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

[Two Wheels Only]

12 hours ago, knscruiser322 said:

On another note. What are the similar "Haven" equivalents on the other cruise lines? I know MSC has the Yacht Club, how about Royal Caribbean.

 

The Mrs. wants to try other cruise lines if we were to cruise again. And she can't cruise non Haven anymore after this one. Preferably ones where they leave from NYC/NJ area. 

 

 

Celebrity has The Retreat.

(I suggest the EDGE Class ships over the retrofitted ships)

 

 

 

RCCL has the Suite Neighborhood on their newest ships (Wonder and ICON).

Edited August 2, 2023 by Two Wheels Only

[Trivan]

@knscruiser322 hi. Thanks for the review. I’m doing the same on the Aug 13 sailing.  You mentioned that you got to the port at 9am, but didn’t board till about 11:00. What was the 2 hours in between?   Was it just getting thru security and check in?  Just trying to set expectations as this is our first cruise with NCL. 

[Treasure Hunter]

If you want to cruise from NY/NJ you are very limited outside of Haven for anything comparable. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity ( usually the small older but lovely Celebrity Summit) and the crappy RCCL Anthem or similar sail from Bayonne. Princess doesn’t have a Haven or Retreat. Just a roped off part of the main dining room and no sundeck or separate pool. Princess has great sized suites and a suite concierge ( and lounge) on the newer ( Royal class and newer) but it’s not even close as an experience. I too would love to sail the newer ships year round.

[Annies88]

23 hours ago, knscruiser322 said:

 

I believe they allowed the guests in the Haven proper to drop off their bags as I saw a lot of Haven guests with their on luggage. I was outside the Haven proper and we didn't need our luggage at any time soon. It didn't take long for the luggage to come either. Definitely before dinner time.

Thanks. I Was referring to carry on luggage. 

[cruiseny4life]

11 hours ago, js said:

@cruiseny4life Did you have cabin 14182 or very close on Joy. I think it was you that told me to get the cabin you had if I was booking an HJ and it was gone so I booked the one next door. I'm asking because we sail in less than two weeks and want to know if the balcony can fit a lounger. If it can, I want add to my butler letter (thank you @Sthrngary) and add to the tip. 
 

Thank you!

Hey there! We were in 14180. Here's how our balcony looked. We requested the lounger through my husband's PCC and it was there, along with the two chairs and table! Tight fit, but it definitely worked. I'm sad to admit I didn't use the lounger nearly as much as I thought I would. Blame that on the Haven Sundeck! 

 

I'm so excited for you! You're going to love Joy! Head up to the sundeck around sunset'ish. No one will be around, enjoy the sunset from a hot tub. Some of the best moments I've had were from those two hot tubs. 

 

[knscruiser322]

5 hours ago, Trivan said:

@knscruiser322 hi. Thanks for the review. I’m doing the same on the Aug 13 sailing.  You mentioned that you got to the port at 9am, but didn’t board till about 11:00. What was the 2 hours in between?   Was it just getting thru security and check in?  Just trying to set expectations as this is our first cruise with NCL. 

 

It was more of waiting around for the check in process to start along with just relaxing in the lounge area for Haven guests. Once check in starts, it was a breeze to go through security, head to Haven line to get keycards and then to the lounge. Surprisingly waiting around in the Haven lounge area wasn't too bad and time went by pretty quick.

 

4 hours ago, Treasure Hunter said:

If you want to cruise from NY/NJ you are very limited outside of Haven for anything comparable. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity ( usually the small older but lovely Celebrity Summit) and the crappy RCCL Anthem or similar sail from Bayonne. Princess doesn’t have a Haven or Retreat. Just a roped off part of the main dining room and no sundeck or separate pool. Princess has great sized suites and a suite concierge ( and lounge) on the newer ( Royal class and newer) but it’s not even close as an experience. I too would love to sail the newer ships year round.

 

Yea, I saw that RCCL had more ships out of the ports down in Florida. Its very limited here in NY/NJ. They seem to rotate Anthem and Liberty in NJ. We checked out the MSC Yacht Club, as much as it looks enticing, I can't do too much of the formal dress code. Definitely not on vacation.

 

4 hours ago, cruiseny4life said:

Hey there! We were in 14180. Here's how our balcony looked. We requested the lounger through my husband's PCC and it was there, along with the two chairs and table! Tight fit, but it definitely worked. I'm sad to admit I didn't use the lounger nearly as much as I thought I would. Blame that on the Haven Sundeck! 

 

I'm so excited for you! You're going to love Joy! Head up to the sundeck around sunset'ish. No one will be around, enjoy the sunset from a hot tub. Some of the best moments I've had were from those two hot tubs. 

 

 I want to add to this that you may or may not spend a lot of time on your balcony. I had the Haven Penthouse suite outside of the Haven proper and we had the bigger balcony that came with a lounger. We honestly didn't even utilize it that much. You may be better off keeping it as is as the lounger does take up alot of space if you don't have the larger balcony.

Edited August 2, 2023 by knscruiser322

[Two Wheels Only]

20 minutes ago, knscruiser322 said:

We checked out the MSC Yacht Club, as much as it looks enticing, I can't do too much of the formal dress code. Definitely not on vacation.

 

It's not as formal as you may believe. On MSC, dress is more "suggested" than mandatory. Even in the Yacht Club, men can usually get away with wearing casual clothes. Wearing shorts can sometimes be an issue but I've seen them during dinner. 

[2Cruise4Ever]

21 hours ago, PatJim said:

This is so well put.  Thank you.

It’s a pleasure getting to know the staff, some of whom have become great friends over the years.  We’ve been known to book unplanned cruises just so we can see them.

Patricia

 

You're very welcome.  And, same with us.  We actually took our 10 year anniversary cruse a month early so that we could sail with some crew members who's contracts were ending.  Love the NCL staff and crew!!

[BubbaBoat]

Okay...First time on NCL...I'm booked on the Prima in Haven Class for Oct 1.  Now what?  It looks like we can't check-in yet but they're already trying to upsell me on Unlimited Premium WiFi, Premium Drink Package, and additional Specialty Dining...Don't think I'm interest in any of that.  What I am interested in is booking on board entertainment and my 3 specialty dining reservations.  When can I expect to be able to do that?  Excited to deploy all of SthrnGary's tips!

 

Also, what's with the "Prepaid Service Charges" they are asking for...I thought my tips were included in the Free at Sea package.  $600 bucks for what?  Is this in addition to the tips?

Edited August 2, 2023 by BubbaBoat
left something out

[RocketMan275]

7 minutes ago, BubbaBoat said:

Okay...First time on NCL...I'm booked on the Prima in Haven Class for Oct 1.  Now what?  It looks like we can't check-in yet but they're already trying to upsell me on Unlimited Premium WiFi, Premium Drink Package, and additional Specialty Dining...Don't think I'm interest in any of that.  What I am interested in is booking on board entertainment and my 3 specialty dining reservations.  When can I expect to be able to do that?  Excited to deploy all of SthrnGary's tips!

 

Also, what's with the "Prepaid Service Charges" they are asking for...I thought my tips were included in the Free at Sea package.  $600 bucks for what?  Is this in addition to the tips?

You'll be able to booking specialy dining and entertainment 130 days out.  

You've only paid gratuities for the drink package.

The prepaid service charges are for the DSC.  As NCL explains;

Why is there a service charge?
The reason there's a fixed service charge is an important one: Our Crew (as are the crew from other lines) is encouraged to work together as a team. Staff members including complimentary restaurant staff, stateroom stewards and behind-the-scenes support staff are compensated by a combination of salary and incentive programs that your service charge supports. How much is the charge? Onboard Service Charges are additional.

Since you're in the Haven, you'll also have to address gratuities for the Butler and the Concierge who are not covered in the service charge.

If you prepay the service charge, you can probably save a few bucks.

https://www.ncl.com/ca/en/faq#!#what-is-onboard-service-charge

[Candy Apple 12]

13 minutes ago, BubbaBoat said:

Okay...First time on NCL...I'm booked on the Prima in Haven Class for Oct 1.  Now what?  It looks like we can't check-in yet but they're already trying to upsell me on Unlimited Premium WiFi, Premium Drink Package, and additional Specialty Dining...Don't think I'm interest in any of that.  What I am interested in is booking on board entertainment and my 3 specialty dining reservations.  When can I expect to be able to do that?  Excited to deploy all of SthrnGary's tips!

 

Also, what's with the "Prepaid Service Charges" they are asking for...I thought my tips were included in the Free at Sea package.  $600 bucks for what?  Is this in addition to the tips?

You are only two months out, so specialty dining has already been open for booking, even for those not in in the Haven, for two months. You may need to go right to the concierge desk upon boarding and request your specialty dining reservations because they hold back some reservations to be booked on board. 

[BubbaBoat]

Thanks for the info.  As far as restaurants, I think I'll just eat in the dang Haven Dining Room as it sounds better than anything else on board.  However, I have 3 nights to utilize the specialty restaurants...for those of you that have cruised on Prima, what are your top 3?  Thanks!

[Treasure Hunter]

We usually book our specialty dining as soon as it opens online and the big shows in the Haven lounge with an asst concierge just before boarding

[Girr]

15 minutes ago, BubbaBoat said:

Thanks for the info.  As far as restaurants, I think I'll just eat in the dang Haven Dining Room as it sounds better than anything else on board.  However, I have 3 nights to utilize the specialty restaurants...for those of you that have cruised on Prima, what are your top 3?  Thanks!

On our last cruise we had four nights of specialty dining, and left two of the nights unused due to the excellent service we received in the Haven.  We even found the food equal to, or better than the specialty restaurants.

[BubbaBoat]

I just gained access...So, just about everything is booked with the exception of 9pm and 9:30pm reservations.  I snagged Hasuki for the final night.  Looks like all that is left at reasonable hours is Los Lobos and Food Republic.  

[Two Wheels Only]

8 minutes ago, BubbaBoat said:

I just gained access...So, just about everything is booked with the exception of 9pm and 9:30pm reservations.  I snagged Hasuki for the final night.  Looks like all that is left at reasonable hours is Los Lobos and Food Republic.  

 

Only some of the reservations are available before (130/125/120 days)  embarkation day. The rest are made available on embarkation day. Either have the concierge make them or make them yourself as soon as you board the ship or log onto the ship's wi-fi.

Edited August 2, 2023 by Two Wheels Only

[BubbaBoat]

If I book now, can I change at Haven Concierge desk later?  Does entertainment like Syd Pour House and other shows pop up for booking online?  If so, am I screwed or do I simply hit the Haven Concierge desk?

[Two Wheels Only]

1 minute ago, BubbaBoat said:

If I book now, can I change at Haven Concierge desk later?

 

IF what you want is available, yes. The concierge has some pull when it comes to getting things done for Haven guests but the concierge cannot perform miracles.

[Treasure Hunter]

Look for concierge staff in the pre boarding lounge. They will give you a paper with shows, days and times to fill in. After you board speak to the concierge in the Haven to change or add specialty restaurants. But I’ve never had better food anywhere else on the ships than the Haven restaurant. It’s just if you want a change of pace.

[js]

10 hours ago, cruiseny4life said:

Hey there! We were in 14180. Here's how our balcony looked. We requested the lounger through my husband's PCC and it was there, along with the two chairs and table! Tight fit, but it definitely worked. I'm sad to admit I didn't use the lounger nearly as much as I thought I would. Blame that on the Haven Sundeck! 

 

I'm so excited for you! You're going to love Joy! Head up to the sundeck around sunset'ish. No one will be around, enjoy the sunset from a hot tub. Some of the best moments I've had were from those two hot tubs. 

 

Thank you sooo much for this perfect picture! I appreciate your taking the time to find and upload for me! I think I will request from pre concierge and if ot there, the butler. 
 

THANK YOU!!!!!

Edited August 2, 2023 by js

[js]

6 hours ago, knscruiser322 said:

 

 

 I want to add to this that you may or may not spend a lot of time on your balcony. I had the Haven Penthouse suite outside of the Haven proper and we had the bigger balcony that came with a lounger. We honestly didn't even utilize it that much. You may be better off keeping it as is as the lounger does take up alot of space if you don't have the larger balcony.

We are on the same cruise and yes, we sail Haven on NCL and I love the Haven sundeck, but if we are just in the cabin, I would use it. I will ask and see how it goes. 

[Russiamomm]

1 hour ago, BubbaBoat said:

If I book now, can I change at Haven Concierge desk later?  Does entertainment like Syd Pour House and other shows pop up for booking online?  If so, am I screwed or do I simply hit the Haven Concierge desk?

The concierge has some pull, but can’t perform miracles.  They will do their best to accommodate any reasonable request.  I’ve never been on the Prima.  I don’t know if they even have a Syds.   Syd Normans does not take reservations. When I was on the Breakaway, the concierge did escort us down to Syds before they opened the doors and we were able to get great seats, but that’s not guaranteed.  As far as shows in the main theater, there is a section for Haven guests and you will be escorted to them.  You meet in the Haven lounge and the concierge will take you there via the service elevators.  

 

On the dining, the concierge will most likely be able to get you into whatever restaurant you want at the time you want.  But you probably have to wait until you board to make those arrangements.

 

I'm afraid I hear a bit of anger in your comments.  Why is that?  The Haven is fabulous.  But yes, it is pricey, and there are things that you have to pay in addition to the base fare and FAS gratuities, such as the DSC and gratuities for the butler and concierge.  It goes with the territory.  It is not a cheap vacation.

 

I don’t mean to be mean about this, but these are things that you should have researched before you booked.  

[Grimix]

17 hours ago, BubbaBoat said:

Thanks for the info.  As far as restaurants, I think I'll just eat in the dang Haven Dining Room as it sounds better than anything else on board.  However, I have 3 nights to utilize the specialty restaurants...for those of you that have cruised on Prima, what are your top 3?  Thanks!

Just dropping this in here, but some of the specialty restaurants may be open for lunch some/all days. If you prefer the Haven dining room for dinner you could always use some of your SDPs for a lunch.

[azappraiser]

10 minutes ago, Grimix said:

Just dropping this in here, but some of the specialty restaurants may be open for lunch some/all days. If you prefer the Haven dining room for dinner you could always use some of your SDPs for a lunch.

 

Or opt for dinner from a specialty in-suite...

[Treasure Hunter]

And remember in the Haven restaurant you can make changes to the menu if they have the ingredients! For instant, surf and surf, classic shrimp cocktail instead of shrimp Louis, shrimp or chicken over Caesar salad, chicken BLT ( yummy) etc. they are more than accommodating.