What makes it worth and extra $4400.00?

[dexddd]

The only people who think you are "treated like royalty" in the Haven are those who can't really afford it. The "exclusive" factor is menial to those who can. But I'm glad they can offer a product that some crave so much that they are willing to save for 3 years to experience it.

 

I can't blame NCL for going this route, though. Facebook made billions by being "exclusive" for a long time. People crave feeling special.

 

I do see people mention "feeling like royalty" in Haven. Save the money and go MSC YC.

[dexddd]

Recently my husband has been so busy at work, we have travelled less. Therefore when we do travel, I prefer to stay in nice accommodations and make the most of it.

 

I do not consider myself royalty, but nor is it menial to me. I can afford it and I do appreciate it. I can also afford a Chanel purse, and I do appreciate it.

 

Not sure what that attitude is here. Jealousy? If so, get over it.

 

There is not attitude or jealously. Someone just pointing out that the Haven experience can be lackluster as can anyone's experience in any category on any ship.

[dexddd]

My girlfriend and I are of the “it’s not worth it” mindset. We cruised on breakaway last year. It was our first real vacation together and the previous year had been rough so I wanted this vacation to be perfect. We updgraded from an inside to balcony during the tax free promotion and then upgraded again to the mini suite via the bidding system. It was nice don’t get me wrong but we spent very little time in our room. For a 7 day we cruise we spent a grand total of 2 hours (and I’m rounding up here) on our balcony. Not worth the extra couple hundred bucks in our minds. We’re going this October but this time sticking with the inside. If we have to opportunity to bid on a better room I might throw the minimum bid at a balcony but we’ll see. I’m a bit more inclined to spend the money on a dining package or on the vibe beach club.

 

As far as the haven goes, I could MAYBE justify the expense if it were going to be a 12-14 day cruise. I also would consider it if you could get larger party (6-8 people) in the larger haven suites. Last I check the max was 4 people, but that information may be outdated.

 

There is no outdated info on capacity in the Haven. E.G. The BA has Haven rooms for 6 and that has not changed. Escape has more options for 6 in the Haven.

[dexddd]

If you have the cash, and have no other use for it (like putting it into an IRA,) go for it. You'll get pampered, you'll get treated royally, and you'll come out the other side with a very different cruise expectation than the rest of us.

 

That's, frankly, what keeps me away from the Haven. I don't want to be treated to a higher level of service that makes me regret shipping out with everyone else. I love NCL, I don't want to start regretting it, there are lots of places (like my IRA) that deserve my money, so much more.

 

So you haven't actually sailed in the Haven?

[BNBR]

I do see people mention "feeling like royalty" in Haven. Save the money and go MSC YC.

 

There is not attitude or jealously. Someone just pointing out that the Haven experience can be lackluster as can anyone's experience in any category on any ship.

 

YC is on my list to try out. Just not sure when I'll get around to actually doing that.

 

What I was trying to point out (I'm not the best writer) - was that it seems the biggest draw to the Haven is simply the exclusivity. People LOVE to feel exclusive, they have something others don't! They are special. This was how Facebook started. It's pretty common marketing and it works well. The Haven itself isn't that great at all. It's lackluster if not outright bad. But you "feel" special because you have something others don't.

[disneykins]

Not sure what’s fluff about my experiences. I’ve done Haven/Suites 3X...... with my 4th oming up this weekend. Just sharing my experiences.

Here’s my last amenity list plus OBC.....

DESCRIPTIONPROMO CODEQUANTITY3 Meal Specialty Dining PackageDINPK31Adult Ultimate Beverage PackageBEVPK11Choice Shore Excursion CreditCHSULM1Dining, French Restaurant for 2 GuestsDINFRN1Free $100 On-Board Credit Certificate Non -RefundableDM1001Free $100 On-Board Credit Certificate Non -RefundableOB100.1Free $300 On-Board Credit Certificate Non -RefundableOB3001Free $300 On-Board Credit Certificate Non -RefundableOB300.1Internet Package (250 Minutes or 1000 MB) per stateroomCHI2501

 

 

We are in the cruise nice or twice category and usually choose inside so we can cruise more. That said we have landed a balcony on our last 2 NCLs through the bidding process. We would love to be able to cruise in the Haven but for now (recently retired) we have to watch our money.

 

My question is how do you get so much obc? We have some cruises where we get none, and the most we ever got was $100 in a balcony years ago. And what do you spend it on when you have all that non-refundable obc? We usually only spend on a few drinks and maybe a specialty restaurant.

 

Thanks,

Tony

[dexddd]

We are in the cruise nice or twice category and usually choose inside so we can cruise more. That said we have landed a balcony on our last 2 NCLs through the bidding process. We would love to be able to cruise in the Haven but for now (recently retired) we have to watch our money.

 

My question is how do you get so much obc? We have some cruises where we get none, and the most we ever got was $100 in a balcony years ago. And what do you spend it on when you have all that non-refundable obc? We usually only spend on a few drinks and maybe a specialty restaurant.

 

Thanks,

Tony

 

In the old days, OBC was pretty much the one tool NCL used as a promo. $1000 obc for GV was pretty common.

 

Now days, OBC isn't as common. There are various promos last 6 months with OBC. The most recent highest were after the hurricanes last fall with OBC on Fall 2017 sailings in the $500-$1000 for highest categories.

[jenf22]

Cruise nice or cruise twice:)

 

Love that expression! We always choose vacationing more often over "premium" vacationing. I would love (LOVE) to sail Disney again but it is always twice the price of NCL for the same time and itinerary.

 

I suppose if you had limited vacation time and a budget that allowed it, I can see cruising in a suite. I've been with my company forever so I have a ton of vacation time to use with my fixed vacation budget. And since there are still so many places left to see, we choose to cruise more often.

[graphicguy]

We are in the cruise nice or twice category and usually choose inside so we can cruise more. That said we have landed a balcony on our last 2 NCLs through the bidding process. We would love to be able to cruise in the Haven but for now (recently retired) we have to watch our money.

 

My question is how do you get so much obc? We have some cruises where we get none, and the most we ever got was $100 in a balcony years ago. And what do you spend it on when you have all that non-refundable obc? We usually only spend on a few drinks and maybe a specialty restaurant.

 

Thanks,

Tony

 

I get that.

 

I’ve stayed in solo cabins on both NCL and RCCL. That’s a whole different vibe and experience. I did sort of feel like I was in “steerage” staying in those cabins. Had fun nonetheless. I mean, I was on a cruise. How bad could it be?

 

I have an online TA who really treats me really well. I’ve booked nearly all of my cruises with them. They give me the option of booking everything on line myself, without using one of their agents, and I get all of the promos, and most of the commission they make by me choosing my own cabin and essentially booking my own cruise. While they do have a phone number to call it iron out any issues and answer questions, their “touch” with me is minimal.

 

I’ve also used them, and their agents to book for me (usually multiple rooms with family), where they do most of the work. That costs a little bit more as they have to pay their agent a commission.

 

As such, they give me a lot of OBC that they would have paid in commissions. I keep my eye out for promos. This upcoming cruise I’m taking this weekend, for example, NCL was offering $300 OBC for booking a Penthouse. AMEX Platinum was offering $300 in OBC if I paid for it with my CC. There was another couple of OBC promos ($100 ea) for the state I live in, etc. And, once I board, they’ll add the agent’s commission to my OBC since I booked it all online ($225). Result? $1,025 in OBC in addition to all the NCL “gimmes”.

 

AMEX Platinum also gives me a dinner at LeBistro and a bottle of Champaign in my cabin as a promo, in addition to the OBC. So, in addition NCL is giving me 3 specialty dinners as a promo, too. That means 4 of the 7 nights, I’ll be dining in a specialty restaurant.

 

This is probably the best deal I’ve ever made on Haven/Suite cruising on NCL, however. Got to just pay attention to the offers the cruise lines are making, pay attention to your credit card promos, pay attention to the what the online TAs offer. It’s like shopping for a TV. You peruse all the ads in the newspaper and online to get what you want at a good price.

 

I’ve sailed MSC Yacht Club, twice. It is indeed less expensive than NCL Haven (except for my upcoming NCL cruise). Great Yacht Club area to hang out with 24 hour drinks and snacks. The Divina and Meraviglia (took a European Cruise in the YC last November-December) are beautiful ships and among MSC’s newest. Loved both cruises.

 

NCL’s Haven is still better. Not because MSC doesn’t try. They try hard. They’re still getting their footing on the North American market needs and wants.

 

If you don’t like the Haven, I understand. You don’t have to. I personally love it, and if you shop a little, it can be a pretty good deal for an exceptional amount of service....as good or better than any luxury resort.

 

The biggest draw to Haven for me has nothing to do with exclusivity. I’m hardly an “exclusive” person. It’s all about the level of service and the extra luxuries Haven offers.

 

Although relatively newly single, I’ve taken care of my family. I’ve put my son through college, and he’s doing well. My outgoing $$$$$$ has dropped dramatically and I now find myself in a position I can afford to do the things I had only wished for 5-10 years ago.

Edited April 25, 2018 by graphicguy

[takeadip]

There is no "garden suite" on any NCL ships.

 

This is true... i misspoke...its a 2 bedroom "Family Villa"... good catch...id hate to have misinformation circulate on these boards...i can imagine the calls to the upgrade line requesting the Garden Villa Haven section...lol..

 

I will be sure to post any upgrade offers and what we bid along with the results here after our sailing..

[Medtech2]

I know this is subjective and probably discussed before. At any rate, I'm looking at a 10 cruise on the Epic in January. The price difference from a balcony to a suite/haven is $4400.00

 

What does a suite offer to make it worth so much more than a balcony?

 

Someday, I'm going to get a suite just because... I work hard, and I figure I deserve it. However when I look at the price, I just can't justify spending so much on a few days. $6998.00 before DSC, tips and parking at the port, is a lot for 10 days.

 

Thanks

 

If I could afford it I would do the Epic Haven because it is so beautiful. Their restaurant is also much better than the MDR. We did not do it but got the Spa Pass instead, which is totally worth it for us. DH has bad knees and a hip replacement and soaking every evening away from the crowds was his nirvana.

 

We did a Spa Haven on the Getaway because I was able to upsell at the time at such an incredible deal of $1500/person, after adding in an Amex offer and OBC. Although people say you can’t go back we have, and even to an oceanview. While I enjoyed the Butler I didn’t need him. The concierge was NOT able to book us on excursions we wanted or particular show/dining times. If they’re already full they’re not going to bump someone just because you’re in the Haven. She did find agreeable alternatives, though.

 

Our fellow Haven passengers were a mixed bag, as you might find in probably every situation. Some were like us, middle class, lucky price break, etc. Some were definitely well off but genteel, and made everyone around them feel equal and at ease. And then there were a few “new money” blowhards whose attitudes were obnoxious and who were snotty when they found out DH delivers mail and I am but a lab rat. Lol you get all those types everywhere in life.

 

I definitely preferred the quiet of the Haven pool area over the mass of humanity outside but, with a Spa Pass I don’t really need the pool because I am not into tanning any more.

 

Personally I want to take 2 vacations a year, not 1 Haven experience every 2 years. That is the reality of my pocketbook. If I had twice my income the story would be different. This year I was actually thinking Epic Haven since she came to Port Canaveral but replaced the floors in my house instead.

 

My takeaway is if you don’t need that money for something else you should try the Haven experience on one of the megaships but rest assured you most certainly will be able to go back to “normal” after!

[BNBR]

If I could afford it I would do the Epic Haven because it is so beautiful. Their restaurant is also much better than the MDR. We did not do it but got the Spa Pass instead, which is totally worth it for us. DH has bad knees and a hip replacement and soaking every evening away from the crowds was his nirvana.

 

We did a Spa Haven on the Getaway because I was able to upsell at the time at such an incredible deal of $1500/person, after adding in an Amex offer and OBC. Although people say you can’t go back we have, and even to an oceanview. While I enjoyed the Butler I didn’t need him. The concierge was NOT able to book us on excursions we wanted or particular show/dining times. If they’re already full they’re not going to bump someone just because you’re in the Haven. She did find agreeable alternatives, though.

 

Our fellow Haven passengers were a mixed bag, as you might find in probably every situation. Some were like us, middle class, lucky price break, etc. Some were definitely well off but genteel, and made everyone around them feel equal and at ease. And then there were a few “new money” blowhards whose attitudes were obnoxious and who were snotty when they found out DH delivers mail and I am but a lab rat. Lol you get all those types everywhere in life.

 

I definitely preferred the quiet of the Haven pool area over the mass of humanity outside but, with a Spa Pass I don’t really need the pool because I am not into tanning any more.

 

Personally I want to take 2 vacations a year, not 1 Haven experience every 2 years. That is the reality of my pocketbook. If I had twice my income the story would be different. This year I was actually thinking Epic Haven since she came to Port Canaveral but replaced the floors in my house instead.

 

My takeaway is if you don’t need that money for something else you should try the Haven experience on one of the megaships but rest assured you most certainly will be able to go back to “normal” after!

 

I would prefer a normal cabin with spa access and maybe even adding Vibe. Save the cash. We can sail whatever we want, we aren't limited on budget, and my wife and I both say we could have just as much, if not more fun, sailing an interior cabin. It would kind of "force" us to get out of the cabin more!

[mickeychicky]

I am one who doesn't require the need to be waited on hand and foot, don't want someone packing or unpacking for me (and then paying them extra to do so). I would take a nice vacation or two for what some spend on a suite on these "cruise ships" and then isolate themselves in one area because they can or like to feel important.

 

So, in my opinion, there is NOTHING that makes it worth the extra $4400. Save the money and go someplace exotic. Do something on your bucket list.

[graphicguy]

MedTech....funny you mention some of the "characters" you run into while in the Haven. I had a guy on my last NCL cruise about a couple of years ago (Getaway) who, for reasons that befuddle me, wanted to hang out with me.

 

I'm a relatively normal (term used loosely) person. If anything, unless prodded, I usually don't offer up much info about myself unless we get to know each other.

 

This guy was just the opposite. As luck would have it, he sold boats. According to him, he did quite well. Fair enough. I don't know much about that business and really had little interest. He was bound and determined to "school me".

 

In addition, upon seeing me in the casino, every time I was in the Haven bar having a quiet cocktail, upon spying me, he felt the need to "school" me on how to gamble.

 

Interestingly enough, the 2nd last sea night we found a cash game of "no limit" that NCL provided a dealer for. I sat down early....got into the positive early and ended up having a good night.

 

My new found friend? He had to prove to the table he could outspend everyone. I quit playing about 0130. If I counted correctly, he dipped into his pocket for about $2K for chips. And the stack I saw when I left looked to be quite low.

 

Next a.m. at the Haven restaurant for breakfast, he looked hungover...and a lot less willing to "school" me after quizzing my success the night before.

 

That said, most in the Haven I've met are quite nice. You run into some characters every once in a while, though....just like you would regardless of the cabin you choose.

 

I would love to hangout with a Mail(person) and a MedTech on a cruise. We'd probably have more in common.

 

I have been cruising for a while. I've yet to spend a fare + another $4,000 to stay in any cabin on any ship. I would imagine the big Villas and multiple bedroom Penthouse suites might run that much. But, you have more than two people in those cabins who are eating/drinking a lot more than just a couple.

[KeithJenner]

Whether the Haven is worth the extra money is a personal decision, based on many factors. Many of them have been discussed already.

 

Certainly, if you are relatively cash rich but time poor then I can see why upgrading the limited holiday options is a good decision for many.

 

For many of us who aren't as restricted on holiday times, the ability to cruise multiple times a year is more important than exactly how we do it. I love to see different places, and am lucky enough to be able to go on 2-4 holidays per year. I couldn't afford to do this if we upgraded the accommodation too much (whether on land or at sea). We do splash out a little sometimes for a better hotel room, or something like that, but we are talking about maybe a couple of hundred pounds extra, rather than thousands.

 

Being "treated like royalty" is another factor which comes down to personal preference. Personally, I hate all the fussing. Whilst a bit more cabin space is nice, I don't want to be fussed over, and this is a major negative for me to the Suite experience. I like to make my own arrangements, and rarely if ever use a concierge anywhere. I often compare it to the situation when travelling business class with some airlines. A lot of people love some airlines because of the attention you get from the aircrew. I hate it. I want to be treated as an equal, not to be fawned over. I select my airlines with this in mind.

 

Lots of people say that they prefer the Haven to avoid crowds and queueing. Again, this depends a lot on the individual, and what they do. We are rarely in the same place at the same time as the crowds, so this just isn't an issue for us. I very rarely end up queueing. I can imagine that if you are often in queues or crowds then the Haven can seem like a nice refuge.

 

For me, the main thing I didn't like about the Haven is that we didn't spend as much time as I like in the rest of the ship. I love sitting at the bars or other public areas and talking to people, or using the facilities that are there for all. I love cruising, and part of that is being on a big ship with all the options. When we were in the Haven we spent more time than usual in our cabin and the Haven, and overall it was one of my least enjoyable cruising experiences.

 

I get the impression that many people who use the Haven aren't really big fans of the typical modern cruising experience, with bigger ships, more people etc. Therefore the Haven makes sense as a way to make cruising more enjoyable. That certainly isn't the case for me.

 

I would be very reluctant to do it again unless the price difference was so small that it was worth it just for the larger room.

[jplovestocruise]

So what? If someone wants to budget for a Haven cruise every 3 years or 3 weeks whose business is it to question or insult them?

 

It reads like you are intentionally mocking a specific poster.

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

I also found it a bit insulting but I’m pretty sure it wasn’t meant that way.

 

My family can also afford the Haven, and we choose to stay there because it’s quiet, relaxing and the Haven restaurant and bar are amazing! I also like the fact that it’s cut off from the rest of the ship but IF I want to go out and party with the masses like I’m 21 again, I have that option!

[DMH15]

Very well said.

 

 

 

I still don't think it is worth it vs a true luxury line for less money. But very well said.

 

 

 

One must consider who they are travelling with and that was a good fit for me with NCL. But I might give a lux line a try in the future if that changes.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[jplovestocruise]

One must consider who they are travelling with and that was a good fit for me with NCL. But I might give a lux line a try in the future if that changes.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

Also, you know there are some people that save up because they DO want to feel special, and experience something more fancy then the every day cruise. Who are we to judge that? C’est la vie! The Haven is around because there is a market for it, if you don’t want it, how about you don’t buy it?

[DMH15]

Also, you know there are some people that save up because they DO want to feel special, and experience something more fancy then the every day cruise. Who are we to judge that? C’est la vie! The Haven is around because there is a market for it, if you don’t want it, how about you don’t buy it?

 

 

 

Are we agreeing or not? Confused by your quote and response.

 

 

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[jplovestocruise]

Are we agreeing or not? Confused by your quote and response.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

We are agreeing :-) I meant to put that on my original post, LOL!

[fridaythe13th]

We got to sample a 2 bedroom Haven on the Gem, cruise to nowhere. Go it through an upsell. Back then it was actually called the Courtyard. While we loved it, ooo'd and awww'd about it, I would never spend the money on one again. We didn't use the butler or concierge, but did like the gummy bears..... The balcony was very small for four people.

[rxlowry]

I'd say not worth it. I've sailed NCL and luxury (Regent, Crystal, Seabourn) and prefer luxury for that "type" of vacation. I've yet to eat food on NCL to compare to luxury main dining rooms, great pool areas and wonderful service everywhere. Now when I want different fun....Glow parties, Howl at the Moon, stuff for the kids...NCL is great. I don't need to have the "best" cabin on a ship either and for some that's important.

[DMH15]

We are agreeing :-) I meant to put that on my original post, LOL!

 

 

 

Whew!

 

Thanks!

 

 

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[kodesthemoose]

Interesting thread, as all of these discussions are. We are booked in Haven in the Epic for a Mediterranean cruise in 2019. Choice of ship was limited as we are doing a TA before this and wanted to tack on a Med. cruise leaving from Barcelona. Basically the choice was Epic or RCCL Oasis. Ended up choosing Haven b/c all 5 of us can be in one suite which isn't possible in non-Haven Epic or on the Oasis (so it appears). Still debating switching to two balconies though.

[debnjoe1438]

Recently my husband has been so busy at work, we have travelled less. Therefore when we do travel, I prefer to stay in nice accommodations and make the most of it.

 

I do not consider myself royalty, but nor is it menial to me. I can afford it and I do appreciate it. I can also afford a Chanel purse, and I do appreciate it.

 

Not sure what that attitude is here. Jealousy? If so, get over it.

'

Thanks for the response, off topic don't know what the cost of Chanel purses, however I like Dooney & Burke and have more than I can use. :)