Celebrity Suite vs NCL Haven: An apples to oranges comparison

[Maya1234]

This is a pluses and minuses review of two cruises we’ve taken in the last few months. This is a wholly “unfair” comparison because we were on a large brand new NCL Ship (Bliss) andsmallish older Celebrity Ship (infinity) but here goes anyway. 

 

Rooms

We were in an NCL penthouse suite. The room was very nice. The bathroom not huge but very nice. The King bed was wonderful and the bedding amazing.  Normal non ship feeling toilet and tub with well placed grab bars. 

We were in an Royal Suite on the Infinity. Room was huge and very well kept up. Not showing age at all. The bed situation thought left a bit to be desired. My god it was small. We had to have it split and even then not very comfy. The bedding wasn’t great. The bathroom was huge and very pretty and clean but the toilet was horrible. I understand that in small rooms they need these tiny unconfortable toilets, but why in this large bathroom?!! Also on a ship, grab bars in the shower seem essential. Why not have them? 

 

Winner. Bliss based on bed and bathroom practically. 

 

Elevators 

This is hands down winner to the Infinity. Probably a small ship vs large ship thing. But it’s hard to sell the Haven as a luxury experience without dedicated elevators. The wait at elevators really detracted from the experience. Never waited more than a minute or two on the Infinity. 

 

Pools/ Sundeck/ Solarium. 

 

Its hard to beat having a private sundeck on the Bliss but the Infinity although very crowded was admiringly proactive in making room for more guests. After the first day they added chairs to an area that was empty before. The pool area just seemed more fun on the Infinity. This is a toss up. 

 

Private Dining. 

 

The staff at the Haven was better at not overly formal  but wonderful service. The Infinity felt a bit stuffy. Also didn’t love the fact that there were so few women servers. Felt very old fashioned. But the Infinity won hands down for food. Better quality and more variety since they gave us main dining room menu too every night. Plus menu changed nightly. We did though like that Haven was available for lunch even on shore days. Bliss Haven wins for service. Infinity for food. 

 

Specialty dining. 

 Not impressed with any on the Bliss. We loved The Petite Chef at Qsine. We thought we’d find it hokey but didn’t. And food was excellent! 

Infinity wins. 

 

 

Suite Staff 

Both our butler and steward were excellent on both ships. Concierge ( Adrian) on Bliss  was better than on Infinity (Wim). I think Wim was new to the ship and seemed overwhelmed though he was very very nice. Bliss wins on this. Adrian was amazing. 

 

Finally there really was something great about having a dedicated Haven area. I woukd choose a ship with a private suite area over one without any day. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[grandgeezer]

40 minutes ago, Maya1234 said:

This is a pluses and minuses review of two cruises we’ve taken in the last few months. This is a wholly “unfair” comparison because we were on a large brand new NCL Ship (Bliss) andsmallish older Celebrity Ship (infinity) but here goes anyway. 

 

Rooms

We were in an NCL penthouse suite. The room was very nice. The bathroom not huge but very nice. The King bed was wonderful and the bedding amazing.  Normal non ship feeling toilet and tub with well placed grab bars. 

We were in an Royal Suite on the Infinity. Room was huge and very well kept up. Not showing age at all. The bed situation thought left a bit to be desired. My god it was small. We had to have it split and even then not very comfy. The bedding wasn’t great. The bathroom was huge and very pretty and clean but the toilet was horrible. I understand that in small rooms they need these tiny unconfortable toilets, but why in this large bathroom?!! Also on a ship, grab bars in the shower seem essential. Why not have them? 

 

Winner. Bliss based on bed and bathroom practically. 

 

Elevators 

This is hands down winner to the Infinity. Probably a small ship vs large ship thing. But it’s hard to sell the Haven as a luxury experience without dedicated elevators. The wait at elevators really detracted from the experience. Never waited more than a minute or two on the Infinity. 

 

Pools/ Sundeck/ Solarium. 

 

Its hard to beat having a private sundeck on the Bliss but the Infinity although very crowded was admiringly proactive in making room for more guests. After the first day they added chairs to an area that was empty before. The pool area just seemed more fun on the Infinity. This is a toss up. 

 

Private Dining. 

 

The staff at the Haven was better at not overly formal  but wonderful service. The Infinity felt a bit stuffy. Also didn’t love the fact that there were so few women servers. Felt very old fashioned. But the Infinity won hands down for food. Better quality and more variety since they gave us main dining room menu too every night. Plus menu changed nightly. We did though like that Haven was available for lunch even on shore days. Bliss Haven wins for service. Infinity for food. 

 

Specialty dining. 

 Not impressed with any on the Bliss. We loved The Petite Chef at Qsine. We thought we’d find it hokey but didn’t. And food was excellent! 

Infinity wins. 

 

 

Suite Staff 

Both our butler and steward were excellent on both ships. Concierge ( Adrian) on Bliss  was better than on Infinity (Wim). I think Wim was new to the ship and seemed overwhelmed though he was very very nice. Bliss wins on this. Adrian was amazing. 

 

Finally there really was something great about having a dedicated Haven area. I woukd choose a ship with a private suite area over one without any day. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Try MSC, Seaside in particular. They have the private suite areas if you book a Yacht Club Deluxe Suite, including bar, restaurant, and private pool with plenty of seating. If you are flexible with your travel plans, you can find some great pricing.

[Maya1234]

Does the MSC allow smoking on ship. If so, it’s a no go. 

[George C]

Thanks for your thoughts, we are looking forward to infinity in March then msc seaside yacht in November. 

[orchestrapal]

4 hours ago, Maya1234 said:

Does the MSC allow smoking on ship. If so, it’s a no go. 

 

4 hours ago, Maya1234 said:

Does the MSC allow smoking on ship. If so, it’s a no go. 

 

According to you new best friend GOOGLE, smoking allowed only in the cigar lounge.👍