Haven vs Yacht Club

[Elsammo46]

I've been internally debating between the 2 recently. YC is a MUCH better deal as you can get a all the frills of the "ship-within-a-ship" along with complementary access to the thermal suite, a premium drink package, and 3 "dining experiences" in their specialty restaurants. All for about $1,600 for a 7-day cruise (for a solo traveler). With the Haven, you just the ship-within-a-ships perks...but none of the extras I mentioned above are included and the price is about 6-7 times as much. Is the degree of quality really THAT different? Norwegian is naturally a more high-quality line than MSC for sure, but that's a massive difference in price for two experiences that seem similar to the eyes of someone who has never experienced either. Anyway, for those of you who have experienced both, let me know which one you would recommend and if the Haven is really $5,000 better lol

[Two Wheels Only]

I've sailed both on different ships and will continue to sail both on the upcoming ships. Each has strengths and weaknesses. Neither is perfect but both suit me and my family. 

 

The ability to book the Yacht Club in an interior stateroom makes the price advantage even greater since the Haven cannot be booked in the same way. The least expensive Haven suite is almost always going to cost more than the least expensive Yacht Club suite.  Stateroom size and variety favors NCL but for the price differences, it's sometimes less expensive to book 2 YC Deluxe balcony suites for the price of a large 2BR Haven suite. 

 

When people ask, I recommend that people try both with an open mind. 

[pinklady65]

As a solo traveller too, NCL have priced me out of the Haven.  IMHO I think YC is a better product and my go to if I want to be spoilt (as long as there is an inside cabin available)

[graphicguy]

I’d throw Celebrity Sky Suites in the mix.  They had strong  pricing last summer and the Retreat experience is excellent.

 

NCL had some really good Haven pricing on Alaska itineraries about 2 months ago (~$3.5k).

 

Haven’t checked recently.

 

YC can be good.  If the delta is large, go

for it!

[insidecabin]

At that price difference YC, go for 2 weeks and still have change.

 

I would not put NCL that much higher than MSC.

[dexddd]

NCL has been looking for that extra five bucks for 8 years, compounded.  Haven crazy prices.  I will say NCL has much bigger rooms than YC but Haven service generally lackluster.  We've done five MSC since 2019 and way better than our best on NCL.

[dexddd]

To add, MSC YINs, inside cabin only hold two.

[Sailing12Away]

We haven't tried YC yet. Had a January cruise booked that was Covid cancelled. I have friends that have sailed YC and loved it, but they have yet to experience a 'true' Haven ship (non-Jewel class). We also have our eye on Celebrity, but apples-apples they always come out higher, or their entry Retreat rooms are sold out so quick it's hard to do a true comparison.

 

For us, the itinerary comes first regardless of ship or suite perks. But 90% of our trips have been with NCL, so there must be a reason we keep going back (entertainment, food options, general vibe on the ship, fellow traveler demographic, etc). Those little things add up over the trip to determine final thoughts, but 5K is a big difference to make up when all other things are considered.

[ileys]

I have been on both, as well, and I would say that the ship within a ship experience is better in the YC by far, but the rest of the ship experience is much better on NCL, if that makes any sense.

[mafig]

I've been on both and prefer YC.  

[phissy]

Just returned from NCL Bliss Haven 2 bedroom suite. This is a “true”Haven

ship. We have done several NCL Haven cruises, this was first with true Haven.

We have also done 3 MSC YC cruises, last one was November. 

Currently on NCL, it seems they have reduced quality of product. 
Food in speciality restaurants far superior to that in Haven restaurant.

Snacks delivered to cabin lower quality ie: pretzels and que bueno.

Not able to apply OBC to any gratuities ( including restaurants) Casino or voucher for staff.

When we disembarked, Concierge still had no idea who we were. 
 

MSC YC experience was much better. We really enjoyed the meals in restaurant and specialty restaurants. Access to Spa was nice.

Drink package much better. Able to get everything we requested.

Able to apply OBC to DSC and casino. 
 

factors to consider.  NCL Easier to deal with, both before and during cruise.

MSC is notorious for bad website and poor customer service.

NCL Latitudes appreciation party had NCL (East/West) white or red wine or juice drinks.

Dried out cubes of cheese offered with water crackers. Later, in the evening, same used for Haven Cocktail party. Many left after just a few moments.

NCL has already posted our double points, as promised.

 

Voyagers club appreciation party had choice of several cocktails, red, white , sparkling wine and beers.

Assorted snacks ( savory and sweet) passed by staff. nice party atmosphere. 
I have given up on getting our VC points applied to account.

 

Next cruise is MSC YC. 

Edited May 9, 2022 by phissy