What makes it worth and extra $4400.00?

[debnjoe1438]

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.

 

You sound like my husband :) He's always suggesting more into the 401K

[debnjoe1438]

I work hard and in my job I cater to other people's needs. In the Haven others cater to my needs. I find value in that. I budget for that.

 

I am older, I have paid my dues, bought and paid off my house. Pay my bills. Buy a new car about every 10-12 years. Divorced, no kids of my own but dote on my sister's kids.

 

I am frugal in some ways that allow me to justify my decision to splurge on one or two vacations a year.

 

And lastly, I am blessed with a wonderful employer for 27 years who rewards me with a generous Christmas bonus which I allocate to travel.

 

That is my story. We all have our own. Ultimately, for me, it is all about value relative to cost.

 

 

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From the post I see from you, I get the impression you are one classy lady. :):)

[debnjoe1438]

Thanks everyone for the responses. It's been interesting reading.

 

Someday I may get a suite, just because I can.( I just have a hard time with the idea of spending so much on a few day) While DH and I came from humble beginning, and still very much middle class, we have worked hard, made some good choices and have been blessed.

 

More than likely, when I do get one, it be a really great deal or an upgrade bid.

[tlreze]

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.

save three years? Some of us can afford it without saving, some can't. Some like them, some don't. I personally love the haven on the new bigger ships and always book them. On smaller ships without a courtyard or restaurant, I book a regular suite.

 

To whomever said RCL solarium was the same but free, not even close

[tlreze]

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.

 

 

You will love Haven on EPIC out of Barcelona. The nice thing is you can get breakfast quick or have it served in your room at the time you want before you leave port. At each port you are first off the ship if you want as they take you down the elevator - no lines. ENJOY!!!!!

[Peachypooh]

Thanks everyone for the responses. It's been interesting reading.

 

Someday I may get a suite, just because I can.( I just have a hard time with the idea of spending so much on a few day) While DH and I came from humble beginning, and still very much middle class, we have worked hard, made some good choices and have been blessed.

 

More than likely, when I do get one, it be a really great deal or an upgrade bid.

 

I have cruised in the Haven six times. Next time I am going for a suite with no Haven access. To me while I enjoyed it to continue to spend at least $1000 per night for two people is just not worth it. Unlike some people we were not treated like royalty (and would not have wanted to be anyway) and spent most of our time in the regular part of the ship anyway. We just found that a "regular" experience is just fine with us. We will miss priority embarkation but when I think of the thousands I am saving I can stand in line. LOL

[Mslmesq]

'

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. :)

 

They cost about the same as a cabin in the haven. :/

[DMH15]

From the post I see from you, I get the impression you are one classy lady. :):)

 

 

 

Thank you for the kind words.

 

 

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[DarkJedi]

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

 

Garden Villa.

[momofmab]

I actually don't think that's a bad price for 10 days in the Haven. In June 2017, I priced out a Crown Loft Suite on Oasis over one of the spring break weeks earlier this month, and it was over $10k for 3 of us for 7 days (we ended up with 2 CP balconies for less than half the cost). It wasn't even one of the highest level CL suites, just the "basic" one, overlooking the sports courts.

 

We also cruise less often but try to snag suites when we do cruise. I've only sailed in suites on NCL, but haven't been on NCL since they introduced the "Haven" concept. I would love to try the Haven some day (DougOut is really tempting me with his pics of the Haven area on Bliss!) but all the complaints about unruly kids (and adults) really turned me off from spending that kind of money, only to be annoyed by bad behavior. Because we are currently bound by having to travel during peak weeks (spring break - ugh!), I think we'll wait another couple of years when our kids are out of the house and we can pick a nice, quiet (low fare) week (or more) to try Haven. I would love to do it on a TA, so I could really take advantage of the Haven facilities.

 

We love suites because we like things like expedited check in, dedicated suite restaurant and the larger size cabins & balconies. We DO spend a lot of time in our cabin and on our balcony - so we like a nice, comfortable space. We are not altogether comfortable with the whole butler concept, but we usually find a happy medium and don't really call on them that much. I'm also not comfortable with special seating areas, and hardly ever use that benefit.

[debnjoe1438]

They cost about the same as a cabin in the haven. :/

 

Wow

[erdoran]

I love travel but DH hates it. As a compromise we went on a cruise (Carnival) several years ago. He hated it! Crowds, chair hogs, being hustled for tips over and above the DSC (no - not bar staff, but DSC staff) - swore he’d never sail again.

 

I learned about Haven and got DH to go on Epic in spa suite, promised him it would be nothing like our Carnival experience - and he LOVED it! Had the best time ever, came hone and told everyone about the “ship within a ship” and how that’s the only way to cruise. He actually ASKED me to book us another Haven cruise this year.

 

At the time he was working long hours and self-employed, and the only week all year he could take a full week was Christmas week. Given that he had so little vacation he wanted every minute of it to be special. He figures it’s well worth the $$ because of no lines, minimal chair hogging (can’t say zero), minimal crowding. I think for him the crowning experience was in the Haven restaurant where he didn’t want anything on the menu, so they asked him what he wanted - and then got it for him (spaghetti & meatballs, he has very ordinary tastes). That knocked his socks off! Yes, he could have gone to the MDR and had it, and we actually did have dinner in the MDR another night, but the crowds were a huge turnoff to him.

 

We aren’t wealthy, but we do ok, and for us, with only one week every couple of years to vacation together, it’s worth the $$$.

 

Having said all that, DH just broke his knee and was forced to retire from work (they don’t do sick leave, and 6 months recovery/light duty wasn’t an option) so we will finally have lots more cursing time—but I think we’d be in the group that would cruise less often and spend more on Haven. But we also don’t spend $$$$ on additional stuff onboard.

 

To each their own. It’s all about priorities. We don’t want pampering, fawning, pretentiousness, or being made to “feel special”. We want no crowds, good restaurant service that caters to DH’s tastes, no lines, and no hassle, and we’re willing to pay extra for that.

[Oceansaway17]

I think it is worth it if your life is hectic and you can afford it. For some thr Haven is perhaps once in a lifetime.

 

Like going to Disney, I have done expensive hotels twice and now I do value hotels.

[67Cruiser]

There was a time when the cost difference between a mini suite and a full suite made it a no brainer. The perks of a full suite paid for themselves and more. Of course, this was back when Sheehan was running the show. Now that the CEO's and the Board are running things, it's all an illusion. The cost difference between a Balcony and a Full Suite today has gone completely off course and out of scale, we won't even discuss Haven prices today. My wife & I have stayed in just about every Suite on these ships at one time or another, with the one exception of the GV (although we have spent time there as well). Those days are gone now for us. There's nothing offered that can possibly justify the cost. It's nice, don't get me wrong, been there, done that, loved it !!!... but today it' feels more like a class separation between those who have and those who dream. It never use to be that way, which was one of the things that I really liked about NCL. It really separated them from the other cruise lines in so many ways. The folks running the show today, however, do not care about the customer, they don't care about their employees, and they don't care about their staff. They're only concern is NCL's market value tomorrow morning.

[dexddd]

Garden Villa.

 

No, it was actually a 2 BR as they later explained.

[erdoran]

Some people carry Chanel purses; others carry $25 (or $5) ones. It's all good. What makes a Chanel purse, or Louis Vuitton wallet, or super-expensive furniture worth its pricetag? Something must, for them to stay in business and people to spend more than they "have to" on these products.

 

Same goes for Haven. DH and I would rather sail in the Haven than me carry a Chanel purse (and the Chanel gives longer-term value for the $$$$)! Someone else might have several Chanels but choose to sail in an inside. We all have different financial priorities.

 

So is the Haven "worth it"? Depends on your vacation priorities and what you are willing to pay to avoid crowds and lines, and be catered to as much or as little as you choose. Only YOU know how much that is worth to you. If you want something longer-lasting, buy that designer purse or expensive furniture.

[Joebucks]

At this current stage in my life, it wouldn't be worth it for me, not even close. To me, a vacation is relaxing, not having to cook, entertainment, seeing beautiful sights, and to just overall have a good time. None of that says I need over-the-top service to do everything for me and forego a second vacation at its expense. Imagine what else you could do with $4400? Heck, even if you spent half of that on the current vacation, what else could you see and do?

 

I much prefer a second vacation. I'm not too interested in the room itself. I don't want to be in there too often. I suppose being a little younger influences that. A vacation spending too much time sitting in the room is time wasted to me.

 

That's not to say that it doesn't have value for anyone. I think the crowd that can only go once a year is a better candidate. Some people like that service. Some people like relaxing in their room/balcony vs all of the hectic running around. Some people just have too much money, are bored, and want to brag. Who knows how my interests will evolve as I get older.

[BNBR]

To each their own. It’s all about priorities. We don’t want pampering, fawning, pretentiousness, or being made to “feel special”. We want no crowds, good restaurant service that caters to DH’s tastes, no lines, and no hassle, and we’re willing to pay extra for that.

 

Competing lines offer this without the need to pay 3X the price.

[erdoran]

Competing lines offer this without the need to pay 3X the price.

 

No chair hogs, no long lines, no crowds, DH can request something simple rather than fancy and get it? Which lines? Seriously!

 

I sail Tradewinds because it is a shared catamaran charter, totally different from the big ships (even the "smaller ships" on CC). DH won't do such a small ship.

[ptf2009]

Haven is definitely not worth it. I can afford anything I want, and I would never book the Haven again - just a total waste of money. Royal offers a better "haven" with the solarium and you don't need to pay a dime to upgrade for it, FYI.

 

I can think of a lot of better ways to spend your money than booking the Haven. For example, you can count how many ants are on a given piece of square meter in your backyard and save $6998.00+.

 

We are in the same “boat” (excuse the pun, just had to say it:)) as you as far as having the means to book anything we want, but we are probably just way too practical. Plus we don’t like people fussing all over us and want our privacy. I would be happy with an inside cabin, but my DH insists on OVB...but I do look for deals:)

 

Like everything, to each his own..whatever floats you boat...uh oh here I go again:)

 

Happy cruising everyone!:):cool::ship:

[BNBR]

No chair hogs, no long lines, no crowds, DH can request something simple rather than fancy and get it? Which lines? Seriously!

 

I sail Tradewinds because it is a shared catamaran charter, totally different from the big ships (even the "smaller ships" on CC). DH won't do such a small ship.

 

 

Sail Oasis class on Royal. No lines, no crowds. Chair hogs like anywhere but plenty of chairs so it's a non-issue. The solarium is adults only (Haven is not), has a pool, restaurant, bar, amazing panoramic views (Haven enclosed), cocktail service, plenty of seating, etc. The solarium is better than the Haven and you don't have to pay for a suite to use it. You just don't get priority embark/disembark but the embarkation is so dialed in you don't need it. Heck, without a suite, they still sent us through the suites line anyways because nobody was in it since the embarkation is so fast. You should also look at the suites on these ships if you like a few priority extras like the private restaurant, seating, etc. Coastal Kitchen (Royals Haven restaurant) actually changes the menu, for example. And the crown loft suites are better than anything NCL has. Entertainment is 10X better, better casino, better restaurants, etc. You should look in to it.

 

Tradewinds sounds very much up my alley. But we are sailing as a family with young kids at the moment. We did the Haven as a couples only and were thoroughly unimpressed. I would love to do some of the smaller yacht charters when the kids go off to college.

[BNBR]

We are in the same “boat” (excuse the pun, just had to say it:)) as you as far as having the means to book anything we want, but we are probably just way too practical. Plus we don’t like people fussing all over us and want our privacy. I would be happy with an inside cabin, but my DH insists on OVB...but I do look for deals:)

 

Like everything, to each his own..whatever floats you boat...uh oh here I go again:)

 

Happy cruising everyone!:):cool::ship:

 

Lol. Yeah I could do inside cabin as well. Our theory is that it would encourage us to get out of the cabin more, which isn't a bad thing. I still book OVB's however. I have no problem spending money when I get the value I want. And maybe it's a testament to just how good a regular cabin is on a cruise ship, because I don't see the value in spending 3X the price for Haven and Suites in general. It just doesn't enhance my cruise in a meaningful way.

 

I think NCL, if the deal is right, could be a good product - especially on their smaller ships. I think they royally screwed up on the design of their large ships. Just my opinion, though.

[erdoran]

Sail Oasis class on Royal. No lines, no crowds. Chair hogs like anywhere but plenty of chairs so it's a non-issue. The solarium is adults only (Haven is not), has a pool, restaurant, bar, amazing panoramic views (Haven enclosed), cocktail service, plenty of seating, etc. The solarium is better than the Haven and you don't have to pay for a suite to use it. You just don't get priority embark/disembark but the embarkation is so dialed in you don't need it. Heck, without a suite, they still sent us through the suites line anyways because nobody was in it since the embarkation is so fast. You should also look at the suites on these ships if you like a few priority extras like the private restaurant, seating, etc. Coastal Kitchen (Royals Haven restaurant) actually changes the menu, for example. And the crown loft suites are better than anything NCL has. Entertainment is 10X better, better casino, better restaurants, etc. You should look in to it.

 

Tradewinds sounds very much up my alley. But we are sailing as a family with young kids at the moment. We did the Haven as a couples only and were thoroughly unimpressed. I would love to do some of the smaller yacht charters when the kids go off to college.

 

FYI tradewinds does "family charters" where you can bring kids, but you have to take the whole boat, usually 4 (2 pax) cabins, or find other families to share. It is better without kids, though. Trade-winds.com. I'm a member so I don't pay the ridiculous prices they have posted.

[BNBR]

FYI tradewinds does "family charters" where you can bring kids, but you have to take the whole boat, usually 4 (2 pax) cabins, or find other families to share. It is better without kids, though. Trade-winds.com. I'm a member so I don't pay the ridiculous prices they have posted.

 

My kids are too young for that. They want camps and splash pads :)

 

I bookmarked Tradewinds though. Looks really cool! I may book one next year. It's not expensive at all, cheaper than I paid for Haven, lol.

[erdoran]

My kids are too young for that. They want camps and splash pads :)

 

I bookmarked Tradewinds though. Looks really cool! I may book one next year. It's not expensive at all, cheaper than I paid for Haven, lol.

If you want TradeWinds lmk and I’ll give you a referral. You will save $$$$$ over their prices.