Haven Questions

[Russiamomm]

I’m really enjoying the comparisons to Crystal.  Does anyone have any similar comparisons for Regents?  We’ve never been on one of the luxury lines - or even in the Haven for that matter.  But we’re booked on a 25 night cruise on Regents to the Amazon in November 2022.  (My retirement cruise!  😃). Anxious hear any opinions about Regents.  We picked it mostly for the itinerary but also obviously looking forward to the pampering!  We’ll be in our late fifties - mid Sixties.  Hoping we won’t be the youngest ones on board and hope we don’t get bored!  

[Daniel A]

And what does all this have to do with legitimate questions about the Haven?  I'm not seeing a connection.  It's not even about NCL anymore...

[pbenjamin]

18 minutes ago, Daniel A said:

And what does all this have to do with legitimate questions about the Haven?  I'm not seeing a connection.  It's not even about NCL anymore...

 

Agreed.  If this belongs anywhere, it's in the wrong place.

[Sthrngary]

Sorry folks. Agreed. I was asked, I answered. My apologies. 

[Treasure Hunter]

We went on two Regents cruises years ago ( greek islands and Caribbean with key west) we have friends who only cruise Regent to exotic ports because i is all inclusive with business air and basic excursions in each port included and tons of drinking. We dont drink alcohol anymore and I resented paying for other people to get sloshed.!I prefer the Haven for the same level of pampering and we can pay for what we use. But they are nice small ships without crowds that can get in closer to the port.but tiny casino which I love. I found that they are really expensive upfront but if you are going over seas and dont book flights with points it might pay. 

[Russiamomm]

3 hours ago, Treasure Hunter said:

We went on two Regents cruises years ago ( greek islands and Caribbean with key west) we have friends who only cruise Regent to exotic ports because i is all inclusive with business air and basic excursions in each port included and tons of drinking. We dont drink alcohol anymore and I resented paying for other people to get sloshed.!I prefer the Haven for the same level of pampering and we can pay for what we use. But they are nice small ships without crowds that can get in closer to the port.but tiny casino which I love. I found that they are really expensive upfront but if you are going over seas and dont book flights with points it might pay. 

Thanks for the response.  We’re looking forward to the trip.
 

To the others - sorry for hijacking the thread.  Just a reminder - Regents is owned by NCL, so I think it’s a fair question to ask for comparisons between the Haven and a Regents ship.

[Treasure Hunter]

Don’t worry. There are cranky people out there. It’s because we are all desperate to cruise. Another thing with Regent ( I guess same with Crystal) you really can book the cheapest stateroom  ( which they call suites) and get the same quality cruise. Also I really liked the open seating in the restaurant. You just show up. The first cruise ,, we came into the dining room and asked for a table for two. The head waiter said “ please sit with two other wonderful couples tonight. If you aren’t happy, I will change you tomorrow “ one couple from Chicago became dear friends. The entertainment revolves around a drink and conversation. Or for instance, one night we had a singer, songwriter who worked with Johnny Mercer and sang his songs and told stories. Very intimate.

[Russiamomm]

11 minutes ago, Treasure Hunter said:

Don’t worry. There are cranky people out there. It’s because we are all desperate to cruise. Another thing with Regent ( I guess same with Crystal) you really can book the cheapest stateroom  ( which they call suites) and get the same quality cruise. Also I really liked the open seating in the restaurant. You just show up. The first cruise ,, we came into the dining room and asked for a table for two. The head waiter said “ please sit with two other wonderful couples tonight. If you aren’t happy, I will change you tomorrow “ one couple from Chicago became dear friends. The entertainment revolves around a drink and conversation. Or for instance, one night we had a singer, songwriter who worked with Johnny Mercer and sang his songs and told stories. Very intimate.

Thanks.  I agree everyone is cranky after the last year and a half.  I know I am.  LOL.

 

That sounds really nice.  I love the idea of a smaller ship and getting to know people - especially on a long trip.  I do fear we’ll get a little bored.  I guess we’ll find out!

[Sthrngary]

3 minutes ago, Russiamomm said:

Thanks.  I agree everyone is cranky after the last year and a half.  I know I am.  LOL.

 

That sounds really nice.  I love the idea of a smaller ship and getting to know people - especially on a long trip.  I do fear we’ll get a little bored.  I guess we’ll find out!

I just found out. Very nice, but boring during COVID. I can’t wait for the Joy, Haven in November. It will be a blast. 
 

Cruise well every one. 

[Treasure Hunter]

Me too. Encore in November 🤞Getaway in February Breakaway in September.

[Twinbooty]

Im interested in bidding for the upgrade on Getawat to the Aft Penthouse and the lowest offer is £1600 or $2200.   I note in the upgrades, one says "large balcony" (H7) and the other doesnt (HA) yet both are aft and when i look up the rooms, they are at either side of the ship so a bit confused as to why one has a large balcony and the other doesnt.

Re Haven overall....

I have watched many video re the private courtyard and the Haven restaurant as well as the Private Butler which if im being honest, im fairly self sufficient and dont really like nor want such a service.

Is there an absolute definitive list of every single perk in Haven versus a Club Balcony suite that would attract a cost.  Things im thinking about.

Clothes pressing
Room service (is there still a $10 cost)
Can you get bottles of wine/champagne/prosecco for balcony rather than the normal drinks package of a glass at a time
Bottles of water (or do you still need the premium drinks package)
Is the Internet still restricted to the 250 minutes 

I see so many people saying Haven really spoils you so just trying to justify the additional £2000 in my head 🙂 

Can anyone convince me it will be the best £2k i will spend for a 10 day trip.... lol

[dexddd]

12 minutes ago, Twinbooty said:

Im interested in bidding for the upgrade on Getawat to the Aft Penthouse and the lowest offer is £1600 or $2200.   I note in the upgrades, one says "large balcony" (H7) and the other doesnt (HA) yet both are aft and when i look up the rooms, they are at either side of the ship so a bit confused as to why one has a large balcony and the other doesnt.

Re Haven overall....

I have watched many video re the private courtyard and the Haven restaurant as well as the Private Butler which if im being honest, im fairly self sufficient and dont really like nor want such a service.

Is there an absolute definitive list of every single perk in Haven versus a Club Balcony suite that would attract a cost.  Things im thinking about.

Clothes pressing
Room service (is there still a $10 cost)
Can you get bottles of wine/champagne/prosecco for balcony rather than the normal drinks package of a glass at a time
Bottles of water (or do you still need the premium drinks package)
Is the Internet still restricted to the 250 minutes 

I see so many people saying Haven really spoils you so just trying to justify the additional £2000 in my head 🙂 

Can anyone convince me it will be the best £2k i will spend for a 10 day trip.... lol

No clothes pressing for free in Haven.  No drinks included on balcony in Haven if you have drink package.  Some haven categories include a bottle of champagne.  If certain status level, bottle of sparkling included no matter what room type.

 

Last I saw, some ships do internet minutes and some data allowance.

[Sthrngary]

1 hour ago, Twinbooty said:

Im interested in bidding for the upgrade on Getawat to the Aft Penthouse and the lowest offer is £1600 or $2200.   I note in the upgrades, one says "large balcony" (H7) and the other doesnt (HA) yet both are aft and when i look up the rooms, they are at either side of the ship so a bit confused as to why one has a large balcony and the other doesnt.

Re Haven overall....

I have watched many video re the private courtyard and the Haven restaurant as well as the Private Butler which if im being honest, im fairly self sufficient and dont really like nor want such a service.

Is there an absolute definitive list of every single perk in Haven versus a Club Balcony suite that would attract a cost.  Things im thinking about.

Clothes pressing
Room service (is there still a $10 cost)
Can you get bottles of wine/champagne/prosecco for balcony rather than the normal drinks package of a glass at a time
Bottles of water (or do you still need the premium drinks package)
Is the Internet still restricted to the 250 minutes 

I see so many people saying Haven really spoils you so just trying to justify the additional £2000 in my head 🙂 

Can anyone convince me it will be the best £2k i will spend for a 10 day trip.... lol

I am going to do my best to answer your questions.  Then you can make a better informed business decision.  When ever you see "Large Balcony" it means just that.  My favorite example is on the Bliss, Joy or Encore when they have a Haven Two Bedroom Family Villa.  The veranda in this suite are kind of small yet if you book one on the deck 17, they have extra room on the veranda.  This room is reflexed in the sf example when they say, "SF is between X and X"  The increased amount is the extra on the veranda. 

 

Butlers:  They are hit or miss on NCL and other Mainstream Cruises Brands.  The key her is that you read the article of what a butler will or will not do for you.  Once you have a feel, you became much more open to allowing them to pamper you.  If you say nothing to them, you will hardly see them.  I use every single aspect of a butler and they can make a huge difference in my cruise.  

 

Perks: No, there is no absolute list.  However this is an op-ed in CruiseCritic called, "The Secrets of the NCL Haven Luxury Experience." which is very complete and more importantly, has lots of folks that added items.

 

Room Service: No charge for Haven Guest because it is taken care of by your Butler.  Please ask you butler to only bring you food from the Haven Restaurant because the quality is so much better then regular room service.  The Haven Restaurant has to be open at the time.  That was a great hint for you.

 

Wine and Spirits:  Every Haven room comes with a bottle of Champagne.  Not the best quality but nice touch.  The only Haven Suites that get bottles of Spirits or Wine are the "Haven Owners Suites" which there are very few.  The OS also has mixers complementary.  Another suite that get bottles is the three bedroom suites which are the rarest suite and not on the Getaway.

 

Premium Plus Beverage Package:  Most folks have the Premium Beverage Package which is only glasses of wine.  You can upgrade to the Premium Plus Beverage Package which allows bottles of water, selected bottles of wine at meals, specialty coffee's and more.  NONE, are provided in your suite. However if you get a selected bottle of wine at diner, you can bring it back to your suite.  Lots of angles on this package and again, a great op-ed with comments on this topic on CruiseCritic. 

 

There is yet another op-ed called, "Convince me to book the Haven".  Great read.  Look, the Haven is nice if you want to have some better everything on an NCL cruise.  Is it worth all that money when you could book another cruise.  Personal and always will be.  It is like upgrading to the Premium Plus Drink Package.  Personal.  I always go NCL in the Haven and I also to the Premium Plus package.  All I want is one week a year when I am treated like a "Rock Star".  If I want more cruises and that little extra quality and service is just ok, I don't do the Haven.  

 

That was a lot of money you outlined.  You have to make that call but at least lots of articles can help you.  My advise, remember reality is different than the written word.  Now time to really drill down and enjoy the researching process. 

 

Cruise Well
 

[Drews_Cruise]

1 hour ago, Sthrngary said:

I am going to do my best to answer your questions.  Then you can make a better informed business decision.  When ever you see "Large Balcony" it means just that.  My favorite example is on the Bliss, Joy or Encore when they have a Haven Two Bedroom Family Villa.  The veranda in this suite are kind of small yet if you book one on the deck 17, they have extra room on the veranda.  This room is reflexed in the sf example when they say, "SF is between X and X"  The increased amount is the extra on the veranda. 

 

Butlers:  They are hit or miss on NCL and other Mainstream Cruises Brands.  The key her is that you read the article of what a butler will or will not do for you.  Once you have a feel, you became much more open to allowing them to pamper you.  If you say nothing to them, you will hardly see them.  I use every single aspect of a butler and they can make a huge difference in my cruise.  

 

Perks: No, there is no absolute list.  However this is an op-ed in CruiseCritic called, "The Secrets of the NCL Haven Luxury Experience." which is very complete and more importantly, has lots of folks that added items.

 

Room Service: No charge for Haven Guest because it is taken care of by your Butler.  Please ask you butler to only bring you food from the Haven Restaurant because the quality is so much better then regular room service.  The Haven Restaurant has to be open at the time.  That was a great hint for you.

 

Wine and Spirits:  Every Haven room comes with a bottle of Champagne.  Not the best quality but nice touch.  The only Haven Suites that get bottles of Spirits or Wine are the "Haven Owners Suites" which there are very few.  The OS also has mixers complementary.  Another suite that get bottles is the three bedroom suites which are the rarest suite and not on the Getaway.

 

Premium Plus Beverage Package:  Most folks have the Premium Beverage Package which is only glasses of wine.  You can upgrade to the Premium Plus Beverage Package which allows bottles of water, selected bottles of wine at meals, specialty coffee's and more.  NONE, are provided in your suite. However if you get a selected bottle of wine at diner, you can bring it back to your suite.  Lots of angles on this package and again, a great op-ed with comments on this topic on CruiseCritic. 

 

There is yet another op-ed called, "Convince me to book the Haven".  Great read.  Look, the Haven is nice if you want to have some better everything on an NCL cruise.  Is it worth all that money when you could book another cruise.  Personal and always will be.  It is like upgrading to the Premium Plus Drink Package.  Personal.  I always go NCL in the Haven and I also to the Premium Plus package.  All I want is one week a year when I am treated like a "Rock Star".  If I want more cruises and that little extra quality and service is just ok, I don't do the Haven.  

 

That was a lot of money you outlined.  You have to make that call but at least lots of articles can help you.  My advise, remember reality is different than the written word.  Now time to really drill down and enjoy the researching process. 

 

Cruise Well
 

Hey "PS" I noticed you mentioned a "convince me to book the Haven" thread, but I can only only find the "Convince me to upgrade to Retreat"  Is that an older thread you were referring to?  Or was it not actually about the Haven? 

[justhappy]

3 hours ago, Twinbooty said:

Im interested in bidding for the upgrade on Getawat to the Aft Penthouse and the lowest offer is £1600 or $2200.   I note in the upgrades, one says "large balcony" (H7) and the other doesnt (HA) yet both are aft and when i look up the rooms, they are at either side of the ship so a bit confused as to why one has a large balcony and the other doesnt.

Re Haven overall....

I have watched many video re the private courtyard and the Haven restaurant as well as the Private Butler which if im being honest, im fairly self sufficient and dont really like nor want such a service.

Is there an absolute definitive list of every single perk in Haven versus a Club Balcony suite that would attract a cost.  Things im thinking about.

Clothes pressing
Room service (is there still a $10 cost)
Can you get bottles of wine/champagne/prosecco for balcony rather than the normal drinks package of a glass at a time
Bottles of water (or do you still need the premium drinks package)
Is the Internet still restricted to the 250 minutes 

I see so many people saying Haven really spoils you so just trying to justify the additional £2000 in my head 🙂 

Can anyone convince me it will be the best £2k i will spend for a 10 day trip.... lol

The difference in the aft Haven cabins deck size depends on what deck they are on and it can really make a big difference in the depth. I was in an Aft Haven I bedroom on the Getaway on deck 9 and it is the largest outside deck.

Added two photos to show differences in deck depth.

I believe the deepest decks on the Getaway are 9 and 12, then get smaller -11, 10, 14, 13, with 13 being the most shallow.

Edited September 2, 2021 by justhappy
Add photos

[Sthrngary]

45 minutes ago, gardening_guy said:

Hey "PS" I noticed you mentioned a "convince me to book the Haven" thread, but I can only only find the "Convince me to upgrade to Retreat"  Is that an older thread you were referring to?  Or was it not actually about the Haven? 

OK, I was lazy when I posted and did not give the links.  See below and know; both have lots of replies.  In the "Secrets of the Haven....." the full document is linked way into the topic.  I know this because I was the Op-Ed on that one.  The other was someone that wanted to get all opinions on whether she should do Haven or not.  Both have some great information.  Let me know what you think. 

 

THE SECRETS OF THE NCL HAVEN LUXURY EXPERIENCE - Page 32 - Norwegian Cruise Line - Cruise Critic Community

 

Sell me on the Haven - Page 6 - Norwegian Cruise Line - Cruise Critic Community

[Two Wheels Only]

4 hours ago, Twinbooty said:

Im interested in bidding for the upgrade on Getawat to the Aft Penthouse and the lowest offer is £1600 or $2200.   I note in the upgrades, one says "large balcony" (H7) and the other doesnt (HA) yet both are aft and when i look up the rooms, they are at either side of the ship so a bit confused as to why one has a large balcony and the other doesnt.

 

In addition to the info/photos given by justhappy, there are also 2 different stateroom configurations for the aft-facing suites. Decks 11 and 14 are different from the others. BA/GA are also different from Escape/Joy/Bliss/Encore. At one time all aft-facing suites on a ship were the same category and the same price despite the differences in balcony size and stateroom configuration. NCL recently decided to put the largest balconies into a different category with a higher price. So far, only Escape still has them all in the same category/price but that could change, too.   

 

More info below....(written when all were the same category but the info still applies)

 

 

[Yinster]

5 hours ago, Twinbooty said:

Im interested in bidding for the upgrade on Getawat to the Aft Penthouse and the lowest offer is £1600 or $2200.   I note in the upgrades, one says "large balcony" (H7) and the other doesnt (HA) yet both are aft and when i look up the rooms, they are at either side of the ship so a bit 

I see so many people saying Haven really spoils you so just trying to justify the additional £2000 in my head 🙂 

Can anyone convince me it will be the best £2k i will spend for a 10 day trip.... lol

Money is so subjective. To one, it's worth it. To another, it's not.

 

Break it down. It's an extra £200 per night. What do you personally think? Only you can decide. 

 

In my experience, I personally don't spend more than £2200 per person for a 7 night cruise in the haven. That's my line. Any more and I keep looking.

 

Also in my experiences on cruises I had some of the best times in an ocean view cabin. 

 

[J0Y0US]

Did I hear correctly there is some sort of personality profile or something?

 

Just booked the Haven on Tuesday night and on the ship on the 11th. I got the email from the shoreside but nothing else as of yet.

[FLcruisergrl]

1 hour ago, J0Y0US said:

Did I hear correctly there is some sort of personality profile or something?

 

Just booked the Haven on Tuesday night and on the ship on the 11th. I got the email from the shoreside but nothing else as of yet.

No, there’s no personality profile. You do get a letter asking about what pillow type you like and you can tell them if you want tea or regular/decaf coffee pods. Things like that. Contact the shoreside concierge and they’ll email it to you.

[Twinbooty]

Thanks for the replies guys.  I still cant justify it yet but boy does those balconies look out of this world.  

I think its going to be a last minute coin flip.....if still available....

[Yinster]

Remember that the $2000 is a minimum bid so you might need to bid more to secure that cabin

[Sthrngary]

I hope this helps on the notion of upgrade bid and or why Haven in the first place.  Before Celebrity drydocked the Equinox, I booked a "Celebrity Suite".  This was at the time the most expensive cruise stateroom I had ever booked.  They did not have the Retreat as of yet on this ship which was retrofitted in 2019.  It did have the Suites only Restaurant which was lovely.  Something was missing but I could not put my finger on it.

 

The next Cruise was back on NCL and I saw a very affordable fare ($2099.00 per guest)  for the Haven. After the much larger fare paid on the Equinox, it seems like a pretty good deal.  That completely changed my view and what I was missing was found.  It was the package of Suites Only Restaurant and Bar in an enclosed area with pools, spa, sauna and sundecks.  You could use the huge ship and come back to peace and quiet.

 

That is why I love the Haven especially on the bigger NCL ships.  I mentioned on an earlier post I just took a Crystal Cruise and it was like the whole ship was the Haven.  That is true but it did not have the rest of the ship and activities I like so much.  As it relates to the NCL Haven bidding.  Here is a strategy to consider. 

 

Just for a moment think like a Cruise Brand.  You have a minimum you want for your VIP suite.  That is the low end of the bid.  As a consumer, do your home work.  What would you have had to pay if you paid retail.  Go on the booking site and see how many suites in the Haven Category you are bidding on are left. You do this by acting like you are going to book but don't confirm.  It shows you the available suites and numbers.  If lots, bid low; if not so many then bid higher.  Simple strategy.

 

The example a previous poster said was an minimum bid of $2000.00 US. If that is per person, it is a little steep for my blood.  If it is for both, it would depend on what my original stateroom fare was and what the difference would be for a Haven Room at retail.  That is how I would consider when bidding. 

 

In conclusion, those that have read my many posts on the NCL Haven know how much I like this category of Cruise Staterooms. I am a fan.  However, they are expensive and even more expensive now.  Before anyone really stretches their budget to go in the Haven, consider when the ship cruise closer to full, the demand goes down a bit, opportunities for the Haven may begin to be a bit less costly.  So weigh your options and budget.  It is really a very nice way to cruise on a Mainstream Cruise Brand but my fear is that the difference and cost is good for some and not for others so do your due diligence and try to leave emotions out of it.  

 

Cruise Well Everyone.

[Gatordad1967]

1 hour ago, Sthrngary said:

I hope this helps on the notion of upgrade bid and or why Haven in the first place.  Before Celebrity drydocked the Equinox, I booked a "Celebrity Suite".  This was at the time the most expensive cruise stateroom I had ever booked.  They did not have the Retreat as of yet on this ship which was retrofitted in 2019.  It did have the Suites only Restaurant which was lovely.  Something was missing but I could not put my finger on it.

 

The next Cruise was back on NCL and I saw a very affordable fare ($2099.00 per guest)  for the Haven. After the much larger fare paid on the Equinox, it seems like a pretty good deal.  That completely changed my view and what I was missing was found.  It was the package of Suites Only Restaurant and Bar in an enclosed area with pools, spa, sauna and sundecks.  You could use the huge ship and come back to peace and quiet.

 

That is why I love the Haven especially on the bigger NCL ships.  I mentioned on an earlier post I just took a Crystal Cruise and it was like the whole ship was the Haven.  That is true but it did not have the rest of the ship and activities I like so much.  As it relates to the NCL Haven bidding.  Here is a strategy to consider. 

 

Just for a moment think like a Cruise Brand.  You have a minimum you want for your VIP suite.  That is the low end of the bid.  As a consumer, do your home work.  What would you have had to pay if you paid retail.  Go on the booking site and see how many suites in the Haven Category you are bidding on are left. You do this by acting like you are going to book but don't confirm.  It shows you the available suites and numbers.  If lots, bid low; if not so many then bid higher.  Simple strategy.

 

The example a previous poster said was an minimum bid of $2000.00 US. If that is per person, it is a little steep for my blood.  If it is for both, it would depend on what my original stateroom fare was and what the difference would be for a Haven Room at retail.  That is how I would consider when bidding. 

 

In conclusion, those that have read my many posts on the NCL Haven know how much I like this category of Cruise Staterooms. I am a fan.  However, they are expensive and even more expensive now.  Before anyone really stretches their budget to go in the Haven, consider when the ship cruise closer to full, the demand goes down a bit, opportunities for the Haven may begin to be a bit less costly.  So weigh your options and budget.  It is really a very nice way to cruise on a Mainstream Cruise Brand but my fear is that the difference and cost is good for some and not for others so do your due diligence and try to leave emotions out of it.  

 

Cruise Well Everyone.

We are going in the retreat on the Edge in a few weeks.  I hope I don't have Haven-envy.  I like going through the door on the Haven, and leaving the world behind.

 

[Sthrngary]

3 hours ago, Gatordad1967 said:

We are going in the retreat on the Edge in a few weeks.  I hope I don't have Haven-envy.  I like going through the door on the Haven, and leaving the world behind.

 

You won't because the Edge was created with the Retreat in mind.  They did a GREAT job on their retreat and the Edge is spectacular.