Never-Haven Cruiser sails in the Haven. Here are her thoughts.

[ChiefMateJRK]

22 minutes ago, schmoopie17 said:

I'll take Heaven every time.

Amen brother!!!!😎

[Russiamomm]

The only over the top jerky behavior I saw was on our TA on the Breakaway in April.  At breakfast one morning in the Haven Restaurant this woman had an absolute fit because her toast was only toasted on one side.  Chewed out the waitress, called over the hostess and insisted on talking to the restaurant manager?  Made a big scene.  Thankfully that was the only such behavior we saw in the entire 16 days.

[DZcreature]

On 6/5/2023 at 3:29 PM, graphicguy said:

@LrgPizza...thanks so much for the review.  Kind of surprised about the Butler and Haven Restaurant experiences.  Usually, they bend over backwards to accomodate.

 

I had noticed a lack of Butler engagement the last Haven experience I had last year.  Concierges have always been on top of anything I asked of them...from changing dinner reservations (including finding "space" for me at sold out times for Specialty Dining Restaurants), booking my excursions and entertainment (including getting me front row seats at extremely popular shows at Sid's and Cavern Club).  Taking care of billing snafus and WiFi issues....all done without me waiting around at their desk.  I tip them well.

 

Haven Restaurant not listening to what you wanted or denying reasonable requests?  Yeah, that's a "conversation" I would probably have with the Haven Restaurant Manager.

 

But, good to hear you enjoyed it.

 

Gary.....I think it depends on the ship regarding the quality of the Haven Staff.  Just a guess from me.  I've had great experiences on the "-Away" ships in the Haven.  On the Jewel class ships?  Not so much!  Obviously personnel is different, but policies seem to be in a state of flux (no apple juice except for breakfast?).  Communications seem to have breakdowns, too.  What's normal for one Haven is not for the Haven on a different ship.  That's a communications issue from management.  At least, that's my take.

 

 

I agree with you about the Haven restaurant not accommodating reasonable requests. Not being able to substitute a veggie for one that is on the menu is ridiculous. No bagel to the put the lox on is pretty lousy too. If they had them on board in other places, this should have been provided. Especially when the OP  wanted one the second day, they should have had them available.

[Travelling2Some]

Years ago I remember I would be careful with requests because the crew would bend over backwards to fulfill them.  The Haven had not been invented yet and I would not have been in it even if it had.  But two incidents come to mind.  One our kids loved maraschino cherries and the waiter observed her delight when I let her take mine from my cocktail in the MDR.  Every night thereafter he would bring her a little bowl of them!  She was thrilled and still (now in her 30's) remembers it fondly.  Another time I made the (innocent!) mistake of asking a server in the theater for blackberry brandy.  The poor man ran the length of the ship to find some and then apologized for the time it took!  I never would have imposed on him had I known it would be such a chore.  I guess standards have changed when you can't get a bagel or apple juice in the Haven.  More likely, they are just woefully understaffed these days?

Edited June 6, 2023 by Travelling2Some

[DZcreature]

I should say that I have never been in the Haven, but do like to do a few extras each cruise. Depending on the itinerary, I love to get the thermal suite passes. Sometimes a few pricey ship excursions.

 

I do have a story of bad behavior in O'Sheehan's and not from a Haven guest.  A man at the table next to us was giving the waiter a hard time about the Cobb salad his wife had ordered. He was ranting that it was small, and that it barely had any turkey and ham in it. He was also upset that it came out before his food. He was being loud and it really put a damper on my husband and I enjoying our meal. I also had a Cobb salad that day, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I order it often and love that it is not too big and everything on it seems fresh. I also like that it is light and leaves me room for a couple of wings or some spinach artichoke dip and chips. The waiter was so calm. He apparently had learned to deal with this kind of person. I never could have been so calm. I felt bad because even though he seemed unfazed, I am sure it was not a pleasant experience. The whole thing blew my mind and prompted my husband to give our waiter a nice tip.

[Travelling2Some]

No way am I excusing the guy who was clearly a jerk (in O'Shehans) but I wonder if he was a first time cruiser.  One of the things many of us love about cruising is that the small portion sizes allow you to sample multiple things.  The jerk probably was going by "land standards" and did not stop to think that (A) he could just order another Cobb salad (or two, lol) and  (B) there would be no extra charge.  Some people on their first trip to Europe complain about slow service because you never get the check unless you ASK for it.  Cruising has it's customs too.  When in any unfamiliar environment it is always best to watch and learn if you don't want to be a jerk!

[DZcreature]

4 minutes ago, Travelling2Some said:

No way am I excusing the guy who was clearly a jerk (in O'Shehans) but I wonder if he was a first time cruiser.  One of the things many of us love about cruising is that the small portion sizes allow you to sample multiple things.  The jerk probably was going by "land standards" and did not stop to think that (A) he could just order another Cobb salad (or two, lol) and  (B) there would be no extra charge.  Some people on their first trip to Europe complain about slow service because you never get the check unless you ASK for it.  Cruising has it's customs too.  When in any unfamiliar environment it is always best to watch and learn if you don't want to be a jerk!

Yes, that could be it. He did seem to expect it to be an entree size salad. I guess the waiter could have offered another one. I just wish the man had not been so loud. We were seated so close that I was a little stressed by it. 

[Travelling2Some]

2 minutes ago, DZcreature said:

Yes, that could be it. He did seem to expect it to be an entree size salad. I guess the waiter could have offered another one. I just wish the man had not been so loud. We were seated so close that I was a little stressed by it. 

I'm sure! Very inconsiderate.  Agree that it might have wised him up if the waiter had thought to say that he could have as many as he wanted.  Hopefully he got a clue as the cruise progressed.

[ChiefMateJRK]

1 minute ago, Travelling2Some said:

Agree that it might have wised him up if the waiter had thought to say that he could have as many as he wanted. 

It actually may have made it worse.  Idiots are hard to predict.

[psuboater]

I don't care if you're in an interior cabin, or the owner's suite in the Haven, it costs nothing to be kind to the hard working crew and staff. The cuts that are being made to headcount, food quality, etc, the staff has no control over.

 

I have been fortunate enough to be cruising with my family since 2005. Has things been drastically cut, on all lines that I've been on? Absolutely (Man do I miss the fried chicken wings at O'Sheenahans!) . But I would never take this out on any crew member, unless someone was actively rude to me (which they never have been). Either I choose to vote with my wallet next time, going on a different line (which we did switch from Celebrity to NCL for next week's cruise) or a land-based trip instead, or I accept cruising where it is today, and I pack my patience and expectations as such.

 

Our last cruise I saw a woman at the A-list Bar getting irate with a bartender who was manning the bar all by himself, the additional staff didn't come on shift yet. He was making drinks for those at the bar, those at Cagney's and those at Le Bistro. He was obviously overwhelmed and doing the best he could and she was making everyone uncomfortable. Sure, waiting 15-20 minutes for a drink is not ideal, but it's not life or death.

 

At the end of the day, we've all worked hard to take a week or two with our family and friends to enjoy the moments that make those long work days worth while. And it is frustrating to see the cuts coming from corporate and they should absolutely hear about it-- but not your room steward or bartender or activities manager-- they're doing the best they absolutely can. 

Edited June 6, 2023 by psuboater

[RocketMan275]

1 hour ago, DZcreature said:

I agree with you about the Haven restaurant not accommodating reasonable requests. Not being able to substitute a veggie for one that is on the menu is ridiculous. No bagel to the put the lox on is pretty lousy too. If they had them on board in other places, this should have been provided. Especially when the OP  wanted one the second day, they should have had them available.

We've been in  the Haven twice, both on Breakaway.  There have always been a bagel the lox. Not an issue.  

[graphicguy]

45 minutes ago, Travelling2Some said:

No way am I excusing the guy who was clearly a jerk (in O'Shehans) but I wonder if he was a first time cruiser.  One of the things many of us love about cruising is that the small portion sizes allow you to sample multiple things.  The jerk probably was going by "land standards" and did not stop to think that (A) he could just order another Cobb salad (or two, lol) and  (B) there would be no extra charge.  Some people on their first trip to Europe complain about slow service because you never get the check unless you ASK for it.  Cruising has it's customs too.  When in any unfamiliar environment it is always best to watch and learn if you don't want to be a jerk!

To me, rude and mean is rude and mean.   No excuses…regardless of situation, place or time!!!!

[phillygwm]

7 hours ago, cruiseny4life said:

I have more examples of entitled Haven customers, but I'll stop with my men for now. We hear all about Karen's, but my stories feature the Ken's of the world. I'm sure some jerks do reside in those Deck 5 inside cabins, but I haven't seen them. Just the Haven jerks. 

Again, no excuse for that behavior.  If I'm paying thousands of dollars more for a Haven cabin, I don't think it's unreasonable to ask for certain things and a letter may be easier for all concerned than verbal instructions.  Of course, there's a not so fine line between expecting premium service, which you should be entitled to when you're paying a premium, and being an entitled jerk (the instances you clearly described.)

 

Apropos of nothing, my favorite cruise ship jerk story (no idea if she was Haven) was a woman who berated crew for allowing people wearing scents in "her" elevator, as if they were supposed to police that.  She also loudly complained if anyone came within 10 feet of her wearing perfume.  I do understand that some people are highly allergic, etc. and I'd almost be sympathetic...but this woman was carrying a lit cigarette with her at every moment she was allowed to, including as she complained (off-ship obviously.)  For me, that was far more offensive than someone who bathed in cologne.

 

I also see a number of jerks in the casino, usually when they're losing big.  Not that I enjoy losing but I try to set a limit well before I start berating some innocent dealer who pulled the wrong card.  Keep it under control and look forward to a nice comp for your next cruise 🙂

 

[Travelling2Some]

33 minutes ago, psuboater said:

I don't care if you're in an interior cabin, or the owner's suite in the Haven, it costs nothing to be kind to the hard working crew and staff. The cuts that are being made to headcount, food quality, etc, the staff has no control over.

 

I have been fortunate enough to be cruising with my family since 2005. Has things been drastically cut, on all lines that I've been on? Absolutely (Man do I miss the fried chicken wings at O'Sheenahans!) . But I would never take this out on any crew member, unless someone was actively rude to me (which they never have been). Either I choose to vote with my wallet next time, going on a different line (which we did switch from Celebrity to NCL for next week's cruise) or a land-based trip instead, or I accept cruising where it is today, and I pack my patience and expectations as such.

 

Our last cruise I saw a woman at the A-list Bar getting irate with a bartender who was manning the bar all by himself, the additional staff didn't come on shift yet. He was making drinks for those at the bar, those at Cagney's and those at Le Bistro. He was obviously overwhelmed and doing the best he could and she was making everyone uncomfortable. Sure, waiting 15-20 minutes for a drink is not ideal, but it's not life or death.

 

At the end of the day, we've all worked hard to take a week or two with our family and friends to enjoy the moments that make those long work days worth while. And it is frustrating to see the cuts coming from corporate and they should absolutely hear about it-- but not your room steward or bartender or activities manager-- they're doing the best they absolutely can. 

Totally agree with every word you wrote.  The crew are victims of corporate decisions they have no control over.  Heck, in spite of their recent "misdemeanors" I can even cut the cruise lines some slack since they are trying to survive massive debt. 

[Travelling2Some]

24 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

To me, rude and mean is rude and mean.   No excuses…regardless of situation, place or time!!!!

No disagreement at all.  Just wondering if he was ignorant of cruise norms.  NOT excusing it as a nice person would never behave that way under any circumstances.  Jeez, if there's one thing you can always get more of on a cruise ship it is food!

Edited June 7, 2023 by Travelling2Some

[ChiefMateJRK]

16 minutes ago, phillygwm said:

I also see a number of jerks in the casino, usually when they're losing big.  Not that I enjoy losing but I try to set a limit well before I start berating some innocent dealer who pulled the wrong card.

Wow!!  I've heard of gamblers complaining about other players at the table for taking a card instead of standing, but to blame a dealer for the random card dealt!  Yikes!!!!!!

[phillygwm]

27 minutes ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

Wow!!  I've heard of gamblers complaining about other players at the table for taking a card instead of standing, but to blame a dealer for the random card dealt!  Yikes!!!!!!

It happens on land-based casinos too.  Pounding the table, cursing the dealers, etc.  Look, it isn't fun to lose (I've been there!) but if it's that intense maybe it's time to take a walk...just sayin'.

[ChiefMateJRK]

6 minutes ago, phillygwm said:

It happens on land-based casinos too.  Pounding the table, cursing the dealers, etc.  Look, it isn't fun to lose (I've been there!) but if it's that intense maybe it's time to take a walk...just sayin'.

Yeah, the last time I bellied up to a blackjack table was probably in the nineteen eighties.  I had fun.  I played the basic strategy flawlessly, but never won much or lost much (that was back when Circus Circus had legit $1 tables).  Now?  I am WAY to cheap (smart?) to throw away money of any amount.  That would make me unhappy (apparently like casino jerk).  OTOH, it makes me happy to instead share such "bonus money" with those who need it more than I do.

 

If I can find a penny slot machine on the ship that actually lets me bet a penny (Encore has/had at least four machines, Sky has several, Bliss and Joy have none), I will have some fun.  You can play forever and inevitably will hit something that makes all the lights and sounds go off.  Fellow "gamblers" often congratulate and ask how I did.  It is usually a big laugh when I tell them that I bet a penny and won a couple bucks.  Fun stuff and the wallet never gets hurt.😎

[Beamco]

3 hours ago, DZcreature said:

I agree with you about the Haven restaurant not accommodating reasonable requests. Not being able to substitute a veggie for one that is on the menu is ridiculous. No bagel to the put the lox on is pretty lousy too. If they had them on board in other places, this should have been provided. Especially when the OP  wanted one the second day, they should have had them available.

I get a bagel with my Lox on every cruise in the Haven! I even have it toasted for me! It has never been a problem! 

[graphicguy]

1 hour ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

Wow!!  I've heard of gamblers complaining about other players at the table for taking a card instead of standing, but to blame a dealer for the random card dealt!  Yikes!!!!!!

I like playing in Hold’Em cash games which  NCL provides a dealer for (for a healthy rake).  Invariably, there’s someone at the table wearing the sunglasses and some sort of trinket s/he puts in front of her/him that allegedly brings luck.  It’s a straight copy of what some of the Poker Pros do.  

 

Pretty quickly it becomes clear not matter the lucky charm and sunglasses, they aren’t very good.  They are also the ones who critique others’ play after he’s been beaten by us.

 

Same with the BJ players who angrily chastise others for taking “his” card.  No…it’s not your card because it’s sitting in front of me and not you!  

 

😉

Edited June 7, 2023 by graphicguy

[jbcallender]

On Spirit last November, our Cabin Steward, Butler and Concierge were excellent and seemingly ever present.  Spirit does not have a "Haven" area but we saw and spoke to the Concierge daily in Cagneys and at shows in the evening.  I agree the priority tender boarding is a bit cringy and I'm sure there is some muttering going on.  Our experience on Spirit was wonderful and the staff was outstanding.  It's unfortunate that your experience didn't meet your expectatiions or standards.

[Treasure Hunter]

I feel many of the problems were due to not being in the Haven proper. And if you don’t want kids clogging the pool don’t go on school vacations. First lunch is always a problem because everyone wants to eat there at the same time. We have cruised both in and out of the Haven on the Gem, Getaway, Breakaway, Bliss, Joy and next February we have our favorite the Encore Haven two bedroom family suite for NY winter break ( Miami). We just got off the Celebrity Edge in March in a Royal Suite and I’d rather be in the Haven. Surf and Surf and shrimp cocktail no comparison. And we love the entertainment on NCL too. 

[amygutman]

I agree with many of the posters as well as "Cruise Well Every Moment" guru @Sthrngary that there are jerks everyone in-and-out of the Haven, but other than some very uppity folks who we've happily avoided on some sailings, we've been lucky to avoid most ill-behaved guests. 

 

As one of the "letter writers", I have to say we've had nothing but positive responses on our requests - from stocking spirits to our afternoon snacks. has it been perfect? No. Have all of our requests been granted - again, no, but at least it's an apologetic no with a smile. Usually out of some food item we like, or the attempt to stuff us to the gills with afternoon snacks that we politely decline. 

 

We tip well and often, are never demanding, and find that small tokens of our appreciation coupled with a genuine appreciation for how hard the crew works makes for vacations that are 90% - 95% perfect and that is far, far better than any day at work. Small disappointments are just that...small. Plus...as a very blunt person by nature, I never am afraid of calling out bad behavior in adults or children (or adults behaving like children). As my husband can attest to, there is nothing more terrifying that a 5 foot tall woman whose zen is being disturbed. 😁.

 

I am sorry that the OP did not have a perfect time and the Haven did not live up to their expectations but I hope they try again with an open mind. 

 

Warmest, Amy

[cruiseny4life]

13 hours ago, Travelling2Some said:

Years ago I remember I would be careful with requests because the crew would bend over backwards to fulfill them.  The Haven had not been invented yet and I would not have been in it even if it had.  But two incidents come to mind.  One our kids loved maraschino cherries and the waiter observed her delight when I let her take mine from my cocktail in the MDR.  Every night thereafter he would bring her a little bowl of them!  She was thrilled and still (now in her 30's) remembers it fondly.  Another time I made the (innocent!) mistake of asking a server in the theater for blackberry brandy.  The poor man ran the length of the ship to find some and then apologized for the time it took!  I never would have imposed on him had I known it would be such a chore.  I guess standards have changed when you can't get a bagel or apple juice in the Haven.  More likely, they are just woefully understaffed these days?

We've made the same mistake! Once, I asked for Swiss Cheese on my burger. It was taking FOREVER to get our food. At lunch, in the Haven, it's often slow, but this was slow....between our salad and entree was a good hour. When the burger finally came, the server explained there was no Swiss Cheese in the galley, so they had to send a staff member (that server) to go get it. We didn't complain. We didn't even ask why it was taking so long. I was a little frustrated. Then that explanation came and I forgave everything! That was far above and beyond. I wish they had told me. I would have changed the cheese order in a jiffy. Yes, that server did get a tip from us on that cruise (at the end of the cruise, as is our custom).

 

Another time, we requested pretzel rolls. The server went to the galley and a couple minutes later came back to explain we could have the pretzel rolls, but it would be at least 15 minutes as someone would have to run elsewhere on the ship to get them. We said that's ok, we'll pass. Not an issue at all - there's enough yummy food to keep us entertained and, lord knows, we don't need the extra carbs. But, after that meal, we were offered (and graciously accepted) pretzel rolls at each lunch (and dinner) as they were keeping a package of them in the restaurant, just for us. 

 

The service can be absolutely amazing. Again, I wish the OP had received this kind of service. 

 

10 hours ago, Beamco said:

I get a bagel with my Lox on every cruise in the Haven! I even have it toasted for me! It has never been a problem! 

Same! We like to make a breakfast sandwich with the omelette and a bagel. Oftentimes it isn't really toasted enough, but who cares. We have found the quality of the bagel is abysmal, so we've stopped doing this - the croissant makes a yummy breakfast sandwich instead! 

 

12 hours ago, phillygwm said:

Apropos of nothing, my favorite cruise ship jerk story (no idea if she was Haven) was a woman who berated crew for allowing people wearing scents in "her" elevator, as if they were supposed to police that.  She also loudly complained if anyone came within 10 feet of her wearing perfume.  I do understand that some people are highly allergic, etc. and I'd almost be sympathetic...but this woman was carrying a lit cigarette with her at every moment she was allowed to, including as she complained (off-ship obviously.)  For me, that was far more offensive than someone who bathed in cologne.

Oh my! I would be an absolute jerk back and make sure to spray myself with all the cologne in the bottle! Find that lady and stand nice and close. Maybe even give her a hug...ok, probably not since that could be considered something illegal, I'm sure. But, yep, I'd make it a point to be as close to her as humanly possible, with as much cologne as I could tolerate. I might be a petty little b!%#. 🙂

 

 

[graphicguy]

I know this is going off the rails a bit, but this happened the Celebrity Apex a little while back.

 

Was in a packed elevator which opened up to pick up another guest.  That guest was not a small person, and it was clear we wouldn’t even be able to fit a blade of grass in the elevator.  Doors opened and he stared at all of us and then pronounced “I’m a Zenith (Celebrity’s top guest tier)”.  Someone’s going to have to get out so I can get on.  No one budged.  He kept staring at us waiting for someone to get off, and we just stared at him.  He restated his demand for someone to get off so he could get on.

 

Finally, the person by the floor selector hit the “close door” button.  As the doors started to close, the guy could be heard raising his voice that he was a Zenith and someone had to get off to accommodate him.

 

No one said another word, but we giggled as the elevator doors closed.