NCL Jewel: 2 BR Haven, 2 BR or Two Balcony?

[UFLaw]

We are a family of 5 (2 adults and 3 kids 11,11,9) who are looking to book an Alaskan cruise on the Jewel.

 

We have the quotes for three different options and are torn:

 

1) Two Balcony Rooms

 

2) 2 Bedroom Suite (extra $1000 over #1)

 

3) 2 Bedroom Haven Suite (extra $2500 over #2)

 

We are torn about whether to go with the three options. Is the concierge worth it? Will we be better off in the two rooms? Is the Haven worth it?

 

Thank you for your input.

 

Cheers,

 

Eric

[maxwellito]

My thoughts have always been if you can afford the Haven you should choose that

I like the sanctuary feeling of not having to deal with the crowds all the time

I also love the breakie and lunch deal in cagneys

[hawaiideb]

$1,000 or 2,000 goes a long way towards excursions with 5 people. Alaska has some great experiences (helicopter to glacier, dogsledding, etc..) that can be a bit pricey, so some extra cash is a good thing!

[maja651]

My opinion, for Alaska, Haven sundeck would be nice to have access to, not for sunning, but to see the wildlife, etc. There is a Haven sundeck on both sides of the ship so you would be able to choose the side you want to look out on depending on which way the ship is sailing. Also, the kids may enjoy the pool which has the glass enclosure which would be a nice bonus for Alaska. Also, I would imagine the hot tub in the Haven would be a nice perk in Alaska.

 

If there are any days you have to tender in, having the concierge is a huge plus because you do not have to wait as the concierge will escort you to the tender when you are ready to go. You would get this in the regular 2 bedroom suite as well.

 

Of course you would also get butler service in the Haven and the regular suite, which would be a nice bonus on port days (you could have your breakfast delivered to your room, anything you want).

 

For me, I would at least pick the 2 bedroom suite, but would really think about the Haven extra. It really depends on how much you would use that area if it is worth it to you.

[GORDONCHICK]

The Haven would also afford your children some swimming in an enclosed pool. I cannot attest to whether or not the water is heated in that pool or not, but I know the pool deck pools are not heated.

[Imasima752]

The Haven would also afford your children some swimming in an enclosed pool. I cannot attest to whether or not the water is heated in that pool or not, but I know the pool deck pools are not heated.

 

The Haven pool on the Jewel is heated and the kids who were in it on our cruise enjoyed it. It amazed me to see people in the other pools too considering the weather.

 

As to the OP's question, we cruised with our kids when they were teenagers and we were still concerned about one in particular (our "wild child") being in the cabin next to ours. Had they been the age of your children and a two bedroom suite was available, I would've gone with suite or Haven suite. The suite perks are wonderful and your family would enjoy them. The Haven sun deck was where I did most of my exercising as I was running from port to starboard and vice versa watching whales. Being able to do so was a great benefit for an Alaskan cruise and I was actually surprised that more Haven guests didn't brave the cold up there. It was phenomenal.

[JohnCoMo]

My situation is a little different. I'm traveling with 6 adults. I was considering booking 2 mini-suites and then an interior across the hallways. But for the same price I can book a 2 bedroom suite (not Haven, but the ones on deck 11).

 

Technically it says the 2 bedroom suite will accommodate 6 people, but I'm wondering if it would be too crowded. I've sailed in a mini-suite before but never an actual suite so love the thought of having the suite perks...especially know with the current promo where everyone in the room gets the ultimate dining package.

 

I was thinking about 2 adults in the master bedroom, 2 adults in the small bedroom and then 2 adults on the sofa bed.

 

Has anyone had 6 adults in the 2 bedroom before, or have experience with that cabin who could tell me if it's going to be too crowded. My budget would not allow me to book the 2 bedroom and another room, so it's either the 2 bedroom for all of us or 3 different rooms.

Edited April 26, 2015 by JohnCoMo

[Leavethekidswithmom]

My situation is a little different. I'm traveling with 6 adults. I was considering booking 2 mini-suites and then an interior across the hallways. But for the same price I can book a 2 bedroom suite (not Haven, but the ones on deck 11).

 

Technically it says the 2 bedroom suite will accommodate 6 people, but I'm wondering if it would be too crowded. I've sailed in a mini-suite before but never an actual suite so love the thought of having the suite perks...especially know with the current promo where everyone in the room gets the ultimate dining package.

 

I was thinking about 2 adults in the master bedroom, 2 adults in the small bedroom and then 2 adults on the sofa bed.

 

Has anyone had 6 adults in the 2 bedroom before, or have experience with that cabin who could tell me if it's going to be too crowded. My budget would not allow me to book the 2 bedroom and another room, so it's either the 2 bedroom for all of us or 3 different rooms.

 

 

Let's put it this way, do you want to go camping or cruising? Go with the 3 rooms!