Why would you pick a Haven suite on NCL over a luxury cruise line?

[Two Wheels Only]

1 hour ago, gmbhardy said:

When you’re sharing the ship with non Haven, or non YC passengers it’s easy to administer exclusive perks - priority embarkation and disembarkation, priority tendering, exclusive theatre and restaurant seating, etc. But when the whole ship is exclusive how are they going to prioritize exclusivity.

 

For me, it isn't really about boarding ahead of others who are waiting. I just want to board without having to wait. If handled correctly and with the staff to guest ratio that Explora is touting, the service should still be great for everyone.

 

Exclusive seating, for me, just means that we'll always have a seat and not have to fight with a mass of people.

 

I guess my point is that I prioritize comfort, service, and convenience of the ship within a ship more than the exclusivity. If I was on Harmony OTS with a full staff and only 800 guests, I'd be fine even without a suite neighborhood. I like the "stuff" of large ships but don't like the crowds. If I can avoid or skip the crowd with Haven or Yacht Club, I'm good. If Explora is fun, family friendly, and lives up to the claimed service, I'll book them. Time will tell...

[Silver Sweethearts]

11 hours ago, gmbhardy said:

I sailed 10 times in the Haven and six times in the YC. One issue that’s been discussed on the MSC forum is the concept of exclusivity. When you’re sharing the ship with non Haven, or non YC passengers it’s easy to administer exclusive perks - priority embarkation and disembarkation, priority tendering, exclusive theatre and restaurant seating, etc. But when the whole ship is exclusive how are they going to prioritize exclusivity. I’ve never sailed on any of the high end lines and wonder how they do it to keep everyone happy.

 

Supposedly, "No" is not a word in a small cruise ship staff's vocabulary. Due to the smaller ship and far less passengers than most all other ships, the staff is better able to get to know the guest's varied likes and and provide them if at all possible.  That ideally creates a feeling of exclusivity.  

[terry&mike]

We are currently on a 12 day NCL Jewel sailing, disembarking today in San Diego. As you can see from my signature, we have sailed mass market, luxury light, and luxury ships. Usually, we are itinerary driven when selecting sailings. 
Although I’m not familiar with Explora, as it’s such a new product, I am familiar with many upmarket products such as Azamara,  Oceania, Cunard, Ponant, Sea Dream (also Scenic and AMA in the river cruise market).  
In my opinion, you cannot beat the service, ambience and excellence of an upmarket line. No question. My husband and I have remarked many times on this sailing that “it’s been a great itinerary, and the staff are very kind” as a way of looking beyond the things that are of a lesser standard than we’d like. 
The more we sail on upmarket lines, the harder it is to sail on mass market lines, as the differences in service, ambience, fellow travelers, food, decor, and so on becoming glaringly obvious. 
While on this trip, we’ve decided to amp it up another notch and sail an Indian Ocean itinerary on Silversea. 

[rxlowry]

I’ve been in the Haven as well as on Crystal, Regent and Seabourn.  I’d take luxury any day as the food and service is better by far!  I’m excited to try Explora!

[graphicguy]

22 hours ago, Two Wheels Only said:

I still have an open mind with Explora Journeys and have been following along with them ever since they were first announced. Although they are marketing themselves as a luxury line, they are also marketing themselves as "child friendly" which is important in my case. I'm still waiting for them to begin sailing so that I can read some actual reviews from (hopefully) Yacht Club guests. 

 

 

This is from the Explora marketing dept./FAQ...

 

What is the dress code onboard Explora Journeys?

 

We don't have a dress code onboard but we suggest an Elegant Resort Casual style.

 

 

How many formal nights are on my Journey, and what type of clothing is worn?

 

There are no formal nights.    

 

 

Are children permitted aboard Explora Journey’s ships? If yes, is there a special rate?

 

We happily welcome our younger guests onboard Explora Journeys. During the usual school and seasonal holidays, we offer a special children's programme for our Little Explorers. As regarding our fares: infants between 6 months and 2 years of age sail for free;  children and young adults up to the age of 18 will be eligible for additional savings of up to 50%.

 

Are there any restirctions for children or any areas where they are not allowed to enter? (their typo, not mine 😁)

Our adults-only areas onboard are the Whiskey bar within the Observation Lounge (where smoking will be allowed), and the Forward Pool area on deck 12.

 

...so it is very much a possibility. I've seen and priced a few cruises that I would book but I won't until...

 

1. The bugs/wrinkles are worked out with a new ship AND a new line.

2. I see how things are onboard as far as the experience.

3. I see how receptive Explora Journeys is to customer feedback with those early sailings. 

Interesting.  I was interested until I got to the “smoking will be allowed” on what sounds like an area of the ship that’s a main feature.

 

I have no dog in the smoking debate.  But, I am treading towards sailing on ships that are restricting smoking to areas that are either enclosed as to not smell up the surrounding areas.  

 

Sounds like this they are trying to cover all passengers they can possibly wrangle in.

 

Haven vs other “luxury” lines….agree with most.  Have looked at some of the other luxury cruise lines.  Usually, I can find a “deal” on the Haven which tilts the choice to NCL….sometimes by a lot, sometimes by a little.  But overall, if I decide I want to go to the buffet instead of the Haven Restaurant, I can.  If I want to go to the go-cart track, I can.  And still, you really can’t beat the entertainment of NCL at sea, regardless of what the luxury lines offer.

[justhappy]

29 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

Interesting.  I was interested until I got to the “smoking will be allowed” on what sounds like an area of the ship that’s a main feature.

 

I have no dog in the smoking debate.  But, I am treading towards sailing on ships that are restricting smoking to areas that are either enclosed as to not smell up the surrounding areas.  

 

Sounds like this they are trying to cover all passengers they can possibly wrangle in.

 

Haven vs other “luxury” lines….agree with most.  Have looked at some of the other luxury cruise lines.  Usually, I can find a “deal” on the Haven which tilts the choice to NCL….sometimes by a lot, sometimes by a little.  But overall, if I decide I want to go to the buffet instead of the Haven Restaurant, I can.  If I want to go to the go-cart track, I can.  And still, you really can’t beat the entertainment of NCL at sea, regardless of what the luxury lines offer.

Agree with you on the smoking issue as well as sometimes I just want the buffet. I’ll be in the Haven soon on the Getaway and I’m already looking forward to the Indian food and crepes I’m going to get at the buffet.

[Sailing12Away]

23 hours ago, Tapi said:

Hi:

 

Looking for opinions from people who’ve experienced luxury cruise lines as well as “ship within a ship” concepts, like NCL Haven or MSC Yacht Club. I’m currently looking at a Canada/New England itinerary from Quebec City to New York. 
 

Norwegian Joy and Explora I have almost identical itineraries. The cost of a Haven Forward Penthouse Suite on NCL is almost identical to the cost of an Ocean Terrace Suite (entry level category) on Explora Journeys, so I’m torn with the decision. 
 

Part of me wants the Haven experience while having access to a larger ship with tons of activities and amenities, and part of me wants a full luxury cruise experience on a smaller, more intimate and sophisticated ship. 
 

For those of you who’ve found yourself making this choice, what did you choose and how did you reach that decision? I’ve sailed on MSC’s Yacht Club but I don’t have any experience with all suite luxury lines like Explora is marketing itself to be.

 

For what it’s worth, it’s only my wife and I, to celebrate our 20th anniversary. 🥂 
 

Thanks for your input. It’s greatly appreciated!

Never sailed on a luxury line yet, but for us it's not about the price. It's the vibe and surrounding guests. When we're on vacation and back at home - tshirt and shorts kind of folks. I'll get fancy with a sundress more out of comfort than for the sake of being fancy. Hubby hasn't worn a tie since his sister's wedding 3+ years ago and probably his cousin's wedding before that even longer ago.

 

Luxury lines do not have that casual vibe that we need. I'm not intrigued by Michelin star chefs, lobster, foi gras, or any of that fancy stuff. I'm a burger & fries kind of gal. I wouldn't eat half the stuff that the luxury lines offer. Sure, they could probably make me a simple filet with a baked potato, but why pay a ton of money for fancy food if I don't want any of it?

 

The things we like about the Haven is the quiet escape from the rest of the ship when we need it - but the option to join in with 'gen pop' when they're up to something fun. For the luxury lines, I just don't get the impression that there would be much in terms of 'fun' for us to do. Seems much more low key rather than broadway style shows. More lounge/elevator style music instead of rock cover bands.

 

I like the idea of extra attention and pampering, finer wines and top shelf liquor - but not sure I'm ready to give up the other things just for those perks.

 

If you're looking at the Joy, look into the cabin HH, HI, and HJ rooms. Much cheaper than the courtyard, also much bigger rooms. They're midship and just a short 2 flights to the main Haven areas. So it's a great way to try out Haven at a bit of a discount. So if you don't care for it, at least it didn't break the vacation fund budget completely to try.

[Dr. Cocktail]

1 hour ago, graphicguy said:

Interesting.  I was interested until I got to the “smoking will be allowed” on what sounds like an area of the ship that’s a main feature.

 

 

 

41 minutes ago, justhappy said:

Agree with you on the smoking issue as well 

For clarification, smoking is only allowed in designated outdoor areas ... 

 

 

Smoking will be only allowed in the following outside areas onboard:

Deck 5: Starboard Side on the outdoor Crema Café Promenade

Deck 11: Forward, Port Side, outdoor area of Explora Lounge

Deck 12: Forward, Port Side, Cigar section of Helios Bar

Deck 14: Aft, Starboard Side, section of Sky Bar on 14

[cruiseny4life]

There is literally only one reason we did not choose a Regent or Seabourne cruise when we investigated cruising as a vacation option last January. We chose NCL's Haven simply because we can wear flippie floppies, t-shirts, and athletic shorts at all times, in all venues except a couple of the so-called "fancy" specialty restaurants.

 

We've cruised four times in Haven since last April. Each cruise has been wonderful, with some small complaints, but nothing to keep us from staying with NCL if we choose to continue cruising. We might jump to land-based cruises for a bit.

 

That's it.

[gkbiiii]

You know folks, on most Luxury Lines, you can order "Off Menu," and get anything you want.  Plus the buffets are truly grand, with "King Crab, Lobster, massive Fresh Water Prawns etc."

[spanishguy1970]

On 4/1/2023 at 10:56 AM, goldmom said:

We have done Haven and Oceania.  I prefer the Haven.  We didn't find the food to be any better than on NCL, except in the specialty restaurant.  We found we like the layout of the suites better on NCL.  We enjoyed the smaller ship size on Oceania, but found entertainment and the Casino lacking and the Concierge unhelpful.

I realize others have had better experiences on the premium lines, but we were disappointed.  We were also on one of the older ships which may have contributed to our experience.  Our favorite thing on Oceania was the specialty coffee bar!

someone told us that NCL has better staterooms than Oceania, they found Balcony stateroom on oceania smaller than NCL.

[oteixeira]

8 hours ago, gkbiiii said:

You know folks, on most Luxury Lines, you can order "Off Menu," and get anything you want.  Plus the buffets are truly grand, with "King Crab, Lobster, massive Fresh Water Prawns etc."

While this argument is understood, when you pay the money you do to get on one of those Lines, does it really make sense to order a cheeseburger and fries ?  It seems cost prohibitive to me.  I think that is the point that a lot of folks make.

For me it is the shows, the bigger casinos, the ability to wear what I want when I want (no dressing up at all if you want), and so on.

[amygutman]

One thing to also consider is that some of the luxury lines are not necessarily kid friendly. We certainly do not need all the bells and whistles for our teenaged but some people who truly prefer luxury or traveling as a multigenerational family may find that limited or no child friendly spaces / activities may be an influencing factor. 

 

After seeing rave reviews about Viking , especially their itineraries, we are honestly itching to try them. Regent and Oceania also seem wonderful and we would love to have the educational aspect for our cruises. But this is balanced with the preference for resort casual for supper, traveling with our son which we love to do, and a less "formal" cruise line makes us very happy with the Haven / Yacht Club experience. 

 

Warmest, Amy

[goldmom]

5 hours ago, spanishguy1970 said:

someone told us that NCL has better staterooms than Oceania, they found Balcony stateroom on oceania smaller than NCL.

Absolutely!  And the "suites" are more like a larger balcony room.  Nothing like the larger suites on NCL.  In all fairness though we were on the Insignia which is one of their older ships so I don't know if the newer ships are more spacious.

[complawyer]

we've booked haven cabin in the past, i would continue to do so (depending  on price) as now i feel comfortable booking the same type cabin over and over. it's like "welcome home"

 

for the past year + my wife and i have traveled with a close friend. we book the 2 bedroom suite. she helps contribute to the cost, and the 3 of us get all the perks associated with the haven.

 

while i concede we havent cruised with another line in many years (strictly ncl) knowing what to expect, and knowing what i'm going to get, (imho) justifies booking with ncl, and especially a suite.

[Hearthosesteeldrumsplayin]

Have sailed lots of Haven cabins on NCL.  Sailed on MSC YC.  Sailed Celebrity Retreat.  Did a TA on Regents.  I enjoyed all of them.  I appreciate Regents because of the smaller ship size (although we were on one of the larger ones, Splendor), the attention to detail, included biz air for international, and included shorex.  I definitely want to sail RSSC again!  I sailed under a promotion of 2 category upgrade, and felt the cost was in-line with a Haven suite after adding all the air, shorex, upscale dining, tips, etc.  Mind you, we normally dress up for dinner, anyway (not tux, but Dockers and polo shirt; not formal gown, but nice tea-length dress or skirt and nice top).  Less preferable aspects were the set dining times (time range, but limited) and the very limited bells/whistles of entertainment and activities (but we both love to read, so not a deal-breaker).  Casino was small and almost empty every night, although craps table min. was only $5, which is much better than NCL.  (And, as a craps player, MSC misses the mark for me....not sure about Europa.)

 

Haven makes us happy, but the prices have gotten sky-high since return.  If we are travelling with others, we usually will look at NCL first, since it has so many options that can please many folks.  We will be trying Oceania in February.  Just to compare.

 

For a special trip, I would definitely do a cost comparison with a luxury line like RSSC---but the major factor will be what YOU are looking for in a cruise.  Europa still an unknown and I am like others in wanting to hear about it from someone who has actually sailed her.

 

I prefer smaller ships, as DH does not like crowds.  Although it has been our experience that you can almost always find quiet, secluded places on any size ship (although we haven't tried any of the MASSIVE of the SEAS yet).  You can meet interesting people on ANY size ship.

 

No matter what you pick, you will be with the one you love and THAT is what makes it special!