Is The Haven worth it?

[ahamill]

We are looking at booking a Mediterranean Cruise on the Epic in July and are looking at either a mini-suite or the penthouse suite in The Haven. Obviously, the price difference is significance ($2500'ish for the mini-suite and $5000 for The Haven). We are celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary and my 40th birthday and we want a special trip but I need to know that it is worth it.

I was hoping that the beverage package was part of the bonuses (you know, book a Haven suite and get all 3 perks) but it looks like it's just OBC, shore excursion and internet. We enjoy our cocktails so the drink package might have made it seem like a no-brainer.

 

Thoughts? Experiences?

 

Many thanks!

[Va. Plumber]

Although I thoroughly enjoy the suite perks, $2,500.00 is a lot of money.

 

You spend that $2,500.00 on a nice anniversary or birthday present while on the trip. Or you could book another cruise.

[Cruise_More_Often]

If you can afford it, go for it! We've cruised twice in Jewel Haven suites, and if we could afford to cruise in Haven suites, we would be in them on every cruise. The service is beyond wonderful, and the suite itself is amazing.

 

Especially since this cruise will be a special one for you, I don't think you'll regret your decision.

[garnet115]

I love the Haven and thought the added money is worth it for my Getaway cruise next year, largely because it is a huge ship that I expect will be packed during a holiday week, and I wish to avoid the crowds. Since that is my primary purpose for booking the Haven, I am not sure I would find it worth it on a port-intensive trip like Western Med cruise you are booking on Epic.

 

The real question is what value are YOU looking for from the Haven? If you are seeking the added luxury of a butler/concierge (and priority, hassle-free access that comes with those amenities), you will certainly receive it. If the added perks (dining, excursion credit, etc.) are enough of a value-add to put it over the top, then by all means book it.

 

In the end, the only one who can answer whether it is worth it is you, based on your needs, budget and expectations.

 

I'm sure if you have specific questions about the Haven experience that will help you decide, CC members would happily provide you with more info.

[Kingofwylietx]

That may a tougher question for a Med cruise. Normally, I would say that it's absolutely worth it. However, you might want to do some research on what you will do at the ports. For Med cruises (We have not done that one yet, but I've read a lot about them), I have read that you are pretty much away from the ship all day and are quite worn out when you get back. In that case, you might get more value by staying in a regular suite or balcony.

 

If you plan to stay on the ship at a couple of ports or don't plan to be away all day...then, yes, it would be worth it.

 

It's really hard for us to help on these types of questions. For some, paying for the Haven is irrelevant to their budget. For some, it is a special occasion. For some, it is a real hit to their budget. Without knowing whether the extra $$ matters at all to you, it's just a guess.

 

You'll have a blast either way, enjoy your cruise!

Edited May 22, 2015 by Kingofwylietx

[Kingmaker_inc]

For me any my family, it is totally worth it.

 

I love everything about the Haven.

[Rebels82]

I know it varies from cruise to cruise, time of year, etc......are there many kids in The Haven?

Thanks.

[milolii]

It is up to you as others have said. We were in a suite on the Spirit MED cruise. The biggest perk to us was being escorted off the ship before most others in each port and arriving at the sites before the crowds. Not sure if this would work for you. We formed private tours through the roll call.

 

We enjoyed the pampering after the long port days. Sometimes the tours were more than 8 hours. So we were often very tired and enjoyed the whirlpool tub, etc. We had a couple of sea days, not sure if your cruise does. We were lucky the price was reduced many times before final payment.

[maxwellito]

It is all about your budget

If you could afford it then it is worth it

I prefer the haven but the prices are out of control

[hypercafe]

My feeling is if I am going to spend the same amount of money as it cost to go on a true luxury line I would rather go on the luxury line.

 

Sent from my SM-T320 using Forums mobile app

[Sand and Seas]

It is all about your budget

If you could afford it then it is worth it

I prefer the haven but the prices are out of control

 

If you decide to not go Haven, have you looked at the price of a balcony compared to mini-suite? In my opinion a mini-suite isn't worth too much more than a balcony. We have sailed insides, balcony and once in a mini-suite. Balconies are a nice way to go for us. (Have never tried Haven.)

[zqvol]

I would never pay the cost of the Haven to sail on a mass market line. At that cost you can sail one of the luxury lines with less than 300 people on board, and it is all inclusive including gratuities and alcohol.

[Merriem]

I would never pay the cost of the Haven to sail on a mass market line. At that cost you can sail one of the luxury lines with less than 300 people on board, and it is all inclusive including gratuities and alcohol.

 

Well, I will kindly disagree. We have been on all the luxury lines, and it is a lot more expensive than The Haven. I have a 2 bedroom for 4 people in the Haven on The Breakaway with all the promos, for about $7500 . Having cruised on the so called luxury lines, you can easily pay that much for just two people. We were in a beautiful suite on Oceania, cost well over $10,000 not including drinks. Gratuities were included in the promotion. It was very expensive, and again that was for two people in a one bedroom suite. It was a very dull cruise. Good food, but that was about it.

 

Having not been on NCL for many years, the Haven was a delightful alternative. Honestly, those ships with 300 people can be pretty dull!

[Medtech2]

We are looking at booking a Mediterranean Cruise on the Epic in July and are looking at either a mini-suite or the penthouse suite in The Haven. Obviously, the price difference is significance ($2500'ish for the mini-suite and $5000 for The Haven). We are celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary and my 40th birthday and we want a special trip but I need to know that it is worth it.

I was hoping that the beverage package was part of the bonuses (you know, book a Haven suite and get all 3 perks) but it looks like it's just OBC, shore excursion and internet. We enjoy our cocktails so the drink package might have made it seem like a no-brainer.

 

Thoughts? Experiences?

 

Many thanks!

I'd spend the money on special excursions, perhaps private tours...or do a before or after stay...or a B2B

[pieshops]

Dont do it, run away its a big scam.

 

They take your money, pamper you for a week and then set you back free in the world.

 

So what am i supposed to do now, stay in a regular cabin.

 

Its like crack, one hit and your an addict for life.

 

But it is so so awesome, could not imagine going back to a regular cabin now, I would rather cruise less and do it in the Haven.

 

So frickin good

[2red4u]

Pieshops said it all!!! Run! :)

[DMH15]

Dont do it, run away its a big scam.

 

 

 

They take your money, pamper you for a week and then set you back free in the world.

 

 

 

So what am i supposed to do now, stay in a regular cabin.

 

 

 

Its like crack, one hit and your an addict for life.

 

 

 

But it is so so awesome, could not imagine going back to a regular cabin now, I would rather cruise less and do it in the Haven.

 

 

 

So frickin good

 

 

Love your reply. Of course I agree with you!

 

Value? It is so subjective!

 

Some say you could:

 

A. Just cruise a luxury line

B. Spend on another cruise

C. Spend on excursions

 

All answers are correct. To suit each individual's preference.

 

I love the NCL suite life. So, for me, heck yeah.

[pieshops]

So this is the timeline of my next cruise on the BA in October. There are 4 of us. My wife and myself and 2 daughters 16 an 11

 

Booked 2 inside rooms cheapest on ship, promised myself would not upgrade.

 

A month after booking the promo cam out udp, ubp or credit. So moved to 2 balconies to get the dining plan. Promised I would be done.

 

3 weeks later decided to consolidate and got an aft facing penthouse for the 4 of us for same price as balconies. No brainier. No I have all 4 promos.

 

2 weeks later decided what the hell and moved to 2 bedroom in the haven. Still all 4 promos.

 

I have a real problem, I need help

[Granny DI]

Dont do it, run away its a big scam.

 

They take your money, pamper you for a week and then set you back free in the world.

 

So what am i supposed to do now, stay in a regular cabin.

 

Its like crack, one hit and your an addict for life.

 

But it is so so awesome, could not imagine going back to a regular cabin now, I would rather cruise less and do it in the Haven.

 

So frickin good

 

 

 

Couldn't have said it better! We sailed with 10 first time Haven cruisers last week...they are all hooked! BTW I wouldn't sail on an upscale cruiseline with only 300 passengers...because I'd either die of boredom or sea sickness.

[christinehouse]

We loved the Haven on the Pearl to Alaska. But on a Med Cruise, very port intensive, I wouldn't do it. Get a suite or balcony instead if it's just the two of you.

[SuiteTraveler]

Haven on a Med cruise? Like being on a private yacht. OMG! It is divine! You won't even want to leave the Haven in the evening except to have dinner at a specialty restaurant. BTW, do some searching online for the best price on your cruise to get the best deal and the most perks. Various online travel agents offer better deals than even NCL.

[june123]

Dont do it, run away its a big scam.

 

They take your money, pamper you for a week and then set you back free in the world.

 

So what am i supposed to do now, stay in a regular cabin.

 

Its like crack, one hit and your an addict for life.

 

But it is so so awesome, could not imagine going back to a regular cabin now, I would rather cruise less and do it in the Haven.

 

So frickin good

 

I totally agree . I`de be too frightened i`de never want to sail any other way afterwards . I think i`ll stay with my balcony cabins .:)

[milolii]

That

[milolii]

Sorry, that is so funny. I need help, too.

[rxlowry]

Well, I will kindly disagree. We have been on all the luxury lines, and it is a lot more expensive than The Haven. I have a 2 bedroom for 4 people in the Haven on The Breakaway with all the promos, for about $7500 . Having cruised on the so called luxury lines, you can easily pay that much for just two people. We were in a beautiful suite on Oceania, cost well over $10,000 not including drinks.

 

Oceania is not a true luxury line. I would rather go on a luxury line then a Haven room. Drinks will be included and the food is way better! The service is amazing. I've never been bored either.