Sthrngary

@Twiga Thank you for taking the time to respond. On the Walk to the Terrace Cafe, I will make it in 60 seconds or less. My wife and I have been dieting now for several months for our upcoming trip, LOL. Could you look at the questions I posted on Entry #9 above and kindly provide some feedback. This lovely suite is a comedy of errors in happening. I will not share with my wife until we are on board. We are cruising with friends in a Penthouse. We will use the Vista Suite as Party Central. Thanks again for responding. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@Hambagahle Thank you very much. To say I am excited would be an understatement. Please allow me to ask you some questions. I respect your time so no urgency. Some of my question are just me being a detail guy. Your time and answers will be valued. Internet: I booked this suite prior to "Simply More" going into effect. Is it my understanding the Vista Suite has two device log-in's ?(Normal not streaming Internet) Front Facing Veranda: Front of the ship verandas with wind during sailing. I was in the Owners Suite on the NCL Joy. It was also windy during sailing. That was ok because the weather was so warm at the time. This is different, the weather is Europe/Greece/Italy in early November. As you said, this is a port intensive 10 day cruise, it will be in port most of the time. I appreciate you sharing this with me and it reminded me of my experiences. Thank you. Specialty Restaurants: I just notices, we have "TWO" guaranteed specialty restaurants reservations for each specialty restaurant. Prior to upgrade, in a penthouse, I only had one per. We are traveling with friends who are in a Penthouse. Do you know if I can make a reservation outside of the normal five and include them? Also, and I know what I am asking is relative to tastes. Which is your favorite of the four Specialty Restaurants? On-Board Restaurant Reservations: Logic and past cruises taught me to gain my specialty restaurant reservation as soon as I could book them On-Line. Knowing Oceania allows waitlist for the day you would like to gain another reservation. Since we have an extra four Guarantee Reservations, does that give priority for booking while I am on-board? Or should I book them pre-cruise even is I can have our guest joint us? Early Boarding at 11:00 AM: This is another one of those questions like the specialty restaurants. You may or may not know. Just asking and will call Oceania if you are not sure. The Penthouse with our friends board at 12:00 PM, the Vista boards at 11:00 AM. If I share we are cruising together will them let them join us for the earlier boarding? From you your perspective, is there anything else that makes a Vista suite different from let us say a Penthouse? So you know, I have made a hobby of gaining this type of information prior to boarding. This kind of information is not easy to find. Once I cruise, I will capture all of it and share with CruiseCritic.com and put in my detailed review. Any assistance will be truly appreciated. Thank you again. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

I personally understand this debate on comparing different brands. Allow me to give an analogy. When someone compares to very similar trucks. One is a Ford and the other is a Chevrolet. The Manufacturer studies each others pricing strategy. They purposefully make it close to impossible to compare. This is done on purpose so a complete comparison will never be an Apple to Apple comparison. It is a marketing strategy and it has worked for decades. When I started my research on which cruise brand I wanted to sail for my Mediterranean cruise, I attempted to do a excel to clearly show the differences. Boy was that a task. The biggest issue I had was how do you compare Regent Seven Seas to lets say Oceania. Regent is as close to all inclusive as you can get. Oceania allowed choices at the time allowing a lower price point. I had to do things like Add/Delete Business Class Airfare; Add costs to Oceania for excursions every day since Regent Excursions were part of there price. Number of internet devices, drink packages, and the list was exhausting. I did it though and learned a lot. My quote of, "it is all in the fine print was never so accurate". I choose Oceania at the end of the day because I did not need or want some of the "All-Inclusive" items provided by Regent. WHY, I just would not use them. That last sentence seems to be the core of the debate. Why pay for things you don't want or need? Example, if I don't drink (I drink and enjoy drinking, just saying.) why do I have to pay for a drink program. It seems, to be confirmed tomorrow for all, that Oceania made a business decision to take a more "All Inclusive LITE" approach which I am sure had to to with a very expensive consultant who did a very detailed presentation. I say LITE because it is still things like Beer and Wine with upgrade for spirits. Coach airfare with upgrade for higher. One guaranteed Specialty restaurant per specialty restaurant. This keeps Oceania less than some and more expensive than other brands for a similar cruise. Notice I did not talk about things like Dining because it is impossible to compare because we all have different likes/dislikes. My results of my Regent/Oceania comparison was interesting. Regent was still higher however when all was added in, Oceania was close. "You get what you pay for ONLY if what you paid for was what you wanted." We all have a choice regardless of what we liked in the past. I LOVED the NCL Haven. Yet, I am on Oceania. My choice, my money, my research. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

No, No; I saw it also. That was a GOOD catch. My stateroom is 12001. It was not on the Riviera, it was on the Marina. I have to assume, they are more similar than not. Much appreciated. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

Thank you. They are all of the suite on Deck 8. From the design of the ship, that is the example of the largest sq footage and balcony. As you go up the ship, it goes up in an angle. Reducing area. Also when you look at the deck plan, there is what looks like a hallway in between 12000 and 12001. When in the final analysis, it really does not matter. That are all about the same anyway. Again, with all your posts, you are very much appreciated. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

Prior to asking this question, I did every search I knew how to do. I want to say that upfront because I know how many feel about asking the same question over and over that has been covered. I respect everyone on this board and wanted you to know that. Any assistance would be appreciated. I have just secured the Vista Suite on the Oceania Riviera #12001 for a 10-day Mediterranean Cruise in November 2023. It is clear that the Vista Suites square footage is a range of 1200 to 1500 / 111 -- 139 veranda. It seems clear that this Vista Suite would be on the smaller end of the square footage which is just fine. Has anyone on this board stayed in this suite (12000 or 12001) and if so can you provide me with some input. I am aware of the location and that the bridge is below and the Outdoor Area of the Spa is above. I get what that means. It is the layout of the actual room and balcony differences I am hoping to uncover. Thank everyone in advance for your feedback and input. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@graphicguy I have stayed in a Haven spa suite and a Haven Two-Bedroom Family Villa. The Haven Family Villa is a much nicer suite. Yes, you are also correct, it is very close to all the best amenities in the Haven Proper. Finally, I have gone Solo on NCL Ships. Now for some assumptions. The upgrade if a bid is $350.00 times two or $700.00 if they accept it. If it is an upgrade of a flat $350.00 that is different. I personally would keep the Spa Suite. The balcony is about the same size, you get access to the Thermal spa which would cost you if you had a Two-Bedroom. Based on all the walking you will do in Europe, that Thermal Spa will come in handy, I assure you. I have stayed outside the Haven Proper, in side the Haven Proper and in an owners suite in the Haven Proper. For me personally, the Spa Suite was beyond good. On to your comment about being a solo and in the Haven. When a person works all their life, they deserve to do what every they want to do. When people say, you are wasting your money, that is none of their business. In my life, I did not work all my life so I could leave as much money as possible for my kids. That is crazy talk. I will give them while I am alive so I can see the enjoyment yet spend what I earned with no regret. That is just me. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

You are more than welcome. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

I to will be on an Oceania Cruise with Rome as a destination. I create prior to my cruises something I call a "Journey Document". I saw for my cruise, the "Rome on your own" was $139.00 per person. I read the description and then did my normal research. My research includes, Google the subject and search YouTube.com the specific activity which in this case is getting from the port in Civitavecchia to City Center in Rome. My biggest requirement is never to cut things so close I could miss the cruise departing from port. That scares me a lot so I took this under advisement. Below is an excerpt that I wrote and I hope it is helpful to all involved or who has an interest. FYI, I do this same research for all ports. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It is 54 miles from the cruise port to Rome. We most likely will take the bus to the train station. We need to see if Oceania has a shuttle to the train station. You can do it yourself for 3 Euro’s one way to train station. Taking the train will cost 10 Euros round trip. Use the https://www.trenitalia.com/en.html app. Easiest way. Taxi’s range from 150 to 200 Euros one way. Takes about 1 to 1.5 hours each way. Basically, the same as a train. From the port, for 3 Euros a bus will take you to the train station. The train is 5 Euros one way and 10 Euros round trip. In Rome, you must choose the stop you want to get off. Coordinate this with Tour Guide via “GetYourGuide.com”. From Cruise port to Rome is about an hour by train. It has been suggested to rent a scooter to get around the city. Is about 50 Eros. NOTE: Consider looking up “GetYourGuide.com” : This is an interesting website to research. Walking, electric bikes, Electric scooters, Vespa’s, and a driver. Escalating costs. It is traditional to eat Pasta Ubana on Thursday. _____________________________________________________________ Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@NikkiPoooo27 I am sure it does not surprise anyone that I study cruise brands. I saved for a very long time to take my "Bucket List Cruise" to the Mediterranean. I developed an Excel Spreadsheet to list out the best cruise brands for the best time. All the big names were included like Regent, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Viking, SilverSeas, Oceania, and a lot more. I included NCL with the Haven and Club Suite and Celebrity with the Retreat Suites. The task to list out what was received as an amenity and and extra cost was key. How can I compare one brand/voyage to another if I can't find a way to compare an orange to an orange. A lot harder then I had ever thought because the information is deep, deep in the details. I found that each and every brands Marketing Department make my life even harder. Airfare was only one aspect of the enormous challenge. When I started, I REALLY wanted to do a Regent Cruise, for 10-days on the newest Regent ship at the time. The vision of finally having a truly all inclusive cruise was my goal. Up to that point, I made my cruise all inclusive but it took lots of time, effort and due diligence. The deeper you dig, the deeper you realized some brands are more so called all inclusive than others. However no brand is as 100% all inclusive as they seem to market. You referred to Regent for Alaska. When I made my comment I was not talking about Alaska. I was referring to when you lets say want to do a Mediterranean Cruise starting from the United States. I live in Birmingham, Alabama. The closest Major hub is Atlanta a 2.5 hour drive. The segment to Atlanta is Coach, the segment to JFK is Coach, the JFK to Athens is Business Class. The brand of the airfare was completely controlled by Regent. That is when I found out some of the air brands they used. It was all over the board. Not all Business Classes are made the same. None of this was a surprise to me. Every single brand does not give you a choice of who you use unless you pay and additional fee. Again, no issue. UNLESS you are paying $25,000.00 for a 10-day cruise claiming business class airfare and all inclusive. Do I feel this was deceptive, "NO". If you look deep enough, it is all in the fine print. My point here is, for the price of a small SUV, I was hoping for something really over the top. I realize, it does not exist. This with all the research I had done brought me back full circle. I gave up completely in finding any cruise brand that is truly all inclusive and realize, I will have to create that myself. In doing so, I will only have to pay far, far less. We as consumer really have to take accountability to read the fine print. We have to think through the decisions we make. Our family, memories and vacations depend on it. Control and understand what you can control. What you can't control is out of your hands. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

Sir, it was a JOKE. I was smiling as I wrote it. I love the experience you are about to have. The written word is not the best way to communicate sometimes. One day, you and I will be enjoying an adult beverage together, on a cruise and simply enjoying life. That is my hope anyway.

The key here which very much in your favor is what I call Frame of Reference. Those complaining are doing so based on many past experience with the brand. In the world of Social Media and brand reviews, the number of folks willing to post a complaint is much higher then those that are happy with the products. Disappointment creates a need in humans to gain consensus. You and Mrs. Benson have no frame of reference to what Regent has to offer. What I can tell you with a high level of certainty is, as much as I LOVE the NCL Haven; Ultra Luxury Brands excel in Personalized Service, Dining experience, Attention to detail, luxurious surroundings. The down side is an older crowd, the entertainment is not over the top, the ports are the appeal rather than the go-cart tracks, and everyone seems to go to sleep a bit earlier. Sir, this comment was below the belt. Not really, for me and obviously for you. A leather chair, a fine drink, a lovely cigar and a interesting conversation enhances any experience. You will surely receive this in the Connoisseur Club. Envy is the word I am feeling. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@Bufrenee I am very sorry that is has happened to you. The topic of using ANY cruise line air is one of the most debated topics (for any brand) on CruiseCritic.com. You put your faith in the brand to make this arrangement with you the guest in mind. Logically we ALL know, it would be best to just take care of our airfare ourselves. I used to think everyone thought that way but my travel agent opened my eyes. She told me very few folks want to hassle with airfare. They simply want it taken care of for them. I fully understand that simple logic. When you add coming from another country other than the United States it adds more challenges. Deviation fees, upcharges and all the other fees that can happen makes my head spin. I again am sorry, so very sorry this is disappointing you. However, I have printed your post to share with the guests we are traveling with to emphasize why I booked their ticket, they paid a bit more. It is my hope your experience will help other cruise guest on all brands. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@CDR Benson I am waiting until you go on your Regent trip to consider it for myself and my lovely bride. Regent is a Ultra-Luxury Brand providing Business Class for the International Leg. Coach for the domestic leg. It is one of many amenities and benefits of Ultra-Luxury all inclusive brands especially Regent. I also assume, you are going to fly in at least a day or two early. A little recommendation to you and the Mrs. for your upcoming trip. The real difference is being open to personalized service. The food is better but relative. It is still very important to know when you can book your excursions and specialty restaurant meals as relates to your suite category. Knowing the wonderful post you have made about how you enjoy dressing on occasion, you will be both pleased and appreciated. There is something about dressing for a fine dinner that makes it better or me. I also like to have a fine drink, in a nice glass and have turned down Champagne in a plastic cup. To light a cigar with a match, lighting a piece of wood so no chemicals get in the smoke. For me and I think you, little bits of preparation make a world of difference in our enjoyment. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@knscruiser322 It is a small venue. The seating is limited. I refuse to stand on lines one hour prior to the show to get a set. When I was solo, I could come in at show time and get a seat. If I was with my wife. It was standing room only. I have never seen the doors shut not allowing standing room only. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

I hope this list helps those new to the NCL Haven. Luggage Tags: I have NEVER used the Luggage tags sent by the NCL Haven. This habit comes from having similar Luggage tags that ripped off. In all of my Haven Trips, half the time I never get those tags anyway. Instead and I highly recommend this. I purchased on Amazon the plastic clear Luggage Tag holders, with the metal wire to hold on your luggage. After you do your 21 day prior online check in, print your own tags and put in the plastic holder. Haven Letter with Contact Number: Search this stream for the telephone number and email address. I have posted it many, many times. I hope you get Maria. She is awesome. Don't wait and a telephone call trumps an email. Specialty Restaurant Reservations: I make a homemade Excel Spreadsheet calendar showing days and times for my cruise. 130 days prior to the cruise, I book my specialty restaurant reservations. If the don't show online, I call the number listed in this stream. I don't wait. Yet, if I have to change one, I do it before or just as I get on the ship at the Haven Desk. With the ships filling up, it becomes more difficult but I have rarely been turned down. Large Theatre Show Reservations: As with Specialty Restaurants, I always do this as early as I can. That said, I have literally never seen or heard a Haven Guest turned down for a sold out show in the main theatre. No clarify, Haven Status means NOTHING for the Comedy Club, Cavern Club or small venue. They are first come, first served. Please have Realistic expectations. Yet folks claim special access to these small venues. It is rare and you simply can't depend on it. Haven Room Service: Always ask your butler when every possible to make sure your room service comes from the Haven Restaurant. The only time you can't have this is when you order something off the menu or the Haven Restaurant is not open. If you don't ask your butler to do this, they default to the normal room service menu. You paid a premium for the Haven, learn to leverage it and use it. NCL Butlers: Lots of reason to by a serious premium for a Haven Suite. Yet I read all the time that the Haven Butler is a waste for folks because they have simple needs. In my home, I have the Room Steward, Chef, Maintenance Worker, and Butler. On vacation, for a short 7 days, all I want is to relax and be treated as a Rockstar. The key to a butler is simply know what they do and don't do. A simple cruise critic search or google search away. With that information, I created a Butler Letter which included the gratuities for the week in it. I never asked for crazy stuff, just wanted them to know about us, likes and dislikes. Doing due diligence with an NCL Butler has made all the difference in good service for me and my lovely bride. I will no longer debate the use of the letter or pre-tip. You do you. Let all of be honest, the Butlers for NCL are NOT has good as those provided by luxury and ultra-luxury brands. Know that up-front and don't be disappointed. Young Kids in the Haven Sundeck: The age is 16 or above for a reason. I learned this reason on my very first Haven Cruise when the Haven Courtyard on the NCL Getaway had 6 young children that controlled the pool and hot tubs the entire cruise. The kids are never the issue it is the lack of adult supervision. NCL is a Family Cruise Line. NCL runs with 3 and 4th person cruise free in the Haven. The kids below and can enjoy the Haven just like the adults. As long as they follow the rules, and allow there to be a place where quiet and relaxation for those adults is honored. I now NEVER book a Haven Suite during a holiday and spring break. Since that decision, I have not had this issue at all. Make a note of that. Special Request in the Haven Restaurants: The menu is fixed for all meals. That is how it works. To expect anything is unrealistic expectations. Yet, with advance notice, kindness and class; one can make some requests. They can be granted or not granted. However, if I ever hear another guest being entitled, yelling openly in the Haven Restaurant because the think they own the place, I am going to help the Haven Staff put those folks in their place. I and the rest of us are on vacation. If I want Entitled children, I have that 51 days a year with my own children. I don't need it on my vacation. Time It Takes To Eat in the Haven Restaurant: If you want to Quick Meal like at lunch, go somewhere else. Not designed for that even if you ask. Just the way it is. Realistic expectations. Haven Lounge at the Port: The food and drink is limited. Wait until you get on board. Would you rather be outside the lounge in a room with thousands of people. Want Caviar, go on a Ultra Luxury Brand. Realistic Expectations. NCL Flights: Choose this option at your own risk. NCL is a cruise company. Their area of expertise is not flights. On the same subject, please, please, please consider getting to the port the day before you leave. If you roll the dice and come in the day of the cruise, don't write how bad NCL and NCL air is. You made a error in judgement. Only has to happen once to learn a lesson. Every item I wrote about above has been covered and recovered in this thread. The easiest way to learn the secrets of the Haven is to read the first post of this stream. If you Hate the Haven, that is your right. If you come to this stream to share how much you hate the Haven and have never experienced it, you are not coming from a position of knowledge. If you had a bad experience and did not tell the Haven Staff immediately, you did not do your due diligence and complaining about it here helps no one. CruiseCritic.com is a social media platform to help Cruise Hobbies to find a way to be better educated in enhancing their cruising experience. If you are a member in good standing, it is your obligation to help others. If you complain all the time, you simply want others to support your decisions which helps no one. We need realistic balanced comments because not even the NCL Haven is perfect. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

Yes, thank you for the clarification.

@knscruiser322 You can make reservations for the Comedy Club or the Cavern Club. It is first come, first served for everyone. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

Over the year after I booked my "O" cruise, I looked at the prices quite often. I learned this habit from cruising on Mainstream Cruise Brands. I saw very few fluctuations unless there was a promotion happening. When I looked at the Ultimate O Life, I did the simple math and price went up in direct relation to the amenities now included. On normal Olife, I was educated that the low price I saw on-line was cruise only, with no airfare and no Olife. The math worked out on this case also. As my year went on, I notices lots of debate on the complexities of the normal Olife options. Which was best or provided the most value. All great information and education for a new client like myself. The complaints seem to all focus on why can't these options/amenities simply be simpler. Hence what seems to be the decision to change policy and yes (remember the math reference above) the pricing. How do I know this with a 99% certainty, simple. Cruise lines do not reduce prices while giving more benefits. The do increase prices while giving less benefits though. On the topic of will someone who has booked a cruise for after Oct 1, 2023 as I have, mine is November 9, 2023. I did something I have rarely ever done. I am paid in full two months before the deadline. I usually wait to the last minute. Not this time. My online information says, Paid In Full. Now who really thinks "O" is going to charge me more money after it was paid in full. We contracted a price, we are following the policies. They can offer us a way to have it all. We can choose to stay with our contracted price. I will stay where I am and quite happy. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

Seats for the Main NCL Shows for Haven Guests: This topic has been debated and rehashed over and over again. Allow me to help all worried about going to any Main Theatre Show on a Large NCL Ship. If you are in the Haven, I have cruised the Haven many, many times, you will NOT be turned down entry to any show. The Haven Area which is roped off until just before the show stares, is NEVER fully filled up. On other shows in small venues, it is first come, first served. Haven has no priority not matter what any one tells you. Sorry for the attitude here. My focus is always on Realistic Expectations. While we are on the subject. Changing of Specialty Restaurant Reservations when onboard if you are in the Haven. I have done this three times. I got the change two of the three times and had a reservation 30 minutes later on the third. No guarantees on this one but the premium you pay for the Haven usually comes through. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@cruiserchuck Yep, it was nice having it for 30 seconds though. The Upgrade Fairy disappeared. Oh well, still happy with everything. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@Jancruz I will give it a week or so and see what happens. You know when sometimes you hear something that is to good to be true. The original number was to good to be true. Easy to let that go and call it a mistake. Pressing it in a situation like this could truly negatively effect a new team member. However, I totally get your point. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

On the Topic of Guarantee Assignments, I took some advice from many of you here on CruiseCritic.com. I have a PH3 Guarantee for a November 9, 2023 sailing on the Riviera. The ship is ALL "Waitlist" including all three PH categories. Above the PH, the Oceania Suites is a Guarantee for new bookings. The Vista Suites has two available and the Owners Suite has three available. I reached out to my Travel Agent last week. I asked for her to let Oceania know, I was open to a "Paid Upgrade". Thank you for the advice to share this information with my agent. Today, my agent called me with Oceania on the other line. She shared the "Paid Upgrade" offer. I immediately said "YES". My agent verified twice verbally on the phone. I ran to get my wallet to give my agent my credit card. Side note, my final payment is NOT due until August 11, 2023, yet I paid in full two weeks ago well ahead of the deadline. In a matter of thirty seconds to get my AMX, the Oceania Agent changed the upgrade cost to several thousands of dollar per person more. As normal, my agent asked to speak to a supervisor and asked me if she could call me back. The outcome was a hard "NO" to the original offer but the situation is in my records. I am sharing this with this board because I want you all to know my feeling on this. Mistakes happen. The Amount Given was so reasonable I could not believe my ears. I thought for the briefest moment that the "Paid Upgrade Fairy" was alive and well. These kinds of situation happen with all brands. They hire new folks, those folks make a mistake. Do I wish it was my "Lucky Day", sure who would not. Just happy to be cruising to Europe for the first time in my life. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@YODERSMOMMY Hello and welcome to the NCL Haven. Thank you to @Hallux for bringing up my screen name and the post I have done. Your questions has been asked many times, had many answers and gets debated day after day. I will give you my experience of three times on the NCL Joy, twice in the Haven and once in a Club Balcony Suite. FYI, if you want to watch a video on the H2 Haven Deluxe Owners Suite on the Joy, I did it a year or so ago just search YouTube.com. Just an FYI. NCL is a Mainstream Cruise line. The Joy is a Mega Ship. It holds over 4200 passengers with one of the largest Haven's in the fleet with over 200 Haven Guests. The daily snack are product and the same for every Haven Suite simply for efficiency. If you have special requests, create a working relationship with your butler and express them. The Phase I use and have used with my butler is, "If it is ok with you, I would like to have (Insert) as long as it is not against NCL Policy. If there is a cost, please let me know and I will give you a yes or no." My request are usually basic and I have never really had an issue. The first Haven experience my wife and I asked for nuts because we thought (Key Word Thought) we were going to be doing Keto. That day our butler brought a soup bowl of raw unsalted peanuts that were awful. The moral of this story is remember to be very specific. My OP-ED's are very focused on one concept which has proven to be the best advice for having a elevated cruise experience. Please take everything that everyone tells you with a grain of salt including me. The key is always, "Realistic Expectations". Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@Daniel A It does not matter if this topic drifts. It always comes back. This gives me the an opportunity to create a new Lexicon. "Haven on Steroids". The Haven, Celebrity Retreat and MSC Yacht Club all fall under the umbrella of a "Ship-Within-A-Ship". A quiet, luxurious, private area for a small portion of the guest on a mega ship. Better personalized service, better bar, better access to cushioned lounge charges, better food/dining, exclusive hot tubs/pools and much less crowded. For this opportunity, a significant premium is imposed. Now these few lucky guest can have access to the entire ship and all of its activities and amenities. Whether go-cart tracks, rock climbing, Virtual Reality or Lasor tag; it is available to you. Yet when you want to go back to the quiet luxury and higher level of personalized service, it is just a door away. "The best of both worlds." Yet there is another alternative that is available. But with all changes there is pro/cons. The "Haven on Steroids" concept. This is the more premium-plus to luxury brands where once you leave your cabin, everyone is treated the same. Access to all aspects of the ship, amenities outside the cabin, specialty restaurants, sauna/steam rooms/thermal spa. Little to know difference outside the cabin. Much less children onboard. What you give up is that the mega ship. The ships tend to be smaller with much less guests. No go-carts on these ships. The entertainment is much more basic with no Broadway reviews. The nature of this kind of cruising is an older crowd with a much more port intensive itinerary. Let's say on day two of this cruise, these is no "Mr. Sexy Legs" competition by the pool. Dining and personalized service is a key to these kind of cruises. Yet everyone is treated like a Haven guest. Some like myself like both experiences. Some gravitate to one or the other. Yet, to my great delight, they are both rated as a benchmark of the NCL Haven. You got to love that. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.