Yes it's gratuity not tax

[Two Wheels Only]

5 hours ago, Yinster said:

Last month on getaway, dinner for non haven guests were $45 and tax so $ 54 pp.

 

Prices have gone up

 

Disappointed...…but not surprised. 

[mexico8]

On 2/14/2022 at 5:01 PM, Mamott said:

@Sthrngary I liked your letter and find it very thorough and well done. I am in year 32 as an educator - saw you had been one. There is magic when you walk onto a ship and turn off the decision brain.  Our first Haven experience is March 2922 on the Breakaway. I am so excited. Thank you for your help.

I enjoyed reading your posts about the Haven and also liked your letter.   Thanks for all the information.   I hope to book a Haven suite sometime also.

 

[mexico8]

On 3/14/2022 at 3:08 PM, Sthrngary said:

That is a darn shame.  First, I really don't think NCL goes out of their way to not have Bailey's or any other brand.  They would have it if it was available for sure.  Supply Chain effects everyone.  Second, the heat went on the crew and bartender.  They don't order the supply.  They just serve.  I really makes me made when we blame a crew member for an executive decision. 

 

Every sailing has both Karen and Kevin.  The bottom line is after almost 30 cruises.  Not one of them every happened without something going really wrong.  Weather, Ports Closed, Covid-19 Case Changing Rules, Illness, Accidents and the list go on.  If a brand of adult beverage is not available due to supply chain issues, just smile and move on.  Nothing we can say or do will change that situation. NOTHING. 

 

I was on a luxury brand mid-summer.  These kinds of comments happened quite often.  Entitlement is not excusive to young people.

 

Cruise well everyone and enjoy every moment. 

I enjoyed reading your advice about the Haven and all your other posts.  Thank you for that great information.   

[pamps2801]

Would the Haven restaurant be considered a choice, for those who have the specialty dining package, and are not in a Haven suite ??

[mafig]

13 minutes ago, pamps2801 said:

Would the Haven restaurant be considered a choice, for those who have the specialty dining package, and are not in a Haven suite ??

Sorry, no.

[vinotinto]

In the BA Haven right now. It’s lovely. I’ll post at the end of the cruise, but if anyone has any questions I’ll try to find out.

[Homeport5]

On 3/17/2022 at 7:40 PM, hero78 said:

The Haven info here is so helpful!

Does anyone have experience with a ship that doesn't have a Haven area but does have concierge and butlers for suites? We're booked on the Pride of America at Easter and our cruise specialist told us the perks are essentially the same as Haven, just no exclusive Haven area. We have a Deluxe Penthouse Suite with Large Balcony. We've seen a review of the room we have and are beyond excited.

Just wondering if there are other differences between POA suites and Haven on other ships.

 

I have my butler letter drafted though, so thanks Gary for providing your version as a starting point. 🙂

We tried the Dawn suites before we ever had the chance to try the Haven experience.  On the Dawn we had the family suite without balcony.  It was our favorite suite room out of all of the boats!  Comfortable Murphy bed and comfortable couch in addition to the master bed.  One wall was windows.  Large double sided closet and large bathroom.  No balcony but the outside, pool area, is steps away on the same deck.  We travel with two kids so we are always on the hunt for a suite that comfortably accommodates 4.

 

Amenities:  All of the butler amenities that we experienced on the Haven.  We received snacks every day and special attention.  Coffee machine in the room etc.  (mini bar was emptied at our request)

 

Dining Breakfast/Lunch:  Breakfast and Lunch were served in Moderno for suite guests.  Unfortunately, we didn't realize until half way through the cruise that the dining was top notch and worth it.  The breakfast was so good that I set my alarm so we could enjoy. The breakfast/lunch in Moderno was comparable to the Haven experience (same menu).  

 

Dining Dinner:  No special dinner options for suite guests.  No Haven restaurant.  That worked out OK for us as the meal package we booked included 3 specialty restaurants.  

 

No special outside deck for lounging.  No special hot tub/sauna.  Just the normal pool/hot tub deck but these suites are on deck 12 so you are literally steps from the pool. 

 

We booked the suite because it was maybe $200/pp more expensive than booking two balcony rooms.  We booked the room for the space...not for the suite amenities.  Our expectations were low or more non-existent as we had never experience a suite experience.  The service blew us away!

 

Personally, I would not pay the same $ for the non Haven experience as the Haven experience.  That said if the price was right, I would not hesitate to travel again in a suite on one of the smaller ships without the Haven.  Lately, it seems as if the smaller ships have pricing that is the same as the Haven experience.  The non-Haven suite experience is lovely, but it is not the Haven.  In my opinion, not worth the same fare.

[Candy Apple 12]

38 minutes ago, Homeport5 said:

We tried the Dawn suites before we ever had the chance to try the Haven experience.  On the Dawn we had the family suite without balcony.  It was our favorite suite room out of all of the boats!  Comfortable Murphy bed and comfortable couch in addition to the master bed.  One wall was windows.  Large double sided closet and large bathroom.  No balcony but the outside, pool area, is steps away on the same deck.  

What room or specific category number were you in? This sounds like a nice room if the numbers $$ are reasonable. 

[Homeport5]

2 hours ago, Candy Apple 12 said:

What room or specific category number were you in? This sounds like a nice room if the numbers $$ are reasonable. 

12030 was the suite #.  Note:  they also offer Family Suites (that is the official name) with balconies.

[dwr777]

Hi Vinotinto, I’ll be on the BA in the Haven (not) soon (enough).  Looking forward to hearing about your experience. Enjoy your cruise!

[cruiseinfoseeker]

On 2/28/2022 at 6:41 PM, phissy said:

From Two Wheel Only-

You can go to Guest Services and add a tip for the butler and concierge and have it charged to your account. Guest Services will give you a receipt with the butler's/concierge's name on it and the amount. You can then hand the receipt to the named staff member so that they know that you gave that amount to them.

 

This is also a good use of OBC as it cannot be used to pay Daily Service Charge .

Can this only be done with non refundable OBC? (If you know)

[hero78]

On 4/5/2022 at 5:47 AM, Homeport5 said:

We tried the Dawn suites before we ever had the chance to try the Haven experience.  On the Dawn we had the family suite without balcony.  It was our favorite suite room out of all of the boats!  Comfortable Murphy bed and comfortable couch in addition to the master bed.  One wall was windows.  Large double sided closet and large bathroom.  No balcony but the outside, pool area, is steps away on the same deck.  We travel with two kids so we are always on the hunt for a suite that comfortably accommodates 4.

 

Amenities:  All of the butler amenities that we experienced on the Haven.  We received snacks every day and special attention.  Coffee machine in the room etc.  (mini bar was emptied at our request)

 

Dining Breakfast/Lunch:  Breakfast and Lunch were served in Moderno for suite guests.  Unfortunately, we didn't realize until half way through the cruise that the dining was top notch and worth it.  The breakfast was so good that I set my alarm so we could enjoy. The breakfast/lunch in Moderno was comparable to the Haven experience (same menu).  

 

Dining Dinner:  No special dinner options for suite guests.  No Haven restaurant.  That worked out OK for us as the meal package we booked included 3 specialty restaurants.  

 

No special outside deck for lounging.  No special hot tub/sauna.  Just the normal pool/hot tub deck but these suites are on deck 12 so you are literally steps from the pool. 

 

We booked the suite because it was maybe $200/pp more expensive than booking two balcony rooms.  We booked the room for the space...not for the suite amenities.  Our expectations were low or more non-existent as we had never experience a suite experience.  The service blew us away!

 

Personally, I would not pay the same $ for the non Haven experience as the Haven experience.  That said if the price was right, I would not hesitate to travel again in a suite on one of the smaller ships without the Haven.  Lately, it seems as if the smaller ships have pricing that is the same as the Haven experience.  The non-Haven suite experience is lovely, but it is not the Haven.  In my opinion, not worth the same fare.

Thank you so much for the comparison! I'm very excited. We booked POA for the itinerary hoping for a Haven and were a little bummed when there wasn't one, but I'm feeling better about our suite now. And yes, travelling with 2 teens the suite is easier and almost as much as 2 separate rooms. (Also, if (heaven forbid) there's an outbreak from the new variant and we get locked down, the large balcony will give us a place to lock the boys if needed for some peace, haha!)

I emailed the concierge desk and have our pre-cruise requests addressed and the form filled out regarding my food allergies. 10 days to go!

[lgdesign]

10 hours ago, cruiseinfoseeker said:

Can this only be done with non refundable OBC? (If you know)

I've been able to use both refundable and non-refundable OBC in the past for tips for the concierge and butler.  I put the receipts in a thank you card for each.

Edited April 7, 2022 by lgdesign

[DyeKat]

On 2/14/2022 at 4:02 PM, Sthrngary said:

@Trina MooI am doing this reluctantly.  Every time I attach this file, I get criticized like crazy.  Folks hate that I provide a gratuity on day one. I had someone say I was unbelievable rude to do this approach. So since you asked for it, I will provide it with an explanation.

 

This letter changes on every cruise.  I created it because my past Butlers were hit or miss.  The moment I wrote this and included the gratuity, every single butler has been great. I do the same them for the Haven Concierge. Remember they do different things.  

 

One more thing.  I have many friends from the Crystal Cruises Board that are now considering or cruising on NCL.  My butler on my Crystal Cruises journey was the best and no butler on any brand has ever come close.  Sorry for the Segway but there is a difference between butlers. 

 

Hope you like the letter.

 

Cruise well.

 

Butler_NCL_Cruises_Template.docx 25.01 kB · 363 downloads

This is GREAT!!  I'm sorry you've gotten flack for it.  I bet the butler loved knowing expectations ahead of time.  As for tipping, our Travel Agent told us she ALWAYS tips on the first day with her initial requests.

 

Thank you for this info!

[Sthrngary]

48 minutes ago, KatieMJ said:

This is GREAT!!  I'm sorry you've gotten flack for it.  I bet the butler loved knowing expectations ahead of time.  As for tipping, our Travel Agent told us she ALWAYS tips on the first day with her initial requests.

 

Thank you for this info!

@KatieMJIt is and always have been my pleasure.  My goal in that letter, this thread as well as other threads and my responses have been consistent.  I wanted to provide a way, strategy or methodology to improve all of our cruising experiences.  It is not always easy.  Writing a letter to your butler feels a bit awkward.  Providing the Butlers tip on day one seems like we are going against the norm for decades.  Thinking what we really want and need takes some serious thought.  

 

I wish there was an easier way.  Until one shows up, at least we all have some approach and we are all helping each other.  Thank you again for your kind words.  

 

I only respond now to one or two posts a week now.  I thought yours was the perfect one.  

 

Cruise well.

[DyeKat]

1 hour ago, Sthrngary said:

@KatieMJIt is and always have been my pleasure.  My goal in that letter, this thread as well as other threads and my responses have been consistent.  I wanted to provide a way, strategy or methodology to improve all of our cruising experiences.  It is not always easy.  Writing a letter to your butler feels a bit awkward.  Providing the Butlers tip on day one seems like we are going against the norm for decades.  Thinking what we really want and need takes some serious thought.  

 

I wish there was an easier way.  Until one shows up, at least we all have some approach and we are all helping each other.  Thank you again for your kind words.  

 

I only respond now to one or two posts a week now.  I thought yours was the perfect one.  

 

Cruise well.

Well, I'm honored.  Thanks!