How much would you pay for Haven?

[BNBR]

6 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

@JennyB1977....thanks for the compilation.  Just one small correction, I’ve never run into anyone who has had their Butler pack or unpack for them.  I have heard some say the Butlers explain that there is liability in having them do that.  Just be aware that it probably shouldn’t be considered a function of the Butler.

 

I also heard someone had requested their Butler push their child in a stroller for them.  If I were a Butler and someone asked that of me, I’d flat deny them, regardless of the consequences.

 

Someone mentioned Celebrity as an alternative to NCL’s Haven.  I haven’t sailed in Celebrity’s Suite class, but know for a fact their regular cabin service comes nowhere remotely close to NCL’s Haven.

 

Last time I priced out Celebrity’s Haven equivalent, it was about $8K more per cabin.  

 

Just a head’s up.

 

This is because the butlers are not actually butlers per established standards. They are slightly glorified food runners. 

 

What is a haven equivalent? Really, what is so special about the Haven? It's a gimmick.  The solarium on a Celebrity ship is magnitudes better than the Haven courtyard. Padded loungers, servers walking around to cater to you, no kids, windows so you can see outside, etc. 

 

What else does the Haven have that's so special? The worst bar on the ship. A mediocre restaurant with a stale menu, a concierge you only need because NCL has terrible apps so you cant easily book things on your own. Etc. 

 

The Haven is a massively overpriced product that people only like because of their desire to feel exclusive and important.  

[Nolanoel]

Wow! That's a gross generalization! I don't feel the need stay in the haven to feel important or exclusive myself.  I like so many factors of the haven.....but making me feel important isn't even in the running.   This type of response is just unnecessary.  People choose what's important to them.   I don't get the rationale behind insulting people who choose to stay in the Haven anymore than judging people who stay out of the Haven.  I took a Jan cruise Haven and have a Nov one booked in a balcony.   So what? Had fun in Jan and plan to have fun in Nov.  I have no idea why anyone's vacation choices are anybody else's business.   

Edited May 18, 2019 by Nolanoel

[GUEST080219]

Done Haven once, regular NCL penthouses twice. On a good itinerary maybe 250€ per night solo absolute maximum. The haven back then was 138€ per night, which was a good value but no way more than double than that. So not even worth looking nowadays.

 

But MSC Yacht Club 205€ per night solo next year so will try that out. I am always surprised what people are willing to pay for some things. 

[BNBR]

11 minutes ago, Nolanoel said:

Wow! That's a gross generalization! I don't feel the need stay in the haven to feel important or exclusive myself.  I like so many factors of the haven.....but making me feel important isn't even in the running.   This type of response is just unnecessary.  People choose what's important to them.   I don't get the rationale behind insulting people who choose to stay in the Haven anymore than judging people who stay out of the Haven.  I took a Jan cruise Haven and have a Nov one booked in a balcony.   So what? Had fun in Jan and plan to have fun in Nov.  I have no idea why anyone's vacation choices are anybody else's business.   

 

This is literally a thread discussing the value of the Haven.  I gave my opinion and thoughts and now your response is "it's not anyones business"... Ok.

 

If having a discussion with differing viewpoints offends you so much, then why are you participating in exactly that?  It's fine, you like the product, you shared your experience and thoughts.  I have done the same.  No reason to get upset about it.

[cruisingnewtoit]

4 minutes ago, micm said:

Done Haven once, regular NCL penthouses twice. On a good itinerary maybe 250€ per night solo absolute maximum. The haven back then was 138€ per night, which was a good value but no way more than double than that. So not even worth looking nowadays.

 

But MSC Yacht Club 205€ per night solo next year so will try that out. I am always surprised what people are willing to pay for some things. 

How does the regular PH & Haven differ. I just thought the PH was in the  Haven section. Ihave never cruised NCL. I pop in on different boards to get a feel of the cruise lines to see if I'm interested. 

 

Thanks

[BNBR]

5 minutes ago, micm said:

Done Haven once, regular NCL penthouses twice. On a good itinerary maybe 250€ per night solo absolute maximum. The haven back then was 138€ per night, which was a good value but no way more than double than that. So not even worth looking nowadays.

 

But MSC Yacht Club 205€ per night solo next year so will try that out. I am always surprised what people are willing to pay for some things. 

 

Agreed.  The Haven does have some value, but what they are asking for it nowadays is ridiculous.  I haven't tried MSC yet, but a lot of people swear by the YC and the videos make it look like a great product and far superior to the Haven.

[Nolanoel]

Just now, BNBR said:

 

This is literally a thread discussing the value of the Haven.  I gave my opinion and thoughts and now your response is "it's not anyones business"... Ok.

 

If having a discussion with differing viewpoints offends you so much, then why are you participating in exactly that?  It's fine, you like the product, you shared your experience and thoughts.  I have done the same.  No reason to get upset about it.

I totally agree with you.  Sharing opinions is great.  What's important to me can be different than what's important to you.  I take issue with this comment from you:

"The Haven is a massively overpriced product that people only like because of their desire to feel exclusive and important. "

You aren't stating why you don't like the Haven - you are insulting people who do and assuming that they do it to feel exclusive and important.  That's rude. 

[Nolanoel]

3 minutes ago, BNBR said:

 

Agreed.  The Haven does have some value, but what they are asking for it nowadays is ridiculous.  I haven't tried MSC yet, but a lot of people swear by the YC and the videos make it look like a great product and far superior to the Haven.

Absolutely want to try MSC.  The prices are tons better - and I understand they will match your Latitudes level.  

[BNBR]

3 minutes ago, Nolanoel said:

I totally agree with you.  Sharing opinions is great.  What's important to me can be different than what's important to you.  I take issue with this comment from you:

"The Haven is a massively overpriced product that people only like because of their desire to feel exclusive and important. "

You aren't stating why you don't like the Haven - you are insulting people who do and assuming that they do it to feel exclusive and important.  That's rude. 

 

I don't think that's rude.  That's literally what the product is.  They sell it as an exclusive retreat.  This isn't some sort of uncommon practice in marketing and it's odd that it offends you so much.  It's just what it is.  That's the product.

[Nolanoel]

Just now, BNBR said:

 

I don't think that's rude.  That's literally what the product is.  They sell it as an exclusive retreat.  This isn't some sort of uncommon practice in marketing and it's odd that it offends you so much.  It's just what it is.  That's the product.

Ok, if you say so.  So, since you felt that the Haven was so overrated - is that because it didn't make you feel as important or exclusive as you had wanted?  Just wondering if that is why you booked the Haven and why you book Celebrity....the need to feel important and exclusive.

[BNBR]

12 minutes ago, Nolanoel said:

Ok, if you say so.  So, since you felt that the Haven was so overrated - is that because it didn't make you feel as important or exclusive as you had wanted?  Just wondering if that is why you booked the Haven and why you book Celebrity....the need to feel important and exclusive.

 

I booked the Haven because I wanted to try it out.  And yeah, sure, it's exclusive and that's part of the value.  Who doesn't like to feel important and special?  That's basic hospitality.  Make people feel important.

 

Celebrity isn't exclusive.  But they do sell packages that do exactly that.  Aqua class, for example.  You get "exclusive dining" at an "exclusive restaurant" just for your class.  That's the sales pitch...  Haven is no different.

 

My point was that you can get a better experience MINUS the exclusiveness of the Haven for a fraction of the cost.  You are absolutely paying for exclusivity.  And it took me sailing the Haven to figure that out.  Part of the learning experience.  And when others ask, I'm happy to explain it - it's a discussion forum afterall, we discuss things.

Edited May 18, 2019 by BNBR

[Nolanoel]

I accept that you didn't say it in the spirit that I took your comment.  Maybe I took it that way because I don't book to feel exclusive or important.  I book to have more space, better coffee, less time in lines, etc..  I take every other cruise in a suite or in the haven for that.  I pretty much have had good experiences with and without being in an "exclusive" area.  It sounds like your experience in the Haven stunk - that is no fun - to spend that much and not get what you were expecting.  Anyway....peace - cruising is better than land no matter what stateroom you are in!!  🙂

 

[KeithJenner]

27 minutes ago, cruisingnewtoit said:

How does the regular PH & Haven differ. I just thought the PH was in the  Haven section. Ihave never cruised NCL. I pop in on different boards to get a feel of the cruise lines to see if I'm interested. 

 

Thanks

I'm not the person you quoted, but I assume that the penthouses that they are referring to are either:

 

On a pre-Jewel Class ship, which doesn't have a Haven

 

Ona Jewel Class ship where there are forward and aft penthouses which don't come with Haven access.

[cruisingnewtoit]

BTW my DH would book the Haven because it's exclusive & he would want to feel important. Lol he would freely admit that. It's a factor but not a main reason we would try it.

 

I could care less about those reasons. I probably wouldn't tell anyone we were staying there. 

 

Now others will think my DH is being ridiculous and that's ok. I sort of agree with them 🙄

[Nolanoel]

2 minutes ago, cruisingnewtoit said:

BTW my DH would book the Haven because it's exclusive & he would want to feel important. Lol he would freely admit that. It's a factor but not a main reason we would try it.

 

I could care less about those reasons. I probably wouldn't tell anyone we were staying there. 

 

Now others will think my DH is being ridiculous and that's ok. I sort of agree with them 🙄

I never tell anyone I am staying there.  LOL  

[FLcruisergrl]

20 hours ago, LeesaB said:

Sure, but you save 8 bucks each time you do it in The Haven... 😉

And you are not limited to the room service menu. You can get whatever you want!

[BNBR]

25 minutes ago, Nolanoel said:

I accept that you didn't say it in the spirit that I took your comment.  Maybe I took it that way because I don't book to feel exclusive or important.  I book to have more space, better coffee, less time in lines, etc..  I take every other cruise in a suite or in the haven for that.  I pretty much have had good experiences with and without being in an "exclusive" area.  It sounds like your experience in the Haven stunk - that is no fun - to spend that much and not get what you were expecting.  Anyway....peace - cruising is better than land no matter what stateroom you are in!!  🙂

 

 

Royal Caribbean offers The Key which gives you less time in lines and all sorts of exclusive access at a very minimal cost.  It's taken some time to figure out just what we like, and while I'll sail any line, we do prefer just a regular cabin on Royal and then booking all the extras - drink package, unlimited dining, the key.  In comparison, we get a LOT more than in the Haven, exclusive access to show seating, priority embarkation, exclusive debarkation breakfast/boarding, etc. etc.  But better drink package, better internet, better dining, etc.  It's just a much better product.  And it's 50% cheaper, on a better ship with better entertainment and the solarium is leaps and bounds better than the courtyard anyways.  

 

This thread is about what the Haven is worth.  For me, if I can get all this on Royal for $4k for example, I think the Haven would be worth about the same, $4k (you do get the exclusive private area and a little better room, afterall).  The problem is, the Haven would be $6500!  And it's not worth that to me when there are better products for less.  That said, I would definitely consider a Haven sailing if there was a deal on it.

Edited May 18, 2019 by BNBR

[BNBR]

20 minutes ago, cruisingnewtoit said:

BTW my DH would book the Haven because it's exclusive & he would want to feel important. Lol he would freely admit that. It's a factor but not a main reason we would try it.

 

I could care less about those reasons. I probably wouldn't tell anyone we were staying there. 

 

Now others will think my DH is being ridiculous and that's ok. I sort of agree with them 🙄

 

That's exactly how NCL markets the Haven!  Just go to the Haven page:

 

https://www.ncl.com/why-cruise-norwegian/cruise-accommodations/the-haven

 

It's all about making you feel exclusive and the amenities are listed as "Indulge in exclusive amenities"

 

No shame in that.  It's exactly the point of the Haven!  And come on, don't tell me it doesn't feel good getting escorted past the tender line when returning to the ship with the guy holding the Haven sign 🙂

[Nolanoel]

Hell yes it feels good....but doesn't make me feel better than anyone else.  Just happy to skip the lines.  LOL  Good to hear about Royal.  Not sailed with them before.  Both my husband and I feel that the size of the room is what is of paramount importance to us....so with any line I end up looking at suites just for the extra space.  We do spend time in our room - people who don't have no desire for that extra square footage.  Like you say BNBR - it takes a while to figure out what you really want out of a cruise.  Pricing on MSC is driving me toward making them my next try - suites and drinks for appreciably less than NCL has.  

 

[KeithJenner]

21 hours ago, LeesaB said:

Sure, but you save 8 bucks each time you do it in The Haven... 😉

I didn’t think they charged the room service fee for breakfast for anyone?

[BNBR]

12 minutes ago, Nolanoel said:

Hell yes it feels good....but doesn't make me feel better than anyone else.  Just happy to skip the lines.  LOL  Good to hear about Royal.  Not sailed with them before.  Both my husband and I feel that the size of the room is what is of paramount importance to us....so with any line I end up looking at suites just for the extra space.  We do spend time in our room - people who don't have no desire for that extra square footage.  Like you say BNBR - it takes a while to figure out what you really want out of a cruise.  Pricing on MSC is driving me toward making them my next try - suites and drinks for appreciably less than NCL has.  

 

 

Seems the Haven may be the right product for you. Room size has zero value to us. Tried it on a couple of lines, suites, junior suites, etc. And just makes no difference to us. Balcony size is nice but there are regular rooms with larger balconys you can snag. 

 

Definitely give yacht club a try. Especially soon while msc is pricing so low to try and entice the American cruisers. 

 

You may also want to price out a junior suite on Royal Oasis class. And price it out with the benefits you like, the key, dining upgrades, drink package. See how it compares to Haven sailings. 

 

Also check out the crown loft suites if they are in your budget. Those are really cool. 

Edited May 18, 2019 by BNBR

[Nolanoel]

8 minutes ago, KeithJenner said:

I didn’t think they charged the room service fee for breakfast for anyone?

They changed that....it's like a flat fee.  

[KeithJenner]

4 minutes ago, Nolanoel said:

They changed that....it's like a flat fee.  

When did they change that?

 

Personally, I don't use room service, but I don't want to give out incorrect information.

[Nolanoel]

They started it on some requests back in 2015. Now it's a flat 7.95 charge for everything except continental breakfast and coffee.

[KeithJenner]

2 minutes ago, Nolanoel said:

They started it on some requests back in 2015. Now it's a flat 7.95 charge for everything except continental breakfast and coffee.

OK, that was my understanding.

 

So the difference is really the extended menu, rather than the room service fee.