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

[Treasure Hunter]

No historians. Very disappointing . No shaded outdoor spaces. Very short staffed in dining venues. Food quality good. Nice raw bar except when there are shell bits in the oysters. Huge crowds at morning excursion to Graceland so not enough time to see everything. Golf carts available to get you up the levee ( thank goodness) buses following the ship and drivers are wonderful.

[Hearthosesteeldrumsplayin]

1 hour ago, Treasure Hunter said:

No historians. Very disappointing . No shaded outdoor spaces. Very short staffed in dining venues. Food quality good. Nice raw bar except when there are shell bits in the oysters. Huge crowds at morning excursion to Graceland so not enough time to see everything. Golf carts available to get you up the levee ( thank goodness) buses following the ship and drivers are wonderful.

In my research, it seems like River cruises can NOT be compared to ocean voyages.  However, I am game to try.  I have contemplated the Mississippi Queen.  Viking would seem to be way away from their home turf for that cruise.  Memphis had horrific storms this past weekend, so you are lucky that there was power for the Graceland tour, as Millington Naval Air Station (just N of Memphis) is STILL without power today!

[Treasure Hunter]

We had those storms yesterday in Greenland Mississippi late afternoon with lightning and pitch black skies but today it is just very hot. The boat is unaffected as was Graceland. Priscilla has built a huge complex. We only had three hours and you need double that time with the slow pace people move through the house. 

[graphicguy]

Boy...do I have a cunundrum for the CC peanut gallery here.

 

In brief, I'm booked in a Haven Spa Suite on the Epic for a Mediterranean cruise.  With the coupons and the "deals" offered, I got in for a shade over $4,500, all in.  I'm solo.  I usually don't feel privileged for booking solo cruises in the Haven.  My money....my choices.  I'm retired.  I worked a lot to send my son through a Jesuit Private HS and a 4 year college degree with no loans for him to shoulder.  Paid for home.  I drive a one year old Honda Accord, which while not sexy, I love.  

 

So, why am I telling you all this?

 

Welllllllllll......I can upgrade my Haven Spa Suite for a 2 BR Haven Suite within steps of the Restaurant, bar, concierge etc.  Again, I'm a solo, but the upgrade would be about $350.

 

Would you?  Could you? Pros?  Cons?

 

I usually don't feel guilty, but this has me talking to myself given I'm considering it.  

 

 

[omahabob]

5 minutes ago, Treasure Hunter said:

We had those storms yesterday in Greenland Mississippi late afternoon with lightning and pitch black skies but today it is just very hot. The boat is unaffected as was Graceland. Priscilla has built a huge complex. We only had three hours and you need double that time with the slow pace people move through the house. 

 

GreenVILLE?

[knscruiser322]

Hi again CCer's.

 

Quick question for those who drink unsweetened ice tea. Do you know what type of tea is being served in the Haven? I'm curious if I can request it to be green tea if anything.

[cruiseny4life]

6 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

Boy...do I have a cunundrum for the CC peanut gallery here.

 

In brief, I'm booked in a Haven Spa Suite on the Epic for a Mediterranean cruise.  With the coupons and the "deals" offered, I got in for a shade over $4,500, all in.  I'm solo.  I usually don't feel privileged for booking solo cruises in the Haven.  My money....my choices.  I'm retired.  I worked a lot to send my son through a Jesuit Private HS and a 4 year college degree with no loans for him to shoulder.  Paid for home.  I drive a one year old Honda Accord, which while not sexy, I love.  

 

So, why am I telling you all this?

 

Welllllllllll......I can upgrade my Haven Spa Suite for a 2 BR Haven Suite within steps of the Restaurant, bar, concierge etc.  Again, I'm a solo, but the upgrade would be about $350.

 

Would you?  Could you? Pros?  Cons?

 

I usually don't feel guilty, but this has me talking to myself given I'm considering it.  

 

 

We absolutely could, especially if getting the Haven Spa Suite for such an affordable price. Would we? Nope...For three reasons:

 

- We don't really want to be cloistered about in the Haven complex. We've never been in the complex, so perhaps we would love it. I don't think so, though. 

- The balcony in the spa suite is larger than the 2 bedroom if you believe NCL's website: https://www.ncl.com/cruise-ship/epic/staterooms/the-haven

- We absolutely love the thermal suite. Sure you're in the Med, so you may not need the warmth like you would on a Canada/Alaska/Bermuda sailing, but we did find ourselves missing the spa when we cruised Joy to the Western Caribbean. Joy's Haven sundeck almost made up for it, but not quite. 

 

$350 isn't anything to feel guilty about, at least not to me. So....that's not really a consideration, unless it impacts you paying monthly bills (I'm guessing no). But hey, as you said, your choices! You'll have a great cruise, regardless if you stay or go. I'm sure of that!

[graphicguy]

12 minutes ago, cruiseny4life said:

We absolutely could, especially if getting the Haven Spa Suite for such an affordable price. Would we? Nope...For three reasons:

 

- We don't really want to be cloistered about in the Haven complex. We've never been in the complex, so perhaps we would love it. I don't think so, though. 

- The balcony in the spa suite is larger than the 2 bedroom if you believe NCL's website: https://www.ncl.com/cruise-ship/epic/staterooms/the-haven

- We absolutely love the thermal suite. Sure you're in the Med, so you may not need the warmth like you would on a Canada/Alaska/Bermuda sailing, but we did find ourselves missing the spa when we cruised Joy to the Western Caribbean. Joy's Haven sundeck almost made up for it, but not quite. 

 

$350 isn't anything to feel guilty about, at least not to me. So....that's not really a consideration, unless it impacts you paying monthly bills (I'm guessing no). But hey, as you said, your choices! You'll have a great cruise, regardless if you stay or go. I'm sure of that!

Good points, all.

 

Thought about the Spa access.  The cruise is 11 days with 2 sea days.  And, we've got an overnight in Barcelona, Rome and Florence.  As you mention, it should be warm.  So, I'm debating how much I would use the spa given those circumstances.

 

Never thought about the balcony.  It does look small.  Being close to the Haven restaurant, bar and concierges doesn't bother me.  Might be nice to just walk out of the cabin and be within a minute of all that.

 

You know it's funny.  When I first started out after graduating college, I spent money like a drunken sailor on leave.  The more I began to make in my career, the tighter I became with a buck....mortgage, kid, wife, etc had to be cared for.  Now that I'm retired, and have none of those financial responsibilities any longer, I'm beginning to loosen the financial reins a bit, again!

 

I think my hesitation comes with my late Father whispering in my ear "...why are you going to do that?  It's so frivolous".  And, I wouldn't be able to argue with him.

 

I'm having this discussion with myself.  Don't know if I'm looking for validation or someone to pull me back from the ledge....or, to goad me into doing it.

Edited June 29, 2023 by graphicguy

[reecesavage]

50 minutes ago, omahabob said:

 

GreenVILLE?

As a native of the Mississippi Delta, I came here to say this. lol

[Daniel A]

24 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

I think my hesitation comes with my late Father whispering in my ear "...why are you going to do that?  It's so frivolous".  And, I wouldn't be able to argue with him.

 

I'm having this discussion with myself.  Don't know if I'm looking for validation or someone to pull me back from the ledge....or, to goad me into doing it.

If you don't reward yourself for a lifetime of hard work and sacrifice, who will?  I don't see the $350 as being the main issue.  The main issue is which cabin will make your cruise more enjoyable?  But how long will the up sell offer be available to you?  Waiting too long is also making a decision. 

[graphicguy]

20 minutes ago, Daniel A said:

If you don't reward yourself for a lifetime of hard work and sacrifice, who will?  I don't see the $350 as being the main issue.  The main issue is which cabin will make your cruise more enjoyable?  But how long will the up sell offer be available to you?  Waiting too long is also making a decision. 

Yeah....hit the nail on the head.  I am going to make a decision tonite.  

[RocketMan275]

34 minutes ago, Daniel A said:

If you don't reward yourself for a lifetime of hard work and sacrifice, who will?  

One of my favorite sayings:  "If you don't travel first class, your grandkids will."

[ashkay16]

Also love “ cant take it with you “   Enjoy !!

[SteveGill]

This was amazingly helpful. We are making our first NCL cruise (Prima on 2/23/24) and have a suite in The Haven.  Your overview has been a tremendous help in knowing what to expect.  Many thanks.

 

Steve Gillespie

[mconthehighseas]

I have two more butler questions.

Do we get escorted to special Haven and/or suite seats at the shows, or do we have to hope our room keys will give us access?

And about how many cabins does a butler have to care for?

 

Our cruise is getting close, and I am having trouble remembering everything I read - stress and excitement will do that!

[UKstages]

4 hours ago, graphicguy said:

Again, I'm a solo, but the upgrade would be about $350.

 

all upgrade bids are based on two guests, so is it $175 X 2 = $350?

 

or $350 X 2 = $700?

 

not a major difference, but just wanted to make sure you knew haven upgrade bids are based and billed on double occupancy, even if traveling solo.

[ashkay16]

Also just curious how you know the winning bid would be 350 or is that just what you bid .  I ask because i am waiting to see if mine will be accepted on my 7/30 cruise which i hear can be denied or accepted all the way up till a day or two before 

[Sthrngary]

5 hours ago, graphicguy said:

Boy...do I have a cunundrum for the CC peanut gallery here.

 

In brief, I'm booked in a Haven Spa Suite on the Epic for a Mediterranean cruise.  With the coupons and the "deals" offered, I got in for a shade over $4,500, all in.  I'm solo.  I usually don't feel privileged for booking solo cruises in the Haven.  My money....my choices.  I'm retired.  I worked a lot to send my son through a Jesuit Private HS and a 4 year college degree with no loans for him to shoulder.  Paid for home.  I drive a one year old Honda Accord, which while not sexy, I love.  

 

So, why am I telling you all this?

 

Welllllllllll......I can upgrade my Haven Spa Suite for a 2 BR Haven Suite within steps of the Restaurant, bar, concierge etc.  Again, I'm a solo, but the upgrade would be about $350.

 

Would you?  Could you? Pros?  Cons?

 

I usually don't feel guilty, but this has me talking to myself given I'm considering it.  

 

 

@graphicguy I have stayed in a Haven spa suite and a Haven Two-Bedroom Family Villa. The Haven Family Villa is a much nicer suite.  Yes, you are also correct, it is very close to all the best amenities in the Haven Proper. Finally, I have gone Solo on NCL Ships.  

Now for some assumptions.  The upgrade if a bid is $350.00 times two or $700.00 if they accept it.  If it is an upgrade of a flat $350.00 that is different.  

 

I personally would keep the Spa Suite.  The balcony is about the same size, you get access to the Thermal spa which would cost you if you had a Two-Bedroom.  Based on all the walking you will do in Europe, that Thermal Spa will come in handy, I assure you.  I have stayed outside the Haven Proper, in side the Haven Proper and in an owners suite in the Haven Proper.  For me personally, the Spa Suite was beyond good.  

 

On to your comment about being a solo and in the Haven.  When a person works all their life, they deserve to do what every they want to do.  When people say, you are wasting your money, that is none of their business.  In my life, I did not work all my life so I could leave as much money as possible for my kids.  That is crazy talk.  I will give them while I am alive so I can see the enjoyment yet spend what I earned with no regret.  That is just me.  

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[graphicguy]

43 minutes ago, UKstages said:

 

all upgrade bids are based on two guests, so is it $175 X 2 = $350?

 

or $350 X 2 = $700?

 

not a major difference, but just wanted to make sure you knew haven upgrade bids are based and billed on double occupancy, even if traveling solo.

Had the same question.  It’s +$350 (actually $348) to upgrade in total….in other words not pp, but per cabin!

[graphicguy]

35 minutes ago, ashkay16 said:

Also just curious how you know the winning bid would be 350 or is that just what you bid .  I ask because i am waiting to see if mine will be accepted on my 7/30 cruise which i hear can be denied or accepted all the way up till a day or two before 

I don’t know that I could actually do better price wise using the bid process.  The bid would have to be $175x2.  I don’t know that the minimum bids go that low.  The difference in cabins is significant.  

 

2BRs and 2  bathrooms, one with a tub and a window to look out of while showering, with a living room. that is within feet of the Haven proper.  1 bed and one bath for the Haven Spa cabin that’s 2 decks away from the Haven Proper!

 

I have NEVER seen a 2BR Haven Suite on any ship be this cheap….especially for an 11 day cruise in what is supposed to be the premier Haven in the entire fleet.

[graphicguy]

Thanks for the input all.  Thanks to you, Gary!

 

As mentioned, total upgrade is $348!  Which is shocking to me.  That’s all it costs to go from one of the cheapest Haven Suites (Spa) to one of the best, most expensive 2 Bedroom Haven Suites!

 

That said, I can only use one Bed at a time…I can only use one Bathroom at a time.  Living room would be nice in the 2 BR Suite….as would being in the Haven Proper.  Is any of that a “must have”?  Oh, hell no!  Still nice, though!

 

Would be nice to have Spa access in the Haven Spa Suite, though.  And, $350 would net me a nice excursion!

 

I don’t believe service in the 2BR Suite would be any better than I’d get in the Haven Spa Suite.

 

Good thing my TA is closed for the day.  I still haven’t made up my mind!!!  First World problems!  :)

[MoCruiseFan]

1 hour ago, ashkay16 said:

Also just curious how you know the winning bid would be 350 or is that just what you bid .  I ask because i am waiting to see if mine will be accepted on my 7/30 cruise which i hear can be denied or accepted all the way up till a day or two before 

Actually bid upgrades can be awarded all the way up to check in at the pier.  Also what is a winning bid on onr cruise has nothing to do with what the winning bids will be on any other cruise.  There are a lot of variables that go into awarding upgrades and most of them change each cruise, 

[UKstages]

ah, i think most of us were confused by the use of the word "upgrade." so this would be outside of the formal upgrade process... it looks like prices have dropped so that the total cost of booking the 2BDR outright would only add $348 to what you already paid for the room you already have.

 

got it.

 

a very good deal, but only you can decide if it's worth it to you, given all the considerations.

[cruiseny4life]

13 hours ago, mconthehighseas said:

I have two more butler questions.

Do we get escorted to special Haven and/or suite seats at the shows, or do we have to hope our room keys will give us access?

And about how many cabins does a butler have to care for?

 

Our cruise is getting close, and I am having trouble remembering everything I read - stress and excitement will do that!

1. For the major shows (think theater shows), you should be escorted by the concierge. There will be signs at the concierge desk to meet up at a specific time (usually 30 - 60 minutes before show time). Sometimes, I have been escorted to shows not in the main theater, but it truly depends on what the concierge offers. It's been different on the same ship, with the same entertainment, but different concierges (different sailings). Talk to your concierge when you board and they'll provide all the details. 

 

When I sailed Getaway in April and Sept., 2022, Broadway Unplugged was a non-ticketed show. On my New Year's cruise, 22/23, this same show was ticketed. I reserved a ticket with the concierge and he told me to just head down to the space the show was in on my own. No special escort since I had a guaranteed ticket. I wasn't able to get in before other guests so just had to select an available seat. It worked out fine as I got there about 30 minutes before showtime. 

 

2. In my experience, butlers have told me they have anywhere between 10 and 16 cabins. I've never sailed in the Haven complex. It's either been a Haven Penthouse/Suite, midship or a Haven Aft-Facing Suite. In the aft, the butler told us 16. Midship he told us 10. 

 

3. Don't stress a lot! But...be very, very excited especially if this is your first Haven cruise! If you communicate with staff, you'll know everything you need. Talk with your room steward and let them know your room preferences. Talk with your butler and let them know your snacking/meal preferences (if you're going to take advantage of dining in your suite), talk with the concierge about shows, escorts to shows, and priority disembarkation/embarkation. 

And, of course, be sure to quickly review this thread (I know, it's 91 pages right now...that's a lot). There are so many great points by a variety of Haven cruisers. Some that love one aspect of the Haven. Others that love another. You'll find a ton of advice. Take what you think you'll need. And remember, have a fantastic time! 

[goldmom]

10 hours ago, graphicguy said:

Thanks for the input all.  Thanks to you, Gary!

 

As mentioned, total upgrade is $348!  Which is shocking to me.  That’s all it costs to go from one of the cheapest Haven Suites (Spa) to one of the best, most expensive 2 Bedroom Haven Suites!

 

That said, I can only use one Bed at a time…I can only use one Bathroom at a time.  Living room would be nice in the 2 BR Suite….as would being in the Haven Proper.  Is any of that a “must have”?  Oh, hell no!  Still nice, though!

 

Would be nice to have Spa access in the Haven Spa Suite, though.  And, $350 would net me a nice excursion!

 

I don’t believe service in the 2BR Suite would be any better than I’d get in the Haven Spa Suite.

 

Good thing my TA is closed for the day.  I still haven’t made up my mind!!!  First World problems!  🙂

I think I would go for it, only because an offer like this is very rare.  Unless you feel that you would get more use from the spa, the luxury of all that space at such a great price would certainly make for a truly special vacation.

We've stayed in and out of the Haven and found we now prefer to stay within the Haven (but then we're old and tired, LOL!)  It's nice to check the hot tub on the way to the room, then if it's empty to pop to the cabin and change and enjoy.

Seriously, you really can't go wrong either way.  Wishing you a fabulous cruise whatever you decide.