Upgrading to Haven Spa Suite - tips?

Hello! My 3-gen family of 6 will be sailing this Sunday on the Breakaway again, this time we upgraded to a Haven Spa Suite on the 14th floor under spa port-side. Very excited! We will not have all the perks - UDP, etc - only the Unlimited Beverage Package that we started with. With that being said, this is our 1st time with access to the Haven particularly on the Breakaway, & I really wanted to hear from those who have sailed with this type of experience on her that can offer a few tips. We will be sailing with our senior parents, a preschooler (too young for kids club) and a younger teen. I'm aware of the standard suite 'stuff' (pillows, lavazza, etc) but was wondering about the 'little things' that might be helpful - e.g. Bottled water - is it worth hauling a case on board, or is there plenty of water avail if we walk to Haven (would the butler set up our 3 spa suites with pitcher/bottles?) also, Cagney's steakhouse is mentioned, but didn't think this was avail in addition to the Haven restaurant for breakfast lunch, doesn't the pp chg apply? How about the 2 suite & captain receptions, any idea when they're usually held and has anyone attended with children? (JoMama runs a 'tight ship' so consider the kiddies well-behaved [emoji16]) Again, we're taking up 3 cabins, but understand the appointed butler to our cabins will be dealing with a dozen other suites, so we'd like to make sure we anticipate any extra amenities/service without too high of an expectation- but want to ensure 'smooth sailing' [emoji6]It looks like 4 out of 7 days may be chilly out during the cruise - so rethinking wardrobe..and the kids, any thoughts on recent sailings that I could gain insight from in this? (Maybe a blanket for balcony?) also any tips on Disney excursion in fl and Atlantis in Nassau (yes..I know what you're thinking, but given the co. it is unavoidable [emoji30]) I have perused these boards and found a lot of very useful info and I apologize for the long-winded post but wanted to get your take if you've been in a similar suite..again, just tidbits and helpful tips from anyone with this experience would be greatly appreciated!! 4 days and 15 hours to go!!!!![emoji267][emoji322]Thx much!

Hello! My 3-gen family of 6 will be sailing this Sunday on the Breakaway again, this time we upgraded to a Haven Spa Suite on the 14th floor under spa port-side. Very excited! We will not have all the perks - UDP, etc - only the Unlimited Beverage Package that we started with. With that being said, this is our 1st time with access to the Haven particularly on the Breakaway, & I really wanted to hear from those who have sailed with this type of experience on her that can offer a few tips. We will be sailing with our senior parents, a preschooler (too young for kids club) and a younger teen. I'm aware of the standard suite 'stuff' (pillows, lavazza, etc) but was wondering about the 'little things' that might be helpful - e.g. Bottled water - is it worth hauling a case on board, or is there plenty of water avail if we walk to Haven (would the butler set up our 3 spa suites with pitcher/bottles?) also, Cagney's steakhouse is mentioned, but didn't think this was avail in addition to the Haven restaurant for breakfast lunch, doesn't the pp chg apply? How about the 2 suite & captain receptions, any idea when they're usually held and has anyone attended with children? (JoMama runs a 'tight ship' so consider the kiddies well-behaved [emoji16]) Again, we're taking up 3 cabins, but understand the appointed butler to our cabins will be dealing with a dozen other suites, so we'd like to make sure we anticipate any extra amenities/service without too high of an expectation- but want to ensure 'smooth sailing' [emoji6]It looks like 4 out of 7 days may be chilly out during the cruise - so rethinking wardrobe..and the kids, any thoughts on recent sailings that I could gain insight from in this? (Maybe a blanket for balcony?) also any tips on Disney excursion in fl and Atlantis in Nassau (yes..I know what you're thinking, but given the co. it is unavoidable [emoji30]) I have perused these boards and found a lot of very useful info and I apologize for the long-winded post but wanted to get your take if you've been in a similar suite..again, just tidbits and helpful tips from anyone with this experience would be greatly appreciated!! 4 days and 15 hours to go!!!!![emoji267][emoji322]Thx much!

1. You'll get 1 bottle of water comp. The rest you'd pay for. Or the ship water is fine to drink too.

2. Cagney's applies to older ships which don't have a Haven restaurant.

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I'm sorry but I don't have any tips for you but I am wondering if you just upgraded on this sailing? If so, would you mind telling me the cabin numbers or the category of cabin you were originally booked in?

NCL doesn't release cabins right away once someone upgrades, and we are looking to move if a cabin becomes available in a location that we'd prefer.

Thanks! Enjoy the cruise!!:):):)

Thank you for the info, sjbdtz!! I will just bring our bottles to fill with water & have bottled water to take on port days when we leave the ship. Lovemymo, I actually upgraded last week, sorry - but good info to know about rooms held! If anyone has any add'l tips, feel welcome to post! [emoji106]

I am also on this cruise and received an upsell fairy visit. I was in a spa balcony and moved up to a Haven suite. I sailed in a haven suite on the Breakaway last year and loved it. Keep in mind, that although the weather may still be chilly, I am sure the roof will be closed in the Haven so that the pool and jacuzzis can still be used. We put a luggage tag on a case of water and it was delivered at the cabin. We have the beverage package this time, and I am not sure if bottled water is included. I am counting the days down until Sunday as well!

Bottled water is no included, unless your in an Owners Suite or Garden Villa.

My only advice regards the Disney shore excursion. We did that excursion years ago. Make sure you get one of the early busses. They fill up and move out quickly. The later busses hold for a bit to make sure they are filled with slow pokes - like us.

Chars - Thanks for the head's up on the Haven pool & jacuzzi's! Great point - I'm wondering if the pool itself is heated? If not the jacuzzi's will be more than enough for me! Rvsullivan, thanks for the confirmation, yep unfortunately bottled water and espresso/cappuccino are not included in the bev pkg - which is in small part why I upgraded as we drink espresso daily. :) I think we'll forgo the case of water this time, as we have a few cases of luggage to haul to the terminal already but I recall the water on the ship was fine - will just need to fill up for Disney (that's if security allows it at the gates of Zmagic Kingdom on acct of stepped up security the past few years?! I haven't been I think since 05) and Atlantis. Cruizinwithkids- thanks for the tip on buses, I'm definitely going to plan to leave early - does anyone know if the concierge coordinates a priority for Haven guests to leave for this excursion, or would we need to get tickets like they typically have for the tenders at GSC? Thanks again everyone for the info - I greatly appreciate it!!

Chars - Thanks for the head's up on the Haven pool & jacuzzi's! Great point - I'm wondering if the pool itself is heated? If not the jacuzzi's will be more than enough for me! Rvsullivan, thanks for the confirmation, yep unfortunately bottled water and espresso/cappuccino are not included in the bev pkg - which is in small part why I upgraded as we drink espresso daily. :) I think we'll forgo the case of water this time, as we have a few cases of luggage to haul to the terminal already but I recall the water on the ship was fine - will just need to fill up for Disney (that's if security allows it at the gates of Zmagic Kingdom on acct of stepped up security the past few years?! I haven't been I think since 05) and Atlantis. Cruizinwithkids- thanks for the tip on buses, I'm definitely going to plan to leave early - does anyone know if the concierge coordinates a priority for Haven guests to leave for this excursion, or would we need to get tickets like they typically have for the tenders at GSC? Thanks again everyone for the info - I greatly appreciate it!!

The concierge staff will usually escort you to excursion meet up locations.

Also, I was in Disney in December and we had no issue bringing in those draw string backpacks with water bottles and snacks. Security just checks to make sure you don't have anything illegal and off to Mickey you go!

Oh, and Ive done the Atlantis excursion twice, once with the Dolphin experience & Aquaventure, once with just Aquaventure. You can explore the "Dig" exhibit, too. Yes, it is pretty pricey, but we had plenty of time to explore. Make sure to bring a credit card, as they are a cashless property.

Hello! How about the 2 suite & captain receptions, any idea when they're usually held and has anyone attended with children? (JoMama runs a 'tight ship' so consider the kiddies well-behaved [emoji16]) Thx much!

My daughter has 4 NCL cruises under her belt and is 4 year old. She has always attended the captain's reception with us and has a blast. We bring a few toys but she often finds a crew member that will play or dance with her. This picture was taken at the Captain's reception on the Dawn with her favorite hotel director!

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Haven concierge staff will escort you tocthe front of the disembarcation/tender line. Bottled water was comp for our 4-generation, 2-suite Getaway cruise last month.

Breakfast out by the Haven 'pool' was very pleasant every day and never crowded. The restaurant is a bit too quiet and formal for breakfast I think.

Also, if you are going to the Cirque Show, make sure you meet up with the concierge (45 mins I think) beforehand to take you down. Then you get first choice of seats before the general population are let in. He'll tell you this when you 1st get on board at the intro.

Keep in mind, both WDW and Atlantis are going to be packed, and you are at a big disadvantage at Disney arriving that late. Hopefully you bought your tickets ahead of time, and reserved your FP+, so you know you will get at least a few rides in.

When you get to Atlantis, book it to the lockers if you need one, and secure some chairs. Do the slides first, then the river, before the lines get too long. We loved the beach, and hit the Digs on our way out.

All very good info!!! Thank you again so very much!

AEckhardt - Thx for the tip on gate entrance and Atlantis - I completely agree that it is pricey, but definitely a lot to cover - very glad we will get priority on the buses, so we can make the most of our time there!

Sparkygirl - that's such a great photo of your lil girl - I'm really glad you mentioned that, the kids would really love to meet the crew and I think my lil one will be fine.

Ozzie's mom - Thx for the info, we may try the GA next time!

Timmo44 - good to know about the restaurant, the kids will enjoy the courtyard for breakfast and it would be a better suited for them - glad you told me about the cirque show, we've been thinking of trying to catch it this time!

Mjkacmom - we def got our tix for WDW & Aquaventure for fear of them selling out onboard - but I will have to look at fast pass? I never thought of that! Me and the lil one won't ride as much but the guys would def benefit from that. I've copied down your strategy for Atlantis and will def heed the advice!

Thanks again all - 61 hours til we head to the pier!!! [emoji16]

Sparkygirl - that's such a great photo of your lil girl - I'm really glad you mentioned that, the kids would really love to meet the crew and I think my lil one will be fine.

Work with your kids on questions they can ask that show an interest in learning more about the ship or more about the home country of the crew member. It is amazing how quickly you can connect. We bring printed maps of the world then find and color in the country when we meet a crew member from somewhere new. We also started this last trip with identifying flags as same or different from ones we've seen before since each crew member's home country flag is on their name tag.

What a great idea!! They can learn a lot from that. Thx! [emoji2]

Work with your kids on questions they can ask that show an interest in learning more about the ship or more about the home country of the crew member. It is amazing how quickly you can connect. We bring printed maps of the world then find and color in the country when we meet a crew member from somewhere new. We also started this last trip with identifying flags as same or different from ones we've seen before since each crew member's home country flag is on their name tag.

GREAT ideas!

I nominate Sparkygirl as Cruise Mom of the Year. Do I hear a second?

I second that one!