Is the Haven really worth it?

[Theresa522]

The Haven isn't always "an extra $10,000". If you book wisely, the Haven can be done for not much more than a mini-suite or balcony.

You are exactly correct. We booked for Sept around 5 months a go and got an AWESOME PRICE for an aft Haven suite for three of us. Plus Dining package, Alcohol package, soda package (dd), tips (dh and I) and one excursion FOR FREE!

 

Best deal we ever got on a cruise and we have been on 15 :D So excited about this one

[jjjet]

Just got home from our first Haven experience, family of 5 in a 2 bedroom on the Epic. Unbelievable! Excellent leisure areas, food was the best on the ship, perks galore. Loved it way more than I imagined. Definitely booking wisely will make the price reasonable, compared to adjoining balconies for a family. 3rd - 5th guests were free. I wouldn't bother with the Dining Package again as the Haven Restaurant had a great menu and wasn't too fancy.

[Mings]

You are exactly correct. We booked for Sept around 5 months a go and got an AWESOME PRICE for an aft Haven suite for three of us. Plus Dining package, Alcohol package, soda package (dd), tips (dh and I) and one excursion FOR FREE!

 

Best deal we ever got on a cruise and we have been on 15 :D So excited about this one

 

I think we got a great deal. 2 bed Haven Suite for 2 adults and 2 children (14 & 16) UDP for all 4 of us, beverage package for all 4 plus $300 OBC. We paid £5000 including pre-paid tips in total for a 10 night cruise leaving next week.

 

We are hoping it is as good as it sounds.

[HeatherMac246]

Do it. You will not regret it. Priority boarding, priority off-boarding at each port, priority seating in the supper club, roped off seating in the theatre, the concierge is great to book shows/dinners, the restaurant is great, butlers are nice, snacks in room every day. We had a spa suit and really did enjoy the spa! Steam room was great. Sauna was great too! Marc in the bar is amazing, he truly is a mixologist. He smoked a drink for my other half and it was incredible. The Haven is truly an experience. If you can afford it, I would do it. And if you like peace and quiet, I would HIGHLY recommend the Vibe. For the $99 per person, it gives you that “quiet” area without kids. We just sailed last week!

[Tasm3n]

For us, the conveniences offered and the private pool make the cost entirely worth it. I happily pay every time to deal with less people. The Escape pool area sounds like a mad house I wish to avoid.

[Kimberlyr22]

For us, the conveniences offered and the private pool make the cost entirely worth it. I happily pay every time to deal with less people. The Escape pool area sounds like a mad house I wish to avoid.

 

This is why we feel the Haven price is worth it; if not for the Haven, we would rarely travel. My husband (who's a tad high-maintenance b/c he generally hates traveling) gets overly stressed out around large groups of people and his patience level is tiny; the Haven allows easy embark/debark, he doesn't have to worry about finding a lounger or battling the buffet crowds at breakfast & lunch, and we typically book the DOS on the Gem so he has his own hot tub and doesn't have to make small talk with strangers. He stresses enough at work -- any vacation he takes needs to be stress free (or he'd feel like it was work) -- and I'm so happy NCL offers the Haven. Otherwise, I'd be taking vacations alone.

 

We also only cruise once a year or once every other year...so the cost of one solid, no hassle vacation, without the "nickel & dime" feel that several complain about is totally worth it to us. We get all the perks, nice chunks of OBC from our TA and the NCL credit card we used to pay for the cruise, and we're in and out for pretty much one price unless I splurge on too many games of BINGO.

 

If my husband was a low-maintenance vacationer and loved to travel -- I probably wouldn't see the value in the Haven, because I'd rather take 4-5 cruises a year for the same price.

[DrNora]

We have about 10 cruises on Carnival (all suites) and decided to give NCL a try. We're booked in a mini-suite for a Panama Canal 11 days in November. While looking things over the price for our booked (on the Pearl) mini suite came out to $4,700 total for the two of us. The cheapest thing in the Haven was around $14,000. I just can't imagine it being worth that kind of difference. There are some nice NCL suite perks and NCL does have nicer suites than Carnival but they're not worth that kind of extra money and the Carnival suites are perfectly acceptable to us.

 

Actually, after reading all the info posted on CC I'm seriously considering cancelling the NCL cruise and just going back to Carnival. I'll probably wait a few weeks before making the final decision.

 

A suite on CCL is nothing at all like a suite on NCL.

[boopsahoy]

We have about 10 cruises on Carnival (all suites) and decided to give NCL a try. We're booked in a mini-suite for a Panama Canal 11 days in November. While looking things over the price for our booked (on the Pearl) mini suite came out to $4,700 total for the two of us. The cheapest thing in the Haven was around $14,000. I just can't imagine it being worth that kind of difference. There are some nice NCL suite perks and NCL does have nicer suites than Carnival but they're not worth that kind of extra money and the Carnival suites are perfectly acceptable to us.

 

Actually, after reading all the info posted on CC I'm seriously considering cancelling the NCL cruise and just going back to Carnival. I'll probably wait a few weeks before making the final decision.

 

Are you aware that the mini-suite does not get suite perks? Just letting you know...

[asen2asen]

Hi Desarge390!

 

We have gone NCL for the past 10 Februarys for my birthday-all Suite/Haven...Star/Epic and now Escape. When we have stayed in Havens we have always done 2 bedroom penthouses.

 

Haven is 100% worth it-without a doubt!!! We gamble in the casino--so we get a helpful discount on the penthouse-so if you are a player look into that!!

 

We just got off Escape....we love that ship!! We are already booked to do the same itinerary next February. We didn't see/do 1/2 of the ship.

 

The Haven on the Escape is pretty spectacular-if you want to see a great review with great pictures...go to the "Message Boards" section.....then choose "Norwegian Escape" secction at the top of the page......then go to about page 8 and look for "Norwegian Escape Haven Spa Suite Review" by Spaniel Lover. He did a fantastic job!!

 

Also if you want a overall review with pictures of the Escape....check out The DougOut's review-it's hilarious, informative and great pictures!

 

I hope you enjoy the Escape as much as our family did!!

[UPNYGuy]

As someone who has NCL-suited but never Haven-ed (though I know people who have), my view is that the Epic and larger Havens would be worth it while the Jewel-class Havens not so much.

 

Again, just my uninformed opinion.

 

This is exactly how DW and I feel. We will not sail on the newer builds unless were are in The Haven. But, we feel that the older Jewel Class complex leaves something to be desired. You constantly have to leave it (no private lounge, bar, or restaurant). Yes, you have the ability to eat at Cagney's, and the Star bar is set up as a concierge lounge, but yet again, you have to leave.

[billed]

What is included in the Haven 2 bedroom on the Epic? This is our first time with the extra expense and while my wife likes to tell her friends there is a (shared) butler, I personally don't know what to do with a butler except what I learned on Downton Abbey, and I don't know if I can stand having Mr Carson looking over my shoulder.

Bill

[BrewPubby]

We stayed in the Haven one time, and would likely not do it again. Our next 2 cruises were in regular balcony cabins. While it was beautiful (Getaway), we just didn't feel like it made our vacation feel any more special than any other cruise - or at least it wasn't a few thousand dollars more special. We didn't need the butler or concierge for anything, we didn't like the tiny pool or the feeling that we were indoors when lounging on the pool deck. We didn't like feeling like we were far away from everything else on the ship. It was a good experience, and I'm glad we tried it once, but I don't see any reason to do it again.

[bromleypod]

The Haven isn't always "an extra $10,000". If you book wisely, the Haven can be done for not much more than a mini-suite or balcony.

Agree ...

 

Our first ever cruise in July and we booked DOS on the Epic, I think when we priced up 2 balconies vs the DOS it was a difference of approx £1500 which to me seems totally worth the extra luxuries especially to celebrate my mum's 80th! Each to their own and we all have different expectations in life, no right or wrong, just an individual decision.

[UPNYGuy]

Agree ...

 

 

 

Our first ever cruise in July and we booked DOS on the Epic, I think when we priced up 2 balconies vs the DOS it was a difference of approx £1500 which to me seems totally worth the extra luxuries especially to celebrate my mum's 80th! Each to their own and we all have different expectations in life, no right or wrong, just an individual decision.

 

 

Agree too. This is how DW and I book The Haven. Lately, Oceania has been in the same price bracket, so we have been looking there. Our first O sailing is in July [emoji16]. We are also going to try MSC Yacht Club, but we do not have children. I feel the value is going to be with Oceania, as we also enjoy Holland America.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[brian99]

Asking if the haven is worth it is like asking if flying first class is worth it, most people say no but the ones that can afford it wouldn't consider anything else. Given the choice between three balcony cruises or one haven cruise, I'd take the three balcony cruises. Personally, I'm self employed and can only take one week vacation a year so I've chosen the haven three out of four times.

 

If you don't mind crowds skip the haven, if you want to be pampered for a week go for it.

[amygutman]

Haven all the way -

We book a year or more out for all cruises with our TA, and usually get a great price - within 500-750$ or so of a suite or balcony + extras (dining, internet, drinks). Expensive - yes. But I work hard all year long for this luxury and it's worth it. Why? Three things:

1. Easy boarding and debarkation - literally walk right in, have a coffee, then walk onto ship. Minimal standing in lines. A wonderful luxury with a child with special needs, and on our last cruise, 2 sets of parents in their 70s. Same goes for excursions, shows, meals...this is invaluable to the overall serenity of the vacation.
   
2. Speaking of serenity...in the Haven there are no crowds, no fighting for loungers, lovely staff who are incredibly pleasant and know your name by day 2. Is it the world's largest pool? Of course not. But neither is the "adult" pool, and there certainly is not constant noise, shoving, loud music. Just...quiet. If little man wants to play on the water slides, great - we just walk right over with the expectation that we are there to play, not to "lounge".
   
3. Not worrying for an entire week. If you want to book anything last minute - just pick up the phone. Forgot your toothpaste? It's delivered in a few minutes. Child is sunburned and cranky? Watch a free new movie in your cabin with fresh popcorn courtesy of your butler. Stomach queasy? Dramamine magically appears. Too late for breakfast? There's fresh coffee and snacks right outside your door. Have a special diet? You have a special restaurant and maître d' who knows what you love and hate to eat.
   

If the purpose of vacation is "vacation", the Haven is the spot to do it in. Is it for everyone - of course not. It's not cheap, but to us it's worth every penny and why we keep coming back.

 

 

Amy

[bromleypod]

Haven all the way -

We book a year or more out for all cruises with our TA, and usually get a great price - within 500-750$ or so of a suite or balcony + extras (dining, internet, drinks). Expensive - yes. But I work hard all year long for this luxury and it's worth it. Why? Three things:

1. Easy boarding and debarkation - literally walk right in, have a coffee, then walk onto ship. Minimal standing in lines. A wonderful luxury with a child with special needs, and on our last cruise, 2 sets of parents in their 70s. Same goes for excursions, shows, meals...this is invaluable to the overall serenity of the vacation.
   
2. Speaking of serenity...in the Haven there are no crowds, no fighting for loungers, lovely staff who are incredibly pleasant and know your name by day 2. Is it the world's largest pool? Of course not. But neither is the "adult" pool, and there certainly is not constant noise, shoving, loud music. Just...quiet. If little man wants to play on the water slides, great - we just walk right over with the expectation that we are there to play, not to "lounge".
   
3. Not worrying for an entire week. If you want to book anything last minute - just pick up the phone. Forgot your toothpaste? It's delivered in a few minutes. Child is sunburned and cranky? Watch a free new movie in your cabin with fresh popcorn courtesy of your butler. Stomach queasy? Dramamine magically appears. Too late for breakfast? There's fresh coffee and snacks right outside your door. Have a special diet? You have a special restaurant and maître d' who knows what you love and hate to eat.
   

If the purpose of vacation is "vacation", the Haven is the spot to do it in. Is it for everyone - of course not. It's not cheap, but to us it's worth every penny and why we keep coming back.

 

 

Amy

Sums up pretty much what we would like out of our holidays too..

[Kattus]

We got back from our first Haven experience on the Breakaway last week, and compared to our previous cruises (Breakaway and otherwise) it was like night and day. Whenever DH and I wanted to relax in the courtyard or go in the hot tub, all we had to do was put on our swimsuits and there was always an empty lounger or hot tub available, no stress at all! Since the weather on our trip was lousy half the time, we could still use the facilities without worrying about rain or wind. The Haven restaurant was better than everyone specialty restaurant we've had on all our NCL cruises.

 

The only problem is that we don't know how we can cruise any other way (H5 rooms were VERY affordable on our sail date, which is not the norm) so we'll probably get spa balconies or spa passes on cruises going forward.

 

Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk

[Minoushka]

I spent a lot of time in Haven area on the Epic..Med and Transat .I loved breakfast there .I enjoyed the cold cuts and delicious cheeses ...I never ordered a hot breakfast to me the cheese and exotic fruits were more than enough

It was quiet and I had amazing views once the curtains were opened ..They allowedme to do thst every morning ..I love seaviews in glorious sunshine .

The pool area is enclosed so no ocean views which I did miss

To me the Posh area above was wY too noisy and very crowded ..Iprefered staying in the Haven pool area which wasperfect for reading and sunning without much of a view

Yes lunch and dinner was the same every night but the food was deelicious but be advised little variety ..thats why you have perks like spe ialty restaurants .

I get easily seasick so the higher you go the more you feel the motion so thats to be considered as well ...I prefer lower cabins with bigger balconies

Its anice place ...if you are ok with perhaps being rocked more ..go for it ,.You will not know if you like it unless you try it ..service is usually very nice

 

Bon Voyage

 

Michele

[Sissaaaaaa]

As someone who has NCL-suited but never Haven-ed (though I know people who have), my view is that the Epic and larger Havens would be worth it while the Jewel-class Havens not so much.

 

Again, just my uninformed opinion.

 

The Haven on the Epic is 100% worth it. I'm not so sure it would be worth it on the away ships or the Escape. Smaller Haven, more cabins ... we are looking at the epic again specifically for the Haven - it was that good.

[Sissaaaaaa]

As someone who has stayed in the Haven on the Escape, the Haven is gorgeous but as like others have said, whether it would be worth it or not would really depend on your interests. For me, I love that the Haven is very exclusive (don't worry though, I am not stuck up) and there's an exclusive restaurant just for people in the Haven. It's also nice that the butler and cabin stewards will always greet you by name (cabin stewards for balcony or mini suites have never once asked me for my name). You definitely get pampered and treated like a VIP in the Haven but for me, I rarely use butler nor the Concierge. I have never done in-suite dining nor have I told the Butler to get me certain snacks in particular in the afternoons. I actually spend more time outside the Haven than inside.

 

Please check out my Escape review for info on Escape Haven. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2284255

 

You really do not have to reserve anything in advance either. If you want a certain restaurant or show, just talk to the concierge.

[Seminole1975]

Is the Haven worth it? Hmmmm...I am still thinking about it. (And I agree that it is personal decision-just thought some other folks going on the Baltic Cruise might be wondering some of the things I am thinking) The only time we have ever cruised on NCL was on the Getaway last June in the Western Caribbean. I knew nothing about the Haven, but got talked into it by a very good NCL salesperson. The only reason we were (and are) going on that ship is because of our son who is in MDQ.

 

There are mostly pros and some cons to the Haven, although we really enjoyed it for the most part. Now we are booked on the Getaway in September to the Baltic. We have a spa balcony mini-suite. The Western Caribbean was very hot. The Baltic will be cool. I do not sun bathe, but do enjoy going in the pool. I loved the pool and sundeck in the Haven, but will we all be using it for the Baltic cruise? We have the thermal spa.

 

Priority embarkation and disembarkation was great. But being that we will leave from Copenhagen, we might stay in this city as long as possible. The ship leaves at 5 pm. If we get on at 2, then maybe we will miss some of the crowds?

 

This itinerary is port intensive.. however, even if we were able to get off the ship right away, we might still have to wait for everyone else to join our group excursion in SP I suppose? My son, being considered a crew member, has to wait until most passengers get off before he gets off. We will have to wait for him, thus will we need this perk?

 

DS cannot eat in the Haven, but we could have dinner from the Haven brought to our suite. I did not know this last time. He can eat with us every where else. Last cruise I did not even experience the MDR. I heard they were nice. The Haven Bar on the Getaway is inside; I much preferred the Waterfront Bars for drinks in the evening, but once again, it will most likely be cool outside on this cruise, especially at night. I had breakfast brought to our suite by the butler on excursion days to save time. No service charge in the Haven for room service.

 

My SIL and BIL went on the Getaway to see Kurt later in the year, and did not stay in the Haven. They had a wonderful time, except when getting on the ship. It was a madhouse. She explored the entire ship and saw things I did not see because I was in the Haven for a lot of my free time in the afternoons (up on the sundeck under an umbrella, in peace and quiet, looking at the ocean, with a nice server coming by every 15 min to ask if I needed anything. Bliss!)

 

I am thinking that we will be fine outside the Haven for this cruise, but if a reasonable opportunity to bid comes along for a Haven spa suite, we might do it. BTW-the spa balcony mini-suite for the Baltic cruise, is about the same as the Haven spa suite was for the Western Caribbean itinerary. Thanks for reading-hope this is helpful to someone still making decisions like us.

[mjcatlvr]

We have "Bid" for The Haven once successfully and paid "full out" once. There is nothing like the Haven, no crowds, no drunks, the food in the Haven is hard to beat, the servers know you by first name quickly and know your likes and dislikes even faster. Ask for almost anything and they can produce it. The last time we were on the Escape and in the Haven, we didn't get off the boat at all. We just enjoyed the Haven lounge chairs and outside Hot tub to ourselves, in the evening the indoor hot tubs and colorful waterfall were so relaxing. The Bartenders knew us well, quickly, and were responsive, even when it meant that we only needed cold waters while laying in the sun. We LOVE The Haven and will continue to either save up enough to just guarantee us a cabin or Bid, Bid, Bid!

[amygutman]

Agree, agree, agree with above.

Another perk is they will go above and beyond to fix any issue, no matter how large or small.

On our December sailing, my parents were unfortunately ill for some of their meals / plans and the concierge fixed all reservations with a single call. We also had to cancel an excursion as the promised ground transportation at the dock was cancelled and would have required walking a mile which my mother-in-law could not do. It was not NCL's fault, but I told Anoop our concierge about it, and the charge for the excursion disappeared from our bill within an hour.

Haven guests, whether you pay fill price or upgrade, are desired clientele for NCL - they want you back and will do what they can to keep your business.

Amy

[Linda the Book Lover]

This is exactly how DW and I feel. We will not sail on the newer builds unless were are in The Haven. But, we feel that the older Jewel Class complex leaves something to be desired. You constantly have to leave it (no private lounge, bar, or restaurant). Yes, you have the ability to eat at Cagney's, and the Star bar is set up as a concierge lounge, but yet again, you have to leave.

 

Yep, another vote for Haven only on the larger ships. We stay in a suite on the smaller ships as there is no restaurant for dinner or other amenities as the larger ships have.