The Haven Lite Strategy by Sthrngary

[Sthrngary]

 

About the Author:

 

Gary (sthrngary) writes exclusively about his actual cruise experience. He is known to be truly knowledgeable about the NCL Haven. His writings are never paid for by any company. It is his hobby and passion. Unlike many other op-eds on CruiseCritic.com, Gary will respond to all your questions and all he asks is a like on this main op-ed if you agree it was worthy.

 

Opening:

 

Hello everyone. After my last cruise just few months ago, I have rarely posted or commented. I wanted to give CruiseCritic.com a rest. I review all your comments every day and appreciated what I learned. As some of you noticed, I was asked to update my op-ed on the “Secrets of the NCL Haven.”  I did so at the beginning of the year 2022, based on my experience on the NCL Joy, with my family, on the November 26, 2022, sailing. Thanks for the great response to that update.

I had such a wonderful time on the NCL Joy, I decided to go on the ship again as a first time Solo Traveler. Now for a bit of transparency, my November 2021 NCL Joy cruise with my family was a new level of expensive. We were not only in the Haven, but we also had one of the two (H2) Deluxe Owners Suites. A true once in a lifetime experience. I did an immensely popular YouTube video on this unique suite. You can imagine how my mind thought about not going in the Haven for my Solo cruise, after that experience.

 

For my solo cruise, I booked a Club Suite which was an incredible bargain. Because of the expense of the Family Cruise as you might expect, my funds were limited. I am also retired which also limits my “Fun Funds” for vacations especially for myself only. This created the notion of a strategy called, “Haven Lite.”

Do not anyone get the wrong, I had eight upgrade bids for the Haven on that solo cruise.  As a solo cruiser, the rub is you must pay the upgrade bid twice if you win. If you bid $500.00, it cost the solo traveler $1,000.00. This limited my willingness to bid high. More importantly, the Haven Suites were sold out early. This was because NCL cancelled cruise on a large ship that hit a sand bar. All those passengers were given options with the Joy sailing date I was on as on. If those distressed guests had a Haven Suite prior, they had first rights to the Joy’s Haven inventory that was left. The result was a Haven fully booked much earlier then normal.

 

I knew this could happen, so I started planning my “Haven Lite” cruise. The rest of this op-ed will focus on my experience. Remember, your experience will change based on what is most important to you and your family. I guess all you long-time members of CruiseCritic.com know why I made that disclaimer, LOL.

 

Haven Lite Strategy:

 

Goal:

Have as close to a Haven Luxury Experience as possible during a cruise without having a Haven Suite.

 

Approach:

Utilize all the tools and amenities that NCL offers including but not limited to pre-pay for amenities. Do not forget to leverage the “Free at Sea” promotion as well as any benefits you receive from your credit card provider. 

 

Strategy:

Below are some the add-ons I purchase to great the Haven Lite experience. Each add-on to a cruise may have some due diligence that needs to be done along with some expense. Some examples are but not limited to the follows:

 

Vibe Beach Club:

You cannot prepurchase the Vibe Beach Club.  Your strategy must be to get in the Vibe Beach Club line as soon as folks are let onboard. This means you must research where the club passes are being sold and make a run for it. You also must remember each member of your party has to be on the line to get the pass. From a strategy standpoint, the Vibe has a limited set of passes for the week because the daily passes are so much more profitable for NCL.

 

Specialty Restaurants:

I always receive the “Free at Sea” promotion that provides me with two (2) specialty restaurants. I book my cruise with my American Express Platinum Card which provides me with “On-Board Credit” and one additional French Restaurant for two. This is a grand total of three (3) specialty restaurants. I then buy a specialty restaurant package with either two (2) or three (3) additional dinners. If I were in the Haven with a Haven Restaurant, I would not buy this additional package.  The Specialty restaurants you choose is up to you. We all have our favorites.

 

Premium Plus Beverage Package:

To each his own on this package however I aways purchase the “Premium Plus Beverage Package” using the upgrade option when utilizing the “Free at Sea” promotion. Since I am going Haven Lite, I have saved so much money from a Haven fare, this option is reasonable. Many would disagree with this claim but as I said, it is a personal choice. My goal here is to show the many ways I make my cruise as luxurious as possible based on my definition of luxury. The “Plus” package allows me to have very high-end spirits, wines, and French Champagne that I would never purchase at home. Don Julio 1942 tequila is one of my favorites. A bottle, if purchased at a liquor store would cost close to $200.00. The larger bottles are closer to $400.00. On a ship, a shot is $45.00 each. This is just one example of things I have tried and enjoyed while cruising Haven Lite. Now if you do not drink, then take a pass.  Remember, this is not about finding a way to justify the upgrade for the “Plus” package. Drink responsible.

 

Unlimited Streaming Internet:

The internet on a cruise ship is awful on its best day. I remember when you had to buy it by the minute a decade ago. It was expensive then and now. The “Free at Sea” promotion gives you 250 minutes of normal internet. The upgrade to Unlimited Streaming is about $100.00. If I were in the Haven, I am not sure I would upgrade.  Haven Lite, I do it every time.

 

Excursions:

Talk about personal choices. My opinion, all cruise excursions are over-priced, lack luster, and underwhelming. The exception is a few cruises in Europe. Over the years I have done most every excursion. Knowing that the value does not meet the investment, I still have some favorites. I have just resolved myself that paying a premium is just the cost of admission. My favorites include:

·        All Inclusive Over the Water Bungalow: I wish you were at this attraction for more time for the price of $550.00 for two people. The other issue is the horrible 45-minute ride to the location. Past that, this excursion gives everyone what they might want. Food, Drink, Water, and Privacy. For 6 hours you feel like you are on one of those islands that only billionaires can visit. You can also engage with the neighbors who want to be in a group in the water. That is what my wife and I did. We did tequila shots, eat steak/lobster, and floated in the water with our new friends for most of the time at the resort. With all that tequila in our systems, the right back was a gas.

·        NCL Private Island Beach Villa:  The NCL private island is lovely. It is a joint venture with the local government. It looks and feels brand new. You can reserve a Private Beach Villa with golf cart transportation, some soft drinks, butler service, air conditioning, internet and the list goes on. The cost is now $899.00 for all six guests. Not bad if you split it with a group of friends. The kicker is you must pay for both food and drinks. Add a few hundred for that. Seems like the price of a cruise for 7 hours on the beach. We always find a way to have folks join us and share the expense.

 

The Spa:

I love a great massage. When you are on a cruise ship, the massages are not great, they are good. The price is high because we are all captive. Not of this is an issue for me. I always book one massage for the second sea day. You must book it quick because everyone else has the same idea. To enjoy this experience even more, allow me to give you some advice. When the spa personnel attempt to upsell you, just say, “Not today!”  This is the one issue I have with the spa. Also, remember the tip was included automatically. Many people miss that little tidbit.

 

The Average day comparing the Haven Luxury Experience and Haven Lite:

 

The Morning:

·        Haven: I wake, get dressed and go to the Haven Observation lounge. I get a cup of coffee (Starbucks from a great machine), I have two Haven Almond Danish (Only available in the Haven) and look out the window at one of the best views on the ship.

·        Haven Lite: I wake, get dressed and to the Observation lounge. I get a cup of coffee made at the actual Starbucks, I have granola with milk and look out the window at one of the best views on the ship.

 

Breakfast:

·        Haven: I wait for my family to wake, and we go to the Haven Restaurant for breakfast. On the first few days we get a full breakfast then we sometimes simply skip breakfast in the future. The night before, I ask the server if I can have a filet with my steak and eggs. I always order French Press Coffee. The breakfast is always great.

·        Haven Lite: I wait for my family to wake, and we go to the Main Dining Room for breakfast. On the first few days we get a full breakfast then we sometimes skip the meal. Steak and eggs are usually not an option, so I substitute some other kind of meat. I order a Starbucks cappuccino. The breakfast is always great.

 

Mid-Morning:

·        Haven: My family and I go to the Haven Sundeck. We usually get an umbrella near one of the Hot Tubs. I let the bar server know to check on my group from time to time. Rarely a crowd and has a lovely view.

·        Haven Lite: My family and I go to the Vibe Beach Club. We usually get an umbrella near one of the Hot Tubs. The staff bring over ice water and fresh fruit. It you want an umbrella where this is none, you just ask. The bar service is in the Vibe beach Club and the bar is twice the size of the Haven Bar. Rarely a crowd and has a lovely view.

 

Lunch:

·        Haven: We go to the Haven Restaurant and usually sit outside. The food is always great, yet it is a long unrushed lunch. To long when things are going on that you want to attend. After a day or two, all you really want is a burger and fries. You usually can get that on in the Haven Courtyard sitting near the Haven Pool or on the Haven Sundeck. Worst case you ask your butler.

·        Haven Lite: We go to the Main Dining Room. The food is always exceptionally good, yet it is a longer lunch because it is a full-service restaurant. After a day or two, all you really want is a burger and fries. This is when the buffet becomes a great option. Like most buffet, you need to make good choices. We also consider the 24/7 restaurants which surprisingly has a nice menu and a great burger. They are also quick.

 

Afternoon:

·        Haven: This is where it gets complicated. The Haven is a wonderful place just to hangout, especially in the sun. Yet, the rest of the ship has fun activities going on all day. We usually leave the Haven to venture on the rest of the ship. When the crowds get to much, we simply go back to the Haven Sundeck.

·        Haven Lite: There is no difference being in the Haven or Haven Lite in the afternoon. It is important to leave the Haven especially if you like pool games, music, and water slides. When the crowds get to you, you simply go back to the Vibe Beach Club.

 

Pre-Dinner:

·        Haven: I go to the Haven Bar for a nice relaxing cocktail. I usually sit at the bar meeting new friends and engaging. I am waiting for my family to join me because I can not stand hearing, “My hair looks awful,” “I have gained so much weight on this cruise.,” “I am retaining water.,” “Who has my Tylenol?”  I stay out of the family flame thrower by having a drink alone.

·        Haven Lite: I go to the “A” List Bar for a nice relaxing cocktail. Now cut and past the above because nothing changes except the bar location.

 

Dinner:

·        Haven: I absolutely love the Haven Restaurant. I am fully aware they do not change their menu’s and I am still quite satisfied.  The quality of the food, service and flexibility suits me. Please remember we have three (3) Specialty Restaurants we can choose from during the week for variety. I also have never had an issue eating in the Haven Restaurant at 07:00 PM any night I wanted to do so.

·        Haven Lite: I add two or three specialty dining packages to my account. The nights I do not do a Specialty Restaurant, I do the Main Dining Room and have enjoyed it. The food quality of the MDR is not as good as the Haven however it is so much better then attempting the same dish in my kitchen. My 07:00 PM timing has never been an issue with the MDR and I always pre-book my times/days of specialty restaurants 125 days prior to the cruise.

 

Entertainment:

·        Haven: It is true that the Haven Guests have a special reserved seating area for the larger venues. It is located stage left in the orchestra section. I have very rarely used these seats because when I arrive, I find a better seat on the end so my lovely bride can go to the bathroom and not bother anyone. Much has been written that the Haven team will escort you to the smaller venues like the Cavern Club or the Comedy Club through the back door prior to the doors opening. I have found this to be extremely inconsistent.

·        Haven Lite: The same comments as above. Most all the entertainment is accessible with nice seats if you just get their a few minutes early.

 

Getting On and Off the Ship:

·        Haven: Nothing beats the quick access to and from the ship when you are in the Haven. The port days, you use the service elevator. When it is the last day, you do the same. The priority allows for a full and none rushed breakfast. You can even take a shower the day you leave. This one amenity is the greatest loss for me when I am not in the Haven.

·        Haven Lite: It is all about the strategy you use. Let us begin. The instant I can check-in online I do so. The reason is I can choose the earliest boarding time which is usually 09:00 AM. I sit remarkably close to the entrance doorway so I can make my mad dash for the purchase of a Vibe Beach Club pass. On the excursion days, I follow the rules and go to the places where my group needs to meet. I always plan to go early. On the last day, I hide in the Observation deck with a cup of coffee. The night before I went to the Front desk to get the luggage tags that best allows me to get off the ship and make my flight. As I said, it takes some planning, but it has been seamless and quick.

 

Conclusion:

With some strategy and planning you can make your non-Haven cruise close to the Haven experience. Now that I have done both approaches and said that statement, here are my thoughts.

 

All my life I was working sixty plus hours a week.  I left home on Sunday afternoon with my family and friends enjoying my pool. I came home on late Friday night or Saturday morning to see dishes in the sink which I did immediately. None of this do I regret nor harbor resentment.

 

I had a stroke at age 60 and retired. Those decades of demanding work, budgeting, savings, and smart investing gives me the option of staying in the Haven or choosing not to do so. I realize I am fortunate and never forget where I came from. Growing up, we did not have enough money to even eat out at a restaurant. Some of you might remember Howard Johnson’s Restaurants. Once a week they would have an all you can eat, fried chicken dinner. Once a quarter, my mom would take us there. We can never forget where we have come from.

 

All that said, I believe in a concept called the price vs. value formula.

“When the Price of a Product or Service exceeds the value by one penny;  

then and only then will the guest purchase.”

 

I would take the Haven every time if I had unlimited funds. I do not and most of you do not either.  Now I look at the sailings, sometimes you can get a very reasonable rate in the Haven. If not, I book a Club Suite or Suite followed by an upgrade bid for a Haven Suite. As you can tell from this op-ed, I always know what the Haven rate was prior to booking a club suite. That way I can realistically bid with the highest chance of winning a Haven Suite. I am just not disappointed if my bid is not accepted.

 

Now, “you do you,” as my 36-year-old son tells me all the time. My wants and needs are different than yours. My budget or willingness to stretch my budget is also my own. Do your due diligence and most importantly, be happy with your final decision because of your research.

 

“Cruise well and enjoy every moment"

[Hearthosesteeldrumsplayin]

Thanks, Gary.  I always enjoy reading your posts.  My DH is also a Haven aficionado.  I love it, too, but I am the budget person, so much more conscious of the prices!  If it were up to me, I'd be fine in a balcony stateroom, just as long as I am on a cruise!  DH works long, hard hours and wants to have space and privacy when he vacations.  Haven gives him that, plus.  Have finally started booking Regent's.  The pricing between Haven and a regular stateroom with RSSC not too different these days!  If our first Regent cruise is true to norm, the experience is wonderful!  However, I haven't been able to  beat Haven's 2 bedroom when adding children (even adult ones!) or better yet, the 3 bedroom GV if you have friends to travel with and share the expense.

[Sthrngary]

2 minutes ago, Hearthosesteeldrumsplayin said:

Thanks, Gary.  I always enjoy reading your posts.  My DH is also a Haven aficionado.  I love it, too, but I am the budget person, so much more conscious of the prices!  If it were up to me, I'd be fine in a balcony stateroom, just as long as I am on a cruise!  DH works long, hard hours and wants to have space and privacy when he vacations.  Haven gives him that, plus.  Have finally started booking Regent's.  The pricing between Haven and a regular stateroom with RSSC not too different these days!  If our first Regent cruise is true to norm, the experience is wonderful!  However, I haven't been able to beat Haven's 2 bedroom when adding children (even adult ones!) or better yet, the 3 bedroom GV if you have friends to travel with and share the expense.

@HearthosesteeldrumsplayinGreat to hear from you.  I am so envious that you have begun cruising on RSSC.  Please when you have some time, compare it to the Haven. Last year, I wanted to do my first Luxury Cruise.  I REALLY wanted to go on RSSC.  Long story, I got turned off on them because some of the most loyal RSSC client in their private FaceBook group were more than rude. I ended up going on a Crystal Cruise voyage before they went out of business.  The Personalized treatment was over the top and so was the food.  It just was to soon to cruise and it was a bit boring.  That was my fault. 

 

As a husband to a wife that sound just like you, the Haven is an awfully nice way to cruise.  You only live once.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

[BklynBorn47]

Hi Gary,
I love your posts which were primarily responsible for us upgrading (rebooking after the price drop) from our customary balcony cabin to the Haven (Escape TA) followed by the Star (Owners Suite leg 1) and forward facing penthouse (10000) on the 2^nd leg because cabin 12000 wasn’t available. 

We ate in the Haven restaurant every meal (except when Savor served Moussaka), loved the food. Repetition not a problem.  At home we repeat favorite meals all the time. 

Everything was perfect until I tested positive before disembarkation and we couldn’t fly to board the Star.  That’s a different thread.  I will only say that I could not imagine a BETTER way to recover.  Because of some difficulties with the Italian government we got to stay onboard (not in the Haven of course) and while quarantined watched the scenery of the Mediterranean go by as we relaxed with free movies, internet and food ordered from the regular restaurant menus (all of them except the Haven) and delivered quickly. We have insurance for the cruise we missed. 
 

We joined the Star in Southampton where our FFPH was bigger than my childhood apartment.  Seriously, the balcony had more space than the alcove where I once slept next to the washing machine. Like you, I never forget where I came from. 
 

This was a perfect cruise, a great adventure for several reasons (again another thread) but I now know we missed out on some perks.  A recent CC post included a link to all that we should have received.  Our butler was full of excuses why we would not be receiving these and we were enjoying ourselves so much we didn’t argue – except on the last day when he insisted that we were to take our carry-on luggage with us to breakfast (Cagneys/Moderno since the Star doesn’t have a Haven restaurant).  NO, absolutely not!  No one else dragged baggage with them.  Pretty sure he wanted us out the room so he could have a head start getting it ready for the next guests.  He also said that we had drunk some items in the fridge (which we did not) and they would be on our invoice.  We said we would dispute this with guest services and he said not to worry that he would replace them.  Very strange! 

“You do you”  - Perfect advice!  We never get any drink package since we prefer to EAT our calories not drink them and we eat a LOT.  We just order a bottle of wine occasionally with dinner.  Included Internet is fine too.  Retired with no responsibilities – even our 6 grandchildren are all adults – email every few days to keep in touch is just fine. 

[Dederee]

Gary thank you so much for this. I had passed around the idea of bidding on an "entry level" Haven for our Sept Bermuda cruise, but $1k additional seemed a bit much for a poor bid. I did something similar to your advise and feel really good about it after reading this:

1. Booked a Club Suite

2. Bid on Spa Upgrade

3. Additional Specialty Dining

4. Premium Plus Bev

Bermuda is our favorite spot so we tend to spend a lot of time on the island but the above will hopefully give us the "Haven Lite" experience when we are on board. 🤞

 

[Sthrngary]

7 minutes ago, Dederee said:

Gary thank you so much for this. I had passed around the idea of bidding on an "entry level" Haven for our Sept Bermuda cruise, but $1k additional seemed a bit much for a poor bid. I did something similar to your advise and feel really good about it after reading this:

1. Booked a Club Suite

2. Bid on Spa Upgrade

3. Additional Specialty Dining

4. Premium Plus Bev

Bermuda is our favorite spot so we tend to spend a lot of time on the island but the above will hopefully give us the "Haven Lite" experience when we are on board. 🤞

 

@Dederee I have done the Thermal Spa many times.  I love it.  The key is weather for me.  If the weather is good and I have to choose, I do the Vibe Beach Club.  If the weather is going to Average or Bad, I do the Thermal Spa. Either way you can not go wrong.

 

If you can upgrade to the Haven for $500.00 each, it is the bargain of the century.  Usually that upgrade is for a Haven Spa Suite which is not in the Haven Proper.  My wife and I really loved that suite which came with a complementary pass to the Thermal Spa. That seems to be the best of both worlds. 

 

I get a lot of push back on the Premium Plus Beverage Package but I love it because of the freedom that it provides me.  Everything on a Cruise has a premium so it is not about super value.  I just want to feel like a Rock Star for 7 days in a year.  One day, I was in the Observation Lounge in the early morning.  I went to the Starbuck for a cup of nice coffee.  I sat in front of the Starbucks.  A man and his son came to the Starbucks for a cup of coffee.  He has a mixture of cash and credits of some sort and the Starbucks employee could not us it to pay for the coffee.  The argument got louder and louder.  I was the only person there at the time.  I went up to the Starbucks Employee and said, "His coffee and what every his son wants is on me."  The Employee looked at me with a look of relief.  The Guest instantly chilled out.  It did not cost me a cent instead the employee used my Premium Plus package.  

 

From that day forward, when I went to Starbucks, early in the morning and the employee saw me, he started to make my coffee before I even got to the counter.  He called me by my name and always checked on me.  I saw the guest again and this time with his wife.  His wife came up to me and thanked me and the gentleman explained why he was so upset that morning.  

 

Part of my Haven or Haven Lite experience was to make my cruise great.  To do that, I think we all have an obligation to make someone else day.  I do this much more for me than for anyone else.  That cruise was my one and only solo cruise and I was missing my family.  My family is the ones I would look to make happy.  This situation gave me an outlet to change my state by changing someone else.  

 

Cruise well and remember to enjoy every moment. 

 

[Sthrngary]

1 hour ago, BklynBorn47 said:

I love your posts which were primarily responsible for us upgrading (rebooking after the price drop) from our customary balcony cabin to the Haven (Escape TA) followed by the Star (Owners Suite leg 1) and forward facing penthouse (10000) on the 2^nd leg because cabin 12000 wasn’t available. 

Thank you for the kind words and it was my pleasure.

1 hour ago, BklynBorn47 said:

At home we repeat favorite meals all the time. 

I do the same.  My last cruise when I was solo and Haven Lite, I ate in Cagney's three nights.  It was great.

 

1 hour ago, BklynBorn47 said:

We have insurance for the cruise we missed. 

On the first cruise I took last year, I booked for the first time, Crystal Cruises.  8 days before the cruise my wife got break through covid.  I also had Travel Insurance and it made me whole in 15 business days.  I hope lots of people read this because that could have been a financial nightmare for both of us.

 

1 hour ago, BklynBorn47 said:

Like you, I never forget where I came from.

What makes life grand is to look back and remember our past.  My children have no idea what it is like not to have things.  That is for another posting as well.

 

1 hour ago, BklynBorn47 said:

Pretty sure he wanted us out the room so he could have a head start getting it ready for the next guests.  He also said that we had drunk some items in the fridge (which we did not) and they would be on our invoice.  We said we would dispute this with guest services and he said not to worry that he would replace them.  Very strange! 

Butlers are Hit or Miss.  Some are better trained then others.  Yours missed.  This is why I request all items taken out of the fridge on day one.  On the carry on, he backed off quick did he not.  This kind of stuff happens all the time.  NCL needs to know about it.  You paid the premium.  It would help if they had a complete list of all amenities instead of folks like you and me having to post them.  It is like it is all a big secret when it should be common knowledge. 

 

Great story and thank you for sharing.  You made your cruise positive and memorable. 

 

Cruise well.

[kylenyc]

Nice take on things. I'd add... Give your steward an extra tip the very first time you meet them and tell them your wants... coffee maker, what extras you want with it, extra wash clothes, etc. If you get the desired reaction, then tip them steadily throughout the cruise. I've had stewards who worked harder than some butlers and some who were extremely grateful for the extra tip.

[Sthrngary]

45 minutes ago, kylenyc said:

Nice take on things. I'd add... Give your steward an extra tip the very first time you meet them and tell them your wants... coffee maker, what extras you want with it, extra wash clothes, etc. If you get the desired reaction, then tip them steadily throughout the cruise. I've had stewards who worked harder than some butlers and some who were extremely grateful for the extra tip.

Thank you for a great response.  Well said.

 

Cruise well

[Mike A]

Hi Gary... I too love your posts. We just got off the Joy (May 29th sailing). Based on your suggestions, we did Haven Lite. We did a family cruise for my Retirement and 40th Anniversary. We were originally going to do the 2 Bedroom Haven Villa like we did on the Jewel in 2012. However, we were able to get 2 Club Balcony Suites, my wife and I in one stateroom, my daughter and 2 granddaughters in the other, along with Priority Access (we are only Silver), Free at Sea, Premium Plus Beverage Package and Unlimited Premium Internet as well as the AMEX Platinum On Board Credit and French Restaurant for both cabins.

While we missed the Haven itself, Butler and restaurant our savings was more than $4,000. Well worth the savings. In addition, I would like to add the P+ beverage package more than paid for itself with Veve, Mimosas w/Fresh Squeezed OJ and Starbucks. Needless to say, I got to know Anthony at Cellars very well🙂. BTW, Anthony is now on vacation until August when he will return to the Joy. I also felt that the Priority Access was worth it for us as we did receive Priority Embarkation (on ship at 11:00 after special needs) and Debarkation (Gold Baggage Tags), $50 spa credit per person per cabin and Canapes on second day. The Club Suites provided the great shower, bathrobes, bag of laundry and another set of canapes.

Gary...All I can say is many thanks to you and your design of Haven Lite for helping make our family vacation one to remember.

Edited June 15, 2022 by Mike A

[jimbri]

Looking forward to another one of your great reviews!

[Sthrngary]

1 hour ago, Mike A said:

I would like to add the P+ beverage package more than paid for itself with Veve, Mimosas w/Fresh Squeezed OJ and Starbucks.

I did the same thing and added Tequila 1942 at the "A" list Bar.  The bottle was put there by the Bar Tender in the Haven who remembered me.  They lost money on me as well. LOL.

 

1 hour ago, Mike A said:

Gary...All I can say is many thanks to you and your design of Haven Lite for helping make our family vacation one to remember.

I had a great time with Haven Lite as well.  The only thing I did differently was the Vibe Beach Club.  You are more than welcome.

 

Cruise well.

[ChiefMateJRK]

Nice thread Gary!  (as always) 😎

 

I'm probably the guy who uses the "Haven ultra-ultra lite strategy."

 

 

Goal: have as much fun on a cruise as possible.

Approach: eat, drink and be merry 24/7

Strategy: get onto a cruise ship as often as possible (all else is "details")

Breakfast/lunch/dinner: usually wherever DD wants to go (requires zero thought and the food is all good - if not, just follow up with a trip to the buffet, food is often way over rated)

Entertainment: figure out early who the good performer are (singers, piano players, etc.) and enjoy them early and often.  Check out the big shows but leave early if they turn out to be crap (I have at least two major shows on my "crap" list currently, but that's another discussion for another thread 🤣)

 

🐀

 

[Cruising Lynne]

59 minutes ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

Nice thread Gary!  (as always) 😎

 

I'm probably the guy who uses the "Haven ultra-ultra lite strategy."

 

 

Goal: have as much fun on a cruise as possible.

Approach: eat, drink and be merry 24/7

Strategy: get onto a cruise ship as often as possible (all else is "details")

Breakfast/lunch/dinner: usually wherever DD wants to go (requires zero thought and the food is all good - if not, just follow up with a trip to the buffet, food is often way over rated)

Entertainment: figure out early who the good performer are (singers, piano players, etc.) and enjoy them early and often.  Check out the big shows but leave early if they turn out to be crap (I have at least two major shows on my "crap" list currently, but that's another discussion for another thread 🤣)

 

🐀

 

LOL I am also in the Haven ultra lite category. Though, thanks to Gary, if I ever go in the Haven, I will be well prepared. A balcony cabin, a thermal suite pass, and a few cocktails are all I need. We get Platinum specialty dining for two dinners, and the rest of the time eat in the complimentary restaurants. 

 

I am curious which shows you think are the crap shows. I generally enjoy all the shows. The only big show that I have not enjoyed I saw on land, and I am glad that NCL does not have this show on their ships. It is done on a Royal ship, and it is CATS. I was so disappointed as I love cats and music, but I would not go to that show ever again.

[ChiefMateJRK]

19 minutes ago, Cruising Lynne said:

A balcony cabin,

The only thing I've enjoyed more than a balcony cabin is a balcony cabin for the price of an inside.  While booked in a cabin for our next cruise, my favorite is booking an inside and then upgrading to a balcony when the prices drop.  Last cruise it cost $52 pp.  The cruise before that it was around a hundred bucks a head. 

19 minutes ago, Cruising Lynne said:

I am curious which shows you think are the crap shows.

🤣 If the forum allowed PMs, I would tell you.  Let's just say I'm not a fan of the "big Broadway" type shows with some kind of message.  I really just like good music without the fluff.  Choir of Man was on our last two cruises and I thoroughly enjoyed that show.  Company Men was on another, and I thought that was great.

[Sthrngary]

2 hours ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

Check out the big shows but leave early if they turn out to be crap

LMAO, My wife and I used to always sit in the last row on the isle so we could exit if the show was not good.  With NCL their shows have been better then most so we move down a bit now.  

 

Great post that you.

 

Cruise well.

[JCDCA]

Wasn’t something very similar to this posted not that long ago? 

[Cruising Lynne]

3 hours ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

The only thing I've enjoyed more than a balcony cabin is a balcony cabin for the price of an inside.  While booked in a cabin for our next cruise, my favorite is booking an inside and then upgrading to a balcony when the prices drop.  Last cruise it cost $52 pp.  The cruise before that it was around a hundred bucks a head. 

🤣 If the forum allowed PMs, I would tell you.  Let's just say I'm not a fan of the "big Broadway" type shows with some kind of message.  I really just like good music without the fluff.  Choir of Man was on our last two cruises and I thoroughly enjoyed that show.  Company Men was on another, and I thought that was great.

I need to get over wanting to pick my exact cabin location, and start bidding. I know I could save a ton of money.

Good that you found some shows you really enjoyed. Yes, sometimes you just need a show to be entertaining and not have "some kind of message". Choir of Man seems like a fun show that I hope to see some time.

[ChiefMateJRK]

2 hours ago, Cruising Lynne said:

I need to get over wanting to pick my exact cabin location, and start bidding. I know I could save a ton of money.

I meant to say "booked in a balcony cabin"....  Anyhow, I haven't relied on bidding.  Just watching price drops and calling to reprice if/when they drop.

[acct1975]

Gary, you are the Master of all things Haven and I really love your insight so I have a (slightly) off topic question. 

 

If I'm in a Haven and another couple in our group is not, can they dine with us at the Haven restaurant (or in our cabin)? Would there be a fee? Don't want to promise something without having the facts.

 

TIA

[graphicguy]

16 minutes ago, acct1975 said:

Gary, you are the Master of all things Haven and I really love your insight so I have a (slightly) off topic question. 

 

If I'm in a Haven and another couple in our group is not, can they dine with us at the Haven restaurant (or in our cabin)? Would there be a fee? Don't want to promise something without having the facts.

 

TIA

Not Gary (who is indeed a Haven sansei), but have stayed in the Haven a few times.  I have heard a Non-Haven Guest can actually join a Haven guest at dinner for a fee.  But, it was at the discretion of the Head Concierge and not a given...even if you're willing to pay.

 

This was before the COVID shutdown, so not sure where they're at with that now.  Probably best to ask the Head Concierge when you board before committing.

[TominNC]

Love the way you explain everything without making judgments on others.  Always detailed and with some humor.

[Sthrngary]

4 hours ago, TominNC said:

Love the way you explain everything without making judgments on others.  Always detailed and with some humor.

Thank you for your kind words.

 

Cruise well.

 

[Sthrngary]

5 hours ago, acct1975 said:

If I'm in a Haven and another couple in our group is not, can they dine with us at the Haven restaurant (or in our cabin)? Would there be a fee? Don't want to promise something without having the facts.

This question has been asked many, many times.  The answer was given above by @graphicguy.  The answer is for a fee but if the Restaurant is crowed, you might get turned down.  It is also kind of costly in my opinion.  The same thing holds true for your suite.  Ask first, confirm fee and I would not promise to your friends.  

 

Cruise well.

[Sthrngary]

I am the author of this topic.  My next cruise is on December 4, 2022 on the NCL Breakaway out of New Orleans.  This was not the ship or the itinerary I would have chosen however it was selected because it hosts the Slot Machine Finals.  My wife some how won the Slot Machine tournament on the NCL Joy in December 2021.  This is crazy and odd.  My wife never gambles.  

 

We will be going Haven Lite as I described on this topic. Usually I would do a Haven Upgrade bid.  The issue is even thought this cruise leaves in almost six months, most all Haven suites are booked.  I am assuming because of the Slot Machine Tournament.  If not, I have no idea.  The other reason is some of my family members will be joining and they simply can not afford the Haven.  When you go on a cruise with family and good friends, you want to dine with them every night.  This kind be expensive for the Non-Haven Guest.  

 

My Haven Lite Strategy is the same I did for my NCL Joy solo trip earlier this year.

 

1. Premium Plus Beverage Package
2. Upgraded Unlimited Streaming Internet
3. Three meal Specialty Restaurant Package
4. Earliest Boarding Time
5. Vibe Beach Club and or Thermal Spa Depending on Weather
6. Pre-Paid Gratuities
7. Pre-Cruise Hotel by the Port

 

If anyone has any questions, just ask.

 

Cruise well.