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

[Kirk2121]

Anyone have anything else i should get butler to do?  Or do in Haven? 

 

All I've got left on my checklist this cruise is a

 

Mahi mahi reuben

 

Hit the gym or walk the ports for some exercise.  Gf mail carrier that walks 9 miles/day.  Maybe i should become a mailman! 

 

Checked on pillow menu.  She gave few choices.  Happy with what we've got. 

 

[Sthrngary]

1 hour ago, Kirk2121 said:

I pretty much followed Gary's suggestions. 

 

We sent in a letter.  & then handed the butler two copies.  The letter is earlier in this thread.  Starts with dear most beloved butler & concierge irr.  Gary had some flowery language in his 🙂.  Basically introducing us. 

@Kirk2121 LOL, Flowery Language.  You are right, I my change that in the future.  Love that you called it out. 

 

1 hour ago, Kirk2121 said:

Tipping along the way as Gary does has really helped imo.

I never would tip up front years ago.  Then I found out the butlers sometimes did not get a tip.  I also has some issue with butlers being Hit/Miss.  Since I created this letter, and tipped upfront, I have had really good luck with butlers. 

 

1 hour ago, Kirk2121 said:

I just hope i didn't send Gary's thread off in a different direction.  This thread & one before Gary has done incredible job creating & supporting. 

No way, I love it.  You did GREAT.  Love the pictures and really enjoying your enthusiasm.  

45 minutes ago, CDR Benson said:

Along those lines, I wouldn't be surprised if, in a couple of years or so, the concept of the Gary letter becomes a convention on these boards when discussing the Haven.

@CDR BensonStop, "The Gary Letter"?  Really!!!  I would be honored.  

 

FYI, everyone.  I am thrilled at every comment regardless of if you agree with me or not.  The purpose and goal of this type of thread was to give much needed information about the reality of cruising in a "Ship-Within-A-Ship" concept.  It really did not exist.  What we had were a few Video's by travel agents who were selling their services.  They were doing an information dump of what a suite had.  I wanted something that I could use as a guest to get the most out of a place like the Haven. How else could I evaluate if it was worth the premium.

 

Over the years, some guest agree 100%; other think the Haven is good and then there are the guest that say it is not worth it to them.  We should read everyone comments so we can make our own decision.  Thanks everyone.  Now, as some of you know, I am on a quest to win an upgrade bid from a Club Balcony Suite to ANY Haven Suite on the Joy, March 19, 2022 sailing.  I am going Solo which adds some complication to it.  Wish me luck.

 

Cruise well everyone. 

[Kirk2121]

3 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

@Kirk2121 LOL, Flowery Language.  You are right, I my change that in the future.  Love that you called it out. 

 

@CDR Bensonas some of you know, I am on a quest to win an upgrade bid from a Club Balcony Suite to ANY Haven Suite on the Joy, March 19, 2022 sailing.  I am going Solo which adds some complication to it.  Wish me luck.

Definitely keep the flowery language 🙂 alot of fun

 

Here's how Jen n I started our letter:

Dear Illustrious & most beloved Butler & Concierge:

 

Need to have contest on here who can put together most over the top flowery language in their letter 🙂

 

 

April 1st doing little spring break with nephews.  Hoping you get the upgrade.  I'll definitely check back.  Maybe comes down to kids & spring break. 

[CDR Benson]

5 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

@Kirk2121 

@CDR BensonStop, "The Gary Letter"?  Really!!!  I would be honored.  

 

Well, I considered "the Tilkin Memorandum"---if it had been my idea, I would have called it something like that---but you strike me as a more informal, first-name sort of fellow.  Hence, the Gary letter.

 

 

[CDR Benson]

16 minutes ago, Kirk2121 said:

Anyone have anything else i should get butler to do?  

 

Hit the gym or walk the ports for some exercise.  

 

 

Why not kill two birds with one stone and have the butler hit the gym for you?

 

 

[Kirk2121]

Just now, CDR Benson said:

 

Why not kill two birds with one stone and have the butler hit the gym for you?

 

 

Lmao! 🙂

 

Steward & butler were in room last night for bday party.  I'm stuffed about to pop.  I asked how late gym was open cause i was definitely gonna go.  Steward laughing knowing no way this guy going to gym after all that food.  Butler was taking out her handy phone to tell me what time 🙂 lol

[worktocruise610]

2 hours ago, Kirk2121 said:

I just hope i didn't send Gary's thread off in a different direction.  This thread & one before Gary has done incredible job creating & supporting. 

You are definitely making it tough for me to work, looking at your pictures! 🤣

[Kirk2121]

12 hours ago, pcakes122 said:

 

😊

(PS Have you had the mini BLTs? Lol)

How/where do i get mini BLTs? 🙂

 

I definitely neeeed more food lol.  Does sound yummy though LATER here. 

 

Appreciated your suggestions along the way. 

[pcakes122]

6 minutes ago, Kirk2121 said:

How/where do i get mini BLTs? 🙂

 

I definitely neeeed more food lol.  Does sound yummy though LATER here. 

 

Appreciated your suggestions along the way. 

From your butler! 😊 They are one of the snacks you can request (during their daily delivery or anytime!) 

[luckyinpa]

i like the idea of blt. even if they sat a while wouldnt be too bad. we need a thread of just butler snacks . i'm leaving sunday and could use a list

[RocketMan275]

Anyone had any luck asking for low carb/high protein snacks...

[Kirk2121]

We made it outside.   Love using phone in hottub. 

 

Sadly mahi mahi reuben not on this ship. 

[CDR Benson]

[Gary's] letter is earlier in this thread.  Starts with dear most beloved butler & concierge irr.  Gary had some flowery language in his.

 

Aye, that was my only problem with Mr. Tilkin's version; that salutation was just too grandiloquent.  I've been thinking for some time how I would replace it.

 

We are not likely to know our butler's name before our arrival, and even if we did, a last-minute change is certainly possible.  So greeting the butler by name in the letter was out.

 

I couldn't go with a simple "Dear, sir" or "Dear, ma'am" because butlers come in both sexes, and I won't know which salutation would be appropriate.  (And, no, I won't use "Dear, sir or madam"; that just sounds stupid and, even though it is, essentially, a form letter, makes it sound like one even more.)

 

I was looking for a greeting that conveyed our pleasure at being on board and in the Haven, and that we want to establish a good working relationship with our butler.  I finally thought of it.  Not a customary salutation, but it sends the right message.

 

FIRST LINE of the letter, where the greeting would go:

 

"We have been looking forward to meeting you."

 

I might tweak it before September, but I kind of like it.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited March 2, 2022 by CDR Benson

[RocketMan275]

7 minutes ago, CDR Benson said:

[Gary's] letter is earlier in this thread.  Starts with dear most beloved butler & concierge irr.  Gary had some flowery language in his.

 

Aye, that was my only problem with Mr. Tilkin's version; that salutation was just too grandiloquent.  I've been thinking for some time how I would replace it.

 

We are not likely to know our butler's name before our arrival, and even if we did, a last-minute change is certainly possible.  So greeting the butler by name in the letter was out.

 

I couldn't go with a simple "Dear, sir" or "Dear, ma'am" because butlers come in both sexes, and I won't know which salutation would be appropriate.  (And, no, I won't use "Dear, sir or madam"; that just sounds stupid and, even though it is, essentially, a form letter, makes it sound like one even more.)

 

I was looking for a greeting that conveyed our pleasure at being on board and in the Haven, and that we want to establish a good working relationship with our butler.  I finally thought of it.  Not a customary salutation, but it sends the right message.

 

FIRST LINE of the letter, where the greeting would go:

 

"We have been looking forward to meeting you."

 

I might tweak it before September, but I kind of like it.

How about something simple:

Hello,

My name is _____.  My wife is _______. 

We are travelling with  ________ .

We are so happy to be on your ship.

 

I spent years writing fact sheets, info papers, etc., and I believe that simple wording is always best.  

 

[CDR Benson]

4 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

How about something simple:

Hello,

My name is _____.  My wife is _______. 

We are travelling with  ________ .

We are so happy to be on your ship.

 

I spent years writing fact sheets, info papers, etc., and I believe that simple wording is always best.  

 

 

It's a bit stilted for my taste, but it conveys important-to-know information directly, and that's never a bad thing.

 

 

[Kirk2121]

2 minutes ago, CDR Benson said:

 

It's a bit stilted for my taste, but it conveys important-to-know information directly, and that's never a bad thing.

 

 

I like to joke some.  Mess around.  Other people more direct to the point.  Be glad when masks no longer here.  Easier to joke seeing facial expressions.

 

Dear sir/ma'am. 

 

I'm Kirk & I'm a cruisaholic 🙂 ha

 

Probably everyone has salutation fits them. 

 

Thought it couldn't rain in haven 🙂

 

One way to get hottub! 

[magoo1980]

I wanted to give a big shout out to everyone (Especially Gary!!!) for this amazing thread. My husband and I had our upgrade bid accepted for our 3/6 cruise out of New Orleans. These tips and tricks are very helpful since this will be our first time in a Haven level suite. 

[Kirk2121]

29 minutes ago, magoo1980 said:

I wanted to give a big shout out to everyone (Especially Gary!!!) for this amazing thread. My husband and I had our upgrade bid accepted for our 3/6 cruise out of New Orleans. These tips and tricks are very helpful since this will be our first time in a Haven level suite. 

Mind sharing your bid? From what cabin to?  Big congrats on bid accepted. 

[Sthrngary]

36 minutes ago, magoo1980 said:

I wanted to give a big shout out to everyone (Especially Gary!!!)

@magoo1980My pleasure.  So excited for you.  I am on that same Cruise on December 4, 2022.  My wife is in the Finals of the "Casino at See" slot tournament which is that sailing.  Please do a review on this trip.  I can't wait to read it.

 

Cruise Well.

[Kirk2121]

[RocketMan275]

1 hour ago, magoo1980 said:

I wanted to give a big shout out to everyone (Especially Gary!!!) for this amazing thread. My husband and I had our upgrade bid accepted for our 3/6 cruise out of New Orleans. These tips and tricks are very helpful since this will be our first time in a Haven level suite. 

We're on the same cruise. Hopefully, we'll meet.

[aubreyc1988]

>

Just an FYI, I asked for some spicy corn nuts, no chocolate covered strawberries, extra coffee pods, feather/down pillows, and a white wine instead of sparkling.  Not a big deal, I was on the fence about asking beforehand earlier today? 
 

Hello Aubrey,

We will be more than happy to assist you. We have noted your request for you on your reservation. Please note all treats brought to your room are at the discretion of the executive chef. If we note your reservations of these items ahead of time you will be charge once onboard. Please speak to your butler once onboard for any snacks. Please also speak to your butler in regards to changing the bottle as its a sent inventory that cannot be changed. If you have any further questions feel free to let us know. 

At your service,

Norwegian Concierge Desk

 

 

Edited March 3, 2022 by aubreyc1988

[Sthrngary]

25 minutes ago, aubreyc1988 said:

>

Just an FYI, I asked for some spicy corn nuts, no chocolate covered strawberries, extra coffee pods, feather/down pillows, and a white wine instead of sparkling.  Not a big deal, I was on the fence about asking beforehand earlier today? 
 

Hello Aubrey,

We will be more than happy to assist you. We have noted your request for you on your reservation. Please note all treats brought to your room are at the discretion of the executive chef. If we note your reservations of these items ahead of time you will be charge once onboard. Please speak to your butler once onboard for any snacks. Please also speak to your butler in regards to changing the bottle as its a sent inventory that cannot be changed. If you have any further questions feel free to let us know. 

At your service,

Norwegian Concierge Desk

 

 

@aubreyc1988Allow me to assist you.  On the wine change, the bottle of sparkling wine is awful.  It is also very cheap.  I have never had them replace it except when cruising Crystal Cruises or Celebrity in the Retreat.  It is a corporate thing.  What I have done is simply saved the bottle, fond a couple on their Honeymoon and gave it to them.  I wish this was different but again, NCL is all about standardizing.  On the wine, the best thing to do is just get two glasses from the Haven Bar. I wish this was different. 

 

On the snacks, that is something that you tell your butler when you meet them.  Don't be surprised if the strawberry's end up in your room.  It used to frustrate me and then I realized, it was easier to deliver them to everyone then to have a few folks that did not want them.  Again, I wish this was different.

 

On the special snacks, your butler will go out of his way to assist you.  We were on Keto, they brought keto snacks.  Now you know I am Pro-Haven.  I have to say, when I was on a Luxury Brand, every thing you requested was done, PERIOD and no questions asked.  

 

The issue was the investment reflected that.  My butler was incredible in every want.  Never a think I asked for that I could not get.  The Main stream cruise lines do a good job and we have to assist them sometimes.  I promise, when you get on the ship, other then the wine, just ask your butler face-to-face. 

 

Cruise well.

[aubreyc1988]

1 minute ago, Sthrngary said:

@aubreyc1988Allow me to assist you.  On the wine change, the bottle of sparkling wine is awful.  It is also very cheap.  I have never had them replace it except when cruising Crystal Cruises or Celebrity in the Retreat.  It is a corporate thing.  What I have done is simply saved the bottle, fond a couple on their Honeymoon and gave it to them.  I wish this was different but again, NCL is all about standardizing.  On the wine, the best thing to do is just get two glasses from the Haven Bar. I wish this was different. 

 

On the snacks, that is something that you tell your butler when you meet them.  Don't be surprised if the strawberry's end up in your room.  It used to frustrate me and then I realized, it was easier to deliver them to everyone then to have a few folks that did not want them.  Again, I wish this was different.

 

On the special snacks, your butler will go out of his way to assist you.  We were on Keto, they brought keto snacks.  Now you know I am Pro-Haven.  I have to say, when I was on a Luxury Brand, every thing you requested was done, PERIOD and no questions asked.  

 

The issue was the investment reflected that.  My butler was incredible in every want.  Never a think I asked for that I could not get.  The Main stream cruise lines do a good job and we have to assist them sometimes.  I promise, when you get on the ship, other then the wine, just ask your butler face-to-face. 

 

Cruise well.

I'm sure it will be great! i just hate dumping stuff I don't use and always feel embarrassed when something goes to waste. 

 

Last time when I was on the Bliss, I left my Platinum bottle of sparkling wine and the moscato I got with my platinum dinner unopened in my room, with a note to my room steward that these bottles were for him, along with the additional tip I left him.  Do you think NCL lets crew accept these gifts if they are written out, was always curious. 

[Sthrngary]

4 minutes ago, aubreyc1988 said:

I'm sure it will be great! i just hate dumping stuff I don't use and always feel embarrassed when something goes to waste. 

 

Last time when I was on the Bliss, I left my Platinum bottle of sparkling wine and the moscato I got with my platinum dinner unopened in my room, with a note to my room steward that these bottles were for him, along with the additional tip I left him.  Do you think NCL lets crew accept these gifts if they are written out, was always curious. 

My understanding is they do not.  I feel the same way about waste.  It has gotten to a point when I just asked for nothing to be brought to my suite.  That is why I would give the wine away.  It at least gave someone a positive memory.  

 

Little story, my family and I was just in the H2 Deluxe Owners Suite.  It came with a bottle of very nice Champagne.  It was old and bad.  What a waste.  I never told anyone but it was a memory trace.  Everyone knows I love the Haven.  The reality is we have to set our expectations correctly so we are not disappointed.  If we say everything is always super, and it is not.  We get disappointed.  That is my goal. 

 

Hence, "The Secrets of the NCL Haven Experience".  Some times the secrets are not everything is exactly what we expect.  I hope that makes sense. 

 

I know, I really know, you will cruise well.