First timer on Norwegian Gateway - Questions about Haven

[kfnesq]

We (my husband and I) are on Gateway Sept 11 - 18 from Miami. We have only been on Royal Caribbean before, so that's all I have to compare to. A lot of the reviews I have read seem to indicate that this ship is very crowded in the common areas, especially at the pool, etc. While I like cruising a lot, I am admittedly NOT a crowds person . On RCCL they have separate areas for adults only (solarium for example) which is a lot of times where I will go to read, etc.

I'm wondering if a) Gateway really is that noticeably crowded more than other ships and b) if I should upgrade to the Haven for the additional access to those locations. We are currently in a large balcony mini-suite (balcony is VERY important to me, which is why I wanted a larger one). It looks like in order to get a similar balcony in the Haven I have to go with a Penthouse (exponentially more expensive).

So, any thoughts from you experienced cruisers is most appreciated. I'm not adverse to paying to upgrade, but since it's A LOT (at least right now it is), I don't want to do it unless I'm pretty sure about it. Thanks so much for your thoughts.

[Jenjer]

We go back and forth between RCCl and NCL. I also hate crowds but my family loves all the stuff that big ships offer. The pool deck on NCL is more crowded on RCL but everything else is about the same. There are super busy crowded times, after shows let out during parties, all of muster. I know its temporary and just part of a cruise vacation.

 

We have stayed in the Mini with a large balcony on Getaway and the balcony is amazing. To avoid the crowds I got a Thermal spa pass and spent most of my time there. Its a lot like the Solarium but better. It costs around 199 per person for the week. No bar in it but you can always bring a drink in. Never crowded and peaceful.

 

A Haven penthouse will not give you the balcony you want at all. You would need to get a Haven Aft suite. With that you will have access to the much less crowded Haven pool restaurant, lounge and sundecks.

 

Our cruise next month on Escape is in a Haven 2 bed 2 bath and I can not wait. I plan on just chilling in the Haven courtyard all week long. The Haven is amazing but it can be a large price jump.

 

Here is spreadsheet with all the Breakaway Cabins and balcony size and pictures it might help you choose a room. I didn't put it together but its super helpful. The décor is different from Breakaway to Getaway but the cabins are the same.

 

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/10YW7fMQarer30UCHKqKJ_zLDmbyMTczCTtYf2XRflh8/pub?single=true&gid=0&output=html

[Kfamilycruise]

You can get access to Vibe -- adults only beach club that is not crowded. You have to pay extra, but I understand it is worth it. There is also Spice H2O, which is adults only,and you don't have to pay extra for, but I don't believe there are hot tubs there? Not positiv on that one. I only felt crowded at the pool on the a Getaway, but frankly, it didn't bother me and I am not a crowds person. I found a lounge chair kind of away from the pool and just enjoyed from there. Another option are the aft balcony haven suites. Not in Haven itself and huge balconies -- so best of both worlds. Lots of options. Have a great trip!

[kfnesq]

Wow. Thanks for the information, there is more available than I thought. After doing some searches and research I have almost sold myself on the Haven. And the Aft Suites look amazing....as is the cost, haha! A couple follow-up questions. If I do book the Haven, do I then NOT have to concern myself with booking specialty restaurants way in advance (as I've been told we need to) since I can possibly utilize the concierge or butler to assist with that? Also, the thermal suite sounds heavenly as well--I read that I can pre-book this, although I don't seem to have that option in my reservation. Is it only available 90 days out maybe? And is it overkill if I have Haven access AND thermal suite...?

Last, I would assume Haven suites typically sell out so if I really want one, I should NOT wait until closer to departure and see if I can upgrade for potentially cheaper...? Thanks again; I appreciate you indulging my questions!

[goducs]

We did an upsell from a GTY Mini Suite to an Aft Penthouse on the Getaway. It was $750pp more. Our room total not including anything was $1899pp. Add taxes and promo packages. We carried over the two promos that we had with the mini, but weren't allowed to get the other two that come with the Haven. No loss for us as the discount was more than enough.

Just something to think about. We did our upsell about 25 days out.

We're really excited about all that our Haven suite offers as well as all the other Haven amenities.

 

I will add that we're not crowd people either, so having the large balcony and the Haven sundeck areas to hangout will make our cruise more enjoyable.

Edited May 26, 2016 by goducs

[Kfamilycruise]

You should book what you would be happiest with if you have no other options. There are also haven spa suites, but again with smaller balconies.

 

Yes, there are sometimes upsell opportunities closer to sailing, but then you won't get all of the promos that are available now -- you'll get to keep what you have, but if you are ok with purchasing haven, do it now to make sure you get the rooms you want -- they may not be available closer in.

 

Having said that, we actually did an upsell at 27 days out. We went from balcony to aft penthouse and can't wait. If I didn't get haven, I was going to do thermal suite, but now that I have it, I'm not going to do both since it is so cost prohibitive.

[Jenjer]

You can prebook the spa at the 90 day mark or 100 day mark in the Haven. Is it over kill that's up to where you see yourself spending your days. A spa suite is a wonderful way for it to be included but you loose your big balcony.

 

If you wait and try of a Upsell you keep your original booking promos if you rebook you get all of the promos.

 

The concierge will do what he can but he can not make a restaurant bigger so I would defiantly prebook any place you really want to eat in. Especially Cagney's and Teppanyaki they tend to be the hardest to get in.

[DrNora]

Wow. Thanks for the information, there is more available than I thought. After doing some searches and research I have almost sold myself on the Haven. And the Aft Suites look amazing....as is the cost, haha! A couple follow-up questions. If I do book the Haven, do I then NOT have to concern myself with booking specialty restaurants way in advance (as I've been told we need to) since I can possibly utilize the concierge or butler to assist with that? Also, the thermal suite sounds heavenly as well--I read that I can pre-book this, although I don't seem to have that option in my reservation. Is it only available 90 days out maybe? And is it overkill if I have Haven access AND thermal suite...?

Last, I would assume Haven suites typically sell out so if I really want one, I should NOT wait until closer to departure and see if I can upgrade for potentially cheaper...? Thanks again; I appreciate you indulging my questions!

There were a ton of suites available yesterday on that cruise. Keep your eye on them and call upsell when they begin to dwindle, if they do. It is past final payment for suites that date -you would probably have to pay the going rate as you are not yet in final payment with your present cabin. There are several websites out there that will monitor price changes for you as well, but I would be more concerned with availability as there has been no downward suite price movement on those dates( we may be sailing with you!)

 

The balcony size in ALL in Haven units and spa suites as well as the FFP are teeny weeny. The exception is the DOS and the Aft penthouse. The aft PH is today is 3200 each plus fees, comes to 6670.I checked this morning.YOu do get the perks, but the price difference from a mini suite is staggering.

 

Thermal suite- remember that you have four stops on this cruise. MAke sure you will get enough use out of it to warrant purchase. There are only 2 sea days.I know that my husband would get his money's worth but I would not. We have purchased individual day passes on previous cruises.

 

I have booked a large aft balcony on the 25th of September cruise but may switch to your cruise before my final payment . Suite prices are insane for the September 25 cruise as well. No way is the Haven worth the extra 3600 for us for a port intensive cruise. This will be our first time in a non Haven cabin, but we love Getaway and see no need to upgrade unless there is a big drop. There is so much to do at night- we love Howl at the Moon and have a blast at the casino and other venues. The large balcony cabin that we have has a great views and is pretty private.

 

The HAven is really nice, but our last 3 cruises have been on Getaway and the pool area in the Haven was taken over by large families with many kids. It was not peaceful. My teens played cards in the lounge, we had dinner there once and several a breakfasts but that was it. The concierge did make us a dinner reservation one night when we needed to switch.

 

I have read here that if you see a big price drop after your final payment that you may be able to get some of the difference in OBC . I have never had a price drop on a cabin that we booked so I have zero experience with this.

 

YOu will love Getaway either way!

Edited May 26, 2016 by DrNora

[kfnesq]

Yeah, we are currently in a large balcony mini-suite (the large balcony aft ones were already sold out unfortunately). I too say the $6600 price tag for the Haven suite, which is....nuts. I may just wait and see if there is an upsell available closer to sail time. If so, then ok. I have a read a few reviews where people got that cabin for an extra $750pp, which would be much more reasonable than what (for me) amounts to over $3k more than what I paid for what we already have (which includes $100 onboard credit, UBP, and 3 nights of specialty dining).

One other thing I did not mention is that my husband scuba dives and I do not, so in ports he will be doing that. I also will probably book an excursion or two for myself, but may be spending more time on the ship (by myself, so to speak) which is another reason I want to be sure I have places to go that I will enjoy/be able to relax.

[Two Wheels Only]

It seems that staying where you are and getting a week long Spa pass is the best option based on cost.

 

With your balcony preferences, the Haven aft-facing is your best/only option but keep in mind that different decks have a different sized balcony. You may get one of the smaller aft-facing H6s if they are the only ones available.

 

The Haven is GREAT but if you didn't book it to begin with, you probably didn't feel that it was that important to you.

[goducs]

We're on deck 13 aft H6. The balcony is still huge by ship standards. It has 2 loungers, 2 chairs and a table with chairs. Even though that's small by aft standards it's still way, way bigger than most all on the GA.

It was a tough call for us too with the GA having 4 port days. But we probably won't even do much in 2 of the ports so we'll be back on the ship way sooner. That means more time to sit and enjoy our deck and room. If we had a smaller room and tiny balcony then I think we would be more inclined to do more off the ship. But as of now not a lot appeals to us. Sitting out on the balcony sipping on some drinks enjoying the day is more appealing.

I guess it mostly depends on where you want to spend your time on the cruise.

[LovetheCubs]

 

Our cruise next month on Escape is in a Haven 2 bed 2 bath and I can not wait. I plan on just chilling in the Haven courtyard all week long. The Haven is amazing but it can be a large price jump.

 

Here is spreadsheet with all the Breakaway Cabins and balcony size and pictures it might help you choose a room. I didn't put it together but its super helpful. The décor is different from Breakaway to Getaway but the cabins are the same.

 

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/10YW7fMQarer30UCHKqKJ_zLDmbyMTczCTtYf2XRflh8/pub?single=true&gid=0&output=html

 

 

We just got off the Escape last Sat and had a 2 bed 2 bath Haven room. Can I just say it is AMAZING!!!!! Enjoy it is truely heavenly!!