Oasis Concierge Suite vs NCL Suite Experience-opinions please!

[Coffeecat1]

Hello!

I have a loft suite booked on Oasis next June. I am super excited to go and will be traveling with my husband and two daughters who will be 5 and 3 yo at the time. Only ended up booking because some friends of my husband's from high school were going and invited us along-otherwise I don't know that I would have jumped ship to Royal.

 

It's a fair statement to say I am a loyal NCL cruiser and have sailed on multiple ships and always in the Haven. Back in 2009, sailed on Mariner of the Seas in a standard balcony and really didn't like the assigned seating times and fixed table mates-otherwise it was a great vacation. Thus, found NCL with any time dining and specialties and never looked back...until now! We haven't cruised since 2013 because of having small kids so I haven't been on NCL since the Breakaway in 2013. We are not super hard to please and are pretty down to earth-just have very limited vacation time and like the size of the rooms and extra perks, so when we do vacation we go all out.

 

Looking for comparisons, insights and opinions on how the Oasis suite experience will measure up to the NCL Haven experience. Am I going to miss NCL?!?! Will Royal convert me?

Thanks so much!

[Debde]

I have not sailed on Oasis which is one of the ships that have a bit more enhanced suite experience but my humble opinion is you are!;)

 

An NCL Haven experience sold me right at boarding. They already know how to welcome you even before you are on the ship. Freestyle-WOW they have this figured out and well. Concierge service in the Haven far outdoes Royal but being Oasis is one of the ships with a suite lounge-face to face with the concierge may have more hours now. Depending on your room choice, it may or may not have a butler.

 

I'm sure someone will chime in who has actually sailed Oasis but Royal has nothing like the Haven! I believe Oasis has a suite lounge and CK dining and private pool deck but nothing like steps from your room to all of the above in one area.

 

with that said, I'm sure you will still have a wonderful time. heck-you're on vacation, right!!:D

[Coffeecat1]

Thanks Debde-I read some of your other posts on suites and I appreciate your time in replying.

 

In the years past, I occasionally poked around at the Royal site to see what was in the works for the suites and it always just seemed to be a really nice room but not nearly the perks of the Haven on NCL. I read that they recently upgraded the suite perks on Royal and it seems to be more in line with NCL. We are the step below the Royal suite so don't have the genie (which isn't a huge deal), but do have access to coastal kitchen and lounge all day. I guess free wine and beer all day???-which is something that, at least since we sailed NCL last, did not have. My husband and I definitely enjoy drinking wine and beer on a cruise so this was a major selling point for us...and we didn't really have a lot of choice so it was more of a nice surprise finding this out!!!

 

I am really excited to go on Royal though! I really enjoyed the last cruise I did with them but the dining situation back then was not ideal for us (weird table mates and never seemed to be hungry or was too rushed when it was time for dinner). I think having the coastal kitchen will be really nice. Plus the Oasis looks AMAZING and it will be a break from the comfortable routine of NCL (I do feel a bit like a traitor though:D)

 

 

In your experience, was there anything that you found the Royal concierge to be particularly helpful with? In the past on NCL we have had little parties in our stateroom with apps and drinks etc...can you do this on Royal?

 

Anyway, thank you so much for taking the time to respond-appreciate it!

[MattInFLL]

Your Crown Loft is a Sky Class cabin on Deck 17 which is exclusive to Sky and Star Class guests. You have your own lounge and your own restaurant - Coastal Kitchen, with no set dining times. You also can opt for my time dining in the main dining room and there are 5 or 6 specialty restaurants and umpteen choices for lunch and snacks around the ship.

 

The suite sun deck is forward but has its own cabana area and bar. You have priority embark and disembark. There are 2 concierges to assist you and they have extended hours in the lounge.

 

My only NCL experience was a Garden Villa on the Star. That was awesome. But I've never been back to NCL.

 

I think with the new Sky Class amenities you will enjoy it.

 

I just did Star Class on Allure (Oasis's sister) and our friends were in Sky in a Crown Loft. So I saw this all in action, so to speak.

[Coffeecat1]

Your Crown Loft is a Sky Class cabin on Deck 17 which is exclusive to Sky and Star Class guests. You have your own lounge and your own restaurant - Coastal Kitchen, with no set dining times. You also can opt for my time dining in the main dining room and there are 5 or 6 specialty restaurants and umpteen choices for lunch and snacks around the ship.

 

The suite sun deck is forward but has its own cabana area and bar. You have priority embark and disembark. There are 2 concierges to assist you and they have extended hours in the lounge.

 

My only NCL experience was a Garden Villa on the Star. That was awesome. But I've never been back to NCL.

 

I think with the new Sky Class amenities you will enjoy it.

 

I just did Star Class on Allure (Oasis's sister) and our friends were in Sky in a Crown Loft. So I saw this all in action, so to speak.

 

Thanks so much Matt! I have never sailed in a Garden Villa and can only imagine how awesome that was for you!!!

 

Thanks for your time in replying. Yes, we are deck 17 which we picked to be close to the kitchen and lounge with the two little kids. I have a stressful job, generally work 60-70 hours per week, sometimes a lot more, and when we vacation we just want things to be easy and minimize lines (this is the biggest factor) and hassle (second biggest factor). It's worth a lot to us and room size is an added bonus.

 

On the Allure what kinds of things did you ask the concierge to help out with? When we have sailed NCL in the past, one got us speakers for music (we forgot ours) and one lent a tie to my husband (he forgot his), plus had little parties for cruise critic cabin crawls which were always a lot of fun. When we sailed on the Breakaway in 2013 it was slightly disappointing bc last minute reservations to restaurants were a virtual no-go which had never been an issue in the past.

 

Would you advise pre-booking as much as possible in terms of restaurants and excursions prior to going or is it safe to wing-it?

 

Thanks so much!

[MattInFLL]

Sounds like we have similar jobs :)

 

I personally did not ask the concierge for help because Star class comes with the "Genie" who is a personal concierge/assistant. (But not a butler). If you were in Star I would say wing it, because the Genies have extra pull. In Sky I would book things ahead just to be certain you got the dining times you wanted for speciality restaurants. For the shows there are reserved seats for Sky and Star in every venue except the Comedy Club. That you need to book ahead. The concierges in the lounge take care of all these things too, plus they take care of most anything you would need to do at the front desk. That's a big help.

 

The reports here are that they are good at what they do and try to make you happy.

 

You should get a welcome email about a week before from the concierges so you can advise of anything special or ask questions. If you are stopping at Labadee and want a cabana at the Suite Beach, that's a good time to ask too. I recommend B1 or 2. Or one of the overwater ones.

 

One other thing - the concierges are also assigned there to help Pinnacle Club members - Royal's very very top cruisers (700 nights +) so they are used to special requests :)

 

As for excursions through the ship it's probably best to book ahead if there's something you really want to do.

 

There is one thing you do need to prepare for : the elevators can be really slow getting to and from 17 at peak times. Deck 17 is at the top of the main elevator banks for the ship, and there's no express or dedicated elevator. So after shows etc it can get slow. Knowing this ahead of time might lessen any frustration.

Edited July 24, 2016 by MattInFLL

[Coffeecat1]

Great advice Matt! I really appreciate it!

 

I don't mind advance planning-it's at least half the fun and pay-off for being on vacation. Always nice to look forward to things. Unfortunately, with kids I have learned that the best laid plans are often decimated and flexibility is key!

 

I think we will be fine without the genie, truthfully. It was an extra ~8 K for a room that would have provided that I didn't think that was worth, particularly since the cabin we booked was very nice already with a lot of perks that are meaningful to us - the kitchen and lounge all day being huge.

 

Any specialty restaurants that you would recommend? Did you spend any time in the casino?

 

Thanks again!

[MattInFLL]

Since it's family style, you should try Giovannis table. It's really good Italian.

 

If your kids are adventurous then 150 Central Park is a culinary experience. If not maybe just have a date night there while the kids are in the kids area.

 

Chops is a staple. But don't bother with the extra cost aged beef. The regular menu is just fine.

 

Izumi tepanayaki experience - the Hibachi grill - would be great fun with the kids. It's the Benihana thing.

 

And you will enjoy the Crown Loft. It's a beautiful cabin and the 2 full baths are great for a family.

 

I will play slots several times a cruise but not a table guy. However our friends on Allure were and got a free cruise based on their play (and mostly from slot play). So if you play, be sure to use your card and meet the Casino Host. Royal is quite generous to players. And they are linked to MGMs MLife program.

Edited July 24, 2016 by MattInFLL

[Coffeecat1]

Thanks Matt! Great advice :)

[Surfguyxxx]

Yes thank you Matt. Great advice and tips. We sail in about a month in a CLS and am real excited. I booked all shows and a 5 night specialty dining package along with a chef's table. I hope I'm set.

[A&L_Ont]

Since it's family style, you should try Giovannis table. It's really good Italian.

 

If your kids are adventurous then 150 Central Park is a culinary experience. If not maybe just have a date night there while the kids are in the kids area.

 

Chops is a staple. But don't bother with the extra cost aged beef. The regular menu is just fine.

 

Izumi tepanayaki experience - the Hibachi grill - would be great fun with the kids. It's the Benihana thing.

 

And you will enjoy the Crown Loft. It's a beautiful cabin and the 2 full baths are great for a family.

 

I will play slots several times a cruise but not a table guy. However our friends on Allure were and got a free cruise based on their play (and mostly from slot play). So if you play, be sure to use your card and meet the Casino Host. Royal is quite generous to players. And they are linked to MGMs MLife program.

 

Matt, I don't think you missed much on your list. I'm also on the sailing as Surfguy. I can't wait to get back on the ship and enjoy the Star Treatment. :D

[MattInFLL]

Matt, I don't think you missed much on your list. I'm also on the sailing as Surfguy. I can't wait to get back on the ship and enjoy the Star Treatment. :D

 

 

 

We will be looking for the 'scopes :)

[ATLgirl15]

I've been on Oasis and Allure - last time in the loft suite. But both times were before they enhanced the suite program. We sailed NCL last year in Haven (although our room wasn't in haven we had haven access). NCL really does excel in treating their haven guests well. Loved the private escort onto the ship. Loved having 2 concierges in the lounge. Loved the private dining (although we had a free specialty dining package so we really only used it for breakfast) BUT, the haven was the only thing we liked about NCL compared to royal. anytime we left the haven we kept wishing we were back on royal.

 

I never felt the suite experience was lacking on Royal but when we went on NCL it was clear they could step up their efforts. CK is now added as well as the expanding drink availability in the suite lounge. I think everything else is the same as it was previously for sky class. But overall Royal, particularly oasis class, kicks ass! There is so much to do on the ship and so much variety and so beautiful.

 

We mainly use the concierge to reserve dinner reservations especially if we are traveling with others. They also booked us a cabana in labadee and the zip line. Reservations to shows, etc. we never booked anything in advance until our anthem cruise a few months ago. We never had any issues arranging everything once we were on board. Although I'm skeptical of that nowadays. I usually ask their opinion of things to do in port because I think they are more objective and not just pushing the ship excursions.

 

In summary, I'm not sure the Royal suite experience will win you over but the Royal overall experience will :)

[galleycook]

Hello!

I have a loft suite booked on Oasis next June. I am super excited to go and will be traveling with my husband and two daughters who will be 5 and 3 yo at the time. Only ended up booking because some friends of my husband's from high school were going and invited us along-otherwise I don't know that I would have jumped ship to Royal.

 

It's a fair statement to say I am a loyal NCL cruiser and have sailed on multiple ships and always in the Haven. Back in 2009, sailed on Mariner of the Seas in a standard balcony and really didn't like the assigned seating times and fixed table mates-otherwise it was a great vacation. Thus, found NCL with any time dining and specialties and never looked back...until now! We haven't cruised since 2013 because of having small kids so I haven't been on NCL since the Breakaway in 2013. We are not super hard to please and are pretty down to earth-just have very limited vacation time and like the size of the rooms and extra perks, so when we do vacation we go all out.

 

Looking for comparisons, insights and opinions on how the Oasis suite experience will measure up to the NCL Haven experience. Am I going to miss NCL?!?! Will Royal convert me?

Thanks so much!

 

Hi Coffeecat1. I was wondering the same thing. We have Grand Loft suite booked on the Anthem in a few weeks and I am interested to see how it compares to NCL.

 

We’ve done a penthouse and smaller suite on Celebrity and I don’t think they compared with NCL. We are trying RC because they have enhanced the suite program with drinks and dining and a “genie”. So I’m hoping these new things at least match NCL. We’ve done the Garden Villa a couple of times along with the smaller suites and NCL knows what they are doing when it comes to the suites (at least in my opinion).

 

I’ll report back on our experience after the cruise to give my comparison of both.

[BNBR]

I'm definitely considering one of the NCL ships and the Haven experience for our next cruise. So great reading this one.

 

We did the Junior Suite on our last trip and for amenities/convenience, it may offer everything you want and need outside of a concierge/butler service.

 

We had access to Coastal Kitchen (dinner only), got to skip the line at embarkation, and didn't have to worry about the nonsense with the towels, they just hand us whatever we wanted. Other than that, I'm not necessarily sure what else RC has to offer when jumping up to Sky Class other than a nicer cabin.

 

Though come to think of it, the elevators were a nightmare sometimes and I might prefer a Junior Suite on Deck 8 over riding that thing to Deck 17 constantly.

 

I'm not sure what other services or lines you are really getting by going all the way to the higher classes, which is why we were thinking Haven for our next cruise. But ATLgirl15's comments are why I'm torn. I really do love the Oasis class ship.

Edited July 28, 2016 by BNBR

[virginia beach girl]

Since it's family style, you should try Giovannis table. It's really good Italian.

 

If your kids are adventurous then 150 Central Park is a culinary experience. If not maybe just have a date night there while the kids are in the kids area.

 

Chops is a staple. But don't bother with the extra cost aged beef. The regular menu is just fine.

 

Izumi tepanayaki experience - the Hibachi grill - would be great fun with the kids. It's the Benihana thing.

 

And you will enjoy the Crown Loft. It's a beautiful cabin and the 2 full baths are great for a family.

 

I will play slots several times a cruise but not a table guy. However our friends on Allure were and got a free cruise based on their play (and mostly from slot play). So if you play, be sure to use your card and meet the Casino Host. Royal is quite generous to players. And they are linked to MGMs MLife program.

We are in a Crown Loft Suite in January and have not been in one since before the enhanced suite program. Would you by any chance know about the coffee maker in the CLS? You probably had the nice Nespresso machine in your suite but would you know if the CLS has that or just the cheap Mr Coffee kind they have had in the past?

[Jenjer]

I find more value in what the Haven offers than RCL suite benefits. We loved the Haven courtyard on Escape. There is something about walking into the Haven that is immediately relaxing. Being greeted by the concierge and his team. Having a pool, lounge, bar open all the time (ok not 24 hour a day but all day long, anytime I was awake it was open) and restaurant literally steps away. All of your drinks are "free" all of the time in or out of the Haven. Minibar is not included. Walking by the pool at night and deciding to enjoy a late night swim and soak. Having a server come by and ask if you wanted anything. Random treats coming out all day long. One morning they had exotic fruit served by a chef.

 

We had contemplated a aft suite and a 2 bed for our family we went the 2 bed in the haven area and it was perfect. It was like 6 steps to a lounger and pool and 15 for a drink. My kids also had their own bathroom and no sharing a bed. We had our privacy with the most amazing shower and tub over looking the ocean.

 

IMO you are more in the ship with Royal and more separated on NCL. The Escape was the most crowded ship I have ever been on much more crowded than the Oasis or Allure. But I could easily escape the crowds and go back into the Haven.

 

Royal puts their suites and amenities all over the ship and NCL puts most of them all together in the Haven.

 

Royal also charges a lot more for their suites (Harmony or Anthem next summer) than NCL charges for the Haven (Getaway or Escape summer). So its 2 balcony rooms on Royal for us and the Haven on NCL.

[Coffeecat1]

I've been on Oasis and Allure - last time in the loft suite. But both times were before they enhanced the suite program. We sailed NCL last year in Haven (although our room wasn't in haven we had haven access). NCL really does excel in treating their haven guests well. Loved the private escort onto the ship. Loved having 2 concierges in the lounge. Loved the private dining (although we had a free specialty dining package so we really only used it for breakfast) BUT, the haven was the only thing we liked about NCL compared to royal. anytime we left the haven we kept wishing we were back on royal.

 

I never felt the suite experience was lacking on Royal but when we went on NCL it was clear they could step up their efforts. CK is now added as well as the expanding drink availability in the suite lounge. I think everything else is the same as it was previously for sky class. But overall Royal, particularly oasis class, kicks ass! There is so much to do on the ship and so much variety and so beautiful.

 

We mainly use the concierge to reserve dinner reservations especially if we are traveling with others. They also booked us a cabana in labadee and the zip line. Reservations to shows, etc. we never booked anything in advance until our anthem cruise a few months ago. We never had any issues arranging everything once we were on board. Although I'm skeptical of that nowadays. I usually ask their opinion of things to do in port because I think they are more objective and not just pushing the ship excursions.

 

In summary, I'm not sure the Royal suite experience will win you over but the Royal overall experience will :)

Thanks for the response! I am sure I will miss things about the Haven but comments on the overall ship experience have me really excited!

[Coffeecat1]

Hi Coffeecat1. I was wondering the same thing. We have Grand Loft suite booked on the Anthem in a few weeks and I am interested to see how it compares to NCL.

 

We’ve done a penthouse and smaller suite on Celebrity and I don’t think they compared with NCL. We are trying RC because they have enhanced the suite program with drinks and dining and a “genie”. So I’m hoping these new things at least match NCL. We’ve done the Garden Villa a couple of times along with the smaller suites and NCL knows what they are doing when it comes to the suites (at least in my opinion).

 

I’ll report back on our experience after the cruise to give my comparison of both.

Yes Please report back! I hope you have an amazing time!

[Coffeecat1]

I'm definitely considering one of the NCL ships and the Haven experience for our next cruise. So great reading this one.

 

We did the Junior Suite on our last trip and for amenities/convenience, it may offer everything you want and need outside of a concierge/butler service.

 

We had access to Coastal Kitchen (dinner only), got to skip the line at embarkation, and didn't have to worry about the nonsense with the towels, they just hand us whatever we wanted. Other than that, I'm not necessarily sure what else RC has to offer when jumping up to Sky Class other than a nicer cabin.

 

Though come to think of it, the elevators were a nightmare sometimes and I might prefer a Junior Suite on Deck 8 over riding that thing to Deck 17 constantly.

 

I'm not sure what other services or lines you are really getting by going all the way to the higher classes, which is why we were thinking Haven for our next cruise. But ATLgirl15's comments are why I'm torn. I really do love the Oasis class ship.

 

You really can't go wrong with the Haven. My mil and her husband just got off the escape and stayed in one of the owners suites and they said it was AMAZING!

[Coffeecat1]

I find more value in what the Haven offers than RCL suite benefits. We loved the Haven courtyard on Escape. There is something about walking into the Haven that is immediately relaxing. Being greeted by the concierge and his team. Having a pool, lounge, bar open all the time (ok not 24 hour a day but all day long, anytime I was awake it was open) and restaurant literally steps away. All of your drinks are "free" all of the time in or out of the Haven. Minibar is not included. Walking by the pool at night and deciding to enjoy a late night swim and soak. Having a server come by and ask if you wanted anything. Random treats coming out all day long. One morning they had exotic fruit served by a chef.

 

We had contemplated a aft suite and a 2 bed for our family we went the 2 bed in the haven area and it was perfect. It was like 6 steps to a lounger and pool and 15 for a drink. My kids also had their own bathroom and no sharing a bed. We had our privacy with the most amazing shower and tub over looking the ocean.

 

IMO you are more in the ship with Royal and more separated on NCL. The Escape was the most crowded ship I have ever been on much more crowded than the Oasis or Allure. But I could easily escape the crowds and go back into the Haven.

 

Royal puts their suites and amenities all over the ship and NCL puts most of them all together in the Haven.

 

Royal also charges a lot more for their suites (Harmony or Anthem next summer) than NCL charges for the Haven (Getaway or Escape summer). So its 2 balcony rooms on Royal for us and the Haven on NCL.

 

The last time we sailed on the Breakaway I thought the ship was really crowded too but the Haven was just so nice! I think we got a pretty good deal with the BOGO 50% off promotion recently for next june on Oasis...cheaper than comparative NCL sailings in the haven-had we paid the usual rate I don't think we could have justified it. I am really excited to try out royal and am really happy about the coastal kitchen and free wine beer soda all day long. We are staying in one of the little lofts on deck 17 so it should be convenient!

[klove613]

I have not been in a suite on the Oasis class since the enhanced suite program, but was in an aft suite on Allure in April and had access to the CK, Suite Lounge, and the outdoor suite area. We also did the Haven on the Epic in 2014.

 

While I loved having access to the lounge and the other areas and perks on Allure, there was just no comparison with the level of service and amenities in the Haven. I loved, loved, loved having a pool a few steps away from my room. I would get up at 8 am and have the entire area to myself for at least an hour. The Haven staff all got to know our names and greeted as we walked by or at the restaurant. The Haven staff walked us down to the various shows and we were able to pick our seats. On the Allure and Oasis, the concierge staff rarely greeted us, definitely did not know our names and I personally found the service to be cold in the suite lounge. Love the Haven and hope to have an opportunity to do it again (if the price is right).

 

However, since you are star class and have the "genie," you will probably have great service.

 

I will agree with the poster that the rest of the ship was a huge disappointment compared to any of the RC ships that I have been on. The Epic was choppy, dark, and not very beautiful. On the other hand, the Oasis class ships are just breathtaking. There is nothing like strolling through Central Park at night or walking out to the Boardwalk for the first time. Absolutely love this class of ship.

 

So, hopefully you won't miss NCL too much. I am very interested to hear your thoughts when you return.

[DebSam]

I cruised in the Haven for the past 2 years and was very excited when I read about the enhanced Royal Suite on the Oasis and decided to give it a try since i had always sailed RCCL in the past.I literally just got off and I must tell you I was very disappointed in the suite program. There is absolutely no comparison. First of all i must start by saying I was in a Grand Suite on the 8th floor and did not have the genie service. I found in the Haven I felt special - it was first class from the moment we got to the dock and they bring you to a separate room where they escort you on the ship. The concierges on Oasis were basically door monitors who hardly looked up from their computer screens when I entered the suite lounge. Everyone in The Haven always had a smile on their faces and they always called you by your first name.( a nice touch) . The waiters in the Coastal Kitchen never smiled or even asked if you wanted more coffee. They seemed miserable! The suite sundeck was nothing compared to The Haven. The Haven has beautiful chairs with plenty of shade , on the Oasis they put pads on there old chairs. There is no shade ; the cabanas have open tops and the shade chairs are against the wall. Also in The Haven waiters came around with cold towels, snacks, water on the Oasis no one ever came around. I felt I was constantly comparing the 2 ships and except for the entertainment I thought NCL was better with happier help. I think the people at RCCL should send some of their executives on NCL to see what first class service is. I will definitely being going back to the Haven I don't think the Suite was that much different then a regular room on the Oasis.

[BNBR]

I cruised in the Haven for the past 2 years and was very excited when I read about the enhanced Royal Suite on the Oasis and decided to give it a try since i had always sailed RCCL in the past.I literally just got off and I must tell you I was very disappointed in the suite program. There is absolutely no comparison. First of all i must start by saying I was in a Grand Suite on the 8th floor and did not have the genie service. I found in the Haven I felt special - it was first class from the moment we got to the dock and they bring you to a separate room where they escort you on the ship. The concierges on Oasis were basically door monitors who hardly looked up from their computer screens when I entered the suite lounge. Everyone in The Haven always had a smile on their faces and they always called you by your first name.( a nice touch) . The waiters in the Coastal Kitchen never smiled or even asked if you wanted more coffee. They seemed miserable! The suite sundeck was nothing compared to The Haven. The Haven has beautiful chairs with plenty of shade , on the Oasis they put pads on there old chairs. There is no shade ; the cabanas have open tops and the shade chairs are against the wall. Also in The Haven waiters came around with cold towels, snacks, water on the Oasis no one ever came around. I felt I was constantly comparing the 2 ships and except for the entertainment I thought NCL was better with happier help. I think the people at RCCL should send some of their executives on NCL to see what first class service is. I will definitely being going back to the Haven I don't think the Suite was that much different then a regular room on the Oasis.

 

Outstanding feedback. We are considering a couples cruise next year (leaving kids with grandma at home) and Haven is what I'm leaning towards. I think that is probably the right decision.

[Coffeecat1]

I have not been in a suite on the Oasis class since the enhanced suite program, but was in an aft suite on Allure in April and had access to the CK, Suite Lounge, and the outdoor suite area. We also did the Haven on the Epic in 2014.

 

While I loved having access to the lounge and the other areas and perks on Allure, there was just no comparison with the level of service and amenities in the Haven. I loved, loved, loved having a pool a few steps away from my room. I would get up at 8 am and have the entire area to myself for at least an hour. The Haven staff all got to know our names and greeted as we walked by or at the restaurant. The Haven staff walked us down to the various shows and we were able to pick our seats. On the Allure and Oasis, the concierge staff rarely greeted us, definitely did not know our names and I personally found the service to be cold in the suite lounge. Love the Haven and hope to have an opportunity to do it again (if the price is right).

 

However, since you are star class and have the "genie," you will probably have great service.

 

I will agree with the poster that the rest of the ship was a huge disappointment compared to any of the RC ships that I have been on. The Epic was choppy, dark, and not very beautiful. On the other hand, the Oasis class ships are just breathtaking. There is nothing like strolling through Central Park at night or walking out to the Boardwalk for the first time. Absolutely love this class of ship.

 

So, hopefully you won't miss NCL too much. I am very interested to hear your thoughts when you return.

 

Thanks for your insight! I agree the Haven is so fabulous and NCL staff, throughout the ship, are just fantastic, especially so in the Haven. We are sky class so won't have a genie. I think I will be okay with this arrangement as we are traveling with another couple, have kids that will be old enough for the kids club, and will likely be spending a lot more of our time than we typically do out and about on the ship. We aren't sailing until next June but will dig up this post when I return to post reflections! Also a couple of months prior we will be on the Disney dream for a 4 days in a suite so will have lots to talk about!