CateW

We are in the Haven on the Breakaway in January for the first time (14 days). It is insanely pricey! Why are we doing it? Well, we can drive to the port so we save airfare and at least one or two nights hotel prior to the cruise, as well as drinks, meals etc., prior so that is a factor. My husband has mobility issues and it will be nice for him to have everything "right there". Originally, I had an aft haven suite booked but BA is a very large ship and it would have been painful for him to walk to the Haven a couple of times a day. It will also be nice to have a pool area without thousands of people. I am thankful that we can do it (at least this time), so for us it is worth it. I'm not going to lie, I am going to LOVE it. :)

We are no longer loyal to any particular brand. We are platinum on Cunard and Elite Plus on X, our next cruise is on the Norwegian Gem (there is nothing like the suite life or Haven on NCL) and then we re back on Regatta in April which I am so looking forward to.

Enjoying your review and pictures. We are in the forward facing Owners suite on deck 16 in January 2017 so I'm especially enjoying your pictures and commentary! You said that you didn't get the beverage package, I thought Haven suites got all 4 perks?

We were on the same cruise as the OP, in an SF aft-facing penthouse suite. I have a thread with photos at the link below about how shabby, worn and ugly the furniture in these suites is. Truly in need of a refresh, and really a shame that NCL has left the suites like this. I hope you enjoy the great balcony and your cruise!

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2314292&highlight=10164

Thanks for sharing this; ugh I am just going to have to close my eyes, it is such a great spacious room, I am going to ignore the furniture. We are on deck 10 this time, in 10666.

Our first cruise on the Gem was February 2015 in an aft Penthouse suite. We had the UDP and UBP, a $300 shipboard credit and free internet. We had such a good time that we booked it again as soon as we got back and we leave on Sunday. It is my understanding is that although the carpeting was replaced, none of the furniture was. We have the same perks on this sailing since we booked last year. The price was considerably less when we booked last March than it is currently, although I know there have been some up-sells. We would probably do the Gem again because it is driving distance to the port for us (we live in Connecticut) and no flying involved. We are doing the Breakaway next though, for the first time (14 days).

We've done a an aft suite on the Gem but not the Haven (the BA doesn't have full suites, just the mini-suite). For this reason, we've booked the Haven for our Breakaway cruise this coming January. It is 14 days and pricey but will be worth it for the quiet and privacy. Definitely looking forward to it.

We are sailing Regatta on April 12th. February 12th was the date in our personalizer to reserve speciality restaurants. It is a 12 night cruise and we were allowed 2 reservations at each restaurant. I was able to make 4 reservations on line the morning of the 12th. The earliest we could get a table for 2 at Polo or Toscana any night was 8:00. This was perfect for us, but I don't think there were too many people making reservations at 5 a.m. I wonder how many reservations they hold back for people who are booking on boarding day.

bliss

Thank you.

 

Can you provide more information on the Haven's dinner menu?

What do they feature?

Is their outdoor dining available there?

 

Don

Here's the link to the aft penthouse on the Getaway, basically the same on the BA.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f132xZXY5FA. The menu in the restaurant is the same every night but each night there will also be a special. There is outdoor dining available. From what I have read, they have lobster, steak, chicken etc. I understand that you can also order from the dining room menu if there is something on there that strikes your fancy. I originally had cabin 9916 booked but when the H3 opened up I switched to that because I want the full Haven experience since it is our first time there; Normally, we have an aft penthouse on the Gem, this is also our first time on the BA. The balcony is smaller (100 square feet) but certainly big enough, especially with the Haven just steps away. Hope this helps.

Has anyone been in the Aft Haven Master Bedroom Suite and can comment on that?

Photos would be great if available

 

What does the the Haven dinner menu feature..is it similar to the MDR menu or more like Cagney's?

 

Also, how crowded is the Haven area during the sea days for lounging in the sun. Is there a bar for drinks in the area?

 

Thanks.

Don

Here's the link to the aft haven suite on the Getaway, basically the same as the BA.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f132xZXY5FA. This is a deck 9 cabin which is the largest on the BA at 450 square feet. I had 9916 booked but when the H3 opened up I moved to that (our first time in the Haven and I wanted the full Haven experience). As far as the dining room, it is the same menu every night but there is one special each evening as well. From what I have read, it is not crowded and not difficult to find a place to sit. There is a separate lounge for cocktails for Haven guests. There is also outdoor seating in the dining room. I have been scouring the NCL boards for information. We are very excited about this experience. Normally, we book a suite on the Gem....

Gem, a week from today:)

Ohhh I want to read more!!!! we are on the Gem March 2nd. were you in warm weather day 2 or 3?

We did this cruise last February and we are on the February 21st sailing so we will be getting off the ship when you get on. We had a suite at the aft of the ship; we were out on our balcony on day 2, we had sun and no wind. It was quite breezy up on deck though. It really depends on the weather, which this year has been up and down, but hope springs eternal.

To those who have cruised to the Caribbean from Manhattan in February : Can I wear a tee shirt on the first sea day ?

You can, but I wouldn't plan on going outside without a sweatshirt.

I am new to this thread but I did lose 4.5 pounds last week. only 14.5 to go.

We spent the whole return crossing in Todd English in August and couldn't fault it, the staff were wonderful and food worthy of fine dining. I hope then that Woodley's experience was a one off. Will report back on how our 28 day Todd English booking experience goes on the Caribbean trip in a few days, we are very much looking forward to it. :)

Food, of course is subjective, but I agree with you. We did a round trip transatlantic this summer (NY/SH/NY) and dined at Todd English a number of times (wonderful!) We also ate at each of the Kings Court uncharge restaurants and we really enjoyed those as well and thought they were worth the money. We leave in less than 2 weeks for the Caribbean on the QM2 and will be doing all of the restaurants again.

We also enjoy dressing up so don't find that to be a problem, since when we are at home I wear jeans or yoga pants so it is a nice change.

Just picking myself up off the floor :) 19... wow, going through customs must be fun. How do you transport them all? I thought I was overdoing it with 2 cases for a 2+ week cruise. But, I do want choice. Can anyone else beat 19 cases? Where do you store all the cases and clothes on the ship? I am trying out the courier service for one of my bags as I don't fancy crossing London with two cases. But the White Star service is pricey even for just one case. You're my hero! :D

I have to believe that she "ships" them to the ship but I don't know that for sure. We are doing our longest cruise to date (30 days) in the spring and I am considering doing that. We will probably have two large bags each and two carry ons. I don't want to drag all that luggage; since the cruise departs and returns from the US it is about $100 per bag to ship. Something to think about ....

I voted crossing but would have selected both if it was an option. We cruise often and have been to some of the ports so many times, especially the Caribbean that often we don't leave the ship.

I enjoyed reading your thoughts of the sailing. We were on the July 14th sailing and the return immediately following. We will be back on the QM2 in 4 weeks, can't wait!

I was fine with who was sent home, I think that the jockey will probably go home tonight based on last nights dance, some of the others who weren't good last week stepped up their game last night. Loved Erin's suit, I would wear it and might look for one for one of our upcoming cruises.

I have bought a few things, most recently snow boots for 2 of my nieces which came in a week and were great; thinking ahead to the Northeast winter. I bought a 3 summer maxi dresses for myself (on sale) and two I immediately put in my Good Will bag but they were so inexpensive that it was fine. Overall, I have had a very good experience.

My policy for extra tipping bartenders is simple: if they give me an extra pour I give them an extra tip.:)

I have never seen this happen on Cunard. We just spent 16 nights on the QM2 and went to the Chart Room every evening for a pre-dinner drink or 2. Even though we did tip extra, there was never an extra pour, they are required to measure. :mad:

Really there is no need to do all that ...Slopping it on the lift carpets etc lol :D not to mention removing mugs from the buffet area ;) ( .It's all very well for our rich American cousins who delight in splashing out on $3 here and $5 there ... there is no need for that) ..a US $ or a £ coin will suffice for a tea tray.

 

I have to disagree with our friend 'naveybankerteacher' ,the original posting relates to 'Cunard Line'. Auto gratuities (if left in place ) covers 'all aspects' of the white star service. That's why Cunard don't put kettles in the staterooms.

 

Just pick up the phone and enjoy :)

I am not rich but if you order room service, tipping is the right thing to do.

Goodness i better start saving up, a i have a cup of tea hourly!

Typically, we only order room service once a day (breakfast of coffee). I am a very early riser but my husband is not. We don't order breakfast until 9 so I will just scoot up to the Kings Court and bring back coffee to have in bed. Thankfully, he isn't a light sleeper either, lol

Typically, I prefer California reds and whites (there are very few on board) and the ones that they have are insanely expensive. I bought them anyway. They have a "Cunard" wine which I think is undrinkable:mad: