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

[Greygooser]

On 12/15/2022 at 8:03 AM, RocketMan275 said:

Yes, easily done.  You should reserve a table for four.  How to pay is determined when you arrive at the restaurant.  Tell them you have four meals and they will handle it from there.

 

Hello all-

 

Been reading much (but not all) of this thread. Big thanks to all it's contributors and of course the OP. Lots to learn for my first time booked on a ship with a proper Haven. Quoting an older comment here, just want to confirm I understand. We will likely do the Free at Sea Plus upgrade (with 10 ports worth of excursions it seems like it will be a good value).

 

As far as specialty meals, with the upgrade, the adults will then have 4 meals each, but the two children in the same stateroom will still have zero. So my question is, do you find it's fine for the adults to give them their cards and say we want to use 4 credits? I was under the impression the rule was only the person with the credit could redeem the meal. TIA for any insight

And for a Haven specific question, does anyone have any insight into the Haven check-in/embarkation process at the port in Rome? Would love to hear it. Also interested in if there's a long process disembarking to go through customs or anything. I've never cruised from a port outside of the US before. Thanks!

[cruiseny4life]

6 minutes ago, Greygooser said:

As far as specialty meals, with the upgrade, the adults will then have 4 meals each, but the two children in the same stateroom will still have zero. So my question is, do you find it's fine for the adults to give them their cards and say we want to use 4 credits? I was under the impression the rule was only the person with the credit could redeem the meal. TIA for any insight

The meals are non-transferable, so the adults will receive the four meals. The children do not have any. You could purchase a dining package for them. If they're younger, they could also just order of the included kid's menu. You could also pick/choose which specialty restaurant you take the kids to (i.e. Teppanyaki with the kids, Le Bistro for the adults). Then you don't have to pay for four meals the kids may not appreciate. Let them have at it at the buffet or in the Haven Restaurant, or wherever else that's included. 

[Greygooser]

7 minutes ago, cruiseny4life said:

The meals are non-transferable, so the adults will receive the four meals. The children do not have any. You could purchase a dining package for them. If they're younger, they could also just order of the included kid's menu. You could also pick/choose which specialty restaurant you take the kids to (i.e. Teppanyaki with the kids, Le Bistro for the adults). Then you don't have to pay for four meals the kids may not appreciate. Let them have at it at the buffet or in the Haven Restaurant, or wherever else that's included. 

Thanks, that's what I thought. The post I quoted made it seem like it was common practice and the rule wasn't enforced.

[Sthrngary]

20 minutes ago, Greygooser said:

 

Hello all-

 

Been reading much (but not all) of this thread. Big thanks to all it's contributors and of course the OP. Lots to learn for my first time booked on a ship with a proper Haven. Quoting an older comment here, just want to confirm I understand. We will likely do the Free at Sea Plus upgrade (with 10 ports worth of excursions it seems like it will be a good value).

 

As far as specialty meals, with the upgrade, the adults will then have 4 meals each, but the two children in the same stateroom will still have zero. So my question is, do you find it's fine for the adults to give them their cards and say we want to use 4 credits? I was under the impression the rule was only the person with the credit could redeem the meal. TIA for any insight

And for a Haven specific question, does anyone have any insight into the Haven check-in/embarkation process at the port in Rome? Would love to hear it. Also interested in if there's a long process disembarking to go through customs or anything. I've never cruised from a port outside of the US before. Thanks!

@Greygooser I am the OP-ED and you are welcome.  I see your question was answered above.  I can add to the answer with some strategy.  In November 2021 I was in the Haven with my wife and Three children.  My children are all adults and this was a well planned family vacation.  One that might have been our last.  At the time the Free At Sea Plus plan was not create but I did have three Specialty Restaurant opportunities.  Two from the Free at Sea and one from American Express.  

 

My situation is different than yours but I wanted to let you know what I did.  I purchase for each child a package with four Specialty Restaurants.  I thought about this a lot and my wife wanted the family together at meals especially dinner so I honored her wishes.  The additional cost was not as much as I thought and I am glad I did.  I am not saying you should at all, I just thought my story might add to your final business decision.  Hope it helps and thank you again for your kind words.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

[Greygooser]

13 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

@Greygooser I am the OP-ED and you are welcome.  I see your question was answered above.  I can add to the answer with some strategy.  In November 2021 I was in the Haven with my wife and Three children.  My children are all adults and this was a well planned family vacation.  One that might have been our last.  At the time the Free At Sea Plus plan was not create but I did have three Specialty Restaurant opportunities.  Two from the Free at Sea and one from American Express.  

 

My situation is different than yours but I wanted to let you know what I did.  I purchase for each child a package with four Specialty Restaurants.  I thought about this a lot and my wife wanted the family together at meals especially dinner so I honored her wishes.  The additional cost was not as much as I thought and I am glad I did.  I am not saying you should at all, I just thought my story might add to your final business decision.  Hope it helps and thank you again for your kind words.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

I fully agree, don't mind the cost, was actually surprised reading the original post I quoted because I had always thought we'd have to purchase the extra meals. Just wanted to confirm. Thanks again for all your input Gary!

[janpa70]

Sailed NCL many times but going to be 1st time Haven in May. Have read this whole thread and made lots of notes. Thank you to all. Can anyone tell me about the Seattle terminal and the Haven area? I thought I read somewhere that there were steps there. Going with my son and sister and she has some mobility issues and want to plan ahead for this if there are to many steps. We are so looking forward to being in the Haven on the Bliss. This will be the biggest ship we will be sailing on. Can't wait Alaska on the Bliss.

[estvil30]

I thought I would post my review of our cruise in Jan. 2023.

 

This is only our second cruise.

We're a gay couple in our 50's that really needed a relaxing vacation, and the NCL Escape/Haven was the perfect choice for us.

We love the Haven and all the staff that helped make our vacation wonderful.

 

Our Butler, Flor, was always there with a friendly smile and eager to help you with anything you might need. Lunch on the balcony, no problem. She kept our mini-fridge stocked with our favorite drinks. Our cabin steward Edwin kept our room spotless, and again, so friendly and helpful. The Haven restaurant hostess was always there with a friendly smile and so accommodating. One of our waiters, Jesus, was very prompt, friendly, and happy to offer suggestions. The concierge Dilip was always there to answer any questions with a smile, no matter how small the request.

Yes, the ship was full and could get quite crowded, but the Haven was the perfect compliment. Quiet, peaceful, and spotless.

The food ! We ate so much good food. The Haven restaurant was always top notch. (mushroom flatbread was a must for lunch) But we also dined at Cagneys and Le Bistro, and both were special and had amazing food. Cagneys Ribeye steak was perfection. Le Bisto offered an elegant atmosphere with perfectly prepared food.

Yes, there was a "loud" atmosphere at the main pool, but very festive.

We enjoyed the quiet of the Haven Pool and Sun deck.

And the Spa offered amazing massages, that we took advantage of our first full day at sea. A perfect way top start your vacation. My masseur Leah, gave a deep tissue massage that made me melt.

A big "Thank you" to everyone on this site, we got so much advance insights that helped make our vacation perfect !

Safe cruising !

[mearsfansinboise]

On 2/12/2023 at 2:57 PM, RocketMan275 said:

When was that picture taken?

I just checked the menu for American Dinner and the Shrimp and Grits is no longer listed.

BTW, the fried chicken is gone as well.

Both items are on the current, updated 2023 menu menu:  https://www.ncl.com/sites/default/files/Fleet_American-Diner_Mobile-Menu-A_010123.pdf --- and I hope they are still there when we sail next month!

[mearsfansinboise]

On 2/24/2023 at 11:12 AM, janpa70 said:

Sailed NCL many times but going to be 1st time Haven in May. Have read this whole thread and made lots of notes. Thank you to all. Can anyone tell me about the Seattle terminal and the Haven area? I thought I read somewhere that there were steps there. Going with my son and sister and she has some mobility issues and want to plan ahead for this if there are to many steps. We are so looking forward to being in the Haven on the Bliss. This will be the biggest ship we will be sailing on. Can't wait Alaska on the Bliss.

We sailed the Bliss to Alaska out of Seattle in October.  I'm 99.9% sure there were no stairs; I feel like I would remember because my husband has mobility issues and we ordered the wheelchair for him which we did not get until we arrived at the Haven lounge and don't recall having any issues; I think it was all flat and/or elevators/escalators.  

[RocketMan275]

23 minutes ago, mearsfansinboise said:

Both items are on the current, updated 2023 menu menu:  https://www.ncl.com/sites/default/files/Fleet_American-Diner_Mobile-Menu-A_010123.pdf --- and I hope they are still there when we sail next month!

That's interesting because they're not on the Specialty Dining Menu for Breakaway on the NCL website.  I hope  you're correct.

 

[ltmguy]

We are traveling with 4 in a 2 bedroom.  2 are Adult Kids this time, and I am wondering if anyone has upgraded to the plus package for just 2 of the room members? My husband and I normally upgrade, but not sure if this is the right route to take as the additional meals are not transferable. The internet is only good for 2 people... we are on a 10-day cruise that is heavy on the ports... what we really want is the upgraded drink options and the internet as I work from the ship..

 

Edited March 2, 2023 by ltmguy
adding more info

[vacation44]

3 hours ago, ltmguy said:

We are traveling with 4 in a 2 bedroom.  2 are Adult Kids this time, and I am wondering if anyone has upgraded to the plus package for just 2 of the room members? My husband and I normally upgrade, but not sure if this is the right route to take as the additional meals are not transferable. The internet is only good for 2 people... we are on a 10-day cruise that is heavy on the ports... what we really want is the upgraded drink options and the internet as I work from the ship..

 

My understanding is that everyone in the cabin would have to upgrade.

[latebloomer56]

First let me say again love this post, long true but a great resource.

I booked the family in a 2 bedroom Haven suite for April school break (grandson has break 24-28). Wanted our adult sons and grandson to try the Haven and cost me a little less than the Joy 2 BR non Haven which when perks changed so did I.

Now I have emailed the Concierge ( per suggestion at start of this post) and received a reply just over a week later. We requested all for sale items removed. Now my question is what will be in our cabin when we board? I didn't bother betting any drink packages, boy were not interested and I don't drink enough so will pay as we go. As platinum do we each get water once or daily? Do they still leave that awful champagne (cough, cough)? I had DOS on the Gem but know this cabin will not have everything we go in that category.

Thanks

[mearsfansinboise]

15 minutes ago, latebloomer56 said:

First let me say again love this post, long true but a great resource.

I booked the family in a 2 bedroom Haven suite for April school break (grandson has break 24-28). Wanted our adult sons and grandson to try the Haven and cost me a little less than the Joy 2 BR non Haven which when perks changed so did I.

Now I have emailed the Concierge ( per suggestion at start of this post) and received a reply just over a week later. We requested all for sale items removed. Now my question is what will be in our cabin when we board? I didn't bother betting any drink packages, boy were not interested and I don't drink enough so will pay as we go. As platinum do we each get water once or daily? Do they still leave that awful champagne (cough, cough)? I had DOS on the Gem but know this cabin will not have everything we go in that category.

Thanks

YES; you'll have the champagne.  And on both our last sailings when we asked for all the pay items removed, they weren't taken out of the room, they were hidden (yet visible) on top of the refrigerator area.

[latebloomer56]

1 hour ago, mearsfansinboise said:

YES; you'll have the champagne.  And on both our last sailings when we asked for all the pay items removed, they weren't taken out of the room, they were hidden (yet visible) on top of the refrigerator area.

Thanks last trip I gave 4 bottles away in the casino on the last night. I always seem the win the stuff in that coin slide machine 😊. I will check and make sure the guys don't think it's included, they want a drink they can go to a bar. 

[estvil30]

I have a question for all you NCL Haven cruisers.

We've only taken 2 cruises. Both on NCL Escape, and believe it or not, we stayed in the same room both times !

Our first trip was in Jan. 2020

Our second trip was Jan. 2023

 

We noticed a change, did you ?

 

This could be the new staff or new management.

for example, In the past we had the same waiter in the Haven restaurant for almost every meal, he got to know our likes and dislikes. It was one of the best perks that the Haven has.

During our 2nd cruise we had a different waiter for every meal in the Haven Restaurant, without personalized attention.

And sitting on the sundeck, we couldn't get anyone to take a drink order or food.

The staff seemed overworked, friendly, but overworked.

Your thoughts?

[cruiseny4life]

2 minutes ago, estvil30 said:

I have a question for all you NCL Haven cruisers.

We've only taken 2 cruises. Both on NCL Escape, and believe it or not, we stayed in the same room both times !

Our first trip was in Jan. 2020

Our second trip was Jan. 2023

 

We noticed a change, did you ?

 

This could be the new staff or new management.

for example, In the past we had the same waiter in the Haven restaurant for almost every meal, he got to know our likes and dislikes. It was one of the best perks that the Haven has.

During our 2nd cruise we had a different waiter for every meal in the Haven Restaurant, without personalized attention.

And sitting on the sundeck, we couldn't get anyone to take a drink order or food.

The staff seemed overworked, friendly, but overworked.

Your thoughts?

Up until April, 2022, I had never sailed NCL. Since April, my husband and I have taken three Haven cruises and have another coming up in just ten short days! Our first three cruises were on Getaway. We stayed in the same room on two cruises - 13902! On March 18th, we're switching it up and trying out Joy. 

 

We never had the same exact server in the restaurant. Rather, we had three or four servers who seemed to rotate service between breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Several of the servers were doing double duty. They worked in Ocean Blue or Cagney's in the evening, but served Haven passengers breakfast and lunch. This occurred on all three cruises, whether the ship 

 

Only once did we have a server wander over to ask if we wanted drinks in the courtyard. And this was only when we were sharing the hot tub with another couple. Maybe we didn't look thirsty enough on our own. We always just went to the bar to get our drinks. Not a big deal, but we did want service a couple times and didn't get it. 

[mearsfansinboise]

28 minutes ago, cruiseny4life said:

Up until April, 2022, I had never sailed NCL. Since April, my husband and I have taken three Haven cruises and have another coming up in just ten short days! Our first three cruises were on Getaway. We stayed in the same room on two cruises - 13902! On March 18th, we're switching it up and trying out Joy. 

 

We never had the same exact server in the restaurant. Rather, we had three or four servers who seemed to rotate service between breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Several of the servers were doing double duty. They worked in Ocean Blue or Cagney's in the evening, but served Haven passengers breakfast and lunch. This occurred on all three cruises, whether the ship 

 

Only once did we have a server wander over to ask if we wanted drinks in the courtyard. And this was only when we were sharing the hot tub with another couple. Maybe we didn't look thirsty enough on our own. We always just went to the bar to get our drinks. Not a big deal, but we did want service a couple times and didn't get it. 

- same experience with 2 Havens last year, one in a few weeks.

[Sthrngary]

Hello All, every now and again I post something here on the "Haven Secrets" stream I wrote years ago.  It is going to be very hard for new and existing Haven Guest to go back and read the original posting and all the extremely helpful comments.  Please remember when asking a question or commenting to an inquiry to set realistic expectations.  I love the Haven and even though I have taken a break from NCL and the Haven Experience for a short time, it is for me the best of both worlds.  Mega Ship experience with a lovely private and exclusive section for a fortunate few.  Great experience and concept.

 

To answer some question posed throughout this and other posts, here is simply my two cents:

 

• Butlers:  Yes, I wrote the Butler Letter.  It is not for everyone however worked for me.  That is an important distinction. Yes, I tip my butler on day one which I NEVER used to do.  I do it now because of conversations with butlers on guest leaving without providing gratuities.  Before you ask, with four people in my suite, I gave a gratuity of $200.00. Don't hate the messenger. You do You.
• Adult Beverages In the Room:  If you request your butler to bring adult beverage to your suite, regardless of the drink package you have, it will be charged to your room, PERIOD.  Some post say the butler will do it for you.  If they do, they can get fired. 
• Canned Soda:  Unless you are in the H2 Owners Suite, Owners Suite or THREE bedroom villa (a very few others), you will not have complementary soda/mixers in your suite. If you want a pitcher of coke or other soda, ask your butler.  I have gotten both YES and NO for this request.  The same thing holds true for juice. Start with low expectations and be surprised if it happens. 
• Specialty Coffee's:  If made in the Haven Restaurant, they are complementary.  NOT, at the Starbuck store.  Juices are also available at the Haven Restaurant.  On ships like Encore and Joy, the Haven Observation Deck has the best coffee machine I have ever used for specialty coffee. 
• Room Service:  On day one, tell your butler you want room service ONLY from the Haven Restaurant if they are open at the time. When you order, it is the same as ordering from the Menu when at the Haven Restaurant. PLEASE REMEMBER, the Haven Restaurant has a fix menu which does not change.  So if you want something for room service that is not on the menu, like sushi, that is not going to happen or you will be charged. If you want regular room service menu items, it is just fine. 
• Mid-Day Snacks:  The are for the most part fixed.  They are also nothing great.  Will your butler make a change, sometimes.  The word sometimes is important when creating realistic expectations.  When I hear all the special stuff people are asking for then the next guest gets a "NO" from their butler, it makes me sad.  
• Escort to Small Show Venues:  Don't expect this no matter what you hear on this or other social media site.  Has it happened, "YES".  Is it a NCL Haven Policy, "NO".  It is hit or miss.  Again, if it is your expectation, and you don't get this service.  You don't like the experience.  The big shows you can have an escort but you don't need one.  The Haven section is off to the left but depending on the show, you might want a different seat.  Again, realistic expectations.
• Same Server in Haven Restaurant:  Not the way the Restaurant is structured.  Great service is the norm.  Same server is not the policy.  Did some folks have that experience and enjoy it, yes.  Don't expect it. Also, if you want a quick meal, go to another venue other than the Haven Restaurant.  That is good advice.
• Drinks Served on the Haven Sundeck: I have done the Haven many, many times.  It is rare for me to have had a server ask me for a drink order while in the Haven Sundeck.  That is why I love the Vibe Beach Club which has a dedicated bar. Since I know that, I simply go to the Haven Bar one deck down and get my drinks.  If I win the lottery and a server shows up, I order a drink.  Also, I have used the wireless Haven Suite phone in my Haven Suite to ask my butler to bring food to the Haven Sundeck.  He was always happy to do so. However, an adult beverage has been a charge except once.  Clear as mud, right.  Expectations. 
• Request for For Sale Items Out of Suite:  Sorry to say, they simply put them up somewhere and don't remove.  That is their new policy.  It is the way it is. 
• Request for Filet with Eggs for Breakfast:  This is possible most of the time if you give the head waiter a 24 hour heads up.  I have also been turned down on this request due to supply chain issues. 
• Pillows Menu:  It is nice but I have never thought it made to much of a difference.  If it does for you, go for it. 
• Finding Haven Check-In:  Depends on port.  Security seems to be the same for everyone on the ship so this topic needs to be where to go after security has been complete.  The port staff is consistently worthless.  All I do is look all around for the Haven sign and eventually find it.   I personally choose early boarding so the line at the actual Haven Check In is less crowded.  Just me, my approach. 
• Complementary Lunch Embarkment: On most of the larger ships, the embarkment lunch is offered at a complementary specialty restaurant like "The American Diner".  I have done that only once.  I much prefer the Haven Restaurant for lunch day one.  Personal preferences here. 
• Booking Specialty Restaurant Reservations:  You can book 130 days prior to your embarkment date to have priority reservations.  When on the ship, you can change however you will notice that you can't always get the change you want.  The more crowded the ship is, the harder it is to get the day and time you want at the last minute.  Just the way it is. 

 

My Personal Opinion: I love the Haven.  Yet my next few cruises are on another cruise brand.  I had an experience in 2021 on the now defuncted Crystal Cruise Lines.  I wanted to take a Luxury Cruise Test Drive. Crystal is back now with new owners, FYI. The investment for seven days was less then the Haven's lowest cost suite.  I got the chance to upgrade to a Penthouse with a butler.  I wanted to see and feel the difference in the Luxury segment.  The butler was a game changer in every way.  The afternoon snacks were over the top and I could have smoked salmon every afternoon if I wanted.  They brought all the canned soda I wanted and even brought my wife bottles of wine and me a bottle of vodka at no extra charge.  The specialty restaurants were outstanding for a cruise.  The personalized service was very special from every crew member. This cruise was totally boring for me and my wife.  No energy and we missed the normal cruise activities.  Some of the guest who had cruised this brand previously acted like they owned the brand making newcomers like me feel uncomfortable. This experience would have been much better suited for a longer Mediterranean cruise with lots of time at each ports.  Not for the Caribbean. 

 

I bring this up because if you want the "best of the best": service, food, drinks, specialty restaurants, amenities, less kids onboard, ect., choose a luxury or ultra-luxury brand.  In todays market, be prepared to pay the same about for a New SUV as for your cruise. Do not have that same expectation from the NCL Haven.  Do your due diligence so you have realistic expectations.  

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[JandC_Cruising]

On 3/2/2023 at 2:45 PM, ltmguy said:

We are traveling with 4 in a 2 bedroom.  2 are Adult Kids this time, and I am wondering if anyone has upgraded to the plus package for just 2 of the room members? My husband and I normally upgrade, but not sure if this is the right route to take as the additional meals are not transferable. The internet is only good for 2 people... we are on a 10-day cruise that is heavy on the ports... what we really want is the upgraded drink options and the internet as I work from the ship..

 

I can only tell you my experience and we were successful in only upgrading two of us.

We travelled on the Joy in June of last year.  We had our two adult children and one of their girlfriends in a 2BR.. All are over 21 yo and when we booked, we all had the standard drink package with the Free at Sea.  

Several weeks prior to the cruise I called NCL and successfully upgraded DW and myself.  The adult children did not have to upgrade.

When we dined together, we all shared the bottles of wine and bottles of Aqua Pana at each meal.  

My advise is to call and ask for just you and husband to be upgraded.

[psuboater]

33 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

Hello All, every now and again I post something here on the "Haven Secrets" stream I wrote years ago.  It is going to be very hard for new and existing Haven Guest to go back and read the original posting and all the extremely helpful comments.  Please remember when asking a question or commenting to an inquiry to set realistic expectations.  I love the Haven and even though I have taken a break from NCL and the Haven Experience for a short time, it is for me the best of both worlds.  Mega Ship experience with a lovely private and exclusive section for a fortunate few.  Great experience and concept.

 

To answer some question posed throughout this and other posts, here is simply my two cents:

 

• Butlers:  Yes, I wrote the Butler Letter.  It is not for everyone however worked for me.  That is an important distinction. Yes, I tip my butler on day one which I NEVER used to do.  I do it now because of conversations with butlers on guest leaving without providing gratuities.  Before you ask, with four people in my suite, I gave a gratuity of $200.00. Don't hate the messenger. You do You.
• Adult Beverages In the Room:  If you request your butler to bring adult beverage to your suite, regardless of the drink package you have, it will be charged to your room, PERIOD.  Some post say the butler will do it for you.  If they do, they can get fired. 
• Canned Soda:  Unless you are in the H2 Owners Suite, Owners Suite or THREE bedroom villa (a very few others), you will not have complementary soda/mixers in your suite. If you want a pitcher of coke or other soda, ask your butler.  I have gotten both YES and NO for this request.  The same thing holds true for juice. Start with low expectations and be surprised if it happens. 
• Specialty Coffee's:  If made in the Haven Restaurant, they are complementary.  NOT, at the Starbuck store.  Juices are also available at the Haven Restaurant.  On ships like Encore and Joy, the Haven Observation Deck has the best coffee machine I have ever used for specialty coffee. 
• Room Service:  On day one, tell your butler you want room service ONLY from the Haven Restaurant if they are open at the time. When you order, it is the same as ordering from the Menu when at the Haven Restaurant. PLEASE REMEMBER, the Haven Restaurant has a fix menu which does not change.  So if you want something for room service that is not on the menu, like sushi, that is not going to happen or you will be charged. If you want regular room service menu items, it is just fine. 
• Mid-Day Snacks:  The are for the most part fixed.  They are also nothing great.  Will your butler make a change, sometimes.  The word sometimes is important when creating realistic expectations.  When I hear all the special stuff people are asking for then the next guest gets a "NO" from their butler, it makes me sad.  
• Escort to Small Show Venues:  Don't expect this no matter what you hear on this or other social media site.  Has it happened, "YES".  Is it a NCL Haven Policy, "NO".  It is hit or miss.  Again, if it is your expectation, and you don't get this service.  You don't like the experience.  The big shows you can have an escort but you don't need one.  The Haven section is off to the left but depending on the show, you might want a different seat.  Again, realistic expectations.
• Same Server in Haven Restaurant:  Not the way the Restaurant is structured.  Great service is the norm.  Same server is not the policy.  Did some folks have that experience and enjoy it, yes.  Don't expect it. Also, if you want a quick meal, go to another venue other than the Haven Restaurant.  That is good advice.
• Drinks Served on the Haven Sundeck: I have done the Haven many, many times.  It is rare for me to have had a server ask me for a drink order while in the Haven Sundeck.  That is why I love the Vibe Beach Club which has a dedicated bar. Since I know that, I simply go to the Haven Bar one deck down and get my drinks.  If I win the lottery and a server shows up, I order a drink.  Also, I have used the wireless Haven Suite phone in my Haven Suite to ask my butler to bring food to the Haven Sundeck.  He was always happy to do so. However, an adult beverage has been a charge except once.  Clear as mud, right.  Expectations. 
• Request for For Sale Items Out of Suite:  Sorry to say, they simply put them up somewhere and don't remove.  That is their new policy.  It is the way it is. 
• Request for Filet with Eggs for Breakfast:  This is possible most of the time if you give the head waiter a 24 hour heads up.  I have also been turned down on this request due to supply chain issues. 
• Pillows Menu:  It is nice but I have never thought it made to much of a difference.  If it does for you, go for it. 
• Finding Haven Check-In:  Depends on port.  Security seems to be the same for everyone on the ship so this topic needs to be where to go after security has been complete.  The port staff is consistently worthless.  All I do is look all around for the Haven sign and eventually find it.   I personally choose early boarding so the line at the actual Haven Check In is less crowded.  Just me, my approach. 
• Complementary Lunch Embarkment: On most of the larger ships, the embarkment lunch is offered at a complementary specialty restaurant like "The American Diner".  I have done that only once.  I much prefer the Haven Restaurant for lunch day one.  Personal preferences here. 
• Booking Specialty Restaurant Reservations:  You can book 130 days prior to your embarkment date to have priority reservations.  When on the ship, you can change however you will notice that you can't always get the change you want.  The more crowded the ship is, the harder it is to get the day and time you want at the last minute.  Just the way it is. 

 

My Personal Opinion: I love the Haven.  Yet my next few cruises are on another cruise brand.  I had an experience in 2021 on the now defuncted Crystal Cruise Lines.  I wanted to take a Luxury Cruise Test Drive. Crystal is back now with new owners, FYI. The investment for seven days was less then the Haven's lowest cost suite.  I got the chance to upgrade to a Penthouse with a butler.  I wanted to see and feel the difference in the Luxury segment.  The butler was a game changer in every way.  The afternoon snacks were over the top and I could have smoked salmon every afternoon if I wanted.  They brought all the canned soda I wanted and even brought my wife bottles of wine and me a bottle of vodka at no extra charge.  The specialty restaurants were outstanding for a cruise.  The personalized service was very special from every crew member. This cruise was totally boring for me and my wife.  No energy and we missed the normal cruise activities.  Some of the guest who had cruised this brand previously acted like they owned the brand making newcomers like me feel uncomfortable. This experience would have been much better suited for a longer Mediterranean cruise with lots of time at each ports.  Not for the Caribbean. 

 

I bring this up because if you want the "best of the best": service, food, drinks, specialty restaurants, amenities, less kids onboard, ect., choose a luxury or ultra-luxury brand.  In todays market, be prepared to pay the same about for a New SUV as for your cruise. Do not have that same expectation from the NCL Haven.  Do your due diligence so you have realistic expectations.  

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

Thank you for this!  We sailed on the Joy two weeks ago and I was chatting with a Haven passenger. It blew my mind of how little one gets in Haven for what is sometimes triple the price from Club Balcony. I took your advice- booked Vibe, upgraded to the Free and Sea Plus - and feel like I wasn't missing much more than the dedicated Haven lounge. We're not big on being fussed over, so the Butler isn't an appeal. 

 

We booked a Club Balcony for our next trip in June- and the only sad thing is Vibe is already sold out 😞

[Sthrngary]

2 minutes ago, psuboater said:

Thank you for this!  We sailed on the Joy two weeks ago and I was chatting with a Haven passenger. It blew my mind of how little one gets in Haven for what is sometimes triple the price from Club Balcony. I took your advice- booked Vibe, upgraded to the Free and Sea Plus - and feel like I wasn't missing much more than the dedicated Haven lounge. We're not big on being fussed over, so the Butler isn't an appeal. 

 

We booked a Club Balcony for our next trip in June- and the only sad thing is Vibe is already sold out 😞

Call NCL and or book the Vibe Cabana that comes with two weekly vibe passes.  

[psuboater]

Just now, Sthrngary said:

Call NCL and or book the Vibe Cabana that comes with two weekly vibe passes.  

On the Joy so there's no Cabanas, but thank you for the tip! 

[Sthrngary]

8 minutes ago, JandC_Cruising said:

I can only tell you my experience and we were successful in only upgrading two of us.

We travelled on the Joy in June of last year.  We had our two adult children and one of their girlfriends in a 2BR.. All are over 21 yo and when we booked, we all had the standard drink package with the Free at Sea.  

Several weeks prior to the cruise I called NCL and successfully upgraded DW and myself.  The adult children did not have to upgrade.

When we dined together, we all shared the bottles of wine and bottles of Aqua Pana at each meal.  

My advise is to call and ask for just you and husband to be upgraded.

I was also on the Joy, in the Haven. I also upgrades my wife and my drink package yet not my three adult children.  We ordered water and Champagne and every one got a glass.  
 

However, it seems since then, the rules have changed. More like the rules are now being enforced. So be aware sharing might be an issue now. Just an FYI.

[Laszlo]

On 3/8/2023 at 11:00 AM, estvil30 said:

I have a question for all you NCL Haven cruisers.

We've only taken 2 cruises. Both on NCL Escape, and believe it or not, we stayed in the same room both times !

Our first trip was in Jan. 2020

Our second trip was Jan. 2023

 

We noticed a change, did you ?

 

This could be the new staff or new management.

for example, In the past we had the same waiter in the Haven restaurant for almost every meal, he got to know our likes and dislikes. It was one of the best perks that the Haven has.

During our 2nd cruise we had a different waiter for every meal in the Haven Restaurant, without personalized attention.

And sitting on the sundeck, we couldn't get anyone to take a drink order or food.

The staff seemed overworked, friendly, but overworked.

Your thoughts?

 

My wife and I did a 12 day on the Getaway in early January. Service was great all overall in all of the Haven area's. Having said that we did notice some issues with a lack of staff. Not a big deal at all. In fact we probably would not have noticed it except the crew mentioned it a few times. Not just being short staffed but crew members staying on longer than they normally do