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

[omahabob]

They're not quite 24/7, but close. Most people will never notice the short period they're closed.

[Sthrngary]

A Note from Sthrngary:

 

Thank every one for keeping this second edition of the Secret of the Haven going.  Seems more and more new folks are trying the Haven.  That is very rewarding for everyone that knows how special it is. 

 

On a personal note, I had a stroke at age 61.  I was a professional educator, speaker and facilitator for decades prior to my illness.  I was lucky, it did not effect me to badly however it scared me.  I also lost a little bit of my memory, "I think, what or yes memory". I retired and with retirement I got bored.  

 

This this thread has kept me active and interested in a subject I have enjoyed since my honeymoon 44 years ago.  I am so impressed with the quality accuracy, kindness, and professionalism of every contributor.  You honor NCL, the Haven and myself with your commitment. 

 

I am going to continue to assist when ever called on and always remember:

 

"Cruise well and enjoy every moment."

[omahabob]

Broke my back in 2014, and spent most of the next few years in bed, so I can empathize. Permanently disabled, and often bored, unless the wife finds me with her to-do list. In one way it's worse for me. I was in IT before I was disabled, so I find it very difficult to stay off the stupid computer.

 

Edited July 10, 2023 by omahabob

[JoieNsk]

1 hour ago, Sthrngary said:

The answers above are spot on.  I want to address you missing the buffet.  I was on the Joy, fully booked, went to the Buffet for breakfast when in a Club Balcony suite.  I also was on the Breakaway, fully booked, had no issue going to the Buffet.  You will also notice, NCL has a 24/7 restaurant that is pretty good if you don't want to have a long meal in the Haven.  

 

Remember, any meal that the Haven Restaurant is open, you butler can serve it to you in your suite.  Keep that in mind but ALWAYS tell your butler when open, always gain food (only what is on the Haven menu) from the Haven Restaurant.  

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

Thank you!

 

We do eat in the room a lot too! On our last cruise with Holland America we never stepped foot into the Main Restaurant. We had couple special restaurant dinners, and the rest of the dinners we just had in the room or in the buffet. Their food from the Main Dining restaurant was VERY GOOD.

 

So it is really nice option - to eat in the room, especially on a port intensive cruise we are going to have. After long day off the ship, we like to eat early and go to bed early, so we will be still alive next morning for more exploring! :))))

 

And thank you for the tip about ordering from the Haven restaurant. I assume that the regular room service is probably comfort food etc - like on some other cruise lines?

Edited July 11, 2023 by JoieNsk

[JoieNsk]

Yes, it is very nice place to get info!

 

Really appreciate all the great advice here!

[omahabob]

3 minutes ago, JoieNsk said:

....I assume that the regular room service is probably comfort food etc - like on some other cruise lines?

 

For the most part, full restaurant menu items are available.

[JoieNsk]

4 minutes ago, omahabob said:

 

For the most part, full restaurant menu items are available.

Thank you!

 

Sorry - one more question.

 

What is the 24-hour restaurant you guys are mentioning? It is the buffet?

[omahabob]

O'Sheehan's. It's usually always open, except 3:30 AM to 6 or 6:30 AM. Fairly limited menu there, but we loved the food.

 

Edited July 11, 2023 by omahabob

[JoieNsk]

3 minutes ago, omahabob said:

O'Sheehan's. It's usually always open, except 3:30 AM to 6 or 6:30 AM. Fairly limited menu there, but we loved the food.

 

Thank you! Will put it into my notes!

[Branbay]

11 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

A Note from Sthrngary:

 

Thank every one for keeping this second edition of the Secret of the Haven going.  Seems more and more new folks are trying the Haven.  That is very rewarding for everyone that knows how special it is. 

 

On a personal note, I had a stroke at age 61.  I was a professional educator, speaker and facilitator for decades prior to my illness.  I was lucky, it did not effect me to badly however it scared me.  I also lost a little bit of my memory, "I think, what or yes memory". I retired and with retirement I got bored.  

 

This this thread has kept me active and interested in a subject I have enjoyed since my honeymoon 44 years ago.  I am so impressed with the quality accuracy, kindness, and professionalism of every contributor.  You honor NCL, the Haven and myself with your commitment. 

 

I am going to continue to assist when ever called on and always remember:

 

"Cruise well and enjoy every moment."

Good Morning,

I have just returned from a 7-night cruise on the NCL Escape (Eastern Caribbean, 7/2-7/9) with 5,200+ passengers, full Haven.  First-time NCL and Haven as well. I do not even know where to begin with the experience my wife and I had.  I will say that following these boards was a lifesaver, especially a butler letter and pre-tip.  I was astonished by the number of folks in the Haven who had no idea that you could use the staff elevator to get off and on at each port, order whatever you'd like from the Haven menu (during Haven hours), etc...I could write a book on our experience.   If anyone has specific questions, please fire away. Here's a trick I think some folks may enjoy.  My wife and I did a couples massage on Great Stirrup Cay, we were given a wristband that stated: Lagoon Access, we were driven to the spa which is located in Silver Cove via an electric cart.  After the massage was over we were told by several staff we could utilize the lagoon area in Silver Cove, which included lounge chairs, floats, a restaurant (open until 2:00 pm), and a bar.  We never went back to the original beach, we stayed in Silver Cove all day...        

[CDR Benson]

36 minutes ago, Branbay said:

Good Morning,

I have just returned from a 7-night cruise on the NCL Escape . . .

 

Did you pull off surprising your wife?  If so, I bet the look on her face was priceless.

[d9704011]

1 minute ago, CDR Benson said:

 

Did you pull off surprising your wife?  If so, I bet the look on her face was priceless.

The magic of being able to easily parse things out on the internet.

[NikkiPoooo27]

49 minutes ago, Branbay said:

My wife and I did a couples massage on Great Stirrup Cay, we were given a wristband that stated: Lagoon Access, we were driven to the spa which is located in Silver Cove via an electric cart.  After the massage was over we were told by several staff we could utilize the lagoon area in Silver Cove, which included lounge chairs, floats, a restaurant (open until 2:00 pm), and a bar. 

 

I'm jealous! I've had a villa booked at GSC twice (once we had a group of 13 friends and booked both of the big ones and the small one on either side) and missed the port both times. From what I understand it's really like an extension of the Haven... private bar, private buffet, private beach with ample seating. We also really liked that the larger villas had a/c to escape to, and full bathrooms with showers and bedrooms for napping.

[Branbay]

40 minutes ago, CDR Benson said:

 

Did you pull off surprising your wife?  If so, I bet the look on her face was priceless.

CDR,

 

You were correct, sir; her expression/reaction was absolutely priceless.  I walked her past the Haven embarkation area in Miami and got in the regular embarkation line. I had written a letter telling her where we were staying and the minute I said the word "Haven", she was beyond ecstatic. I didn't have time to pull out my phone to take the picture, but I will remember that reaction forever.

[Branbay]

30 minutes ago, NikkiPoooo27 said:

 

I'm jealous! I've had a villa booked at GSC twice (once we had a group of 13 friends and booked both of the big ones and the small one on either side) and missed the port both times. From what I understand it's really like an extension of the Haven... private bar, private buffet, private beach with ample seating. We also really liked that the larger villas had a/c to escape to, and full bathrooms with showers and bedrooms for napping.

It was an amazing area of the island, there were two bars, a private buffet, and the beach was crescent-shaped.  I would say only half of the lounge chairs were being used.

[cruiseny4life]

12 hours ago, omahabob said:

O'Sheehan's. It's usually always open, except 3:30 AM to 6 or 6:30 AM. Fairly limited menu there, but we loved the food.

 

 

12 hours ago, JoieNsk said:

Thank you! Will put it into my notes!

Depending on the ship you're on, the same restaurant (same menu, even) is called "The Local." Be sure to look for it, if you don't find O'Sheehan's. Count me as a thrice and done with O'Sheehan's/The Local, but a lot of folks do enjoy their experience at that restaurant.

[NikkiPoooo27]

13 hours ago, JoieNsk said:

Thank you! Will put it into my notes!

 

O'Sheehans/The Local is nice for pub food at off-peak times... they do a decent burger, and the fish and chips is usually pretty good. The late night butler will be happy to bring you a big plate of their fries (or anything from the late night menu) at 1am if you're feeling peckish late night, as well. 

[Beach Life 1]

We will be in a Haven suite on the Getaway.  Deck 14,  not in Haven Courtyard.   Any recommendations from anyone that has had this type Haven Cabin?     Did you feel you missed out on the Haven Experience.    Thanks

[cruiseny4life]

2 minutes ago, Beach Life 1 said:

We will be in a Haven suite on the Getaway.  Deck 14,  not in Haven Courtyard.   Any recommendations from anyone that has had this type Haven Cabin?     Did you feel you missed out on the Haven Experience.    Thanks

Oooo! Pick me! Pick me! Pick me! I've stayed in this type of cabin, well maybe. Are you in a Haven Penthouse Suite or Haven Spa Suite? In April, 2022, we stayed in a Haven Penthouse Suite (14130). It was stunning and was our first experience in the Haven, or on a cruise (except for one 2009'ish Carnival sailing I went on).

 

The suite was well kept, had a lovely two-person jetted tub overlooking our balcony. The balcony was small'ish, but adequate for two people. I saw plenty of sunrises/sets out on that balcony. We enjoyed not being in the Haven (all four of our Haven cruises have been outside the Haven). The Haven was only two flights of stairs up from our room which made it super convenient to get to. We did purchase the thermal suite pass and that was on deck 15, so even easier to get to!

 

There are some who will swear by being in the Haven. If I ever experience being in the complex/proper/enclave, whatever you call it, maybe I'll become one of those people. For now, though, I am very much satisfied with being in a suite outside the Haven.

 

We had no issues with butler service or our room steward. We saw them when we needed to. Our room was kept perfectly and all our needs/wants were met.

 

I'd say the only drawback is if you're not able to carry your luggage upstairs and choose self-disembarkation. We carry our luggage up the stairs, instead of waiting for the elevator as it would take forever to get an up elevator with enough space for us, and our bags. We prefer the concierge-escorted exit from the ship, so meet the concierge in the Haven for this service. So far as I know, you can't get the concierge to stop on your floor to get you. Also, we haven't tried. We just each grabbed one side of our suitcase (we only pack one carry-on sized suitcase and our two book bag style backpacks). So...this could be a drawback, but we don't think it is.

[CDR Benson]

28 minutes ago, Beach Life 1 said:

We will be in a Haven suite on the Getaway.  Deck 14,  not in Haven Courtyard . . . Did you feel you missed out on the Haven Experience?

 

I echo what cruiseny4life related.

 

Your initial concern was valid.  Our first cruise was with Holland America, on board Nieuw Amsterdam.  HAL doesn't have the "ship within a ship" concept, but it does provide a private lounge, the Neptune Lounge, for guests staying in their Neptune suites.  Most of the Neptune suites occupied the "millionaires' row", running port and starboard of the Neptune Lounge.  If one wanted to save $500 or so, there were a few Neptune suites available one deck down.  I wanted to save $500.

 

In concept, the deck-down Neptune suites received the same elite service and benefits that their mainstream brethren got.  But, to us, something seemed a little off.  Not that we ever got bad service by the stewards or the Neptune concierge---it was never bad.  But there were slight delays or oversights which made it feel like we down-deck Neptuners weren't quite getting the quality of service that the others did.  Like we were the redheaded stepchildren of the Neptune suites.

 

On the other hand, when we stayed in the down-deck Haven suite, # 14778, on Norwegian Joy, we never once got the impression that we were second-class Haven guests.  Every request was attended to by our butler or the Haven concierge quickly and efficiently.  Our room steward was on top of keeping the suite impeccable.  We were fully integrated into the benefits of staying in the Haven.

 

Aye, we didn't have the convenience of being able to step out of our suite and directly into the Haven Lounge.  But, I was happier with the offset of having a larger space for a lower fare.  The one- or two-minute elevator ride to get to the Haven Lounge was scarcely a bother.

 

You won't be missing out on the Haven experience in the least.

 

 

[Trivan]

Thanks again to all those experienced Haven travelers and the advice given.  I'm about 1 month out from our trip on the Joy, butler letter in draft mode and figuring out our plans for each day, some which include doing nothing!!   I realize everyones' tastes are different, but please reminisce and share what was your "secret(s)" to your most enjoyable day at sea, even if you didn't use Haven services to experience it. 

[vacation44]

5 hours ago, Branbay said:

Here's a trick I think some folks may enjoy.  My wife and I did a couples massage on Great Stirrup Cay, we were given a wristband that stated: Lagoon Access, we were driven to the spa which is located in Silver Cove via an electric cart.  After the massage was over we were told by several staff we could utilize the lagoon area in Silver Cove, which included lounge chairs, floats, a restaurant (open until 2:00 pm), and a bar.  We never went back to the original beach, we stayed in Silver Cove all day...        

Thank you for reporting back and sharing your experience.  Happy to read you had a wonderful time.

 

Your spa tip at Silver Cove has definitely got my attention.  How much was the couples massage and did you book it while on board or beforehand?  

[Branbay]

1 minute ago, vacation44 said:

Thank you for reporting back and sharing your experience.  Happy to read you had a wonderful time.

 

Your spa tip at Silver Cove has definitely got my attention.  How much was the couples massage and did you book it while on board or beforehand?  

Hi vacation44,

The spa prices are listed on the pamphlet they provide within the Haven lounge area and I'm sure you can find the prices online.  We booked on board through the concierge two days before we arrived on Great Stirrup Cay.  I was given the option to have the massage either onboard or on Great Stirrup Cay. I had no idea that after the massage we had access to Silver Cove.   It was an amazing experience!

[drumming cruisers]

@Sthrngary Are there special breakfast room order forms for Haven to hang on door the night before? I have never seen any in the cabin. 

[Sthrngary]

37 minutes ago, drumming cruisers said:

@Sthrngary Are there special breakfast room order forms for Haven to hang on door the night before? I have never seen any in the cabin. 

@drumming cruisers Great Questions, before I answer it, I began taking professional drum lessons at age 5.  My love was Big Band Music and the Jazz Ensemble in my High School.  Walt Whitman H.S. in Huntington, NY.  However I went to College for Business not Music.  Yet, every single elective was a music class when they found out I was professionally trained.  GREAT experience.

 

On to your question.  No, on you ask for a Haven Menu.  You write what you want and how you want it on a piece of paper or index card you bring.  You give it to your butler WELL in advance.  Hope that helps.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.