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

[Sthrngary]

9 minutes ago, Treasure Hunter said:

@Sthrngary Just curious how you felt. If I was going to Europe or the Far east and wanted a lot of ports and easy on and off then Yes to Oceania. If the Caribbean or New England ( we've gone on 50 cruises) and sometimes we don't get off the ship, then NCL Haven. I love the big entertainment and the Casino. I do hate the smoke in the casino so the new NCL ships with an enclosed smoking rooms are a great addition. As is the private Sun Deck. We did three Celebrity ships last year ( two in the Retreat and one a concierge cabin with family on either side). I called to book for next winter and the price was INSANE. So instead,  are in a suite January 2025 thru the casino on the Enchanted Princess for $4,000 total. No special suite restaurant ( except for breakfast) no drinks ( we don't) and we don't care about the ports as long as it's warm. So every booking is different. And every cruise is great.

@Treasure Hunter What a wonderful way to look at cruising.  I love your strategy.  I also liked the Retreat.  Different but so many positive things.  I also see when the prices get to being INSANE, which some of them are, looking for a reasonable alternative is smart.  Love how you leverage the Casino.  Basically, you make a decision on the kind of experience you want for that cruise, and book accordingly.  Always keeping like, needs and want balanced with a value proposition.  Smart.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[cruiseny4life]

On 12/23/2023 at 1:39 PM, Candy Apple 12 said:

I enjoy taking the stairs. Why is it difficult to access the stairs on the Pr1ma class ships?

If you want to access stairs to get between Haven stateroom decks and the Haven area (restaurant, lounge, concierge, sundeck), you have no choice but to leave the Haven area from your stateroom. You need to exit the Haven staterooms through a door, then turn to access the aft stairs. Then go up the two, three, or four flights of stairs, and then re-enter the Haven through an unmarked, very heavy fire door (key card access only) since you're re-entering the Haven. I wish they had placed some interior stairs in the Haven so you could access the Haven common areas from within the Haven. 

 

This isn't because I mind leaving the Haven. My husband and I leave the Haven all the time. It's just not a convenient way to get to the stairwell. If you're older, aren't able to push heavy doors, then you'll have a problem opening that Haven door on deck 16. We didn't have trouble with it, but noted how heavy it is. 

 

I hope that helps explain why it's difficult. Let me know if I can clarify anything about this! Also, just to be clear, there are stairs between decks 16, 17, and 18 where the restaurant, sundeck, and 16+ sundeck are. 

[mthayer295]

How is the Haven on the Joy?

[cruiseny4life]

23 minutes ago, mthayer295 said:

How is the Haven on the Joy?

We spent a week on Joy, in the Haven, back in March. It was a great experience! 

 

I wrote about it here (click to page 7, post #170) where the actual cruise began with check-in at the Miami Cruise Terminal:

 

 

Edited December 28, 2023 by cruiseny4life

[Sand and Seas]

1 hour ago, mthayer295 said:

How is the Haven on the Joy?

We loved the Joy Haven!   Two of our favorite butlers were onboard in late October-  Justo & Dennis.   The Haven Horizon lounge and restaurant were awesome.  Great staff that made everything very special for our cruise.

[wolft927]

Quick question, we have sailed the Haven o. The Joy and Breakway and next week we are on the escape in the Haven. Does the Escaoe Haven have a Sauna? Can’t remember 

[GALSews]

On 12/19/2023 at 2:45 PM, Sand and Seas said:

Sorry-  I noted 'dressy sandals' as they were clearly more upscale footwear than the gym shoes (for wearing on plane) that I had to change into.  

 

I am not complaining about wearing closed toe footwear covering up my pedicure, however, no where did the signage say that women (or men) needed to wear closed toe shoes.   I brought it up here to give others a 'heads up'. 

 

I suggested to them they should give us notice prior to boarding the ship so we could pack appropriately.   I do have some 'dressy' closed toed shoes also😉

I wonder would the hiking boots I packed for walking in penguin poop meet muster. I won't know as the Star doesn't have a Haver restaurant. 

 

Oh, I  do need to point out that breakfast in Modernos does include the almond croiisant. Sorry, Gary, but not a fan. Access to the salmon, now that is much more my style.

[Sthrngary]

6 hours ago, GALSews said:

Oh, I  do need to point out that breakfast in Modernos does include the almond croiisant. Sorry, Gary, but not a fan. Access to the salmon, now that is much more my style.

@GALSews Thank you for thinking of me.  My last cruise I had even better Almond Croissants but only one over a 10 day period.  HOWEVER, every morning I did have Lox, Cream Cheese and a toasted bagel (Cruise Bagels are a 5 on a 10 scale). Add to that two eggs over easy and sausages links. Yummy 10 days and missing the Croissants was no issue.  LOL

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.   

[benel204]

This threads seems to be the best place to post my question re Haven.  We will be first time on NCL (Escape May 2024), an port-intensive (every day) 11-night Med cruise.   And only our 4th cruise ever (previous ones were Celebrity).

 

We are thinking about upgrading from our Club Balcony to a Haven suite.

Note, the fare would be about double (and no opportunity for " to upgrade" as our TA does not participate).  This is for an aft-facing cabin (our preference over the less price but odd rooms with the corner hot tub).

 

Reasons to upgrade: We would appreciate more space primarily, and yes the extras such the service and dining would be nice (I think). Plus, like several on this site have mentioned, we are now at a stage in our life when are only flying first/business class overseas, and enjoying being comfortable and pampered.  This year is also a big milestone and we can well afford it.

 

Reasons to stay put:  not sure we would get the full benefit/value of Haven for doubling our fare. In particular the dining, as we are not into heavy foods, eat primarily fish or chicken at home. Haven breakfast sounds great though! With port-intensive cruise, we will be going all day so no real sea days.

 

As an option to upgrading: we can order all the room service we want for nominal fee, get the Priority Pass for embark/disembark, add more specialty dining etc.

 

Realizing this post may sound familiar to many, I would still appreciate sage thoughts from veteran Haven cruisers.  (calling all cruise therapists 😉)

 

 

[benel204]

28 minutes ago, benel204 said:

This threads seems to be the best place to post my question re Haven.  We will be first time on NCL (Escape May 2024), an port-intensive (every day) 11-night Med cruise.   And only our 4th cruise ever (previous ones were Celebrity).

 

We are thinking about upgrading from our Club Balcony to a Haven suite.

Note, the fare would be about double (and no opportunity for " to upgrade" as our TA does not participate).  This is for an aft-facing cabin (our preference over the less price but odd rooms with the corner hot tub).

 

Reasons to upgrade: We would appreciate more space primarily, and yes the extras such the service and dining would be nice (I think). Plus, like several on this site have mentioned, we are now at a stage in our life when are only flying first/business class overseas, and enjoying being comfortable and pampered.  This year is also a big milestone and we can well afford it.

 

Reasons to stay put:  not sure we would get the full benefit/value of Haven for doubling our fare. In particular the dining, as we are not into heavy foods, eat primarily fish or chicken at home. Haven breakfast sounds great though! With port-intensive cruise, we will be going all day so no real sea days.

 

As an option to upgrading: we can order all the room service we want for nominal fee, get the Priority Pass for embark/disembark, add more specialty dining etc.

 

Realizing this post may sound familiar to many, I would still appreciate sage thoughts from veteran Haven cruisers.  (calling all cruise therapists 😉)

 

 

I meant no opportunity for "bid  to upgrade" as our TA does not participate

[justhappy]

6 hours ago, benel204 said:

I meant no opportunity for "bid  to upgrade" as our TA does not participate

As someone who cruises in a club balcony suite when not in a Haven suite, 

and in aft balcony suites at that, I would go for the Haven even if you plan to be off the ship at most ports.

If you can well afford it and are celebrating a big milestone as you state then pamper yourself is my motto!

 

[cruiseny4life]

6 hours ago, benel204 said:

This threads seems to be the best place to post my question re Haven.  We will be first time on NCL (Escape May 2024), an port-intensive (every day) 11-night Med cruise.   And only our 4th cruise ever (previous ones were Celebrity).

 

We are thinking about upgrading from our Club Balcony to a Haven suite.

Note, the fare would be about double (and no opportunity for " to upgrade" as our TA does not participate).  This is for an aft-facing cabin (our preference over the less price but odd rooms with the corner hot tub).

 

Reasons to upgrade: We would appreciate more space primarily, and yes the extras such the service and dining would be nice (I think). Plus, like several on this site have mentioned, we are now at a stage in our life when are only flying first/business class overseas, and enjoying being comfortable and pampered.  This year is also a big milestone and we can well afford it.

 

Reasons to stay put:  not sure we would get the full benefit/value of Haven for doubling our fare. In particular the dining, as we are not into heavy foods, eat primarily fish or chicken at home. Haven breakfast sounds great though! With port-intensive cruise, we will be going all day so no real sea days.

 

As an option to upgrading: we can order all the room service we want for nominal fee, get the Priority Pass for embark/disembark, add more specialty dining etc.

 

Realizing this post may sound familiar to many, I would still appreciate sage thoughts from veteran Haven cruisers.  (calling all cruise therapists 😉)

 

 

Oh my....im obsessive/addicted/cra cra about cruising, but not a therapist. A therapist would tell me my constant musings on Cruise Critic and Facebook are unhealthy. Haha...anyway!

 

Do it! Do it! Do it! Provided a Haven room won't put you in debt. Just know that it's highly likely you will not ever want to cruise in a normal room ever again. 

 

Those aft-facing suites are wonderful! Is it a master bedroom type of deal? Even better, because then you can wake up early, grab a Nespresso (or tea) and enjoy the sun rising above the horizon without waking your bed partner. 

 

You can customize the Haven menu. Order trout with a side of rice or vegetables. Make a dinner from the apps. Have a salad and order salmon or chicken on it. Be like my husband and order a lot of shrimp in your not Shrimp Louie shrimp cocktail.

 

Prefer something from the lunch menu for dinner? Just request it ahead of time (I request a day ahead). Or, if the main dining room has something yummy, ask the butler to deliver it. Or just go to the main dining room. You can have it all! 

 

My husband and I are fully bought in on the Haven. I cruised back in 2009 on Carnival (vowed never again), then had a really high pressure job. We had never cruised as a couple and our idea of luxury was a Marriott...in April 2022 we went on Getaway. We've since been on a total of five cruises (all Haven). Planning our sixth, but haven't booked yet. 

 

So, yea, I'd go Haven if I were you, but I might be biased due to the fabulous experiences I've had on NCL. I guarantee you I wouldn't say "fabulous" if we had cruised not in the Haven.

[graphicguy]

4 minutes ago, cruiseny4life said:

Oh my....im obsessive/addicted/cra cra about cruising, but not a therapist. A therapist would tell me my constant musings on Cruise Critic and Facebook are unhealthy. Haha...anyway!

 

Do it! Do it! Do it! Provided a Haven room won't put you in debt. Just know that it's highly likely you will not ever want to cruise in a normal room ever again. 

 

Those aft-facing suites are wonderful! Is it a master bedroom type of deal? Even better, because then you can wake up early, grab a Nespresso (or tea) and enjoy the sun rising above the horizon without waking your bed partner. 

 

You can customize the Haven menu. Order trout with a side of rice or vegetables. Make a dinner from the apps. Have a salad and order salmon or chicken on it. Be like my husband and order a lot of shrimp in your not Shrimp Louie shrimp cocktail.

 

Prefer something from the lunch menu for dinner? Just request it ahead of time (I request a day ahead). Or, if the main dining room has something yummy, ask the butler to deliver it. Or just go to the main dining room. You can have it all! 

 

My husband and I are fully bought in on the Haven. I cruised back in 2009 on Carnival (vowed never again), then had a really high pressure job. We had never cruised as a couple and our idea of luxury was a Marriott...in April 2022 we went on Getaway. We've since been on a total of five cruises (all Haven). Planning our sixth, but haven't booked yet. 

 

So, yea, I'd go Haven if I were you, but I might be biased due to the fabulous experiences I've had on NCL. I guarantee you I wouldn't say "fabulous" if we had cruised not in the Haven.

2nd those sentiments, wholeheartedly.  

 

And, the experience starts before you even board.  The pre-cruise concierge will make your reservations for you, make note of your snack and bedding preferences, etc.

 

Quite frankly it's the best cruise experience I've ever had.  And, that includes the other "luxury" cruise experiences I've had on MSC's YC and Celebrity's Retreat.  Those were by no means bad.  It's just NCL seems to have the magic sauce that makes cruising the Haven so special.

 

I will qualify that by stating I've seen some crazy fares people have paid.  There's a limit to what I'll spend for the Haven.  My rule of thumb is less than $5K/Haven Cabin...all in.  Truthfully, I've never paid more than about $4,700 all in for a Haven Cabin.  And, I've stayed in the Haven on the Epic, Breakaway, Getaway, and in a few weeks, the Prima.  Those are all some of the nicest Havens in the entire fleet.

 

I know the other luxury cruise lines can't compete for such a good cruising experience at those fares.  Not close.  I've looked....a lot!

 

Now, I can't always sail the Haven because of the fare on a ship/itinerary/time of year I want.  But, if my self imposed fare limits fit, I'm in the Haven!

[Treasure Hunter]

Absolutely upgrade. We have been on Regent, Oceania, Celebrity ( in a Royal suite no less! ) and nothing compares to the Haven. Getting on, getting off, restaurant. Custom order a delicious chicken BLT by the pool, go down before a show escorted in the crew elevator so you can pick your theater seats, a real butler, have your NY Times crossword printed out by the concierge, etc. nothing compares. Do it. Life is short.

[benel204]

4 hours ago, justhappy said:

As someone who cruises in a club balcony suite when not in a Haven suite, 

and in aft balcony suites at that, I would go for the Haven even if you plan to be off the ship at most ports.

If you can well afford it and are celebrating a big milestone as you state then pamper yourself is my motto!

 

Thanks justhappy, I appreciate your perspective.

[benel204]

2 hours ago, Treasure Hunter said:

Absolutely upgrade. We have been on Regent, Oceania, Celebrity ( in a Royal suite no less! ) and nothing compares to the Haven. Getting on, getting off, restaurant. Custom order a delicious chicken BLT by the pool, go down before a show escorted in the crew elevator so you can pick your theater seats, a real butler, have your NY Times crossword printed out by the concierge, etc. nothing compares. Do it. Life is short.

Thanks Treasure, life is indeed short!

[benel204]

4 hours ago, cruiseny4life said:

Oh my....im obsessive/addicted/cra cra about cruising, but not a therapist. A therapist would tell me my constant musings on Cruise Critic and Facebook are unhealthy. Haha...anyway!

 

Do it! Do it! Do it! Provided a Haven room won't put you in debt. Just know that it's highly likely you will not ever want to cruise in a normal room ever again. 

 

Those aft-facing suites are wonderful! Is it a master bedroom type of deal? Even better, because then you can wake up early, grab a Nespresso (or tea) and enjoy the sun rising above the horizon without waking your bed partner. 

 

You can customize the Haven menu. Order trout with a side of rice or vegetables. Make a dinner from the apps. Have a salad and order salmon or chicken on it. Be like my husband and order a lot of shrimp in your not Shrimp Louie shrimp cocktail.

 

Prefer something from the lunch menu for dinner? Just request it ahead of time (I request a day ahead). Or, if the main dining room has something yummy, ask the butler to deliver it. Or just go to the main dining room. You can have it all! 

 

My husband and I are fully bought in on the Haven. I cruised back in 2009 on Carnival (vowed never again), then had a really high pressure job. We had never cruised as a couple and our idea of luxury was a Marriott...in April 2022 we went on Getaway. We've since been on a total of five cruises (all Haven). Planning our sixth, but haven't booked yet. 

 

So, yea, I'd go Haven if I were you, but I might be biased due to the fabulous experiences I've had on NCL. I guarantee you I wouldn't say "fabulous" if we had cruised not in the Haven.

It won't put us in debt, but we are value conscious.  If the difference between Club Balcony and the the Aft-Haven was less than it is (i.e. less than double), we could justify.  I do appreciate your enthusiasm!

[benel204]

4 hours ago, graphicguy said:

2nd those sentiments, wholeheartedly.  

 

And, the experience starts before you even board.  The pre-cruise concierge will make your reservations for you, make note of your snack and bedding preferences, etc.

 

Quite frankly it's the best cruise experience I've ever had.  And, that includes the other "luxury" cruise experiences I've had on MSC's YC and Celebrity's Retreat.  Those were by no means bad.  It's just NCL seems to have the magic sauce that makes cruising the Haven so special.

 

I will qualify that by stating I've seen some crazy fares people have paid.  There's a limit to what I'll spend for the Haven.  My rule of thumb is less than $5K/Haven Cabin...all in.  Truthfully, I've never paid more than about $4,700 all in for a Haven Cabin.  And, I've stayed in the Haven on the Epic, Breakaway, Getaway, and in a few weeks, the Prima.  Those are all some of the nicest Havens in the entire fleet.

 

I know the other luxury cruise lines can't compete for such a good cruising experience at those fares.  Not close.  I've looked....a lot!

 

Now, I can't always sail the Haven because of the fare on a ship/itinerary/time of year I want.  But, if my self imposed fare limits fit, I'm in the Haven!

I'm curious about your calculation of ~5K/Haven all in.  Do you mean 5k over a Club Balcony?  I don't see any Haven suites for less than ~$12K on the Escape cruise we are on.

[graphicguy]

35 minutes ago, benel204 said:

I'm curious about your calculation of ~5K/Haven all in.  Do you mean 5k over a Club Balcony?  I don't see any Haven suites for less than ~$12K on the Escape cruise we are on.

This is on the Prima in an HE Haven Suite sailing in less than 3 weeks!

 

Just have to shop some.  The deals are out there.  But, it’s like looking for anything.  A little work nets some good fares!

 

Edited January 13 by graphicguy

[benel204]

2 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

This is on the Prima in an HE Haven Suite sailing in less than 3 weeks!

 

 

Wow, that's an easy decision to make then!  Thanks for sharing that.

Our Club Balcony all in is ~$6400 with the Free at Sea, although fare has dropped a bit since we are now within 120 days and they are trying to fill the ship.  You can understand we are hesitant about doubling our fare for the least expensive Haven (penthouse with the corner tub). I can only guess the difference in fares compared to yours is # of days, season, and the itinerary?

I notice the Haven cabins haven't drop in price at all like the other non-Haven cabins.

[graphicguy]

14 minutes ago, benel204 said:

Wow, that's an easy decision to make then!  Thanks for sharing that.

Our Club Balcony all in is ~$6400 with the Free at Sea, although fare has dropped a bit since we are now within 120 days and they are trying to fill the ship.  You can understand we are hesitant about doubling our fare for the least expensive Haven (penthouse with the corner tub). I can only guess the difference in fares compared to yours is # of days, season, and the itinerary?

I notice the Haven cabins haven't drop in price at all like the other non-Haven cabins.

7 Days-Western Caribbean Sailing out of Galveston on February 2, 2024.  It sold out almost a month ago!

Edited January 13 by graphicguy

[Treasure Hunter]

Haven cabins sell out first. There is a reason. In this case it is "You get what you pay for".  The prices on Celebrity are now thru the roof and people are still booking. Cruisers have just gone crazy.  We are going to be on the Encore in February from Miami with our daughter and grandkids in a Haven two bedroom family suite. Last winter we sailed on the Getaway from NY with 1800 kids ( NY winter break). It was a wonderful cruise. We enjoy the Haven so much more than RCCL suites. The Haven restaurant tops by far Coastal Kitchen. There is a finite amount of cruises in our life and we want each one to be the best it can be. The entertainment and a big casino are important to me as are the toys for the kids. In the Haven you have everything.

[benel204]

8 hours ago, Treasure Hunter said:

Haven cabins sell out first.

On the Escape we are booked on, there are ~52 Haven suites available, with ~ 110 days till sailing.  Is that typical?

Anyone have experience of NCL dropping the fare on these? or do they book them at this point through "big to upgrade" approach? 

 

I greatly appreciate all the info. Obviously we are not only new to NCL, but newbie cruisers in general. 

[Treasure Hunter]

It is not typical to have so many Haven suites available unless it is really an off season period. They will sell them through the upgrade program. I have never been on  an NCL ship where the Haven isn't fully sold out even if the rest of the ship is 3/4 or 4/5 full.

[Sthrngary]

On 1/13/2024 at 1:27 AM, benel204 said:

This threads seems to be the best place to post my question re Haven.  We will be first time on NCL (Escape May 2024), an port-intensive (every day) 11-night Med cruise.   And only our 4th cruise ever (previous ones were Celebrity).

 

We are thinking about upgrading from our Club Balcony to a Haven suite.

Note, the fare would be about double (and no opportunity for " to upgrade" as our TA does not participate).  This is for an aft-facing cabin (our preference over the less price but odd rooms with the corner hot tub).

 

Reasons to upgrade: We would appreciate more space primarily, and yes the extras such the service and dining would be nice (I think). Plus, like several on this site have mentioned, we are now at a stage in our life when are only flying first/business class overseas, and enjoying being comfortable and pampered.  This year is also a big milestone and we can well afford it.

 

Reasons to stay put:  not sure we would get the full benefit/value of Haven for doubling our fare. In particular the dining, as we are not into heavy foods, eat primarily fish or chicken at home. Haven breakfast sounds great though! With port-intensive cruise, we will be going all day so no real sea days.

 

As an option to upgrading: we can order all the room service we want for nominal fee, get the Priority Pass for embark/disembark, add more specialty dining etc.

 

Realizing this post may sound familiar to many, I would still appreciate sage thoughts from veteran Haven cruisers.  (calling all cruise therapists 😉)

 

 

@benel204 Good day.  So nice of you to join this thread.  I am the author.  I recently went on a 10-Day Mediterranean Cruise that was port intensive.  Although it was another brand, the stateroom I was in was very close to a Haven Suite.  I also have stayed in lots of Haven Suites.  From a Haven Spa Suite on the NCL Getaway to the H2 Deluxe Owners Suite on the NCL Joy.  

 

Here are my thoughts.

 

1) Stop making excuses for earning the right to spend a little more.  I used to do that and realized, life it to short.  There were a reason why we saved, invested, went without, and now have the means to provide ourselves with a little luxury.  You owe no one an explanation.

 

2) I do not understand that you can not get a bid process due to your Travel Agent.  The offer is sent directly to you by NCL if the suite are in inventory.  I might have misunderstood you but that line confused me.

 

3) Bidding on a Haven Upgrade is the best economically however it is hit or miss.  Unless the inventory on the ship is wide open for Haven.  When you pay for the upgrade, you pick and choose the suite you want.

 

4) Your selection of Aft, as I can tell you from experience, that is the place you want to by and NOT forward.  The ship is always sailing at night making the Foreword Suite difficult to enjoy the deck while sailing. The Aft decks are huge and don't get as much wind.

 

5) Food and Heavy Food.  You will be in the seafood heaven capital of the world in the Mediterranean.  Focus that for your lunch and look for great places on YouTube and Travel blogs of each port.  On the ship, the Haven Breakfast is very nice for sure, the dinner is nice also but the menu rarely changes except on occasion when it is a longer cruise.  As good as the Haven food is, it does not come close to the experience you will have at the ports at lunch at the ports.

 

6) Please do not consider room service as a alternative to going to a specialty restaurant. The food is simply never the same. 

 

My Opinion ONLY:  Do I think it is worth it to double your fare for a Aft Haven Suite, YES.  Why, because you only live once and our lives are at the tail end.  If you can afford it, do it.  The Haven provides many more relaxing places after a long day of walking that are not crowded and the service is better.  Don't get me wrong, lots of place to have a drink outside of the Haven.  However, I want a place to truly chill.  Again, this is an affordability issue that only you can determine.  I say go for it. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.