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

[dwtravels43]

We are new to Norwegian and have mostly used Celebrity. In their suites they have gratuities included in the perks. Then we would always tip extra to the Butler and stateroom attendant at the end depending on the amount and type of service we needed. The review seems very important as well. 
Does Norwegian add daily tips per person per stateroom onto the account?  You have indicated the Butlers work just for their tips. I have seen lists on other lines breaking down the percentage of each type of crew receives. Some also receive bonuses for their excellent reviews. 
I am not saying I am against the tipping I just want to understand the system Norwegian uses.  We will be in the Haven on the Getaway in July. 

Thanks

[RocketMan275]

5 hours ago, vinotinto said:

It's a bit crazy what they charge on board for wines that are $12-$20 at the store. The included SV was pretty close. Of course, they ran out of that. By the end of the cruise, they were offering Pinot Grigio, LOL (no, thank you!).

Just bring  your own wine.  Only $15 corkage which means that a $20 bottle at the store would be $35 onboard.  Any really good wines available from NCL for $35 a bottle.  And guess what, you won't have to worry about the ship running out.  Your wines will be available.

[Sthrngary]

1 hour ago, dwtravels43 said:

Does Norwegian add daily tips per person per stateroom onto the account?

Yes, $18.50 per day, per person. Does not include the butler.

 

1 hour ago, dwtravels43 said:

I am not saying I am against the tipping I just want to understand the system Norwegian uses.  We will be in the Haven on the Getaway in July. 

I will attempt to explain this and I think you will appreciate my approach.  When I was cruising on Celebrity in the Retreat (Haven On Celebrity), part of the cruise fare was all the gratuities.  Even for the Butler.  I liked that approach and were appropriate, when service was over the top, I occasionally gave a little more. 

 

NCL does not provide the butler with any of the tips.  I was confused and upset by that.  Then I did a financial comparison.  The Celebrity Cruise to similar Itineraries were more expensive then NCL.  The light bulb went off.  It was like Ford and Chevy.  If they gave the same things, they would cost almost the same.  The purposely do something different to get what looks like a value edge.  

 

Whether you tip or don't tip is a personal decision.  The Cruise lines look at the situation differently.  I hope that helps a bit.

 

Cruise well.

[pamps2801]

1 hour ago, RocketMan275 said:

Just bring  your own wine.  Only $15 corkage which means that a $20 bottle at the store would be $35 onboard.  Any really good wines available from NCL for $35 a bottle.  And guess what, you won't have to worry about the ship running out.  Your wines will be available.

True, and let's not forget that the $20 bottle you'd buy at the liquor store, if they had the same bottle on board the ship, would cost $60 - $70, if not more. Looking at this, bringing that $20 bottle of wine on board ,is a good deal, even if at the end it costs you $35.

[RunBikeCruiseDC]

7 minutes ago, pamps2801 said:

True, and let's not forget that the $20 bottle you'd buy at the liquor store, if they had the same bottle on board the ship, would cost $60 - $70, if not more. Looking at this, bringing that $20 bottle of wine on board ,is a good deal, even if at the end it costs you $35.

The trick is that it must be something they do not have onboard, correct?

[pamps2801]

1 minute ago, RunBikeCruiseDC said:

The trick is that it must be something they do not have onboard, correct?

It certainly could be. Either way, you'll come out ahead. I've bought bottles that cost me anywhere from $30 - $50 in the store, and brought them on board. You can be sure if they had them on board, which they didn't,  wouldn't matter if they did, would of cost in the neighbourhood of $100 - $120. Even with a $15 surcharge, your still way ahead of the game. 

[RocketMan275]

15 minutes ago, RunBikeCruiseDC said:

The trick is that it must be something they do not have onboard, correct?

What  they have on board hardly matters.  

You can bring any wine on board.  

 

 

[Rabbit58]

On 4/13/2022 at 7:00 PM, RunBikeCruiseDC said:

Wow - seems like some of the wines on the "premium plus" list used to be part of the regular drink package.  I tend to drink tempranillo or the East & West Red blend with dinner.  But the $2 and $4 upcharge would still be cheaper for us since iit's only 1 or 2 glasses with dinner vs. cocktails pre/post dining.

I So Agree..For us the Plus looked to be a total waste of Money.....Don't drink the same wines so bottles would be too much to drink at any meal,  as is the Champagne wife could care less....Jack,  Tito's and wine by the glass works....ended up buying 5 bottles of wine Butler brought to the room and I paid $2.00 over for a glass of wine one night.....Still saved over $300.00 from getting the package.

[phissy]

On 4/14/2022 at 12:41 PM, Sthrngary said:

Yes, $18.50 per day, per person. Does not include the butler.

 

 

 

Cruise well.

Update:

NCL has raised DSC , again. 
Haven is now $20pp/ per day.

 

[msteinbok]

On 4/13/2022 at 3:28 PM, Sthrngary said:

@msteinbok I am going to be very specific.  The Haven Observation Lounge is called the Horizon Lounge.  The Coffee Machine there is excellent especially for specialty coffee's. No charge for Haven guests.  The Haven Restaurant has both specialty coffee and French press.  No charge for Haven Guests. 

 

Now in other specialty restaurants, bars and Starbucks, there is a charge unless you have the Premium Plus Beverage Package. 

 

I hope that answers your question.

 

Cruise well.

Understood, thanks for the clear response!

[Sthrngary]

Are you considering the NCL Haven for the first time? If so, read the updated version of the Haven Secrets on page one.  Here are just a few hints to consider. 

 

1. Prebook Specialty Restaurants: 130 days prior to the cruise, you have the ability to book Specialty Restaurants.  Outside the Haven, Suites are at 125 and everyone else is 120.  The issue is the day and times you want to dine.  If it matters to you, make your reservations early.  It is one of many benefits to the Haven.
2. Specialty Coffee:  Usually, the only way to get specialty coffee is to purchase them separately or have the Premium Plus Beverage package. The Haven Restaurant does not charge for specialty coffees that are non-alcoholic. If they have for example Baileys in it, it covered on your Premium Beverage package in the Haven.  The Haven also has French Press coffee.  You can ask your butler to bring non-alcoholic coffee to your room as part of what they provide.
3. Butlers: Sound better on paper then what it actually is.  These folks work very hard behind the scenes because NCL really works them.  The key is that leaves them with less personal time serving you.  Manage your expectation.  The way to get your most from your butler is to know what they provide and don't provide.  Communicate clearly with them, I do in writing.  Most important is be kind to them and all the crew members.  The mistake many Haven Guest do is have unrealistic expectations for their butlers. Some guest are rating NCL Butlers with Luxury Brand experiences.  From personal experience, that is a huge mistake.  Luxury brands are called that because they really are.  You pay a super premium to cruise them.  Their Butlers are a new lever of service focused on your personal needs.  Manage your expectations please. NCL is a main stream cruise brand.
4. Dining:  I love the Haven Restaurant however their menu's never change.  Recently, I ventured out and dined in the MDR and it was excellent.  I also loved the local.  I even dined at the buffet and enjoyed it.  My first choice would always be the Haven Restaurant.  But I now recommend your try some of the other options especially for variety. 
5. Bars: My favorite Bar is the Haven Bar for sure.  However I found a new bar that I loved on my last cruise.  It was called the "A" List Bar.  When the Haven Bar was to crowded, I went to the "A" list.  The lesson here is there is a whole huge cruise ship, don't just stay in the Haven.  Know your options. 
6. Afternoon Snacks:  These are standardized because this is a main stream cruise line.  On luxury Brands, they will do or provide you with anything.  In the Haven, it is not that exacting.  I am sharing this with you again to establish fare and reasonable expectations.  Much has been posted on this topic and when the guest does not get let's say their M&M's, Gummy Bares or other items, they are disappointed.  I have gotten many of those items in the past but it has been less then consistent.  Don't count on it and if it happens, it is a plus.  
7. Show Escorts:  This sounds nice on paper but really is not a big deal.  Some guest have posted they got into the Cavern Club or Comedy Show first with an escort.  I am sure they might have.  I have never gotten that benefit and I asked.  Please don't think it is going to happen because it is not always the case.  If it does, again, enjoy.  Just don't expect it. 
8. On/Off The Ship: The service elevator is behind the Haven Desk.  This is the best way to get off the ship at ports or the last day.  Go to the Haven desk and ask.  No issue ever. 

 

Just a few items if you are new to the Haven.  Enjoy your experience and I hope to see you there one day.

 

Cruise well.

[Sailing12Away]

Question for the Haven experts... I know you can get breakfast delivered to the room at no charge. What about lunch? If we wanted something simply like a burger & fries from O'Sheehans, if we called the butler up and gave them advanced notice would they be able to bring it to our room for us?

 

Next trip is coming up and I'm already in vacation mode and thinking of ways I can be lazy and not leave the room and our views of the ocean.

[UKstages]

they can bring you a burger and fries, which is actually on the room service menu. whether it comes from o'sheehan's or some other central kitchen elsewhere on the ship is anybody's guess.  if there was a specific reason you must have an osheehan's burger, i suppose you could request that.

 

there is no delivery fee for haven guests ordering room service. and there isn't really any advance notice required, unless you're ordering something out of the ordinary.  most butlers prefer that you call them directly to order, rather than picking up the phone and dialing room service. they are the ones who are going to bring it to you.

[Two Wheels Only]

43 minutes ago, Sailing12Away said:

What about lunch? If we wanted something simply like a burger & fries from O'Sheehans, if we called the butler up and gave them advanced notice would they be able to bring it to our room for us?

 

A butler can. Wings from O'Sheehan's? ...no problem. 

[Sthrngary]

44 minutes ago, Sailing12Away said:

Question for the Haven experts... I know you can get breakfast delivered to the room at no charge. What about lunch? If we wanted something simply like a burger & fries from O'Sheehans, if we called the butler up and gave them advanced notice would they be able to bring it to our room for us?

 

Next trip is coming up and I'm already in vacation mode and thinking of ways I can be lazy and not leave the room and our views of the ocean.

@Sailing12AwaySo happy you are about to have your cruise.  Let's start with some advice and you can choose to use it if it applies.  The best burgers come from the Haven Menu at lunch.  When you meet your Butler, tell them to only bring you food from the Haven Restaurant.  Get a copy of the Breakfast, lunch and Dinner Haven Restaurant Menu.  

 

If you want something else like O'Sheenans wings, just give your Butler a heads up.  

 

Great questions, keep them up.

 

Cruise well

 

[Sailing12Away]

Thanks! One of those things that you assume would be the case, but since we haven't actually tried it beyond breakfast we just weren't sure. 

Next trip is on the Star, so no Haven but we will have a butler. We'll give him/her a call when we're itching for some munchies and not up for leaving our room. Always looking for ways to make sure we know about and use all the perks that come with the sweet suite life.

[mconthehighseas]

I have 2 questions about being Haven suites.
First, do the adults get Vibe wristbands or is that extra?  (Never cruised on a ship with a Haven or Vibe before.)

 

And second, do haven guests get to debark from the ship with their luggage?

 

The worst part of a cruise is the last day, and the worst part of that day is waiting to leave the ship and then being dumped in a huge hanger where you have to find your luggage. 
I did get to cruise in one of the genie suites on Royal Caribbean, and we were personally escorted off, with our luggage.  It made a very sad day a lot better.

[njhorseman]

5 hours ago, mconthehighseas said:

I have 2 questions about being Haven suites.
First, do the adults get Vibe wristbands or is that extra?  (Never cruised on a ship with a Haven or Vibe before.)

 

And second, do haven guests get to debark from the ship with their luggage?

 

The worst part of a cruise is the last day, and the worst part of that day is waiting to leave the ship and then being dumped in a huge hanger where you have to find your luggage. 
I did get to cruise in one of the genie suites on Royal Caribbean, and we were personally escorted off, with our luggage.  It made a very sad day a lot better.

Vibe isn't included.

You can do self disembarkation. 

[RocketMan275]

8 hours ago, mconthehighseas said:

The worst part of a cruise is the last day, and the worst part of that day is waiting to leave the ship and then being dumped in a huge hanger where you have to find your luggage. 
I did get to cruise in one of the genie suites on Royal Caribbean, and we were personally escorted off, with our luggage.  It made a very sad day a lot better.

We recently cruised on Breakaway.  When we were ready with our luggage, we went to the concierge who escorted us to the elevator inside the Haven.  We existed the elevator and proceeded directly to customs/immigration.  Total elapsed time about five minutes.  BTW, the elevator is a freight elevator so it's nothing fancy but it works quite well.

[Sailing12Away]

10 hours ago, mconthehighseas said:

And second, do haven guests get to debark from the ship with their luggage?

 

One of the best perks of being in Haven is the priority disembarking. If you take your luggage with you, you'll get escorted right off the ship within about 5 minutes as others have said. Even if you don't take your luggage, you're still off the ship in 5 minutes and your bags are waiting in a separate 'priority' area for you when you get there.

The concierge will try to group some folks together so they're not going up/down constantly, but we've never had to wait more than 10 minutes or so before they or one of their assistants coordinated getting us off the ship.

[mconthehighseas]

3 hours ago, Sailing12Away said:

One of the best perks of being in Haven is the priority disembarking. If you take your luggage with you, you'll get escorted right off the ship within about 5 minutes as others have said. Even if you don't take your luggage, you're still off the ship in 5 minutes and your bags are waiting in a separate 'priority' area for you when you get there.

The concierge will try to group some folks together so they're not going up/down constantly, but we've never had to wait more than 10 minutes or so before they or one of their assistants coordinated getting us off the ship.

This is great news.  Waiting for the concierge for an hour would be worth it as long as I don't have to  become a human billiard searching for luggage at the pier while not losing track of my family.  I just like extending the sweetness of a suite experience as long as possible.

[abugarcia1]

This topic is on another thread however if anyone is disembarking in Seattle, the Port of Seattle has a program where your bags can be delivered to the Port who will then transfer them to the airport for you. Best of all, this is a free program. Saves you time from having to check your luggage at the airport.

[gvgseg]

On 4/30/2022 at 12:13 PM, abugarcia1 said:

This topic is on another thread however if anyone is disembarking in Seattle, the Port of Seattle has a program where your bags can be delivered to the Port who will then transfer them to the airport for you. Best of all, this is a free program. Saves you time from having to check your luggage at the airport.

Abugarcia,

 

Can you point me to where this is? We will be returning on the Encore to Seattle this August and probably won't fly back home until an 8:30pm flight.  It would be nice if we could have our luggage sent directly to the airport so we don't have to have it with us throughout the day.

[janice2348]

On 3/8/2022 at 8:51 AM, Sthrngary said:

I was on the Getaway not the Breakaway. Sister ship. The same really.  One of the best cruises I had ever taken and I was in the Haven.

 

New Orleans is a bit different then lets say, Miami.  We choose to stay in the Holiday Inn by the stadium instead of the Hotels by the Port (The Night Before).  This was because the Holiday in had a Hotel and Parking package.  We took a cab to the terminal/port.  The Construction was not good but the cab we took navigated it well.  When you get to the Port, everyone goes through the same security.  When you are through, look to your far right to see the Haven Posters.  The staff is clueless of where the Haven Entrance is located. Be patient, you will find it.  Then it is smooth sailing. 

 

Funny thing, specialty coffee's are available in the Haven for Haven Guest.  This includes Cappuccinos and my favorite which is a French Press.  On the Juices, I think they are fresh because that tasted great. 

 

Yes, it is on a side table in the Courtyard.  

 

On the Frozen Virgin Drinks in the Haven the answer is no.  You need to pay for them. No clue how much they are. You should consider a soft drink package for them which will also not include the Virgin Drinks.  Your reference to lemonade and Ice Tea refers to the MDR and Buffet.  Those still exist. 

 

Nothing needs to be sent to the Haven Desk prior.  The Butler will take care of clearing out the "for sale items".  Smart idea by the way.  As mentioned above an egg crate mattress topper is again the Butler.  Don't expect much from the butler on special snack foods.  They will do their best however the snacks sent to your room are standardized.  

 

Final note, you can ask your butler to bring you coffee in the morning from the Haven Restaurant.  Also let your butler know when ever they are open, to bring room service from the Haven Restaurant which means only what they serve.  

 

Cruise well

Just wanted to comment here on the snacks. Last time we sailed, I was gluten/ dairy free, but my husband was not.  We included a list of snacks requests in our letter to the butler.  Some of the things we requested were: PBJ sandwiches for my husband, gluten free canapés, chocolate dipped fruit ( including pineapple)… we received everything we asked for.  Of course, it depends on the butler. But I believe that handing them a letter up front will go much further than verbal requests.  It doesn’t hurt to ask.  We sailed on the POA in a Penthouse suite, and on the Jade, in the Owners suite.  I also suggest that if you have special dietary needs, to contact special needs ahead of time.  Even in doing this, it took them over24 hours to realize I was gluten free( on the POA).  I couldn’t eat the first delivery of canapés. I called the food and beverage manager( his name and number were attached to the canapés), and after that, there was no more messing up.  You have to stay on top of it.  On the Jade, they made such a fuss over me, I felt like a celebrity!  We are hoping to snag a Haven upgrade next year for our Panama Canal cruise on the Jewel. We were truly spoiled!

[Sthrngary]

1 hour ago, janice2348 said:

Just wanted to comment here on the snacks. Last time we sailed, I was gluten/ dairy free, but my husband was not.  We included a list of snacks requests in our letter to the butler.  Some of the things we requested were: PBJ sandwiches for my husband, gluten free canapés, chocolate dipped fruit ( including pineapple)… we received everything we asked for.  Of course, it depends on the butler. But I believe that handing them a letter up front will go much further than verbal requests.  It doesn’t hurt to ask.  We sailed on the POA in a Penthouse suite, and on the Jade, in the Owners suite.  I also suggest that if you have special dietary needs, to contact special needs ahead of time.  Even in doing this, it took them over24 hours to realize I was gluten free( on the POA).  I couldn’t eat the first delivery of canapés. I called the food and beverage manager( his name and number were attached to the canapés), and after that, there was no more messing up.  You have to stay on top of it.  On the Jade, they made such a fuss over me, I felt like a celebrity!  We are hoping to snag a Haven upgrade next year for our Panama Canal cruise on the Jewel. We were truly spoiled!

Since I created the NCL Butler Letter many years ago, the result you and I have gotten have improved.  the strategy is simple.  Upfront clear communication.  Even with that, thinks like GF items can get messed up.  You again showed good business judgement in contacting the supervisor.  

 

The challenge is some folk don't do the due diligence and then when something happens, they don't say anything.  They wait until they are off the ship.  My experience tells me, you can say something and get the service you wish, if you are clear and kind. Thank you for your post, your message was excellent. 

 

Cruise well.