Haven Escape 12/5 - 12/12

We just got off the Escape yesterday and had a wonderful week. We were 2 couples traveling between the ages of 50 & 60. We booked this trip in November 2014 for 2 Courtyard Penthouse cabins in the Haven – rooms 17714 & 17716.

We live in Sarasota, FL (about 3.5 hour drive from Miami) – we stayed at the JW Marriott Marquis on Friday, 12/4/15 and boarded the Escape on Saturday morning. While the weather was a bit gloomy, it wasn’t raining Friday night in Miami so it was an easy walk to Bayside Marketplace for drinks and dinner. Using my points for Hertz we did one way rentals from Sarasota to Miami and then back to Sarasota. This saved us almost $200 in parking fees between the hotel & port garage for $10 in rental fees and about $30 in cab fees. It worked great for us with little inconvenience.

We met at the elevator in the hotel at 10:30 Saturday morning, checked out, caught a cab, checked in at the Haven lounge and we were being escorted on the ship at 11:20 – earlier than expected. Once taken up to the Haven we were told that our rooms were ready so we dropped off our carryon bags and met back in the Haven lounge. One of the attendants handed us a tray of sliders and French fries even when we tried to say no, he was just smiling and insisted that we needed to eat! They really were very good. We had seen the card in the room that the Haven cocktail party was Sunday evening from 7 – 7:45. We had LeBistro reservations for Sunday night at 7:30. There was a restaurant reservation woman working with Adrian & Karen (concierge & assistant concierge) helping with first day reservations. We asked if we could change our reservations from 7:30 to 8:30 so that we could attend the Haven cocktail party. She informed us that the only thing available at LeBistro for Sunday night (as of noon on embarkation day) was 9:45. I said no that that wouldn’t work for us, and asked what other nights were available. Adrian overheard this conversation and just told her to make a note of our request for 8:30 and he would take care of this. We were not expecting this and just talking directly to her, so very surprised that although he is greeting new guests, he had his ear to what was going on at the desk and making sure things were handled. We would have easily switched to a different day but was not needed.

We walked around the ship and then went back up to the Haven restaurant for lunch around 1:30. None of us were too hungry since we had the sliders earlier so we just ordered light foods, either soup or appetizers. Our server was a little upset with us not taking full advantage of the menu and kept trying to urge more foods on us! She remembered this for the rest of the cruise! Superior service in the Haven restaurant.

We did the lifeboat drill and were sadly surprised by the disregard for the staff during this short drill. The woman in front of us was asked 3 times to please stop using her cell phone. Each time the staff member walked away her and her friends would complain loudly and then should would pull her phone back out and start up again. Geez – it is 15 minutes out of your life. These folks hate this chore more than you, just give them a break, sit there and shut up for a few minutes – you are on vacation with them for a week.

After that – things just slid into place for the week.

The Haven is wonderful. This was our 5th Haven experience and we could really see a difference. We ate at the Haven restaurant 4 dinners, all breakfasts except for the morning in Tortola, and lunch a couple of days. While the menu does not change, the options (in my opinion) are great. We are not picky eaters, and while we don’t dislike red meat, we lean towards seafood and chicken. In our party, we ate surf & turf a couple of nights. The sizes of the lobster tails were terrific. We had the Sea Bass, Duck, 1.5lb lobster & Chicken breasts, along with different appetizers or desserts. Some nights we would order appetizer but not dessert or dessert but no appetizer. Our server would just lightly scold us! We tried to get the same server most nights as we really had a lot of fun with her. By the middle of the week she was very comfortable with us and would joke around and create a lot of conversation. We had very good experiences in the Haven restaurant and never had a bad meal. In addition to the restaurant, they also offered pastry’s, coffee and juice in the courtyard every morning, a light lunch menu in the courtyard areas and the 2nd sea day of the cruise they had a beautiful table set up with a wide variety of fruits and would hand cut fruit plates for you. Very nice.

We attended the Haven cocktail party on Sunday night which was very well attended by many supervisors from many areas throughout the ship. Much more than we’ve seen in past cruises. The latitudes cocktail party was in Spice H20 on Monday night, again very well attended by staff.

We also attended the Meet & Greet the morning of the first sea day and I can say this was the best attended Meet & Greet from any of our cruises, both in terms of staff & guests. The staff attending was impressive and they went out of their way to mingle. Very nicely done.

In addition to the Haven restaurant we ate at LeBistro with our Platinum certificates. We used 2 certificates one night and took our friends. We had Dover Sole, Lobster and Veal for main courses. For appetizers we had Escargot & French Onion Soup. We shared desserts, and received 2 bottles of wine. Overall a terrific meal. We also ate at La Cucina one night and again had a very good meal. We ate calamari, lasagna, lobster, veal and lamb, no complaints!

We did the Wine Lovers – the Musical Lunch and the For the Record both at the Supper Club. Both came with pre-set menus. While neither one was bad, neither one gets any praise from our group. My steak at the lunch was cooked the way I liked but very chewy, so in my opinion too much work to eat it. The meal at For the Record was better for me but it is such an active show with so much going on that the meal seemed a bit distracting but again, just my opinion. In no way did I not feel that I was being restricted in getting good food.

We shared wings and nachos at O’Sheehans after our tour in St Thomas and we shared the Volcano Nachos between 4 of us in Margaritaville after our tour in Tortola. The Volcano Nachos were terrific and very plentiful for 4 people to share.

We went to the 9 PM comedy show one night, Howl at the Moon a couple of nights, Million Dollar Quartet, After Midnight, Wine Lovers Lunch & For the Record/Supper Club. All were very good but my least favorites were the ones at the Supper Club. Both shows were very loud for a small venue and as mentioned earlier it was a bit chaotic having dinner with all the business of the show. All performers in all venues are incredible and we enjoyed all of them. We did notice a lot of folks getting up and leaving during different shows which can be a bit distracting. For the sake of others and the performers I wish those folks who think they may want to leave would sit more in the back and be less disruptive, but that is just my opinion.

I did the ropes course one morning with my husband and wish I would have skipped it! Just not my thing and I found it very scary. My legs were shaking so bad at times and I was hugging the poles at times. The least scary parts for me were the zip lines. Wouldn’t do it again, but we met people who were doing it daily so obviously very popular!! We also saw a few people chicken out before starting. Wish I would have followed their lead!!!

We used the heck out of the Haven and would skip cruising in the future if we couldn’t do the Haven. I know that sounds snobby and we are not that way; we just are not ones who enjoy the crowds and party atmosphere. We used the heck out of the Haven where I read that others wouldn’t do it again as they didn’t really spend time there. Different strokes for different folks but it really is a refuge for us. We really got to know the staff working there and they went out of there way for us. One day we were attempting to throw our towels in the hamper and the courtyard attendant came running to us and scolded us, stated we were on vacation and we are to do NOTHING!!!. We didn’t use our butler for much other than an early breakfast the morning in Tortola but he was always asking if there was anything we needed.

Our friends traveling with us hadn’t cruised in 25 years since they did a Bermuda cruise out of New York. They loved it and enjoyed the Haven experience.

One note about our rooms. We had 2 Courtyard Penthouses that were next to each other. It worked perfectly for us traveling together. Our balconies were adjoining and then on either side of us were the windows with the bathrooms for the 2 bedroom suites so we could visit on our balcony without disturbing anyone next to us. We opened our dividers at times and would have happy hour drinks before dinner. The rooms were very quiet and the beds very comfortable. There was a family with 4 kids next door to our friends and they never heard any noise from the adjoining cabin.

Fantastic cruise, fantastic ship and fantastic crew. Really no complaints. A few minor things that we didn’t like more than others but nothing that distracted from our trip.

Also – regarding elevators and being on the 17th floor. We NEVER had any problems getting elevators up or down. We were prepared to run the stairs down as we did have problems getting elevators on the Epic but for some reason this ship worked better and we never had to run stairs (although we probably should have for the exercise!). We were told there was about 4500 passengers on board which included 900 kids.

Thanks for taking the time to post your review. Sounds like you had a great vacation.

Great review. I'll be on the 1/9/16 sailing and will be staying in the Haven too. I'm glad to know that Adrian is the concierge. I have the UDP and will be traveling with my daughter (22), my sister, and my mother. Was LeBistro the only specialty restaurant you ate in? After reading through a few other threads, I'll be calling today to make dinner reservations for every night. We eat relatively early (6pm), so I'm crossing my fingers that there won't be any issues. Glad to hear that your Haven experience was as it should have been. I'm looking forward to mine [emoji4]

What a great review!! Happy to hear you had a wonderful trip! Thanks for sharing.

Enjoyed your review/trip report and glad you had a great cruise.

Keith

Great review. I'll be on the 1/9/16 sailing and will be staying in the Haven too. I'm glad to know that Adrian is the concierge. I have the UDP and will be traveling with my daughter (22), my sister, and my mother. Was LeBistro the only specialty restaurant you ate in? After reading through a few other threads, I'll be calling today to make dinner reservations for every night. We eat relatively early (6pm), so I'm crossing my fingers that there won't be any issues. Glad to hear that your Haven experience was as it should have been. I'm looking forward to mine [emoji4]

We ate at La Cucina , Le Bistro and Supper Club. All other nights were in Haven restaurant. We didn't have dining package. It was explained to us that the Haven restaurant menu is made up of items from the specialty restaurants.

Also wanted to mention that Karen (assistant concierge) told us that Adrian was going on vacation in January and David C was coming to fill in on Escape. We have had David before on Epic and he was excellent. Not sure of dates for the switch.

so very glad to hear positive feedback about havens. we are celebrating our 50th in the havens on the escape early in feb. & we ae very active!!!! thanks for the upbeat feedback - not all haven reviews have been so upbeat. you renew our excitement about our cruise. thanks, m&M

I heard Havens guest could board as early as 9:30. Does anyone have any feedback or info regarding the earliest boarding time for Havens. Tanks, m&m

Great review. I'll be on the 1/9/16 sailing and will be staying in the Haven too. I'm glad to know that Adrian is the concierge. I have the UDP and will be traveling with my daughter (22), my sister, and my mother. Was LeBistro the only specialty restaurant you ate in? After reading through a few other threads, I'll be calling today to make dinner reservations for every night. We eat relatively early (6pm), so I'm crossing my fingers that there won't be any issues. Glad to hear that your Haven experience was as it should have been. I'm looking forward to mine [emoji4]

We are on the same cruise - also in the Haven.

I heard Havens guest could board as early as 9:30. Does anyone have any feedback or info regarding the earliest boarding time for Havens. Tanks, m&m

I would probably say 10:30 would be earliest. But more likely 11:00 or later. We could meet the concierge as late as 9:15 to get off the ship, so they wouldn't be letting people on as early as 9:30.

Cabin 17714 will be our cabin but not until April 2017.

We are on the same cruise - also in the Haven.

Great! Be sure to say hello if you see me hanging out in the courtyard [emoji6]

Great! Be sure to say hello if you see me hanging out in the courtyard [emoji6]

I too will be cruising 1/9 - 1/16 Haven.. I was looking forward to seeing Adrian :(

Everyone needs a vacation though ..

Look forward to a beautiful vacation and meeting everyone!

Could you describe a little more your car rental drop off/pick up and taxi rides? Was it easy to get a taxi when you disembarked? Thanks

Great review!

I would love to see any pics you have of the Haven area..

We aren't 'those' kind of people either, but cruised on the Getaway on the Haven in a last minute upgrade due to price dropping after we had made final payment and yep, never want to cruise any other way again. I am a party girl and like to hang out at the late night deck party as long as we get a seat or area we can stand in without being overcome with others as I have terrible claustrophobia issues with crowds, so I loved the upper deck in the Getaway Haven and it just really worked well for us.. My only complaint ever about the Haven is that they never change the menus.. We do the specialty restaurants so it was just for lunch or breakfast, but something different would have been nice.. Oh well, I can send the hubby to the buffet. :)

Glad to hear y'all loved it.. We have to wait til May and are so ready.. :)

Thanks.

Lori

Thanks for the review. We are sailing in a family suite in September. 18104 is our cabin. Would love to see any pictures you have.

Could you describe a little more your car rental drop off/pick up and taxi rides? Was it easy to get a taxi when you disembarked? Thanks

No issues with getting a taxi disembarking. There is a parking lot at the port full of taxis. There is a sign directing you to the taxi line. It is very close. We had 4 adults and needed a van, we waited less than 5 minutes. The local Hertz agency we used was on 2nd street and the cab ride for the 4 of us was less than $15. Very simple.

My only caution with using smaller local locations rather than airport locations is that their selection is limited. We had rented a premium to ensure good trunk space for luggage. They attempted to give me an Altima ensuring me it was full size. I refused and they ended up giving is an SUV. They offer a shuttle to the port but we opted for taxi rather than wait for shuttle and then arrive with a group.

Great review! I have been wanting to try the Haven but my husband has heard horror stories about unruly children ruining the experience-jumping splashing diving abusing the hot tubs etc. Is this something I should worry about?

Boopsahoy just mind the time of year you good,we try to cruise when school is in but sometimes that doesn't work. The pools in the haven are rather small and per ants with kids should be mindful of that. Have fun

Boopsahoy just mind the time of year you good,we try to cruise when school is in but sometimes that doesn't work. The pools in the haven are rather small and per ants with kids should be mindful of that. Have fun

Thanks for your reply!:D

Great review! I have been wanting to try the Haven but my husband has heard horror stories about unruly children ruining the experience-jumping splashing diving abusing the hot tubs etc. Is this something I should worry about?

I've only stayed in the Haven three times, but I never saw any unruly children. Hardly saw any children in pool or hot tubs at all. I sailed during Spring Break and also August.

Great review! I have been wanting to try the Haven but my husband has heard horror stories about unruly children ruining the experience-jumping splashing diving abusing the hot tubs etc. Is this something I should worry about?

If you sail when kids are in school you will defiantly have less a risk of Haven being overrun with kids. May was always our favorite time, the weather is warm, and its less expensive. Our kids always found friends but not many. Now we have to sail when the kids are out of school and there are dramatically more kids around.

You cannot control who you cruise with and one bad family could in theory ruin your vacation if you let it.

If avoiding kids is important to you board early and buy a VIBE pass. Might be a waste but if it really matters to you then its worth the extra 200 (approx. for 2 people)

If you sail when kids are in school you will defiantly have less a risk of Haven being overrun with kids. May was always our favorite time, the weather is warm, and its less expensive. Our kids always found friends but not many. Now we have to sail when the kids are out of school and there are dramatically more kids around.

 

You cannot control who you cruise with and one bad family could in theory ruin your vacation if you let it.

 

If avoiding kids is important to you board early and buy a VIBE pass. Might be a waste but if it really matters to you then its worth the extra 200 (approx. for 2 people)

Avoiding kids isn't the problem-I like kids! But to spend the money the Haven costs, I need to be able to relax at the pool and read without screaming kids running around. I know many well behaved kids that I wouldn't hesitate to cruise with-but you never know with strangers children!:eek:

Avoiding kids isn't the problem-I like kids! But to spend the money the Haven costs, I need to be able to relax at the pool and read without screaming kids running around. I know many well behaved kids that I wouldn't hesitate to cruise with-but you never know with strangers children!:eek:

This is me exactly. Even with the Haven, I'm worried about kids running amok. I'm going in Jan, which I thought would mean less kids, since I assumed they'd be back in school (in all countries) just after the Christmas holidays. However based on my Epic experience last year during the same week, MLK Day holiday means parents seem to let the kids out. So.... I think I'm going for a Vibe pass anyway. I might be annoyed at myself for spending $ I didn't need to if the Haven is quiet, but if I don't buy...and they passes sell out....and the Haven has kids cannon-balling and practicing water polo, I'll be frustrated, regretful, and even more annoyed.