Is the Haven worth the upsell?

[Susanr613]

My guy and I have an aft facing balcony for the Epic 7-day Western Med. We've received the upsell email for the Haven at $500 per person for Spa and courtyard balcony.

 

I'm tempted by the extra room, exclusive space, and amenities. I don't have lots of extra money so I'm wondering if its a good value.

 

Please talk me in or out of it.

 

Thank you,

Susan

[genman36]

A few years ago, we had an aft balcony suite on the Pearl booked. A few weeks prior, we were offered a Haven suite and took it. We now always sail Haven or suites and won't go back. If you can afford it, do it. You won't regret it.

[ColinIllinois]

If you don't have a lot of extra money as you said then no, it's not worth it. EPIC aft balconies are really nice.

 

Pretty simple, actually.

 

Enjoy your cruise.

[Susanr613]

Thanks for the quick reply! Would you mind giving me more details? Why is it worth the extra money? Thank you

[Susanr613]

Thank you Colin... My follow up is for genman

[genman36]

Thank you Colin... My follow up is for genman

 

I could list the Haven perks all day, They are too many to list. We loved the Haven experience from the second you set foot at the pier. escorts, butler service, meals, snacks, access to the concierge, private areas reserved for Haven guests etc.

 

If you do the up sell, you should plan on tipping extra to the butler and concierge. There are many threads here you can look up on the subject and we tip based on what services were provided.

[old nutter]

Susanr613, it depends on what you want to do during the cruise and what you already have booked for meals. The Haven on the Epic opens up a huge amount of extra space to you, including the Posh balcony and bar, the Haven bar itself and best of all in our view, is the Haven Restaurant. You also have the run of the Courtyard area with plenty of loungers, the small pool and a couple of lightly used hot tubs (compared to the ones outside the Haven).

 

Food-wise, you can have all three meals in the Haven Restaurant including superb breakfasts and dinners that will rival most of the specialist dining venues. If you have already got something like the UDP/SDP that may dilute some of the value.

 

There are lots of other items such as the priority lounge on boarding and the reserved seating in the main theatre. Again, if you already have the priority boarding from somewhere and don't expect to go to the main shows these will also dilute the value.

 

So, the value depends on your booking, your preferences for space and a high degree of privacy and if you feel that these balance a grand-worth of cost to you. For us and for many who have experienced the Haven it is no contest - go for it.:)

[Into Cruising]

I got off of the Epic earlier this year. I was in the Haven.

I found it mostly very nice. However, please consider that your cruise is considered port intensive, so you lose a lot of opportunity to utilize the haven complex.

 

But the times you can are well worth it, or was to me. no fighting for pool or sun lounges. Private dining room for B,L, & D. Private near by bar. reserved seating at the shows.. And assistance with getting off early enough to make the early flight from Barcelona.

 

Ours was an 11 day, and worth it in my mind...enough so I am traveling on the Escape this weekend, and paid the upsell of $2000 to upgrade from an aft balcony. and I did not even get much argument out of my wife for doing so.

[Bullies3]

A number of the replies are well thought out an have their points. I surprised my wife a few years ago with a Haven room. We will never go back.... With that said, if you can swing it do it!!

 

Whatever you decide, enjoy your cruise!

[Cuizer2]

My guy and I have an aft facing balcony for the Epic 7-day Western Med. We've received the upsell email for the Haven at $500 per person for Spa and courtyard balcony.

 

I'm tempted by the extra room, exclusive space, and amenities. I don't have lots of extra money so I'm wondering if its a good value.

 

Please talk me in or out of it.

 

Thank you,

Susan

 

There are people who only fly in a private jet and they will tell you it is well worth the extra cost. However, it is only well worth the extra cost because they can afford it.

 

The same applies to Haven suites. If you can easily afford the extra cost (without giving up something else) and you would like to take advantage of the additional perks, then yes, it is worth it. However, if you cannot easily afford the extra cost, or if you have to give up something else, or if the perks are not of interest to you, then no, it is not worth the extra cost.

 

In my next NCL cruise I am in a forward facing balcony cabin. There is no way I would give that up for a Haven suite (even for free) because we are going through the Panama Canal.

[takeadip]

My guy and I have an aft facing balcony for the Epic 7-day Western Med. We've received the upsell email for the Haven at $500 per person for Spa and courtyard balcony.

 

I'm tempted by the extra room, exclusive space, and amenities. I don't have lots of extra money so I'm wondering if its a good value.

 

Please talk me in or out of it.

 

Thank you,

Susan

 

Susan...Take the plunge...IT. IS. WORTH. EVERY. SINGLE. PENNY.

its something you never knew you needed until you experience it..please do it...you will not miss the $1000 extra when you relive the entire trip in your head when you think of cruising...also make sure you bring extra cash for the Concierge and the Butler...for 7 days i would say tip the concierge $50 and the Butler $100. but thats just me...im sure everyone on this board from various demographics will argue more or less...

 

again...please cruise in the Haven...you deserve it.. you must compare it to a higher end hotel with all meals included when you financially try to justify it...Haven or bust!!!!

 

Best,

Mark

[Into Cruising]

I know a Ferrari is "worth it" without regards as to my affordability. Do you need a Ferrari ? NO. Do you need the Haven to enjoy your cruise? No.

 

Would it be great to experience a Ferrari? Yes... Would it be nice to experience the Haven? yes.

 

If you can swing it, go for it! If you had a shot at either experience and turned it down, you may resent it for a long long time. It may be a once in a lifetime experience, but , guess what? You deserve on of those!

[Linda the Book Lover]

I am already wishing for this offer on our still not booked July 2017 anniversary cruise. We love the suite life but have yet to stay in the Haven.

[Into Cruising]

Many people book into the Haven at full price.

 

They are not really happy about sailing in a full Haven with many who are paying a fraction of what they paid. They have let Corporate NCL know this. They have asked for stricter guidelines for those attempting to upsell into the Haven.

 

The recommendation is once upsells open, to only make and accept offers from those booked in certain categories first. Specifically it is believed they mean open it up to Minisuite bookers first. Once sufficient time has gone by, allow or offer upsells to the Balcony bookers. Work your way down the categories until you feel it is sufficiently filled. Some of this is already happening.

 

Another suggestion was never to offer upsells to GTY cabins. Upgrade them to a better room as part of their GTY if room allows, but do not make specific offers of upsells into the Haven to them. I believe the upsell should be prorated so you pay x amount if you are going from a Minisuite, X amount + if you are going from a Balcony, and so on and so on.

 

Recently many people have published that they either intend to or have booked Inside GTY rooms on the bet that they can get an upsell into the Haven for the same price a minisuite would pay for the upsell. It is one of the reasons the Pick your perk promotion now does not apply to GTY cabins.

 

In the minds of many Haven travelers, if you can afford it, join them, and if you can't stay in steerage.

 

Do not shoot the messenger, and start on me how the GTY customer is the backbone of all cruisers or how unfair it is. I am not interested in any debate on it.

[Ktuluorion]

My guy and I have an aft facing balcony for the Epic 7-day Western Med. We've received the upsell email for the Haven at $500 per person for Spa and courtyard balcony.

 

I'm tempted by the extra room, exclusive space, and amenities. I don't have lots of extra money so I'm wondering if its a good value.

 

Please talk me in or out of it.

 

Thank you,

Susan

 

I've declined the Haven in the past for that amount, thinking "how could it be worth it?"

 

I can tell you after having my first suite experience this year that it is totally worth the upsell price. Don't even think.

 

My thinking before was that it was just a bigger room, but it's really about the services you get:

 

1) Never wait in a line for excursions or the front desk. You have a concierge for that (time is invaluable on vacation)

2) Checkin is quick, easy, and enjoyable, as is debarkation

3) The breakfast and lunch are more enjoyable and better food/service as well as quicker (more time for fun!)

4) Butler gives you more personal service, and room service is free

5) Haven Access

 

What I found was that all of these items decreased stress and added a lot of time to the cruise. For instance, the suite dining for breakfast and lunch was far quicker (sometimes an hour or so quicker) than the MDR. MDR has become very slow, and not very good. Imagine what you could do with 7-14 more hours over the course of your vacation. Same for things like front desk and excursion desk -- doesn't seem like a big deal, but saving a half hour here and there means a lot.

 

My 0.02. :)

[Susanr613]

Intocruising, I don't understand why you wrote your post. All I asked was if I should spend money to upgrade to the Haven and you respond with a rant against people upgrading. Its not appreciated

[NancyL2]

Totally agree!

 

Many people book into the Haven at full price.

 

They are not really happy about sailing in a full Haven with many who are paying a fraction of what they paid. They have let Corporate NCL know this. They have asked for stricter guidelines for those attempting to upsell into the Haven.

 

The recommendation is once upsells open, to only make and accept offers from those booked in certain categories first. Specifically it is believed they mean open it up to Minisuite bookers first. Once sufficient time has gone by, allow or offer upsells to the Balcony bookers. Work your way down the categories until you feel it is sufficiently filled. Some of this is already happening.

 

Another suggestion was never to offer upsells to GTY cabins. Upgrade them to a better room as part of their GTY if room allows, but do not make specific offers of upsells into the Haven to them. I believe the upsell should be prorated so you pay x amount if you are going from a Minisuite, X amount + if you are going from a Balcony, and so on and so on.

 

Recently many people have published that they either intend to or have booked Inside GTY rooms on the bet that they can get an upsell into the Haven for the same price a minisuite would pay for the upsell. It is one of the reasons the Pick your perk promotion now does not apply to GTY cabins.

 

In the minds of many Haven travelers, if you can afford it, join them, and if you can't stay in steerage.

 

Do not shoot the messenger, and start on me how the GTY customer is the backbone of all cruisers or how unfair it is. I am not interested in any debate on it.

[Into Cruising]

was not my intent....I put it out there for informational purposes only. I have spent the better part of the day trying to help people better prepare and positioned to get an upsell. Heck, I am sailing on Saturday and I took an upsell. and not from a Minisuite.

 

I am not against upgrading or taking an upsell. Just gave some information on how it is being viewed by regular Haven guests, and NCL executives. Not saying they are right or wrong.

 

Sorry you do not find the information helpful.

 

It is about time for me to stop coming on here in a forum setting to try to help out or give advice or information. It certainly does not seem to be worth the effort or even appreciated. Or maybe just do as the smart ones on here do, simply lurch and read only, but never reply to anyone or attempt to help them in any way.

[Into Cruising]

I gave you at least two other responses telling you how worthwhile it is and you deserved the experience....and from the snarkiness of your response to me, I hope you get it, because you surely need a vacation!

[browniegirl]

Susan...Take the plunge...IT. IS. WORTH. EVERY. SINGLE. PENNY.

its something you never knew you needed until you experience it..please do it...you will not miss the $1000 extra when you relive the entire trip in your head when you think of cruising...also make sure you bring extra cash for the Concierge and the Butler...for 7 days i would say tip the concierge $50 and the Butler $100. but thats just me...im sure everyone on this board from various demographics will argue more or less...

 

again...please cruise in the Haven...you deserve it.. you must compare it to a higher end hotel with all meals included when you financially try to justify it...Haven or bust!!!!

 

Best,

Mark

 

I couldn't agree more with this, do it lol!! Having sailed in the Haven previously and again this coming October, it is sooooooooo worth it!!!!

 

Its hard to look back though afterwards......and.....you never want to leave!

 

Leah

[Susanr613]

Intocruising I did read back and saw your other comments. And yes I really do need a vacation... Which is why I was very put off by the one I commented on. All it tells me is to not mention we upgraded because the folks who paid full price will be rude

[Two Wheels Only]

Many people book into the Haven at full price.

Myself included.

 

They are not really happy about sailing in a full Haven with many who are paying a fraction of what they paid. They have let Corporate NCL know this. They have asked for stricter guidelines for those attempting to upsell into the Haven.

Honestly, it doesn't bother me. NCL wants to sell the rooms. If nobody has booked a Haven suite by a certain date, it's unlikely that someone will "jump in" and take it unless they are already booked.

 

The recommendation is once upsells open, to only make and accept offers from those booked in certain categories first. Specifically it is believed they mean open it up to Minisuite bookers first. Once sufficient time has gone by, allow or offer upsells to the Balcony bookers. Work your way down the categories until you feel it is sufficiently filled. Some of this is already happening.

That makes sense. I'd have no problem with that at all.

 

Another suggestion was never to offer upsells to GTY cabins. Upgrade them to a better room as part of their GTY if room allows, but do not make specific offers of upsells into the Haven to them.

Agreed.

 

I believe the upsell should be prorated so you pay x amount if you are going from a Minisuite, X amount + if you are going from a Balcony, and so on and so on.

In theory, that makes sense but people will make an offer and NCL wants the up-sell so the fixed price becomes not so fixed.

 

 

In the minds of many Haven travelers, if you can afford it, join them, and if you can't stay in steerage.

 

I don't like the term "steerage" for non-Haven guests. It has a negative connotation and seems to be condescending.

Edited June 8, 2016 by Two Wheels Only

[Jeff&Pam]

Intocruising I did read back and saw your other comments. And yes I really do need a vacation... Which is why I was very put off by the one I commented on. All it tells me is to not mention we upgraded because the folks who paid full price will be rude

 

We paid for haven on th escape, and we would not be rude... No one will know unless you wear a t shirt that says "I paid for an inside room and I got the haven for peanuts!"

 

Enjoy your trip. We are trying the haven on the escape for the first time this Oct. We booked the haven deluxe spa cabin before there were pictures of it. Imagine our surprise when we found out we at getting a 2 room suite! If you were in the room next door and paid less then us, we'll, that is fantastic for you! There is only one cabin in our room class, and only on one ship...so we could not take a chance with a paid upgrade.

 

Besides that...I have no advice except enjoy yourself whatever you decide.

[littlelulu01]

Many people book into the Haven at full price.

 

They are not really happy about sailing in a full Haven with many who are paying a fraction of what they paid. They have let Corporate NCL know this. They have asked for stricter guidelines for those attempting to upsell into the Haven.

 

The recommendation is once upsells open, to only make and accept offers from those booked in certain categories first. Specifically it is believed they mean open it up to Minisuite bookers first. Once sufficient time has gone by, allow or offer upsells to the Balcony bookers. Work your way down the categories until you feel it is sufficiently filled. Some of this is already happening.

 

Another suggestion was never to offer upsells to GTY cabins. Upgrade them to a better room as part of their GTY if room allows, but do not make specific offers of upsells into the Haven to them. I believe the upsell should be prorated so you pay x amount if you are going from a Minisuite, X amount + if you are going from a Balcony, and so on and so on.

 

Recently many people have published that they either intend to or have booked Inside GTY rooms on the bet that they can get an upsell into the Haven for the same price a minisuite would pay for the upsell. It is one of the reasons the Pick your perk promotion now does not apply to GTY cabins.

 

In the minds of many Haven travelers, if you can afford it, join them, and if you can't stay in steerage.

 

Do not shoot the messenger, and start on me how the GTY customer is the backbone of all cruisers or how unfair it is. I am not interested in any debate on it.

 

I think it was revamped. A few years ago I saw Haven suites regularly dumped a couple weeks prior to sailing. GV on Pearl Alaska 8k with KSF. H4 $2800 Alaska. A few people getting upgrades through a upsell line vs letting the whole world know that you're dumping rooms at a fraction of the cost is much more palatable. The upsell line is a great idea.

 

Regarding letting, "steerage" into the Haven. NCL is understandably trying to make to most it can by selling off all rooms for what the market will bear. Should they end up with a few unsold suites it makes perfect sense to me to upsell the inside stateroom for more $ than they upsell the ms or balcony rooms. In all reality if NCL upsells the inside or balcony GT for 2k pp they make more $ than selling it to the aft MS for $750 pp. It's also much easier for them to dump the inside as a GT last min so the inside upsell is smarter money on NCL's part. Ruffled feathers of a couple Haven suite guests should not be a reason to disallow occasional upsell to whomever NCL wants.

 

I've paid full price for a Haven suite before. I could care less about what the guy in the next room paid. I've also read countless times that if you want a specific room, best to book in advance, have price adjustment prior to final payment and if prices drop its just the way it goes sometimes. Most of the suites are selling at the price NCL wants. i think it's a great idea for a few here and there to kind of, win the lottery with an upsell regardless of what cabin they're booked in. I don't think it cheapens the product. I think it gains new loyal customers.

[RareBird]

suite 'dumping' was definitely revamped and no longer happens. They seem to upsel them before the dumping clock starts ticking. I know.... I've sailed in discounted suites purchased weeks before cruise [live in port city]

 

NCL suites are the best experience on the ocean - amazing - you have to do it! we're sailing in H6 this December, full price.