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

[Sthrngary]

2 hours ago, jpcdds6 said:

They need to make the haven bar bigger. The same people hogging the stools is really annoying. An outdoor bar wouldn't hurt.

This comment happens all the time when talking about the Haven Bar.  I would have to agree and it seems NCL has been listening with their newer ship.  I hope that is a trend.  

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[scooter6139]

Anyone have experience with Port of LA/San Pedro Haven embarkation?  I've emailed the Pre-Concierge folks to see if they can give us any instructions or let us know what to expect.  We sail in a month, so getting rather excited!

[Grimix]

21 minutes ago, scooter6139 said:

Anyone have experience with Port of LA/San Pedro Haven embarkation?  I've emailed the Pre-Concierge folks to see if they can give us any instructions or let us know what to expect.  We sail in a month, so getting rather excited!

Just did it. It wasn't very smooth for us, but maybe it was because it was the start of the Bliss mexican riviera season. One of our party used a wheel chair. I don't remember if there was a Haven security line because I was pushing my FIL, and the wife went and talked to someone who helped expedite security (because of the wheel chair, I don't remember is she said we were in the Haven.)

 

Once inside we saw someone with a Haven sign and she saw the wheel chair so directed us to elevator where they sent us up to the boarding area where we had no keycards since we were supposed to have been checked in downstairs. I don't know if there is a dedicated Haven area for checkin, but it looked like the normal one, and they took us to an agent and explained the issue. She gave us the keycards and then told us to take the elevator back up.

 

We took the elevator back up, but when we tried to board the security guy wouldn't let us because we were in the Haven and we needed to be escorted on. A ship officer nearby heard and offered to escort us on.

 

I did mention the problems in the post cruise survey (actually in a follow up email since I thought the survey would end with 'Do you have any other comments you'd like to make?' questions, but it didn't and just submitted. They replied that they were not NCL employees but port employees (even though I believe some of them had NCL nametags.) Thanks me for my feedback and said they would use it to help with training. 

 

The rest of the cruise was the best ever though!  Haven was amazing! Off this topic, but while we did see many of the same people at the bar I really didn't ever see any chair hogging. Might have been this cruise but there always seemed to be one or two stools available, and the bar was rarely empty!

[buchman67]

On 10/28/2022 at 9:40 PM, renji said:

We'll be on the Prima in an H4 this Dec 3, and I'd be happy to give a tour.  We met two lovely British couples in the elevator on Celebrity Beyond who saw what floor we pushed and asked if our cabin was very posh, so we invited them to see (it was an Edge Villa and "indeed" was very posh!).  

@renjiI am on Prima Dec 3rd too.  H6 The two bedroom.  Would love to meet and show rooms.  Getting super excited.

[mtrancher]

14 hours ago, RocketMan275 said:

It really does depend upon the port.  For example, our last cruise in NOLA, Breakaway, Haven.  We arrived at about 9:45.  Everyone, including Haven are in the same security line.  We were in that line until about 11 before we got to the Haven check in.  Check in was smooth and we were immediately shown to the Haven waiting area where we didn't even have time for a cup of coffee before being escorted aboard.  Other ports have dedicated security lines for Haven.  IOW, waiting in the Haven waiting area depends upon the port.

Did you ask if there was a separate security line? We sailed out of NOLA and when we got there I and there was only one line I stopped a port attendant and asked. He answered, "Oh yeah just go up there" and pointed so where some security personnel were standing. When we got up there they were helping a family with a person in a wheelchair, but once they finished they asked us what help we needed, I told them we were in the Haven and they brought us right in and took us through a side security line. We then were escorted to the front of check in and then to the Haven lounge, and then on board. A couple traveling with us took 1 1/2 hours to get on board after us.

[bundtkate]

15 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

Your boarding time for Haven is what ever you want it to be.

See, that's what made sense to me, but the perks say priority boarding not priority check-in so obviously I had to go and over-analyze how boarding happens after check-in so maybe you're still held to the time you select. Still, all signs seem to point to showing up early being safe so I guess I'll give it a go. It would be nice if they just didn't have you pick a check-in time if it truly doesn't matter. Would make things a lot less confusing.

[bundtkate]

13 hours ago, rbxlady said:

The NCL site went down mid-check-in, then went back up, then down, etc., for the rest of the day

Same reason I ended  up with a late time! I opened check-in and got through step one then BOOM! Maintenance. 😢 As an IT person, I get that it needs doing, but I feel bad for the rest of our party that probably were not up at 4am to get that early time.

 

13 hours ago, rbxlady said:

My advice, though, which I shared a few pages ago, is to be vocal about the fact that you're in the Haven.

I had actually read that post, but somehow missed that it was Canaveral. I would probably do the same as you and not make a stink so I definitely appreciate the advice. Cookies are important and I fully intend to take full advantage of any available. 😅

[RocketMan275]

7 hours ago, mtrancher said:

Did you ask if there was a separate security line? We sailed out of NOLA and when we got there I and there was only one line I stopped a port attendant and asked. He answered, "Oh yeah just go up there" and pointed so where some security personnel were standing. When we got up there they were helping a family with a person in a wheelchair, but once they finished they asked us what help we needed, I told them we were in the Haven and they brought us right in and took us through a side security line. We then were escorted to the front of check in and then to the Haven lounge, and then on board. A couple traveling with us took 1 1/2 hours to get on board after us.

The line to get to the security point was about 100  yards long.  There were no security to ask until you got to the beginning of the line.

[Sailing12Away]

7 hours ago, bundtkate said:

I had actually read that post, but somehow missed that it was Canaveral. I would probably do the same as you and not make a stink so I definitely appreciate the advice. Cookies are important and I fully intend to take full advantage of any available. 😅

Don't get your hopes up too high. Last trip out of NYC there were no cookies, just water and juice. We did arrive later in the day at about 1pm, maybe the cookie monsters beat us to them.

 

28 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

The line to get to the security point was about 100  yards long.  There were no security to ask until you got to the beginning of the line.

We always ask the guys taking our luggage since that's the first stop anyway. Without fail they always point us in the opposite direction everyone else is going and we're in and through in <15 mins.

[RocketMan275]

1 hour ago, Sailing12Away said:

We always ask the guys taking our luggage since that's the first stop anyway. Without fail they always point us in the opposite direction everyone else is going and we're in and through in <15 mins.

Was that from NYC? 

We're boarding out of NOLA.

[mtrancher]

1 hour ago, RocketMan275 said:

The line to get to the security point was about 100  yards long.  There were no security to ask until you got to the beginning of the line.

I don't think I asked a security worker, I believe it was a porter. Bottom line is 'ask' someone. Find someone and ask. In Harvest Caye we had to tender, the line going back was very long. We asked a crew member walking by and they took us up a separate path to the head of the line. In my opinion NCL tries very hard to make the Haven experience special, without hassle and without long lines.
Most ports were designed prior to the Haven experience, so they have tried to adapt, but still leave a bit to desire regarding signage, hence why you have to ask someone. Start with the porter and if that doesn't work, look for special services. I've never been in any port where I couldn't find someone to ask for directions.

[RocketMan275]

1 minute ago, mtrancher said:

Most ports were designed prior to the Haven experience, so they have tried to adapt, but still leave a bit to desire regarding signage, hence why you have to ask someone. Start with the porter and if that doesn't work, look for special services. I've never been in any port where I couldn't find someone to ask for directions.

We will be back in NOLA this March.

Maybe things have changed.

If not, we'll ask.

[rbxlady]

22 minutes ago, mtrancher said:

I don't think I asked a security worker, I believe it was a porter. Bottom line is 'ask' someone. Find someone and ask. In Harvest Caye we had to tender, the line going back was very long. We asked a crew member walking by and they took us up a separate path to the head of the line. In my opinion NCL tries very hard to make the Haven experience special, without hassle and without long lines.
Most ports were designed prior to the Haven experience, so they have tried to adapt, but still leave a bit to desire regarding signage, hence why you have to ask someone. Start with the porter and if that doesn't work, look for special services. I've never been in any port where I couldn't find someone to ask for directions.

We were at GSC and booked a Silver Cove villa (lagoon villa-- it was so quiet, so if you love quiet, I highly recommend it, would totally book again), and when we were shuttled back, they handed us off to someone to be escorted to the front of the line for the tender. If we hadn't had a villa, though, we would've had to take the initiative to ask someone, so your advice holds for GSC and probably any other tenders as well. I know I feel like a jerk announcing my "Haven status", but you're right that they are trying to make our experience as special and easy as possible.

[Sthrngary]

10 hours ago, bundtkate said:

See, that's what made sense to me, but the perks say priority boarding not priority check-in so obviously I had to go and over-analyze how boarding happens after check-in so maybe you're still held to the time you select. Still, all signs seem to point to showing up early being safe so I guess I'll give it a go. It would be nice if they just didn't have you pick a check-in time if it truly doesn't matter. Would make things a lot less confusing.

NCL has the most consistent, inconsistant rules and policies on some which means almost every thing. That is why I depend on the knowledge base here on CruiseCritic.com vs. calling or email.  The one exception is the Haven Pre-cruise Desk. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[scooter6139]

8 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

NCL has the most consistent, inconsistant rules and policies on some which means almost every thing. That is why I depend on the knowledge base here on CruiseCritic.com vs. calling or email.  The one exception is the Haven Pre-cruise Desk. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

 

I am expecting the worst, long security lines at San Pedro but hope that someone working somewhere will realize that "glow" coming off our faces screams Haven that they will take pity on us and show us where to go.  We've done the slog before, we can do it again.  Port employee's are usually pretty useless when trying to get details on where specifically to go.  

[scooter6139]

Follow on from NCL Pre-Concierge doesn't help much.  🙄

 

"We feel confident that this go round, you will have a very pleasant and fun experience. You will find your  Priority Line check-in and a designated seating area for Priority Guest to wait after check-in. Please identify yourselves as Haven guests and you will be directed to the proper VIP area. "

[missnd]

On 11/14/2022 at 12:43 PM, scooter6139 said:

Anyone have experience with Port of LA/San Pedro Haven embarkation?  I've emailed the Pre-Concierge folks to see if they can give us any instructions or let us know what to expect.  We sail in a month, so getting rather excited!

I am sailing in the Haven on the Bliss out of San Pedro on 11/27.  I will let you know how it goes!

[renji]

On 11/14/2022 at 1:59 PM, buchman67 said:

@renjiI am on Prima Dec 3rd too.  H6 The two bedroom.  Would love to meet and show rooms.  Getting super excited.

It is getting close! Let's keep in touch--  You'll recognize us by my guy's beard 😂

[PaulBrowning]

We just did the Haven on the Getaway out of Canaveral.   It was disappointing.   Apparently, they did away with the special area and escorting at embarkment.   When you identify as a Haven resident, you get put into a “priority” line that still requires standing an hour.  No escort onto the ship.  No orientation.  Butler and luggage show up at about 10PM that night. 
 

At the ports of call, they will escort you off, but nothing beyond that point, and nothing when re-boarding the ship. The nice room is the real perk.

[PaulBrowning]

On 10/22/2022 at 12:07 PM, rbxlady said:

A tip for Haven passengers boarding in Port Canaveral, be vocal about the fact that you’re in the Haven!

 

We just walked on the Getaway about 30 minutes ago, but after we went through the Haven security check, the people just led us to non-Haven check-in, where the rep gave us brand new cards, and told us to sit and wait with everyone else. I even asked if Haven passengers were supposed to be here, and she told me the Haven area was full. This all didn’t sound right to me, so I went up near the Haven check-in sign, and the lady there was confused as to why they didn’t direct us to the Haven check-in area and was super apologetic. When we got there, they took our keycards and did some work behind the counter before giving us our original Haven keycards. They said the regular check-in folks had created a bit of a headache, and we shouldn’t have been sent to the general waiting area. We were of course happy to find the Haven waiting area with snacks, drinks, and coffee.

 

I felt like kind of a jerk asking every person if we were in the right place for Haven passengers, like I was bragging about it, but apparently it’s necessary lest they send you to the wrong place and you miss out on being brought up by the Haven concierge.

We just were there.  We were very vocal and we’re told that we needed to go through the regular line.  Afterward, we inquired about the escort and such and the lady at the Haven sign told us that we just had to walk on like everyone else.  No escort.  No orientation.  Then we learned that the rooms aren’t available until 4PM and the Haven restaurant is closed the first day of the cruise.  It sounds like they are phasing out the embarkation perks.

[Sailing12Away]

22 hours ago, RocketMan275 said:

Was that from NYC? 

We're boarding out of NOLA.

That's what I've done at every port where we were Haven guests. Seattle, Miami, Barcelona, NY...

[oteixeira]

9 hours ago, PaulBrowning said:

We just were there.  We were very vocal and we’re told that we needed to go through the regular line.  Afterward, we inquired about the escort and such and the lady at the Haven sign told us that we just had to walk on like everyone else.  No escort.  No orientation.  Then we learned that the rooms aren’t available until 4PM and the Haven restaurant is closed the first day of the cruise.  It sounds like they are phasing out the embarkation perks.

Interesting, we were on her on Oct 29th and we had the escort, special area, all of it.  Not sure what happened on your sailing but my guess is it was a one time issue, maybe a lack of port workers that day.

[oteixeira]

9 hours ago, PaulBrowning said:

We just were there.  We were very vocal and we’re told that we needed to go through the regular line.  Afterward, we inquired about the escort and such and the lady at the Haven sign told us that we just had to walk on like everyone else.  No escort.  No orientation.  Then we learned that the rooms aren’t available until 4PM and the Haven restaurant is closed the first day of the cruise.  It sounds like they are phasing out the embarkation perks.

The more I read through this the more confused I get.  We had the best Concierge team we ever had on the Getaway, Alex and Ivan were amazing.  Signs up every day on where to meet and when to get on and off the ship, and to get into anything you wanted to see or do that required reservations, you could cut the line and no reservations at all.  I saw all three Syd Norman shows with no issue, while people waited in line outside for hours and never got in.  Rooms were ready on my sailing at 1PM which is totally normal. 

Can you tell me when you sailed, I actually have emails for people on board, we could ask what happened, because again this sounds very different then everything I saw just 2 weeks ago.  Also, the Haven restaurant is NEVER closed the first day of the cruise, they just WANT to try to get you to go to the diner, just refuse and at 11:30AM the Haven restaurant opens for lunch, we also ate there for dinner day 1 and it was service as usual.  I also have the name and email of the head Maitre 'D onboard for the Haven restaurant, and I am sure Dariusz would be happy to clear it up.

[cruiseny4life]

4 minutes ago, oteixeira said:

We had the best Concierge team we ever had on the Getaway, Alex and Ivan were amazing

Ivan is amazing! He's been our assistant concierge on both cruises on Getaway. He takes care of anything we need so quickly and seemingly effortlessly, though I know it's not with the sweat on his brow! Alex was training to be concierge when we were onboard, so I don't have a lot of experience with him, but I'm sure he's great too. 

[oteixeira]

4 minutes ago, cruiseny4life said:

Ivan is amazing! He's been our assistant concierge on both cruises on Getaway. He takes care of anything we need so quickly and seemingly effortlessly, though I know it's not with the sweat on his brow! Alex was training to be concierge when we were onboard, so I don't have a lot of experience with him, but I'm sure he's great too. 

Alex went so far as to get reprimanded by letting too many of us in to Syd Normans for the rock show.  He basically said he would take the hit for us and just spread out so we weren't all in one spot.  He is all about the guest!  Ivan is going to be taking a head concierge gig soon but on one of the smaller ships.  I think he said the Gem.  He is also the one who confirmed to me that Starlink is already being tested on Joy as of last month!