Haven vs. Luxury Line

[Wannacruise81]

I was looking at the prices for the Haven rooms which are very expensive and was wondering why would one pick this over the luxury lines like Crystal, SilverSea, etc?

[sanger727]

From what I've read it's just a different experience. Haven is a ship within a ship - you get all the "big ship perks" like professional shows, several dining venues, more activities and space while still having the haven as your private area. I get the impression that the luxury lines have less entertainment and things to do since the ships are smaller.

[European_CruiseGirl]

I agree completely on the previous poster. You get all the variety of a large ship but still your own secluded luxury area.

 

I also think that for some the idea of being "one of the few" is appealing. What I mean by that is that if you book a Haven suite on NCL you are receiving preferential treatment and are one of the few people cruising in a suite. You are a VIP of a kind at NCL. Whereas if you book on a luxury line you are at the same level with everyone else unless you book one of their most expensive suites and those cost $$$$$$$. For some the feeling of being special compared to the rest is important too so hence cruising on NCL on a Haven suite (or any NCL suite that matter) can be more interesting than cruising on a luxury liner and have the same service that the rest of the folks have too.

[JerseyMom]

Personally, I will sail in a suite on NCL but not the Haven (Jewel Class ships). If I am spending 10-20K or more for a cruise, what I don't want is a mass-market experience. I also do not enjoy just sitting around a pool for hours, if I did it might make a difference. While it is true that the luxury lines have fewer entertainment choices (i.e., usually no casinos, "Broadway" type shows, etc.), the "entertainment" is usually of a different nature - i.e., lectures regarding history and/or culture for the ports you are about to visit, classical music performances, less "disco" type music. It is just a different experience and if I am spending that kind of money, the luxury lines are the way I want to go. If I want a less expensive vacation, NCL is a great way to go. Except for the Haven, I feel that NCL offers a very good product for the money.

[BostonGal35]

the luxury ships are predominantly and older crowd with not as much to do. they are also very formal. we like the casual vibe of NCL, the wide range of ages and activities on board.

[Shawnino]

One point is "how much do you want to dress up"? You'll dress up less (or not at all) on NCL.

 

Another is demographics. There are exceptions on every passenger list, but in general luxury lines skew older.

 

 

I don't like dressing up, so that ticks a box in NCL's column for me.

 

 

I also don't consider it a vacation if I'm surrounded by children. So when sailing NCL, I pick the NCL seasonality/routes when I guess that there'll be fewer brats aboard.

 

 

Some people like swarms of children, or have children of their own. NCL, at other times of year, is a perfect pick for them, as the bigger NCL ships have lots of entertainment for the little demons.

[sverigecruiser]

I like that in the Haven all the staff know my name and give me a more personal experience and when I'm tired of that I can leave the Haven and become very anonymous.

 

I'm not interested in having the more personal attention all the time which I assume is how it is on a luxury cruiseline.

[brookie848]

One point is "how much do you want to dress up"? You'll dress up less (or not at all) on NCL.

 

Another is demographics. There are exceptions on every passenger list, but in general luxury lines skew older.

 

We love NCL for the casual dress. That and the demographics/amount of things to do on the ship are why we never give the luxury lines more than just a glance.

 

In reality, we are casual people that don't mind paying a little extra for some service perks and a bigger cabin.

 

We will do our first non-Haven sailing in a couple of weeks (but still in a suite). We will miss the courtyard and the restaurant for dinner, but plan on having a great cruise no matter what.

[JerseyMom]

One point is "how much do you want to dress up"? You'll dress up less (or not at all) on NCL.

 

Another is demographics. There are exceptions on every passenger list, but in general luxury lines skew older.

 

 

I don't like dressing up, so that ticks a box in NCL's column for me.

 

 

I also don't consider it a vacation if I'm surrounded by children. So when sailing NCL, I pick the NCL seasonality/routes when I guess that there'll be fewer brats aboard.

 

 

Some people like swarms of children, or have children of their own. NCL, at other times of year, is a perfect pick for them, as the bigger NCL ships have lots of entertainment for the little demons.

 

These days most luxury lines I am aware of are not that formal. Most are resort casual - that is the way my husband dresses anyway even if he is just hanging around the house - i.e., collared shirt and khakis. Resort casual is also the way I usually dress on NCL so no change in how I pack with the possible exception of one really nice dress and shoes just in case I want to go a little dressier one night. It is true that most upmarket lines do tend to be an older crowd. I am booked on Viking next Fall. They tend to have passengers over 40 and, in fact, they do not even allow minors under the age of 16 to sail. Absolutely nothing for teens to do on board since they do not have a designated teens area so I would expect they have very few, if any, teens or early twenties passengers.

[Cruise a holic]

I would suggest Oceania. Have enjoyed the Haven, only way to sail on NCL, but if you want to dine in specialty restaurants you have to deal with crowds and honestly the food is just fair on NCL in all restaurants. Also the public areas, non Haven are crowded and you will want to see shows etc which also are not great.

 

If you cannot do the Oceania, try Celebrity, the newer ships and get a sky suite or above. Food much better and the ship is nicer- only negative is the entertainment isn't great. Also RCL Oasis class suites another good option.

[Bootman4U]

Oceania does not require people to "dress up." It is hardly "mass market" and the attitude that seems to come with it. The passengers are OLDER, there are more walkers and scooters, the entertainment is definitely of the "less animated" variety. Crystal and Seaborn and all the rest: you GET what you pay for and some people need to pay to make themselves feel somehow..better

[Zenica]

 

I also don't consider it a vacation if I'm surrounded by children. So when sailing NCL, I pick the NCL seasonality/routes when I guess that there'll be fewer brats aboard.

 

 

Some people like swarms of children, or have children of their own. NCL, at other times of year, is a perfect pick for them, as the bigger NCL ships have lots of entertainment for the little demons.

 

A little angry?

 

Many adults behave as or worse than the children you speak so fondly of.

[Enavigo]

the luxury ships are predominantly and older crowd with not as much to do. they are also very formal. we like the casual vibe of NCL, the wide range of ages and activities on board.

 

 

 

A second this. Also, for us the freestyle approach was a big draw to NCL. I'm in a suit all week for work and when I arrive at the office every morning my assistant prints my schedule for the day and then serves as taskmaster, keeping me on schedule and where I need to be. When I'm on vacation that is the last thing I want to happen! Ha

 

I love that we can go where we want when we want with little to no waiting. I love that I can switch or cancel a reservation same day if we're feeling we want something different. We've looked into some luxury lines, but the idea that I HAVE to seat for dinner at 5:30 or 8 just rubs me the wrong way.

 

 

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[Cruise a holic]

A little angry?

 

Many adults behave as or worse than the children you speak so fondly of.

 

I agree that some adults behave badly. I have 9 grandchildren love them and spending time with them. However, if I am on a cruise with my DH and not with the kids, I definitely do not want swarms of kids around me. That is why best not to sail on a ship with many facilities that will attract young children. We wouldn't go on a Disney ship unless we had the kiddies with us- I think if you can sail off season ,or try a line like Celebrity that doesn't cater to kids.

[Shawnino]

A little angry?

 

Many adults behave as or worse than the children you speak so fondly of.

 

More than a little angry. I once explained my position/research on a radio station, to a nice disc jockey named Dr. Fever I believe. Transcript:

 

Dr. Monroe:

My, uh, studies establish without a shadow of a doubt, that children are, by adult standards, insane. And more than a little immature!

Johnny:

And that's bad?

Dr. Monroe:

Well, sure.

Johnny:

Well, so what should we do about it?

Dr. Monroe:

Round the little guttersnipes up.

Johnny:

So, tell me, Doctor. Wh-where did you receive your degree?

Dr. Monroe:

In Long Beach, California, Doctor.

Johnny:

Long Beach State College.

Dr. Monroe:

Oh, ho-ho. No, no, no, no. From a man at the Casa de Soma Apartments.

[davy jones]

A one minute list of differences between luxury line and Haven. Some may be considered as positives or negatives, depending on preferences. Note that all luxury lines now offer open seating for dinner. I am not taking cost into consideration.

 

Smaller ships.

All inclusive.

Improved passenger to space ratio - less crowded

Improved passenger to crew ratio

Better service throughout the ship. Not just limited to suite area.

Gourmet dining.

More formal

Older demographic

Very few children and teens

Fewer entertainment options

Very little nickle and diming

Most have gratuities included

Many have shore excursions included

Varied itineraries.

Can access ports that larger ships can not.

[mjh2w1]

As others have mentioned, it starts with the Freestyle experience for me. I'm on vacation and I don't want to have to wear a suit!

[mafig]

As others have mentioned, most Luxury (or near Luxury ...Azamara and Oceania ....) are resort casual and open seating.

[Two Wheels Only]

Haven (or Yacht Club) offers the best of both worlds.

 

Waterslides, splash area, and now go-karts....check.

Secluded area with personalized service....check.

Ability to wear shorts for dinner in the best restaurant on the ship....check.

Butler who will bring whatever I want to eat from anywhere on the ship....check.

Fun for the entire family....check.

 

Regent Seven Seas Explorer in the Regent Suite vs. NCL Escape or Bliss in an aft-facing suite....Haven wins...for now. Ask me again after all kids are grown and I'm old(er), different answer. :D

[zqvol]

I was looking at the prices for the Haven rooms which are very expensive and was wondering why would one pick this over the luxury lines like Crystal, SilverSea, etc?

 

You wouldn't if you like the luxury lines. There is absolutely no comparison. The Haven experience is nothing like being on a luxury line. From the food to the amenities, they just don't compare, and often the luxury lines are less than the Haven, and are all inclusive, including gratuities. Regent even includes shore excursions in their pricing.

[zqvol]

As others have mentioned, it starts with the Freestyle experience for me. I'm on vacation and I don't want to have to wear a suit!

 

Don't have to do that on most of the luxury lines either.

[chefchick]

Haven (or Yacht Club) offers the best of both worlds.:D

 

I agree with this, but the two products are not comparible because of the size alone. The food, the service, and being able to disembark into port with a few hundred passengers vs a few thousand cannot be underestimated, but there clearly isnt the entertainment choices one can find on the larger ships. And yes, the crowds tend to skew a little older, but it is just as casual and freestyle as you want it to be.

 

 

My husband and I are Seabourn fans. We love the luxury and intimacy of the small ships, but they do come at a price. We were looking to try something different next year, so I booked us in the yatch club on the MSC Seaside. I also considered the Haven, but was surprised at the cost...as much as our last 7 day Seabourn cruise! The Seaside costs literally half as much and they status matched us to their highest level so there will be some added perks. I guess we will see if it's "the best of both worlds" come January.

[POA1]

the luxury ships are predominantly and older crowd with not as much to do. they are also very formal. we like the casual vibe of NCL, the wide range of ages and activities on board.

 

The luxury lines are not formal. They're mostly country club casual. They're dressier than what we saw on the Escape, but it's not full on tuxedos and gowns all the time.

[POA1]

As others have mentioned, most Luxury (or near Luxury ...Azamara and Oceania ....) are resort casual and open seating.

 

They're all open seating. You can make a reservation if you have a big group, but there's not really a need since there aren't nearly as many passengers.

[Two Wheels Only]

I guess we will see if it's "the best of both worlds" come January.

I didn't mean "best" as in best in luxury. Clearly, the Haven and Yacht Club are not the "best" in that area. I meant that they offer both the fun of a mainstream line as well as the service of a luxury line.

 

If someone wants the best in luxury, they should go for a full luxury line. Sorry if that wasn't clear.