Sailing in the Haven with a 6 month old baby

[jesron1269]

Our family (DW, myself, DS-12, DS-9, DD-7) are considering doing it due to the kids sale free. We would be securing a 2-bedroom family haven suite on the Getaway over December of 2014. Obviously we have serious reservations about sailing with a baby in general. However, after reviewing many trip reports, the amenities the haven offers, and NCL in general I am convinced that if there was ever any opportunity to do so it would be now.

 

My thoughts are as follows: (1) if need be we could dine in our room every night with food from any specialty restaurant or mdr; (2) adults take turns taking the kids to various activities and shows; (3) haven small pool and courtyard would allow less exposure to the ship as a whole and privacy; (4) special vip treatment getting off and on the ship would really come in handy here; (5) explore the ports on our own time as baby allows; (6) bathtub in the villa would come in handy; etc.

 

Obviously there would be little adult time but if that is what we wanted we would not be bringing the other three kids. I know we will have to bring a lot more, I know the baby will not remember, I know about motion sickness and crying, etc. I also know that a 6 month old is not very active generally. But I just think with the unique amenities the haven offers this would be doable. Also the fact it costs no more to bring baby. Thoughts?

[jesron1269]

Also has anyone else every done this? Specifically in the haven?

[youngestof9]

Well your thoughts are spot on. I sailed in the Haven on Epic with 2 kids (not a baby). But the extra space is invaluable. Dinners can be served in your room without issue. In fact, one of you can stay with the baby, one bring the other kids to the buffet for dinner and then they can go to the kids club for awhile in the evening while the butler brings a nice dinner for the 2 of you and you can hang with your baby.

 

You obviously have to think things out a little more, but the access to the butler and concierge just makes things that much easier. Plus kids sail free is a great deal.

 

I say do it and have fun!

[psac]

I can't speak from personal experience, but from what I've read, your plan sounds very well thought-out and solid. Enjoy!!

[Crusin6]

I don't know what sort of price you are looking at and while I don't consider haven suites I do know that it is quite pricey. Probably even with your discount which btw is not just for kids it is for any 3/4 etc person correct?

 

IMHO. Bring a babysitter.

[Zoey]

Is that deal good over the Christmas school holidays??

[youngestof9]

Is that deal good over the Christmas school holidays??

 

Nope - Generally they do kids sail free over times that kids don't normally sail so they can fill a ship. No summer dates or over holidays.

[jesron1269]

Is that deal good over the Christmas school holidays??

 

My kids Christmas break is from December 15-January 2. The dates I am looking at is December 13-20, 2014. When I did a Kids Sale Free mock book they only charged for the two adults. The other four in the sailing were free, except for port fees, taxes and misc - basically $300.00 each.

[jesron1269]

I don't know what sort of price you are looking at and while I don't consider haven suites I do know that it is quite pricey. Probably even with your discount which btw is not just for kids it is for any 3/4 etc person correct?

 

IMHO. Bring a babysitter.

 

With Kids Sail Free it is 100% free except port fees, tax, misc which works out to be $300.00 per kid.

[jesron1269]

I agree that a babysitter would be great but between DW and I we can work that out. Most of the time at sea my kids prefer to sit around the pool/hot tubs so what I really love about the Haven is that we have a private pool, hot tube, lounging area, eating area, no waiting in line to get on or off, if the baby acts up we can dine in our own room, don't have to worry about how to bath a baby without a bath tub as there is one, my kids just love to explore ports so we can push the baby around in a stroller. The way I see it if we can just fly to port it should be fairly easy. My only questions is even though I perceive it to be easy if any one with actual experience having a baby in Haven I would love to hear.

[2red4u]

I don't know about the haven pool size on your ship but on the jewel( the one we will be on) it is tiny. We have already spoke to our kids about the size and told them this pool is for relaxing not swimming, splashing around, jumping in. You know normal kid pool activities, lol. So they know a head of time behavior expectations, if we choose to swim there. Of course It is quite possible that I am over thinking it and being too strict with my kids and it's really not a big deal.

[LrgPizza]

In my opinion? Use your Haven money to book Disney instead. Unlike NCL, they have a nursery for babies in case you want a dinner alone, or to get away to the adults only pool area. Also your other kids will have more to do in better kids clubs without being bothered by complaining passengers in the Haven who think it should be quiet, peaceful, and adult only. We sailed Disney with our son when he was 11 months old, and it was a wonderful experience.

[jesron1269]

In my opinion? Use your Haven money to book Disney instead. Unlike NCL, they have a nursery for babies in case you want a dinner alone, or to get away to the adults only pool area. Also your other kids will have more to do in better kids clubs without being bothered by complaining passengers in the Haven who think it should be quiet, peaceful, and adult only. We sailed Disney with our son when he was 11 months old, and it was a wonderful experience.

 

Thank you for your opinion. Nice to hear a descending opinion. Everything I read states that the Haven courtyard, swimming pool and hot tub is grossly underutilized. Is that different from you prospective? My kids actually are not the type of splash around or fight. What we will be missing is the big jumbo tron while they swim but at other hotels they often will just play catch with a football in the pool when no such jumbo-tron exists. I doubt we would have complaints, but that does beg the question are people who regularly book the Haven that uptight? Do they really get annoyed with kids playing in a pool?

 

As you can see we have done DCL twice already and a third on a way. Just want to try something different and do not feel comfortable yet leaving baby home with the grandparents (nursing reasons).

 

Thanks again for your opinion but if you check the thread back please answer my questions as I truly am curious.

[nadeki]

Do it and enjoy......having cruise since my kids were 18 months old my husband always laughs that my biggest cabin requirement is a bathtub.... it makes all the difference!

 

NCL staff loves kids and babies. I have found when you board in a suite and are escorted to your room they push the stroller for you! I feel like a princess!!

 

Have a great time.

[LrgPizza]

Thank you for your opinion. Nice to hear a descending opinion. Everything I read states that the Haven courtyard, swimming pool and hot tub is grossly underutilized. Is that different from you prospective? My kids actually are not the type of splash around or fight. What we will be missing is the big jumbo tron while they swim but at other hotels they often will just play catch with a football in the pool when no such jumbo-tron exists. I doubt we would have complaints, but that does beg the question are people who regularly book the Haven that uptight? Do they really get annoyed with kids playing in a pool?

 

As you can see we have done DCL twice already and a third on a way. Just want to try something different and do not feel comfortable yet leaving baby home with the grandparents (nursing reasons).

 

Thanks again for your opinion but if you check the thread back please answer my questions as I truly am curious.

Sorry, I was on my phone where the signatures don't appear, so didn't realize you'd been on Disney! I've not been in the Haven, so I only know about it based on what I read here. Based on what I read here, I'll forever avoid it like the plague, but that's just me. For what you have described, it sounds like the suite will be perfect for your family's needs!

[PDIDDYwife]

Do NOT count on the Haven pool/hot tub being underutilized!!!

 

HAve ALWAYS had fullcapacity Haven and lotsa kids and teens.

 

I, too, would go Disney.

[jesron1269]

Here is the problem with going Disney... it will cost nearly three times as much for a family of six (or two rooms) as it will booking the Haven over this time period due to the Kids Sail Free. Plus we have a Disney already book a few months later. So throwing that option out, has anyone ever cruised the haven with a baby.

[nadeki]

I have been in Haven with an 18 month old and it was wonderful.

 

There is not much difference than a regular cabin having a baby. You sound like concerned parents who are not going to needlessly leave your baby crying which would bother your neighbors no matter where you are.

 

If the Haven is underutilized you will enjoy having the peacefulness to sit outside and have your baby sleep in stroller, sit in high chair etc.

 

There is no reason not to do this!!

[rednose83]

I have not cruised Haven but we did cruise NCL with a 7 month old. We took the baby every where we went....even Cagney's. It was great. We only had to leave one show because of her crying. Mostly she napped or would play/smile at the crew.

 

We never had any comments. Did not go in the pool as babies aren't allowed. I'd do it again.

[SissasMomE]

Thank you for your opinion. Nice to hear a descending opinion. Everything I read states that the Haven courtyard, swimming pool and hot tub is grossly underutilized. Is that different from you prospective? My kids actually are not the type of splash around or fight. What we will be missing is the big jumbo tron while they swim but at other hotels they often will just play catch with a football in the pool when no such jumbo-tron exists. I doubt we would have complaints, but that does beg the question are people who regularly book the Haven that uptight? Do they really get annoyed with kids playing in a pool?

 

As you can see we have done DCL twice already and a third on a way. Just want to try something different and do not feel comfortable yet leaving baby home with the grandparents (nursing reasons).

 

Thanks again for your opinion but if you check the thread back please answer my questions as I truly am curious.

 

From the complaints I have read on here (and you can read them as well) - yes, they are that uptight. I agree with the OP. Go on Disney instead.

[SissasMomE]

Here is the problem with going Disney... it will cost nearly three times as much for a family of six (or two rooms) as it will booking the Haven over this time period due to the Kids Sail Free. Plus we have a Disney already book a few months later. So throwing that option out, has anyone ever cruised the haven with a baby.

 

Oh well then just do it. Seriously .... give them a look right back if you receive any hairy eye ball glances :D

Edited March 4, 2014 by SissasMomE

[br00ke]

We just cruised with our 4 children on the Pearl in the Haven. 8, 6, 2, and 6 months. We had an amazing time. We ate breakfast every morning in the courtyard. The older 2 spent some time in the kids club, but for the most part, we participated in ship activities as a family. The 6 month old was happy with all the new things to see. The 3 oldest slept in the second bedroom and the baby slept in a pack and play by the bathtub. We ate in specialty restaurants every night. We just made sure we had early reservations so the kids didn't disturb others. We've looked at Disney, but for the price, I'd chose the Haven any day. As long as you don't need childcare to enjoy yourself. Ask me any questions you might have!

[isdoo]

I thought there was a minimum age on cruises over 2 or 3 days?

 

We took our son on a cruise when he was only a few months old - but that was disney :)

[jesron1269]

We just cruised with our 4 children on the Pearl in the Haven. 8, 6, 2, and 6 months. We had an amazing time. We ate breakfast every morning in the courtyard. The older 2 spent some time in the kids club, but for the most part, we participated in ship activities as a family. The 6 month old was happy with all the new things to see. The 3 oldest slept in the second bedroom and the baby slept in a pack and play by the bathtub. We ate in specialty restaurants every night. We just made sure we had early reservations so the kids didn't disturb others. We've looked at Disney, but for the price, I'd chose the Haven any day. As long as you don't need childcare to enjoy yourself. Ask me any questions you might have!

 

I will take you up on that! Thank you for your post. I am going to discuss this with DW tonight so likely will have a few questions. Thanks again!

[jesron1269]

I thought there was a minimum age on cruises over 2 or 3 days?

 

We took our son on a cruise when he was only a few months old - but that was disney :)

 

There is. The age requirement is over six months (or baby will be over that by that date) at time of travel unless there will be three or more consecutive days at sea and in that case must be 12 months old. We will be just fine by the middle of December, 2014.