Viva Haven?

[dwr777]

For context, my last 3 cruises have been Haven. I’ve booked non-Haven Viva but am now considering upgrading to Haven. I’ve searched for Viva Haven reviews but haven’t found many.  If you’ve sailed Viva in the Haven, can you kindly provide some feedback?  
 

Thanks in advance.

[kasimir]

You might want to check the latest video from Ben and David on YouTube. They just uploaded a very good video on the Viva Haven. Not sure if i am allowed to post links on here. 

 

Also keep in mind that the Viva and Prima are nearly identical, so if you want you might as well check the Prima Haven reviews to get an idea. 

[dwr777]

Hi, thanks, I did see it. I was looking for other opinions.  I do think I will try non-Haven with Vibe.

[david_sobe]

1 hour ago, kasimir said:

You might want to check the latest video from Ben and David on YouTube. They just uploaded a very good video on the Viva Haven. Not sure if i am allowed to post links on here. 

 

Also keep in mind that the Viva and Prima are nearly identical, so if you want you might as well check the Prima Haven reviews to get an idea. 

I am a Haven lover and those guys are always positive but their review of the Viva Haven was disappointing.  The service was not great because a shortage of workers, the Haven bar closed at 6pm, Kids running all over the place monopolizing the pool, kids even on the adult only sundeck and staff never intervened, etc.  I was so disappointed to see that review.  Wake up NCL.

[vacation44]

57 minutes ago, dwr777 said:

Hi, thanks, I did see it. I was looking for other opinions.  I do think I will try non-Haven with Vibe.

That is our plan for February 2025. 

[dexddd]

I don't waste time on those posters.  Junk science. Having been in Prima Haven in a cool climate, waste.  The outside areas are wasted.  Inside nice but bar jammed.  Elevators are nice. Better if forward and enclosed.

[ggTexasGal]

19 hours ago, dwr777 said:

I’ve searched for Viva Haven reviews but haven’t found many.

The VIVA has only been sailing with regular passengers for a few months, which might explain why you have found few reviews!

[JGmf]

17 hours ago, dwr777 said:

Hi, thanks, I did see it. I was looking for other opinions.  I do think I will try non-Haven with Vibe.

 

We did the same for the Prima this past April and enjoyed it.  I don't think you'll be disappointed with that option....just buy that Vibe pass ASAP.

[Sthrngary]

18 hours ago, dwr777 said:

Hi, thanks, I did see it. I was looking for other opinions.  I do think I will try non-Haven with Vibe.

@dwr777 The Haven-Lite Strategy.  Good call.  The Vibe on an NCL ship is the bomb.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[ysolde]

We've just booked a (non-Haven) aft suite.  We have a 16-day TA and need a bit of extra room. We like the size of the cabin.  Can't imagine paying Haven prices for what Ben and David experienced.  I don't know whether the non-Haven suite perks will be worthwhile (supposedly, there is butter and concierge service, as well as breakfast and lunch as specialty dining restaurants included).  I am seriously at the point where I would prefer sodas, specialty coffee, tea, and water included, and maybe some basic wine.

[dwr777]

Thanks all for the info, it’s appreciated. No Haven this time around for me. The Vibe looks great! 

[knitlady037]

Would not pay the extra to sail in Prima haven again. I hated it. Did not feel like a true haven experience. Outside areas are a complete waste if weather is bad. So many haven cabins they need about 5 assistant concierges to accommodate the requests. Give me an away class haven every time!

[Sthrngary]

2 minutes ago, knitlady037 said:

Would not pay the extra to sail in Prima haven again. I hated it. Did not feel like a true haven experience. Outside areas are a complete waste if weather is bad. So many haven cabins they need about 5 assistant concierges to accommodate the requests. Give me an away class haven every time!

I hesitated to comment to much on this and other threads about the new NCL Viva and Prima Havens.  When the ships first came out, I knew like with all ships, the new ones would look spectacular and the premium would be high.  

 

So I sat back and let folks experience the "NEW" Haven.  Pictures of the ship, Haven, pools were lovely.  Then some post started to happen.  

1. Hot Tubs on the Balcony: Folks were upset they reserved a category that showed a hot tub on the balcony.  Their suite did not have one. 
2. Water Slides on the Balcony: Folks were worried that the water slides would be infringing on the space on their balcony.  Some folks were down right made when that was the case.  Bad design by NCL. 
3. Infinity Pool On the Back of the Ship:  No more indoor water options which makes bad weather an issue.  Yet the design and look of the pool, hot tub and lounges was spectacular.  
4. Staffing:  We forget sometimes that to get a position in the Haven, you have to be the best of the best.  What happens when you can't get enough staff, when you have loans based on interest rates that keep on rising.  The above comment addressed this.  What is interesting is the ships, right after cruising just stated again had the same issues.  

 

So here is my suggestion and this has already started to happen.  As folk who always want to be the first cruise Viva and Prima, it will be harder for NCL to book the Haven on these ships.  That is when, which has been seen for the Europe Cruises in Oct-Dec of 2023, the prices go down, way down.

 

If you can get to Europe, you can cruise in the Haven for far less for far longer.  That is a big "IF".  NCL is always good about making adjustments when they see a reduction in bookings.  They also understand staffing, at Haven Prices is very important.  One can only hope they are reading, listening and planning.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[knitlady037]

16 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

I hesitated to comment to much on this and other threads about the new NCL Viva and Prima Havens.  When the ships first came out, I knew like with all ships, the new ones would look spectacular and the premium would be high.  

 

So I sat back and let folks experience the "NEW" Haven.  Pictures of the ship, Haven, pools were lovely.  Then some post started to happen.  

1. Hot Tubs on the Balcony: Folks were upset they reserved a category that showed a hot tub on the balcony.  Their suite did not have one. 
2. Water Slides on the Balcony: Folks were worried that the water slides would be infringing on the space on their balcony.  Some folks were down right made when that was the case.  Bad design by NCL. 
3. Infinity Pool On the Back of the Ship:  No more indoor water options which makes bad weather an issue.  Yet the design and look of the pool, hot tub and lounges was spectacular.  
4. Staffing:  We forget sometimes that to get a position in the Haven, you have to be the best of the best.  What happens when you can't get enough staff, when you have loans based on interest rates that keep on rising.  The above comment addressed this.  What is interesting is the ships, right after cruising just stated again had the same issues.  

 

So here is my suggestion and this has already started to happen.  As folk who always want to be the first cruise Viva and Prima, it will be harder for NCL to book the Haven on these ships.  That is when, which has been seen for the Europe Cruises in Oct-Dec of 2023, the prices go down, way down.

 

If you can get to Europe, you can cruise in the Haven for far less for far longer.  That is a big "IF".  NCL is always good about making adjustments when they see a reduction in bookings.  They also understand staffing, at Haven Prices is very important.  One can only hope they are reading, listening and planning.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

I did the first sailing out of NY Oct 2022. Weather was cold and windy the whole time so outside decks were pretty empty the whole time. I also got one of the much discussed noisy cabins on deck 12. Luckily I always have earplugs when I cruise. The dedicated haven elevators had longer waits that the regular elevators so the was a bust also. I spoke with many seasoned haven cruisers on this sailing and they also said they would not book  haven on this ship again. Also navigating the ship is a puzzle. Many dead ends. Some of the haven access doors are hidden on lower decks. Also the escorts to many shows are no longer offered. We had the escort into Price is Right and it almost caused a riot. On Escape they had a back entrance to get into shows. On Prima we were paraded in front of the waiting audience. Not good.  If this is the future of NCL ships I will be looking elsewhere. Kind of hard to start off from scratch after reaching diamond status, but even the perks have been downgraded. I noticed quite a few cutbacks in my recent haven cruise on Escape in September. Most would not catch them  if they are not frequent cruisers, but I got them. Just booked for Getaway in January for what may be my final NCL cruise  if they keep this up.  

 

[Sthrngary]

17 minutes ago, knitlady037 said:

I did the first sailing out of NY Oct 2022. Weather was cold and windy the whole time so outside decks were pretty empty the whole time. I also got one of the much discussed noisy cabins on deck 12. Luckily I always have earplugs when I cruise. The dedicated haven elevators had longer waits that the regular elevators so the was a bust also. I spoke with many seasoned haven cruisers on this sailing and they also said they would not book  haven on this ship again. Also navigating the ship is a puzzle. Many dead ends. Some of the haven access doors are hidden on lower decks. Also the escorts to many shows are no longer offered. We had the escort into Price is Right and it almost caused a riot. On Escape they had a back entrance to get into shows. On Prima we were paraded in front of the waiting audience. Not good.  If this is the future of NCL ships I will be looking elsewhere. Kind of hard to start off from scratch after reaching diamond status, but even the perks have been downgraded. I noticed quite a few cutbacks in my recent haven cruise on Escape in September. Most would not catch them  if they are not frequent cruisers, but I got them. Just booked for Getaway in January for what may be my final NCL cruise  if they keep this up.  

 

@knitlady037 So now the CruiseCritic.com world knows, a NCL diamond member is so upset, they are considering changing brands. That cut back on other ship are clear to frequent NCL cruisers. 
 

As you are a elite NCL guest, I would hope you would send your message to NCL. Social media is to vent and you have done that clearly. Now help the brand you used to love, get better. Your comments are noted and fully understood.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

Edited September 30, 2023 by Sthrngary

[knitlady037]

Believe me. My letter to customer relations was done within an hour of being home.

[david_sobe]

4 hours ago, knitlady037 said:

Would not pay the extra to sail in Prima haven again. I hated it. Did not feel like a true haven experience. Outside areas are a complete waste if weather is bad. So many haven cabins they need about 5 assistant concierges to accommodate the requests. Give me an away class haven every time!

I have not sailed Prima or Viva but I am scared to agree with you.  I like staying inside the Haven without having to take an elevator to the Haven.  It looks like lots of space but no one around.  Not even a guitar player in the lounge.  It all looks like wasted space.  I will say the aft infinity pool is great.  But if its a kiddie pool then it defeats the purpose.