The NCL Haven Luxury VIP Experience "Secrets" REVISED for 2022

[Sthrngary]

4 minutes ago, mtrancher said:

That's a great story! If I see the sign at the bar I'll move it off one chair and join you! 🙂

DEAL, 1942 tequila Shot on me.  It is a date.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

[dave7502]

I have read both threads on the Haven; thank you, Sthrngary, for starting and moderating them so people new to cruising and the Haven know what to expect. It's greatly appreciated.

 

I'm in a Haven Aft-Facing Penthouse 15th deck on the Joy next week and have two questions. Firstly, I have read comparisons of being in vs. out of the Haven complex, and the large balcony won me over. However, everyone seems to agree that it's a decent walk to the Haven, but no one says how long of a walk. How long does it take to walk the length of the ship to the Haven from the Aft? In my late 40s, so no walking issues; I just dread the thought of the walk back after a late night out. Secondly, since you have to pay for cocktail delivery, if I don't want the expense, how far do you have to walk to any bar to bring drinks back to the room?

[FLcruisergrl]

22 minutes ago, dave7502 said:

I have read both threads on the Haven; thank you, Sthrngary, for starting and moderating them so people new to cruising and the Haven know what to expect. It's greatly appreciated.

 

I'm in a Haven Aft-Facing Penthouse 15th deck on the Joy next week and have two questions. Firstly, I have read comparisons of being in vs. out of the Haven complex, and the large balcony won me over. However, everyone seems to agree that it's a decent walk to the Haven, but no one says how long of a walk. How long does it take to walk the length of the ship to the Haven from the Aft? In my late 40s, so no walking issues; I just dread the thought of the walk back after a late night out. Secondly, since you have to pay for cocktail delivery, if I don't want the expense, how far do you have to walk to any bar to bring drinks back to the room?

If you have no walking issues, you’ll be fine. It’s probably around a 5-7 minute walk, using the Breakaway as a comparison.

[dave7502]

41 minutes ago, FLcruisergrl said:

If you have no walking issues, you’ll be fine. It’s probably around a 5-7 minute walk, using the Breakaway as a comparison.

Oh, that's not bad at all. Other posts I felt were making it sound like it was excessive. Thank you.

[Sthrngary]

1 hour ago, dave7502 said:

I have read both threads on the Haven; thank you, Sthrngary, for starting and moderating them so people new to cruising and the Haven know what to expect. It's greatly appreciated.

 

I'm in a Haven Aft-Facing Penthouse 15th deck on the Joy next week and have two questions. Firstly, I have read comparisons of being in vs. out of the Haven complex, and the large balcony won me over. However, everyone seems to agree that it's a decent walk to the Haven, but no one says how long of a walk. How long does it take to walk the length of the ship to the Haven from the Aft? In my late 40s, so no walking issues; I just dread the thought of the walk back after a late night out. Secondly, since you have to pay for cocktail delivery, if I don't want the expense, how far do you have to walk to any bar to bring drinks back to the room?

The walk is about five minutes. I love walking the ship anyway. Go onto the website, look at the deck plan, look for your suite number and the closest bar to you. That’s the best way to figure out where to get a couple of drinks before you go to your cabin. Remember, you can order to drink at a time. I hope that’s helpful

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

[luvsboozecruises]

2 hours ago, dave7502 said:

I have read both threads on the Haven; thank you, Sthrngary, for starting and moderating them so people new to cruising and the Haven know what to expect. It's greatly appreciated.

 

I'm in a Haven Aft-Facing Penthouse 15th deck on the Joy next week and have two questions. Firstly, I have read comparisons of being in vs. out of the Haven complex, and the large balcony won me over. However, everyone seems to agree that it's a decent walk to the Haven, but no one says how long of a walk. How long does it take to walk the length of the ship to the Haven from the Aft? In my late 40s, so no walking issues; I just dread the thought of the walk back after a late night out. Secondly, since you have to pay for cocktail delivery, if I don't want the expense, how far do you have to walk to any bar to bring drinks back to the room?

Are you on the joy this Saturday, if so so am I, you could go up to the 17 floor. H2O bar is at the back of the boat ,it has a outdoor bar And is very popular (depends on the weather), then you could walk outside to the front of the shop..

[mconthehighseas]

5 hours ago, Sailing12Away said:

Haven cards are gold with a starfish and say "Haven" on the top. Regular cards are either purple or teal, depending on your lattitude status. In the top right corner it will say how many dining meals you have and the type of drink package, make sure that is correct too.

Thank you so much for this picture.  This is incredibly helpful

[Sailing12Away]

7 hours ago, dave7502 said:

I'm in a Haven Aft-Facing Penthouse 15th deck on the Joy next week and have two questions. Firstly, I have read comparisons of being in vs. out of the Haven complex, and the large balcony won me over. However, everyone seems to agree that it's a decent walk to the Haven, but no one says how long of a walk. How long does it take to walk the length of the ship to the Haven from the Aft? In my late 40s, so no walking issues; I just dread the thought of the walk back after a late night out. Secondly, since you have to pay for cocktail delivery, if I don't want the expense, how far do you have to walk to any bar to bring drinks back to the room?

 

6 hours ago, dave7502 said:

Oh, that's not bad at all. Other posts I felt were making it sound like it was excessive. Thank you.

 

It's not 'excessive', but after a long day of wandering the ports or ship itself and lots of cocktails, being a 1 minute walk to your own bathroom and bedroom is always 100x better than a 5 min walk.

 

We were in an aft Haven room on Encore and the room itself was great, balcony one of the biggest we've had - but for us, with a ship that has the full Haven experience, if we're sailing in Haven it will not be aft. Last cruise on the Joy we were on deck 15 but midship, so going to the Haven bar was a short 2 flights up/down and a 3 cabin walk. That's our happy compromise for the Joy. Closed down the bar every single night as that's what we find enjoyable to do after dinner. 

 

On a smaller jewel class ship, we'll take whatever is the best deal available since there's no Haven bar to hang out in anyway. The only issue with being aft in those ships is if you plan to use the courtyard pool/jacuzzi. It's a long walk back to your room in your swimsuit and those robes are NOT one size fits all.

 

It also depends on where your cruise is going. Our Encore trip was to Alaska, so being able to wake up at 6am and look out at that amazing aft view of the beautiful scenery was nice. Getting woken up by strong vibrations in the room was less nice. But generally speaking, there are folks who LOVE being aft - we're just not them.

[psac]

40 minutes ago, Sailing12Away said:

On a smaller jewel class ship, we'll take whatever is the best deal available since there's no Haven bar to hang out in anyway. The only issue with being aft in those ships is if you plan to use the courtyard pool/jacuzzi.

Do the aft penthouses now have access to the Haven courtyard on those ships?  We sailed in those before they used the Haven name, and we had the breakfast/lunch in Cagneys and the butler/concierge, but no access to the courtyard itself.  Has that changed?   Just wondering!

[Sthrngary]

Before I write this I want everyone to know, I might have had a few Tequila's in honor of my next cruise being 40 days away.  Please take that under advisement.  

 

In November of 2021, my family and I cruised on the NCL Joy in one of the two (2) Haven H2 Deluxe Owners Suites with Large Balcony.  I bring this up because that suite has what most folks love about the Aft Haven Suites which was a large balcony.  

 

The front of the ship has the wind so when it is NOT moving, it is just fine.  When it is moving it is really windy.  The Aft of the ship the wind is never an issue.  The vibration and engene smell is an issue for some.  You simply can't win.  I feel the same way about being in the Haven Proper and outside of the Haven.  

 

Sure the walk to the Haven is as long as 5-minutes.  However the suite makes up for it. Most of the suites in the Haven proper has small balconies.  I never had an issue being in the Haven Proper or the Aft.  Everyone has to understand, there is NO perfect situation.  I am currently in a Club Balcony Suite.  If I could get a fair upgrade to the Haven, regardless of where the suite is located, I would take it in a heart beat.  

 

Now lets put the question of Haven proper vs. other Haven Rooms aside.  Weigh what make your cruise the best it can be, knowing all you know now.  You simply can't lose with a Haven Stateroom.  I miss all the Haven can provide.  That said, I will be happy just to cruise again.  If you are on my cruise on December 4, 2022, on the NCL Breakaway in the Haven; If you like this stream and others I have done.  Please show me pity and highjack me a Haven Almond Croissant.  I don't need a Butler, I only need a Haven Almond Croissant only available in the Haven.  Please don't make me beg, LOL.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every HAVEN moment.

[Sundiego]

1 hour ago, Sthrngary said:

Please show me pity and highjack me a Haven Almond Croissant.  I don't need a Butler, I only need a Haven Almond Croissant only available in the Haven.  Please don't make me beg, LOL.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every HAVEN moment.

Gary, you are so funny, thanks for the laugh. Roll Tide 🙂

 

Denise (native Californian temporarily transplanted to Huntsville, AL!)

 

Edited October 24, 2022 by Sundiego

[cruiseny4life]

20 hours ago, dave7502 said:

I have read both threads on the Haven; thank you, Sthrngary, for starting and moderating them so people new to cruising and the Haven know what to expect. It's greatly appreciated.

 

I'm in a Haven Aft-Facing Penthouse 15th deck on the Joy next week and have two questions. Firstly, I have read comparisons of being in vs. out of the Haven complex, and the large balcony won me over. However, everyone seems to agree that it's a decent walk to the Haven, but no one says how long of a walk. How long does it take to walk the length of the ship to the Haven from the Aft? In my late 40s, so no walking issues; I just dread the thought of the walk back after a late night out. Secondly, since you have to pay for cocktail delivery, if I don't want the expense, how far do you have to walk to any bar to bring drinks back to the room?

In Cruise Critic style, I'll chime in too! First, well done, commenting on one of the best threads on this site! 

 

In September, I sailed in an aft Haven Penthouse on the Getaway, 13th floor. I'm on the tail end of my 30's...let's just say I'm going to moderate the affect of my next birthday by getting on a cruise ship the very next day. My husband is almost 30. Neither of us had any issue walking the five minutes from stern to bow. It's actually a pleasant walk, especially if you wander up a couple flights of stairs so you can walk outside. 

 

I enjoyed our walks immensely! Except toward the end of the cruise, the early morning breakfast hunt was too early for me. I would have preferred our butler fetch us food from the Haven, but my husband wouldn't hear of it, so off to tromping our way to the trough we went. Honestly, it wasn't a big deal...like, at all! 

 

We haven't sailed in the Haven complex, but only sail Haven. That's our only requirement. We don't care if we're as far from the Haven as one can get. Now, on our upcoming cruise, we're on the Joy on deck 14. I think we're going to have three or four flights of stairs to get to the Haven, so we'll be a lot closer! I'd still love to be in the aft, but this time the best Haven deal was much closer to the front of the ship. 

 

Wherever you cruise, you're going to have a lovely time! And, I promise you, you'll really enjoy your wanderings along the open decks to the Haven, even in the early morning for breakfast. 

[RocketMan275]

12 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

In November of 2021, my family and I cruised on the NCL Joy in one of the two (2) Haven H2 Deluxe Owners Suites with Large Balcony.  I bring this up because that suite has what most folks love about the Aft Haven Suites which was a large balcony.  

 

The front of the ship has the wind so when it is NOT moving, it is just fine.  When it is moving it is really windy.  

 

Cruise well and enjoy every HAVEN moment.

Gary is being kind here. If the ship is moving the balconies on the front of the ship are simply unuseable.  We were  in the DOSLB on Breakaway.  Large wonderful balcony.  Twice during our cruise the crew lashed the balcony furniture into one large mass to keep the wind from blowing it overboard.  Once they even came in while we were sleeping to do this.  This is why we're booking aft haven suite on our next cruise.

[cruiseny4life]

13 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

Gary is being kind here. If the ship is moving the balconies on the front of the ship are simply unuseable.  We were  in the DOSLB on Breakaway.  Large wonderful balcony.  Twice during our cruise the crew lashed the balcony furniture into one large mass to keep the wind from blowing it overboard.  Once they even came in while we were sleeping to do this.  This is why we're booking aft haven suite on our next cruise.

Your experience, and a few others, is why I will likely not ever select an owners suite or deluxe owners suite...or any suite that is forward-facing. I love wind, but I don't want it in my face when I'm trying to relax on the balcony. I much prefer the engine smell at the aft of the ship, though I think I'll take a side-facing balcony toward the front of the ship any time as I do enjoy a bit of rocking and rolling in the waves. 

[CDR Benson]

On 10/21/2022 at 11:52 AM, Sthrngary said:

I got so much heat from folks saying any planning for a cruise makes the cruise worse.  I must disagree.  Planning allows me to relax and know that the things I could control were done.  Now I just let what happens on every cruise happen which is out of my control. 

 

As you know, my friend, I am a kindred spirit, as well.  I just don't understand the "Hey, let's just show up and see how it goes" crowd.  The Good Mrs. Benson will playfully chide me for not so much as buying a stapler without doing hours of research.  But she will also be the first one to proclaim how much smoother our cruises and other vacations have gone because of my thorough preparation.

 

There's always new information to process.  I learnt a couple of things on our cruise last month that I will fold into our next one to make things even more enjoyable.

 

To all of you Champions of the Spreadsheets, I raise my glass.  Because that's how things seem to happen by "magic".

[CDR Benson]

On 10/22/2022 at 5:05 PM, mconthehighseas said:

I was more concerned about whether I would be able to tell if I had been given the wrong type of key card at check-in, as had happened to rbxlady.  

 

When the Good Mrs. Benson and I checked in for our cruise last month at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, the agent at the check-in counter issued us keycards of the wrong colour (green, rather than the gold of Haven guests).  I didn't notice though because we were treated as Haven guests throughout the evolution.  No doubt, because we were listed on the passenger roll as Haven guests.

 

We were in the first group to be escorted on board to the Haven Lounge, and that's where the error was discovered.  The Haven escort got us the right keycards at the concierge desk in about two minutes.

 

The upshot of the tale is, as long as you're listed on the manifest as Haven pax, being accidentally issued the wrong color keycards should not pose a significant problem.  

[Sthrngary]

The NCL Haven Challenge:  I want to challenge everyone who is in the Haven regardless of ship, itinerary or date. Make new friends with someone on CruiseCritic.com and if they would like one, give them a tour of the Haven.  

 

Sometimes we are fortunate in life and business to budget the Haven.  Other times we got a bit lucky and won an upgrade bid to the Haven.  The whole purpose of this thread was to give a guest perspective of the Haven so others have better more accurate information to consider it in the future. 

 

Pay your Haven Experience forward with a new friend with a tour.  Make sure you get them an Almond Croissant because they are the very best part of the Haven Experience, LOL.  But seriously, These little treats will change your life. 

 

This topic and stream has gone on for years.  That is good because lots of folks have been educated so their experience was improved.  The challenge is this stream is HUGE and lots of little nuggets are within the comments.  Nothing is better then seeing it for yourself.  Just my two cents. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

[latebloomer56]

First let me thank you again for your post, so much information. We have not experienced the Haven on other ships only the Gem and in April we are taking our boys on the Pearl. We needed to cancel this past April on the Joy.  Have done the 2 bedroom suites many times and hope the one in the Haven is as nice.

Now my question, do you know of any Haven cabins on any ship that have twin beds? Looking at a family vacation for a large group and most would love to try the Haven on NCL. Right now we have looked at Princess but in Mini Suites ( no suite perks) because they have twin beds where needed, as well as a large sofa that makes a third good size bed.

Thanks as always, be safe and enjoy sailing on your next adventure.

[rbxlady]

On 10/23/2022 at 9:35 AM, lisa928 said:

Does anyone know if the 2-bedroom suites (Breakaway if it matters) have power next to the bed in the main bedroom?  One or both sides?

I’m on the Getaway (sister ship to the Breakaway) as I write in a 2BR suite. In the main bedroom, the nightstand farthest from the bathroom has an outlet. The nightstand closest to the bathroom does not. The vanity is right there and has an outlet centered under the mirror, so anything with a decent length cord can reach over to be on the vanity next to the nightstand or even reach to the nightstand.

 

My husband just said, “It’s a little annoying; there should be an outlet there, but it’s not the worst thing.”

 

I’ve attached a picture from our suite. You can use the objects in the picture to get an idea of scale, but the bedroom is pretty tightly packed.

 

I hope this helps, and definitely let me know if you want more pics or info while I’m here!

[FLcruisergrl]

22 minutes ago, latebloomer56 said:

First let me thank you again for your post, so much information. We have not experienced the Haven on other ships only the Gem and in April we are taking our boys on the Pearl. We needed to cancel this past April on the Joy.  Have done the 2 bedroom suites many times and hope the one in the Haven is as nice.

Now my question, do you know of any Haven cabins on any ship that have twin beds? Looking at a family vacation for a large group and most would love to try the Haven on NCL. Right now we have looked at Princess but in Mini Suites ( no suite perks) because they have twin beds where needed, as well as a large sofa that makes a third good size bed.

Thanks as always, be safe and enjoy sailing on your next adventure.

The king size beds are true kings and can’t be split. The 2 bedroom on many (all?) have an upper berth in the 2nd bedroom that is a twin and a lower that can function as a single or a double for 2 smaller people. The sofa in the living room can do the same. The 2 bedroom sleeps 6.The aft balcony on Breakaway, Getaway, and Escape (and likely other newer ships) have that same living room couch. It slept my mom and daughter (both on the smaller side) just fine. The afts on those ships sleep 4. If you have a large party, try a Garden Villa on one of the older ships. Not a lot of twins, but, for example, the Dawn sleeps 7. 2 in the master, 2 in the second “master” and 3 in the third with 2 in the bed and one on the pull out. That is an experience that can’t be beat!

Edited October 24, 2022 by FLcruisergrl

[rbxlady]

55 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

The NCL Haven Challenge:  I want to challenge everyone who is in the Haven regardless of ship, itinerary or date. Make new friends with someone on CruiseCritic.com and if they would like one, give them a tour of the Haven.  

 

Sometimes we are fortunate in life and business to budget the Haven.  Other times we got a bit lucky and won an upgrade bid to the Haven.  The whole purpose of this thread was to give a guest perspective of the Haven so others have better more accurate information to consider it in the future. 

 

Pay your Haven Experience forward with a new friend with a tour.  Make sure you get them an Almond Croissant because they are the very best part of the Haven Experience, LOL.  But seriously, These little treats will change your life. 

 

This topic and stream has gone on for years.  That is good because lots of folks have been educated so their experience was improved.  The challenge is this stream is HUGE and lots of little nuggets are within the comments.  Nothing is better then seeing it for yourself.  Just my two cents. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

I wish I could do a live stream video that people could tune into. I would 100% do this, if ship internet allows (I have unlimited but not premium or “streaming”). I’m on the Getaway as I write if anyone has questions or wants current pics/videos of anything. It’s a rainy sea day headed toward St. Thomas.

 

Y’all have covered it so well in past posts and comments that I have mostly known what to expect (new to NCL and, obviously, the Haven), but some people like up-to-the-minute info.

 

I’m too lazy to do a “live” trip report, but ask away!

 

Edited to add that we love the almond croissants!!!

Edited October 24, 2022 by rbxlady

[Sthrngary]

15 minutes ago, rbxlady said:

Edited to add that we love the almond croissants!!!

They are life changing.  I loved the show, "Burn the Floor".  Make sure you get a "Smoking" drink from the Haven Bartender.  It is quite the show.  The NCL Getaway is such nice memories for my wife and I.  One of the better cruises we have had.  We were in the Haven Spa Suite and loved the Thermal Spa benefit.  

 

Enjoy your cruise and focus on yourself.  It is what you have been waiting for so take advantage of it.  

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[rbxlady]

Just now, Sthrngary said:

They are life changing.  I loved the show, "Burn the Floor".  Make sure you get a "Smoking" drink from the Haven Bartender.  It is quite the show.  The NCL Getaway is such nice memories for my wife and I.  One of the better cruises we have had.  We were in the Haven Spa Suite and loved the Thermal Spa benefit.  

 

Enjoy your cruise and focus on yourself.  It is what you have been waiting for so take advantage of it.  

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

Ha, writing from the thermal spa now, about to settle in with a book. This is a cool place with a great view— the kids are at Splash Academy and loving it. Burn the Floor was a lot of fun! Will definitely try the drink 🙂

[cruiseny4life]

1 hour ago, rbxlady said:

Ha, writing from the thermal spa now, about to settle in with a book. This is a cool place with a great view— the kids are at Splash Academy and loving it. Burn the Floor was a lot of fun! Will definitely try the drink 🙂

The thermal spa is my favorite place on the ship! These not-so old bones really enjoy settling into the comfort of heat and melting the pains away.

 

If "Broadway Unplugged" is offered, be sure to see it. It was stellar, though I know some of the crew on that show have left the ship since I saw it in September. Still, it's so cool to hear show tunes a totally different way!

 

Also...have so much fun and relaxation on this cruise! As Gary said, it's all about focusing on your own enjoyment! 

[globetrotterjay]

I read your original post before I embarked on Joy’s Haven penthouse suite in February and just reread with excitement as I’ll be in the Haven once again on Epic next year!

 

I will be staying in the Haven Spa Suite this time around and curious how it’ll feel to not be “in” Haven proper. I did hit the gym 5/7 days last cruise so being moments away from the gym this time will be appreciated. I floated 6 days on Carnival Vista a few years back where I stayed in a spa suite; can’t wait to compare thermal spas!

 

I intend to write a letter for my butler this time! Last time I verbally requested fresh oj for mimosas and was told fresh oj is only available at select times. Perhaps requesting in advance will work out better.

 

Could you/someone please be able to answer this? I’d like for my

butler to bring Starbucks coffee to my room. Last cruise I’d go there straight from the gym and felt gross all sweaty when others are looking nice. If I have the premium package that includes Starbucks, would that insinuate no additional fee for the butler to provide this service?

 

Thanks in advance, Jeni 🙂