Sharon_and_TC

Agree that one of the BIG drawbacks of the Haven are the non-changing menus. The "accommodating beyond the printed page" maybe 'depend on the ship' thing. We did a B2B last October on the Bliss (Haven on both), and they were not accommodating at all for any changes. Just trying to get a plain salad in the Haven restaurant seemed to be a bit of a challenge. But with the YC's buffet offering on the pool deck, there are multiple food options to choose from. Maybe if more (or any?) of the NCL Haven offerings had the equivalent of the YC buffet on the pool deck it may have been a different thing. But, that was not the case for the Bliss. Thankful that it wasn't since they were October Alaska cruises and being outside in general was a struggle. Don't get me started on the Bliss's Haven smoking area. We are basically the YC/Haven cruisers that don't leave the comfort of the YC/Haven once we enter. We may do a show every few days and except for heading to the spa for a massage, we stay put. We enjoy being at sea - we enjoy being pampered - and YC does that for us. Heck, we don't even need to leave the YC for evening entertainment with it being provided in the Top Sail Lounge. That is one of those things that is a huge miss for NCL in our book! We MAY need to alter that choice with our upcoming 25 day TA next April. But, we'll see how it shakes out.

@Cathy in Boston Loved the feedback - especially the two views. As for the pizza delivered to the room - and lack of plates, utensils, etc. We had the same thing happen! Mentioned it to the butler who walked over to the credenza, opened the drawer by the mini-fridge, and pointed to the plates, silverware, etc. provided as part of the YC goodies. Glad we were not the only ones that forgot about that added touch.

The 3 items I think Haven does better does not warrant the additional cost of doing the Haven. Even when considering the additional cost of flying to Miami vs flying to Seattle (we are in Montana so there is a pretty huge price difference) - the Yacht Club still provides more "bang for the buck". We have worked hard and saved hard and it is time for us to enjoy life. We understand that the nicer things in life usually cost more. However, we still look at the entirety of the experience to see what is a "better deal". If we can get a better experience, and pay less doing it, then it's a win-win! The Yacht Club provides that.

What you mentioned is exactly why we have chosen MSC's YC over NCL's Haven. Although we have limited experience, we have decided that the Haven exceeds the Yacht Club in only 3 items - interestingly all beginning with the letter "B". Those are: 1) Bed - the Haven bed is soooooo much more comfortable 2) Bar - The Haven mixologists are better and more creative 3) Bathroom Amenities - The Haven amenities are nicer These are - of course - our opinions. Everything else - Yacht Club exceeds by far!!!!

Just got off the Seascape and it was NOT uncommon to see men wear jeans to the Yacht Club restaurant and there was no issue with them doing so. Additionally, in response to a prior post - there were plenty of men and women wearing shorts in the Top Sail Lounge with no issues. I am on a cruise to relax and enjoy life - not to "dress to impress". If I wanted to be forced to "dress up" for dining, there are several other lines I can choose to sail on. One reason I specifically choose MSC is because of their dress code!

I brought this subject up with the Cruise Next staff while on the Seascape week before last. The Cruise Next staffer adamantly stated that the LA Port entry showing Bellissima is a "ghost" entry - and that there are no firm plans at this time for MSC to be cruising out of LA. I wish it were true - must easier to cruise out of Calif for us - but it looks like we'll be travelling to Florida or Galveston for the near future.

I think part of the problem with "influencers" and people who make their living cruising and 'tubing about it seem to want to make BIG HEADLINES to be noticed. I've watched many of Ben and David's reviews and videos - and as several have said - these two videos seemd particularly egregious in their headlines. There are a couple of others doing it as well and unfortunately, they will just drop off my subscription list. One subscriber dropping is not going to make a difference, but it's my one way to make a reaction to their posts.

My wife and I will be cruising in October to celebrate our 40th anniversary. We are flying in the day before and wanting to provide my wife with some special treatment. I am looking for recommendations (or "stay away froms") for black car service from the airport to downtown (staying at Marriott Waterfront). There are some older discussions in this forum, but they seem to be pre-covid and many businesses have changed since then. I can search the web - but looking for recommendations from anyone that has used someone in the recent past and thought they did an excellent job.