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The Haven


Debde
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Well, just returned from the NCL Breakaway.

.....

I'll answer any questions

 

My wife & I are longtime NCL'ers and will be in the Haven on the Getaway for the first time next month. We got an incredible deal of an upsell from our oceanview cabin to a Haven Penthouse w/balcony suite yesterday.

 

We actually have a lot of questions as Haven first-timers, but we're getting many answered by reading thru other threads here. One quick question, though: We've read that the Haven pretty much shuts down by 11 p.m. each night in regard to the services (bar, restaurant, etc); but do the private Haven common areas remain open all the time? If we wanted to take a 3 a.m. swim in the Haven pool, or go up onto the Haven sundeck to stargaze in the middle of the night, can we? Or are the Haven common areas locked down at night?

 

Thanks, and "Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays!" to all CC'ers.

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We were, frankly, taken aback at how dated and shabby everything was. Nothing matched -- it appeared to be decorated about as carefully as a college apartment. The ancient patterned bedspread that got shoved under the bed every night certainly didn't add anything to the décor!:rolleyes:

 

Our big complaint, though, was with the AWFUL vibration we had 24/7 in our cabin. I've been aft on three other lines, and have never experienced anything like it. It was so pervasive I couldn't sleep, and I literally didn't have one really good night's sleep the whole week. Everything in our suite shook, and we had to wrap the TVs in beach towels to dampen the noise. Unfortunately we couldn't do anything about the giant vanity mirror that also shook!:eek:

 

Overall the suite was a huge disappointment and negatively impacted what was otherwise a nice trip. We had high hopes going in because past experiences with Princess had been good, but I'd be really hesitant to spend suite $$$ again after our experience.

 

That sucks. We have been on CB many times but that was many years ago. We were always midship though in a PHS. That being said the accommodations would have been much newer than when you sailed. The last time I saw her in another port (this spring or this fall) her exterior looked a bit worn but obviously much has changed since we last sailed on her.

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The Haven has evolved. On the Jewel class ships, there is no bar or restaurant. Haven and other suite passengers on Jewel class ships can have breakfast and lunch at Cagneys. The Epic, Breakaway, Getaway and Escape added a separate bar and restaurant in the Haven. We sailed on the Escape December 12 and had a great cruise. The Haven on the Escape is larger than on the Breakaway and Getaway (3 floors, with bar on 17, larger restaurant on 18 and sundeck on 19). The design is improved and the new Haven menu was excellent. We had great meals (both food and service) in the Haven restaurant and the bar was very lively, with talented bartenders (Branko and Mark) and great liquor brand choices.

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One quick question, though: We've read that the Haven pretty much shuts down by 11 p.m. each night in regard to the services (bar, restaurant, etc); but do the private Haven common areas remain open all the time? If we wanted to take a 3 a.m. swim in the Haven pool, or go up onto the Haven sundeck to stargaze in the middle of the night, can we? Or are the Haven common areas locked down at night?

 

Thanks, and "Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays!" to all CC'ers.

 

common area's were open!! :)

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common area's were open!! :)

 

 

That said, from what I can tell "take a swim" isn't exactly something you can do in the Haven pool due its size (at least on BA/GA).

 

I'm incredibly excited about my first Haven experience - BA in 50 weeks!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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We were, frankly, taken aback at how dated and shabby everything was. Nothing matched -- it appeared to be decorated about as carefully as a college apartment. The ancient patterned bedspread that got shoved under the bed every night certainly didn't add anything to the décor!:rolleyes:

 

Our big complaint, though, was with the AWFUL vibration we had 24/7 in our cabin. I've been aft on three other lines, and have never experienced anything like it. It was so pervasive I couldn't sleep, and I literally didn't have one really good night's sleep the whole week. Everything in our suite shook, and we had to wrap the TVs in beach towels to dampen the noise. Unfortunately we couldn't do anything about the giant vanity mirror that also shook!:eek:

 

Overall the suite was a huge disappointment and negatively impacted what was otherwise a nice trip. We had high hopes going in because past experiences with Princess had been good, but I'd be really hesitant to spend suite $$$ again after our experience.

 

We were in the owner's suite last year on the Caribbean Princess and noticed many of the same things Cindy. The only suite perk we realized was free breakfast in Sabatinis, which was very good. Caribbean Princess is a very nice ship, loved Churchhills sans the smoke. We had one of the new Aqua Theater suites on Oasis this last year and of course being just added was a very nice suite. We have an aft penthouse booked on Escape this coming August and with the Haven amenities included, can't wait. Starting to sound like with the later cruises from Escape that reviews are getting better.

Edited by buckeye rob
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That said, from what I can tell "take a swim" isn't exactly something you can do in the Haven pool due its size (at least on BA/GA).

 

I'm incredibly excited about my first Haven experience - BA in 50 weeks!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

That sounds like the solarium pool on Oasis/Allure. That little puddle is just about worthless.

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That said, from what I can tell "take a swim" isn't exactly something you can do in the Haven pool due its size (at least on BA/GA).

 

Exactly. like I said earlier. My own person opinion was to take those loungers out of that 'puddle' [good one O.B.!!;)] and just make one larger one!!

Not once did I see anyone in them. I at least cooled off in the other once. I told my husband it was the over sized bathtub!! LOL

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My wife & I are longtime NCL'ers and will be in the Haven on the Getaway for the first time next month. We got an incredible deal of an upsell from our oceanview cabin to a Haven Penthouse w/balcony suite yesterday.

 

We actually have a lot of questions as Haven first-timers, but we're getting many answered by reading thru other threads here. One quick question, though: We've read that the Haven pretty much shuts down by 11 p.m. each night in regard to the services (bar, restaurant, etc); but do the private Haven common areas remain open all the time? If we wanted to take a 3 a.m. swim in the Haven pool, or go up onto the Haven sundeck to stargaze in the middle of the night, can we? Or are the Haven common areas locked down at night?

 

Thanks, and "Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays!" to all CC'ers.

Can only speak for the Gem but the pool was available 24/7 along with the sun deck. And yes breakfast and lunch are available at Cagneys, but, you can also have the same delivered poolside to the tables there or in your cabin if you prefer.

Edited by Whitnee1
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Exactly. like I said earlier. My own person opinion was to take those loungers out of that 'puddle' [good one O.B.!!;)] and just make one larger one!!

Not once did I see anyone in them. I at least cooled off in the other once. I told my husband it was the over sized bathtub!! LOL

 

I hope we get to sail with you again sometime soon Debb...and get to spend a lot more time at the Haven Bar with ya too....it was a really great cruise especially meeting you and the bad boy..........:p:D:D:D

Edited by paradise sailor
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I hope we get to sail with you again sometime soon Debb...and get to spend a lot more time at the Haven Bar with ya too....it was a really great cruise especially meeting you and the bad boy..........:p:D:D:D

 

Merry Christmas to our new friends!!! It was so great meeting you both!!

Yes, we hope to sail with you again soon and will make sure he behaves next time!!! LOL

We had a good story to tell over the holidays!! :D

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Well, just returned from the NCL Breakaway. I'm not the best at reviews but will answer any questions as some wanted me to do the comparison.

 

Quick synopsis:

For my husband and I-it is NCL suite every time now. When you read that NCL has better suite perks then Royal, believe them. From the moment you arrive at the terminal until the day you leave, in the personal service far exceeds anything from Royal.

 

Early arrival at terminal has you waiting in a private area with coffee juices and snacks.

 

Escort to the Haven. Drinks and snacks begin immediately.

Main Concierge, [ shout out to Anoop ] welcomes you with a brief introduction and quick hints. They, yes they, are available at the desk for 8AM to 8PM taking care of all your needs because he has a team. No need to pre-book anything, they take care of all of it with escorts to the dinner show, excursions, visits you at dinner if you are dining outside the Haven to make sure all is good and a roped off area for all shows-left side of the theater with someone seating you.

 

Butler which can be used how you would like. We just liked the afternoon snacks and keeping the fridge stocked with milk and chocolate milk. Didn't use the packing, unpacking or room service options but she was wonderful!! Shout out to Flor. Oh-and your own personal specialty coffee machine in your room is fantastic that your butler keeps stocked with coffee or tea choices!!

 

Haven dining room-all I can say is excellent. All 3 meals are wonderful.

 

Included beverage package, dining package and $300.00 OBC was great. Now all suites get the drink, dining , free wifi and shore excursion credits.

 

Having a private pool area, deck area and a huge bar area was great. This Three hour drink fest in a small room that can often be overcrowded from Royal really does not compare.

 

Loved it so much did a price comparison for next year on another NCL Breakaway vs. Royals Anthem. Same time of year...Royal-about $100 cheaper. NCL- The Haven, free beverage, dining Wifi and shore excursion credits. A no brainier which to choose. Keeping in mind-ALL suites get these promos. Not like Royal with only the certain suite staterooms.

 

With MSC doing loyalty matches and NCL having these wonderful suite services-Royal needs to keep evolving with this.

 

I'll answer any questions.........

 

Merry Christmas Eve everyone!

 

Thanks so much for sharing your review! I posted the comment below on another thread titled "What else compares to the Haven??" After reading your thoughts, I feel more comfortable with my decision. If Royal could get its Sky Class cost more comparable with NCL Haven, then I would be willing to give them another try.

 

Also, I see you're from NY but the Saints are your team! We're currently in Canada, but originally from south Mississippi, so we're loyal Saints fans too! Better luck next year, eh!

 

 

"I've been closely watching the Summer 2016 rates for Royal on the Oasis and Quantum class ships. I have a H4 Haven booked for the Breakaway, but was willing to give Royal another chance with the new enhancements coming to their suite perks. We've sailed with them once before in a suite, but it could not compare with the perks offered by NCL Haven.

 

You must book A2 or higher category (Sky Class) to make the perks comparable to NCL Haven; all-inclusive specialty dining, drink package, free internet, butler, and gratuities (I booked my Haven when the promotion included gratuities rather than shore excursion credit). Royal will not have a private courtyard and pool area for suite guest. Also, the new suite enhancements will only be offered on the Oasis and Quantum class ships.

 

Even with Royal's BOGO 50% off second guest, it's still $2,500 more expensive for a A2 on the Oasis than a H4 Haven on the Breakaway for the same week in August. I can book a lower category suite (A3) in the Star Class and the cost is still $1,500 more expensive than the H4, and it doesn't include specialty dining, drink package, butler, and gratuities. I picked the Oasis because it was the cheapest option of the Oasis and Quantum class ships for this timeframe. All others where more expensive for the same week.

 

So, we've decided to stick with NCL, since its the most bang for our buck and we know we enjoy the private courtyard and pool. I have not been able to find a better deal on Royal for comparable perks. I will check out MSC though, never considered that!"

Edited by ksmcali
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So, we've decided to stick with NCL, since its the most bang for our buck and we know we enjoy the private courtyard and pool. I have not been able to find a better deal on Royal for comparable perks. I will check out MSC though, never considered that!"

 

The MSC Yacht Club product is not very well known. We just sailed a 7N on MSC Preziosa and it was AWESOME! I'm still plodding on with my review, just putting in the link here if anybody is interested - http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2288693

 

Beverages/coffee all included. This was our final dinner in the suite restaurant before disembarking.

[YOUTUBE]C57YEEtjEaU[/YOUTUBE]

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The MSC Yacht Club product is not very well known. We just sailed a 7N on MSC Preziosa and it was AWESOME! I'm still plodding on with my review, just putting in the link here if anybody is interested - http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2288693

 

Beverages/coffee all included. This was our final dinner in the suite restaurant before disembarking.

 

Thanks for the link. I've lately been more interested in reading threads like this where RCI cruisers try other lines.

Edited by Ocean Boy
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Thanks for the link. I've lately been more interested in reading threads like this where RCI cruisers try other lines.

 

Most welcomed. We still like RCI very much and in fact our next cruise should be with RCI, but I think their pricing can get very aggressive at times. Thanks for following along!

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