Is Haven worth the money?

[Sthrngary]

20 minutes ago, sverigecruiser said:

 

MSCs Yacht Club is better than NCLs Haven, I think. The Haven needs to cost less than the Yacht Club for a similar cruise for me to think it's worth it. Normally the Haven still cost much more than the Yacht Club.

 

If I ever shall cruise on NCL again it will be in the Haven. For me it's Haven or no cruise. If I think that the Haven cost too much for a cruise I'm interested in I'm out. 

Please compare the Yacht Club to the Haven from your personal experience.  Consider in your comparison to be "If both cost the same."  Thank you in advance!

[kitty-sail]

I would not stay in a Haven suite on the older ships but would book a "suite' instead. The Breakaway class and above have a very nice Haven experience. I would recommend that you try it at least once.

[kitty-sail]

5 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

I could not agree more.  Some days I feel my age and most days I feel so much younger.  Kind of one of the reasons I like to cruise larger ships.  The ability to do things that simply make you feel younger. 

Since you two seem to have conversation about who is older or wiser, here's one about age. NCL will not accept children under, I believe, 6 months of age. Is there an age limit on the upper end of the scale ? 🤣

[sverigecruiser]

2 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

Please compare the Yacht Club to the Haven from your personal experience.  Consider in your comparison to be "If both cost the same."  Thank you in advance!

 

I will be back with that the next time I use my computer. I compared them in my review after my first MSC cruise. I don't know how to link to that, or copy from it, from my tablet.

[complawyer]

i will post this one more time. if you can afford to book a haven cabin, it is definitely worth it. ive stated tis before, and someone just reposted this, the ability to be escorted off the ship by the concierge on disembarkation day within 10-15 minutes, to me is well worth the price of admission.

 

we utilize the butler almost on a daily basis, the concierge not so much, but we have used him/her to book teppanyaki when i couldnt get a reservation on my own, and to get me excursion tickets.

 

while i agree, the haven restaurant food is so-so, it's nice to sit down with not a lot of other people, and just chill out while eating. same as in bar. also, we've never been inundated with screaming children while at the haven pool. usually, it's been relatively empty. i grab my kindle, find a lounge chair and i'm good to go. i usually try and book the 2 bedroom, and for our next 3 cruises, i've convinced my friends to travel with us and take the 2nd room. i advise that it's not very big, but my travel companions are single female prior co-workers and they are taking the other room and this way they can get the benefits of the haven suite.

 

before you ask, yes, my wife has no objections, as we have known these women for 30 and 20years respectively

[complawyer]

kitty-sail, im just claiming to be older, certainly not wiser.

 

in response to your question, i believe if you're breathing and warm ncl will gladly take your money and allow you to cruise. im not so sure at this time if even breathing is still a prerequisite

[ChiefMateJRK]

58 minutes ago, complawyer said:

if you can afford to book a haven cabin, it is definitely worth it.

Yes and no.  Some folks could easily afford the Haven, but would rather do other things with their money.  In many cases it would be for the benefit of others, not themselves.  People are wired differently and have different value systems.  Some wish to pamper themselves to the maximum extend that they can afford (and sometimes beyond).  Others, not so much....

[complawyer]

chiefmatejrk: i usually find your posts humerous, enjoyable and spot on. the question posed was "is the haven worth the money" my response was if one can afford it , it's definitely worth it. that people choose to spend money on other things is up to them. i believe this question was limited to the one issue, one the one issue only. is staying in the haven worth it. the question was not what would you do with the money, would you choose to cruise or do something else. it just as  easily been asked if an inside cabin is worth booking.

 

sorry, but on this one, i think you are comparing apples to oranges.

[Sthrngary]

7 minutes ago, complawyer said:

chiefmatejrk: i usually find your posts humerous, enjoyable and spot on. the question posed was "is the haven worth the money" my response was if one can afford it , it's definitely worth it. that people choose to spend money on other things is up to them. i believe this question was limited to the one issue, one the one issue only. is staying in the haven worth it. the question was not what would you do with the money, would you choose to cruise or do something else. it just as  easily been asked if an inside cabin is worth booking.

 

sorry, but on this one, i think you are comparing apples to oranges.

I disagree. Apples and Tomato.  I say Tomato, you say Apple.  

[ChiefMateJRK]

9 minutes ago, complawyer said:

chiefmatejrk: i usually find your posts humerous, enjoyable and spot on. the question posed was "is the haven worth the money" my response was if one can afford it , it's definitely worth it. that people choose to spend money on other things is up to them. i believe this question was limited to the one issue, one the one issue only. is staying in the haven worth it. the question was not what would you do with the money, would you choose to cruise or do something else. it just as  easily been asked if an inside cabin is worth booking.

 

sorry, but on this one, i think you are comparing apples to oranges.

That's fair.  That's why I said "yes and no."  I guess I've just grown tired of the suggestion that the only folks who are stupid enough to sail in steerage are stuck in that "problem" because they don't have enough money.  I was trying to make a point (I may have missed the mark).  A person may have $10K in their bank account.  They can book the Haven or they can book steerage and leave some for their kids/charity/etc.  It's (maybe?) all good.  😎  Believe it or not, but spending money needlessly makes some people unhappy.

[complawyer]

spending money needlessly does make me very,very unhappy, but (and this is a major but) if i'm booking a cruise anyway, and i can afford the costs, i want all the goodies associated with a haven cabin. while i dont consider myself a snob (although in earlier posts ive been designated as such) i saw the indoor cabin, and while i dont put anyone down for booking one, i dont think i'd be happy or satisfied in one. I want a balcony, and would be happy with the club balcony cabin (formerly mini suites) but unfortunately, as most people have stated, once you  have enjoyed the haven, it's hard to accept anything less.  some people indicate that if youre just going to sleep there an indoor cabin will suffice. i like relaxing in the cabin, reading my kindle while my wife whiles away the hours in the casino.

i also like sitting on the balcony with my camera, photographing the sunsets, but most of all, watching the port runners trying to get back on board before the ship sails, because they forgot or didnt check departure time (only kidding, just joking, i truly emphasize with people that are running late and might miss the ship

[complawyer]

sthrngary, apple, tomato, orange, zucchini, or even rutabaga, we both seem to agree, that if you can afford a haven, go for it.

 

this is a massive no brainer without putting anyone down

[Sthrngary]

48 minutes ago, complawyer said:

sthrngary, apple, tomato, orange, zucchini, or even rutabaga, we both seem to agree, that if you can afford a haven, go for it.

 

this is a massive no brainer without putting anyone down

Life is way to short my good friend.  Might as well live it. The alternative is my Frenchbull dog lives in luxury when I am gone.

[SeaShark]

53 minutes ago, complawyer said:

sthrngary, apple, tomato, orange, zucchini, or even rutabaga, we both seem to agree, that if you can afford a haven, go for it.

 

this is a massive no brainer without putting anyone down

 

Honestly, that is just bad logic...not to mention a poor argument. Just because someone can afford the price of something does not automatically make that thing "worth" the price. And "worth" is, after all, the thread topic.

 

A widget that costs $2 is not guaranteed to have double the "worth" of a widget that costs $1...whether the consumer can afford it or not.

 

You do, fwiw, know what they say about no brainers, right?

[Sthrngary]

24 minutes ago, SeaShark said:

 

Honestly, that is just bad logic...not to mention a poor argument. Just because someone can afford the price of something does not automatically make that thing "worth" the price. And "worth" is, after all, the thread topic.

 

A widget that costs $2 is not guaranteed to have double the "worth" of a widget that costs $1...whether the consumer can afford it or not.

 

You do, fwiw, know what they say about no brainers, right?

Ok, just like in the MMA, I am tapping out.  I am going to spend my time on the “Which Excursion is the best one” tread.  I love the simple fact we all just love cruising.  Life is good.

[ChiefMateJRK]

52 minutes ago, SeaShark said:

Just because someone can afford the price of something does not automatically make that thing "worth" the price.

Hey look!  I agree with @SeaShark  It's all good....

[ChiefMateJRK]

1 hour ago, complawyer said:

spending money needlessly does make me very,very unhappy, but (and this is a major but) if i'm booking a cruise anyway, and i can afford the costs, i want all the goodies associated with a haven cabin.

This makes absolutely no sense.

[Sthrngary]

1 hour ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

This makes absolutely no sense.

@ChiefMateJRK and @complawyeryou both are some of my favorite online cruise critic teammates.  My daughter whom is 31 and definitely a millennial because I was a horrible father and spoiled her said it best.  "Daddy, why do we HAVE to do the Haven.  We could get two non-Haven Suites with balconies so my significant other and I can have our own suite.  Instead we are in a Haven Suite with you and mom."  

 

I said, "Because I am paying for this entire family vacation.  I want to eat with my family.  It will be mom and my celebration for our 42 wedding anniversary.  AND, mom and I like the Haven!"  The response was from my daughter, "But the Haven is Bougie."

 

I said the following and it should put this entire conversation in perspective.  "Then you stay home, don't go on the cruise and take care of the dogs for ALL of us.  I will go on my so called Bougie cruise with mom and save a ton of money because you and your partner will not join."  

 

Result, My family of 5 will be on the Owners Suite on our upcoming NCL joy Cruise.  Why, because I had four cancelled cruises, 125% future cruise credits, 10% off on our next cruise, booked it a year ago and NCL offered 3-4 guest free.  I basically worked ever aspect of the deal to the best of my ability. By doing so, we can do my "Bucket list Suite" which I never in a million years thought I could ever do. My daughter got the point.  My money, my choice, my vacation, my anniversay, and I get to do what I want to do because, "YES I LIKE to be Bougie for one week a year."  

 

I think that says it all. 

 

Cruise well my Bougie friends.  You do you and just enjoy the experience. If you don't enjoy it, do something else the next time.  

[complawyer]

sea shark, you are missing the point. the issue is whether or not a haven cabin is worth the money.

 

if you want to cruise in relative luxury, the haven is worth the money. unlike your widgets, where a 2 dollar widgets is not necessarily worth twice as much as a one dollar widget.

 

by comparison, if you take a haven cabin verses say a club balcony suite, it is certainly worth the difference in price if you can afford the upgrade. the issue is, "is the haven worth spending the money"

 

if someone cannot afford to book a haven,it's a moot point. with all the extras a haven suite offers, as opposed to another category cabin, the answer is emphatically YES!  if you want a $2.00 widget, it doesnt matter whether or not it's twice as good as the dollar one. the cost of a haven is definitely worth the price of admission

[sverigecruiser]

 

Here is a link to my MSC Meraviglia review:

 

https://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=586592

 

I can mentioned a few things I liked better with the Yacht Club compared to the Haven:

 

1. MSC has a tent outside the terminal where the documents are checked and the luggage is collected.

 

2. In their waitingarea they serve Prosecco while waiting to board.

 

3. Everyone in the Yacht Club has drinks included so no need to show the card in the Yacht Club lounge or restaurant.

 

4. Roomservice drinks are included in the yacht Club.

 

5. The minibar is included in the Yacht Club.

 

6. Spa access is included in the Yacht Club.

 

7. New menu everyday in the Yacht Club restaurant.

 

8. No lines to get back on the ship after a portday. Staff with Yacht Club signs wait outside the ship and with them you can pass all lines. Sometimes there is a Yacht Club entrance to get back on the ship.

 

I'm sure there are more things which I forgot now!

 

 

Edited October 9, 2021 by sverigecruiser

[david_sobe]

On Prima and following new ships, the Haven is finally going top notch luxury.  One of my few peeves about the Haven is how the pool area is nowhere near the ocean.  The Haven lounge has no ocean views (except Epic).  The Haven will finally have a pool with direct ocean views and the Haven bar will be on that top deck too.  Paying big bucks I never understood the tiny Haven pool that is hidden from the ocean.

[Oxo]

Does anyone have a copy of the Haven menus? If not,, Links would be appreciated.

Stay Safe! 

 

Edited October 9, 2021 by Oxo

[kodos]

I'm making my third attempt at the Haven experience. I had a 4 day on the Joy cancelled in 2020 for the pandemic. Rebooked the 7 dayJoy out of Jamaica that was supposed to leave tomorrow that got canceled to have its crew transferred for the Encore in Alaska. I was really sure that cruise would happen when I booked it. Both those cruises the plan was to split an Aft Penthouse which has 2 full baths with another couple using the 3 & 4 free. I had given up on the Haven since I wasn't seeing any comparable deals and all my cruises were canceled before final money was due so I did't have all the extra credit other people have. Then this week I found the 5 day Mexican Riviera on the Bliss. The price was really good on a 2 bedroom but couldn't find anyone to split it with on the date of the sailing. Surprisingly the deal on forward penthouse was also pretty good so I bit the bullet and booked it for just the two of us. I have followed @Sthrngary on the subject of Haven for 18 months at least and have studied his write up. 

 

I don't plan on being converted to a Haven or nothing person. With over 20 years of cruising under my belt I have evolved into doing to types of trips. I do destination trips to places I haven't been where I get an inside cabin and I'm off the ship all day in port. Trips like that I know I'll spend just as much money as the ship cost on port activities. My next one will be Japan (I hope). The other trip I take is for the ship itself. Destination doesn't matter and usually is a place I haven been to already so I don't feel bad about not getting off the ship. These trips are usually on the newest ships. That's what this Haven trip will be. I actually did a similar trip on the Bliss 2 years ago. I had a spa cabin and vibe passes. I never got off the ship and my day was spent in the observation lounge, vibe, and spa. 

 

It is hard for me to justify spending more on a 5 day Haven than a 12 day Japan inside but I really want to do it at least once. I'm am really hoping I get to report back about the experience and this cruise doesn't get cancelled too. 

[ProblemCruiser]

46 minutes ago, Oxo said:

Does anyone have a copy of the Haven menus? If not,, Links would be appreciated.

Stay Safe! 

 

https://profcruise.com/norwegian-encore-dining-and-restaurant-menus-2021/?fbclid=IwAR1WvXjG5PM3mZhC0xlNXuu4hAldRXGyhE1t0Msfg9sJAezwH2OytsvdkT4

[roger001]

Here's a You Tube of the Haven food.  Will make your mouth water.