Cruising The Haven & Suites: Perks and Details (Part 2)
If you’ve cruised with Norwegian, you know the cruise line offers plenty of opportunities to vacation your way. Part of that service comes with even more perks if you sail in The Haven and Suites. In my previous article, I told you what it’s like before you cruise, when you check in, and what you can expect in your stateroom. Now, let’s take a look at what it’s like to enjoy Butler and Concierge Service onboard Norwegian Cruise Line ships.
Service de maître d'hôtel et de conciergerie
Before you set sail, every cruiser is required to attend a muster drill led by the Norwegian Cruise Line ship crew. But if you’re cruising The Haven, you’re in for a special treat. By the time the muster drill is over, your Butler has paid a visit and you’ll return to the suite to find your first delivery of daily treats.
Perhaps today it's some sandwiches, or a plate of cheese and crackers and fruits. Tomorrow could be a plate of hand-made chocolates or a canapé assortment. Every day you'll enjoy a delivery of specially selected treats, but if there's something you prefer feel free to let your Butler know so they can bring what you enjoy!
As you’re sailing out of port, sipping on a glass of bubbly and snacking on today’s treat you start thinking about what lies ahead for the evening. Will you find yourself enjoying a Concierge escort to the reserved Suites Only seating in the theater, or will you be trying your luck in the casino? Perhaps you’ll find yourself at one of the lounges enjoying some live music, or maybe you just feel like slipping into your pajamas and enjoying a quiet dinner en suite, delivered by your Butler? Whatever you decide, your first evening onboard is just the beginning!
Wherever you are on the ship your Butler and Concierge are just the touch of a button away. Your suite's portable phone is pre-programmed to dial directly to either of them, or to your Cabin Steward. Perhaps you're poolside and decide you'd like to have lunch delivered to the suite, a quick call to your Butler makes that happen.
Maybe you're in the casino on a hot slot machine and realize you forgot to make reservations for dinner or a show - one call to the Concierge and the matter is handled. As you're sitting at breakfast you remember that you wanted to ask for extra ice in your bucket, and you don't want to forget again… touch the button labeled Cabin Steward and voila! The standard phone in your suite has these same numbers pre-programmed as well.
Express Exits
On port days your Concierge will arrange for you to be escorted to the gangway for an express exit, bypassing all the lines of guests waiting to disembark. This applies even at Tender ports. You’ll also discover that sometimes there will be a separate line for Suite or Haven guests to board the tenders when returning to the ship. This is always the case at Great Stirrup Cay, which features a Red Carpet area to the left of the main gathering area at the tender docks. This service is generally at specific times, so be sure to inquire with your Concierge if your sailing has any tender ports.
Additional Amenities
There are select categories of Suite which come with specific additional amenities, too! Guests booked into any Owner’s Suite or Deluxe Owner’s Suite receive three bottles of liquor from a special menu, along with unlimited mixers, sodas and bottled still and sparkling water.
Guests booked in a Garden Villa receive six bottles of liquor along with unlimited mixers, garnishes, sodas and bottled still and sparkling waters. The Garden Villa guests will also enjoy private car service at the conclusion of the cruise, to the airport or home if within a 25-mile radius of the port, and will enjoy a private escort off the ship, through Customs and directly to the awaiting private transport.
Guests who are booked into Haven accommodations enjoy additional perks beyond those already mentioned! On the Jewel, Jade, Pearl or Gem the private Haven Courtyard features a private pool, hot tub, dining tables, padded loungers surrounding the pool, and a retractable roof. Upstairs is an outdoor sundeck with padded loungers and clamshell seating.
While it may seem pretty incredible even with just these perks, stay tuned for my next article to read all about Norwegian's Haven-only areas. They're pretty spectacular!