amygutman

🥰 it looks wonderful. Cruise critic may be filled with people complaining or being a little (or a lot) snarky - I get it… it’s Cruise “Critic”, not Cruise “RahRah”, but but it’s threads like this that are so interesting and helpful to open up new experiences even to seasoned cruisers. Thanks to the OP and all the other responders. Warmest, Amy

I was intrigued about Star Class after reading this thread. Living 45 minutes from Port Canaveral, we are lucky to take advantage of shorter cruises without having to fly in or stay overnight prior to the cruise (which obviously adds cost). We had already been looking at a NCL Haven for April 2024 and found an equivalent cruise on RCL for approximately the same cost (though the Haven was for a 4 night, Allure 3 night so not truly equivalent). We booked the Allure star class two bedroom aqua suite and very excited about this ship, the entertainment value of staying in this room (wow factor for the aqua theater is certainly high), plus the entire Royal Genie experience. It was certainly no bargain, but after falling in love with the Haven and MSC’s Yacht Club, we are very excited to give this a try after reading this thread. Warmest, Amy

Gives you a great reason to go back! 🙂

Great information! I love the walk, but it’s great to know about the golf carts. It is certainly a nice little treat at the end of a day of swimming and fun (and eating and drinking way too much usually). I really wish there was an up-to-date map as I know some of the things on the island have changed a bit. Maybe I’ll grab one when we go and post it unless someone has when they wouldn’t mind sharing. Thank you for taking the time to answer my question ggTexasgal!

Our last time on GSC was pre-"Silver Cove Villas" when the only area opened was what I believe is now called the "Silver Cover Lagoon" - the "non-bedroom" villas. It was a fantastic experience which we are excited to repeat in March. Hoping for clarification re: villa layout. The maps I looked at on past Silver Cove CC threads show the "lagoon" villas in the first cluster closet to the main island areas, then the Silver Cove restaurant area to the immediate left of the lagoon villas, with the 1 and 2 bedroom "ocean" villas to the far left side of the island (furthest from the tendering area). Is this correct? We don't care about the numbering of the villas, or our specific assigned villa, just curious about the layout. We loved Harvest Caye for the wildlife, but the downside was paying for all food and drink and the tiger and bull-sharks. Yes...tiger and bull-sharks. We got hauled out of knee-deep water 4 times as the lifeguards spotted them within 50 yards of swimmers when they entered the protected cove. Now - I fiercely love sharks, love watching them from boats, but 50 yards is a wee bit close for my comfort. The ocean is their home and I am the intruder, but 50 yards...talk about "be afraid to go back in the water". 🦈 Warmest, Amy

Confirmed open. We were on board in November 2022 for a panama canal cruise. Open and running. Quite funny though because there were literally 16 children on our entire cruise then the next week we heard they were going to be over 500. Our kiddo only had a few other kids in the teen club, and they were all much older than he was (he’s 13). He ended up playing video games with the staff members, but he loved the opportunity for the first time “be on his own” warmest, Amy

It’s completely subjective. There are different pros and cons. If you have a family, if you’re interested in nature, if you’re interested in food venues, shopping, nature, beach, excursion... There are experiences from luxury to fully included with no cost. The most noticeable difference between the two islands is food costs as Harvest Caye has nothing included, because it is not owned by Ncl. You have to think what is most important to you and that will definitely help make a decision. Check out a ton of YouTube videos online as well. if you let folks know what are the things that are important to you they can probably offer more specific information to help. warmest, Amy

Thank you! I agree - the Haven 2 bedroom is awesome. Appreciate the honest answer. Warmest, Amy

Just booked for March 16 MSC Meraviglia out of Port Canaveral. 2 YC rooms left - the Royal and a Duplex on floor 12 - wonder if it's the same cruise? Booked the Duplex. Usually book a YC Penthouse so we are excited about the 2 bathrooms, hot tub on the balcony, and separate area for the 13yo kiddo. TA thinks it's because our "leg" of the cruise is the first part of a longer 10 night cruise and the Royal Suite prices are high for MSC. Our TA priced the remaining Royal for ~2K more than the Duplex, which we both agreed was silly for a 3 nighter. Honestly, for the price we got (awesome TA + Sapphire perks), the slight inconvenience of not being on floor 15/16/17 is not inconvenient at all. After booking, immediately got a "bid to upgrade" email. The minimum upgrade priced for the 1st 2 persons only was within 200$ of the outright price of the Royal. One less bathroom and >2K more for being on floor 15? Not a chance. Warmest, Amy

We found out you can't punch holes the "almost" expensive way. Bought kiddo the Arcade package and went to play the "green games" (included in his package). He had his and my lanyard (holding it for me when I went to the restroom). Well - I came back from the restroom and did not realize he was using my card to play games. Important to note that I DID NOT have the arcade package (just him and my husband). Kiddo played for an hour before I realized he was using my card. I asked him why and he said his "stopped working". Concierge said it was a recent change to the cards. That was a 129$ lesson. Concierge was apologetic but couldn't remove the charges - but gave us 129$ casino credit 😀 (arcade games are under the casino department). Ended up giving that money right back to NCL anyways, but had fun at the "adult arcade" for a few hours! Warmest, Amy

Really interesting - thank you! Having a Genie sounds great, but the thing we love most about the Haven (and MSC YC) is the quiet Haven area with pool. That being said, hot tubs and a great view of the aqua shows does sound appealing. Let me ask you: if the price / itinerary were EQUAL, which would you book - Haven or Star Class? Obviously it differs ship to ship, and both clearly a lot of money, but is have a Genie worth not having a Haven pool in your opinion? Thank you...much appreciated. Warmest, Amy

Curious as well...our travel agent knows how we love front-facing OS but told us even though the views are spectacular, the balconies were often unusable (he used the term "unpleasantly windy") depending on the ship speed. Hoping for at least a few days of "balcony breakfasts" on our side-facing balcony though...we may have to wear coats and gloves as I suspect our November TA may be a different beast though than yours in April - both very windy, but one certainly colder! Warmest, Amy

Question to the group: Is anyone noticing difficulties in booking villas, as in they are not showing on available excursions? We have an upcoming cruise in <90 days and nothing at all on the website. We spoke with / emailed the excursion desk / Haven pre-concierge and they do not know when they are going up for bookings noting "highly unusual...but we are looking into it and will let you know as soon as you can book". I checked for other ships docked on the same day (even the Oceania site) to see perhaps if all villas had already been booked, but the shore excursions department told me that there are NO reservations available for that date. Definitely a first world problem, and will not ruin an otherwise lovely long weekend, but we do enjoy booking these and sharing with new friends we meet on board. Any thoughts? Warmest, Amy

Don't get me started on fried dough in ANY shape or form. I. Just. Can't. Even.... 🥞

clearly I needed chicory before posting. Not on the ship itself, but in port (obviously). Dang it...Now I need to go to New Orleans as my brain is saying "BRING ME FRIED DOUGH!!!" 😁

Cafe Du Monde Beignets? Where do you get these onboard? I had no idea, and I am already salivating - the last time I had one of these was 5 years ago and lord have mercy....

We've been on Havens on large and smaller NCL ships (that is...those "with" or "without" proper Haven restaurants), and YC on the larger MSC ships (Seaside class, soon to go out on Meraviglia). We have only stayed in the Haven area, not in the aft Haven suites which are out of the Haven area (except on the Prima class ships). All of the above give you very different experiences. I think it's really a personal choice as to your taste and your needs. Both the YC and the Haven have pros and cons. For everyone who likes MSC YC better for one reason, you will find one who likes NCL Haven for a same reason. That's why opinions are like...well...you know (everyone has one ☺️). Pricing differences that used to be very evident (MSC was a bargain > NCL), but less so now that goods / fuel and consumer demand are rising for everyone. It comes down to personal preference for itinerary, ship, location, perks, price and people. A great ship but maybe not great staff may equal a bad trip for someone but a fantastic trip for others. For us, we aren't at work, on a luxury resort at sea and there are literally thousands of people who are working 24/7 to try and give my family and I a great experience and home safe. That usually is enough for a good if not great time. Have fun choosing! Warmest, Amy

May I echo your thanks? Not only are the live or semi-live posts amazing to follow, they are so helpful in learning the quirks, pros and cons of each ship. Super time-consuming, but so appreciated. I love the "audience participation" aspect as well - emphasizes the differences in how people on the same cruise have completely opposite (or similar) experiences. Thank you from a fellow appreciative cruise-lover. Warmest, Amy

One of the things we love about the Haven experience even without a "dedicated" Haven restaurant (i.e. using Cagney's / Modernos for Breakfast / Lunch), is that once you get to know the wait-staff and maître d' (usually by day 2 - honestly), they will bend over backwards to accommodate reasonable requests. Picky teenager? Magically chicken tenders, macaroni and cheese and fries appeared at lunch. Hate raisins in the French toast? Here's plain French toast instead with whipped cream. Prefer dollar pancakes vs large? Try 50 of them (yes..literally 50 of them. Wish I could find the picture which is hilarious). Agree with the quality of the Indian food. I mentioned at breakfast one morning that I adore chana masala...and it showed up at lunch for me with fresh pappadams. My husband two years ago on the Gem laughed with the maître d' about loving Chinese food for Thanksgiving (we are both hospital workers and that is our "traditional" holiday meal). Well...we were served "Kung Pao Turkey and Tofu" that night for supper vs the traditional meal. Freaking hysterical. For special diet accommodations, even if you do not tell the pre-concierge about your needs (though I highly recommend you do so they can prepare), there are always options. Although now a pescatarian, I was a vegan for 35 years and 7 Haven NCL cruises. For those 7 cruises, even though the "official" Haven menus never changed, the wait-staff continually brought me interesting kitchen creations to make meals more exciting than baked potatoes, salads and grilled veggies. Again, everyone's experiences are different, but we have never had any difficulties in obtaining reasonable and polite special requests. I am excited though to "hack" the shrimp cocktail as recommended! Dang...that cocktail sauce is tasty! Warmest, Amy

We were on the Pearl in November and had our refrigerator plus counter was overflowing with cans of Coke products as well as vodka seltzers in cans. Every Haven we’ve been on has had can availability but I am not sure about the rest of the ship. It may also be related to the types of drink package according to some other posters throughout cruise critic. The butlers will fill the fridge with ice tea and other drinks like lemonade, but those are in pitchers. That may just be our experience but honestly, I have never having difficulties with obtaining cans. Warmest, Amy

So appreciated! This is wonderful. First Getaway cruise coming up in April and this was a great preview of what looks like another wonderful Haven area. Thank you so much for taking the time to post. You made a lot of people very happy! Warmest, Amy

Thank you so much for taking the time from your vacation to post this live review. The photos are especially gorgeous, and really appreciate your honest commentary. The Getaway seems like a great ship, the Haven particularly nice as well. Looking forward to our April cruise out of Port Canaveral and have been tempted to book for a transatlantic but that open Haven has been a negative. We love the courtyard for swimming / hot tubs especially in cold weather - but feel that a transatlantic in the open cold spring air would not be pleasant. I'm glad to hear that it didn't bother the tow of you cold-loving folks, but I'm freezing even in the high 70s so despite the great transatlantic deals, I think we will keep to our warm weather Haven trips! "Warmest" 🙂, Amy

That's wonderful! What an incredible memory to have!

We rather like booking our own excursions - our favorite is to find a local friendly looking taxi driver and ask him / her to show us their favorite non-touristy places to eat / sea for 2-4 hours and invite them to have a meal with us. Have had AMAZING experiences this way. However, things like the cabanas on the private islands are always through shore excursions, so the waiting game is a bit frustrating. It certainly wont make or break the vacation, but still, I like to have everything organized as soon as possible so the family can just focus on relaxation.

I AM SO JEALOUS!!!!! Thank you for taking the time to post. Really interested in your thoughts on the open-roofed Haven area. As far as we can tell, that and the Haven restaurant not having an open seating area like the other breakaway (or is it breakaway-plus) ships, is the only downside. We love a covered pool so that we can enjoy the water in inclement weather. Happy Haven New Year! Warmest, Amy