Is the Haven Worth it?

[DebJ14]

We always book suites and are looking at the Jewel out of Houston early next year.

Just wondering why the Haven on the Jewel is 2799 per person for an H5, while an SF on deck 10 AFT with a huge balcony is only 1499. What exactly would one get for the extra $2600 per couple in the Haven that we won't get in the SF Suite? Can anyone justify the price difference?

Money is not the issue, - just trying to figure out which is the better value. We always book suites. It will be interesting to see how the NCL perks compare to the RCCL and Princess suite perks.

[WildcatRock]

Having stayed in both I think the better value is the SF. You get pretty much the same perks as the suites in the Haven. That said, our last cruise was in The Haven and we absolutely loved it. We loved the quiet, the seclusion, the nice, big private are on deck 15 for suntanning. We were originally booked in and SF but we're able to move up to The Haven at no extra cost due to a wonderful sale NCL was having -it was a no-brainer decision. DW and I decided that The Haven is awesome, but we wouldn't pay full price for it as we love the SF so much. But hey, it all comes down to what type of cruise experience you want.

 

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[Godiva830]

When I book a cruise on the smaller ships I book a non Haven suite especially the SF on deck 10! On the larger ships I do think the Haven is worth it bc you have the Haven restaurant for all your meals and the smaller ships it's just breakfast/lunch.

[johnsak123]

Having sailed balcony, cute and Haven i would always opt for the haven if the price is right

I enjoy the solitude and quiet and the sun deck is great.

Not a big fan of crowds so I enjoy the not so busy haven

However, no matter what cabin you sail in you are still sailing so thats a good thing

[TravelIsMyMiddleName]

I have cruised in regular suites on the Pride and the Pearl and then in the Haven on the Gem in the Med. For me, the Haven is the way to go. We loved being able to put on our robes in the morning and have full breakfast service in the courtyard just outside our cabin. We also enjoyed the private sundeck as well as the pool and hot tub right outside our cabin. If the cost is not an issue, I would definitely say go for it!

[scoochy12]

Yes, the Haven is totally worth it if you can afford it.

 

The attention to detail, the service, the private areas, the restaurant, the butler .....it all makes it so worth it!

[garycarla]

We especially like the layout of the 2BR suite. These are the same both in the haven and elsewhere. Only difference is the haven courtyard.

 

Many of the suites are really just one large room if that matters to you. It does for us due to varied sleep schedules.

[Medtech2]

We especially like the layout of the 2BR suite. These are the same both in the haven and elsewhere. Only difference is the haven courtyard.

 

Many of the suites are really just one large room if that matters to you. It does for us due to varied sleep schedules.

Too bad we can't afford it because I would add snoring as a big reason!

[Johnny Bananas]

Here is a list of suite perks compiled by Waldos Pepper:

(also note suite names are changing again)

 

Garden Villa S1

 

Embarkation

Personal escort to stateroom

Metallic Color key card

1 Bottle of French Champagne (w/compliments card from NCL)

1 Floral Arrangement

1 Fruit Bowl *

2 Bottles of Spring Water *

2 Bottles of Sparkling Water *

6 Bottles of Liquor From Menu **

6 Sodas * (Variety of Pepsi/ Diet Pepsi/Sierra Mist/Tonic/club soda)

Whole Milk/Skim Milk for Cappuccino Coffee set up

Warm face towels, embarkation by Butler

Upon request, unpack guest suitcases by Butler

Guests are offered complimentary limousine service from pier to airport

(Not offered to guests on 1 & 2 night cruises)

 

 

** 1 & 2 Night Cruise Amenity - Set up in the Garden Villas and Owner’s Suites will not include full bottles of liquor, but will include one bottle of French Champagne. (Complimentary water and sodas are included as usual)

 

 

* Replenished upon consumption

 

 

Bath Amenities

Cotton ball & Q-Tip Caddie

Bath salts, presented in container, shell scoop

Loofah, cello wrapped, no logo

Elemis brand products presented on tray:

Pure Shine Shampoo 40ml

Pro-Vitamin Conditioner 40ml

Sharp Shower Gel 40ml

Vitamin Rich Body Lotion 40ml

Pure Zest boxed Soap 80g

Pure Zest boxed Soap 50g

Lip rescue 10ml

Cooling Eye Gel 10ml

Instant Refresh Gel 10ml

Shower Cap, paper envelope

 

 

Other

Butler and Concierge Service

Access to Star Bar day lounge

Daily Breakfast and Lunch in Cagney's

Pillow menu selection (tent card on night stand)

DVD and CD Player

DVD & CD Library, DVD Movie Library Binder

Deluxe Coffee/Espresso/Cappuccino Machine serving Lavazza coffee

China cups/saucers, espresso cups, teaspoons

Coffee/Tea pod dispenser accompanying Lavazza Coffee Machines

Bathroom Scale

Clock

Bath Robes (Plush Terry Robe-Waffle Design)

Slippers (matching to robe- plush terry waffle design)

Feather Pillows, Queen/Euro

Feather Duvet Insert

Upgraded linen - 300TC with Embroidery

Towels including oversized bath towel

Long stem barware, 6 each, space available.

Binoculars

Bar Utensils

Full Breakfast Menu

24 Hour Room Service Menu (Suite Menu)

Food Turn Down delivered each evening

Complimentary pressing for optional formal night/shoe shining

Priority restaurant reservations

Priority embarkation and disembarkation

Personal Laptop Computer - (no internet time included; each guest must purchase time as they would if they visited the internet cafe onboard).

In Suite Dining

 

 

 

OWNER'S SUITES ~ SA, SB

Embarkation

Personal escort to stateroom

Metallic colored key card

1 Bottle of French Champagne (w/compliments card from NCL)

1 Floral Arrangement

1 Fruit Bowl *

2 Bottles of Spring Water *

2 Bottles of Sparkling Water *

3 Bottles of Liquor From Menu **

6 Sodas * (Variety of Pepsi/ Diet Pepsi/Sierra Mist/Tonic/club soda)

Whole Milk/Skim Milk for Cappuccino Coffee set up

Warm face towels, embarkation by Butler

Upon request, unpack guest suitcases by Butler

 

 

** 1 & 2 Night Cruise Amenity - Set up in the Garden Villas and Owner’s Suites will not include full bottles of liquor, but will include one bottle of French Champagne. (Complimentary water and sodas are included as usual)

 

 

* Replenished upon consumption

 

 

Bath Amenities

Cotton ball & Q-Tip Caddie

Bath salts, presented in container, shell scoop

Loofah, cello wrapped, no logo

Elemis brand products presented on tray:

Pure Shine Shampoo 40ml

Pro-Vitamin Conditioner 40ml

Sharp Shower Gel 40ml

Vitamin Rich Body Lotion 40ml

Pure Zest boxed Soap 80g

Pure Zest boxed Soap 50g

Lip rescue 10ml

Cooling Eye Gel 10ml

Instant Refresh Gel 10ml

Shower Cap, paper envelope

 

 

Other

Butler and Concierge Service

Access to Star Bar Day Lounge

Daily Breakfast and Lunch in Cagney's

Pillow menu selection (tent card on night stand)

DVD and CD Player

DVD & CD Library, with DVD movie library binder

Deluxe Coffee/Espresso/Cappuccino Machine, serving Lavazza coffee

China cups/saucers, espresso cups, teaspoons

Coffee/tea pod dispenser accompanying Lavazza Coffee Machines

Bathroom Scale

Clock

Bath Robes (Plush Terry Robe-Waffle Design)

Slippers, standard

Feather Pillows, Queen/Euro

Feather Duvet Insert

Upgraded linen - 300TC with Embroidery

Towels including oversized bath towel

Long stem barware, 4 each, space available.

Binoculars

Bar Utensils

Full Breakfast Menu

24 Hour Room Service Menu (Suite Menu)

Food turn down delivered each evening

Complimentary pressing for formal night/shoe shining

Priority restaurant reservations

Priority embarkation and disembarkation

Personal Laptop Computer - (no internet time included; each guest must purchase time as they would if they visited the internet cafe onboard).

In Suite Dining

 

 

 

PENTHOUSES ~ SC, SD, SE, SF, SJ

Embarkation

Personal escort to stateroom

Metallic color key card

1 Full bottle of Sparkling Wine (House) w/compliments of NCL card

1 Floral Arrangement

Fruit Bowl *

1 Bottle of Spring Water

 

 

* Replenished upon consumption

 

 

Bath Amenities

Cotton ball & Q-Tip Caddie

Bath salts, presented in container, shell scoop

Loofah, cello wrapped, no logo

Elemis brand products presented on tray:

Pure Shine Shampoo 40ml

Pro-Vitamin Conditioner 40ml

Sharp Shower Gel 40ml

Vitamin Rich Body Lotion 40ml

Pure Zest boxed Soap 80g

Pure Zest boxed Soap 50g

Shower Cap, paper envelope

 

 

Other

Butler and Concierge Service

Access to Star Bar Day Lounge

Daily Breakfast and Lunch in Cagney's

Pillow menu selection (tent card on night stand)

DVD and CD Player

DVD & CD Library, with DVD movie library binder

Deluxe Coffee/Espresso/Cappuccino Machine serving Lavazza coffee

China cups/saucers, espresso cups, teaspoons

Coffee/Tea pod dispenser accompanying Lavazza Coffee Machines

Bathroom Scale

Clock

Bath Robes (Plush Terry Robe-Waffle Design)

Slippers, Standard

Feather Pillows, Queen/Euro

Feather Duvet Insert

Upgraded linen - 300TC with Embroidery

Towels including oversized bath towel

Long stem barware, 2 each or 1 per person, space available.

Full Breakfast Menu

24 Hour Room Service Menu (Suite Menu)

Food turn down amenity delivered each night

Priority restaurant reservations

Priority embarkation and disembarkation

In Suite Dining

[Cruisin&Relaxin]

We always book suites and are looking at the Jewel out of Houston early next year.

Just wondering why the Haven on the Jewel is 2799 per person for an H5, while an SF on deck 10 AFT with a huge balcony is only 1499. What exactly would one get for the extra $2600 per couple in the Haven that we won't get in the SF Suite? Can anyone justify the price difference?

Money is not the issue, - just trying to figure out which is the better value. We always book suites. It will be interesting to see how the NCL perks compare to the RCCL and Princess suite perks.

 

As you can observe by researching the topic of "Is the Haven worth the extra cost?" on this forum, you will find opinions falling on both sides of the issue.

 

For some, it is worth it and they will provide you with many reasons why that is the case. For others, it is not worth the extra cost and they will also provide many reasons why.

 

Where does this leave you? You obviously find the Haven appealing in some way, otherwise you wouldn't have asked the question.

 

If you can afford it, I would suggest you try a cruise in the Haven once and form your own opinion as to whether it is worth the extra cost to you.

 

If you fall into the camp that feels it is worth it, then good for you and start saving your hard earned pennies for longer stays in the Haven.

 

If you fall into the camp that can't justify the extra cost, then be thankful that you can save money on future cruises by avoiding the Haven.

 

It is a personal decision and only you can make it.

Edited June 11, 2014 by Cruisin&Relaxin

[khaide612]

I've traveled in all types of cabins - inside to Haven. Haven or Not really depends on what kind of cruiser you are. The Haven was wasted on me as I'm not really the "sit by the pool and relax cruiser." I like to participate in activities. That being said, NCL has great suite perks. The only difference between Haven suites and non-Haven suites is the use of the Haven. Unless the price is prohibitive I will only book suites with NCL from now on as the perks are worth it to me but I don't need to splurge on the Haven as that extra money can go towards other things.

[meglet]

WilcatRock mentioned enjoying the quiet, but some reviews I've read suggest that the Haven attracts families with children due to to the configuration of many cabins in that area. I would be willing to pay more if the Haven were, as the definition of haven suggests, a quiet, adult area. Just depends on what vacation means to you and what you hope to find. I would be really frustrated if I booked the Haven expecting a quiet area and it turned out to be anything but. Thank goodness for cruisecritic.

[WildcatRock]

WilcatRock mentioned enjoying the quiet, but some reviews I've read suggest that the Haven attracts families with children due to to the configuration of many cabins in that area. I would be willing to pay more if the Haven were, as the definition of haven suggests, a quiet, adult area. Just depends on what vacation means to you and what you hope to find. I would be really frustrated if I booked the Haven expecting a quiet area and it turned out to be anything but. Thank goodness for cruisecritic.

 

That is my greatest fear booking a Haven suite - the possibility of being subjected to unruly wild kids that are allowed to roam free around The Haven. We've been in The Haven twice and lucked out - it was nice and quiet. We're in The Haven again this Nov but know it'll probably be crazy as we're cruising the week of Thanksgiving.

 

 

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[SissasMomE]

That is my greatest fear booking a Haven suite - the possibility of being subjected to unruly wild kids that are allowed to roam free around The Haven. We've been in The Haven twice and lucked out - it was nice and quiet. We're in The Haven again this Nov but know it'll probably be crazy as we're cruising the week of Thanksgiving.

 

 

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If you're booking it for an upscale, relaxing vacation, then I suggest one of the more upscale Sandals resorts (Grenada is truly top of the line). We booked in the haven for december, but only for the 540 sq ft cabin. The price was right. No way would I spend major dollars on a NCL cruise.

[WildcatRock]

We usually cruise the week after Thanksgiving so there's usually not a bunch of kiddos on the ship. This year we're cruising the week of Thanksgiving so we know there will be in excess of 1000 kids on the ship. Not a problem since we know what to expect, plus we're in a GV so we'll be nice and secluded. Our two boys will have a great time making new friends.

 

In my first post I commented about unruly kids but frankly it probably wouldn't bother me. I love The Haven and have actually been talking with my DW about my interest in upgrading to The Haven from our SF on our cruise next year on the Gem out of NY.

 

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[SissasMomE]

We usually cruise the week after Thanksgiving so there's usually not a bunch of kiddos on the ship. This year we're cruising the week of Thanksgiving so we know there will be in excess of 1000 kids on the ship. Not a problem since we know what to expect, plus we're in a GV so we'll be nice and secluded. Our two boys will have a great time making new friends.

 

 

 

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We are also cruising thanksgiving week, but on the Epic. We ususally cruise spring break, so I can't imagine it would be much different.

[WildcatRock]

We are also cruising thanksgiving week, but on the Epic. We ususally cruise spring break, so I can't imagine it would be much different.

 

You cruise spring break? OK, you can handle anything. :)

 

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[SissasMomE]

you cruise spring break? Ok, you can handle anything. :)

 

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lol :d

[gizfish]

We always book suites and are looking at the Jewel out of Houston early next year.

Just wondering why the Haven on the Jewel is 2799 per person for an H5, while an SF on deck 10 AFT with a huge balcony is only 1499. What exactly would one get for the extra $2600 per couple in the Haven that we won't get in the SF Suite? Can anyone justify the price difference?

Money is not the issue, - just trying to figure out which is the better value. We always book suites. It will be interesting to see how the NCL perks compare to the RCCL and Princess suite perks.

 

I think you need to decide if it is worth an additional $1,300 to have access to the haven area. Since there is no haven restaurant on Jewel, the only additional perk you would have in a haven suite is access to the haven pool area. You still get the butler, concierge and breakfast and lunch in Cagneys in any suite. What is more important, the huge balcony at a cheaper price or access to the haven pool area?

[Girr]

While you didn't say what month you're sailing I'm going to take "early next year" as Jan-Mar which leads me to think you're not sailing to use a pool. As gizfish already mentioned the only additional perk to the haven on the Jewel is the pool/sundeck. While I'm not really an AFT fan, I know from past experience I loved my 10 AFT SF balcony. We sailed on the Jade in December, and there wasn't a day we couldn't use the balcony (you're blocked from the wind). It was wonderful sitting out there reading a book - it was like we were on our personal island. On deck 10 the aft balconies are BIG! We still had a butler, concierge, breakfast/lunch at Cagneys, embarkation, etc.

 

At $1300 pp I'd bank it to save for my next suite, but keep an eye on the prices and IF the price drops then maybe change to the haven.;)

[Out to sea!]

Is the Haven worth it??? No way, Jose. For the money spent on a Haven cabin I can get 3 OV cabins. The Haven will never be worth the cost in my book.

[DebJ14]

I decided it would be worth it for us to get a Haven Suite We are on a cruise to relax, not join in the activities. This will be cruise # 54 so we have been there, done that.

 

Since we are sailing in January and the weather can be a crapshoot, at least we will have a nice place to relax and they can close the roof if it is cold or rainy. Our Dec 2013 Princess cruise from Houston had lousy weather and we ended up spending a ton of time in the cabin and ordered room service alot. Thankfully, we had a suite on Princess and had better room service options than a regular cabin, but it would have been nice to have an area like the Haven to use.

[kcwingwalker]

We had the OS on our last cruise on the Jewel and we certainly enjoyed it. Perks were lovely and fantastic service. Absolutely no complaints.

 

But you know I did miss the standard good old balcony cabin. Next cruise I'm thinking of buying the UDP and booking a balcony cabin. If we did book the Haven again it would be the 2 Bedroom cabin.

[Love my butler]

We always book suites and are looking at the Jewel out of Houston early next year.

Just wondering why the Haven on the Jewel is 2799 per person for an H5, while an SF on deck 10 AFT with a huge balcony is only 1499. What exactly would one get for the extra $2600 per couple in the Haven that we won't get in the SF Suite? Can anyone justify the price difference?

Money is not the issue, - just trying to figure out which is the better value. We always book suites. It will be interesting to see how the NCL perks compare to the RCCL and Princess suite perks.

 

Unless you are rolling in dough, skip the haven. Not worth it for what you get.

[mikaula]

I love the suite life on NCL. I've never been in the haven but I hope to experience it one day soon.