Trivan

On the Joy a few weeks ago, JW blue ($60/glass) was part of the p+, enjoyed that plus a number of the Macallens (Quest, Enigma, can’t remember the 3rd) included. I think one guy finished off at least 3 bottle himself over the course of the week. It was well worth the upgrade in the haven. Was it a breakeven or did I come out ahead? I didn’t really care as it’s vacation, already paid thousands for the room. Having p+ just let me order anything I wanted without worrying about a bill at the end.

Shirley temples were flowing pretty liberally at the haven bar my cruise. Kids did take over the warm tub (no it wasn’t hot) during certain parts of the day but they also seem to know when the adults were eyeing them to vacate. Lol

We asked about having a dessert from the Specialty restaurants for our dinner one evening and that was the response. We didn't try to talk to the Maitre d as it's wasn't that important to us. We just ordered it to our room.

Just a few hours off the Joy. We did a 7 day cruise to Bermuda in a 2 bedroom. Here is my observations and comments on the Haven Joy along with other observations as a newbie NCL / Haven guest in no order what-so-ever. Just a brain dump while it's still fresh in my mind. Embarkation was an organized mess. Getting to the waiting areas was fine, but when being led on to the ship, people were just following the guide as best they could. Some got left behind at the security check and signage was minimal. Once in the Haven area, no direction on what to do. It was like, here you are, have fun! BYE! As new cruisers it would have been nice to have some information. Lucky this forum has provided enough to know what to do, but there were certainly people lost. Concierge was a nightmare until 8pm, no organization to be had, one just needed to figure out there was a line, figure out that only 1 person was doing restaurants and the other everything else. Staff was great. Some of the staff were less trained as others but everyone was working very hard and always helpful. Our butler was fantastic, she was alway on point, but at times did seem a bit over burdened with the amount of rooms she had to cover, which was the entire length of the haven-14 rooms. One night, over heard some people who must of learned about the “Butler letter” and was commenting on how absurd it was (far more foul language was used). All I’ll say it it worked great for us. I think our Butler appreciated it as they have way too many cabins to remember everything. She had all our points with food allergies and preferences nailed down by the first evening. Concierge was there, but didn’t really go out of his way to meet people. Other on our cruise commented the same. Talked with others at the bar and others had the same comment that he wasn’t really great. I’m sure his tips reflected it. I took $$ from his tip pool and gave it to a Bar back who was busting her back all week to keep the Haven bartenders stocked and helping out where ever she could. Haven Bar was awesome, I went premium plus and was of great value to me. Wife and I are not a big drinkers but the amount of Starbucks, bottle water, premium wine/champagne and a few Old Fashions and scotch from the top shelf made it worth it for us. Specialty food into the Haven dining room was being frowned upon. Our butler said it was getting too much and once others found out it was being done started to do the same and taxed the system, so they cut it out. The Speciality dining was very strict with the amount of food which could be ordered. It was made very clear when we sat down that only 1 appetizer, 1 soup/salad, 1 entree and 1 dessert would be allowed Outside the Haven was crazy is all I can say. I would not have found the cruise to be relaxing unless we paid for the Vibe. Even then, parts of the ship with all the loud music and people running around would have driven me nuts. We went to Cagneys and Ocean Blue. Wasn’t a fan of Cagney’s, but the Lamb chops and Blueberry crisp cobbler was very good. Felt like we were rushed out. Ocean Blue was worked by the morning Haven staff, so level of service was much better. As people said the food in the Haven is much better, but we needed a change from the menu. If NCL people are reading, just adding 1 new dish a day would be a huge plus. It could be something from one of the speciality restaurants, but please consider mixing it up. Haven lunch while very good was limiting after a few days for us. One day we did room service from the Local for pub dogs and nachos. Food republic - we did not like it, waste of a speciality dining for us. I guess having great sushi and asian influenced food in NYC spoils you. I could see if your from an area with limited food of this style it could be good. We had the Tuna pizza and it was not edible, we mentioned to our server that it was way to garlicly and nothing was done to acknowledge that. We felt it was the worst meal of our trip. We ordered room service that night 🙂 We had a great relaxing trip, will certainly look to cruising in the Haven again. Any secret tips to stop the house from rocking back and forth...... 🤮

As with all the haven unwritten benefits, ask but don’t expect that it has to be accommodated. As I mentioned, we asked and the butler said at least on the Joy, it was starting to be limited.

Currently in the Haven now and our butler said they are starting to limit the amount of “outside” food being served in the haven. She said it was getting too much with people making too many special request, so best order room service and the butler can get what ever you want. Not saying they won’t do it, but as with any special request they don’t have to.

Heading to Bermuda on the Joy. We are in a 2 bedroom, I decided on this thru some of the fine advice and comments from this thread.

Tomorrow is the big day! A week cruising in the Haven. I was wondering how many bartenders tend to work the week in the Haven bar. I want to make sure I have enough to tip what I deem appropriate. I follow @RocketMan275 philosophy of tip early, tip often, tip generously.

I think we have to acknowledge that in some cultures tipping is not a norm. So a general guideline is helpful. I just got back from a 2 week trip to Hong Kong and a 10% service charge was added to every restaurant bill. Thats the tip, no more no less. Now if someone not knowing came to the US, tipped 10% at a restaurant, that would be viewed as insulting. So we have to educate and guide and hope they understand the dynamics of our wage system here. It doesn't help that there isn't a general guide on the cruise for the Haven Butlers. The best I've seen is ranges and people need to do what is comfortable for them. Zero would be bad, but I would hope that no one in the Haven is not tipping the Butler and/or the Concierge if some level of acceptable service was provided.

@knscruiser322 hi. Thanks for the review. I’m doing the same on the Aug 13 sailing. You mentioned that you got to the port at 9am, but didn’t board till about 11:00. What was the 2 hours in between? Was it just getting thru security and check in? Just trying to set expectations as this is our first cruise with NCL.

People only like when companies change prices due to supply/demand in their favor. If prices increase would people expect to have to pay more? Airlines have been doing this for years. It works both ways, if you’re willing to wait with the risk of not getting exactly what you want then thats a risk which needs to be factored in, might it cost more, probably, but you get what you want.

We are planning to have lunch at the American diner as well. I figure the Haven will be extra good if the diner is so so...if you start with low expectations, there more room to go up 🙂

Being a newbie myself the “secrets” thread probably provided the most information found on the web. The great thing in the haven is all meals can be served in your room! We certainly are going to be taking advantage of that on our trip in a few weeks!

@SaltyPawz you put a “@“ character prior to typing the name. The website with start to look up the name as you type.

It leaves from NYC. @js see you at the bar! We're on the same cruise, we'll have a toast to @Sthrngary