A quick review on my first time in the Haven, NCL Joy March 5th 2022

[aubreyc1988]

2 hours ago, CDR Benson said:

One of the things that might not have come through clearly in aubreyc's exchanges with me is, for those who don't know, there are two lounges in Haven territory:  the Haven Lounge, of which she was critical, and the Horizon Lounge, which is the grand observation space at the bow of the ship.

 

I've been assuming that the Horizon Lounge has its own bar service ( as opposed to just waiters who obtain the drinks from the bar in the Haven Lounge).  Perhaps aubreyc or someone else could clarify that.  But, if the guests in the Horizon Lounge also have to rely on the apparently lacklustre bar service from the Haven Lounge, that's a shame, because, if it's anything like Holland America ships' Crow's Nests, the Horizon Lounge is the place to be to view the ship getting underway, or pulling in.

 

Aubrey c's report that she didn't see their butler until the second day is also concerning.  The idea behind the Gary letter is to establish a good working relationship with the butler from the get-go.  But that working relationship is already dented if the butler doesn't show until Day Two.  I'm not altogether certain how much use we'll have for a butler on our cruise in September.  But if he waits until Day Two to present himself to us, I believe I'll be tearing up my Gary letter and saving myself $100.

 

 

I maybe saw one bartender throughout the whole cruise in Horizon Lounge, but this might be different for an Alaskan cruise

 

There was two employees at the entrance to make sure you washed your hands. 

 

Melody (our butler) was a sweetie but I wasn't sure what her purpose was. And on Day 2 in the morning, I was pissed she hadn't introduced herself and told my husband if we didn't hear from her on Day 2, I would be talking to the concierge and seeing if we could meet her. But we saw her late afternoon that day so we didn't say anything. I was surprised it wasn't until Day 2, considering we were in the courtyard. I got corn nuts one time on my cruise, took them to the horizon lounge  with me and ate them while I read in my book, left the empty dish there. Never got a replacement bowl of corn nuts. I never asked, but I was just sort of under the assumption that they would sort of anticipate my needs. Like "Oh this chick likes corn nuts, we will make sure she has a small bowl every day" *shrug* just didn't feel luxurious to me. 

 

Oh and one other big thing I forgot to mention. On the second day, I tried to pull the clothes line out and broke off the little silver piece that was on the end. Put the silver thing on the corner of the tub.  Took me a whole day to work up the courage to call Melody and admit to her that I broke the clothes line. She then told me, and I quote "the carpenter noticed it was broken but didn't think you wanted it fixed." I was kind of shocked at this response, so I said "Yes, if it could be fixed, that would be great, want to hang up my swimsuit to dry" She was like of course Ma'am. That evening it was fixed, but is it just me, I thought it was weird the carpenter didn't fix it

[aubreyc1988]

56 minutes ago, CDR Benson said:

 

I grasp what you're saying.  But it's the butler's obligation to report to us.  Maybe that's the military man in me, but I shouldn't have to call the concierge and request that the butler do his job.

 

Certainly, I understand that the butlers are swamped with work on embarkation day, and we could certainly get by without him for one evening.  But I would expect him to seek me out by either a quick two-minute stop by our suite, or even a phone call explaining his circumstances and a guarantee of appearing later.  I'd be perfectly fine with something like that.

 

If I call to request the butler for our first meeting, aye, it speeds things along.  But I lose my first opportunity to see how reliable he is.

 

 

In my opinion, everyone pays more to be in the Haven from other cabins, so NCL needs to hire appropriate number of staff so the butlers are not overworked and can provide adequate service.  It might not be the butlers fault, could be a staffing issue, but it's not an excuse, NCL needs to make sure the Haven gets amazing service, esp since the Haven is usually 3-4x more than a balcony. 

Edited March 15, 2022 by aubreyc1988

[CDR Benson]

4 minutes ago, aubreyc1988 said:

In my opinion, everyone pays more to be in the Haven from other cabins, so NCL needs to hire appropriate number of staff so the butlers are not overworked and can provide adequate service.  It might not be the butlers fault, could be a staffing issue, but it's not an excuse, NCL needs to make sure the Haven gets amazing service, esp since the Haven is usually 3-4x more than a balcony. 

 

Concur!

 

Haven lodgers are paying for, essentially, the privilege of being treated like V.I.P.'s for the term of their cruise. (Within reasonable limits, of course.)  I especially want this luxury treatment for my wife.  (Being married to me the past twenty-seven years has been no picnic.)  I'm O.K. if the service isn't flawless, but I expect the staff to attempt to be flawless.

 

It's the missed details that you related in your above two posts, ma'am, that suggest to me that the attempt wasn't there.

 

[FM]

15 minutes ago, aubreyc1988 said:

Well, I wouldn't consider the Haven Bar to have any sort of view. And bar service was limited in the sundeck area so we went elsewhere for sailaway. 

 

Lobster every night at Haven Restaurant. And yes, no slippers was disappointing. 

Sorry, mean to say the Horizon Lounge - it's just a short distance away from the Haven Bar correct?

 

In re: to the slippers, even the latest video on YouTube re: the Haven Courtyard Penthouse referenced the Haven bathrobes AND slippers.  Sometimes it's the little details that makes the experience a more enjoyable one. 

 

 

[FM]

1 hour ago, Sthrngary said:

I actually address the Butlers as Hit/Miss in my past.  When I don't see the butler when I first get to my Haven Suite, I call the Haven Concierge and ask for the butler to stop by.  This usually handles the issue and I can provide my letter.  NCL over works their crew and the butlers are crazy busy that first day behind the scenes.  I feel for them however I also have a vacation that I want to set up properly.  

 

Bottom line, call the Haven Concierge to have the butler come to your suite right away.  Be brief, hand them the letter and move on. Not ideal but the way it is.

 

Cruise well everyone. 

My understanding is that part of the service available from the suite butler is unpacking/packing.  Is it something that is conveyed to your butler the day of arrival or prior? 

 

It's not something we ourselves would use - but having a butler as part of the suite experience is something above and beyond having access to concierge and I would personally find it quite problematic that no contact was made to a Haven Suite guest the day of arrival.  "First impressions never have a second chance" as one would say.  

 

 

[aubreyc1988]

52 minutes ago, FM said:

Sorry, mean to say the Horizon Lounge - it's just a short distance away from the Haven Bar correct?

 

In re: to the slippers, even the latest video on YouTube re: the Haven Courtyard Penthouse referenced the Haven bathrobes AND slippers.  Sometimes it's the little details that makes the experience a more enjoyable one. 

 

 

The robes weren't there on Day 1 either, It wasn't until Day 2 they arrived in my stateroom.

 

Also, while Horizon is a short walk away from the bar, you won't be able to see any sort of window while sitting at the bar. That whole bar/courtyard lounge area is a huge missed opportunity. 

Edited March 15, 2022 by aubreyc1988

[aubreyc1988]

39 minutes ago, FM said:

My understanding is that part of the service available from the suite butler is unpacking/packing.  Is it something that is conveyed to your butler the day of arrival or prior? 

 

It's not something we ourselves would use - but having a butler as part of the suite experience is something above and beyond having access to concierge and I would personally find it quite problematic that no contact was made to a Haven Suite guest the day of arrival.  "First impressions never have a second chance" as one would say.  

 

 

basically when she introduced herself it was a "Sorry I missed you on the first day, I was really busy, this is my card, call me if you guys need anything" and I replied "Awesome, I was wondering if we could have extra coffee pods and some corn nuts in the room" and she was like "Yes of course".  Took her a few days to realize I was not joking about the coffee pods haha. 

 

But yeah, I think if you didn't follow this thread, you wouldn't know about everything the butler can/cannot do. 

[nattie]

2 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

Surf and Turf is not on the Haven Menu as an option.  However, you can have a lobster tail added to your main beef course if you simply ask.  Lobster Tails are a main course on the menu.  I know this because I did this twice on my cruise in the Haven in November.  I had Prime Rib and a lobster tail.  

 

Hope that helps and clarifies your question.

 

Cruise well.

Dont want to contradict Sthrngary, but "Surf&Turf" is listed on the dinner menu I have received from NCL (page 2).Haven Dinner Menu.pdf

Edited March 15, 2022 by nattie

[SplashOfWater]

58 minutes ago, aubreyc1988 said:

basically when she introduced herself it was a "Sorry I missed you on the first day, I was really busy, this is my card, call me if you guys need anything" and I replied "Awesome, I was wondering if we could have extra coffee pods and some corn nuts in the room" and she was like "Yes of course".  Took her a few days to realize I was not joking about the coffee pods haha. 

 

But yeah, I think if you didn't follow this thread, you wouldn't know about everything the butler can/cannot do. 

Our butler on the Encore kept our coffee pods well-stocked. We didn't have to contact him to do this. He saw we used several pods on the first morning and when we went back to the cabin in the afternoon they were all replaced. Each day what we used was replaced. Plus, two or three days into the cruise he added another plate-full of pods for us because he saw how much coffee we were drinking, lol.

 

It sounds like you got a "dud" for a butler. I know the Joy has a lot more Haven cabins than the Encore. I hope NCL has added more butlers to cover the extra cabins, but maybe not.

 

Umbrella and slippers were in our closet on Day 1. Robes were hanging in the bathroom.

[Sthrngary]

1 hour ago, nattie said:

Dont want to contradict Sthrngary, but "Surf&Turf" is listed on the dinner menu I have received from NCL (page 2).Haven Dinner Menu.pdf

Yep, I was completely wrong.  I just did not order it with steak.  I ordered it with Prime Rib.  My bad completely.  

 

Cruise well

[ryanpatricksmom]

23 hours ago, aubreyc1988 said:

I'm 34 years old and in decent shape...i think if you had a drink or two and were going to take a shower, an accident could occur. There was a little handle that even I used to get in and out of. I don't think all Haven rooms have only a tub/shower combo. The tub was nice and deep, but we never used it, would prefer just a shower. If someone was even just a little bit handicapped, this tub would be a problem. 

 

I've never sailed in a club balcony so I cannot weigh in on that. 

 

Edited to add that I am 5'3, the top of the tub came up to the top of my thigh. 

LOL!  I was on the same cruise in 14778 and I had the same thought about the tub.  I'm a good number of years past 34 but still in decent shape and I was sure that one of us was going to face plant coming out after a shower.  The combination of the deeper than average tub and those weird shower doors was potentially lethal!!!!

[aubreyc1988]

1 minute ago, ryanpatricksmom said:

LOL!  I was on the same cruise in 14778 and I had the same thought about the tub.  I'm a good number of years past 34 but still in decent shape and I was sure that one of us was going to face plant coming out after a shower.  The combination of the deeper than average tub and those weird shower doors was potentially lethal!!!!

omg I forgot about the weird shower doors. Best way I can explain them is that there were two small sliding doors in the shower. So strange! 

[CDR Benson]

2 minutes ago, ryanpatricksmom said:

LOL!  I was on the same cruise in 14778 . . .

 

The Good Mrs. Benson and I will be occupying 14778 for our cruise on Joy in September.  Other than the tub-shower death-trap, is there anything else you'd care to relate about staying in that suite?  We'd certainly appreciate getting any direct knowledge.

 

 

[Beach Life 1]

18 minutes ago, ryanpatricksmom said:

LOL!  I was on the same cruise in 14778 and I had the same thought about the tub.  I'm a good number of years past 34 but still in decent shape and I was sure that one of us was going to face plant coming out after a shower.  The combination of the deeper than average tub and those weird shower doors was potentially lethal!!!!

Makes you wonder when they design these ships, that  someone says,  let's make a bathtub/shower combo that's impossible to get in and out of.  That alone, is keeping me from wanting a haven cabin,  unless it was a two bedroom,  with a walk in shower.    I would guess, that if a survey was done,  a majority of people would just like a walk in shower.   Maybe they finally realize that,  and that's why they are refurbishing the bathrooms in the club balcony suites  on  the Jewel class ships and taking out the tubs and installing a walk in shower. 

[ryanpatricksmom]

I agree 100% with your assessment.....but we did have slippers (which I  never used, wish that I knew you were looking for a pair) and robes on the first day, LOL!

 

We also met our butler on Day 2.  She definitely conveyed that we should call her with any requests, and  kept iced tea and m&ms stocked, but our attempts to convey what we would and wouldn't like for our afternoon snacks weren't taken to heart.  We've had considerably better butlers in the past.

 

The bar is ridiculously small for the number of cabins in the Haven.  My husband spent one afternoon there with folks that he met, but by and large,  you pretty much had to muscle up to the bar and grab a drink to take elsewhere.  I also saw rude passengers who felt as if the barstools were meant to hold their belongings, which is particularly annoying when there are so few seats to begin with.  I would also expect that the Haven would have less pre-made mixers (bloody mary mix for example), but they don't.

 

I actually preferred the food at breakfast and lunch in the Haven dining room to the dinners.  I did have an amazing Delmonico steak, and thought that the lobster was good.  The crabcakes were God-awful.  Other misses were the raviolo, the prime rib, and the veal. At lunch the shrimp scampi and the burger were the highlights.

 

As an aside, I recommend that any wine drinkers pay the upgrade charge per glass rather than drink the included wines, so ask for a wine list and choose wisely.  I spent Day 2 of the cruise deathly ill from drinking crap wine.  

 

This was only our second time in the Haven proper.  The majority of our NCL cruises have been in the suites with an assigned Butler on the smaller ships.  Perhaps that's why we've had such outstanding service from our Butler and Steward in the past.  I also thought that the Joy was a little weird compared to our other NCL experiences.  I couldn't really pinpoint why, but there was something about the design and vibe that just felt off to me. That said, I would never pay full fare for the Haven experience.  We've been fortunate that the Casino has either awarded us the upgraded category, or allowed us to pay a reduced fare.  All in all I thought that it was a great cruise, but like you, it wasn't because of the Haven experience.

[ryanpatricksmom]

23 minutes ago, CDR Benson said:

 

The Good Mrs. Benson and I will be occupying 14778 for our cruise on Joy in September.  Other than the tub-shower death-trap, is there anything else you'd care to relate about staying in that suite?  We'd certainly appreciate getting any direct knowledge.

 

 

Loved the balcony.  It's large enough to add one lounger.  It's quiet, convenient (right at the bottom of the stairs and very close to an elevator), and has plenty of space.  You'll love it.

 

[JGmf]

45 minutes ago, ryanpatricksmom said:

I would also expect that the Haven would have less pre-made mixers (bloody mary mix for example), but they don't.

 

Yes, *this*. 

 

Two weeks ago on the Getaway, I left my usual bars on the Waterfront to go to the Haven bar to hopefully upgrade the quality of my morning Bloody Mary.  Nope.  Same Mr. & Mrs. T's mix used there as ship-wide.  Yeah, I get it: First World problem, but I was really hoping for the Haven "notch above in quality" to shine through on something so mundane...but not too hard to do. 

 

I still happily drank it...I'm not a martyr!

 

[owlgirl31]

1 hour ago, CDR Benson said:

 

The Good Mrs. Benson and I will be occupying 14778 for our cruise on Joy in September.  Other than the tub-shower death-trap, is there anything else you'd care to relate about staying in that suite?  We'd certainly appreciate getting any direct knowledge.

 

I'm in that one too, in May!

 

[mertziek]

Boy this was definitely not our experience.  We had times when we tried to avoid seeing our butler, concierge and steward because they overwhelmed us!  They even called us in our room if they had not seen us during the day to ask if there was anything they could get or do for us.  It was our best Haven experience out of 11 cruises.   But I will say Butlers and Stewards are human and vary in their ability to do their job.  We have had some not as good but we’ve always been satisfied.  The Haven lounge was busier than usual but our cruise had 1300 onboard and a sold out Haven due to upgrades which I think accounted for more activity - first timers.  We found the Haven restaurant to be absolutely delicious for all meals (we did eat all over the ship in the buffet, Main dining rooms, Local) and skipped our specialty dinners to eat in the Haven instead.
 

As to your slippers, I could have given you ours since we never took them out of the package.  We are bare foot people.

[vacruizer]

9 hours ago, aubreyc1988 said:

I maybe saw one bartender throughout the whole cruise in Horizon Lounge, but this might be different for an Alaskan cruise

 

There was two employees at the entrance to make sure you washed your hands. 

 

Melody (our butler) was a sweetie but I wasn't sure what her purpose was. And on Day 2 in the morning, I was pissed she hadn't introduced herself and told my husband if we didn't hear from her on Day 2, I would be talking to the concierge and seeing if we could meet her. But we saw her late afternoon that day so we didn't say anything. I was surprised it wasn't until Day 2, considering we were in the courtyard. I got corn nuts one time on my cruise, took them to the horizon lounge  with me and ate them while I read in my book, left the empty dish there. Never got a replacement bowl of corn nuts. I never asked, but I was just sort of under the assumption that they would sort of anticipate my needs. Like "Oh this chick likes corn nuts, we will make sure she has a small bowl every day" *shrug* just didn't feel luxurious to me. 

 

Oh and one other big thing I forgot to mention. On the second day, I tried to pull the clothes line out and broke off the little silver piece that was on the end. Put the silver thing on the corner of the tub.  Took me a whole day to work up the courage to call Melody and admit to her that I broke the clothes line. She then told me, and I quote "the carpenter noticed it was broken but didn't think you wanted it fixed." I was kind of shocked at this response, so I said "Yes, if it could be fixed, that would be great, want to hang up my swimsuit to dry" She was like of course Ma'am. That evening it was fixed, but is it just me, I thought it was weird the carpenter didn't fix it

I had a very similar experience with the Haven in January on the Joy. We saw our butler three times the whole week. I asked for m&ms for my husband and he told me to get them myself from the observation lounge. No drink service there, Haven bar was as you as you described with bartenders who didn’t really care and a crowd most of the time. I witnessed some really obnoxious behavior from fellow passengers as well. 
 

I’m easy to please and rarely ask for anything extra but I do have background working in a 4 diamond hotel and in restaurants so know what that type service is like.  I just expected a little more from the experience.  It was our honeymoon, travel planner noted it on the reservations, mentioned it tothe butler and maitre’d…. And nothing. I wasn’t expecting free bottles of fancy champagne or anything, but some acknowledgement or some fun room decorations…even a card.. would have been nice. I’m actually looking forward to my next cruise in a plain old balcony again.  

[aubreyc1988]

3 minutes ago, vacruizer said:

I had a very similar experience with the Haven in January on the Joy. We saw our butler three times the whole week. I asked for m&ms for my husband and he told me to get them myself from the observation lounge. No drink service there, Haven bar was as you as you described with bartenders who didn’t really care and a crowd most of the time. I witnessed some really obnoxious behavior from fellow passengers as well. 
 

I’m easy to please and rarely ask for anything extra but I do have background working in a 4 diamond hotel and in restaurants so know what that type service is like.  I just expected a little more from the experience.  It was our honeymoon, travel planner noted it on the reservations, mentioned it tothe butler and maitre’d…. And nothing. I wasn’t expecting free bottles of fancy champagne or anything, but some acknowledgement or some fun room decorations…even a card.. would have been nice. I’m actually looking forward to my next cruise in a plain old balcony again.  

Saddens me to hear this! I too am easy to please, but I was sort of expecting a much upgraded experience as I had paid a much higher price than someone in a balcony. I *almost* asked for some M&Ms and some gummies, thought better of it when I didn't get any corn nuts after day 2. And in the Horizon Lounge, those snacks were taken at 5pm sharp, like if you don't get me munchies in my room and then you can't even keep them in the Horizon Lounge after 5?  Sort of crazy if you ask me. There were people folding towels late into the nigh that could have kept that snack bar open 24/7.

 

Also disappointed that you had a similar experience with passengers. I was hoping it was just my cruise. Once while talking to some people at the bar, they asked me if I had kids. I said "no, just my two dogs" and then they were like "Oh well are you gonna have kids" and I replied "probably not" and then they went into this huge spiel about why I needed to have kids and how much I was missing out and blah blah blah. I was like "Well I enjoy a fair amount of freedom and it just isn't for me" and they were like "Well you will change your mind." Doubtful HAHA! I just couldn't believe the audacity, although I do experience this TOO MUCH. They also asked if I was "Only going to sail in the Haven from now on" and I was like "No, I'd have to get a second job haha" and then went on and on about "how poor people and how that if people just set their mind to it, they too could afford to go in the Haven every single time" And after that I didn't attempt any more cordial conversations in the Haven. I am sure there was some nice people but was pretty soured by that. I am sure the bartenders had a laugh in the back. 

 

Side Note: Snack buffet in the Garden Cafe was AMAZING, huge selection for  snacks after 9pm.  I'm not expecting to have the same selection in Horizon Lounge but there should be SOMETHING, do they think we do not stay up late and drink LOL. Also i felt like the bar closed really early. And I know, the crew needs to sleep too but cmon, we need late night munchies. 

[lgdesign]

4 minutes ago, aubreyc1988 said:

Also disappointed that you had a similar experience with passengers. I was hoping it was just my cruise. Once while talking to some people at the bar, they asked me if I had kids. I said "no, just my two dogs" and then they were like "Oh well are you gonna have kids" and I replied "probably not" and then they went into this huge spiel about why I needed to have kids and how much I was missing out and blah blah blah. I was like "Well I enjoy a fair amount of freedom and it just isn't for me" and they were like "Well you will change your mind." Doubtful HAHA! I just couldn't believe the audacity, although I do experience this TOO MUCH. They also asked if I was "Only going to sail in the Haven from now on" and I was like "No, I'd have to get a second job haha" and then went on and on about "how poor people and how that if people just set their mind to it, they too could afford to go in the Haven every single time" And after that I didn't attempt any more cordial conversations in the Haven. I am sure there was some nice people but was pretty soured by that.

 

What a shame you encountered such rude and obnoxious boors.  We've been lucky enough to have never personally encountered that level of appalling behavior whether in or outside of the Haven.  And I agree that there are entirely TOO many people out there willing to give relative strangers advice (whether thoughtless or well-intentioned) regarding their choices about having or not having children.  The nerve of some people is pretty incredible.

[buster#1]

We have been in the Haven a couple of times.  Most people on our cruises did not have the attitude but you could tell they were used to having servants pick up after them.  They would leave stuff all over and just expect it to disappear.   LOL 

 

I have enjoyed the Haven each time and for different reasons each time.

 

We are sailing March 20th and had a chance to upgrade but did not take it.   With all the free perks given with the cruise and the perks we get as Saphire level.....abJout the only thing we don't have is a butler.  I could never figure out what to do with a butler anyway  LOL.    

 

Josephine was the best butler, she gave us all sorts of ideas on what she could do for us.  The best was in suite dining one night.

 

[Shellbelle28]

9 hours ago, brookie848 said:

Our butlers have been hit or miss as well. We don't use them for much, but we do tip accordingly.

 

Our best and worst were actually both on the Dawn. Our first trip had our worst butler (we actually didn't get snacks one day and I was kind of waiting on them because of late dinner plans). Our second trip was one of the best. She came to find us while we were waiting to board to let us know my husband's dialysis supplies had made it to the cabin (huge relief on our part since he had just started dialysis and arranging the delivery to the ship in Puerto Rico was a hassle), but our vodka wasn't there yet. 😄 We told her we didn't care about the vodka, but thanks for letting us know about the dialysis stuff. She did an awesome job of keeping us in snacks and drinks all week long.

We've nearly always had great butlers, but the concierge role has been hit or miss. The one we had on Jewel was exceptional. It was a 14-day, so they have more of a chance to get to know your habits. One day we skipped lunch in Moderno and stayed in the room with the do not disturb on, napping and recovering from too much sun and mojitos. When we finally left the room for dinner, there were notes on the door from both butler and concierge asking if we were OK, and did we need anything. When we next saw them, it was evident that they had genuine concern that everything was OK! 

[aubreyc1988]

8 minutes ago, buster#1 said:

We have been in the Haven a couple of times.  Most people on our cruises did not have the attitude but you could tell they were used to having servants pick up after them.  They would leave stuff all over and just expect it to disappear.   LOL 

 

I have enjoyed the Haven each time and for different reasons each time.

 

We are sailing March 20th and had a chance to upgrade but did not take it.   With all the free perks given with the cruise and the perks we get as Saphire level.....abJout the only thing we don't have is a butler.  I could never figure out what to do with a butler anyway  LOL.    

 

Josephine was the best butler, she gave us all sorts of ideas on what she could do for us.  The best was in suite dining one night.

 

I would always pick up all my stuff before room steward and butler came in and shove it in a drawer LOL.