Loyal Celebrity cruiser will be in Haven ( suite)

[ISABELLA]

For the first time in over 15 years, we decided to try something new.  If there are some Celebrity cruisers have sailed both lines, please share your opinions.

Thank you.

 

[Ken the cruiser]

We weren’t in a Haven cabin on our recent NCL Jade cruise. However, I did note some differences we encountered at post #7 on my below Live From thread that may be of some help.

 

 

[overlake7]

Last Novembere were on the Norwegian Bliss in a 2 bedroom Haven suite that was the nicest suite we've ever stayed in . The private observation lounge with all day snacks and goodies was fantastic as were the comfy couches and chairs. The only problem we had was when leaving the Haven area it was wall to wall people, not a quiet are to be found so rarely left the haven area.

[ISABELLA]

That was one of the selling points - to be away from crowds.

 

[cruising sister]

I stayed in the Haven on the Norwegian Joy last November. It was great. I loved the Haven restaurant and they had both indoor and outdoor seating. The butler was super attentive and there was a well stocked haven lounge with lots of goodies. I have only done the Retreat on the Infinity and was not super impressed. It is definitely like comparing apples to oranges. I would sail in the Haven again in a heartbeat if the price was right. 

[tnm6217]

49 minutes ago, overlake7 said:

Last Novembere were on the Norwegian Bliss in a 2 bedroom Haven suite that was the nicest suite we've ever stayed in . The private observation lounge with all day snacks and goodies was fantastic as were the comfy couches and chairs. The only problem we had was when leaving the Haven area it was wall to wall people, not a quiet are to be found so rarely left the haven area.

 

I was on Norwegian Joy in Haven two weeks ago and had the same experience. I knew from the second I went to the in-person muster that I would be spending a lot of time in my suite. The suite was lovely and NCL has a better wine list, but that's all I'd give them over Celebrity. I was desperate for the kind, happy, attentive Celebrity staff. Service in Haven on Joy was impersonal and a little sloppy at times. The amount of public space outside of Haven was not nearly what it should be for how many people were crammed on that boat (4,800). Everything was LOUD. In the end, I'm grateful I went, because that one sailing affirmed my love of Celebrity!

[Butterfly0822]

We stayed in a 2 bedroom Haven suite on Epic a few years ago. It was awesome having a separate bedroom and bathroom for the kids and the view from the tub was amazing. 

 

Do not leave the Haven area unless you really need to get somewhere or are going to a specialty restaurant. 🙂 People soup.

 

Our butler heard the kids talking about chocolate covered strawberries, shrimp cocktail and avocados (we had two six year olds in tow) the first day and every day he had a spread of those treats waiting for them on our dining table. Those kids ate it all every day on the balcony! (Balcony was small, however.)

 

We had some great meals in the restaurant, too. 

 

We very much enjoyed the service and attention we received in The Haven. Have fun!

[ISABELLA]

17 hours ago, tnm6217 said:

 

I was on Norwegian Joy in Haven two weeks ago and had the same experience. I knew from the second I went to the in-person muster that I would be spending a lot of time in my suite. The suite was lovely and NCL has a better wine list, but that's all I'd give them over Celebrity. I was desperate for the kind, happy, attentive Celebrity staff. Service in Haven on Joy was impersonal and a little sloppy at times. The amount of public space outside of Haven was not nearly what it should be for how many people were crammed on that boat (4,800). Everything was LOUD. In the end, I'm grateful I went, because that one sailing affirmed my love of Celebrity!

Life is all about different experiences after all. We sailed exclusively with Celebrity for 15 years and had a great cruise last March, but we had to cancel 3 cruises due to health issues. After hearing so much about cut backs everywhere, decided to try something new. Will see. We are sailing in May and will be happy to come back with my 2 cents.

[ISABELLA]

Large crowds is number one reason we don't sail on large ships, but having Haven suite seems like a good alternative to have peace and quiet.

[Michele035]

Hi, I am about to post a longer review over the next few days on Haven vs. Celebrity Retreat, but I saw this thread.  We literally are just off the Beyond in a Celebrity Suite in the Retreat.  We have been in RCCL's suites/concierge as well as NCL's Haven's on the Escape (3 times) and the Breakaway 1 time.  We did not enjoy the Beyond/Retreat experience at all.  Nothing about it felt "exclusive" or "special".  We felt like we were on another area of the ship with cabins, pool and deck.  All of which were equally crowded and service was mediocre.  On the Haven everything from "space" to experience felt exclusive. you can only get in card key access.  On Celebrity our suite was amoung all the other cabins and you have to share elevators with everyone else.   A few quick examples:  when you board and when you disembark, you have the concierge escort you via elevator (either an inside or outside one) that is ONLY for Haven and goes directly to the Haven and/or where your bags are when you leave.  And you can do that whenever you want.  In the Haven, we wanted to get into a few specialty restaurants we didn't get reservations for before we boarded.  Not only did the Concierge call and get us reservations but also a couple that was traveling with us NOT in the Haven.  Before going on the Beyond every single solitary speciality restaurant was booked literally HOURS after they opened on the AP.  I couldn't believe it.  HOURS.  Our TA assured us that they ALWAYS kept a few tables open for suite guest and we should be able to just ask the Concierge in the Retreat lounge.  Nope.  Nothing.  They had the same ap we did and no times.  Finally we literally went OURSELVES to 2 restaurants at 5:30 and begged to get in when they opened and got into 2 that way.  Um, yeah, not for the amount of $ we spent for the "suite experience".  Ridiculous.  For the money we spent on this cruise it was totally NOT worth it unfortunately.  Our first Celebrity and we will never return unless we are in a regular cabin.   Like I said I am doing a longer review over the next few days, but wanted to give you my feedback.  

[jelayne]

That’s the beauty of having choices.  We love the Celebrity Retreat experience but we also love hanging out at the Sunset Bar late afternoon, Martini Bar for pre dinner drinks and the Club for some late night fun.  
 We don’t mind sharing elevators, and on the Beyond the Retreat Lounge and Sundeck do require card access.  

 

We have no desire to sail on a ship where leaving the “suite only areas” will be a downgrade to our vacation.

[Michele035]

Actually we spent plenty of time in "non suite" areas of the NCL ships to see shows, go to specialty resturants and bars/lounges.  It wasn't that we didn't want to stay exclusively in the Haven but that when we were there the experience was felt exclusive and far less crowded. 

[miched]

Thanks for sharing a honest review that isn’t biased as many Celebrity loyalty tend to do.   You make many great points on the differences.

 

I guess I am a Celebrity Loyalist.   I have no problem with mingling with the so called peons that aren’t in a suite because I am usually one of them.  When I do have a suite I don’t feel as if I am better or above the non suite guests or expect any special treatment in any public areas or even in the Retreat areas.   
 

When I am on an elevator I have no problem sharing it with those that are or aren’t in a suite.   My farts still smell the same even though some may think that their ***** doesn’t stink but their farts give them away 💩

 

Happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅

[Michele035]

The poster asked for an honest review of the differences between the Haven and Celebrity Retreat and I gave my opinion.  The past 2 posters have proceeded to call me a snob and an elitist.  I promise you I will never ever post on this board again because of it.  

Happy cruising to all of you as well

[Ken the cruiser]

3 hours ago, Michele035 said:

Hi, I am about to post a longer review over the next few days on Haven vs. Celebrity Retreat, but I saw this thread.  We literally are just off the Beyond in a Celebrity Suite in the Retreat.  We have been in RCCL's suites/concierge as well as NCL's Haven's on the Escape (3 times) and the Breakaway 1 time.  We did not enjoy the Beyond/Retreat experience at all.  Nothing about it felt "exclusive" or "special".  We felt like we were on another area of the ship with cabins, pool and deck.  All of which were equally crowded and service was mediocre.  On the Haven everything from "space" to experience felt exclusive. you can only get in card key access.  On Celebrity our suite was amoung all the other cabins and you have to share elevators with everyone else.   A few quick examples:  when you board and when you disembark, you have the concierge escort you via elevator (either an inside or outside one) that is ONLY for Haven and goes directly to the Haven and/or where your bags are when you leave.  And you can do that whenever you want.  In the Haven, we wanted to get into a few specialty restaurants we didn't get reservations for before we boarded.  Not only did the Concierge call and get us reservations but also a couple that was traveling with us NOT in the Haven.  Before going on the Beyond every single solitary speciality restaurant was booked literally HOURS after they opened on the AP.  I couldn't believe it.  HOURS.  Our TA assured us that they ALWAYS kept a few tables open for suite guest and we should be able to just ask the Concierge in the Retreat lounge.  Nope.  Nothing.  They had the same ap we did and no times.  Finally we literally went OURSELVES to 2 restaurants at 5:30 and begged to get in when they opened and got into 2 that way.  Um, yeah, not for the amount of $ we spent for the "suite experience".  Ridiculous.  For the money we spent on this cruise it was totally NOT worth it unfortunately.  Our first Celebrity and we will never return unless we are in a regular cabin.   Like I said I am doing a longer review over the next few days, but wanted to give you my feedback.  

We were in a Haven suite on the Getaway back in Dec 2017 and what you mentioned brought back some very fond memories! The ship atmosphere definitely changed to a more peaceful setting when we entered the Haven through the key card entrance, and the Concierges that always seemed to be there until around 9 pm were always ready to help. The only negative issue we had was that the Haven dinner menu never changed. But that’s ok as we ate at 3 different specialty restaurants, all free as they were part of our booking package, on our 7 day cruise.

 

@ISABELLA one thing we learned from our most recent NCL B2B on the Jade I mentioned above was that as soon as I stopped comparing NCL with the experiences we had encountered on the other cruise lines we sail with, to include many with Celebrity, we started having a lot more fun and appreciating what NCL had to offer, which is considerable! 
 

But I will also note, we now only book Celebrity Aqua cabins, to dine in Blu, and NCL Club Balcony cabins, to get the 2 free bags of laundry (1 for each of us) as the suite prices on both of those lines have just gotten too crazy. In fact, the only suites I can see us ever booking in the future are possibly the Princess aft-facing vista suites on their Grand class ships, as their huge fully covered balconies are awesome! 😁
 

Edited March 13, 2023 by Ken the cruiser

[mafig]

We were on Haven Joy last year.  Would certainly do it again if the price was right.  A few things I didn't like though.  I really don't like indoor pools.  Their new Prima has an outdoor pool in the Haven, so that would be perfect.

Also, the ship was very crowded once you left the Haven.  However, we were during Spring Break/Easter and it was full of kids.  

DH just had dental surgery, so having a menu that did not change in the Haven dining room suited him just fine.  He still talks about having lobster every night.

You have to upgrade your drink package in order to get bottled  water!  Certainly did not like that.

[TeeRick]

15 hours ago, Michele035 said:

Actually we spent plenty of time in "non suite" areas of the NCL ships to see shows, go to specialty resturants and bars/lounges.  It wasn't that we didn't want to stay exclusively in the Haven but that when we were there the experience was felt exclusive and far less crowded. 

Thanks for your opinions.  For specialty dining on Celebrity, the online reservations fill up quickly especially at the better times.  Months before the cruise.  Even for suite customers.  Once we board, we go directly to one of the Specialty Restaurants.  There are plenty of open times available.  We were recently told by a maitre 'D on Equinox that they hold 40-50% back until people board the ship.  Then release them.  I think that is a fair policy.

[AstoriaPreppy]

On 3/12/2023 at 9:49 PM, Ken the cruiser said:

The only negative issue we had was that the Haven dinner menu never changed.

Just making sure someone mentioned this. Unlike Luminae, the Haven restaurant menu never changes. Regular Haven cruisers will trip over themselves to tell you how remarkable the menu is that they don’t need new options each night… but it’s more that the lines wants and expects passengers to go to specialty dining regularly. 
 

[Ken the cruiser]

42 minutes ago, AstoriaPreppy said:

Just making sure someone mentioned this. Unlike Luminae, the Haven restaurant menu never changes. Regular Haven cruisers will trip over themselves to tell you how remarkable the menu is that they don’t need new options each night… but it’s more that the line wants and expects passengers to go to specialty dining regularly. 
 

That makes a lot of sense. In fact NCL usually gives you 2 free specialty restaurant reservations for each booking. In addition, if you've reached the Platinum or higher loyalty level, which isn’t that hard to obtain, you get 2 more free specialty restaurant reservations. So on a 7-day cruise, chances are quite a few of the repeat Haven passengers as well as many other loyal NCL cruisers will be eating in specialty restaurants quite a few times on their cruise. For example, we made Platinum after going on 3 cruises that totaled 45 days. 

[ISABELLA]

Appreciated all points of view.  Like all things in life - there are pros and cons to everything. 

20 years ago, we used to sail with Princess and loved it. But after discovering Solarium, better food and service, AQ experience - there were no return. Now is time to try something new. 😄

[ISABELLA]

We are back from our first Haven cruise. Lots of pros and cons. 

 Will post our opinion shortly. 

 

[Georgia_Peaches]

On 3/12/2023 at 6:29 PM, Michele035 said:

Our first Celebrity and we will never return unless we are in a regular cabin. 

Not sure if you are keeping true to your word about not coming back to CC (I hope you have come back) but I agree with you regarding the "regular cabin" on Celebrity.  The non-retreat categories offer a very refined cruising experience.  I never feel like I need a "secluded" place to escape to when I'm on a Celebrity ship.  In contrast, I would not sail on NCL or MSC unless I was booked into a suite, Haven or Yacht Club.  The NCL ships are built to appeal to a wide variety of cruising experiences from children, teens, young adults and even seniors.  As such, the outdoor areas can feel chaotic and not very relaxing at all.  NCL has their suite experience very nicely refined and I actually prefer it over Celebrity.  Unfortunately, NCL has priced themselves out of my market and I have opted for MSC instead.  I still enjoy Celebrity's suite experience and I don't feel like I'm missing exclusivity if there is no dedicated Retreat space.  In fact, from what I've seen, those spaces lack shade, a pool (S-class) and bar/grill. To that end, I'd rather be in a suite and relax in the solarium than be in a suite and fry on an after-the-fact sun deck.  All things being equal, I'd opt for Yacht Club, then Haven, then Retreat.  All offer nice things in their own right.

[floatplan]

Isabella it would have helped to know the Ship and your cabin category as the Haven can be very different for those.

 

One NCL advantage is Room Service as you can order from the Haven menu. The butlers do an excellent job of delivering it. 

 

Celebrity suites cannot order from the Retreat menu. My last time on Edge the upper suites could. So room service is usually blahhhh and no where near Haven level.

[jbcallender]

We were suite guests on NCL Spirit last November for 12 days.  Staff was outstnding.  Spirit has a more limited Haven experience, in fact they don't have a "Haven".  The suite services were great, the Suite concierge was wonderful, the butler was very attentive.  The guaranteed balcony seating for shows was great.  The priorty boarding for tenders was outstanding.  The priority embarkation made for a much more relaxed last day. In the suite, we had the best bedding I have ever had on a cruise or in a hotel (and I am in the hotel business).  The food on Spirit was good, but nothing was "spectacular" in my opinion - no real "wow" food moments.  We are on the Millie in August, so I am really excited to make the comparison.

[flviking]

Really looking forward to your review.  We are very disappointed in the Luminae continuing to be closed on port days as well as the specialty reservations difficulties.  As our luggage is always in group1 we have no issues with Retreat disembarkation process.