New to NCL - questions about Haven and Club suites.

[ISABELLA]

Celebrity cruiser is considering NCL. I have trouble finding what free perks are included with Club suites and Haven suites, such as dining in Specialty restaurants, access to Spa, free water, dining in Haven restaurant etc..Any information is greatly appreciated.

[CCJack]

See similar post has some answers for you.    

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2915171-club-balcony-suite-on-joy/#comment-64833489

[psuboater]

I'm a newer convert from Celebrity to NCL, and just booked a Club Balcony for June. Here's what I know:

 

1) Club Balcony is a slightly larger room and bathroom (I've heard people rave about the shower in Club Balcony, excited to try!)  Small snacks are provided daily, and I believe 1 bag of laundry is included. No access to the Haven. Wifi/Restaurants/Drinks are only what you got at your Free at Sea package (or upgrades) or otherwise has to be purchased separately.

 

2) This is where my knowledge is limited since I've only talked to people in the Haven - but you will have access to the Haven bar, observation deck and restaurant, along with priority boarding. However, nothing else is included besides your Free at Sea package or whatever you bought. I talked to someone who spent $13k on 5 days in the Haven, but when I sent him an article, he said he'd have to wait unitl he got home to read it because he used up his Free at Sea internet minutes. It's crazy to me that the prices are so much higher and drinks/wifi/restaurants aren't included, but again, I could be wrong. 

[HBCcruiser]

23 minutes ago, psuboater said:

It's crazy to me that the prices are so much higher and drinks/wifi/restaurants aren't included, but again, I could be wrong. 

Nope you are correct. It is not like RCI Star class where everything is included. You do get a shared butler and daily snacks included along with a private restaurant, lunge, bar, pool/hot tubs and sun deck on the ships that have a "real" Haven. 

[BirdTravels]

45 minutes ago, ISABELLA said:

Celebrity cruiser is considering NCL. I have trouble finding what free perks are included with Club suites and Haven suites, such as dining in Specialty restaurants, access to Spa, free water, dining in Haven restaurant etc..Any information is greatly appreciated.

Most importantly, a Club Balcony is just a balcony room. It is not a suite. They give you a bottle of sparkling wine and a plate of cookies. 

 

https://www.ncl.com/why-cruise-norwegian/cruise-accommodations/minisuites-and-balconies

Exclusive Club Balcony Suite Amenities

• Option to pre-book onboard entertainment and dining as early as 125 days prior to sailing
• Complimentary treats delivered to your stateroom
• Complimentary bottle of sparkling wine
• Complimentary choice of one valet laundry or pressing service
• Bliss Collection by Norwegian™ featuring fine linens, pillows and a memory foam mattress or mattress topper

 

The Haven does come with the perks of being in a suite. The exact perks depend on the class of ship you are on (big ships have more facilities). No NCL suites include specialty dining, internet, or spa access,,, you need to pay for those separately. On big ships, you will have a private Haven Restaurant serving upgraded food 3 times a day (on small ships, it is only breakfast and lunch). 

 

https://www.ncl.com/why-cruise-norwegian/cruise-accommodations/the-haven

• Skip the lines and be personally escorted on and off the ship at the pier and at ports-of-call
• 24-hour trained and certified suite butler. From unpacking your suitcase to pouring your champagne our butlers are at your service
• Concierge service to help you book dining, entertainment, shore excursions and more
• Courtyard attendant to take care of all your cold towels, fresh fruit, and sun deck refreshment needs
• White tablecloth in-suite dining
• Evening turndown service
• Priority when reserving restaurants and entertainment
• Exclusive access to The Haven Courtyard area with private pool, sundeck, hot tub and fitness area
• Mobile phone that can be used throughout the ship (Available on Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Epic)
• Distinctive platinum keycard
• Sparkling wine, bottled water and fruit on embarkation day (For 2-Bedroom villa, Courtyard Penthouse, Spa Suite, and Penthouse only)
• Mini-bar and deluxe coffee/espresso/cappuccino machine
• Special Haven Menus
• Invitations to exclusive cocktail parties
• Cocktail party with ship's officers
• Bliss Collection by Norwegian pillow-top mattress
• Fine linens, feather duvet and pillow menu
• Plush bathrobes, slippers and oversized bath towels
• Luxury bathroom products

Edited February 28, 2023 by BirdTravels

[BirdTravels]

4 minutes ago, HBCcruiser said:

Nope you are correct. It is not like RCI Star class where everything is included. You do get a shared butler and daily snacks included along with a private restaurant, lunge, bar, pool/hot tubs and sun deck on the ships that have a "real" Haven. 

 

29 minutes ago, psuboater said:

It's crazy to me that the prices are so much higher and drinks/wifi/restaurants aren't included, but again, I could be wrong. 

 

So, we are always in Sky class suites on Royal (Grand Suites and most recently a Loft). And their suite perks totally inferior to NCL Haven. There is no comparison between the Haven restaurant and Costal Kitchen (which is a glorified main dining room - we walked out of CK twice on our last cruise because the food and service was sooooo bad). There is no comparison between the Haven facilities on big ships and the suites lounge and suites sundeck on a Royal ship. And having a butler to serve us breakfast is much nicer than the room service person who leaves a cart in your doorway. 

[HBCcruiser]

2 minutes ago, BirdTravels said:

 

 

So, we are always in Sky class suites on Royal (Grand Suites and most recently a Loft). And their suite perks totally inferior to NCL Haven. There is no comparison between the Haven restaurant and Costal Kitchen (which is a glorified main dining room - we walked out of CK twice on our last cruise because the food and service was sooooo bad). There is no comparison between the Haven facilities on big ships and the suites lounge and suites sundeck on a Royal ship. And having a butler to serve us breakfast is much nicer than the room service person who leaves a cart in your doorway. 

Perhaps you misread what I said. I was referring to STAR class not sky class. Sky class is more like the regular suites on NCL and Princess. STAR class beats out the Haven. You get free deluxe beverage package (DBP), Free unlimited specialty dining (UDP), Free Wifi, A Genie who does much more than a Butler does, and special "gifts and surprises" during your cruise. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the Haven too. 

[sailorusvi]

27 minutes ago, BirdTravels said:

 

https://www.ncl.com/why-cruise-norwegian/cruise-accommodations/the-haven

• Skip the lines and be personally escorted on and off the ship at the pier and at ports-of-call
• 24-hour trained and certified suite butler. From unpacking your suitcase to pouring your champagne our butlers are at your service
• Concierge service to help you book dining, entertainment, shore excursions and more
• Courtyard attendant to take care of all your cold towels, fresh fruit, and sun deck refreshment needs
• White tablecloth in-suite dining
• Evening turndown service
• Priority when reserving restaurants and entertainment
• Exclusive access to The Haven Courtyard area with private pool, sundeck, hot tub and fitness area
• Mobile phone that can be used throughout the ship (Available on Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Epic)
• Distinctive platinum keycard
• Sparkling wine, bottled water and fruit on embarkation day (For 2-Bedroom villa, Courtyard Penthouse, Spa Suite, and Penthouse only)
• Mini-bar and deluxe coffee/espresso/cappuccino machine
• Special Haven Menus
• Invitations to exclusive cocktail parties
• Cocktail party with ship's officers
• Bliss Collection by Norwegian pillow-top mattress
• Fine linens, feather duvet and pillow menu
• Plush bathrobes, slippers and oversized bath towels
• Luxury bathroom products

 

We sailed last week during a school break.  The ship was insanely crowded, the highlighted, plus access to the Haven Lounge, bar & restaurants made the upgrade worth it to us alone.  The other stuff were just extra. 

 

Does anyone actually say "Look we can get a distinctive platinum keycard, I HAVE to book the Haven"? 😁 

Edited March 1, 2023 by sailorusvi

[BirdTravels]

6 minutes ago, sailorusvi said:

Does anyone actually say "Look we can get a distinctive platinum keycard, I HAVE to book the Haven"? 😁 

Don't know... our Haven keys have always been gold.

 

And other than being in theaters when the main doors open and people see that "prime" seats have already been taken, or when you are escorted to the front of the security line, stopping the line for everyone else, no one cares. 

Edited March 1, 2023 by BirdTravels

[BirdTravels]

18 minutes ago, HBCcruiser said:

Perhaps you misread what I said. I was referring to STAR class not sky class. Sky class is more like the regular suites on NCL and Princess. STAR class beats out the Haven. You get free deluxe beverage package (DBP), Free unlimited specialty dining (UDP), Free Wifi, A Genie who does much more than a Butler does, and special "gifts and surprises" during your cruise. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the Haven too. 

Yes, Star class is wonderful. But all NCL suites get benefits, not just "deluxe owner suites". 

[sailorusvi]

1 minute ago, BirdTravels said:

Don't know... our Haven keys have always been gold.

 

And other than being in theaters when the main doors open and people see that "prime" seats have already been taken, or when you are escorted to the front of the security line, stopping the line for everyone else, no one cares. 

 

We went to Sid Norman's  3 nights and got to pick any seat we wanted before they opened the doors.  One of the Haven staff also worked at Sid's, and he would save us "our" seats.  We enjoyed that perk a lot on a busy ship. Sure beats having to stand in line first.    Other trips it might not matter, as much as our trip.

 

[ISABELLA]

It sounds like Club suites are somewhat similar to Celebrity Concierge Class. CC class perks has no value to me. Used to X AQ class, but late drastic price increase is prompting me look for other options.

Thank you all for your input.