Is The Haven really needed?

[NewbieAce]

We just sailed for the first time on The Breakaway 9/18-9/25. I heard a lot of people making sarcastic comments about the Haven and just assumed it was jealousy at first...however, I quickly realized where the hostility was coming from.

 

For Embarkation they block an entire elevator (with Red Velvet ropes and a NCL employee) Just for THE HAVEN people.

 

At ALL shows (Free and Paid) they have the Red velvet ropes and NCL Employee blocking off 4-5 Rows in the theater. Once the show starts they remove the Ropes on the rows that No Haven people chose to sit in, but leave the ropes on the rows where they did, even if only 2 people sat in the entire row.

 

 

We paid for the Jungle Fantasy show and arrived an hour early, along with 4 other couples. 20 Mins prior to the doors opening an NCL employee came out and asked us all to move to a hallway out of site of the entrance to allow The Haven people to enter first without us being seen. Several people made comments about that, it was pretty insulting.

 

The Haven people also have a special line for Customs that allows them to skip the entire line.

 

It gets to the point of being insulting to the rest of the people that paid only slightly less than The Haven members...

 

Anyone else feel that way?

[blackwing]

Sometimes the pricing on the Haven is three times as much as a balcony room. So they are paying quite a bit more for the privilege of the special treatment.

 

I don't resent them at all. I'm not 100% sure what your question is. "Is the Haven really needed?" If your question is, "is it necessary for me to stay in the Haven" then I would say, absolutely not. You can have a fantastic cruise experience without it. If your question is "should they get rid of the Haven", well, it's obvious they won't. It's like first class on an airplane. Some people have the money and are willing to spend it for the extra comfort and treatment.

[NewbieAce]

For what I paid, I could have purchased a Haven room for less than $1000 more.

 

I assumed the Extra cost covered all the things the Haven area offers them (private dining, Nicer rooms, 24 hour butler, private pool/hot tubs etc)....

 

I did NOT expect to be treated as if we were Beneath them for Public shows and areas that we PAID the same price to see!

[blackwing]

I guess pricing is variable, if it's not that much more and these kinds of things bother you, then book in the Haven next time.

 

It's not like they block out an entire theater for them. It's a few rows, on the wings of the theater, and as you said, nobody sits there. So just wait until 10 minutes before the show and sit in those seats if you want.

 

I do know that Haven guests get escorted off the ship and skip the lines for elevators etc. at embarkation and ports, but as you said, that's part of what they are paying for.

[westcoastman]

For what I paid, I could have purchased a Haven room for less than $1000 more.

 

I assumed the Extra cost covered all the things the Haven area offers them (private dining, Nicer rooms, 24 hour butler, private pool/hot tubs etc)....

 

I did NOT expect to be treated as if we were Beneath them for Public shows and areas that we PAID the same price to see!

 

For $1000 more paid rate you should have booked the Haven as it should be significantly more expensive and includes many benefits such as all the promo perks. That would be a good price even for an upsell. There is nothing different than what the airlines and hotels do but I know the airlines will allow you to stand and block the velvet ropes when first class boards if you are at the airport early. Haven guests come to expect this treatment OR you will be reading complaints on here about how non Haven guests were allowed to sneak into the show with Haven guests during the early seating.

[NLH Arizona]

I cruise in a suite, but a non-Haven suite (as nice as the Haven is, it is just not my style), but I feel that those in the Haven pay a lot for not only their cabin, but for certain privileges. If someone is willing to pay $6,500 for a Haven suite versus someone paying $1,300 for an inside cabin (this would be for my December 2017 cruise), then they deserve the perks.

 

I do feel that your example of the Jungle Fantasy was unnecessary. Why you had to move out of sight of the entrance was pretty petty on NCL's part and really served no purpose IMHO.

 

There are a lot of things where folks who pay more get extra perks, like first class passengers boarding prior to coach, etc., but I would really think that those who really have an issue with it are wishing they were in the Haven.

 

More cruise lines are following NCL and adding special suite areas/restaurants, so I don't think it is something that will go away.

[TheDougOut]

My experience has always been the opposite... impressed how out-of-sight the haven experience is. I think NCL does a great job of offering an "exclusive" experience without flaunting it to other passengers.

 

BTW, my favorite seat in the theatre is the row in front of the Haven section. I always figure they're jealous of my primo seat. :)

[paulh84]

If NCL is getting anywhere close to the 200-300%+ fares charged for these cabins over a regular balcony, it has to be a cash cow for them. On a per passenger basis, the cost of the concierge, butler, etc. cannot be significantly more than non-haven passenger. The 'exclusivity' perks as basically free to the cruise line. Roping off theater rows, private elevators, escorts and the like cost next to nothing.

 

From a passenger perspective, some people are willing to spend a lot for that exclusivity and service. Just like first class on an international flight, the service can sometimes borderline obnoxious and ostenatious in the eyes of other passengers. A year or so ago I was on a flight connection and got taken to my next aircraft in an Escalade by driving on the tarmac then escorted to my seat on my new flight. While that's far from the norm for me, there are people out there who will shell out a lot of money for that kind of treatment.

[DMH15]

We just sailed for the first time on The Breakaway 9/18-9/25. I heard a lot of people making sarcastic comments about the Haven and just assumed it was jealousy at first...however, I quickly realized where the hostility was coming from.

 

 

 

For Embarkation they block an entire elevator (with Red Velvet ropes and a NCL employee) Just for THE HAVEN people.

 

 

 

At ALL shows (Free and Paid) they have the Red velvet ropes and NCL Employee blocking off 4-5 Rows in the theater. Once the show starts they remove the Ropes on the rows that No Haven people chose to sit in, but leave the ropes on the rows where they did, even if only 2 people sat in the entire row.

 

 

 

 

 

We paid for the Jungle Fantasy show and arrived an hour early, along with 4 other couples. 20 Mins prior to the doors opening an NCL employee came out and asked us all to move to a hallway out of site of the entrance to allow The Haven people to enter first without us being seen. Several people made comments about that, it was pretty insulting.

 

 

 

The Haven people also have a special line for Customs that allows them to skip the entire line.

 

 

 

It gets to the point of being insulting to the rest of the people that paid only slightly less than The Haven members...

 

 

 

Anyone else feel that way?

 

 

I have cruised both ways.

 

No, I do not feel that way.

 

NCL is appealing to a wide demographic. From those travelling on a budget to those who wish to indulge.

 

Even on Carnival you see the Suites and VIPs board first.

 

NCL is reflective of the real world. There will always be VIPs. Think "fastpass" at Disney.

 

 

 

 

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[Two Wheels Only]

For Embarkation they block an entire elevator (with Red Velvet ropes and a NCL employee) Just for THE HAVEN people.

This is known as priority embarkation . The 15 other elevators are for everyone else.

 

At ALL shows (Free and Paid) they have the Red velvet ropes and NCL Employee blocking off 4-5 Rows in the theater. Once the show starts they remove the Ropes on the rows that No Haven people chose to sit in, but leave the ropes on the rows where they did, even if only 2 people sat in the entire row.

This is known as priority seating.

 

 

We paid for the Jungle Fantasy show and arrived an hour early, along with 4 other couples. 20 Mins prior to the doors opening an NCL employee came out and asked us all to move to a hallway out of site of the entrance to allow The Haven people to enter first without us being seen. Several people made comments about that, it was pretty insulting.

This is because you weren't supposed to let yourself in and sit down. The same way that you couldn't just walk onto the ship whenever you wanted during embarkation.

 

The Haven people also have a special line for Customs that allows them to skip the entire line.

This is known as priority disembarkation.

 

It gets to the point of being insulting to the rest of the people that paid only slightly less than The Haven members...

Imagine how it would be insulting if Haven guests who paid more were treated the same as those who didn't pay to be Haven guests.

 

Anyone else feel that way?

The solution is simple. Book a Haven suite on your next cruise and see if you feel that the added cost is worth it. If it is, you may feel differently about the Haven experience.

[DMH15]

For what I paid, I could have purchased a Haven room for less than $1000 more.

 

 

 

I assumed the Extra cost covered all the things the Haven area offers them (private dining, Nicer rooms, 24 hour butler, private pool/hot tubs etc)....

 

 

 

I did NOT expect to be treated as if we were Beneath them for Public shows and areas that we PAID the same price to see!

 

 

Oh, now I get it. YOU don't haven a problem with the system if YOU were Haven. LOL.

 

Also, don't forget Haven guests have the added expense of tips for Butler, Concierge and Courtyard Butler.

 

 

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[Ranger719]

Unless something has changed within the past couple of weeks I don't believe there is any priority line for customs ...no matter who you are ...there certainly is priority disembarkation but once you're off the ship everyone is the same

 

 

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[monkeybone]

I have sailed both ways as well.

 

Yes Haven boards first as well as disabled passengers.

 

Then you have Casino at Sea passengers, Platinum and so on...

 

As far as the main theater seating goes they are not great seats. I had better seats when I got there early and was in a mini suite.

 

The dinner theater you can pay for VIP seating, If you did not then Haven and people who did pay for VIP will get better seats. If you get there early you may luck out and get front row, My friends did on the BA and they were in an inside cabin.

 

I didn't get any special line for customs last cruise when I stayed in the Haven.

 

I have been in suites on RCCL, Carnival and NCL. Suite passengers board first on all.

 

To answer your question: No the Haven is not needed.

Edited September 29, 2016 by monkeybone

[Brighton Line]

I just did an upsell for $1k for two to a H5 from BD, first time "in" the Haven but I've sailed in rear facing suites paying outright when suites were less expensive a few years ago.

 

Yes I did it for the exclusivity, no fighting chogs, my own restaurant with personal service. I like eating in my room on occasion, nice to have the butler bring the food. Separate steam and sauna room, etc.

 

Yah it costs me the $1k and additional "Tips" on top of that but this is a combined DW Birthday/Anniversary so we are going to go 1st class.

 

You forgot the parties with the officers (free booze), free booze in at some cabin levels (not on an upsell), extra Latitude points, fruit basket... I'm sure I am leaving out other perks.

Please stay behind the velvet rope, thank you ;)

[detroitlions]

I cruise in a suite, but a non-Haven suite (as nice as the Haven is, it is just not my style), but I feel that those in the Haven pay a lot for not only their cabin, but for certain privileges. If someone is willing to pay $6,500 for a Haven suite versus someone paying $1,300 for an inside cabin (this would be for my December 2017 cruise), then they deserve the perks.

 

I do feel that your example of the Jungle Fantasy was unnecessary. Why you had to move out of sight of the entrance was pretty petty on NCL's part and really served no purpose IMHO.

 

There are a lot of things where folks who pay more get extra perks, like first class passengers boarding prior to coach, etc., but I would really think that those who really have an issue with it are wishing they were in the Haven.

 

More cruise lines are following NCL and adding special suite areas/restaurants, so I don't think it is something that will go away.

I do not think NCL is getting much Haven rooms sold until they discount them. I have been on quite a few cruises and all of them in the busy season. I have been offered a discount up sell on all of my cruises.

 

You also can tell by the way folks on here clamor over up sells.

 

I always check rooms after I book these haven rooms seem to be empty until 3 months out of the cruise then they start booking fast.

 

That is when they start sending email and calls for discount suites and to be honest knowing this I have never paid full price but the new bid system is going to price a lot of the folks on here out of the haven.

You know they did not start this Bid system to lose money they are trying to get the haven sold with out deep discounts.

[Peachypooh]

There are all sorts of reasons people book the Haven. Some people (even though people with disabilities are usually shown courtesy) want to know for sure they are not going to have to stand in lines due to infirmity.

Edited September 29, 2016 by Peachypooh

[Starflyr3]

I get where you're coming from. We sailed first ship with a Haven in a Minisuite. I also saw all the priority stuff. I decided the that we would sail Haven after that.

 

IMO, you get what you pay for.

[detroitlions]

I just did an upsell for $1k for two to a H5 from BD, first time "in" the Haven but I've sailed in rear facing suites paying outright when suites were less expensive a few years ago.

 

Yes I did it for the exclusivity, no fighting chogs, my own restaurant with personal service. I like eating in my room on occasion, nice to have the butler bring the food. Separate steam and sauna room, etc.

 

Yah it costs me the $1k and additional "Tips" on top of that but this is a combined DW Birthday/Anniversary so we are going to go 1st class.

 

You forgot the parties with the officers (free booze), free booze in at some cabin levels (not on an upsell), extra Latitude points, fruit basket... I'm sure I am leaving out other perks.

Please stay behind the velvet rope, thank you ;)

If you did not get a up sell would you still be in the haven?

Or would DW be on the other side of the velvet rope on her Birthday?

[detroitlions]

Oh, now I get it. YOU don't haven a problem with the system if YOU were Haven. LOL.

 

Also, don't forget Haven guests have the added expense of tips for Butler, Concierge and Courtyard Butler.

 

 

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You always slip that in there.

Honestly I don't think most folks on here (that always bring it up) tip like they say they do I just find it funny how often it is put out there.

And telling folks where your tips go is really strange I tip with no problem its part of life I do not make it a conversation its like talking about your electric bill.... Borrrrring.

[NLH Arizona]

I do not think NCL is getting much Haven rooms sold until they discount them. I have been on quite a few cruises and all of them in the busy season. I have been offered a discount up sell on all of my cruises.

 

You also can tell by the way folks on here clamor over up sells.

 

I always check rooms after I book these haven rooms seem to be empty until 3 months out of the cruise then they start booking fast.

 

That is when they start sending email and calls for discount suites and to be honest knowing this I have never paid full price but the new bid system is going to price a lot of the folks on here out of the haven.

You know they did not start this Bid system to lose money they are trying to get the haven sold with out deep discounts.

Thank you for this information, but it doesn't really change my opinion as to if the Haven is really needed or not.

 

As I've said, if the bidding system is a success and they make additional revenue off of it, they will probably discontinue the upsell process and that will stop all the calls wanting upsells. BTW, I've never done an upsell, because I'm always satisfied with the cabins I book.

Edited September 29, 2016 by NLH Arizona

[KeithJenner]

My experience has always been the opposite... impressed how out-of-sight the haven experience is. I think NCL does a great job of offering an "exclusive" experience without flaunting it to other passengers.

 

 

Absolutely this.

 

It is an extremely rare occasion that I even notice that the Haven is there. It is just something that never affects us at all during a cruise.

 

It sounds like the OP was on a cruise where someone involved with the Haven was going out of their way to show how much better the Haven people were treated. I have no idea why that would be, but it is the complete opposite of my experiences.

[Tasm3n]

We are sailing Haven on our upcoming cruise. We booked it because we wanted more space and are willing to pay extra to stand in less lines. That's something of value to us. So is it necessary? Absolutely.

[Ktuluorion]

I'm not 100% sure why OP doesn't book the Haven if these things are a big deal to them?

 

Personally, I really enjoy being spoiled and getting the extra service. I'd rather it be there and you can pay to play if you choose than to not have the ability to be treated better than the "peasants."

[MickeyDs]

We just sailed for the first time on The Breakaway 9/18-9/25. I heard a lot of people making sarcastic comments about the Haven and just assumed it was jealousy at first...however, I quickly realized where the hostility was coming from.

 

For Embarkation they block an entire elevator (with Red Velvet ropes and a NCL employee) Just for THE HAVEN people.

 

At ALL shows (Free and Paid) they have the Red velvet ropes and NCL Employee blocking off 4-5 Rows in the theater. Once the show starts they remove the Ropes on the rows that No Haven people chose to sit in, but leave the ropes on the rows where they did, even if only 2 people sat in the entire row.

 

 

We paid for the Jungle Fantasy show and arrived an hour early, along with 4 other couples. 20 Mins prior to the doors opening an NCL employee came out and asked us all to move to a hallway out of site of the entrance to allow The Haven people to enter first without us being seen. Several people made comments about that, it was pretty insulting.

 

The Haven people also have a special line for Customs that allows them to skip the entire line.

 

It gets to the point of being insulting to the rest of the people that paid only slightly less than The Haven members...

 

Anyone else feel that way?

 

1. There's no "special line" for customs. US CBP doesn't care which citizens are haven or not.

2. The cost of the Haven is generally 2x, 3x pp of a Balcony. Some get up sells and some do not. I know most of the Haven is booked for my upcoming cruise and the up sells haven't begun. You may consider is "slightly less" but that's your POV.

3. You paid for the Jungle Fantasy show just like the Haven guests. The Haven guests paid for the luxury of arriving whenever they please and getting priority over other cruisers. If you value your time as much as it would cost to upgrade to the Haven then you should do it. But you seem to be fine with waiting in line.

4. Yes, they rope off a section for shows. I don't even bother booking a show because I can have the concierge escort me down. My wife and I paid for that privilege, as we value our time to that extent.

 

The Haven isn't simply about a slightly larger room, it's the overall experience of not worrying about lines, priority or anything else. We're about to go on our second cruise ever. We would rather sail once every few years in the Haven rather than sail every year in an inside. Others have the opposite view. It's everyone's personal choice on what they value.

[Seafan22]

I get what you're saying, and I would probably feel as you did on the spot. But in the big picture I feel like this; the more "luxury boxes" they can sell at higher prices, the greater the chance is they are able to meet their budget and not raise the price on my room.

 

When on vacation I try not to sweat the small stuff. I don’t take any of it personal, even though it’s easy to.