Haven questions please

[graphicguy]

2 minutes ago, All-ready2cruise said:

I looked at that same Haven suite on the Joy.  Very tempting and may still book it in the near future.  For now, I'm booked in a BB. 

 

I pulled the trigger.  This time, I feel confident they’re sailing.  That fare is less than some I looked at for 2022 on a RCCL or Celebrity Caribbean sailing balcony cabin.  Don’t know what Carnival’s plans are.  They seem to be stuck in a rut on how to relaunch.

[All-ready2cruise]

4 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

I pulled the trigger.  This time, I feel confident they’re sailing.  That fare is less than some I looked at for 2022 on a RCCL or Celebrity Caribbean sailing balcony cabin.  Don’t know what Carnival’s plans are.  They seem to be stuck in a rut on how to relaunch.

I agree with you but, for me, it's figuring out how much it will cost me to get back home.  Some Canadians are paying between $1200-2000cad.  That's a little steep for a 3 day stay in a govt approved hotel and a negative covid-19 test. 

If it's changed before final payment and the prices haven't gone up too much, I'll definitely book it. 

[graphicguy]

2 minutes ago, All-ready2cruise said:

I agree with you but, for me, it's figuring out how much it will cost me to get back home.  Some Canadians are paying between $1200-2000cad.  That's a little steep for a 3 day stay in a govt approved hotel and a negative covid-19 test. 

If it's changed before final payment and the prices haven't gone up too much, I'll definitely book it. 

Yeah....I never thought about our friends in Canada.  That’s a little bit stickier.  I now for a minute or two, Canada was short on getting the COVID vaccines.  Has that changed?  In most of the U.S., COVID deaths are dropping sharply because of COVID vaccine administration.  Now, there’s even research happening for COVID vaccines for the younger folks in the U.S.  That will help in allowing them to cruise at some point.

 

I held out hope that I was going to sail to Alaska this coming October.  But, that’s not happening given the requirement to have a port in Canada available.  So, I transferred the booking to Jamaica.

[Sthrngary]

8 minutes ago, AstoriaPreppy said:

Same. Our NCL butler was a total bust. He didn't introduce himself until the second day because he was "busy." We'd make specific afternoon canapé requests (no sweets b/c of my diabetic father in law), and we'd still end up with plates of cookies. We also called and asked for sandwiches once, and he said it would be at least an hour. We ended up going to the bar instead, and saw him wheeling another passenger to the MDR, while her husband walked alongside. There was a very awkward eye contact moment before he realized he kinda sorta recognized us. Now we know that we should have addressed all of this with the concierge (his boss), but had no idea at the time.

Butler aside, one important note re included options: if you're used to Celebrity internet, be prepared for NCL wifi. NCL wifi is AWFUL in comparison to Celebrity. Seriously... Celebrity/Royal internet is like a fiber optic feed into your house, and NCL internet is like a dialup modem from the 90s.

Also, NCL makes you upgrade your beverage package (for $29 a night) if you want bottled water. 

Are butlers hit or miss, YES.  Can you improve your odds, YES. Do folks like what I am about to say, NO.  Has it worked for me, YES.  Why do I do this? Because I want to have a GREAT vacation and unless you are paying four times as much on a luxury cruise brand, this is what it seems to take whether I like if or not.

 

Pre-Cruise, I write a letter to my butler that is both a kind note and a request for certain items.  Ready to get mad at me, I put in the envelope his tip of $150.00 on day one.  You see, I had a few conversations with Haven Butlers. It seems, many Haven Guest either do not know or simply do not tip their butlers.  The Butlers are not on the same automatic tipping program that the other crew members are on. When I started cruising 41 years ago, would I have ever done this, NO.  The times have changed.

 

On the issue of the Butler being busy on day one, that is very true.  Yet, I seek them out and find them.  Not hard.  Should I have to go through these hoops, NO of course not. Do I , YES every time. When I do it seems the week is SO MUCH BETTER.  I want the result and more then willing to go outside the box to get it. 

 

Since I have started doing this, whether on NCL in the Haven or Celebrity in the Retreat, my butlers were GREAT.  

 

As it relates to the Premium Plus Drink Program.  I have to agree with you on the approach NCL takes on this.  Yet what I have done is really looked at what the upgrade to the perk really gives me and what makes my trip better.  I always upgrade to the Premium Plus Drink Program. Why is the Question.  First, it is the ability to get bottled important water but with and with out gas at meals and bars.  Second, it is that I love fancy coffee's outside of the suite coffee maker and the automatic units found in the Haven, the fancy coffee's come with this package. Third, this is the big one.  My wife LOVE to have a bottle of wine.  This program allows at meals a full bottle of wine.  If you have some left over, you can take it back to your suite.  We did this every day, twice a day.  My wife loves to have more then one glass of wine on the balcony at night.  Fourth, no per drink cost limit.  With the exception of XO or things like that, no limit on the cost of a beverage.  This lets me try brands I would never try otherwise.  Finally, energy drink and Freshly squeezed juices come with the package. 

 

Do other brands include some of these item automatically, YES. However, that is not the brand I am on at the time if I am sailing NCL.  

 

Just my perspective on this subject.  Cruise Well

[Trimone]

In the U.K. we pay all service charges upfront, I think for our next 7 day Haven cruise it’s £196.00 each. Also our drinks and food package has charges paid upfront.

It makes it so much easier.

[All-ready2cruise]

57 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

 I now for a minute or two, Canada was short on getting the COVID vaccines.  Has that changed?

Yes, it has improved a lot over the last few weeks.  We now have over 7M people fully or partially vaccinated.  I was happy to get the Pfizer does this Thursday, still need the 2nd dose but at least have partial protection.  

59 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

Now, there’s even research happening for COVID vaccines for the younger folks in the U.S.  That will help in allowing them to cruise at some point.

This is happening here as well, not the extent it is US but small numbers are getting tested ages 12 and up. 

 

1 hour ago, graphicguy said:

I transferred the booking to Jamaica.

I'm sure you'll enjoy this cruise from Jamaica if for no other reason than the fact it's different. The Joy is a very nice ship too, had a great time on her In Oct. 2019. 

 

Cheers

 BTW temp here today near 70F, great for a walk about.  

[WarfRatWA]

49 minutes ago, Trimone said:

In the U.K. we pay all service charges upfront, I think for our next 7 day Haven cruise it’s £196.00 each. Also our drinks and food package has charges paid upfront.

It makes it so much easier.

If I am not mistaken everyone pays those services charges upfront, whats not included are the Butlers and Concierge in the Haven.  Perhaps I am misunderstanding your statement.

[RocketMan275]

On 4/8/2021 at 2:29 PM, complawyer said:

the only drawback to booking a haven suite, is after you experience the butler, concierge, private bar, pool and dining room, you wont be satisfied with anything less. some ncl ships, while not having a "haven" have suites that offer the same amenities as the haven. you eat breakfast/lunch in either cagney's or moderno, but still have a butler and concierge.

 

best thing about the concierge, is at the end of thecruise, he can get you and your party off the ship in about 15 minutes, without waiting for the other passengers.

 

i usually give the butler $100 at the end, the concierge $50 (as i dont really use his services very much,

 

and the cabin steward $20 at the start. $20 in the middle and $ 20 at the end.

 

we always tip the bartender a couple of bucks after every drink, the breakfast and lunch waiters about $5.00 and dinner $10.000 regardless of which restaurant we are in. This includes the mdr's.

Thanks for this information. 

Wife and I have a motto: "Tip early, tip often, tip a lot." 

Amazing what that does for service.

Our Country Club adds a 15% gratuity.  We always leave at least another 10% in cash.

We can always get a table and never have to wait for service.  Works for us.

[Sailing12Away]

1 hour ago, AstoriaPreppy said:

Butler aside, one important note re included options: if you're used to Celebrity internet, be prepared for NCL wifi. NCL wifi is AWFUL in comparison to Celebrity. Seriously... Celebrity/Royal internet is like a fiber optic feed into your house, and NCL internet is like a dialup modem from the 90s.

100% agree with this. The other problem too, if you don't have the unlimited service you have to constantly log in/log out or your minutes are gone before you even get access to your email.

 

It's fine for checking emails quickly, but forget about uploading any photos to FB or including them in emails to make friends/family/coworkers jealous back home. We use it just to update folks on where we are in the world, but use our phones to upload teaser photos when we connect to wifi on land at ports. 

[Trimone]

10 minutes ago, WarfRatWA said:

If I am not mistaken everyone pays those services charges upfront, whats not included are the Butlers and Concierge in the Haven.  Perhaps I am misunderstanding your statement.

Tell me why then the service charges are more in the Haven?

You pay a premium to stay in the Haven 

[graphicguy]

29 minutes ago, Trimone said:

Tell me why then the service charges are more in the Haven?

You pay a premium to stay in the Haven 

Generally speaking, there are more staff per passenger in the Haven than there is on the rest of the ship. 

[AstoriaPreppy]

2 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

I put in the envelope his tip of $150.00 on day one.

I'm not mad at you, but giving someone $150 in advance is not a tip. In your example, I would have been out $150 and possibly had a father in law in a diabetic coma. 

 

2 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

Yet, I seek them out and find them.  Not hard.

 

TBH, calling a butler and demanding to see him the first day seems like a lot of work for vacation.

I could go on, but ultimately it shouldn't be on the guest to prompt the service they've paid for in a suite or the Haven. The onus isn't on me, the onus is on the line and the staff to provide the service.

Service shouldn't be decided by tips rendered, tips should be decided by service rendered. 

Edited April 11, 2021 by AstoriaPreppy

[Trimone]

To experience the full Haven experience never book a cruise with multi embarkation, if you’re going to pay for the full service get a cruise when everyone is joining the same day.

We had a poor experience on a Russian cruise that first embarkation was Copenhagen and we joined the next day in Walmunde, we had no introductions whatsoever, on our next cruise Panama Canal we had the full experience.

[jmele999]

5 hours ago, All-ready2cruise said:

I tip what I am comfortable with, in most cases it's 10pppd for the butler, concierge 5 pppd and steward around 20 per week.  The butler and concierge are not included in the DSC which is why the amounts a bit higher for them.   

I don't use either very much so don't feel I need to offer much more than the "basic".  If you feel this is too high, then change it, some pax don't give anything. 

 

Enjoy your cruise. 

In general, we also follow the 10 pppd for the butler, $5 pppd for the concierge and adjust accordingly to service and if we ask for any additional services.

[complawyer]

in no particular order (1) if you tip the butler on the 1st day, dont you think it will minimize his/her incentive, they've already go the money. (2) i must be very fortunate.. the past 6 cruises we've taken either in a suite or haven, the butler has been amazing. he/she is always there at our cabin the 1st day of the cruise. at that time i give him/her our preferences, and like clockwork, they are there on a daily basis. never once have i had to complain that our butler was missing in action, or not doing his job. i do give the cabin steward $20 on  the 1st day out, 20 in the middle of the cruise, and $20 at the end. that's also when i give the concierge and the butler their tips.

 

as for the wait staff and bartenders, we tip as we get the service.

 

especially in the have bar and restaurant, after a few tips, they know us quite well.

[complawyer]

1 hour ago, RocketMan275 said:

Thanks for this information. 

Wife and I have a motto: "Tip early, tip often, tip a lot." 

Amazing what that does for service.

Our Country Club adds a 15% gratuity.  We always leave at least another 10% in cash.

We can always get a table and never have to wait for service.  Works for us.

i've posted this before, i affectionately call this the "VEGAS HANDSHAKE" 

i have found, wherever we have been lucky enough to travel, stateside, carribbean, europe, everyone "Habla $20" .  you'd be surprised how far this can get you if you want something extra as long as it's not outrageous and you dont act like a "karen" 

[RocketMan275]

1 minute ago, complawyer said:

i've posted this before, i affectionately call this the "VEGAS HANDSHAKE" 

i have found, wherever we have been lucky enough to travel, stateside, carribbean, europe, everyone "Habla $20" .  you'd be surprised how far this can get you if you want something extra as long as it's not outrageous and you dont act like a "karen" 

On my last RCI cruise, I always gave the bartender in the Viking Lounge a dollar for each drink. (Suites, drinks were included.)  No matter how many were standing at the bar, he reached for the Jack Daniels as soon as I walked in.

[complawyer]

Just now, RocketMan275 said:

On my last RCI cruise, I always gave the bartender in the Viking Lounge a dollar for each drink. (Suites, drinks were included.)  No matter how many were standing at the bar, he reached for the Jack Daniels as soon as I walked in.

you see, it really works, a few bucks worth of appreciation brings an abundance of gratitude and better service.

having stayed in haven suites, i will be the 1st to admit i've been spoiled beyond all common sense. My wife wont even discuss a cruise unless i book a haven. 

 

on that note, it's my personal belief (and i'm sure others will disagree), that if you're spending that kind of money for a vacation, including airfare, and possible hotel stays before and after the cruise, you shouldnt cheap out for a few extra bucks on tips.  

 

my wife doesnt drink much, so if i'm at a bar, and order 2 drinks, and she also has one, whats an additional couple of dollars for a tip.

 

before the covid lockdown, we were frequent visitors to las vegas. put my wife down in front of a slot machine, and you wont see her again until sunup. at that point she and the cocktail waitresses are on a 1st name basis, even if she only asks for a bottle of water. she always tips. since the drinks are free if you're playing, its a given if you are brought a drink give the waitress a buck or 2. if you're really hitting it big, splurge.

[graphicguy]

My Butler always sought me out within a couple of hours of me moving into my cabin to ask me what kind of daily snacks I preferred and any special service I would want (I am not high maintenance, so can never think of anything else I’d want him to do).

 

Lead Concierge approaches me as soon as I am escorted to the Haven.  Usually S/he gathers a small group and explains what to expect (like not to stand in line at Guest Services because that’s his/her job.

 

BTW...the Butler’s report to the head Concierge.  And, there can be between 3 to 4 concierges depending on the size of the ship.  There is only one head concierge, though.

[WarfRatWA]

3 hours ago, Trimone said:

Tell me why then the service charges are more in the Haven?

You pay a premium to stay in the Haven 

You pay more because you receive a more comprehensive level of service.  That said, Butlers and Concierge do not "benefit from the overall service charge" .

 

https://www.ncl.com/cruise-faq/what-about-gratuities

[Sthrngary]

4 hours ago, AstoriaPreppy said:

I'm not mad at you, but giving someone $150 in advance is not a tip. In your example, I would have been out $150 and possibly had a father in law in a diabetic coma. 

 

 

TBH, calling a butler and demanding to see him the first day seems like a lot of work for vacation.

I could go on, but ultimately it shouldn't be on the guest to prompt the service they've paid for in a suite or the Haven. The onus isn't on me, the onus is on the line and the staff to provide the service.

Service shouldn't be decided by tips rendered, tips should be decided by service rendered. 

Look, I am not mad.  Not at ALL.  I am quite the contrary.  After 41 years of cruising, 23 soon to be 24 and 25 cruises.  I am just doing what I found worked for me.  If I were to be completely transparent.  I will not be going on Mainstream Cruise Brands with or without butlers after the next cruises.  

 

I am kind of old, so when and if I go on further cruises, it will be less frequent and focused  on the Luxury Cruise Segment.  The nutty things I do came after experience I attempted to correct and or improve in past cruising experience.  I am not nor will I ever say my strategy is perfect, correct or the way to go for everyone.  It is just working for me to achieve the best overall experience for my wife, family and myself.

 

I thought it would be interesting to share.  I really love Cruise Critic.  I find the posts and folks that respond to all have the intent to make cruising better.  I don't find that on other sites.  It gives me something to plan for, look forward too and visualize.  

 

What ever experience we have in this late stage in our lives are so much fun.  The last year of isolation and now the possibility of vacationing again just brings me joy.  

 

So, not not mad, upset or angry.  Just glad we all are working towards the best vacation we can possibly have.  Thanks for your post.  

 

PS: My hope is we can all meet up on a cruise in the future.  We can meet at the Haven Bar, have the Bartender do one of the crazy Manhattans that has the smoke that comes out of it.  You will know who I am.  I am the guy sitting at the bar, with a cigar that is not lit, smiling and engaging.  Slightly chubby and simply happy to be there.  Cruise well everyone.

[Sailing12Away]

1 hour ago, Sthrngary said:

PS: My hope is we can all meet up on a cruise in the future.  We can meet at the Haven Bar, have the Bartender do one of the crazy Manhattans that has the smoke that comes out of it.  You will know who I am.  I am the guy sitting at the bar, with a cigar that is not lit, smiling and engaging.  Slightly chubby and simply happy to be there.  Cruise well everyone.

If your profile said you were from Boston and not Alabama, I would have sworn that we already shared many a drink with you on the Epic this past January pre-covid. 

[AstoriaPreppy]

23 hours ago, complawyer said:

before the covid lockdown, we were frequent visitors to las vegas. put my wife down in front of a slot machine, and you wont see her again until sunup.

With that amount of gambling, I'd assume any upgrades you get in Vegas are because of your wife's casino play, and not sliding a $20 to the front desk!

[complawyer]

44 minutes ago, AstoriaPreppy said:

With that amount of gambling, I'd assume any upgrades you get in Vegas are because of your wife's casino play, and not sliding a $20 to the front desk!

you are absolutely correct, but the $20 to the check in doesnt hurt.

[Sthrngary]

18 hours ago, Sailing12Away said:

If your profile said you were from Boston and not Alabama, I would have sworn that we already shared many a drink with you on the Epic this past January pre-covid. 

I am actually from Long Island New York.  Lived in Birmingham for over 30 years.  I guess I have twin in Boston.  Cruise well.