Differences Between Yacht Club and Haven

[gmbhardy]

We will be taking our first cruise on MSC (Seaside Yacht Club) in just over a week. We have sailed in The Haven quite often so were wondering what the major differences are between the two experiences. For example, do the butlers bring snacks to your cabin in the afternoon. Is there a charge to have drinks delivered to your room. Can the concierge book dinner reservations. Is there reserved seating at the entertainment venues for YC guests. I understand that all YC staff are somewhat compensated through the service charge pool unlike Haven staff.  If you are aware of any other differences, please let me know. Thanks.

 

 

 

 

[markf]

You will be  much happier  on MSC  YC, in every area except possibly  for the  size of the  cabin and also  no  reserved  seats  at theater.

 

Food variety, drinks  all free, service much better --I am envious  -Have fun

[Toofarfromthesea]

8 minutes ago, markf said:

You will be  much happier  on MSC  YC, in every area except possibly  for the  size of the  cabin and also  no  reserved  seats  at theater.

 

Food variety, drinks  all free, service much better --I am envious  -Have fun

 

There are reserved seats for YC class passengers in the theater.  

[sptrout]

34 minutes ago, Toofarfromthesea said:

 

There are reserved seats for YC class passengers in the theater.  

Yea, but they are aft of the stern. Well maybe not that far back, but they are in the back 2 or 3 rows of the theater. Okay if you are late, but much better to get there early and grab much better seats. 

 

Cannot comment about the Haven, but the YC is much better than Celebrity's Sky Suite or Princess' "Club Class". Although not marketed as competing classes, they are all about identical in size and price (Sky Suite typically the most expensive). The YC experience is great.

[CruisingFox27]

There are snacks/ nibbles in the mini bar and others are delivered to your cabin, fruit and chocolates mainly, although not necessarily in the afternoon. You can order any more substantial items from room service, including drinks without charge at anytime. Buffet items in the TSL can be taken back to your cabin too. The concierge will book speciality restaurant reservations for you if requested. 

[phissy]

Having now done both..

Haven (most of the time) you have to pay for items used from mini fridge. When we had Owners Suite, bar and mini fridge was included.

YC- help yourself, all are included and replenished each day.

YC- No afternoon  delivery of snack so, taking a nap will not be interrupted.

Our Snacks in mini fridge were Pringles, asst. nut mix, coco nuts and salted peanuts.

We had fruit bowl in room and replenished as needed. Good variety of fruit.

twice had chocolate strawberries and Prosecco delivered to room . Once for YC and then for Black Card.

We had Nespresso marchine in room for coffee. Room service was always available. We really became fans of the pizza onboard. It is available after 12 noon and if you do not want to go to ship buffet then room service can deliver it for you.

Snacks available at YC Lounge all afternoon and evening.

Getting drinks was easy in the YC, Top Sail, Lounge or YC restaurant

 

Shows in main theatre was easy to just go and select own seat.

Unlike NCL, MSC has smaller theatre and has 3 shows a night. You must use your room card and reserve a time and day. So, less crowds per performance and good seats.

The only negative is that there is no restaurant like O’Sheenans. There are other small restaurants but they are all upcharge. Not noted as such in Daily. Only premium restaurants are marked as additional charge applies.

Regarding the concierge.

Really liked MSC approach. they do not come around and bother you when you are having a meal etc.

 they have a station within the YC and someone is always available to help. We used them for Cirque reservations and when disembarking arrangements were made.

The one comment to add and has been mentioned before.

Cabins are not quite as large as on NCL. They are perfectly adequate for two people.  We found Deluxe Suite had good use of space with storage and sofa for sitting. 

We will definately do MSC again.

 

 

[xcell]

For total package YC but especially the value/cost compared to what the Haven wants.

 

Haven -- dinner wins, though variety does not change, I found food quality and service much better than the YC. YC dinner service, though they tried hard was a miss -- slow, mixed up orders, not consistent (this is petty but some nights we got bread, other nights not, some times there would be a bread knife set up other nights not, funny thing was the nights we had bread, usually, no bread knife, etc...  if they can't even get that right...)

 

Everywhere else, service within the YC was great -- Topsail lounge, Pool deck, butlers -- they were awesome. View from the Topsail lounge was awesome.

 

Going back to YC in August -- waiting for Haven to lower in price. 

Edited March 27, 2019 by xcell

[xznwfd]

We felt the YC restaurant was much better than the Haven one.  We really liked the new menu for lunch and dinner every day, and our service was perfect.  We loved the bread; they always had a whole grain option and we never missed receiving bread with our meal.  Our waiters made recommendations for our selections and everything they recommended was fabulous.  

 

Agree the YC rooms are much smaller, but perfectly comfortable for 2.  Really enjoyed the mini bar being free, and our butler would bring us each a glass of nice Cabernet every night to drink before we went to bed.  The whole butler experience was much, much better on MSC (Seaside) than what we had in the Haven (Escape).

 

For the price especially, YC can't be beat!

 

Cathy

[gmbhardy]

2 hours ago, phissy said:

Having now done both..

Haven (most of the time) you have to pay for items used from mini fridge. When we had Owners Suite, bar and mini fridge was included.

YC- help yourself, all are included and replenished each day.

YC- No afternoon  delivery of snack so, taking a nap will not be interrupted.

Our Snacks in mini fridge were Pringles, asst. nut mix, coco nuts and salted peanuts.

We had fruit bowl in room and replenished as needed. Good variety of fruit.

twice had chocolate strawberries and Prosecco delivered to room . Once for YC and then for Black Card.

We had Nespresso marchine in room for coffee. Room service was always available. We really became fans of the pizza onboard. It is available after 12 noon and if you do not want to go to ship buffet then room service can deliver it for you.

Snacks available at YC Lounge all afternoon and evening.

Getting drinks was easy in the YC, Top Sail, Lounge or YC restaurant

 

Shows in main theatre was easy to just go and select own seat.

Unlike NCL, MSC has smaller theatre and has 3 shows a night. You must use your room card and reserve a time and day. So, less crowds per performance and good seats.

The only negative is that there is no restaurant like O’Sheenans. There are other small restaurants but they are all upcharge. Not noted as such in Daily. Only premium restaurants are marked as additional charge applies.

Regarding the concierge.

Really liked MSC approach. they do not come around and bother you when you are having a meal etc.

 they have a station within the YC and someone is always available to help. We used them for Cirque reservations and when disembarking arrangements were made.

The one comment to add and has been mentioned before.

Cabins are not quite as large as on NCL. They are perfectly adequate for two people.  We found Deluxe Suite had good use of space with storage and sofa for sitting. 

We will definately do MSC again.

 

 

 

A sincere thanks for your comprehensive comparison. I think we are going to really enjoy the YC.

[kelleherdl]

$$$$/product delivered (value),  not even close.  MSC  all the way.  

 

Dennis

 

[maryisme]

I cruise mostly YC and Haven and the service I have received in YC has been superior to Haven. NCl rooms are nicer in my opinion. Food was excellent in YC with a different menu every night. Great bang for your buck!

[graphicguy]

Both are great products (Haven and YC).  I’ve sailed 3 Havens and 2 YC cruises.

 

YC is gone up in price considerably since I booked both on the Meriviglia (Mediterranean) and Divina (Caribbean).  Still, I like the YC.

 

I like the service in the Haven bar and restaurant better than the service in Top Sail Lounge and Le Muse.  YC does have daily snacks available in Top Sail.

 

Haven concierge seemingly can do just about everything that can’t be done.  Get a reservation at a show or restaurant that’s “sold out”?  They’ve done it for me several times.  Escort us to the best seats available for a show that you can’t get into?  They can.

 

YC concierge, while good, isn’t quite as good.

 

YC does have a daily newspaper delivered to your cabin.  Haven does not.  YC Butler will carry your luggage through embarkation.  Haven Butler will escort you but not carry luggage.

 

Haven restaurant is better than Le Muse.  Service was much better at both the Haven Bar and Haven restaurant than in the YC.

 

As others mention, the cabins are a bit nicer in the Haven than in the YC.

 

Bottom line.....both the YC and the Haven are wonderful experiences.  I wouldn’t hesitate to do either.  

 

I keep seeing pricing comparisons, and if you can book a Haven and watch pricing, snagging one closer to the cruise date will net the best price.  Or alternatively, bidding on a Haven cabin will net a better price, usually.  I’ve never paid over $4,800 for a cabin for two in the Haven.  Two were a Haven Spa Suite (which included free entry into the great NCL spa).  The other was a Haven Balcony Penthouse Suite.

 

Both YCs were Suites.

 

Shop and compare the services and know whichever you book, you’re going to love.

[heidikay]

Pretty sure Yacht club includes free entry into the spa.  Sounds like Haven doesn't.  I've never cruised Haven.

[Toofarfromthesea]

17 hours ago, sptrout said:

Yea, but they are aft of the stern. Well maybe not that far back, but they are in the back 2 or 3 rows of the theater. Okay if you are late, but much better to get there early and grab much better seats. 

 

"Yeah but"????  The question was whether there are reserved seats for YC, not where they were.

[gmbhardy]

14 minutes ago, heidikay said:

Pretty sure Yacht club includes free entry into the spa.  Sounds like Haven doesn't.  I've never cruised Haven.

 

Yes, you’re right. Thermal suite access is free in the YC but it’ll cost you an extra $400 per couple in the Haven.

[Epos Man]

on the subject of NCL and MSC I see that NCL are scrapping there all inclusive and you now have the choice of 

 

• A premium drinks package, worth up to US$99 per person, per day, including gratuities and service charges
• Speciality dining for three nights of a seven-night sailing, worth $89 per person, including gratuities and service charges
• Free WiFi, up to 250 mins per stateroom on a seven-night basis.
• US$50 dollars on board credit per stateroom, per port, to spend on shore excursions
• The third and fourth passenger in a stateroom, sails for the cost of taxes only (selected sailings only)

Guests sailing in NCL’s top stateroom classes (Haven, Concierge or suites) would automatically be eligible for all five. The Free At Sea upgrade is fully commissionable to agents.

[Two Wheels Only]

24 minutes ago, gmbhardy said:

 

Yes, you’re right. Thermal suite access is free in the YC but it’ll cost you an extra $400 per couple in the Haven.

 

On NCL, only the H8 (on Escape) and the H9 Haven suites include Spa access for Haven guests. 

[gmbhardy]

16 minutes ago, Two Wheels Only said:

 

On NCL, only the H8 (on Escape) and the H9 Haven suites include Spa access for Haven guests. 

 

You’re right. I forgot about the spa suites. Funny because I’ve stayed in the H9 on the Getaway twice,

[graphicguy]

Obviously dates have a lot of influence on prices, but just for giggles, I looked up some Haven and Yacht Club prices over the next 8 weeks (April-May).  That's when I usually book....2-3 months out.

 

Trying to keep the class of ship the same, so for MSC I was looking at the Seaside, and for NCL the Breakaway.  All prices are for two.

 

NCL lowest price for Haven was $4522 for a balcony Spa Suite (with a jacuzzi in the suite and free Spa access) with Dining/Drink packages, 250 internet minutes and a $50/cabin credit for each excursion, $300 OBC. 

 

MSC Seaside Yacht Club inside cabin was $4,816.  If you wanted a balcony suite, the price jumps all the way to $6156.

 

Again, both are great products.  But, you really have to be more diligent in declaring price differentials.  A year or two ago, you'd be right that MSC Yacht Club was less expansive than NCL Haven.  Today?  Not always the case.

 

In the scenario above, I'd book the NCL Haven Spa Suite.

Edited March 27, 2019 by graphicguy

[gmbhardy]

54 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

Obviously dates have a lot of influence on prices, but just for giggles, I looked up some Haven and Yacht Club prices over the next 8 weeks (April-May).  That's when I usually book....2-3 months out.

 

Trying to keep the class of ship the same, so for MSC I was looking at the Seaside, and for NCL the Breakaway.  All prices are for two.

 

NCL lowest price for Haven was $4522 for a balcony Spa Suite (with a jacuzzi in the suite and free Spa access) with Dining/Drink packages, 250 internet minutes and a $50/cabin credit for each excursion, $300 OBC. 

 

MSC Seaside Yacht Club inside cabin was $4,816.  If you wanted a balcony suite, the price jumps all the way to $6156.

 

Again, both are great products.  But, you really have to be more diligent in declaring price differentials.  A year or two ago, you'd be right that MSC Yacht Club was less expansive than NCL Haven.  Today?  Not always the case.

 

In the scenario above, I'd book the NCL Haven Spa Suite.

 

I totally agree with you. I don’t think you can generally say the YC is better value than the Haven (maybe I’ll have a different opinion after the cruise). Perhaps it was less expensive a year ago, but for what I paid for a YC balcony deluxe suite, I could have booked a Haven Spa suite on some sailings. I’m trying the YC to experience something different, not to save money.

[sptrout]

2 hours ago, Toofarfromthesea said:

"Yeah but"????  The question was whether there are reserved seats for YC, not where they were.

The OP wanted to know the differences between the YC and NCL's Haven. I am not familiar with the Haven, so I could only comment that the YC reserved section is less than desirable. The OP can now compare what the Haven includes (if any) to the reserved section for the YC. Maybe a big difference, about the same, or worse (hard to imagine a worse reserved section). Not for me to decide, but to supply facts about the YC (at least for the Seaside which is my only MSC experience....so far).

[graphicguy]

23 minutes ago, gmbhardy said:

 

I totally agree with you. I don’t think you can generally say the YC is better value than the Haven (maybe I’ll have a different opinion after the cruise). Perhaps it was less expensive a year ago, but for what I paid for a YC balcony deluxe suite, I could have booked a Haven Spa suite on some sailings. I’m trying the YC to experience something different, not to save money.

I concur....getting a different perspective on this "thing" we all like (cruising) is a good thing!

 

I'm betting you'll have a really good time.  

[Formula280SS]

1 hour ago, graphicguy said:

Obviously dates have a lot of influence on prices, but just for giggles, I looked up some Haven and Yacht Club prices over the next 8 weeks (April-May).  That's when I usually book....2-3 months out.

 

Trying to keep the class of ship the same, so for MSC I was looking at the Seaside, and for NCL the Breakaway (1 of 5, 2013; not even Breakaway Plus Class).  All prices are for two.

 

 

 

Comparing the MSC Seaside (new flagship, December of 2017) to the NCL Breakaway (flagship, April 2013) is not "apples to apples" IMO.

 

I'd be interested in comparing MSC Seaside to NCL Bliss.  I'll take a look.

 

I will say MSC Yacht Club prices are up considerable (as you noted) since we booked all of our B2B's on Seaside and  Meraviglia.  😀  We met passengers on our recent B2B Seaside that paid more than twice what we paid per person.

[gmbhardy]

16 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

I concur....getting a different perspective on this "thing" we all like (cruising) is a good thing!

 

I'm betting you'll have a really good time.  

 

I’ve had a fantastic time on every single cruise I’ve been on, hiccups and all. I expect that this cruise will be just as wonderful. Thanks.

[xcell]

You can't go wrong with either