Worth it? 5 Reasons to Choose the Haven on Norwegian Cruise Line

[@bigbeauty333]

I stayed in the Haven and it was incredible. No lines, peace and quiet, first ones on and off the ship, private elevators and amazing food with strong drinks.❤

[@TheOriginalMarimoChan]

I'm impressed at 4:57 those were real phalaenopsis orchid plants. I can tell by the clips holding the stems up.

[@chezellis]

It's funny that you mention the kids making noise. Someone on the last sailing I was on complained that the Haven pool was overrun with unruly children and neither their parents nor the crew did anything about it. I think that would make me upset; to pay a premium to assume peace and quiet and it turns into Noisy Spoiled Bratville.

[@jaegabbard71]

I just had friends get off the Prima with same exact issue a few weeks ago

[@melissanicanor2428]

My grandchildren are far better behaved and traveled than many garden variety Haven Snobs

[@blaccwidowblaccemporium7972]

Lmfaooo

[@sherickoos]

I booked our Alaska cruise in The Haven. It is our first time cruising and we are bringing my elderly mother. I wanted her to have the best first cruise EVER! I am sure The Haven will not disappoint. Thank you for the video on this!

[@lizarichards2243]

Since most ships are sailing at over full capacity, the Haven tends to sell out quickly. The chance of being upgraded into The Haven is very, very slim now.

[@TimC0007]

I wish that was the case for us,stupid us $2500 was the worst gamble ever. (haven restaurant was basically the Manhattan room)

[@mirandabrooks1943]

We been in the Haven and loved it it was also a upgrade right after Covid we definitely going to try it again

[@imanthonym]

Thanks, Tim! My wife and I sailed on Norwegian last year in a standard cabin, and we decided to bring two of our kids with us and upgrade to the Haven. Excited for this trip! Appreciate your video!

[@21400]

Last cruises was in the haven and loved it

[@21400]

Getting to the shows early to get great seats was very nice

[@airmanma]

Seems a bit ridiculous paying so much just to get a seat, doesn't it??????

[@21400]

@@airmanmaif you think that’s the only perk then yes

[@TUMARK2]

We have booked suites on Norwegian, which has many haven perks, priority on and off ship, butler, and breakfast lunch at haven restaurant. Aft suite on panama canal has the best view of canal crossing

[@pincushionllama]

and suite gets the double points just like haven

[@a2mark57]

Thanks for this video! The information is really helpful.🔸Some comments, if I may... ▪My most recent NCL cruise was on the Encore. It was during Thanksgiving week, which meant not only that the ship was at full capacity, but that a disproportionately high (25% or so) number of the passengers were minors. It never seemed overly crowded to me, though, and the presence of all the kids was surprisingly not irritating. ▪For anyone on a newer NCL ship who wants a quiet retreat space, there's the Observation Lounge. It's BIG, with a large fore-facing lobby (with a bar) and twin side corridors filled with comfortable chairs and sofas, coffee tables, end tables, card-type tables. Lots of conversation, reading, or game-playing nooks, sedate atmosphere, floor to ceiling window walls, and a couple of food/beverage stations that are stocked for much of the day. ▪I will be staying in the Bliss' Haven in March. FWIW, judging by the schematic of our cabin, the bathrooms we've had in NCL's Club Balcony Suites are significantly nicer than our Haven bath will be. ▪It's hard for me to imagine NCL's Upgrade Bid Program as a "little known fact," given that every time I've booked an NCL cruise and then logged into their website I've been greeted with an "Upgrade Your Cabin!" promo screen. I've tried bidding a couple of times. One cruise, we heard early on that bids were not accepted, and we were encouraged to bid higher. Last time, we got notice about five days out that one bid was not accepted (no ability to re-bid), and we didn't hear until ONE day before the cruise about our second bid: "We are processing bids. If you don't hear from us before sailing, you'll find out at the pier." [Ooh! Maybe, maybe! Fingers crossed!] At check-in in LA, "Oh, it looks like you bid on the Haven! You didn't get it, but that's okay: we won't be charging you for it!" UGH! NCL's very non-transparent and inconsistent bid system has left a seriously bad taste in my mouth. I understand and respect that they are trying to maximize their revenue, but I do not respect their lack of regard for their paid customers in the process. The system could easily be improved. For example, cut off bids five or even three days out and give customers at least a couple days' notice. [Oh, BTW, for that last-minute "Sorry, but thanks for playing!" upgrade, we had bid the highest amount the site would accept.]

[@timatsea]

Good information. Thanks for your feedback and watching the video!

[@melissamacdonald5631]

Thank you! Booked my first haven room and 4 out of 5 reasons apply to me! I can’t wait!

[@baaamakingbaaaa]

Even though I am simple and would still have fun in an inside cabin- after my first day in the Haven I was referring (in my head) to the rest of the ship as "Gen Pop". You will be so spoiled.

[@Pammy-y7h]

I don’t have deep pockets, but I do have a very very good Norwegian cruise line specialist that I’ve worked with her for many years and she knows what I like and what I need and with all the specials and different times of the year I am able to afford the Haven for the first timeand I will let you know how I enjoyed it and I’m sure I will from everything I’ve heard

[@StevenValencia-ei7gu]

Excellent! Thanks!!

[@Guitarhero1000]

Thanks for this video. First timer with my wife in MArch next year. This makes me feel like I made the right descision

[@rgruenhaus]

Watch more videos about the Haven first. Cruising with Ben and David as well as a video about the Haven by Gary Bembridge say a tremendous amount about the down sides of the Haven. This video glosses over what you actually get included and what even though you are in the Haven you will pay extra for. No mention in this video about the extra costs. Mostly what you can get, but never at what cost! Staying in the Haven and asking for a coffee do you think you would have to pay extra? Well watch those other KZbin channels and see the disappointing Haven happenings.

[@Guitarhero1000]

@@rgruenhaus I upgraded everything to make sure I don't have to pay for any drinks or anything. What hidden costs are you referring to?

[@honeymcdonald9120]

I used to cruise the Haven, and spend more on other cruise lines too, just to get away from the crowds. In the end it felt like I was hiding. I've now started to go for smaller ships instead. Only slightly more expensive and so much better food, service and overall experience.

[@timatsea]

Thanks for sharing your experience! I think the benefit of the Haven is that you can choose to hide if you want, but of course you don't have to!

[@TheOriginalMarimoChan]

Can you recommend some of these smaller ships you are mentioning? I want a smaller cruise ship experience, thanks in advance.

[@rgruenhaus]

​@timatsea it's only hiding if you aren't getting what you are paying for. If it isn't ALL-INCLUSIVE in the Haven then time to enjoy more on the rest of the ship.

[@g.davidwalters6450]

@@TheOriginalMarimoChan Oceania Cruise Lines. 850 passengers, great food and service.

[@melissanicanor2428]

Viking Cruise Line. All haven all the time!

[@rgruenhaus]

I was just on the Prima 12Jan24 and from the Vibe Beach Club we saw the Haven outside and their smoking area was on the port side and the stbd area had several 3-5 year-olds on their own. Not well monitored i saw.

[@doobette5554]

My husband and I booked a suite in The Haven on NCL Gem coming up in September - I can't wait to experience it! Two other couples in our friend group are going on the cruise as well, but aren't in The Haven with us - I know we can at least have them hang out in our suite.

[@kristinwakeland6199]

We are cruising the Haven on the Gem in December. How was it?

[@doobette5554]

@kristinwakeland6199 It was wonderful! Total peace and quiet, which I need as an introvert. Breakfast in Moderno and lunch in Cagney's for Haven and suite guests only was really nice. The courtyard area with the loungers, little pool, and hot tub hardly had anyone in there the whole cruise; my husband and I had the hot tub totally to ourselves both times that we used it. On a ship of 2K guests, it was surreal to experience that. We had a 2-bed villa - category H6 - and all that space was amazing to have.

[@vonniebench]

We've sailed NCL many times, and always chose an aft balcony. This upcoming May 2024 is my 70th birthday, the husbands 76th birthday, and our 46th anniversary. Mothers Day is in there somewhere. I decided to get a NCL Jade suite on the aft, complete with a butler, and a conciere. It's pricey, however I thought it was just going to be the two of us. I just found out we have some dear friends that are going to join us, but they are going to be in a club balcony cabin. I'm not sure how to handle this? We're paying for all these special perks that they are not going to get. I would down grade to be with them, however I can no longer get an aft cabin on the deck I want in a regular aft balcony. They don't seem to be concerned, but darn...not sure what to do?

[@ryanm4013]

You wave to your friends as you pass them on the ship!!

[@falloutlockpickxpert9980]

We hated the aft. Exhaust fumes often, the sound of the motor was very loud, and a lot of motion in rough seas. Good luck!

[@kennethjoycelatimer4660]

I've tried the bid process on NCL twice and didn't get it. The second time, I bid near the max and still didn't get it. This time, I've just booked The Haven!

[@lindabyas-barnett7917]

I love the Haven I've booked Penthouse Suites on 3 occasions. They have the best service ever!

[@rindybarletta4482]

❤ We loved the Haven!! Our last cruise we stayed in a 2 bedroom Haven Villa on Joy!! I would rather not sail every year in a standard room to save the money for a Haven!!!🎉🎉

[@genes3088]

I found that if you don't care if your room is actually in the Haven area, Try bidding on the front facing Haven suites. You receive the same Haven benefits, a separate bedroom but a slightly smaller balcony. We won the upgrade twice and were very happy with this option of rooms.

[@timatsea]

Thanks for the tips! I'll check that out next time I bid on NCL.

[@mr.balloffur]

I stayed in the Haven Spa Suite, it was actually very small.

[@ryanm4013]

The issue with those rooms is that if you have more than 2 people, the bathroom is only accessible by going through the separate bedroom.

[@a2mark57]

I have avoided bidding on (or booking directly) those non-Haven-adjacent cabins precisely because of their locations. My perspective is, if I'm going to spend money for the Haven perks and surroundings, I want to wake up IN The Haven. But -- of course! -- to each their own. I'm glad this has worked out for you!

[@xavierosorio6105]

Did the Haven for a Panama Canal cruise it is worth it

[@markanderson4163]

yes..yes..and yes....going for the 5th time next year on the Bliss to Alaska...cant wait...we wont cruise any other way...

[@brandynmayo]

Haven transatlantic would be so cool ❤

[@alicel8042]

Which is your favorite ship ? NCL

[@lawrencedavis4406]

I've only done music cruises on the Pearl, Jewel & now next year on the Gem...I would do the Haven but not on a music cruise...each music cruise in a regular stateroom is over double of a regular cruise stateroom, around $1700 or $1800, a Penthouse Suite like $2900...is the Haven around that price range??

[@larrybrown2470]

Are there other hidden cost if you upgrade? I have heard there are.

[@rgruenhaus]

If we have 4 in our balcony room and bid for Haven, would we get a room that sleeps at least 4?

[@judysmith9552]

if you win the bid on a haven cabin then would you get a refund if we already purchased the spa package and wanted to cancel it?

[@azielnik]

We've been in the Haven on NCL and, while quite good, Is way too expensive compared to an even better experience on the new large MSC ships, of which our small group has been on 4 so far, all in Yacht Club class at a fairer rate. We do like NCL otherwise and but outside the Haven cabins.

[@theoldar]

It's only worth it if your room is actually in the Haven section, and not somewhere where you have a long walk to get to the amenities.

[@gregorytragitt2208]

Why not book Regent, Siverseas or Seabourn instead

[@danatakach5832]

It's a different crowd completely - most above the age of 60. I like NCL's food better as well.

[@gregorytragitt2208]

@@danatakach5832 I have sailed with Norwegian several times and have recently cruised 20 times on Oceania. The food and service were far better on Oceania than Norwegian. I find the smaller ships are more appealing. For example a small ship can cruise up the Saigon River close to Ho Chi Minh City unlike a larger ship. I recently sailed on Silver Seas Nova and found it to be the best ship, with the best food and service. Also a lower percentage of guests were slovenly on Silver Seas than any other line I have tried. I am trying Regent in August. Regent was kind of dead when I cruised with them in the past. I am also trying Seabourn in December.

[@woloshuk17]

I only stay in the Haven and I am not rich

[@TimC0007]

In answer to your title? No, Haven is trash, unless you want a personal bar and free restaurant, the biggest waste of $2500 upgrade ever for us. (back to club balcony for us)

[@ChiIeboy]

It would have been nice for you to _actually define_ what "the Haven" is before proceeding.

[@airmanma]

I've been on NCL. Haven is not needed. Such a waste of money.

[@kermicgreen3370]

I beg to differ. NCL are overrun with passengers. Very overcrowded indeed. If you want peace and quiet, with a luxury feel, go for The Haven; especially if you can go during the offseason.

[@jameschetwynd]

To get reasonable have need to bid To bid need balcony My 10 day prima $5,000 Then $1,000 bid = $2,000 cost Lot to spend

[@ljacobs357]

Unsupervised children can ruin the experience.

[@yt_energy]

his voice is boring

[@klarsen100]

Like your video but man you have to punch up your emotionless face a little!

[@rgruenhaus]

Maybe even add cost expectations and not just gloss over. What is included and what is extra cost?

[@timatsea]

I appreciate the feedback. Creating these videos is pretty new to me and outside my comfort zone, but I'm hoping to get better on camera as time goes on. Thanks for watching anyway.

[@John-qb8vd]

Oh no, the “ acting” police have arrived.

[@klarsen100]

@@glennw6013 some people take criticism and make themselves better. others complain. which are you?

[@glennw6013]

@@klarsen100 I know you’re a jerk.