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

[All-ready2cruise]

Gary @Sthrngary just want to say thank you for posting this great thread about Haven.  I may never decide to book the Haven again but, at least if I do, I will know exactly where to find any information I may be  lacking.  

 

Great job, 

thanks, 

Connie

[Kirk2121]

4 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

Thank you for the complement.  Your question of which Haven is the best is a tough one.  If I had to choose it would be the Encore or the Bliss.  The Joy would be a strong third. As you know I just sailed on the Joy and had a wonderful time.  The Encore and Bliss are newer ships.  They are designed very similar. I choose the Joy because it was also the same size as the Encore and Bliss however it was less expensive to be in the Haven.  

 

The courtyards are all nice but I rarely spend much time there.  I prefer the Haven Sundeck because it is outside and has two huge Hot Tubs.  I personally think it is nice to have a Suite in the Courtyard however if the price is right, I am all in to a Haven Suite on different decks. 

 

The snacks that are brought every day are nice, not great but nice.  After the first few days, you realize you are eating to much and the snacks don't get eaten.  I hate waste.  The bar service is my favorite on the ship and the Bartenders in the Haven Bar know their stuff.  

 

I hope that helps.

 

Cruise well.

Hi Gary, 

 

Thanks so much for the guide! 

 

I read most of your past guide before we bid. 

 

Gf n i just got upgraded to haven for February 25th 2022 Joy!!! YES! Never been in Haven. 

 

We're about EIGHT (8) days out. 

 

Anything we should do differently being this close to sailing? 

 

Also:

couple things:

1.  We don't drink alcohol.  Jan 2nd this year on Encore One mdr waitress seemed mad at us when she got us two nights in a row thinking maybe she was hurting for money & we didn't tip extra.  Not her but We did later when we found a waiter we really liked (not wanting to go down tipping rabbit hole) 

2.  Gf loves Coca-Cola.  Is this complimentary or still have to pay? Not big deal but... 

3.  We like to walk from cruise ports to go snorkeling.  We won't be doing excursions instead spending our time in haven area.  Maybe walk to some snorkeling if we can find it. 

4.  Gf turns 50 in a few days.  Celebrating her 50th.  Beef stroganoff & creme Brule some of her favorites. 

5.  We have two specialty meals.  We'll maybe eat twice each day to fit our specialty meals in 🙂 .  We don't have reservations 

 

I've never met a butler before & I'm actually quite interested in what/how they do things.  Tempted to have them unpack my stuff.

 

Any advice appreciated. 

[vacation44]

20 hours ago, ElizaSTN said:

I could not agree with this more.  I found the info Gary provided in the original thread to be incredibly helpful and am grateful for the time and effort.  However, we are onboard now, and our experience has been quite different from what we expected.  
 

I’m planning on writing up my thoughts after we disembark in order to share another perspective.

Which ship are you on currently? 

[Yinster]

2 hours ago, Kirk2121 said:

Gf loves Coca-Cola.  

You are out of luck. NCL only does pepsi products

[Sthrngary]

6 hours ago, Kirk2121 said:

Anything we should do differently being this close to sailing? 

Make sure if you can, to get on the ship as early as possible.  When they start boarding the Haven, go on first.  Drop your luggage in your suite even though it won't be ready yet.  Walk the ship starting with the Haven Courtyard and the Horizon Lounge. 

 

6 hours ago, Kirk2121 said:

1.  We don't drink alcohol.  Jan 2nd this year on Encore One mdr waitress seemed mad at us when she got us two nights in a row thinking maybe she was hurting for money & we didn't tip extra.  Not her but We did later when we found a waiter we really liked (not wanting to go down tipping rabbit hole) 

I think you misread the Waitress.  They rarely get tipped on the night of service.  You paid for your tips pre-cruise or they were put on your cabin charge.  Everyone kind of has a bad day.  Some servers are better then others. 

 

6 hours ago, Kirk2121 said:

2.  Gf loves Coca-Cola.  Is this complimentary or still have to pay? Not big deal but... 

The NCL Brand focus on Pepsi products.  I am assuming you have the Perk of the Premium Beverage Package even though you don't drink spirits.  

 

6 hours ago, Kirk2121 said:

3.  We like to walk from cruise ports to go snorkeling.  We won't be doing excursions instead spending our time in haven area.  Maybe walk to some snorkeling if we can find it. 

Please look in cruisecritic.com for each play you will be visiting.  Some ports are simply not as safe as others.  Do your due diligence on this topic it will make or break your trip. 

 

6 hours ago, Kirk2121 said:

4.  Gf turns 50 in a few days.  Celebrating her 50th.  Beef stroganoff & creme Brule some of her favorites. 

Cagney's steak house has Creme Brule.  I ordered it once for my wife in the Haven Restaurant and they did charge me.  If you have a specialty meal, consider Cagney's. Beef Stroganoff is one I can't help you with.  I have never seen it on the menu of the restaurants.  I did see it on the Buffett some time in the past. 

 

6 hours ago, Kirk2121 said:

5.  We have two specialty meals.  We'll maybe eat twice each day to fit our specialty meals in 🙂 .  We don't have reservations 

I think what you are saying is, you will have maybe lunch and dinner or Breakfast and dinner.  You can reserve your restaurant online of if they seem booked, email the Haven Desk.  You should have no issue getting the time and date you want.  I always get reservations ahead, just my approach.

 

6 hours ago, Kirk2121 said:

I've never met a butler before & I'm actually quite interested in what/how they do things.  Tempted to have them unpack my stuff.

 

I would unpack my own stuff personally.  Just not something I think I would like, personally.  Don't think Butlers will be a game changer.  They are good but super busy especially on day one.  Read up on butlers and look at the Butler Letter I wrote on an earlier post.  I attached it to the post.  

 

I hope I was helpful.

 

Cruise Well.

[Fly2where]

Wow... I can't believe I read it all. The information is so useful! Thank You Gary!! Just wow!!

 

We have an upcoming trip stay in Haven on Joy as well.  This will be our first time with NCL, wondering if they have formal dining night at Haven restaurant. Other ship I experienced might have a theme or formal dining on sea day. Just not sure about NCL. 

 

TIA. 

[Sthrngary]

10 minutes ago, Fly2where said:

Wow... I can't believe I read it all. The information is so useful! Thank You Gary!! Just wow!!

 

We have an upcoming trip stay in Haven on Joy as well.  This will be our first time with NCL, wondering if they have formal dining night at Haven restaurant. Other ship I experienced might have a theme or formal dining on sea day. Just not sure about NCL. 

 

TIA. 

@Fly2whereYour question about formal dining has been asked many times before.  Especially about the Haven Restaurant.  I bet you remember the day in the past on those formal nights when every got dressed up to the max and we all got pictures.  I remember them also.  

 

NCL is a very casual cruising experience.  Business Casual is the dress most folks wear to dinner.  On a very rare occasion, you will see some folks really dressed up.  I hope that helps you and thank you for your kind words.

 

Cruise well.

[mearsfansinboise]

Really appreciate you taking the time to put this together for us @Sthrngary.

We are sailing the Bliss to Mexico next month (spring break) and this is our first time in the Haven.  Your suggestions are very helpful!

[Fly2where]

22 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

@Fly2whereYour question about formal dining has been asked many times before.  Especially about the Haven Restaurant.  I bet you remember the day in the past on those formal nights when every got dressed up to the max and we all got pictures.  I remember them also.  

 

NCL is a very casual cruising experience.  Business Casual is the dress most folks wear to dinner.  On a very rare occasion, you will see some folks really dressed up.  I hope that helps you and thank you for your kind words.

 

Cruise well.

Indeed. Thanks so much !

[Sthrngary]

Hello everyone.  If you have gotten a Haven upgrade recently, congratulations.  If you have read my op-ed on the Haven, you know I am a Huge Haven fan.  So now I would like to ask some very pointed question and gain some advice.  I want to cruise on the Encore, Bliss or again on the Joy in late March through early April. Financially my choice most likely will be the Joy, April 9 sailing.   I want to cruise as a "single". Please consider that when or if you respond.

 

1. Have you recently got a upgrade to the Haven as a single?
2. What category did you originally choose prior to wining your bid?
3. What was the ship you won your bid on?
4. What Haven Suite did you win?
5. What was your winning bid?

The information you provide will allow me to seriously consider cruising again very soon. It will give me a reasonable strategy and yes I know, no guarantees.  

 

Cruise well everyone.

[Kirk2121]

1 hour ago, Sthrngary said:

Hello everyone.  If you have gotten a Haven upgrade recently, congratulations.  If you have read my op-ed on the Haven, you know I am a Huge Haven fan.  So now I would like to ask some very pointed question and gain some advice.  I want to cruise on the Encore, Bliss or again on the Joy in late March through early April. Financially my choice most likely will be the Joy, April 9 sailing.   I want to cruise as a "single". Please consider that when or if you respond.

 

1. Have you recently got a upgrade to the Haven as a single?
2. What category did you originally choose prior to wining your bid?
3. What was the ship you won your bid on?
4. What Haven Suite did you win?
5. What was your winning bid?

The information you provide will allow me to seriously consider cruising again very soon. It will give me a reasonable strategy and yes I know, no guarantees.  

 

Cruise well everyone.

Gary gf n I got upgraded from balcony to haven penthouse suite.  we are casinos at seas.  we paid $710 pp for upgrade.  hope helps know it's not single.  we bid pretty high really wanted to try Haven.

[Kirk2121]

On 2/14/2022 at 3:02 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 · 122 downloads

This is email we sent.  We'll probably give to our concierge & butler in envelope with $15 each. 

 

 

 

............... 

Dear Illustrious & most beloved Butler & Concierge:

 

This is our 1^st Haven experience.

 

We are celebrating Jen's 50^th bday.

 

A little about us.  Jen is a mail carrier & walks 9 miles each day delivering mail.  She loves talking about the weather. 

 

I rent out rooms in my house typically to people from all different countries Africa, China, India, etc.  I was a captain in the Air Force selling flight simulators to customers from Bahrain & Korea.  Also I do a little bitcoin mining & deal blackjack at the local casino.  We both like to talk laugh n joke.

 

Jen likes being called Jen & I go by Kirk.  We're from central Illinois about 3 hours south of Chicago.  We're used to self serving meaning cooking cleaning for ourselves.  We've never interacted with a concierge or butler.

 

Reservations (we currently have none):

1.  We would like to see Footloose 1^st night available.  Our January Encore back to back sailings the shows were canceled due to covid.  we were lucky enough to see choir of man early before it got canceled.
2. We would like resrvations at La Cucina & Cagneys on sea days
3. We would like to celebrate Jen's 50th bday by eating in our room/balcony.  Couple options she'd like are beef stroganoff & creme Brule.

 

Unpacking 

Jen & I are disorganized.  We typically don't unpack & end up living out of our suitcases.  Gotta be a better way.  We would like our bags unpacked to learn how.

 

Meals/food:

No Allergies for either of us.

We would like all our food to come from the haven when possible.  We found the food On our January Encore sailing delicious &beautiful no matter where we ate.  Others have said the Haven food is even better.

 

We typically share the food we order.  We aren't picky eaters & plan to overeat.

If another Haven guest orders something special, if the chef could make extra for us too, we'd appreciate it.

 

I have a cpap so please provide some distilled water.

We don't drink alcohol.  Please remove all items from the room that have an extra cost.

Jen loves regular Pepsi.  Please have our fridge stocked with some regular Pepsi & some cherry Pepsi.
Also please provide extra towels.

I like coffee drinks.  Jen I both try to drink lots of iced tea.  we'd appreciate iced tea being available in our room.

 

Shore excursions - we won't be doing any shore excursions.  we typically like to walk to find some snorkeling off the beach.  We have our own snorkel gear.  Last time we were in Costa Maya we enjoyed a couples massage on the beach..

 

We aren't that socially affluent.  Please let us know if we are breaking any social norms.

 

Best Regards,

Kirk & Jen

Room 18128

NCL Joy 26 February 2022 Sailing

 

[Sthrngary]

25 minutes ago, Kirk2121 said:

This is email we sent.  We'll probably give to our concierge & butler in envelope with $15 each. 

 

 

 

............... 

Dear Illustrious & most beloved Butler & Concierge:

 

This is our 1^st Haven experience.

 

We are celebrating Jen's 50^th bday.

 

A little about us.  Jen is a mail carrier & walks 9 miles each day delivering mail.  She loves talking about the weather. 

 

I rent out rooms in my house typically to people from all different countries Africa, China, India, etc.  I was a captain in the Air Force selling flight simulators to customers from Bahrain & Korea.  Also I do a little bitcoin mining & deal blackjack at the local casino.  We both like to talk laugh n joke.

 

Jen likes being called Jen & I go by Kirk.  We're from central Illinois about 3 hours south of Chicago.  We're used to self serving meaning cooking cleaning for ourselves.  We've never interacted with a concierge or butler.

 

Reservations (we currently have none):

1.  We would like to see Footloose 1^st night available.  Our January Encore back to back sailings the shows were canceled due to covid.  we were lucky enough to see choir of man early before it got canceled.
2. We would like resrvations at La Cucina & Cagneys on sea days
3. We would like to celebrate Jen's 50th bday by eating in our room/balcony.  Couple options she'd like are beef stroganoff & creme Brule.

 

Unpacking 

Jen & I are disorganized.  We typically don't unpack & end up living out of our suitcases.  Gotta be a better way.  We would like our bags unpacked to learn how.

 

Meals/food:

No Allergies for either of us.

We would like all our food to come from the haven when possible.  We found the food On our January Encore sailing delicious &beautiful no matter where we ate.  Others have said the Haven food is even better.

 

We typically share the food we order.  We aren't picky eaters & plan to overeat.

If another Haven guest orders something special, if the chef could make extra for us too, we'd appreciate it.

 

I have a cpap so please provide some distilled water.

We don't drink alcohol.  Please remove all items from the room that have an extra cost.

Jen loves regular Pepsi.  Please have our fridge stocked with some regular Pepsi & some cherry Pepsi.
Also please provide extra towels.

I like coffee drinks.  Jen I both try to drink lots of iced tea.  we'd appreciate iced tea being available in our room.

 

Shore excursions - we won't be doing any shore excursions.  we typically like to walk to find some snorkeling off the beach.  We have our own snorkel gear.  Last time we were in Costa Maya we enjoyed a couples massage on the beach..

 

We aren't that socially affluent.  Please let us know if we are breaking any social norms.

 

Best Regards,

Kirk & Jen

Room 18128

NCL Joy 26 February 2022 Sailing

 

Please remember, the butler is not part of the normal gratuities program. Tips for butlers range from $100 to $200 for the week.  Some folks don't use their butler.  They might tip less.  Just an FYI.

[mafig]

Are reservations necessary for Footloose?

[Sthrngary]

9 minutes ago, mafig said:

Are reservations necessary for Footloose?

Usually. However, the capacity on most of the Joy sailings are 50%.  In that case, it is not really needed.  Personally, always make reservation.  Old habits are hard to quit.

 

Cruise well.

 

[Kirk2121]

19 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

Please remember, the butler is not part of the normal gratuities program. Tips for butlers range from $100 to $200 for the week.  Some folks don't use their butler.  They might tip less.  Just an FYI.

Yep.  Just up front $15 in envelope with our email requests & we'll probably tip along way.  Unless they don't do anything. 

[mafig]

Aside from Footloose, any other entertainment that requires a reservation?

[Sthrngary]

5 minutes ago, mafig said:

Aside from Footloose, any other entertainment that requires a reservation?

I think, key word is think, "Elements" which I suggest you sit upfront and center.  Very cool.  The first Beatles show in the main theatre.  Again, when you sign in for your cruise online, it will show if reservations are needed. 

 

Cruise well.

[Hutcha]

2 hours ago, Kirk2121 said:

Please have our fridge stocked with some regular Pepsi & some cherry Pepsi.

They'll charge you for every one you drink.

[UDChE89]

4 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

Hello everyone.  If you have gotten a Haven upgrade recently, congratulations.  If you have read my op-ed on the Haven, you know I am a Huge Haven fan.  So now I would like to ask some very pointed question and gain some advice.  I want to cruise on the Encore, Bliss or again on the Joy in late March through early April. Financially my choice most likely will be the Joy, April 9 sailing.   I want to cruise as a "single". Please consider that when or if you respond.

 

1. Have you recently got a upgrade to the Haven as a single?
2. What category did you originally choose prior to wining your bid?
3. What was the ship you won your bid on?
4. What Haven Suite did you win?
5. What was your winning bid?

The information you provide will allow me to seriously consider cruising again very soon. It will give me a reasonable strategy and yes I know, no guarantees.  

 

Cruise well everyone.

I can relay my situation as a solo cruiser.  I’ve booked a balcony cabin (BA) on the Epic for the 2/27 sailing.  Pre-tax price with all the freebies was 729 USD.  I was dumbfounded that there was no single supplement.   Right now, the lowest upgrade price to H6 is 800 USD on a special.  HC, HF, and H9 upgrades are 1200 USD.  H2 is 2200 USD.  I’ve been trying to figure out if I want to upgrade (club balcony suite is 150 USD minimum) but I’m not sure that I’d find the value in the Haven as a single though getting it for 40% of the going rate (original price plus upgrade) would be amazing.

[maren91]

4 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

Hello everyone.  If you have gotten a Haven upgrade recently, congratulations.  If you have read my op-ed on the Haven, you know I am a Huge Haven fan.  So now I would like to ask some very pointed question and gain some advice.  I want to cruise on the Encore, Bliss or again on the Joy in late March through early April. Financially my choice most likely will be the Joy, April 9 sailing.   I want to cruise as a "single". Please consider that when or if you respond.

 

1. Have you recently got a upgrade to the Haven as a single?
2. What category did you originally choose prior to wining your bid?
3. What was the ship you won your bid on?
4. What Haven Suite did you win?
5. What was your winning bid?

The information you provide will allow me to seriously consider cruising again very soon. It will give me a reasonable strategy and yes I know, no guarantees.  

 

Cruise well everyone.

 

Hi! Very happy to give back some advice that you've given to all of us.

 

1. Yes, just off the Bliss about a month ago and got the Haven upgrade to a Spa Suite

2. Originally booked into a Club Balcony

5. I put in the absolute minimum bid which was 1K (x2 as you do have to pay for two people even though you're a single.

 

In the end, paid about $2,650 for a Haven Spa Suite and I'd count that as a major win in my book! Absolutely loved the experience but now I'm no longer able to sail in regular rooms as I've been ruined forever. 

[Sthrngary]

36 minutes ago, maren91 said:

 

Hi! Very happy to give back some advice that you've given to all of us.

 

1. Yes, just off the Bliss about a month ago and got the Haven upgrade to a Spa Suite

2. Originally booked into a Club Balcony

5. I put in the absolute minimum bid which was 1K (x2 as you do have to pay for two people even though you're a single.

 

In the end, paid about $2,650 for a Haven Spa Suite and I'd count that as a major win in my book! Absolutely loved the experience but now I'm no longer able to sail in regular rooms as I've been ruined forever. 

That is great information. Even when you book a single, your upgrade bid is time 2.  Thank you, that makes my decision much easier.

 

Cruise well.

[maren91]

47 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

That is great information. Even when you book a single, your upgrade bid is time 2.  Thank you, that makes my decision much easier.

 

Cruise well.

Yes unfortunately. I was able to get a waived single supplement for the Club Balcony (booked about 10 days prior to sailing) but it seems like all the Haven upgrade bids are based on two people so you would have to pay double. 

[Sthrngary]

13 hours ago, maren91 said:

Yes unfortunately. I was able to get a waived single supplement for the Club Balcony (booked about 10 days prior to sailing) but it seems like all the Haven upgrade bids are based on two people so you would have to pay double. 

You have just peeked my interest.  Please explain what a Single Supplement Waiver and any strategy you might have to get one?  I would appreciate it.

 

Cruise well.

[vacation44]

18 hours ago, mafig said:

Aside from Footloose, any other entertainment that requires a reservation?

On the Joy now and Elements require a reservation.  Only two shows which are both tonight.