"Levels" of Haven question

[omahabob]

1 minute ago, Morgsmom said:

Now do you all understand why I am so confused???? I have bids out on multiple Haven categories not knowing if any are better than the other ... argh...

 

Minus a couple of spirits included in the larger cabins, the Haven suites all have the same amenities.

[omahabob]

16 minutes ago, BirdTravels said:

All of the small ships have suites. Some have both Haven and Suites (Jewel class ships). Some only have suites, no Haven. On small ships with Haven, there is no Haven lounge or bar or restaurant. 

 I never said anything contrary to any of that, so I totally agree.

[BirdTravels]

3 minutes ago, Morgsmom said:

Now do you all understand why I am so confused???? I have bids out on multiple Haven categories not knowing if any are better than the other ... argh...

Pro Tip: Here's the bottom line. There are about a thousand staterooms that can bid on Haven cabins. Those bids are processed the monday/tuesday prior to a weekend departure. There will likely be a few Haven cabins available for upgrade. The probability of winning any bids is very very very very small if not zero (if the Haven is sold out). Don't get all excited and picky. Bid on everything and maybe you may get something. But in 99% of the time, not. 

[Morgsmom]

1 minute ago, BirdTravels said:

Pro Tip: Here's the bottom line. There are about a thousand staterooms that can bid on Haven cabins. Those bids are processed the monday/tuesday prior to a weekend departure. There will likely be a few Haven cabins available for upgrade. The probability of winning any bids is very very very very small if not zero (if the Haven is sold out). Don't get all excited and picky. Bid on everything and maybe you may get something. But in 99% of the time, not. 

Thank you so much for this level of encouragement!  Truly appreciate it 🙃  (See also why we are likely one and done with this cruise line)

[omahabob]

12 minutes ago, Morgsmom said:

Thank you so much for this level of encouragement!  Truly appreciate it 🙃  (See also why we are likely one and done with this cruise line)

 

You can call and upgrade a cabin at any time, assuming the higher level cabin is available. But no cruise line is going to give out winning bids on cabins that just aren't available, Norwegian or otherwise. Haven cabins are in high demand, and are almost always sold out. You can't fault Norwegian for not letting you win a bid on a cabin that just isn't there to win.

[Morgsmom]

2 minutes ago, omahabob said:

 

You can call and upgrade a cabin at any time, assuming the higher level cabin is available. But no cruise line is going to give out winning bids on cabins that just aren't available, Norwegian or otherwise. Haven cabins are in high demand, and are almost always sold out. You can't fault Norwegian for not letting you win a bid on a cabin that just isn't there to win.

No, you misunderstand.  There are a lot of Haven cabins available.  What's I'm commenting on is the SNARKY responses from some folks.  I know how to do a mock booking, thank you; I just don't want to pony up the full difference.

[aero777]

4 hours ago, Morgsmom said:

Thank you. Very helpful.  I’d only want to be in the Haven proper. 

 

 

Haven proper cabins, those would be the following categories:  HE, HF, H5, H6 and H2. All have Butlers. 

Also, be advised Joy has no thermal spa.

[omahabob]

11 minutes ago, Morgsmom said:

No, you misunderstand.  There are a lot of Haven cabins available.  What's I'm commenting on is the SNARKY responses from some folks.  I know how to do a mock booking, thank you; I just don't want to pony up the full difference.

 

Ah! Okay. Unfortunately, that happens on the other boards too. The internet is a wonderful place, isn't it?

[meglet]

43 minutes ago, Morgsmom said:

Now do you all understand why I am so confused???? I have bids out on multiple Haven categories not knowing if any are better than the other ... argh...

Do a you tube search with the exact name of the rooms you are bidding on. You can find detailed videos quite professionally done. And if you carefully read descriptions on the ncl website, you can find out what amenities will be included in each category. Good Luck!

[Sthrngary]

8 minutes ago, Morgsmom said:

No, you misunderstand.  There are a lot of Haven cabins available.  What's I'm commenting on is the SNARKY responses from some folks.  I know how to do a mock booking, thank you; I just don't want to pony up the full difference.

@Morgsmom Sorry for any confusion.  Allow me to approach this.  First let me say again, I have been on the NCL Joy three times and LOVE it.  On to some things that might interest you.

 

All Haven Suites on the NCL Joy have butlers.  Haven suites are in what one would call Haven Proper and outside of Haven Proper.  Again butlers in any Haven Suite. I have been in both Haven locations.   Like everything in life, their are pros/cons for everything.  My concern right now for you is that your very simple question is getting lots of information, all good but off your original question. 

 

Here is the long and short of it.  It is very nice to be in the Haven Proper.  It is a close walk to the Restaurant, Bar and Haven Sundeck.  I also like that there is an elevator in the Haven that starts on 17 and goes to 19 which is the sundeck.  I found that to be very nice.  

 

I have done bids for Haven Suites and it depends on the time of year if the success ratio is high or low.  The bid program is not to my liking.  It makes me want to bid more sometimes because I always prefer to be in the Haven.  On to the suites.  I notices you made a comment about mock reservations so you get the concept of if that Haven Categories has more suites, you can bid less.  Just a strategy and does not always work.  On that note, on the bow are some Haven Suites with large balconies as there are in the rear of the ship.  Many folks LOVE these Haven Suites because the balcony's are so big.  You know the Haven Suite has a Large Balcony if your category of bid says large balcony. Personally I would still look at the suite diagram on the NCL Website. 

 

Remember my reference to pros/cons.  In the Bow you have the same view that the captain has.  Lovely.  The down side is when the ship is moving, the balcony can have to much wind.  In the rear of the ship, the wind is better however you are far away from the Haven Proper and you gain some vibration from the props.  See, Pros/Cons.

 

I personally like a Haven Penthouse Suite, on either side of the ship.  For my wife and I it has the best of both worlds.  Would like like one with a larger balcony, sure. But for two people, not a big deal to us.  Other may debate that just my personal opinion.

 

I am commenting because I was afraid that you were starting to get a bit frustrate.  I really know how that feels and simply wanted to say this in a way I thought you would appreciate.  For you, the Haven will very much remind you of the MSC Yacht Club which is lovely.  So is the Celebrity Retreat.  We tend to be a little brand loyal and have very strong opinions.  Just means we like the brand and the "Ship-Within-A-Ship" concept.  

 

Cruise well and you will love the Haven, we all do.  Enjoy every moment.

[RB9643]

3 hours ago, Morgsmom said:

(See also why we are likely one and done with this cruise line)

 

2 hours ago, Morgsmom said:

What's I'm commenting on is the SNARKY responses from some folks.

 

 

Lol. So, you're one and done with NCL because of the snarky responses on Cruise Critic? Good luck with any cruise line passing THAT test.  😎

 

 

 

 

[BirdTravels]

3 hours ago, Morgsmom said:

Thank you so much for this level of encouragement!  Truly appreciate it 🙃  (See also why we are likely one and done with this cruise line)

Royal Caribbean uses the same system/company for their RoyalUp upgrade program along with other cruise lines. The grass is not greener. 

[js]

18 hours ago, mshaines said:

All of the Haven perks (e.g., butler, priority embarkation and disembarkation) are the same regardless of room.  Differences are in size and location of room.  If you search the Board, there's a lot out there about whether people prefer to stay in the haven proper (i.e.,  in the key access section) or elsewhere on the ship.  Seems to depend how much you want to be in the haven.  We love it so we booked a haven courtyard room on the Joy for August.  Oh, and there are also Haven spa suites outside the haven if you're interested spa access and have a double occupancy.  

 

Hi! We sail Joy on August 13 and also in the Haven. Are you on that sailing? See you at the bar!

 

[js]

13 hours ago, Morgsmom said:

Thank you so much for this level of encouragement!  Truly appreciate it 🙃  (See also why we are likely one and done with this cruise line)

I don't understand why you say this because you booked what you wanted, isn't that correct?
Perhaps I'm not understanding correctly but why are you one and done?

I also sail YC on MSC (a lot) and MSC also has upgraded bidding for balconies to YC.

I book what I want so I am happy with my vacation. If you don't want to "pony up" as you say for a different cabin, how is that the fault of the cruiseline making you one and done?

Edited July 13, 2023 by js

[mshaines]

59 minutes ago, js said:

 

Hi! We sail Joy on August 13 and also in the Haven. Are you on that sailing? See you at the bar!

 

We are!  And very exited.  Will see you there!

[omahabob]

58 minutes ago, js said:

I don't understand why you say this because you booked what you wanted, isn't that correct?
Perhaps I'm not understanding correctly but why are you one and done?

I also sail YC on MSC (a lot) and MSC also has upgraded bidding for balconies to YC.

I book what I want so I am happy with my vacation. If you don't want to "pony up" as you say for a different cabin, how is that the fault of the cruiseline making you one and done?

 

She was talking about this forum. See post 32.

[mshaines]

57 minutes ago, js said:

I don't understand why you say this because you booked what you wanted, isn't that correct?
Perhaps I'm not understanding correctly but why are you one and done?

I also sail YC on MSC (a lot) and MSC also has upgraded bidding for balconies to YC.

I book what I want so I am happy with my vacation. If you don't want to "pony up" as you say for a different cabin, how is that the fault of the cruiseline making you one and done?

I think this is a fair point.  If you were absolutely attached/had to have the Haven, then book that.  Otherwise, as people are saying, bid away and cross your fingers, but be aware the Haven is something a lot of us will simply pay for to be sure we have it.  So, especially if the ship is likely to be full, the Haven is very likely to be sold out.  Additionally, there seems to be some extra factors other than straight in who they award bids to.  On our March Getaway sailing, there seemed to be a fair number of casino upgrades.  Regardless, check out @Dorhead1230's live updates on the Joy.  Looks like it will be a good time!     

[cruiseny4life]

@Morgsmom, there are a few helpful posts in this thread...and a few that...well I'll be charitable and ignore them.

 

Since you have stated you only want to bid on a Haven room in the "complex," "proper," etc., then you should refer to only two posts in this thread.

 

1. #10, by @Grimix. This post tells you that Deluxe Owners Suite (and maybe Owners Suite) receive three bottles of booze and mixers (sodas, etc.). No other Haven category on Joy receives this amenity. Joy has no thermal suite, therefore it has no Spa rooms, so don't worry about that.

 

2. #33, by @aero777. This post describes exactly which Haven categories are in the Haven proper. Don't bother with other categories. Aero also mentions no spa on Joy. This page shows the category aero referred to and the name of the category. I can't remember if the bidding system just shows the name or also the category. This way you can match up the bids you want to place. https://www.ncl.com/cruise-ship/joy/staterooms/the-haven

 

Ignore every other comment on this thread. Again, some do contain helpful information, but only the two above actually answer your question. I'm sorry you're frustrated by some of the comments. It's easier to scroll on by some. And no shade to many of the posters that I didn't specifically shoutout. Your answers are certainly helpful and provide context to staying in the Haven. They're just not helpful in answering the question (and yep, I know I oftentimes go off on tangents myself). 

 

If you get in the Haven, you will have an absolutely wonderful time! 

[omahabob]

3 minutes ago, cruiseny4life said:

....Ignore every other comment on this thread.....

 

HEY!!!!! What did I ever do to you?!?!?

 

I'm going to go pout now. 😗

[KateQ22003]

14 hours ago, omahabob said:

 

The Pearl was already addressed, and that includes the Jewel class. All the suites on those ships do not have butler service, or at least Norwegian does not advertise that they do. There are six such cabins that I've found, out of what, 800 or so? That's indeed rare.

 

The Sky and Star don't have a Haven, and thus are not part of the comment I made. In the grand scheme of things, their cabins don't represent a huge portion of the total number in the fleet anyway.

 

And I said cabins, not suites.

 

 

Most of the suites on the Pearl have butler service. I was in a two-bedroom non-Haven last month and will be in a forward-facing suite next week. Both were outside of the Haven, and both have butler service. Not sure which don't have the butler service; I have stayed in all levels and never not had that service.

Edited July 13, 2023 by KateQ22003

[omahabob]

As I said earlier, the only non-Haven suite on the Pearl that actually advertises butler service on the NCL site is the aft facing penthouse with large balcony. But as we are all aware, it would not be the first time NCL doesn't have accurate or complete information on their web site. But I suspect that if they're still offering it, they'd be motivated enough to advertise it. It makes them money, and it's funny how making money seems to motivate them better than so many other things.

[cruiseny4life]

32 minutes ago, omahabob said:

 

HEY!!!!! What did I ever do to you?!?!?

 

I'm going to go pout now. 😗

Haha...just parcing the info that actually answers her question. Trust me, I'm the first to admit I go off topic. Way! Too! Much!

 

Need a tissue? 🤪

[KateQ22003]

1 hour ago, omahabob said:

As I said earlier, the only non-Haven suite on the Pearl that actually advertises butler service on the NCL site is the aft facing penthouse with large balcony. But as we are all aware, it would not be the first time NCL doesn't have accurate or complete information on their web site. But I suspect that if they're still offering it, they'd be motivated enough to advertise it. It makes them money, and it's funny how making money seems to motivate them better than so many other things.

That's not true. All of the non-Haven suites on the Pearl say they come with butler and concierge service except the aft suites, which say that "some" do (whatever that means!)

Edited July 13, 2023 by KateQ22003

[omahabob]

It says select. Some of the others do. I missed the forward facing with large balconies, and some of the family suites. The club balcony suites, which is most of the ship, do not. There's still a decided minority of the non-Haven cabins on the ship that have butler service, and a  tiny fraction of those available fleet wide, which was my original point.

[graphicguy]

If you don’t want to pay full boat for the Haven, I understand.  But, I’ve NEVER won an upgrade I bid on that would net me any particular savings over just booking it outright.  And, I’ve bid on upgrades A LOT!  I see some here and there that say they have won upgrade bids that is less than the listed fare, but it’s extremely rare.

 

The formula they use for upgrades is a mystery, even though we’ve all tried to figure it out.  I personally believe the “bid for upgrade” process is little more than a marketing tool to get additional revenue or to fill cabins that may be slow selling (Haven cabins sell out).

 

If you want the Haven, book the Haven.  If it goes outside of your comfort zone financially, stick with the cabin you originally booked.  That’s been my rule of thumb.

 

Whether it’s ship capacities, new or old ships, particular itineraries, cabin size and location,  there are a wealth of choices and prices for the Haven.  I’ve booked a 7 day Bermuda bound Haven Spa Suite cabin for 2 @$3,800.    I just booked an 11 day Mediterranean 2 BR Haven Suite for about $4,800.  I consider both to be excellent fares.

 

Conversely, I’ve seen people pay $8K, $9K even $10K + for a non Haven cabin and couldn’t get their Haven upgrade bid a sniff.

 

Book what you want, in the category you want if the price is right.  I would not count on finding a “deal” via the upgrade route.

 

As mentioned, the Haven is the Haven.  The big differences are the sizes of the cabins and their location on the ship.

 

I’ve often wondered if there is a percentage of Haven cabins on NCL ships.  But, I’m too lazy to do the math to get my answer.

 

😉