THE SECRETS OF THE NCL HAVEN LUXURY EXPERIENCE

[RocketMan275]

On 10/22/2021 at 5:56 PM, Sthrngary said:

Can someone please pump me up.  Give my confidence. Tell me everything will be alright.  

It's a short drive here to Huntsville.  Come on up and we'll swap tales, have a few beers, and you'll feel much better.

[Sthrngary]

2 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

It's a short drive here to Huntsville.  Come on up and we'll swap tales, have a few beers, and you'll feel much better.

That is inviting.  However, we are on lock down for the next 15 days until we board the Joy.  In August, just before a Crystal Cruise, my wife (Fully Vaccinated) got break through Covid-19.  Had to cancel and rebook three weeks later.  We are taking no chances this time.  

 

I do love Huntsville.  Especially when they do the Balloon Festive just by you guys.  That is awesome.  Rain Check on the beer (vodka for me).  

[umpisoccer]

Was wondering if it is worth the extra $1600 to get a 2 bedroom haven suite vs getting just a 2 bedroom suite on the Ncl Gem.  The regular suite does not come with access to the Haven courtyard. If I went with the basic suite I would purchase thermal spa passes.  

[complawyer]

no, dont do it. the only benefit to the have on the gem is the pool area. no dedicated bar or restaurant. the regular "suites" are about the same size, and except for the courtyard they all have the same amenities. i booked the gem for next aug from venice. just to have the private pool area doesnt seem to justify the extra $$$$.

 

paying for a haven is only justified (imho) if there is a haven bar and a haven restaurant. we were on the jade in 2018 with a 2 bedroom and hardly ever used the pool

[Sthrngary]

13 minutes ago, umpisoccer said:

Was wondering if it is worth the extra $1600 to get a 2 bedroom haven suite vs getting just a 2 bedroom suite on the Ncl Gem.  The regular suite does not come with access to the Haven courtyard. If I went with the basic suite I would purchase thermal spa passes.  

I agree completely with @complawyer.  As a matter of fact, I was on the NCL Pearl and actually cancelled the cruise and rebooked on a Larger NCL ship with the Haven Restaurant and Bar. With the extra money you could to the Thermal Spa, Massages, 7-Days of Specialty Restaurants and the list goes on.  

 

Cruise well.

[Sthrngary]

11 minutes ago, complawyer said:

no, dont do it. the only benefit to the have on the gem is the pool area. no dedicated bar or restaurant. the regular "suites" are about the same size, and except for the courtyard they all have the same amenities. i booked the gem for next aug from venice. just to have the private pool area doesnt seem to justify the extra $$$$.

 

paying for a haven is only justified (imho) if there is a haven bar and a haven restaurant. we were on the jade in 2018 with a 2 bedroom and hardly ever used the pool

Once again, you and I agree completely.  

 

Cruise well.

[pbenjamin]

Yeah, having been in a non-Haven suite on a Jewel class ship we were pleased with what we had, the only thing lacking was access to the pool area and it was an Alaska cruise.  We got breakfast and lunch in Moderno, same as the Haven folks, and were even invited to the Haven sun deck on the day we viewed the glacier.  The Haven on those ships is not worth the additional charge.

[Paulusmc1]

Thanks for the detailed post. Lots to read and I may have missed it, but how do you get the email to your butler? We won an upgrade so I thought maybe that is why we weren't emailed, but our friends booked directly in a Haven room and they did not receive an email either. We leave soon.

 

Also, what is the 3 premium bottles in the room that was mentioned? We upgraded to the PPBP. 

 

Thanks and have a great cruise end of the month!  

[Sthrngary]

1 hour ago, Paulusmc1 said:

Thanks for the detailed post. Lots to read and I may have missed it, but how do you get the email to your butler? We won an upgrade so I thought maybe that is why we weren't emailed, but our friends booked directly in a Haven room and they did not receive an email either. We leave soon.

 

Also, what is the 3 premium bottles in the room that was mentioned? We upgraded to the PPBP. 

 

Thanks and have a great cruise end of the month!  

There is no direct email to your butler.  There is one to your Haven Online Concierge .  On the three bottles of spirits in your suite.  That is only for the (H2) Deluxe Owners Suite or other Owners Suites.  

[complawyer]

your butler should meet/contact you, shortly after you get into your cabin

[complawyer]

sthrngary: great minds think alike. i know your cruise is coming up shortly. have a great time, cant wait to hear you critique

[don't-use-real-name]

32 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

There is no direct email to your butler.  There is one to your Haven Online Concierge .  On the three bottles of spirits in your suite.  That is only for the (H2) Deluxe Owners Suite or other Owners Suites.  

Should note that the complimentary full liter bottles of booze only applies to the OS DOS or ships

that have a Garden Villa and the mini fridge everything is comp also. The Butler will keep you

in soft drinks in cans as much as you want - you need fixens mixers for the booze just ask.

Wine and beer are not included - - -

"BUT" if one is in a OS DOS or GV you no doubt have one of the free for all beverage plans

included in your cruise fare so virtually any alcohol beverage with limits is not a problem

-OR-

you can do like Sthrngary does and get the Premium *+* program

and all booze is free no up-charge or $ limits i.e. $15.00.

 

If only Starbucks could be married with a Bar and get Irish Coffee on the strong side !

 

For others there is always the Bar-Set-Up program buying a full liter bottle of booze from

a list and getting the mixers and fixens to go with it - no Butler required.

[Yesimapirate]

4 hours ago, complawyer said:

no, dont do it. the only benefit to the have on the gem is the pool area. no dedicated bar or restaurant. the regular "suites" are about the same size, and except for the courtyard they all have the same amenities. i booked the gem for next aug from venice. just to have the private pool area doesnt seem to justify the extra $$$$.

 

paying for a haven is only justified (imho) if there is a haven bar and a haven restaurant. we were on the jade in 2018 with a 2 bedroom and hardly ever used the pool

Agreed, ESPECIALLY on a port intensive cruise where you won't spend much time in the courtyard anyway. 

 

Jewel class aft balcony penthouse suites are the best value on NCL IMHO.  All the perks of the Haven except the pool and it's 35% less.

[pcakes122]

42 minutes ago, Yesimapirate said:

Agreed, ESPECIALLY on a port intensive cruise where you won't spend much time in the courtyard anyway. 

 

Jewel class aft balcony penthouse suites are the best value on NCL IMHO.  All the perks of the Haven except the pool and it's 35% less.

I 1000% agree with this!  I exclusively stay in the Haven on the larger ships, and was bummed that there was no handicap-accessible cabins in the Jewel-class Haven - UNTIL I cruised in the Aft Balcony PH suites. AMAZING value! (Full disclosure - my cabins are comped through the NCL casino program -  but I don't have to lose half as much to be comped a PH suite ss I do for those larger-class Havens!!) 😁😭

 

I've been in the Jewel-class Haven Courtyard because that's where the Captain's cocktail party is usually held, but honestly it is not impressive at all - definitely not worth a significant bump in price from a regular PH.

[nyc2pdx]

@Sthrngary I have to say, I followed your advice (I’m on the Epic Haven now doing a TA), had my butler a letter with my requests and what I like, and also gave her 100 Euro so she could enjoy it if she has some time off during the next few weeks of our cruise. 
Within minutes, all of my requested items (like a blanket for the balcony, fruit juices in fridge, etc…) we’re just done. 
I also asked her to just deliver breakfast while I sleep, and this morning I awoke to a full breakfast in my living room! I also asked her if I could have a bottle of Dom Perignon to celebrate sail away…she said “let me see what I can do-usually they only allow it in the dining room or restaurants”. Ten mins later, she was knocking at my door with a ice bucket and bottle of Dom…at 40% off because I have the ultimate plus Bev plan!  I also mentioned that I like to have dessert in my room before bed, so surprise me from the Haven menu. Cheesecake last night!  

 

many thanks for the tips @Sthrngary!  This is going to be a great cruise, and I feel like the tips are really going to make it. I feel like the butler and I are on the same page, and she wants to make me happy…and she is doing a great job!

Edited November 21, 2021 by nyc2pdx

[Yesimapirate]

3 hours ago, nyc2pdx said:

@Sthrngary I have to say, I followed your advice (I’m on the Epic Haven now doing a TA), had my butler a letter with my requests and what I like, and also gave her 100 Euro so she could enjoy it if she has some time off during the next few weeks of our cruise. 
Within minutes, all of my requested items (like a blanket for the balcony, fruit juices in fridge, etc…) we’re just done. 
I also asked her to just deliver breakfast while I sleep, and this morning I awoke to a full breakfast in my living room! I also asked her if I could have a bottle of Dom Perignon to celebrate sail away…she said “let me see what I can do-usually they only allow it in the dining room or restaurants”. Ten mins later, she was knocking at my door with a ice bucket and bottle of Dom…at 40% off because I have the ultimate plus Bev plan!  I also mentioned that I like to have dessert in my room before bed, so surprise me from the Haven menu. Cheesecake last night!  

 

many thanks for the tips @Sthrngary!  This is going to be a great cruise, and I feel like the tips are really going to make it. I feel like the butler and I are on the same page, and she wants to make me happy…and she is doing a great job!

Gary has done a wonderful job, even if I do tease him from time to time.  I'm sure he's saved people tons of time and has left them incredibly informed.   I definitely read and reread his threat on the beverage package plus upgrade before making my decision. 

 

Enjoy your Trans-Atlantic!  We board when you land in NY.  If there's anything special you think we should know last minute about the ship or the Haven, I'd appreciate you sharing. 

[Beach Life 1]

Thank you @Sthrngaryfor posting and all your great tips, and to everyone else that have added such great info.    On the smaller Jewel class ships,  I read  where everyone says the Haven is not worth it,  its better  to book a suite instead.   I do have a couple of questions.  I see if you're in  a suite you can have breakfast and lunch in a designated Specialty Restaurant.  Is the menu the same as the MDR, or is it a different menu?  Also,  if you get breakfast delivered to your room,  is there a service charge, or is it free?  Thanks

[Sthrngary]

17 minutes ago, jezabel80 said:

Thank you @Sthrngaryfor posting and all your great tips, and to everyone else that have added such great info.    On the smaller Jewel class ships,  I read  where everyone says the Haven is not worth it,  its better  to book a suite instead.   I do have a couple of questions.  I see if you're in  a suite you can have breakfast and lunch in a designated Specialty Restaurant.  Is the menu the same as the MDR, or is it a different menu?  Also,  if you get breakfast delivered to your room,  is there a service charge, or is it free?  Thanks

The breakfasts and lunches are unique to that specialty restaurant they assignee ie Cagney's. Your Butler is your room service provider so not charge in the Haven on any ship.

[Beach Life 1]

40 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

The breakfasts and lunches are unique to that specialty restaurant they assignee ie Cagney's. Your Butler is your room service provider so not charge in the Haven on any ship.

Thank you for all the info.   Enjoy your upcoming cruise with your family!☺️

[Sthrngary]

I am the Op-Ed of this stream.  I just got off the NCL Joy in the Haven (November 27 -- December 4, 2021).  Feel free to ask me any question.  I promise if I don't know, I will say so.  I also did the "Premium Plus Beverage Package" so same situation.  

 

All I ask is know my responses are real to the way I felt and your opinions may differ.  

 

Cruise well everyone. 

[chill6x6]

Hey Gary,

I do have a question for you if you don't mind.  What did you think of the Joy Haven area compared to the Getaway Haven area?  Thanks!

[DrSea]

2 hours ago, chill6x6 said:

Hey Gary,

I do have a question for you if you don't mind.  What did you think of the Joy Haven area compared to the Getaway Haven area?  Thanks!

I was in the Haven on both ships. From what I can recall, they are more similar then they are different. But tbh my memory is kind of fuzzy since it was been almost 2 years (23 months to be exact) since I was on either ship.

 

 

9 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

I am the Op-Ed of this stream.  I just got off the NCL Joy in the Haven (November 27 -- December 4, 2021).  Feel free to ask me any question.  I promise if I don't know, I will say so.  I also did the "Premium Plus Beverage Package" so same situation.  

 

All I ask is know my responses are real to the way I felt and your opinions may differ.  

 

Cruise well everyone. 

How is the food in the Haven area after the restart compared to the before?

[Sthrngary]

5 hours ago, DrSea said:

I was in the Haven on both ships. From what I can recall, they are more similar then they are different. But tbh my memory is kind of fuzzy since it was been almost 2 years (23 months to be exact) since I was on either ship.

 

 

How is the food in the Haven area after the restart compared to the before?

It was great. The quality was even better. They took off a few items and added a few.

[Sthrngary]

7 hours ago, chill6x6 said:

Hey Gary,

I do have a question for you if you don't mind.  What did you think of the Joy Haven area compared to the Getaway Haven area?  Thanks!

Joy area was bigger, Horizon lounge was awesome. Haven sun deck had two hot tubs. Joy Haven better all around. 

[Niffernay]

Hi Gary - who were the bartenders in the Haven?  Any special drinks they made for you and/or your entourage?  Besides the 1942 in a champagne flute 😂  Glad you had a great trip!