IIRC it's like $50 per time. When you book the Haven luxury VIP experience, approximately 60-days prior to your sail date, you get a U.S. mail letter from NCL. Be kind to others on the elevator and use good business judgment. If a guest can afford the premium, the question, is it worth it? I had no idea that after the massage we had access to Silver Cove. It rarely is the kids. Most of what I am presenting is to realistically manage our expectations. I didn't have time to pull out my phone to take the picture, but I will remember that reaction forever. On 2/13/2022 at 12:26 PM, Sthrngary said: 10 hours ago, pcakes122 said:The bottom line is that everyone should keep in mind that they are reading ONE person's opinion and advice. If a guest can afford the premium, the question, is it worth it? Pretty places deserve to be shared with others - why not Write a Review! Oooo! Let me explain some key points. Always play nice. We cruised in the Haven on Breakaway in Feb 2020 and had a wonderful time. By Apr 1 2022 As soon as you step aboard the Norwegian Cruise Line ship, a butler escorts you past the bustling promenades, speciality restaurants and eateries to an unassuming elevator. The reserved Haven seats are held until 10 minutes before the show and then released for the standing room crowd. The NCL Haven Luxury VIP Experience "Secrets" REVISED for 2022 I have come to realize that no amount of research, will match my perfect visualization of what a cruise should be. As someone who has cruised in the Haven many times, I have a different experience, opinion and approach to Haven cruising. I will be cruising three times in less then 12 months which clearly shows I am spoiled. Let me explain my three (3) key points. I always do the Premium Plus Drink Program. I do not even know where to begin with the experience my wife and I had. The cruise specials usually allow 3 & 4 passengers free. It doesn't mean I am a "detractor", and I am not going to use Gary's thread to list where we differ (if I want to share my opinion on how to best experience the Haven, I would/should take the time to put my own thread together! I did the same, the first time I had a butler. You can also google that title. This this thread has kept me active and interested in a subject I have enjoyed since my honeymoon 44 years ago. What we all must understand; no cruise is perfect. And you SHOULD do other research! My goal is to help other do the same. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in. If a guest would reserve an entire row in the theatre for all their friends. As you know I just sailed on the Joy and had a wonderful time. The Secrets of the NCL Haven Luxury Experience - Gary Tilkin Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. @BklynBorn47That is one heck of a story. Website design and SEO optimization by Make & Model Marketing. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Next Page 1 of 92 Sthrngary 3.2k October 19, 2018 Birmingham, AL #1 Posted February 13, 2022 2022 Update of the original post from 2019 This content is very long and detailed. Like we were the redheaded stepchildren of the Neptune suites. The Secrets of the NCL Haven Luxury Experience. My wife and I, for the first time are taking the jump from Mainstream cruise brands (NCL, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, MSC, Carnival, Holland America), to a luxury cruise brand. I will say that following these boards was a lifesaver, especially a butler letter and pre-tip. And thank you! The had limited food options. I believe he started with the Joy in China when it went there. In our opinion, a big perk of the Haven luxury experience is this lovely pre-dinner snacks. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Careful what you ask for. CDR, I have a question for you. I'm no longer travelling like I used to but I did get one visit to Lawry's. You honor NCL, the Haven and myself with your commitment. The lowest cost for a Haven Suite is approximately $2,099.00 per person on average. Even more interesting is these exclusive special guest area suites sell out very quickly. There was no placeholder to add in the Haven butler in real time. The provided luggage tags are lovely however have been accidently ripped off in the past. The answers above are spot on. The way I wrote it led people to believe I was against children in the Haven Courtyard. The secret door: Inside Norwegian Cruise Line's The Haven For now, though, I am very much satisfied with being in a suite outside the Haven. That is what they do. The Haven guest have priority. Frequently Asked Question I Hope this Op-Ed Answers: Can guests not staying in the Haven use Haven amenities? We did purchase the thermal suite pass and that was on deck 15, so even easier to get to! The food items are the same for all Haven Suites. 3. Where do you get the bar code? I recognize that it takes a generosity of spirit and a lot of time to put something like this together and I'm sure you are going to help many people through your efforts. I cant leave this conclusion section, without saying a few more words. Some of this info could be obsolete soon as protocols are changing rapidly, sometimes back and forth, so gotta cut some slack here. If anyone has specific questions, please fire away. Maybe 8 high top chairs. We plan to have breakfast and dinner in our suite every day as it wouldnt be a good experience for us or anyone else trying to take a toddler to a formal restaurant. I was wondering, do you have a copy of the letter you write to the butler that you would be willing to share? NEW DELHI, July 21 (Reuters) - Women in India's northeastern state of Manipur attacked the house of the main suspect in a sexual assault case that has enraged the nation, state police said on Friday. Also, if you stay in one of the courtyard rooms, it can get seemingly crowded in the hallways, and kind of loud, esp when there's a lot of kids staying in the Haven and just having their fun in the . It really comes down to personal preference. We were just fine with that as well. My purpose is to give those that are reading this document, some strategies. I was a professional educator, speaker and facilitator for decades prior to my illness. This next section is from the Journey document I do for my family. My approach is also somewhat of a controversy because of the detail I put into my butler. The world need an "In and Out". The Haven spa suite also has a huge jacuzzi big enough for two in your suite, with a view of the ocean. I dont want the crowds 24/7, therefore the NCL Haven gives us the best of both worlds. My posting was the experience I had recently. If it's just once or twice, the concierge can give her permission to dine in the Haven but there is a fee. Attitude makes a cruise. I was lucky, it did not effect me to badly however it scared me. Tipping the butler well will remove his/her annoyance! That said, I would like to add that it is the responsibility of every cruiser to do their own research. My wife and I just missed the large ship experience. I then insert them into purchased clear plastic luggage tags purchased off Amazon.com. The cruise brands profit much more on a Haven type level guest. I just wanted folks to know what the current situation was. It is important to note, my comments now will be from actual experience I have had. This brings us to topics of this document, newly updated. The one- or two-minute elevator ride to get to the Haven Lounge was scarcely a bother. We missed the energy, music/show options and yes even the young people who make us feel young again. On to your question. So the moment I see a Steak and Shake, I am taking a pit stop. The average cost for an inside state room, is about $499.00 per person (not including taxes & fees). Print it or download it to your phone. They do have a smaller scaled down version of the Haven pool, hot tub and sundeck. Hence, a Ship within a Ship experience. There are three full baths plus a half-bath. Add Cruise Critic's Community Forums to your iPhone's Home Screen! I just went on the Joy in November. I never bother anymore. After the massage was over we were told by several staff we could utilize the lagoon area in Silver Cove, which included lounge chairs, floats, a restaurant (open until 2:00 pm), and a bar. Easier to figure when/if you want to go. It is nice and if the show is crowded, it is nice to know you have a seat. No, on you ask for a Haven Menu. It was an amazing area of the island, there were two bars, a private buffet, and the beach was crescent-shaped. On inclement weather days or lets say you are cruising Alaska; this is the place to be. They don't understand why the cruise ship brands, allow this to happen. Your tastes may be different. We will wait there, if you have a no show or cancelation.. If that one closes I'll just kill myself! Whether you go with a NCL Haven luxury. Pretty places deserve to be shared with others - why not Write a Review! I email the Concierge Desk and they take care of this for me. By I have come to realize that no amount of research, will match my perfect visualization of what a cruise should be. Whether you go with a NCL Haven luxury experience; Celebrity suites or any other brands upper-level experience, you now know what to expect. Sailing on the Bliss Haven in a couple weeks. We have a lot in common starting with inside cabins and moving on up as we got older. It's often stated that it depends very much on the concierge. Will Haven guest have special seating to ALL shows? Even though it was small, I absolutely loved this private little hangout amenity. How to I make special requests pre-cruise when booked in the Haven? Could not have come at a better time for me, since I am seriously considering booking the Joy soon. Logo Store; Find Your Roll Call; Meet & Mingle My wife and I did a couples massage on Great Stirrup Cay, we were given a wristband that stated: Lagoon Access, we were driven to the spa which is located in Silver Cove via an electric cart. Your spa tip at Silver Cove has definitely got my attention. Be sure to look for it, if you don't find O'Sheehan's. They will do almost any small task you ask, within reason. Called NCL onshore concierge about the Tampa Port Haven/Suite's line and Lounge. I could not agree with you more. Now you're speaking my language! You can have up to 6 cruisers in each suite. That was our experience on Breakaway too. Even though it was small, I absolutely loved this private little hangout amenity. Michael's club was a small, quite private lounge with a full bar. Your post were my go to when I booked my first Haven suite on the Getaway. If I had to choose it would be the Encore or the Bliss. The Haven bar is somewhat small. Dont book those weeks. Please focus on my message. The ropes are pulled off a few minutes before the show starts. We were fully integrated into the benefits of staying in the Haven. Here are a few things I have had my Butlers do, to enhance my families cruising experience. My Haven requests included, but were not limited to: Think about how much less stress, you would feel if you had some of these issues handled pre-cruise. When I go to Vegas or LA I always go to In and Out for burgers and fries, then I go to Lawry's for prime rib! I personally think you are over thinking it. You first must know what some secrets areto getting all the value you can, from the NCL Haven Luxury VIP Experiences. On 2/13/2022 at 11:43 AM, Sthrngary said: 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. The kids end up taking over the Haven pool and hot tubs areas. After cruising in the 90s (think Love Boat vibe) my Moms situation kept us mostly at home until 2011. *Handle logistics: Butlers or the Haven Concierge will save you from spending your vacation waiting in line or dealing with the minutiae of your trip. The answer is quite simple. Just like my reference to the Celebrity Suite Only restaurant, the Haven Restaurant is known as the best food on the ship. Voted Best Accommodations by Porthole Magazine, The Haven offers a luxurious oasis at sea where Haven guests can lounge, dine, and even check-in privately. Depending on the ship you're on, the same restaurant (same menu, even) is called "The Local." I saved this email address so future NCL Haven Cruises, I could communicate well before 60-days out. Most cruise lines have a sale for the first evening of sailing. If so, I bet the look on her face was priceless. Many have said they have had the Haven Concierge walk them in the back way to gain a seat upfront prior to the doors opening. There is one specific elevator that is specially coded to go directly to the Haven area. THE SECRETS OF THE NCL HAVEN LUXURY EXPERIENCE - Cruise Critic Well Done. Maybe post any issues right now and others MAY be able to help you resolve them and you can enjoy your cruise much more. Thank every one for keeping this second edition of the Secret of the Haven going. It is nice to have the option, without having to double your cruise fare again, to go on an Ultra-Premium or Luxury Cruise line. Your initial concern was valid. Is Adrian still around as a concierge in the Haven (he was our favorite) and he would sail with his sister the casino manager. I would say only half of the lounge chairs were being used. My approach and writing seemed upset and angry. It was an amazing experience! Just an elevator ride to the entrance of the Haven area. We booked on board through the concierge two days before we arrived on Great Stirrup Cay. Some call this day dreams. . The smaller ships like the NCL Pearl, do not have Haven Restaurants or bar. Asked if we could get it in the Haven, no problem. Thank you for reporting back and sharing your experience. And thank you for the tip about ordering from the Haven restaurant. No White Castle. @JoebucksI hope this revised thread helps you out a bit better. @drumming cruisersGreat Questions, before I answer it, I began taking professional drum lessons at age 5. One more thing. Walt Whitman H.S. We never had to wait to dine in the restaurant (well, once, we had to wait a whole two minutes, because the GMB wanted a table next to a window), and none of the other Haven spaces were ever crowded (except for, understandably, that morning of embarkation). If you don't already know, the NCL Haven is a ". You first must know what are some secrets to getting all the value you can, from the NCL Haven Luxury Experiences. Then I figured it out. Did you pull off surprising your wife? During the day it would provide little appetizers and treats. I chose not to do this, yet know it could be available if I would so choose. This is a first for us and we made this decision because our best friends booked a European cruise and asked us to join. That is awesome! Book with the concierge as we do while in the Haven boarding lounge or shortly after boarding ( there will be a sign on their desk). For me personality, it also allows me to take care of details ahead of time. i always give the butler $100 at the end of the cruise, but i dont think they should be tipped at the beginning. I wanted to save $500. Yes, AND the rules/protocols can even change once you are onboard and have set sail - this happened to us in August 2021. We filled it out while we were waiting to board and handed it in. This might sound crazy I know. Before I provide my list, please know I tip my Butler between $100 and $150 per seven-day cruise, depending on service requested and provided during the week. You can have your cake and eat it too.. We have been cruising since our Honeymoon 43 years ago. When ever I head to either Vegas or LA for work or pleasure the first place I go off the place is In and Out. Do it on the first day and your spot will be guaranteed. They will also bring you room service or morning cappuccinos and espresso, even serving you dinner course-by-course, in your suite or on your balcony. You will also notice, NCL has a 24/7 restaurant that is pretty good if you don't want to have a long meal in the Haven. We saw them when we needed to. I never missed and after my family found out where I was, they ended up joining. They will send you a barcode. After cruising in the 90s (think Love Boat vibe) my Moms situation kept us mostly at home until 2011. Prior to going on your cruise, you will have to go online to do a digital check in. We had 4 guests, yet it could have sleep 6. They will even solve problems for you, such as finding an appropriate crew member to fix broken eyeglasses or stuck luggage locks. That is one of the key topics for the balance of this article. Here arejusta few: o Escorts to Show: Sounds good on paper however unless you have a mobility issue, it is not necessary. It is lovely to eat in your suite for sure, maybe you try a meal in the Haven Restaurant first. Forums. I did the best formatting that I could to make it look good. If I ever experience being in the complex/proper/enclave, whatever you call it, maybe I'll become one of those people. The moral ask the worst they can say is no and that isnt in their vocabulary in the Haven. Norwegian isn't known for being the fanciest cruise line around. The NCL Haven Luxury VIP Experience "Secrets" REVISED for 2022 THE SECRETS OF THE NCL HAVEN LUXURY EXPERIENCE By Sthrngary, October 13, 2019 in Norwegian Cruise Line Share Followers 95 Prev 1 2 3 4 They were raw nuts not planters. My wife and I, for the first time are taking the jump from Main-stream cruise brands (NCL, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Holland America), to an ultra-premium brand in 2020, Oceania Cruises. This holds true for breakfast and lunch on day two as well. However I went to College for Business not Music. You will notice my spelling and grammar are horrible. Why they cant have access to the entire ship for the cruise investment they have made. In my searches in 2019, no articles did a deep dive about these mainstream exclusive areas. Shidah. Not that we ever got bad service by the stewards or the Neptune concierge---it was never bad. This thread was designed to provide ideas that would allow the guest that wanted to upgrade their cruising experience to the Haven to get the most out of there investment. We booked another, 2022 (2 trips planned really 5 B2B) Hope we get our Haven bid accepted 65 days total. If you dont like what is on the Haven Restaurant Menu, tell your server in the afternoon you want something else and they will do their best to have it for you. The Haven spa suite, is on the same level as the ships spa itself. The answer is quite simple. My always pre-thought-out email, addressed things I would normally ask for, when I arrive on the ship. *Make deliveries: Butlers will be your complimentary room service provider. I have 5 speeding tickets (Slovakia, Hungary, France) as documentation. For many, it does not. This trait, provides me with a higher level of enjoyment. I personally love the big ships and the feel it gives us when you see it and venture through it. After endless pages, good to start another page and update the info, You say to have to show your pre cruise bar code. For some, yes and other not. Thank you Sthrngary!! Get to the shows early it is worth the extra effort. The NCL Haven luxury experience gives you this opportunity, for an investment of course. Is the Haven Butler and Concierge included in the NCL Pre-Paid Gratuities Program? Not two dozen cookies ever night. Most people will never notice the short period they're closed. As the cruise gets closer, you will choose your check-in time which will link you to having a reservation for the port covid test. Not every ship has a Haven Horizon Lounge. I dont want the crowds 24/7, therefore the NCL Haven gives us the , Q&A with James Rodriguez, President & CEO of Atlas Ocean Voyages, Q&A: Cruise Insurance with Steve Dasseos of the TripInsuranceStore.com - Summer Session '23. Thank you for the complement. THE SECRETS OF THE NCL HAVEN LUXURY EXPERIENCE - Cruise Critic Here's a trick I think some folks may enjoy. I'm not a stranger to the Haven but this I do not know for sure: we are sailing on the Prima in the Haven in February. THE SECRETS OF THE NCL HAVEN LUXURY EXPERIENCE - Cruise Critic The moment I wrote this and included the gratuity, every single butler has been great. The down side is the suite is a much smaller sq. Powered by Invision Community. The Haven | Norwegian Cruise Line The past few years, my wife and I have chosen to attempt to improve our overall cruise experience by upgrading our cabins to suites levels sometimes in exclusive sections of a larger cruise ship (Reference: NCL Haven; Celebrity Suite; MSC Yacht Club). The suite is a two bedroom, 2 bath 1,450 plus sf suite with a huge wrap around veranda. This upgraded category also provided a butler. I have personally experienced this during dining, show, excursion and entire cruise experiences suffer. Do I download a NCL app? I believe the best cruises are really the obligation of the cruiser. A sanctuary of contemporary design featuring a spacious living room, walls of windows, outdoor terraces with a hot tub and a private dining area. Our room steward was on top of keeping the suite impeccable. This brings us to topics of this document, Secrets to the NCL Haven Experience. The courtyards are all nice but I rarely spend much time there. Better for us to stay in somebodys bubble. If you book Christmas, consider also booking the Vibe Beach Club or simply book a ship with hot tubs on the top Haven sundeck.