Rough start to Haven.

[roddy good boy]

I’m not sure what you consider “cheap”. As stated the HI’s are only $200 less than the Haven penthouse courtyard suite. However, both cost much less than the owners suite, etc.

[graphicguy]

6 minutes ago, roddy good boy said:

I’m not sure what you consider “cheap”. As stated the HI’s are only $200 less than the Haven penthouse courtyard suite. However, both cost much less than the owners suite, etc.

I think it depends on the ship.  I know I’m looking at a cruise on the Joy.  The difference between the Haven Penthouse Courtyard and the Haven Penthouse Suites are about $600.  To me, who doesn’t care where I am, I’ll pocket the $600 as the experience is the same in either cabin.

[roddy good boy]

You are right! I stand corrected. I just checked my sailing and the difference is $500 per person! I’m sure that factored into our decision. 😆  That, and the fact we really like the spa suites. 

[ChiefMateJRK]

12 hours ago, roddy good boy said:

You check into the Haven in an area that has all kinds of snacks: sandwiches, cookies, water and juice. You then wait for a butler to take you onto the ship, up to the Haven lounge. Once there you can have champagne in glasses, an open bar, mini burgers and fry’s in fancy cups (until the Haven restaurant opens shortly for a full lunch)!

 

12 hours ago, roddy good boy said:

It’s a great experience!

I eat a full complimentary breakfast at my hotel.  Then I check in and walk onto the ship, up to my muster station when they call Sapphire.  Once there, I go to a restaurant and have whatever drink I want in glasses, open bar, all kinds of food (mini and otherwise) for a full lunch.  It's a great experience!

 

I'm just not seeing the distinction here.

[ChiefMateJRK]

11 hours ago, cruiseny4life said:

I like having easier access to the rest of the ship as I don't mind spending time with the chief 🐀s outside the Haven. 

Just be careful.  🐀's have some strange norms and behaviors that may not readily accommodate "outsiders."

 

disclaimer: that was a joke

[ChiefMateJRK]

10 hours ago, RocketMan275 said:

My last cruise on Prima.  There were two different gangways for boarding the ship.  One was for steerage and the other for Haven.  The Haven gangway lead to the Haven only elevators which took us directly to the Haven.  There was no parade.  No sign to follow. Just a rapid embarkation to the Haven bar.    

Well it certainly sounds like you got your money's worth.  Good job!

[roddy good boy]

4 hours ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

 

I eat a full complimentary breakfast at my hotel.  Then I check in and walk onto the ship, up to my muster station when they call Sapphire.  Once there, I go to a restaurant and have whatever drink I want in glasses, open bar, all kinds of food (mini and otherwise) for a full lunch.  It's a great experience!

 

I'm just not seeing the distinction here.

I completely understand your point of view. And, if you never try it, you won’t miss it! Enjoy all your future trips! 

[ChiefMateJRK]

24 minutes ago, roddy good boy said:

I completely understand your point of view. And, if you never try it, you won’t miss it! Enjoy all your future trips! 

Thanks!  Who knows?  If I ever find myself NOT having the time of my life on a cruise (yes, in steerage), then maybe I'll pull my wallet out and find out how the good people live.   It could happen!

 

(or not)🤣

 

ETA: I did my first B2B last April, so was already on the ship to watch the whole "show."  We had seats in the local, overlooking the activity.  I saw one or two of those Haven parades.  A well dressed crew member holding up a sign that said "HAVEN", clearing the way for a parade of elite being led to their dedicated elevator and the land of milk and honey.  To be honest (yes really), none of those folks looked very happy.  Strange?

[Laszlo]

21 hours ago, RocketMan275 said:

My last cruise on Prima.  There were two different gangways for boarding the ship.  One was for steerage and the other for Haven.  The Haven gangway lead to the Haven only elevators which took us directly to the Haven.  There was no parade.  No sign to follow. Just a rapid embarkation to the Haven bar.    

The same on the Getaway on our last 12 days. The Concierge's explained on day one, port days when boarding the ship come to the forward gangway. 

[Laszlo]

12 hours ago, graphicguy said:

I think it depends on the ship.  I know I’m looking at a cruise on the Joy.  The difference between the Haven Penthouse Courtyard and the Haven Penthouse Suites are about $600.  To me, who doesn’t care where I am, I’ll pocket the $600 as the experience is the same in either cabin.

Yup, the Haven Spa Cabin my wife and I had was $1400 cheaper than the next cheapest Haven cabin on the GA. For that amount of money I'll spend the 90 seconds walking to the Haven Courtyard Lol

[cruiseny4life]

7 hours ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

I saw one or two of those Haven parades.  A well dressed crew member holding up a sign that said "HAVEN", clearing the way for a parade of elite being led to their dedicated elevator and the land of milk and honey.  To be honest (yes really), none of those folks looked very happy.  Strange?

I've absolutely been in these parades. And feel very awkward as I don't belong. Many of the Haveners I've cruised with are a surly bunch. We gravitate toward those that laugh and joke, but every cruise has its' fair share of turned up nose peoples. 

[KeithJenner]

8 hours ago, roddy good boy said:

I completely understand your point of view. And, if you never try it, you won’t miss it! Enjoy all your future trips! 

I have sailed in Suites a few times, and also had VIP privileges a couple more times, and I find the embarkation process annoying, to be honest.

 

I get that the waiting area is quite nice, but we generally only wait off the ship for a short time. We only snack for lunch, so trying to avoid being frogmarched to the restaurant is a pain and I’d really rather avoid having to deal with the concierge (it’s much easier just to make my own bookings than add someone in the middle).

 

I’d much rather just find my own way on to the ship (it is fairly easy to find), get our bearings if it’s a new ship and then choose a bar for ourselves.

 

Each to their own of course.

[cheersforbeers]

7 hours ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

Thanks!  Who knows?  If I ever find myself NOT having the time of my life on a cruise (yes, in steerage), then maybe I'll pull my wallet out and find out how the good people live.   It could happen!

 

(or not)🤣

God bless us Steerage’ers. 

[roddy good boy]

Well, I hope all you haters remain firm in your convictions and refuse to bid on upgrades to the Haven! It’ll increase my odds! 😜

 

Just kidding; of course! 😝

[graphicguy]

8 hours ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

Thanks!  Who knows?  If I ever find myself NOT having the time of my life on a cruise (yes, in steerage), then maybe I'll pull my wallet out and find out how the good people live.   It could happen!

 

(or not)🤣

 

ETA: I did my first B2B last April, so was already on the ship to watch the whole "show."  We had seats in the local, overlooking the activity.  I saw one or two of those Haven parades.  A well dressed crew member holding up a sign that said "HAVEN", clearing the way for a parade of elite being led to their dedicated elevator and the land of milk and honey.  To be honest (yes really), none of those folks looked very happy.  Strange?

Sailed with you on that one (and enjoyed it immensely).  Now, since you know me, and knowing I sometimes sail the Haven, would you describe more more an elite?  Or, more like Jethro Bodine?  

 

I agree about those who believe they're elite in the Haven.  I steer clear of those folks. But, they're on every sailing.

 

I personally being down the elite quotient by about 75% when I sail the Haven.

 

Just like on every cruise, you run into quite the cross section of people on board.  I'm a "if you ain't bothering me, I don't really care" sort of guy.  That goes for the Haven more than anywhere else.  Play whatever role you want to play.

 

Quick story....I sailed the Haven on the Epic last year.  I had not seen a tux, gown or a suit on ANY cruise in many years.  The last night of the cruise, as these things go, I had befriended some folks who I met every day for some libations.  We were having a last gasp round of partying.  

 

About 9:00 p.m. a couple walks into the Haven Bar to get a pre-dinner drink.  I had seen them around, but only once.  The little I interfaced with them, the more I realized they were "those people"....the ones who insisted on showing pictures of their cars,  their boat, etc.  They were in full tux and gown.

 

 

The issue, the Haven restaurant closed at 9:30 p.m.  Sure enough, by the time they finished their little parade around the bar and had a drink (or two?), the Haven Restaurant had already closed (they missed it by about a ½ hour).  Well, you could predict, they threw a little hissy fit.

 

They protested "why in the world do you think we dressed up?"  A very good question, indeed.

Edited March 20 by graphicguy

[Distinctive-Destinations]

1 minute ago, graphicguy said:

 

I agree about those who believe they're elite in the Haven.  I steer clear of those folks. But, they're on every sailing.

 

I personally being down the elite quotient by about 75% when I sail the Haven.

 

Just like on every cruise, you run into quite the cross section of people on board.  I'm a "if you ain't bothering me, I don't really care" sort of guy.  That goes for the Haven more than anywhere else.  Play whatever role you want to play.

Anybody who thinks they are elite in The Haven is delusional.

 

If you were truly “elite” you’d be on YOUR ship with your own crew, having them serve you (and only you).

 

Having the upscale suite on a mass-market commercial cruise line with 5,000 other people isn’t even remotely close to being elite or exclusive.

[kimstoess]

On 3/18/2024 at 4:59 PM, david_sobe said:

I think some of the mix up is NCL calling the suites outside the Haven, Haven suites.  They do get access to the Haven which I understand why.  However IMHO being outside the Haven while having Haven access is not the same IMHO.  But they are so much cheaper its not like anyone is being ripped off.  If you booked with a TA then I would definitely address it with them.  But they did not lie in selling you a Haven suite.  I can see how its confusing.  Would you have spent $2000 more to stay inside the Haven?   If its a spa suite then you have access to the spa which is a HUGE perk that people staying inside the Haven do not have.  Its the glass half full approach.

Being in the haven proper doesn't mean you spent less money. I have an aft large balcony haven room coming up soon on the bliss and I could have stayed in the haven proper for $1,000 less. 

[graphicguy]

9 minutes ago, kimstoess said:

Being in the haven proper doesn't mean you spent less money. I have an aft large balcony haven room coming up soon on the bliss and I could have stayed in the haven proper for $1,000 less. 

Those AFT cabins are quite nice.  Doesn't matter if they are in the Haven proper or not.  They are some of the most preferential cabins on the ship in my estimation.

[wolft927]

54 minutes ago, KeithJenner said:

I have sailed in Suites a few times, and also had VIP privileges a couple more times, and I find the embarkation process annoying, to be honest.

 

I get that the waiting area is quite nice, but we generally only wait off the ship for a short time. We only snack for lunch, so trying to avoid being frogmarched to the restaurant is a pain and I’d really rather avoid having to deal with the concierge (it’s much easier just to make my own bookings than add someone in the middle).

 

I’d much rather just find my own way on to the ship (it is fairly easy to find), get our bearings if it’s a new ship and then choose a bar for ourselves.

 

Each to their own of course.

We have sailed the Haven Multiple times and our most recent was on the Escape in January. Once we got done with our check in documents, they were already doing general boarding and was asked to wait for a butler, we politly explained we know where we were going and they smiled and said welcome aboard and we went on our own. 

 

Now, have no issue when returning from a port day utilizing the front gangway and depending on the time there is a Butler waiting to escort you from the gangway to the crew elevators so you can bypass the general elevaters which are always crowded. 

[kimstoess]

2 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

Those AFT cabins are quite nice.  Doesn't matter if they are in the Haven proper or not.  They are some of the most preferential cabins on the ship in my estimation.

I hope I think that! I normally like to stay in suite area on any cruiseline but I couldn't say no to a 300 sqft balcony for Alaska! Plus with it being cold I won't get as much wind so I won't freeze as much outside. lol

[wolft927]

6 minutes ago, kimstoess said:

I hope I think that! I normally like to stay in suite area on any cruiseline but I couldn't say no to a 300 sqft balcony for Alaska! Plus with it being cold I won't get as much wind so I won't freeze as much outside. lol

Aft Haven Suites are awesome! that would be our prefered cabin when cruising the Haven! Balcony is an amzing space not to mention on the BA+ ships they have a second full bathroom. 

[roddy good boy]

Had an aft Haven suite on Bliss to the Mexican Rivera. It is, in my opinion, the best. We had breakfast out on that huge balcony most mornings and even hosted a small gathering of CC folks. 

[lemon bar]

2 hours ago, cruiseny4life said:

I've absolutely been in these parades. And feel very awkward as I don't belong. Many of the Haveners I've cruised with are a surly bunch. We gravitate toward those that laugh and joke, but every cruise has its' fair share of turned up nose peoples. 

 

Oh man, that does sound awkward.

 

Do we have to do this? We will be in Haven (first time) on Aqua, boarding in Miami. I would rather not be lead around people who have been waiting for a while with a sign that says Haven. 😄 If we get of on/off ship at ports during non-peak times, can we avoid this?

[roddy good boy]

I’m not sure what they mean about parades. I’ve been in the Haven about 5 times. Most  times, we board by ourselves with a butler. The butler comes to the registration area and takes whomever has completed registration and is ready to board. A few times we’ve missed a group and have had to wait for another butler. At most, I’ve boarded with about 6 to 8 other people. The butler takes the group up to the Haven in designated Haven elevators. It’s been a few years since my last cruise, 2019, (pre-COVID) but you don’t really intermingle with large crowds. You kind of bypass everyone else.

[roddy good boy]

By the way, I’ve never used a special entrance when returning to the ship from various ports. We kind of stagger back with everyone else, and squeeze into the packed elevators! It’s part of the fun!