Is the Haven worth it? I’ve been asking myself this question for about a month now. Maybe longer if I’m honest with myself. When Drew and I went on our first cruise, I didn’t know anything about it. I’d never been on a cruise before and really didn’t do much research before we went. Onboard our first day, we met a couple staying in the Haven. From there, I didn’t cross my mind until about a month ago. Our first big trip together was July 2019, and then we got married in February 2020, then COVID hit.
We got an upgrade offer from Norwegian to bid for the Haven. I investigated the upgrade and amenities that were going to be included. For one, a 24 hr butler? I found myself thinking, what the hell do you need a butler for, what do you even ask a butler, and are you really going to use this service on board? To determine if the Haven will be worth the money, I’ve done a breakdown of the amenities and how we might use them.
Let’s break down the amenities.
Skip the lines and be personally escorted on and off the ship at the pier and at ports of call.
Wow, this seems like a cool feature. I think with all of the COVID protocols and waiting in line that has to happen to get on a cruise ship, I will really be grateful for these amenities. I’m not sure what to expect at each port. When we sailed in Alaska, we didn’t really have any issue getting on and off the boat.
24-hour trained and certified suite butler
Not sure how I feel about this one yet. I tried to read up on other blogs about what people have asked for. What do you ask for? My husband really likes ice in his coffee and ice cold water. I’m thinking about asking to have a fresh bucket of ice every day. I want some fresh fruit and snacks in the room as well as milk for my coffee in the morning. These are just little things. I will update once I figure out what we asked for and how it went.
Concierge service to help you book dining, entertainment, shore excursions, and more
In preparation for our trip, I booked dining and shore excursions. So we won’t be needing those services. On the app it doesn’t look like we can book entertainment. I’m not sure if this is COVID-related or if I was just too late. My plan is to ask the concierge once we get on board to see what options are available. We didn’t get to see any shows when we went to Alaska, and I’d like to enjoy at least once during this trip.
Courtyard attendant to take care of all your cold towels, fresh fruit, and sun deck refreshment needs
All I can say is bring it on! I’m ready to take advantage of completely relaxing by the pool and having someone bring me drinks. This avoids the crowded bar, walking with a drink, and basically, I don’t even have to put my book down to get a drink. I’m all for it.
White tablecloth in-suite dining
We will be sailing over Valentine’s day and our anniversary. I plan to use this service at least once. My current understanding is that you still have to pay the room service fee and tip the butler.
Evening turndown service
I mean, I’m not going to say no! We don’t make our bed at home, and my husband makes a fuss over the sheets being tucked in tightly. Maybe I won’t have to hear any complaints in that department.
Priority when reserving restaurants and entertainment
Not sure exactly what this means. During my research, I think you can make requests to restaurants that are booked or ask for the window table. You may get a separate section to sit or book when things are completely full for entertainment.
Exclusive access to The Haven Courtyard area with private pool, sundeck, hot tub, and fitness area
We are counting this as our honeymoon trip (or at least I am), which means we seek areas free from children and large crowds. I think of all the amenities, and this is the one that means the most to me. My job is exhausting, and my husband constantly works these days. We are going to use this as our refuge and opportunity to recharge.
Distinctive platinum keycard
Ironically enough, people on different blogs talked about how this was a status symbol of some kind. We are just not those types of people. Not a must-have for us, but maybe it will be cool.
Sparkling wine, bottled water, and fruit on embarkation day
Alright, alright, alright, now we are talking! One of the biggest benefits of a Norwegian cruise is “free” booze. On vacation, those calories don’t count, right? I’m so excited to walk into our suite and see a bottle of sparkling wine ready for me!
Mini-bar and deluxe coffee/espresso/cappuccino machine
We have an espresso machine at home, and I’m so used to having my vanilla latte every morning I’m excited to have it on board.
Special Haven menus
I can’t tell you what these are yet, but I guess we will find out!
Grab and go breakfast items including parfaits, diced fruit in a martini glass, fresh pastries, and gourmet meats
Diced fruit in a martini glass, really? We do love fresh fruit, so I will be taking a picture of this. That is if it really does exist.
Treats delivered to your suite each evening
I’m down for this. I wonder what each day will bring. I will report back once I have a chance to experience these delicious treats.
To round out the experience, the Haven also includes mobile phones that can be used throughout the ship, luxury bath products, plush bathrobes, slippers, oversized bath towels, Bliss Collection by Norwegian pillow-top mattress, fine linens, feather duvet, and pillow menu.
Inevitably I’ve missed some of the perks of the Haven. But I decided to take the plunge and experience what everyone was talking about. I booked the Haven Aft-Facing Penthouse with Master Bedroom & Large Balcony. I watched several youtube tours of all the Haven rooms, which helped me narrow down what type of room I wanted. First, I wanted a large balcony for sunbathing and reading. Second, I like that the bedroom didn’t have a window. My husband likes the bedroom to be pitch black. Third, the bathtub. Need I say more about a bathtub with a window looking out onto the water. I’m just imagining myself laid back, taking a bath, watching the beautiful waters of the Caribbean float by. Lastly, the driving factor was the experience we would have in a room like the Haven suite.
