Haven, Nickel and Dime?

[needmorevacations]

I'm trying to decide whether to book NCL, Royal, or Celebrity.. higher end suite regardless. I love the energy of larger ships but absolutely hate the tackiness of every thing being an upcharge and being pitched at every corner. Personally prefer to pay upfront in one way or another.

 

Celebrity was wonderful in that most everything was quietly comped and the experience was always more refined because of it. That being said, there is far less to comp on Celebrity than NCL and Royal.

 

What is the experience like when staying in the Haven when it comes to experiences outside the 'bubble'? Are specialty restaurants comped? If you have the promo packages are you still pressed to spend more for 'upcharge' entrees or certain restaurants? Activities/shows/events, do you get free passes? Are things just removed on your bill at the end? Do staff outside the haven recognize if you're in a top suite?

 

Any idea how it compares with Royal in the same regard?

 

Thanks!

Edited May 3, 2016 by needmorevacations

[Leavethekidswithmom]

So you want to know about nickel and dimming and the Haven!?[emoji6]

[janpo]

You can always have a t-shirt made that says, I'm in the top suite in the Haven if you want everyone to know outside the "bubble".

[KweezyCruiser]

These days, with the multiple promos for Haven guests, there is little feeling of nickel and dining. Between the dining and beverage packages and the Internet deal, i ended up with almost no additional onboard expenses. There was no push to any higher priced meals or drinks.

[blackwing]

If you want to venture outside the bubble and lower yourself to slum it with the "little people", from what I saw, being in the Haven doesn't let you cut the line at the buffet, get you to the front of the line at the ropes course, or secure a seat at a packed bar. In the theater, they usually have two rows reserved for people in the Haven but I rarely saw anyone sitting there, they aren't in the front, they are about halfway up and on the sides.

 

I suppose you could ask your concierge to get you a "skip the ropes course line", but I didn't see anyone doing it.

[pmk515]

You can always have a t-shirt made that says, I'm in the top suite in the Haven if you want everyone to know outside the "bubble".

 

"I paid for a Haven Suite and all I got was this lousy t-shirt!"

[ColinIllinois]

Click on the promo you would be receiving on the promo page. Scroll down to the Terms and Conditions link at the bottom of the page. You can see there what is included in the drink and dining packages. It's the same for everyone. That way you know what to expect and you know what is an up charge and what is included. The Haven has it's own restaurant and gets very good reviews.

 

 

Although it's not my cup of tea the suite life on NCL gets excellent reviews. Definitely worth a try.

[Diane123boys]

 

Celebrity was wonderful in that most everything was quietly comped and the experience was always more refined because of it. That being said, there is far less to comp on Celebrity than NCL and Royal.

 

What is the experience like when staying in the Haven when it comes to experiences outside the 'bubble'? Are specialty restaurants comped? If you have the promo packages are you still pressed to spend more for 'upcharge' entrees or certain restaurants? Activities/shows/events, do you get free passes? Are things just removed on your bill at the end? Do staff outside the haven recognize if you're in a top suite?

 

Any idea how it compares with Royal in the same regard?

 

Thanks!

 

I am thinking you may be more happy on Celebrity in your bubble and away from us "other " haven cruisers that dont care if we have a comp meal or front row seats. :rolleyes:

[needmorevacations]

I am thinking you may be more happy on Celebrity in your bubble and away from us "other " haven cruisers that dont care if we have a comp meal or front row seats. :rolleyes:

 

Honestly it has nothing to due with enjoying a bubble. I just prefer to not pay extra around all corners of a vacation.. and I enjoy customer service at a very high level when promised so. It has nothing to do with wanting to skip past people in a line or a show.

 

Thank you to others who were more helpful.

[bobg529]

"I paid for a Haven Suite and all I got was this lousy t-shirt!"

 

 

I need to get one of these printed, lol...[emoji23]

[NLH Arizona]

Honestly it has nothing to due with enjoying a bubble. I just prefer to not pay extra around all corners of a vacation.. and I enjoy customer service at a very high level when promised so. It has nothing to do with wanting to skip past people in a line or a show.

 

Thank you to others who were more helpful.

As someone who cruises both NCL and Celebrity, I do feel (based on your comments and your wants/needs) that you should stay with Celebrity. Edited May 3, 2016 by NLH Arizona

[Ctrinh225]

I'm trying to decide whether to book NCL, Royal, or Celebrity.. higher end suite regardless. I love the energy of larger ships but absolutely hate the tackiness of every thing being an upcharge and being pitched at every corner. Personally prefer to pay upfront in one way or another.

 

Celebrity was wonderful in that most everything was quietly comped and the experience was always more refined because of it. That being said, there is far less to comp on Celebrity than NCL and Royal.

 

What is the experience like when staying in the Haven when it comes to experiences outside the 'bubble'? Are specialty restaurants comped? If you have the promo packages are you still pressed to spend more for 'upcharge' entrees or certain restaurants? Activities/shows/events, do you get free passes? Are things just removed on your bill at the end? Do staff outside the haven recognize if you're in a top suite?

 

Any idea how it compares with Royal in the same regard?

 

Thanks!

 

 

 

I've have not tried Celebrity bc it's way way overprice. I've been on RCL Grand Suite and the NCL Escape Haven. The Havens by far beats the suite concept out of the water (even though I just heard about Yatch Club on MSC is better). It's a ship within a ship concept. Pretty much everything is included. I usually prepay everything anyways (DSC, extra OBC). The only thing I bring is cash for my gambling habit and tips for butler/concierge and all crew who made my trip Wonderful! I actually use my extra OBC to buy the Cruise Next and gifts. My balance was zero. Give it a try... Happy Cruising!

[blackwing]

Honestly it has nothing to due with enjoying a bubble. I just prefer to not pay extra around all corners of a vacation.. and I enjoy customer service at a very high level when promised so. It has nothing to do with wanting to skip past people in a line or a show.

 

Thank you to others who were more helpful.

OK, but you also said "Activities/shows/events, do you get free passes? Are things just removed on your bill at the end? Do staff outside the haven recognize if you're in a top suite?"

 

You seem to want all of the staff onboard to recognise you for being in the Haven and want them to offer to serve you like a movie star. I think you'd probably be more happy on a private yacht. :D

[DMH15]

As a suite cruiser myself, and I do love the perks, while in the haven or suite venue on the Jewel and Dawn class that have suites as well as haven suites, you are in a bit of a bubble, to the extent you want to be.

 

Venture out of that atmosphere, you are pretty much like everybody else, unless you are with the Concierge, on a tour or a fast-off the ship.

 

I don't mind the add-ons. I sign for what I want and don't for what I don't. Being in a suite and platinum gives me a lot of what I would pay extra for. And with receiving all the packages that adds a lot of value without having to add-on. For instance, I used to always do a bar set-up but now I have UBP on my next cruise so that is taken care of. I also love the specialty restaurants and Chef's Table. As much for the atmosphere as the food. I have the UDP on my next cruise so again, that is taken care of too.

 

I have also cruised Celebrity and I agree, you might be happier there based on your desires.

[Merriem]

I'm trying to decide whether to book NCL, Royal, or Celebrity.. higher end suite regardless. I love the energy of larger ships but absolutely hate the tackiness of every thing being an upcharge and being pitched at every corner. Personally prefer to pay upfront in one way or another.

 

Celebrity was wonderful in that most everything was quietly comped and the experience was always more refined because of it. That being said, there is far less to comp on Celebrity than NCL and Royal.

 

What is the experience like when staying in the Haven when it comes to experiences outside the 'bubble'? Are specialty restaurants comped? If you have the promo packages are you still pressed to spend more for 'upcharge' entrees or certain restaurants? Activities/shows/events, do you get free passes? Are things just removed on your bill at the end? Do staff outside the haven recognize if you're in a top suite?

 

Any idea how it compares with Royal in the same regard?

 

Thanks!

 

Having been in the DOS on the Breakaway, for the value, I would vote for Celebrity.

 

I booked an Alaska cruise in September in a suite, and it was half the price of another NCL ship.. I received free unlimited internet, the top drink package, gratuities , the private dining room, and an OBC from Celebrity as well as my TA.

 

The Breakaway was nice, and our suite was beautiful, but I know you can get a better price on Celebrity with a better atmosphere. Additionally their ships do not permit smoking even in the casino.

 

NCL has really skimped on the perks lately and raised their prices.

[Va. Plumber]

Just to answer part of the OPs questions:

 

Yes, they know who you are when you dine in the specialty restaurants or the MDRs. This is the case whether you use the concierge for reservations or not. They swipe you card which tells them.

 

Not sure what that gets you except you might get a table a little sooner.

[sjbdtz]

OP: If you book during the promos, you'd get Unlimited Beverages, 250 mins internet, $50/port shore Excursion credit, etc.

 

If you had booked a week ago, you would also have received 3 specialty restaurant meals.

 

 

Beyond those promos, the only things waived fee-wise for Haven are the gratuities levied on the UBP.

 

 

Everything else is designed on NCL so you don't have to pay for a lot of things you don't use/do/need. Pay for what you want, customize your vacation by enjoying a bottle of wine a la carte - rather than having it built into your cruise fare.

 

Or dine in a specialty restaurant (or not). Only pay for it, if you choose to do it.

 

 

Ultimately the only time you need to worry about the idea of add-ons is when you sign the chit saying you were there.

 

 

Nobody is walking around hawking dinners at Le Bistro....ONLY $25...buy now.

 

The experience is much more discreet than it was several years ago, with drink servers continuously trying to get you to buy more, and those silly lottery ticket things they used to sell at the show.

 

 

Yes, you can pick up a bottle of water before your shore excursion, at the water desk. Yes, there's a charge for it. No, it's not 'in your face'.

 

 

 

Stephen

 

.

[rockdoctor]

There was a story on affluent travel recently in the NYT. If you are like me and even think about nickel and diming, NCL doesn't want you in the Haven. You aren't rich enough. Be like us and stick with Celebrity. They appreciate people who have a little extra.

[needmorevacations]

OP: If you book during the promos, you'd get Unlimited Beverages, 250 mins internet, $50/port shore Excursion credit, etc.

 

If you had booked a week ago, you would also have received 3 specialty restaurant meals.

 

 

Beyond those promos, the only things waived fee-wise for Haven are the gratuities levied on the UBP.

 

 

Everything else is designed on NCL so you don't have to pay for a lot of things you don't use/do/need. Pay for what you want, customize your vacation by enjoying a bottle of wine a la carte - rather than having it built into your cruise fare.

 

Or dine in a specialty restaurant (or not). Only pay for it, if you choose to do it.

 

 

Ultimately the only time you need to worry about the idea of add-ons is when you sign the chit saying you were there.

 

 

Nobody is walking around hawking dinners at Le Bistro....ONLY $25...buy now.

 

The experience is much more discreet than it was several years ago, with drink servers continuously trying to get you to buy more, and those silly lottery ticket things they used to sell at the show.

 

 

Yes, you can pick up a bottle of water before your shore excursion, at the water desk. Yes, there's a charge for it. No, it's not 'in your face'.

 

 

 

Stephen

 

.

 

Thank you! And for other's comments as well. It sounds like things have changed alot from years ago, last I sailed on NCL when it was very much about upcharging and pitching as you went around the ship.

 

There was a story on affluent travel recently in the NYT. If you are like me and even think about nickel and diming, NCL doesn't want you in the Haven. You aren't rich enough. Be like us and stick with Celebrity. They appreciate people who have a little extra.

.

 

I don't think it's about people who aren't rich enough to be in the haven. It's about people wanting an all-inclusive experience if they so desire and are willing to pay for it (even if it makes no financial sense, aka doesn't always break even). Drink purchasing is moot it sounds like but, for example, i'd rather pay upfront for all-inclusive and not mentally play a numbers game in my head for drink specials around the ship. It's in my head to do so even though I can afford not to. I just don't want to think that way on vacation. I guess the same can be said for meals/activities/etc.

 

On that note, and I'm sorry for wrapping this in here, but what are the prices for shows and 'adventure' onboard activities (rock climbing/adventure course/etc?)

[LrgPizza]

 

On that note, and I'm sorry for wrapping this in here, but what are the prices for shows and 'adventure' onboard activities (rock climbing/adventure course/etc?)

 

There is no charge for anything "adventure" like that. There will be 1 dinner show that has a charge, but no other entertainment has a charge. No clue what ship you're going to be on, so can't answer exactly, but if you check the website, it will tell you.

[mking8288]

For the most part, even if you booked a balcony or lower like the kettles, there's nothing to prompt you to spend more without your consent on the dotted line & the SeaPass :D Unlike hotels with private tower elevators, there are no dedicated "lifts" for the express ride to the top for the club floor or down to the lobby.

 

If you shop in duty-free or "buy" things in the stores, it's not going to get comp'd or written off just because you are in Haven ... maybe, if you've earned whale status with CAS & the host onboard can take care of some of the extra charges, within your earned limits and as a goodwill ;)

 

Hardly anybody walk around with a Haven lanyard (LOL) or NCL-logo'd polo announcing one's status and expect the red sea to be parted for you - whether it's a ship with 2,500+ pax or 4,700+ pax on the megaships.

 

We typically dined twice in NCL specialty restaurants and it's comp'd b/c of our platinum status and (yes) certain items like lobsters and 32 oz. steak for 2 are with an extra upcharge (no, there's no sales pitch to buy in for it.)

 

Now, if you pre-book and pre-paid all the "extras" options upfront before your Haven sailing, it's all covered ... no half or gold dollars to worry about.

 

If you are looking for 6 stars customer service, NCL's might be adequate but you might want to try Oceania, it's more inclusive ... at a higher starting price tiers, we are getting far too many brochures in the mail from NCLH, who apparently shared the marketing mailing list directly :rolleyes: Two for one cruise sale, free airfares and lots of included perks ... even internet is free & unlimited.

[LrgPizza]

Unless a pompous SOB is announcing loudly that they are in the Haven (which has happened), I've never known on a ship who is in the Haven and who isn't. It's honestly not that big of a deal to anyone, other than perhaps some of the Haven people themselves.

[Into Cruising]

I have seen the snickering and point going on in the elevators, as people notice you selected one of the Haven decks. Not so much the Haven guest being uppity, but the other guest being boorish.

 

I have no need to show off, but I do have a need to go to the correct deck.

[Zimomiller]

Honestly it has nothing to due with enjoying a bubble. I just prefer to not pay extra around all corners of a vacation.. and I enjoy customer service at a very high level when promised so. It has nothing to do with wanting to skip past people in a line or a show.

 

Thank you to others who were more helpful.

 

On our cruise in the Haven on Getaway in January we found that we really had nothing to pay for. We received 300 of OBC and free gratuities as well as the UBP and UDP.

 

I bought the wife some roses for our anniversary dinner and the rest of our OBC was spent goin shoppin to use it up.

 

We exited the ship with a charge to our credit card of ~$30 for the whole week.