colecandler

I misread your post. I even quoted it! Dang...yeah...you gotta be in the YC to get in the YC. That's what I always thought. I thought you were saying Diamond Tier can take up real estate. Sorry about that.

I have never heard this before....is this true? I didn't see it listed as Tier Benefit for Diamond level members. I will also chime in and say as having done Haven and YC. We do prefer YC. But I don't think I would cruise MSC if we weren't in the YC. I would sail NCL and not be in The Haven. Love YC Pool and the bar and food by the pool. Great lounge and restaurant.

Just off the Breakaway. I would give a huge edge to Escape. Very similar ships - but our experience on Escape was better. Particularly the layout of The Haven. Embarkation at the Port of New Orleans was our worst port experience - but now that we know how to do it - we could make it work so much better. We should have walked our luggage the two blocks to the Porters rather than drive it. New Orleans is fun. For me coming back on a Sunday, travelling home and having to work on Monday is not ideal. I like the buffer day...getting home on Saturday before working on Monday.

We are just off the Breakaway and were in the Haven as well. Some really great folks up there. Omar is a very good concierge as is his helper who was always at her desk looking busy. The head bartender is really good too! Funny and great mixologist. Please if you run into Riezel in the Haven Restaurant tell her King Cole says hello. We really fell in love with her - she was the highlight of our trip. Our Butler....not so much....saw the dude a total of 5 minutes (if that) on our cruise. We had friends that had him as their Butler as well. Same thing. I don't know if he's got too many cabins to take care of - but not what we usually expect when in the Haven. But...the reality of it is that it did not materially affect our cruise. We still had a good time!