My wife and I have stayed in the Haven and were told the last night of our cruise that if you want something from any of the other restaurants on the ship you just have to let them know at least the night before and they will make sure it is available to you in the Haven restaurant the next night. We have another cruise coming up soon in the Haven and plan on trying that option out.
We have heard that as well but didn’t know about it on our trip. We have another Haven trip booked this year so will definitely give that a go. Let’s us know after your next trip if it works. Thanks for watching! Emma & Jack Live a Little
The breakfast in that restaurant was incredible. I had the waffle brought to the room and we had a large aft balcony and I was so sleepy walked out on the balcony with the robe looking at glaciers eating that breakfast It was perfect 😂
Thank you for your video- fellow NYer here- really enjoyed your format & information- we just upgraded our Getaway cabin to the Haven instead of taking a chance on bidding for our upcoming cruise in Mar. We have heard several recommend upgrading the beverage package-in order to get the "Full Haven experience" glad to hear your opinion on the subject- this will be our 3rd NCL cruise (1st Haven) and haven't had an issue with finding something to drink within the budget. One of the best videos we've watched today (and we've watched several!!) Look forward to hear about your other adventures.
Thank you so much. It means a lot to us! We hope you enjoy your trip and hope you enjoy following us along our journeys. Have a great vacation! Emma & Jack Live a Little
You are my kind of people! Loved the Haven and the bar was the best ! I had so many drinks I had never tried before! The only thing I disagree with is the TV….. it was fine, don’t need a bigger one.,..😂 we had our first cruise last month on the Encore to Alaska… already booked on the Getaway to New England/ Canada next year…Haven all the way ! Love your videos ! ❤
Thank you so much, we really enjoy your videos! My wife and I bit the bullet on the Haven for a Panama Canal cruise and we're so excited! Would you be willing to share how much you tip the mixologists (and the other Haven staff)? We understand if you'd rather not. 😊 I think our plans are pretty generous.
Thanks so much! We typically tip the bartending $15-20/day. The restaurant team $10-15/day. The concierge team $15-20/day and the butler $15-20/day. It all depends on how we use them and how they are as a staff.
@@lindsayslivealittle Excellent, thank you; that's pretty close to what we were thinking (though we were thinking $20-30/day for the butler, from the two of us). Like you see, it really should depend on how much we interact and how good they are, so it's good to be flexible. 🙂
On longer (>7 days) cruises, the Haven restaurant will add some daily specials for appetizers and entrees. Not a lot but maybe 2-3 each but I found myself ordering them each night. They were amazing! I wish that they would add those all the time!
Question: Did you guys upgrade to the Premium Plus drink package? Is this something unnecessary in The Haven? Will your still butler fill your fridge with water and sodas if you don’t have that upgraded package? Thanks do much for the attention to details on this!
If this was a year ago we would say no need to upgrade. However, with the new premium plus options we typically upgrade as it includes all alcohol plus you can order bottles at dinner and coffee, water, etc. For the butler filling fridge, we haven’t seen the butlers fill the fridges except for water and Milk/plant based milks for coffee. But in all honesty we typically don’t request them to fill it up so it may be a perk we don’t use. Emma & Jack
Thank you for the commentary on the Haven bar and restaurant. My husband and I are going on the Norwegian Breakaway in two weeks and we are so excited to be booked in the Haven owners sweet!! There are not a lot of videos on TH-cam that include what to expect in the Haven so this is much appreciated. I enjoy your content
Thanks so much for the sweet comment. It means a lot to us every time someone posts a comment and enjoys our video. Hope you have a great trip in the Haven! Emma & Jack Live a Little
I love being on the Haven! Their menu might not change but they are willing to deviate from it. they brought me buttered chicken when I requested it one evening. My highlights were seared ahi tuna on Boston lettuce leaves and unlimited peanut covered M&Ms by poolside at 11 o'clock in the morning.
That sounds amazing. Sitting by the pool with unlimited snacks! Next time we do the Haven we will make sure to keep that in mind. We never really requested anything specific because we just enjoyed all of it. Happy travels! Emma & Jack Live a Little
Enjoyed your video on the Haven. My wife and I are departing from NYC in six days on the Escape, and we are in the Haven. We have been cruising for 51 years and you guys have assured me that the money we have spent for the Haven will be worth it. My only wish is that I could have afforded it at your young age. Maybe we'll see you at the bar.
We never have even really thought about that but could definitely see it. Be sure to say hi if you ever see us on a trip. We would love to meet anyone that has enjoyed our content. Emma & Jack Live a Little
Hi there. Thank you for the great video! We are booked on the Haven Escape. We have the unlimited open bar package. I just need a simple glass of Beringer White Zin or similar or some Prosecco. This is really confusing. Will I be able to get these simple wines? Thanks in advance!!🍷
Thanks for watching and commenting! We are not sure on the White Zin. They do offer a semi-sweet/dry rose though. As for the Prosecco, you are good to go as they do offer Prosecco and we enjoyed a nice mimosa with the Prosecco daily. Our only additional note is that depending on product availability there may be changes vs what is published online as options. We hope you have an amazing trip and enjoy some more of our vlogs! Let us know if you have any more questions as you prep for your trip. Emma & Jack
Great vid… the older you get the more you want to walk into a dead bar. My wife and I almost high five when we walk into one ☺️.. I agree in the TV as well. A small area there for the guys to watch a game would be sweet!
Jack is super happy that someone agrees with him. Even though he can do it at home, he think relaxing watching a game is a plus for a vacation. Thanks as always. Emma & Jack
Thanks for the info! I'm booked in a Haven spa suite for my honeymoon in a few months time, did not know that the menu doesn't change (first timer for a Haven room). Very excited for the mixologists though!
First congrats and we hope you enjoy your honeymoon. Secondly, you will absolutely love the mixologists. We are in the suite class on another cruise line right now and the drinks are not the same. NCL Haven is hands down better. Emma & Jack
Just love your videos...Very informative. We will be taking out 1st Haven cruise in December and keeping my expectations low. We have pre-paid the gratuities, so why must you tip the butler, waiters in the restaurant, concierge? Unless they go above all expectations, then tip accordingly. But just normal stuff, why? Many thanks.
The butler and concierge in the Haven don’t receive any portion of the pre paid gratuities. Waiters and bartenders do so we just tip a bit extra for the service. But with the butler and concierge you should budget for tips for them. Thanks so much for enjoying our channel!! We hope you have an amazing trip. Emma & Jack
Hey Guys, thanks so much. Just curious, but how do you know that the butler and concierge don't get any of the pre-paid gratuities? My travel agent says they do get the tips because when they called NCL, NCL indicated that they do. I am so confused.
@@michaeltomcsak392we learned directly from NCL and speaking to staff as part of our channel. Unless something has changed very recently Haven butler and concierge are excluded from tip pool.
Thanks so much for your info. Not sure when you talked to NCL, however my TA talked within the month. Doesn't make sense to me for a company to exclude certain staff from the tip pool knowing that people who have pre-paid the tips will not tip the butler and concierge because of this pre-payment. And now, look who suffers, the staff. So logically, well at least to me, I just can't believe a company would do this to their staff, otherwise the staff would not work there. Unless of course their pay is significantly higher; than they probably don't need the tips anyway. It would be just icing on the cake. So in closing, it would be nice for NCL to chime in once and for all and be fully transparent so that everyone will benefit. I bet they won't. Thanks again!
Just found your channel by doing some research. I have a cruise on the bliss next month. Right now I have the spa balcony and I am debating on the bidding for an upgrade to the haven spa balcony room. Your information really helps!! Going to Caribbean tho, not Alaska.
Thanks so much for finding our channel and watching our video! It is definitely worth the bid to try and get the Haven. One suggestion is also to watch the price as you get into the final week because we have seen where the Haven price will drop and it is the same price as bidding and you get a room guaranteed if you just call and upgrade. You will definitely enjoy your trip either way! Let us know if you have any questions as you plan the final details! Emma & Jack Live a Little
That’s awesome to know i had no clue about the price drop that’s amazing. Thanks for the info. I may try that route! I’ve only cruised once before and had an inside room, so even having the spa balcony is a huge upgrade for me. But I’m so tempted to just go all out. So i will definitely be looking for price drops!!😊
Oh the bread is so good! Thank you so much for the comment. It means a lot to us when people watch our videos and leave such a nice comment. Hope you enjoy the rest of our videos and so many more to come. Emma & Jack Live a Little
Thanks for the video. This was very informative. We have the Haven on the Bliss going to Alaska this year. Do you think it is worth purchasing the Premium plus package or do you think being at the Haven the regular drink package is fine. Thanks for any feedback. Happy travels.
Thanks for watching and hope you have a great time on your trip. In our POV, it isn’t worth it to upgrade in the Haven to the Premium drinks package. There are so many options in the Haven already that fit in the normal drinks package. Additionally, if you find something that is offered at other bars across that you would like in the Haven, they will either make a better version of it for you or if it is a specific type of beer or liquor they will bring it to the Haven. My husband wants craft beer and the Haven staff literally went to the bars across the ship and brought all the options for him to chose from and then they stocked those just for him daily. Let us know if you haven any questions as you finalize plans. Emma & Jack Live a Little LLC
Thank you for sharing insights on what to expect for Haven bookings. I really appreciate it as there's not much info out there. Can you help me understand better what you said in the video about "all-inclusive bar that's included in Haven"? Did you have to pay the 20% pp gratuity? Which drink package did you have if you don't mind my asking? Also did using the room service/butler have any fees attached with it (beyond the 20% gratuity tipping)? Such as having a meal delivered to your cabin. As I'm researching what to expect I have come across several of these types of somewhat hidden fees and don't know if that's true for Haven guests or are those fees for all the other cabins onboard that are not in the Haven? The stateroom we've booked, 17720 on the Joy, is directly across from the stairs that are seen in the Haven Bar Lounge in your video. Was wondering if there's a door there and if it gets noisy with people coming and going and the door opening/closing. Thank you in advance for sharing your insights.
Thanks for enjoying our episode on the Haven. For the drinks, if you bought through the free at see there will not be additional gratuities as these are included and requires in the base fare already paid for. There is one area that may incur some monomial extras and that is if you are at a port that requires a tax. Some ports require any drinks served within port to include an additional tax but it is relatively small. We went with the basic drinks package because it includes all we needed and the up charge to premium package is so much. In the event you want a drink that is higher priced than your basic drinks package includes, you just have to pay the difference (above $15). There is no additional fee for room service . However, with the Haven butler and concierge they are not included in the general gratuities pool so expect to tip them separately. We have not been on the Joy and can’t remember if the Encore had a door there. But we will say the Haven area is generally quieter than anywhere else on the ship and you shouldn’t run into any issues with noise. Let us know if you have any more questions. And we hope you enjoy your cruise! Emma & Jack Live a Little LLC
Hey guys, great video! My GF and I are going on the Encore in April. We were wondering about the blue drink at 10:20 in the video. Looks so beautiful. Any chance you remember what it’s called?
Thanks for watching and hope yal enjoy your trip! I believe that was a gin and tonic made with empress gin. They served it at the meet and greet with the captain in the Haven. Emma & Jack
Thanks so much! We hope you have an amazing time. This specific video a bit older and they have gotten a little more stringent but our reco is keep the current drinks package and determine once on board if you want to upgrade.
Thank you for these great videos, I’d like to book the haven thanks to you but the price …Did you bid on the Haven or did you purchase it from the start?
We booked the Haven directly. However, we usually travel off season and have flexibility with schedules so we look for the cheapest prices. When we book suites directly during off season, they can be the same price as balcony cabins during peak season.
I was on the Prima they’ve the same menu at the main restaurant. I love the steak and eggs for Breakfast at the main restaurant. I remember when you had Lobster on formal occasions in didn’t have too pay.
We can’t wait to do the Prima class. Still looking for the right opportunity but thanks for letting us know your experience. Hope you continue to enjoy the content. Have a great week! Jack & Emma
You are free to eat at any of the free dining options including Taste/Savor. You are not required to eat in the Haven restaurant. You can also ask the Haven restaurant for a meal off the main dining menu if you would like. Emma & Jack
If you can get turf and turf what is that? Both filets? Surf and Surf are they shrimp and shrimp? Does it cost more to get the menu items or only iff the menus? If you have a Specialty dinner brought to your room does it cost a room service charge? WE NEED ALL THIS INFORMATION!
Turf and turf are filets. Surf and Surf is lobster tails unless they are having supply issues. If you order from speciality dining to your room you have to pay for the meal (unsure about the service charge). If you order Haven restaurant to your room there are no charges and you can order from the entire menu.
Hi i just booked my haven room for 4 in may. Obviously have all the free at sea, but im wondering if the haven restaurant is additional charge or included in the room fare ? I feel like its not as black and white as it should be.
Can you provide the letter you provided to the haven butler/concierge prior to check in. My wife and I are staying in deluxe owner suite and want to write a letter as well but don't want to be excessive
We have only done the Haven on the Encore. We are back on board next week as well in the Haven. Based on everything we have heard, the Haven on any Breakaway class is great so really it would be where do you want to go. I do think the Haven on Prima class ships may be better for the Caribbean but that is without having tried it yet. Emma & Jack
Hi! Really enjoying your videos! Does the Haven restaurant offer a children's menu? Got a picky eater and I'm really hoping the Haven restaurant can make something for children. Also, did you happen to eat at any of the specialty restaurants? Do they offer a children's menu? Thanks so much.
Thank you so much. The Haven does have a child’s menu and it is the same as all the other restaurants including specialty dining. It is the same menu every night so hopefully that will help. Additionally you can ask for something specific not on the menu. We have tried almost all the specialty dining except we are not big steak eaters so we have never had cagneys. Emma & Jack
@@lindsayslivealittle Hi again--I just finished watching your "is the Haven worth it" video from 11 months ago. You get into the nitty gritty details, and it is so helpful as we are planning our vacation. Two clarifying questions--specialty dining--is the upcharge/cover charge free to Haven guests? If we wanted to dine at Cagney's, for example, is the cover charge waived? Next--beverage packages--again--are those included for Haven guests? They do not need to be purchased separately? If a drink package is included, is it for everyone in the stateroom or just one person, for example? There are three of us traveling and I wondered if we all got a drink package included? Thank you again so much!!!!
@@barbaram7164 glad you found our channel. For specialty dining you typically get 2 specialty dining dinners per person in the stateroom (2 ppl). For your, daughter she can eat with you off the kids menu without any additional charge. Beverage package comes with the haven free at sea package. It is the basic beverage package. Does not include coffee, higher end liquors, bottle water or energy drinks. We would highly suggest upgrading to the the new Free at sea plus. You get the premium beverage (includes everything above), unlimited WiFi (you will need it), additional specialty dining for each of you and additional $50 of excursion credit per port. Only the adults in the room get the drinks package and if 1 gets it the other has to get it. 100% worth it to do the free at sea plus. Let us know if you have any other questions! And stay tuned as we will be doing lives streams all summer. Additionally you can find us on Instagram at lindsaylivealittle and it is the easiest way to ask questions. Have a great rest of your week! Emma & Jack Emma
Unless you have to have bottles of wine at dinner, need everyone in your stateroom to have unlimited internet and want to try more speciality restaurants beyond the Haven restaurant, then yes we would agree the new Plus package is not worth it.
We took this trip before they came up with the new options. When we went they were very lax with the rules in the haven so we only had the basic drinks package. We just got off another trip this past week and we upgraded to the premium plus package. I would suggest upgrading to the premium plus as it includes starbucks, energy drinks, bottled water and premium liquor. Basically with premium, you can drink everything on the menu both alcohol and non-alcohol based.
I noticed cash on the bar. I was under the impression cash is prohibited. We tried to tip a bar waiter and he asked us to take it back. We just came from the NCL Breakaway, New England/Canada.
We didn’t run into any issues giving cash tips to the crew especially in the Haven bar. We are going to go on the Prima in the Haven in January and will see if that is any different. Hope yal enjoyed your New England cruise. Emma & Jack Live a Little
they do have a shrimp burger at trader joe's that looks like the one you had at breakfast. i am sure it is not as good but at least it would be simular.
We don’t think you be missing much and you definitely won’t be lonely. You can still attend the solo events. Plus in the Haven it is such a community that you will meet the other Haven cruisers and build some friendships that way as well. We actually had a great conversation at the Haven bar with a solo cruiser. He said he enjoys meeting people in the Haven. In the end, it will be what you want it to be. But we can guarantee you won’t be lonely in the Haven community. Emma & Jack Live a Little
Thank you so much for your reply. I found your channel because I saw another that showed much younger cruisers celebrating an 80s party. I am scheduled for Getaway 10/22 and now am going to bid on A Haven upgrade after watching you. Truthfully the room doesn’t look much different from my Balcony But the sophisticated feeling you portrayed was more appealing for me than the group celebrating
Thank you so much for watching our channel. We hope you have a great trip! It means a lot to us that our videos can help. Have a great week! Emma & Jack
Can someone confirm about the drink anywhere thing? I was told that if butler deliver any drinks to you anywhere on the ship you will be charged for the drink
Basically if you have the drinks package (which you usually get when booking the Haven) the answer is no. Unless you ask them to upgrade the liquor to a top shelf option. Then it can coast a few dollars more.
Can’t remember the exact name but it was made with empress gin. That is what gave it the purple color. Believe it was a simple drink like a gin and tonic but not 100% sure. Would suggest just capturing the image and showing the bartenders. They may be able to recreate. Emma & Jack
No. The Haven works just like the rest of the ship. You will need the drinks package as part of the free at sea. The benefit of the Haven is though you qualify for all the free at seas. Emma & Jack
Yes you can request things not on the menu and they will do their best to support. However, this is limited and typically only allows you to request dishes currently available at the other restaurants. Emma & Jack
Other videos say it's the same menu every night and coffee is extra charge! Why not add that to your video. It's like you just want to praise the Haven, but give all needed info for us to know if we will get our money's worth. Are all the meals in the Haven restaurant included for your fare?
It is the same menu every night. As for the coffee, on the ships we have been on French press coffee and coffee machine was included. The new ships that came out after this video (Prima and Viva) we have heard do not have the same machine and thus charge for the coffee. All meals are included in the Haven restaurant. As this video is older things have changed with regards to certain things and an updated video will come out once we get to experience the Prima class Haven in June. Emma & Jack
I completely agree with you. Jack is just one of those people that would pick a dive/sports bar over a nice cocktail lounge. If you couldn’t tell, him and I will never agree on that topic! Emma
We are going on Escape Halloween next year. Have 2 bedroom on haven. Deluxe owners suit with large balcony is my dream. Only 4 on ship. Do they fill up fast? Do I have any shot of an upgrade offer coming near sailing date? We just went on the Joy 4 day to Bermuda. Left on 10/8. It was kinda last minute and best I could get was club balcony. I'm spoiled too! Everything was wonderful but all I could think of was how much better on Haven...lol omg I'm definitely high maintenance now...lol!
@@Msbabs31 any holiday timing (including Halloween) are tough to upgrade in the Haven. The Haven itself on non-holiday is tough to upgrade to the top suites. For the amount of money it would take to upgrade, I think you current booking is great. If you are set on trying to upgrade, from what we have heard it takes about 60-75% of the max bid to win those top suites if an upgrade is available. The best bet is if they are available closer to your cruise date, give NCL a call and try to upgrade via the NCL agent. Sometimes that is both the easiest and cheapest way to upgrade. Emma & Jack Live a Little
@@lindsayslivealittle thank you. 😊 I'm gonna hope but I'm happy where we are...just a dream...lol. Celebrating my 20th anniversary, my husband's birthday, my daughter's sweet 16 and her best friend 15th bday...busy week for us. Thanks for all the tips. Love watching you guys!
I notice how you keep saying the boat. That is a ship I know a lot of people get annoyed at other people when they call a massive ship a boat, but just wanted to kind of let you know the etiquette of calling A Ship a vote is considered a big no-no to me doesn’t matter to me at floats, but some people get upset and I can kind of understand a little bit but you know just thought I would kinda mention that to you that when you’re doing your blogging, just don’t call them boats their ships lol
We are trying to get better at that. We haven’t cruises much prior to last year so vocabulary is still a work in progress. Even the simple it’s a ship not a boat. Emma & Jack
My wife and I have stayed in the Haven and were told the last night of our cruise that if you want something from any of the other restaurants on the ship you just have to let them know at least the night before and they will make sure it is available to you in the Haven restaurant the next night. We have another cruise coming up soon in the Haven and plan on trying that option out.
We have heard that as well but didn’t know about it on our trip. We have another Haven trip booked this year so will definitely give that a go.
Let’s us know after your next trip if it works.
Thanks for watching!
Emma & Jack
Live a Little
I’m thinking that could be a job for the butler or one of the other attendants…
The breakfast in that restaurant was incredible. I had the waffle brought to the room and we had a large aft balcony and I was so sleepy walked out on the balcony with the robe looking at glaciers eating that breakfast It was perfect 😂
But we did have to walk the entire ship to get to the actual haven because we were all the way in the back yea
Thank you for your video- fellow NYer here- really enjoyed your format & information- we just upgraded our Getaway cabin to the Haven instead of taking a chance on bidding for our upcoming cruise in Mar. We have heard several recommend upgrading the beverage package-in order to get the "Full Haven experience" glad to hear your opinion on the subject- this will be our 3rd NCL cruise (1st Haven) and haven't had an issue with finding something to drink within the budget. One of the best videos we've watched today (and we've watched several!!) Look forward to hear about your other adventures.
Thank you so much. It means a lot to us!
We hope you enjoy your trip and hope you enjoy following us along our journeys.
Have a great vacation!
Emma & Jack
Live a Little
You are my kind of people! Loved the Haven and the bar was the best ! I had so many drinks I had never tried before! The only thing I disagree with is the TV….. it was fine, don’t need a bigger one.,..😂 we had our first cruise last month on the Encore to Alaska… already booked on the Getaway to New England/ Canada next year…Haven all the way ! Love your videos ! ❤
Thanks so much! Glad you made the most of your trip and enjoy your next one!
Thank you so much, we really enjoy your videos! My wife and I bit the bullet on the Haven for a Panama Canal cruise and we're so excited! Would you be willing to share how much you tip the mixologists (and the other Haven staff)? We understand if you'd rather not. 😊 I think our plans are pretty generous.
Thanks so much! We typically tip the bartending $15-20/day. The restaurant team $10-15/day. The concierge team $15-20/day and the butler $15-20/day. It all depends on how we use them and how they are as a staff.
@@lindsayslivealittle Excellent, thank you; that's pretty close to what we were thinking (though we were thinking $20-30/day for the butler, from the two of us). Like you see, it really should depend on how much we interact and how good they are, so it's good to be flexible. 🙂
On longer (>7 days) cruises, the Haven restaurant will add some daily specials for appetizers and entrees. Not a lot but maybe 2-3 each but I found myself ordering them each night. They were amazing! I wish that they would add those all the time!
Thanks for sharing. We just did a 10 night on the Prima in the Haven and didn't get any daily specials. But could be we didn't notice.
Question: Did you guys upgrade to the Premium Plus drink package? Is this something unnecessary in The Haven?
Will your still butler fill your fridge with water and sodas if you don’t have that upgraded package?
Thanks do much for the attention to details on this!
If this was a year ago we would say no need to upgrade. However, with the new premium plus options we typically upgrade as it includes all alcohol plus you can order bottles at dinner and coffee, water, etc.
For the butler filling fridge, we haven’t seen the butlers fill the fridges except for water and Milk/plant based milks for coffee. But in all honesty we typically don’t request them to fill it up so it may be a perk we don’t use.
Emma & Jack
You guys vids help me and my wife understand the haven experience we didn’t understand the price difference but we see now
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Glad our vlogs could help! We hope you have a great trip!
Emma & Jack
Live a Little
Thank you for the commentary on the Haven bar and restaurant. My husband and I are going on the Norwegian Breakaway in two weeks and we are so excited to be booked in the Haven owners sweet!! There are not a lot of videos on TH-cam that include what to expect in the Haven so this is much appreciated. I enjoy your content
Thanks so much for the sweet comment. It means a lot to us every time someone posts a comment and enjoys our video.
Hope you have a great trip in the Haven!
Emma & Jack
Live a Little
I've got a haven 2 bedroom suite on the breakaway next year. Hopefully your experience was good!
I love being on the Haven! Their menu might not change but they are willing to deviate from it. they brought me buttered chicken when I requested it one evening. My highlights were seared ahi tuna on Boston lettuce leaves and unlimited peanut covered M&Ms by poolside at 11 o'clock in the morning.
That sounds amazing. Sitting by the pool with unlimited snacks!
Next time we do the Haven we will make sure to keep that in mind. We never really requested anything specific because we just enjoyed all of it.
Happy travels!
Emma & Jack
Live a Little
Enjoyed your video on the Haven. My wife and I are departing from NYC in six days on the Escape, and we are in the Haven. We have been cruising for 51 years and you guys have assured me that the money we have spent for the Haven will be worth it. My only wish is that I could have afforded it at your young age. Maybe we'll see you at the bar.
Enjoy and maybe you will see us on a future travel and it would definitely be at the bar!
Lindsay you look and have mannerisms just like Pam in the Office! Hope to meet the two of you on one of our trips!
We never have even really thought about that but could definitely see it. Be sure to say hi if you ever see us on a trip. We would love to meet anyone that has enjoyed our content.
Emma & Jack
Live a Little
Hi there. Thank you for the great video! We are booked on the Haven Escape. We have the unlimited open bar package. I just need a simple glass of Beringer White Zin or similar or some Prosecco. This is really confusing. Will I be able to get these simple wines? Thanks in advance!!🍷
Thanks for watching and commenting! We are not sure on the White Zin. They do offer a semi-sweet/dry rose though. As for the Prosecco, you are good to go as they do offer Prosecco and we enjoyed a nice mimosa with the Prosecco daily. Our only additional note is that depending on product availability there may be changes vs what is published online as options.
We hope you have an amazing trip and enjoy some more of our vlogs!
Let us know if you have any more questions as you prep for your trip.
Emma & Jack
Great vid… the older you get the more you want to walk into a dead bar.
My wife and I almost high five when we walk into one ☺️.. I agree in the TV as well. A small area there for the guys to watch a game would be sweet!
Jack is super happy that someone agrees with him. Even though he can do it at home, he think relaxing watching a game is a plus for a vacation.
Thanks as always.
Emma & Jack
Thanks for the info! I'm booked in a Haven spa suite for my honeymoon in a few months time, did not know that the menu doesn't change (first timer for a Haven room). Very excited for the mixologists though!
First congrats and we hope you enjoy your honeymoon.
Secondly, you will absolutely love the mixologists. We are in the suite class on another cruise line right now and the drinks are not the same. NCL Haven is hands down better.
Emma & Jack
Great video. I have been trying to figure out if the Haven is worth it. This really helps!
Thank you so much. We really appreciate. Glad it could help you with your plans.
Let us know if you have any questions.
Emma & Jack
Live a Little
Just love your videos...Very informative. We will be taking out 1st Haven cruise in December and keeping my expectations low. We have pre-paid the gratuities, so why must you tip the butler, waiters in the restaurant, concierge? Unless they go above all expectations, then tip accordingly. But just normal stuff, why? Many thanks.
The butler and concierge in the Haven don’t receive any portion of the pre paid gratuities. Waiters and bartenders do so we just tip a bit extra for the service. But with the butler and concierge you should budget for tips for them.
Thanks so much for enjoying our channel!! We hope you have an amazing trip.
Emma & Jack
Hey Guys, thanks so much. Just curious, but how do you know that the butler and concierge don't get any of the pre-paid gratuities? My travel agent says they do get the tips because when they called NCL, NCL indicated that they do. I am so confused.
@@michaeltomcsak392we learned directly from NCL and speaking to staff as part of our channel. Unless something has changed very recently Haven butler and concierge are excluded from tip pool.
Thanks so much for your info. Not sure when you talked to NCL, however my TA talked within the month. Doesn't make sense to me for a company to exclude certain staff from the tip pool knowing that people who have pre-paid the tips will not tip the butler and concierge because of this pre-payment. And now, look who suffers, the staff. So logically, well at least to me, I just can't believe a company would do this to their staff, otherwise the staff would not work there. Unless of course their pay is significantly higher; than they probably don't need the tips anyway. It would be just icing on the cake. So in closing, it would be nice for NCL to chime in once and for all and be fully transparent so that everyone will benefit. I bet they won't. Thanks again!
Just found your channel by doing some research. I have a cruise on the bliss next month. Right now I have the spa balcony and I am debating on the bidding for an upgrade to the haven spa balcony room. Your information really helps!! Going to Caribbean tho, not Alaska.
Thanks so much for finding our channel and watching our video! It is definitely worth the bid to try and get the Haven. One suggestion is also to watch the price as you get into the final week because we have seen where the Haven price will drop and it is the same price as bidding and you get a room guaranteed if you just call and upgrade.
You will definitely enjoy your trip either way!
Let us know if you have any questions as you plan the final details!
Emma & Jack
Live a Little
That’s awesome to know i had no clue about the price drop that’s amazing. Thanks for the info. I may try that route! I’ve only cruised once before and had an inside room, so even having the spa balcony is a huge upgrade for me. But I’m so tempted to just go all out. So i will definitely be looking for price drops!!😊
You won’t regret it!
Great vlog! We were on the Breakaway and one of the most enjoyable items in The Haven was their sourdough bread I honestly couldn’t stop eating it.
Oh the bread is so good!
Thank you so much for the comment. It means a lot to us when people watch our videos and leave such a nice comment.
Hope you enjoy the rest of our videos and so many more to come.
Emma & Jack
Live a Little
Thanks for the video. This was very informative. We have the Haven on the Bliss going to Alaska this year. Do you think it is worth purchasing the Premium plus package or do you think being at the Haven the regular drink package is fine. Thanks for any feedback. Happy travels.
Thanks for watching and hope you have a great time on your trip.
In our POV, it isn’t worth it to upgrade in the Haven to the Premium drinks package. There are so many options in the Haven already that fit in the normal drinks package. Additionally, if you find something that is offered at other bars across that you would like in the Haven, they will either make a better version of it for you or if it is a specific type of beer or liquor they will bring it to the Haven.
My husband wants craft beer and the Haven staff literally went to the bars across the ship and brought all the options for him to chose from and then they stocked those just for him daily.
Let us know if you haven any questions as you finalize plans.
Emma & Jack
Live a Little LLC
Thank you for sharing insights on what to expect for Haven bookings. I really appreciate it as there's not much info out there. Can you help me understand better what you said in the video about "all-inclusive bar that's included in Haven"? Did you have to pay the 20% pp gratuity? Which drink package did you have if you don't mind my asking?
Also did using the room service/butler have any fees attached with it (beyond the 20% gratuity tipping)? Such as having a meal delivered to your cabin. As I'm researching what to expect I have come across several of these types of somewhat hidden fees and don't know if that's true for Haven guests or are those fees for all the other cabins onboard that are not in the Haven?
The stateroom we've booked, 17720 on the Joy, is directly across from the stairs that are seen in the Haven Bar Lounge in your video. Was wondering if there's a door there and if it gets noisy with people coming and going and the door opening/closing.
Thank you in advance for sharing your insights.
Thanks for enjoying our episode on the Haven.
For the drinks, if you bought through the free at see there will not be additional gratuities as these are included and requires in the base fare already paid for. There is one area that may incur some monomial extras and that is if you are at a port that requires a tax. Some ports require any drinks served within port to include an additional tax but it is relatively small. We went with the basic drinks package because it includes all we needed and the up charge to premium package is so much. In the event you want a drink that is higher priced than your basic drinks package includes, you just have to pay the difference (above $15).
There is no additional fee for room service . However, with the Haven butler and concierge they are not included in the general gratuities pool so expect to tip them separately.
We have not been on the Joy and can’t remember if the Encore had a door there. But we will say the Haven area is generally quieter than anywhere else on the ship and you shouldn’t run into any issues with noise.
Let us know if you have any more questions. And we hope you enjoy your cruise!
Emma & Jack
Live a Little LLC
@@lindsayslivealittle Thanks so much for the quick response. Very helpful!
If you are In the Haven, are you able to go in the regular complementary restaurants to get a wider variety?
Yes you are free to use the main dining areas as well.
Emma & Jack
Hey guys, great video! My GF and I are going on the Encore in April. We were wondering about the blue drink at 10:20 in the video. Looks so beautiful. Any chance you remember what it’s called?
Thanks for watching and hope yal enjoy your trip!
I believe that was a gin and tonic made with empress gin. They served it at the meet and greet with the captain in the Haven.
Emma & Jack
Love u guys, first time seeing u guys. My boyfriend and I are sailing on NCL Haven in October of this year. Thanks for heads up.
Thanks so much! We hope you have an amazing time. This specific video a bit older and they have gotten a little more stringent but our reco is keep the current drinks package and determine once on board if you want to upgrade.
Thank you for these great videos, I’d like to book the haven thanks to you but the price …Did you bid on the Haven or did you purchase it from the start?
We booked the Haven directly. However, we usually travel off season and have flexibility with schedules so we look for the cheapest prices. When we book suites directly during off season, they can be the same price as balcony cabins during peak season.
I was on the Prima they’ve the same menu at the main restaurant. I love the steak and eggs for Breakfast at the main restaurant. I remember when you had Lobster on formal occasions in didn’t have too pay.
We can’t wait to do the Prima class. Still looking for the right opportunity but thanks for letting us know your experience.
Hope you continue to enjoy the content.
Have a great week!
Jack & Emma
I am looking forward to our first Haven experience. Thank you for the video!
We hope you have a great time! Thanks for watching!
Emma & Jack
Live a Little
if you book in the haven, must you eat at the haven restaurant? if you so choose, can you eat at Taste/Savor or one of the specialty places?
You are free to eat at any of the free dining options including Taste/Savor. You are not required to eat in the Haven restaurant.
You can also ask the Haven restaurant for a meal off the main dining menu if you would like.
Emma & Jack
I can't wait to try the Shrimp Toast!
We hope you enjoy it as much as we did! Hope you have a great rest of your week.
Emma & Jack
Live a Little
I love the bar at the haven but I got beach club passes too and went there during the day because it was a little more lively
That makes sense. It always tough to leave the Haven though!
If you can get turf and turf what is that? Both filets? Surf and Surf are they shrimp and shrimp? Does it cost more to get the menu items or only iff the menus? If you have a Specialty dinner brought to your room does it cost a room service charge?
WE NEED ALL THIS INFORMATION!
Turf and turf are filets. Surf and Surf is lobster tails unless they are having supply issues.
If you order from speciality dining to your room you have to pay for the meal (unsure about the service charge).
If you order Haven restaurant to your room there are no charges and you can order from the entire menu.
Omg I chatted with you on Facebook! I love your channel
So glad you are here and love the channel! That means so much to us!
Loved chatting with you on Facebook!
Live a Little
Emma & Jack
Can you get the Old Fashioned or a Mimosa on the standard drinks package?
Yes you can. The options for bourbon will be limited but you definitely can get a nice one with the standard drinks package.
Hi i just booked my haven room for 4 in may. Obviously have all the free at sea, but im wondering if the haven restaurant is additional charge or included in the room fare ? I feel like its not as black and white as it should be.
Haven restaurant is included in your cost. We hope you have a great time.
Emma & Jack
Can you provide the letter you provided to the haven butler/concierge prior to check in. My wife and I are staying in deluxe owner suite and want to write a letter as well but don't want to be excessive
Happy to share but easiest way is via email. Please send us an email @ lindsaylivealittle@gmail.com and we will reply.
Emma & Jack
Have you "Havened" anywhere else? we are debating Encore to Alaska or Breakaway to Caribbean Haven style!!!! Thoughts?
We have only done the Haven on the Encore. We are back on board next week as well in the Haven. Based on everything we have heard, the Haven on any Breakaway class is great so really it would be where do you want to go.
I do think the Haven on Prima class ships may be better for the Caribbean but that is without having tried it yet.
Emma & Jack
Also Breakaway and Encore is the same class of ships. So the Haven would be similar.
Hi! Really enjoying your videos! Does the Haven restaurant offer a children's menu? Got a picky eater and I'm really hoping the Haven restaurant can make something for children. Also, did you happen to eat at any of the specialty restaurants? Do they offer a children's menu? Thanks so much.
Thank you so much. The Haven does have a child’s menu and it is the same as all the other restaurants including specialty dining. It is the same menu every night so hopefully that will help. Additionally you can ask for something specific not on the menu.
We have tried almost all the specialty dining except we are not big steak eaters so we have never had cagneys.
Emma & Jack
@@lindsayslivealittle Hi again--I just finished watching your "is the Haven worth it" video from 11 months ago. You get into the nitty gritty details, and it is so helpful as we are planning our vacation. Two clarifying questions--specialty dining--is the upcharge/cover charge free to Haven guests? If we wanted to dine at Cagney's, for example, is the cover charge waived? Next--beverage packages--again--are those included for Haven guests? They do not need to be purchased separately? If a drink package is included, is it for everyone in the stateroom or just one person, for example? There are three of us traveling and I wondered if we all got a drink package included? Thank you again so much!!!!
@@barbaram7164 glad you found our channel.
For specialty dining you typically get 2 specialty dining dinners per person in the stateroom (2 ppl). For your, daughter she can eat with you off the kids menu without any additional charge.
Beverage package comes with the haven free at sea package. It is the basic beverage package. Does not include coffee, higher end liquors, bottle water or energy drinks. We would highly suggest upgrading to the the new Free at sea plus. You get the premium beverage (includes everything above), unlimited WiFi (you will need it), additional specialty dining for each of you and additional $50 of excursion credit per port. Only the adults in the room get the drinks package and if 1 gets it the other has to get it. 100% worth it to do the free at sea plus.
Let us know if you have any other questions!
And stay tuned as we will be doing lives streams all summer.
Additionally you can find us on Instagram at lindsaylivealittle and it is the easiest way to ask questions.
Have a great rest of your week!
Emma & Jack
Emma
@@lindsayslivealittle So much helpful info! I will be sure to tune into your insta and live streams!
what do you tip waiters in the haven restaurant ? thanks.
We usually tip $5-10 per meal for the wait staff at the restaurant.
Emma & Jack
thanks.
Do you have to pay the gratuities the the drink package? ...a separate fee when booking?
Yes there is an 18% gratuity added to the price.
Would you say that the "Free at Sea Plus" upgrade package is unnecessary if staying in the Haven?
Unless you have to have bottles of wine at dinner, need everyone in your stateroom to have unlimited internet and want to try more speciality restaurants beyond the Haven restaurant, then yes we would agree the new Plus package is not worth it.
Breakfast oatmeal at The Heaven Restaurant was delicious, it would be amazing if you could get the recipe!!! Pleeeaasseeee
We will have to get it next time we are on board!
Emma & Jack
did you all get the premium or premium plus beverage on your trip?
We took this trip before they came up with the new options. When we went they were very lax with the rules in the haven so we only had the basic drinks package.
We just got off another trip this past week and we upgraded to the premium plus package. I would suggest upgrading to the premium plus as it includes starbucks, energy drinks, bottled water and premium liquor. Basically with premium, you can drink everything on the menu both alcohol and non-alcohol based.
I noticed cash on the bar. I was under the impression cash is prohibited. We tried to tip a bar waiter and he asked us to take it back. We just came from the NCL Breakaway, New England/Canada.
We didn’t run into any issues giving cash tips to the crew especially in the Haven bar. We are going to go on the Prima in the Haven in January and will see if that is any different.
Hope yal enjoyed your New England cruise.
Emma & Jack
Live a Little
The lobster devil eggs !! Lol miss it
Oh boy that sounds delicious right about now!
Emma &. Jack
Live a Little
they do have a shrimp burger at trader joe's that looks like the one you had at breakfast. i am sure it is not as good but at least it would be simular.
Ooo my goodness you just made my day! Definitely heading to Trader Joe’s to try them!
Thanks for being here and watching our videos!
Emma
As a Senior Solo, would it be lonely since I’d be passing up the Solo Meetups for dinner companions?
We don’t think you be missing much and you definitely won’t be lonely. You can still attend the solo events. Plus in the Haven it is such a community that you will meet the other Haven cruisers and build some friendships that way as well.
We actually had a great conversation at the Haven bar with a solo cruiser. He said he enjoys meeting people in the Haven.
In the end, it will be what you want it to be. But we can guarantee you won’t be lonely in the Haven community.
Emma & Jack
Live a Little
Thank you so much for your reply. I found your channel because I saw another that showed much younger cruisers celebrating an 80s party. I am scheduled for Getaway 10/22 and now am going to bid on
A Haven upgrade after watching you. Truthfully the room doesn’t look much different from my Balcony
But the sophisticated feeling you portrayed was more appealing for me than the group celebrating
Thank you so much for watching our channel. We hope you have a great trip!
It means a lot to us that our videos can help.
Have a great week!
Emma & Jack
Can someone confirm about the drink anywhere thing? I was told that if butler deliver any drinks to you anywhere on the ship you will be charged for the drink
We have never been charged for it. But we have not done it recently to be able to confirm if it changed.
Do the drinks cost more money at the Haven bar?
Basically if you have the drinks package (which you usually get when booking the Haven) the answer is no. Unless you ask them to upgrade the liquor to a top shelf option. Then it can coast a few dollars more.
What's the pretty purple drink?
Can’t remember the exact name but it was made with empress gin. That is what gave it the purple color. Believe it was a simple drink like a gin and tonic but not 100% sure.
Would suggest just capturing the image and showing the bartenders. They may be able to recreate.
Emma & Jack
If you ask for surf and surf does it cost more?
It does not cost more.
Haven restaurant = Cheers bar (tv show). 👍🏽👌🏽😁
are the drinks free without a drink package?
No. The Haven works just like the rest of the ship. You will need the drinks package as part of the free at sea.
The benefit of the Haven is though you qualify for all the free at seas.
Emma & Jack
@@lindsayslivealittle thank you.
Hi, I hear you can request certain things to ear, is that true?
Yes you can request things not on the menu and they will do their best to support. However, this is limited and typically only allows you to request dishes currently available at the other restaurants.
Emma & Jack
I agree with you, I think they should change up the menu each day even half way.
definitely don't want football on the TV in the Haven bar!
Emma 100% agrees! Doesn’t fit the aesthetic of the Haven area. Thanks for watching!
Other videos say it's the same menu every night and coffee is extra charge! Why not add that to your video. It's like you just want to praise the Haven, but give all needed info for us to know if we will get our money's worth. Are all the meals in the Haven restaurant included for your fare?
It is the same menu every night. As for the coffee, on the ships we have been on French press coffee and coffee machine was included. The new ships that came out after this video (Prima and Viva) we have heard do not have the same machine and thus charge for the coffee.
All meals are included in the Haven restaurant.
As this video is older things have changed with regards to certain things and an updated video will come out once we get to experience the Prima class Haven in June.
Emma & Jack
Big 'ole nope to the tv...sorry they have sports bars on the ships. You don't pay $10k+ to have all that noise and distraction at the bar.
I completely agree with you. Jack is just one of those people that would pick a dive/sports bar over a nice cocktail lounge.
If you couldn’t tell, him and I will never agree on that topic!
Emma
We are going on Escape Halloween next year. Have 2 bedroom on haven. Deluxe owners suit with large balcony is my dream. Only 4 on ship. Do they fill up fast? Do I have any shot of an upgrade offer coming near sailing date?
We just went on the Joy 4 day to Bermuda. Left on 10/8. It was kinda last minute and best I could get was club balcony. I'm spoiled too! Everything was wonderful but all I could think of was how much better on Haven...lol omg I'm definitely high maintenance now...lol!
@@Msbabs31 any holiday timing (including Halloween) are tough to upgrade in the Haven. The Haven itself on non-holiday is tough to upgrade to the top suites.
For the amount of money it would take to upgrade, I think you current booking is great.
If you are set on trying to upgrade, from what we have heard it takes about 60-75% of the max bid to win those top suites if an upgrade is available.
The best bet is if they are available closer to your cruise date, give NCL a call and try to upgrade via the NCL agent. Sometimes that is both the easiest and cheapest way to upgrade.
Emma & Jack
Live a Little
@@lindsayslivealittle thank you. 😊 I'm gonna hope but I'm happy where we are...just a dream...lol. Celebrating my 20th anniversary, my husband's birthday, my daughter's sweet 16 and her best friend 15th bday...busy week for us. Thanks for all the tips. Love watching you guys!
@@Msbabs31 we really appreciate it. We hope you have a great vacation and continue to enjoy our vlogs.
Emma & Jack
I’d rather there weren’t sports on tv at the bar.
I totally agree with you!
Emma
I notice how you keep saying the boat. That is a ship I know a lot of people get annoyed at other people when they call a massive ship a boat, but just wanted to kind of let you know the etiquette of calling A Ship a vote is considered a big no-no to me doesn’t matter to me at floats, but some people get upset and I can kind of understand a little bit but you know just thought I would kinda mention that to you that when you’re doing your blogging, just don’t call them boats their ships lol
We are trying to get better at that. We haven’t cruises much prior to last year so vocabulary is still a work in progress. Even the simple it’s a ship not a boat.
Emma & Jack