~Breakaway Haven Review ~July 14,2013-July 21,2013

[1witchydiva]

I did a review of my Breakaway cruise from July 14,2013-July 21,2013. I am only going to write about my experiences in the Haven here since it has been such a hot topic lately. Please realize that I chose to cruise in the middle of July. Peak time for vacation anywhere. I was told that the Haven was sold out on this cruise.

 

We got to the pier early, around 10am. I was a very quick walk through the baggage security line. After we went through there, there was a woman standing there holding a Haven sign. We went with her to the Haven area. Juice,fruit and cookies were available. We did our card pictures, and we sat in the room. If anyone wants a pre-boarding picture, you will have to ask as we were not offered one. I didnt want one, so it was okay but I know others really love that picture prior to emarkation.They took us straight to the Haven area at around 11:15am. Ryan was our concierge and he gave a small speech. He was very friendly. We were told at noon the Haven restaurant would be open for lunch and our rooms would also be ready at that time. While we were waiting, the staff brought around burgers and fries and sandwiches. At noon, we were told that we could either go to our rooms and put down our carry-ons or go straight to the Haven Restaurant for lunch. There were many families in the Haven. All ages. Young couples, older couples and families.

And so the suite life began.......:)

 

Haven Restaurant--Please keep in mind that food is subjective.The Haven restaurant was good in my opinion. Staff very very nice and friendly. We had pre- purchased the unlimited soda package. One staff member took our cards, and went to go the stickers put on our cards and got the cups for us. Mr S, the Maitre D of the Haven Restaurant was fantastic. He makes his presence known. In a good way. He was always watching staff and came over to your table and talked to everyone. After a day or so, the Haven staff knew you by name. If something you want is not on the menu, they got it for you. One evening, my daughter and I did not pick an appetizer and the waitress aksed us if she could get us a ceasar salad instead. I did not ask, they offered. I also saw them bringing in pizza for some of the kids, ice cream etc. I really had the impression that they wanted you to be happy and comfortable there.

 

Concierge- Ryan and his staff were very nice and accomadating. They set up a shore excusion for my husband. He did not even have to go to the excursion desk. They handled everything for him. We also met 45 minutes before Jungle Fantasy was going to start, at the Haven. They walked us down, and we were the first guests in there. They always had a friendly smile for you.

 

Butler- Our bulter was Armando and he was fantastic. He introduced himself to me and my family, as we were in the Haven area waiting for our rooms. He gave me his card with his extension number. He said he would be by later on after everyone was settled in but to call him if we needed anything before then. He stopped by the room a few hours later and went over the coffee maker, room service, escorting to shows if we wanted. We spent some time talking to him. He told us the hours that he would be working but reminded us that we can call anytime as there is a night butler that covers him. He was so sweet to my kids. Talking to them,asking questions, asking them what things do they like to do, what kind of food they like. He also came to sing Happy Birthday to me. :) He kept me supplied with my pretzel bread right out of the oven. We didn't ask for too much. We did have breakfast in the room many days. It was easier than trying to get my kids up and moving. If you get him as your butler, just tell him what you want or need from him. He was not intrusive but he kept reminding us to call him if we needed anything. He brought afternoon snacks everyday.

 

 

The Haven pool- The pool is not big. It is only 3 feet deep I believe. On the first day ,I did not see an adult in the pool or hot tub until 8 pm. There are only 7 lounge chairs by the pool, 6 in the water, and about 7 tables on the first deck by the pool. Upstairs there were many more on the inside deck and outside. On sea days, you could not always get a lounge chair by the pool, but there was always many,many available on the upper decks. Many early evenings, there was no one in the Haven pool area but my family. They also serve poolside snacks until 4pm.

 

My observations:

Day one- The Haven pool had no adults in there until around 8pm. Kids were playing in the pool and hot tubs. I saw one cannonballing into the Haven pool. That is such a safety issue as the pool is only 3 feet deep.

On the last day, if I wanted to go into the Haven pool, I would have had to share it with tons of bath toys, pail included. Plus the jumping in. I did not think there was enough room in that small pool for all of us, plus bath toys, so I went to the hot tub for a few. It was not a dealbreaker.

 

The above did not by any means ruin or put a damper on my haven experience. The above was not an all day issue.

 

I must add that I did not have any negative interactions with any of my fellow cruisers in the Haven. Some people were friendly, some were not. We did meet a lot of very nice people from the United States, and as far away as Switzerland.

 

I can now, after experiencing the suite life, see how tub toys and cannonballs, can really put a damper on the experience for some. Especially veteran cruisers who have experienced a heavenly haven. I really think your Haven experience is a hit or miss, depending on your fellow cruisers.

 

I loved the suite life and I dont think that I can ever go back......:)

 

 

[sjnyc323]

Thanks for sharing your review

 

 

Suzanne

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2

[Fins2theleft]

I never understood why parents with kids stop being parents just because they are on vacation too.

[dancor31]

I also stayed in the Haven on this same Voyage. I arrived at the Haven check-in areal about 10:45AM. Once in the holding room, I was greeted by a woman holding a clipboard and told to take a seat and that she would call me when it was my time to be checked in. Unfortunately, there were no glasses for the beverages they made available at the time, and the snacks were mostly gone. As this was an extremely hot day, it would have been nice to have something to drink. The bar was eventually restocked about 40 minutes later.

 

After about 30 minutes I noticed, with the exception of one other family, everyone who had been in the room before me had been escorted to the boat. I approached the woman with the clipboard to check my status and was told “Oh, I am so sorry, no one told me you were here,” even though I had checked in with her directly, giving her may name and room number. I was told I would be called shortly.

After another 30 minutes, and pretty much an entire room full of people exiting to board the boat again, I approached to check my status. THE SAME WOMAN TOLD ME THAT SHE HAD NOT MARKED ME DOWN on the list. I was told I would be the next person to go up. Two more families were checked in before I went up and spelled out the situation and the mistake again. I was then next to board.

 

NCL needs to address the terribly disorganized check-in process. It was my experience that the majority of people had an unpleasant experience. Many others were overlooked and had to check in with the same woman multiple times. Standing in the regular line would have been better and quicker than what I dealt with.

 

Once in the Haven, the tension began to go away and I started to feel like the premiums I paid for were turning into more of what I had expected.

I found the staff was very responsive and addressed all of my requests promptly and with a smile. The food was for the most part above average with attentive service.

 

The courtyard was “nice” but the pool was too small to accommodate guests… kind of a theme for the boat. We met quite a few friendly couples and family’s. Maybe this is a sign of me getting older, though I am only 45, the teens monopolizing the hot tub by the pool with their pg-13 orgy was a big turn off and repeated itself over and over on a daily basis. I guess that is more a parenting issue than one related to NCL but it still irked me.

I really liked the private decks and the layout outside for the Haven but was disappointed they roped off the furniture at dusk. I love to sit and enjoy the night on deck when on a cruise.

 

Other than the issues mentioned above and the bizarre decision to have penthouse suite bathrooms put up a see through partition for the toilet in the bathroom, horribly unpleasant and cramped, I really enjoyed booking into the Haven.

[1witchydiva]

I also stayed in the Haven on this same Voyage. I arrived at the Haven check-in areal about 10:45AM. Once in the holding room, I was greeted by a woman holding a clipboard and told to take a seat and that she would call me when it was my time to be checked in. Unfortunately, there were no glasses for the beverages they made available at the time, and the snacks were mostly gone. As this was an extremely hot day, it would have been nice to have something to drink. The bar was eventually restocked about 40 minutes later.

 

After about 30 minutes I noticed, with the exception of one other family, everyone who had been in the room before me had been escorted to the boat. I approached the woman with the clipboard to check my status and was told “Oh, I am so sorry, no one told me you were here,” even though I had checked in with her directly, giving her may name and room number. I was told I would be called shortly.

After another 30 minutes, and pretty much an entire room full of people exiting to board the boat again, I approached to check my status. THE SAME WOMAN TOLD ME THAT SHE HAD NOT MARKED ME DOWN on the list. I was told I would be the next person to go up. Two more families were checked in before I went up and spelled out the situation and the mistake again. I was then next to board.

 

NCL needs to address the terribly disorganized check-in process. It was my experience that the majority of people had an unpleasant experience. Many others were overlooked and had to check in with the same woman multiple times. Standing in the regular line would have been better and quicker than what I dealt with.

 

Once in the Haven, the tension began to go away and I started to feel like the premiums I paid for were turning into more of what I had expected.

I found the staff was very responsive and addressed all of my requests promptly and with a smile. The food was for the most part above average with attentive service.

 

The courtyard was “nice” but the pool was too small to accommodate guests… kind of a theme for the boat. We met quite a few friendly couples and family’s. Maybe this is a sign of me getting older, though I am only 45, the teens monopolizing the hot tub by the pool with their pg-13 orgy was a big turn off and repeated itself over and over on a daily basis. I guess that is more a parenting issue than one related to NCL but it still irked me.

I really liked the private decks and the layout outside for the Haven but was disappointed they roped off the furniture at dusk. I love to sit and enjoy the night on deck when on a cruise.

 

Other than the issues mentioned above and the bizarre decision to have penthouse suite bathrooms put up a see through partition for the toilet in the bathroom, horribly unpleasant and cramped, I really enjoyed booking into the Haven.

 

I am so sorry it did not start off on a good note for you.

 

I def agree that the haven pool is way too small for the amount of people that have Haven access.

 

On the bright side, you were spared the tub toys and cannonball experience in the haven pool. Lol. :). I expected it from some of the reviews here but holy hell, it was a sight. Lol

[travelquick]

I'm going to have to assume that you have to have lots of $$$$ to travel in this section? :D

[lweber05]

We will be in a Breakaway S-5 in January. Do either of you have any information on the size of the balconys? We enjoy sitting on our balcony and reading.

 

Thank you.

[Coastalbreezes]

Great review! I will be in an S5 in September and cannot wait.

 

Do you happen to know if Ryan is just filling in for Ruth or is he the new Breakaway concierge? I adore both Ryan and Ruth and can't wait to be on Breakaway again.

 

Tracy

[sjnyc323]

We will be in a Breakaway S-5 in January. Do either of you have any information on the size of the balconys? We enjoy sitting on our balcony and reading.

 

Thank you.

 

I saw the S5 on my ship tour. Balcony is small but has two chairs and small table so you can sit out there cimfortably. I am sailing in 16716 on 9/8/13

 

Suzanne

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2

[sjnyc323]

Great review! I will be in an S5 in September and cannot wait.

 

Do you happen to know if Ryan is just filling in for Ruth or is he the new Breakaway concierge? I adore both Ryan and Ruth and can't wait to be on Breakaway again.

 

Tracy

 

Ryan will be there until 9/22/13 then vacation

 

Suzanne

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2

[dancor31]

I used 8 years of rewards points to book this suite and paid the difference.

[Coastalbreezes]

Ryan will be there until 9/22/13 then vacation

 

Suzanne

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2

 

Thanks, Suzanne. Do you know if Ruth is coming back? I'll be on the 9-22.

 

Tracy

[sjnyc323]

Thanks, Suzanne. Do you know if Ruth is coming back? I'll be on the 9-22.

 

Tracy

 

I think so but not sure

 

Suzanne

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2

[cjknox]

Thanks for the review, thinking about doing the haven whenever it is we end up doing Breakaway.

[Barb Nahoumi]

I never understood why parents with kids stop being parents just because they are on vacation too.

 

That's when you need to be parents, even more.

[1witchydiva]

That's when you need to be parents, even more.

 

Amen. I agree one thousand percent. I am always a parent first. Including vacation.

I am just thankful, that in my particular experience, it did not go on every day, all day long, so my haven experience was not affected , so to speak. I knew from reading the boards, that inconsiderate behavior was possible , but I have to say, actually seeing it in person was quite an experience. :(

[travelquick]

i used 8 years of rewards points to book this suite and paid the difference.

 

nice!:d

[English101]

Thanks for sharing your haven experience!:cool:

 

I have a few questions. I hope you don't mind. :)

 

What bath/body products were offered? Were they any good? I've seen cotton balls in the suites. Any other extras?

 

How did you go about ordering breakfast in your suite? Did you tell your butler the day before? Or just a quick call the morning of? And about how long did it take to arrive? To set up table?

 

Is there a menu for they types of coffee/tea you can make in the room?

 

I've heard there's a DVD menu. I don't necessarily need to see it, since I have 14 months til my cruise, but am curious if there's any newer movies.

 

Ok... :rolleyes: ...I should have said "I have MANY" questions! :eek: Lol I'm sure I'll eventually have even more questions! Lol :cool:

 

Thanks again for sharing!

[1witchydiva]

Thanks for sharing your haven experience!:cool:

 

I have a few questions. I hope you don't mind. :)

 

What bath/body products were offered? Were they any good? I've seen cotton balls in the suites. Any other extras?

 

How did you go about ordering breakfast in your suite? Did you tell your butler the day before? Or just a quick call the morning of? And about how long did it take to arrive? To set up table?

 

Is there a menu for they types of coffee/tea you can make in the room?

 

I've heard there's a DVD menu. I don't necessarily need to see it, since I have 14 months til my cruise, but am curious if there's any newer movies.

 

Ok... :rolleyes: ...I should have said "I have MANY" questions! :eek: Lol I'm sure I'll eventually have even more questions! Lol :cool:

 

Thanks again for sharing!

 

I don't mind at all--- ask away. :)

Elemis bath products were in the bathroom. Small size, lotion, body wash etc. My daughter really liked them.

The container on the dressing table had cotton balls and q-tips. There was also a lint brush in the drawer. Blow dryer on the side.

In the room, is a little folder to order room service for breakfast. It was a standard room service form. If what we wanted was not there, My butler told me to write in whatever we wanted. We had pancakes, waffles, eggs Benedict, bacon, hot chocolate. I left it on the outside door before 4am. You checked off what time you wanted breakfast-- between 7-730 etc. He was always on time. He always called about five minutes before he arrived. It did not take long for him to set up. He put the white tablecloth on, and all the cutlery was already pre-folded in the cloth napkin. Individually.

In my pre-concierge letter, they asked what kind of coffee or tea you want for the machine. You can ask your butler for different pods. I saw coffee, reg and de-caf, expresso, lemon tea and a few others. He came in and showed us how to use the coffee machine.

The DVD menu was two sides. I remember seeing the hangover 2, fast five, the dark knight rises,avengers.