The Haven? is it really worth it?

[david_sobe]

Some good points....just 2 more from me.

I only cruise about once per year (much less than most here). So I like to get the most of it and try to make it one of the best cruises ever. Yes I could take 2 inside room or balcony cabins TWICE a year. But I instead love one fantastic cruise each year.

 

One more detail..... eggs. The eggs in Cagneys and Epic club are real. You get powdered scrambled eggs at the buffet and restaurants. Is it worth all the upcharge for real eggs? No, but all these tiny things do add up ;)

[KJE Atlanta]

You're absolutely right, you could use that money to go on more cruises or vacations. DH and I prefer to sail the Haven way because we enjoy it so much.

 

We typically choose 14514, it is our favorite suite.

 

14514 on the Jewel class ships is our favorite too! Been in that suite twice - on the Pearl and the Jade. Love it and definitely worth it.

[iluvdoxies]

You're absolutely right, you could use that money to go on more cruises or vacations. DH and I prefer to sail the Haven way because we enjoy it so much.

 

We typically choose 14514, it is our favorite suite. With the extra $$ we get a separate living room, dining room and a full bath which includes separate shower, separate tub, double vanity, separate bedroom and a balcony. We also have access to the Haven area with the pool, hottub, exercise equipment, sauna, showers, loungers, and private deck accessible to Haven guests only. We also then get the amenities that other suite guests enjoy: breakfast and lunch at Cagney's (sure beats those food lines), priority reserved seating at the shows, priority embarkation and debarkation lines, Butler and Concierge who will do anything in their power to make sure your stay is absolutely fabulous.

 

So as you can see, DH and I definitely think cruising the Haven way is the way to go. Sure, we only cruise once every year or two, but for us it is worth it. After a long day in port oftentimes we just want a hot shower, dinner in our suite, dressed in jammies and then we watch a movie and crash at a decent hour.

 

To some people it is worth it. I have heard many say that once you cruise the Haven way there is no other way to cruise. I would have to agree. But it is a personal choice and only one you can make. Whatever you decide, have a great cruise :)

 

We loved the Haven--- worth every penny !

[jints07]

This is a very very good question and good thread to start. My first cruise was in a balcony. I did not even know they had suites. When I found out they had suites I was shocked at what people were paying for them. I never thought I would be a suite passenger. I dont think it cost $1000 extra per night as the OP stated (unless you are talking owners suite).

 

But the suite experience on NCL does try to create a "special" feeling for the passengers. There are more suite perks with NCL than any other cruise line that I know about. Many of the perks are simple things as priorty boarding. When I boarded Epic in a suite, I could see non suite passengers actually boarding faster than us. I was not upset but just trying to convey the point that sometimes the perks are over stated.

We also spent almost 8 grand on our suite and they still charged us for every can of soda we removed from the fridge. To me that made no sense. The butler escorts you to seats that are reserved but you can score better seats on your own. The hamburger served in the Epic Club is the same hamburger from the buffet (just served on a fancy plate).

 

Now it sounds that I am down playing the suite experience? Right? Well, I am booked in another suite on NCL. We like the quiet areas in the courtyard and Haven. We love Posh. We love Epic club. We LOVE priority disembarkation (no standing in any lines to get off ship). We also love the extra square feet and larger cabins and bathrooms. We love being able to get into restaurants even when they are booked and sold out for the night. One night on Epic we tried to get into Moderno and it was sold out. We dont wear our suite status on our sleeve but the hostness noticed our key card and looked at us like we were crazy. We instantly got a table at the restaurant.

If you get off the ship where you need to tender, you will be on the first tender ship. You can get hot breakfast and any meal served in your cabin. Your bed is high end fabrics and the bathroom stocked with bette soaps and lotions, etc.

They also give you a bottle of sparkling wine for sail away. The butler delivers treats to your room daily.

 

I could go on and on but I wont. Are these services worth the extra money? It all depends on the person I guess. But there is a saying on these boards, once you enjoy the suite life, you never go back.

I guess that must be true because we are booked in another sutie.

 

 

Not to hijack but I just had to mention what a pleasure it is to read David's posts.

 

Never confrontational, even when not in agreement, and always balanced and able to see both sides.

 

Some posters would really do well to learn from it.

 

Hijack over.

[ozzyboy]

Thinking of upgrading to the haven for a janaury cruise out of new york. Will the pool and the hot tub be open in the haven, because I know it can be inclosed. I know or I think the main pool and tub hots will be closed??? what should I do??

[david_sobe]

Not to hijack but I just had to mention what a pleasure it is to read David's posts.

 

Never confrontational, even when not in agreement, and always balanced and able to see both sides.

 

Some posters would really do well to learn from it.

 

Hijack over.

Thank you jints

stick around because sometimes I do get in trouble around here and need all the back up I can get ;)

[Safeandsound]

Thinking of upgrading to the haven for a janaury cruise out of new york. Will the pool and the hot tub be open in the haven, because I know it can be inclosed. I know or I think the main pool and tub hots will be closed??? what should I do??

 

When we were up there on our cruise out of NY in March, the pool and hot tub were open the first time we set foot in there and the roof was closed. Both the air and pool were very enjoyable temperatures.

 

They opened the roof when the outside temperature warmed up and closed it when it was colder or windy.

 

It seemed like they roped off the hot tub very late each night and opened it again around 6 AM each day.

 

The only problem I saw with the Haven is that when NCL rebranded it to Haven, they left out the "e" in the second letter position of the new name ;)

 

S&S

[kj55]

Just as a quick point I think the Haven during vacation weeks is way to expensive at least on Epic. It was 14 k for a family of 4 on next weeks cruise. However during off season I priced it at about 6-7k for 4 which is probably not so crazy for a family of 4. For the extra room alone that might be worth it if you have 2-3 kids!

[mikewrit]

Having had a brief look at suite life and a little sniff of Haven thanks to Cruise Critic friends, we have concluded that it is preferable to cruise more often in less luxury.

[youngestof9]

Just as a quick point I think the Haven during vacation weeks is way to expensive at least on Epic. It was 14 k for a family of 4 on next weeks cruise. However during off season I priced it at about 6-7k for 4 which is probably not so crazy for a family of 4. For the extra room alone that might be worth it if you have 2-3 kids!

 

I'm booked for President's Week - while it's not a full holiday like Spring Break/Easter, it's definitely priced higher.

 

But I also booked as soon as the pricing came out, so I saved a bundle. It's currently over $2500 more than I paid!! We paid $5500 for 4 (and then added my mother in law later on for the same price for 3rd/4th passenger).

[old faithful]

This thread got me all excited to post something. The timing of this thread could not have been better for me.

I started taking my Mom on cruises when she turned 75. We cruised on the Spirit out of NY and had a great time. We sailed on the Jewel and a “Fun Ship” – now we will only cruise NCL ~ Freestyle fits us better.

When Mom turned 80 last May we had our first Suite Cruise – the Sky 3 night – Owner’s Suite – that cabin is to die for!!! Is there anything better than a hot tub on your balcony? (Well, that cabin on a 7 day cruise would have been great!) My brother and his family joined us – the 8 of us had two adjoining cabins and we had a blast! Mom’s actual 80th birthday was spent with loved ones on a suite cruise! It could not have been any better!

After having a taste of the suite life – I did some serious research! I took two friends on a one night cruise out of NY and booked a 2 bedroom suite – I fell in love with that suite – if fits my dream of how to cruise – most people would think I am crazy for spending that kind of money for one night but I thought it was worth it. That one night helped me set my sights for a cruise in a Haven two bedroom suite.

The Problem is that I suffer, big time, from champagne taste and beer money!

Here is why this thread was such perfect timing for me: I am booked on the Gem in a Haven 2 bedroom Suite in late July. I will be taking Mom and it will just be the two of us. We spend a lot of time in the cabin and have always had a great time in a balcony cabin. I can’t imagine how cool this suite will be for us! Mom does not think it is worth the money. It does not help that the balance - $5,000 – is due in a few weeks – yikes. I am cutting back and cancelling plans in order to pay for this cruise and I still think it is worth it. Now I know I could move down the list of cabin types … I could do a non-haven 2 bedroom suite, a low end suite, even a balcony – but I want that haven suite! Last night I took mom out for dinner, we sat at the bar and I read this thread to her. I can’t tell you how many times we busted out laughing! We laughed out loud, smiled, and discussed the cruise. It is already worth it to me because our cruises last way longer than a week… we have months of looking forward to it and months of remembering it. (Mom stopped complaining about the cost when I informed her that I could take someone else ;-)

If you posted to this thread thank you so much for last night. We had such a good time reading it!

I was even excited as I drove to work today looking for soda bottles to recycle lol. Oh yeah … if anyone would like to sponsor us on this cruise we can set something up =)

I’m making the most of right now – who knows what the future might bring … there might be a time when I really can’t go or can’t take my Mom … So I’m going for it and the Haven is already worth it to me!

[youngestof9]

old_faithful....BEST POST EVER.

 

Love that you live life to the fullest - not knowing what tomorrow brings.

 

ENJOY that haven on the Gem!!! I had a penthouse on the Gem so it had butler/concierge, but I have to say I missed the haven - love the private hot tub and pool.

 

I can't wait to sail in the Haven again on the Epic.....it's certainly worth it for us!

[laxlove6]

The whole point of the thread was to see why and why not the Haven. Some great points on why it is worth it to some and why it isn't to others. Taking your Mom to the Haven has to be up there for reasons to do it.

[computerworks]

...who knows what the future might bring … there might be a time when I really can’t go or can’t take my Mom … So I’m going for it and the Haven is already worth it to me!

 

Best post ever.

Do it and don't look back.

[Fairydust312]

14514 on the Jewel class ships is our favorite too! Been in that suite twice - on the Pearl and the Jade. Love it and definitely worth it.

 

Sorry for the hijack, but wondering why you both prefer 14514 over its twin, 14014. I'll be in 14014 soon on the Pearl, and am hoping there's nothing wrong with it!

[mommyto2girls]

Thinking of upgrading to the haven for a janaury cruise out of new york. Will the pool and the hot tub be open in the haven, because I know it can be inclosed. I know or I think the main pool and tub hots will be closed??? what should I do??

 

That is why we cruise out of NY only in a Haven suite. Vacation begins from the minute you board. Pool, hot tub, wonderful food.

[Frick_&_Frack]

Sorry for the hijack, but wondering why you both prefer 14514 over its twin, 14014. I'll be in 14014 soon on the Pearl, and am hoping there's nothing wrong with it!

 

We were just in 14014 and LOVED IT on the Gem. Then again, I *always* book starboard side. Just habit for me.

[goodguyrick]

My wife and I have sailed on the Star many times. We started out in a mid ship balcony, graduated to the mini suite, was upgraded to a penthouse (Know known as a family suite) and have graduated to the DOS. We loved the extras provided when we sail in a suite. It makes it well worth it for us and my children. We aren't rich but that doesn't mean we don't want to be pampered. The way we see it, when we cruise..... we live! I will say this much in closing.... We enjoyed all of our cruises, regardless what room we were in.

[jints07]

Thank you jints

stick around because sometimes I do get in trouble around here and need all the back up I can get ;)

 

Haha, we all have our moments.....got your back ;)

[KJE Atlanta]

Sorry for the hijack, but wondering why you both prefer 14514 over its twin, 14014. I'll be in 14014 soon on the Pearl, and am hoping there's nothing wrong with it!

 

We have always been port side of the ship (until the Epic this fall when we're in a Spa Suite and they're only available on the starboard side). Also - 14514 is below the private Courtyard/Haven sundeck whereas 14014 is below a public sundeck. Given the limited access to the Couryard/Haven sundeck, we figured there was less chance of a lot of foot traffic late at night or early morning on the 14514 side than the other side under the public sundeck. That being said, there is absolutely nothing wrong with 14014 - and you're going to have a fantastic time!

[maximusprime22]

This thread is really helpful, thanks all.

 

We had a balcony suite on our first cruise and enjoyed it but are committed to booking a Haven suite for a Breakaway Bermuda cruise in 2013. We found that we enjoy time in our room, quiet reading space, and peaceful time alone. This was great in a balcony room but for so many reasons (not the least of which is the access to the private pool and the increased in-room dining opportunities) it would be superior in a suite.

 

The prices we are seeing are higher than what is being quoted here but I'm guessing that is just par for the course with a new ship.

[palmyrafan]

We prefer 14514 because it is the last room at the end of the hall and no one ever goes by our stateroom. We also prefer it because it is usually just DH and I cruising and we don't need the extra space the small 2nd bedroom would give us and the extra $$.

 

Now, that said, when we cruise in April 2013 for the Panama Canal cruise (17 days) we have reserved the Haven 2 bedroom suite

[lanceholt]

We are cruising this summer on the Jade in an aft Penthouse Suite. Previously we have cruised in a balcony, in a Sun Aft Penthouse, a Jade Aft Mini Suite and in a Sun Aft Mini Suite. We just turned down an no cost to us upgrade to a Haven Two Bedroom Suite. We just couldn't give up our aft view especially on a Mediterranean cruise. For us, we spend a lot of time sitting outside looking at the wonderful aft view of the wake, more relaxing than anything. Different strokes for different folks I guess.

[ndabunka]

Well, I'm not spending nearly that. In fact, if you priced it per person, we're paying roughtly $170 per person per night. WELL worth it for us.

 

To each his own - if it's not worth it for you, why even bother thinking about if it's worth it to someone else?

 

It amazes me that some people appear to be getting into these cabins as cheaply as you are. I suspect that those are either shorter cruises, of season or considerably less expensive than the typical Alaskan cruise we are going on this summer so I know it is possible. Just not an option for us on this particular cruise & with school-aged children but maybe one day in the future

 

We would LOVE for our extended family (grandma is going!) to get out of our two current cabins (OV & Balcony) and into one of the Haven 2 bedrooms but like the OP, it would be at LEAST TWICE our current $150pp/day costs (at the current levels) and I personally cannot see paying $345/day per PERSON for those suites under ANY conditions short of winning the lottery.

 

If we could get into the 2 bedroom Haven for even $180/pp/day we would do it in a heartbeat but that does not appear to even in the realm of possibility unless........................................ we get a call from the upsell fairy.

[KEPE]

Stupid question from someone who has NO experience w/ suites. I notice most are in the front or the back of the ship. Do you find that you feel the motion more?

 

I've been on 3 cruises all over 8 years ago and never on NCL. I've had an inside, an OV and a balcony and all have been midship. I did find that when in other areas of the ship (eating, seeing a show, casino, whatever) I did notice the motion more than when in the middle.

 

What is your experience? I'd hate to spend all the $$ only to hate being in the room becuase I felt the motion. That being said, as I mentioned haven't been on a cruise in a loooong time so wondering if the stablizers are a lot better now??