Those who stayed in the Haven on the Breakaway

[enj2012]

My husband and I are thinking of booking an aft facing corner suite in the Haven on the Breakaway in 2015. I was just curious as to what those that have stayed in the Haven thought and if it looks as awesome as it reads. Thank you for any help!

[Coastalbreezes]

Stayed in The Haven on my September cruise. There is nothing like it -- we prefer to call it Heaven.

 

Do you have specific questions?

 

Tracy

[enj2012]

Stayed in The Haven on my September cruise. There is nothing like it -- we prefer to call it Heaven.

 

Do you have specific questions?

 

Tracy

 

My husband and I like peace and quiet. Is it quiet there or are there a lot of kids in that section? Do you pay extra to eat at the Heaven :) restaurant or room service? If I have more questions, I'll ask.

[Coastalbreezes]

The restaurant is free and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.

 

In September, there were only a few kids but were well-behaved. I think it really depends on when you are going (e.g., more kids during school vacations and summertime).

 

There is plenty of space near the Haven pool to lounge and relax or you can go up one flight to find additional seating/lounge chairs both indoors and out.

 

I spent a lot of time on the Haven outside deck and it was never crowded.

 

You will also have a butler who brings you snacks each day and a concierge who will make all your dinner/show reservations.

 

Tracy

[Fishbait17]

My husband and I like peace and quiet. Is it quiet there or are there a lot of kids in that section? Do you pay extra to eat at the Heaven :) restaurant or room service? If I have more questions, I'll ask.

 

Whether there are a lot of kids there is solely dependent on your particular sailing - school holidays and summer bring many more children on board, and the larger suites always attract families.

 

Once you are booked in a Haven Suite, you pay no extra to eat in the Haven Restaurant for any meal (aside from the extra you have already paid to book the suite over a non-Haven cabin). Room service charges are dependent on where you order from - if it's free on the ship, it's free for room service (not sure about late-night delivery fee). If you order from a specialty restaurant or an extra charge venue (like gelato), you will be charged the cover charge for that particular meal or snack..

 

Robin

Edited December 5, 2013 by Fishbait17

[enj2012]

The restaurant is free and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.

 

In September, there were only a few kids but were well-behaved. I think it really depends on when you are going (e.g., more kids during school vacations and summertime).

 

There is plenty of space near the Haven pool to lounge and relax or you can go up one flight to find additional seating/lounge chairs both indoors and out.

 

I spent a lot of time on the Haven outside deck and it was never crowded.

 

You will also have a butler who brings you snacks each day and a concierge who will make all your dinner/show reservations.

 

Tracy

 

I think you just sold me! Thank you so much! I feel so much note confident booking now. I was slightly nervous because we've never cruised with NCL before and the Haven is expensive but those perks are definitely worth it.

[preemiemd]

We have cruised in the Haven several times both on the Breakaway and on Jewel class ships. Be prepared to frequently find children playing in the Haven pools and hot tubs. It is definitely not a place of serenity as NCL would like you to believe. Having said that the other "perks" that come with being on the Haven level are some of the best perks in the business when executed properly.

[enj2012]

We have cruised in the Haven several times both on the Breakaway and on Jewel class ships. Be prepared to frequently find children playing in the Haven pools and hot tubs. It is definitely not a place of serenity as NCL would like you to believe. Having said that the other "perks" that come with being on the Haven level are some of the best perks in the business when executed properly.

 

Would you say its worth it compared to a regular room?

[Coastalbreezes]

Would you say its worth it compared to a regular room?

 

In my opinion, yes! You will forever be spoiled and find it difficult to stay in anything but a suite.

 

As preemiemd mentioned, if there a lot of kids, they do tend to takeover the hot tubs and pool. Do not hesitate to say something to your concierge or hotel director if you have any complaints along those lines.

 

I found the outdoor space very relaxing and spent several hours each day there...the breeze in your hair, the sun, watching the ocean. Amazing!

 

Tracy

[enj2012]

In my opinion, yes! You will forever be spoiled and find it difficult to stay in anything but a suite.

 

As preemiemd mentioned, if there a lot of kids, they do tend to takeover the hot tubs and pool. Do not hesitate to say something to your concierge or hotel director if you have any complaints along those lines.

 

I found the outdoor space very relaxing and spent several hours each day there...the breeze in your hair, the sun, watching the ocean. Amazing!

 

Tracy

 

Now the hard part. Choosing a 7 day or a 12 day... Guess the finances will tell us! Hehe

[tymike]

I sailed in BA's Haven in July with a party of eight. We actually only used the Haven pools on the last night at sea at around 5:30. We had the pools and the place to ourselves as most people are out and about at that time. It was what I liked to think of as the cherry on the Breakaway sundae!

 

During the days, I saw many people in the Haven but it was never 'out of control' despite a good number of children.

 

I think you'll love it! Enjoy!

[Pookiepotpie2]

Hi All,

 

My husband and I just booked haven room on Getaway for our 10 year anniversary and we have never stayed higher than Mini Suite so we wanted to know what are some tips to make the most of the features offered in Haven.....like butler and concierge we are not sure what that entails but don't want to have missed out either. Thanks in advance.....from what I am reading here I am worried it will be hard to go back to my outside and balcony usuals lol:p

[preemiemd]

Would you say its worth it compared to a regular room?

 

Yes I do feel that the amenities in the Haven are worth an extra expense compared to non-suite accommodations. However, as mentioned by TracyE, be prepared to speak to someone if others are chronically interfering with your enjoyment of the facilities. On one of our Haven trips there was a large extended family occupying 3-4 suites in the Haven and those kids pretty much ran the show. Keep in mind that the 2 bedroom villas can sleep up to six people and when that happens in several suites the Haven can be crowded and full of kids.

[enj2012]

Hi All,

 

My husband and I just booked haven room on Getaway for our 10 year anniversary and we have never stayed higher than Mini Suite so we wanted to know what are some tips to make the most of the features offered in Haven.....like butler and concierge we are not sure what that entails but don't want to have missed out either. Thanks in advance.....from what I am reading here I am worried it will be hard to go back to my outside and balcony usuals lol:p

 

Good question!! Thanks for asking! I'm curious too!

[preemiemd]

Good question!! Thanks for asking! I'm curious too!

 

There are many,many Haven amenities to enjoy. Just do a search about Haven amenities and you will find many threads devoted to the topic.

 

Some of our favorites on our recent Breakaway trip:

- The concierge can make dinner reservations for you in any restaurant including the "main" dining rooms.

-The concierge will also escort you to the shows. Although the seats reserved for Haven guests are not the best location, it is nice not to have to go early to find a seat. For the Cirque show, the concierge will make sure you get the best seat in the house though!

-You will also have priority embarkation and disembarkation and be invited to a VIP cocktail party with the Captain.

[happy cruzin]

Hi All,

 

My husband and I just booked haven room on Getaway for our 10 year anniversary and we have never stayed higher than Mini Suite so we wanted to know what are some tips to make the most of the features offered in Haven.....like butler and concierge we are not sure what that entails but don't want to have missed out either. Thanks in advance.....from what I am reading here I am worried it will be hard to go back to my outside and balcony usuals lol:p

 

I think you are right!!

 

We've done the Haven on the Epic and Breakaway - with the Getaway booked. Definitely worth it....to us! ;) :D

Edited December 5, 2013 by happy cruzin

[esp13]

Hi All,

 

My husband and I just booked haven room on Getaway for our 10 year anniversary and we have never stayed higher than Mini Suite so we wanted to know what are some tips to make the most of the features offered in Haven.....like butler and concierge we are not sure what that entails but don't want to have missed out either. Thanks in advance.....from what I am reading here I am worried it will be hard to go back to my outside and balcony usuals lol:p

 

If you do a search, you can find lots of threads with lots of detailed information regarding the suite perks, including info on the butler and concierge. But, in brief:

 

The butler takes care of everything in your room except for the daily cleaning type things (that's the steward's job). He will bring you room service, drinks, clear out the fridge and stock your favorites (with the appropriate charges for soda and alcohol). He (or she) will bring you daily snacks, serve meals that you have ordered in the room, bring menus for the dining rooms, and -- apparently -- even unpack your bags if you so desire. The butler is not part of the DSC, so be sure to be prepared to tip him according to your own sense of fairness.

 

The concierge takes care of everything outside the room. He (or she) will make dinner reservations, show reservations (if applicable), book shore excursions, give invitations to ship cocktail parties, and the like. He will also help with the priority embarkation and disembarkation at the beginning and end of the cruise (very handy) and in any ports where a tender is being used. The concierge should also be tipped according to your own sense of fairness about the services he or she has provided.

 

While I have not stayed in a Haven suite yet, I understand that there is also a Haven maître de who will provide service in the Haven itself. I've read that they can obtain food from specialty restaurants and have it served in the Haven and things like that. But, that's not something I have independently confirmed, so take it with a grain of salt.

[happy cruzin]

If you do a search, you can find lots of threads with lots of detailed information regarding the suite perks, including info on the butler and concierge. But, in brief:

 

The butler takes care of everything in your room except for the daily cleaning type things (that's the steward's job). He will bring you room service, drinks, clear out the fridge and stock your favorites (with the appropriate charges for soda and alcohol). He (or she) will bring you daily snacks, serve meals that you have ordered in the room, bring menus for the dining rooms, and -- apparently -- even unpack your bags if you so desire. The butler is not part of the DSC, so be sure to be prepared to tip him according to your own sense of fairness.

 

The concierge takes care of everything outside the room. He (or she) will make dinner reservations, show reservations (if applicable), book shore excursions, give invitations to ship cocktail parties, and the like. He will also help with the priority embarkation and disembarkation at the beginning and end of the cruise (very handy) and in any ports where a tender is being used. The concierge should also be tipped according to your own sense of fairness about the services he or she has provided.

 

While I have not stayed in a Haven suite yet, I understand that there is also a Haven maître de who will provide service in the Haven itself. I've read that they can obtain food from specialty restaurants and have it served in the Haven and things like that. But, that's not something I have independently confirmed, so take it with a grain of salt.

All true!! ;) :D

[JuneauWhatIMean]

My husband and I are thinking of booking an aft facing corner suite in the Haven on the Breakaway in 2015. I was just curious as to what those that have stayed in the Haven thought and if it looks as awesome as it reads. Thank you for any help!

 

I do believe you've booked THE BEST Penthouse Suite category on the ship.

 

Check out this thread, (with thanks to OnTheGoMom921):

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1871807

[happy cruzin]

My husband and I are thinking of booking an aft facing corner suite in the Haven on the Breakaway in 2015. I was just curious as to what those that have stayed in the Haven thought and if it looks as awesome as it reads. Thank you for any help!

 

Here is a link to the photos I have posted out on facebook - showing our cabin on the Breakaway (9316) from September. You can see them - even if you don't have a fb account or log in.

 

 

If you have any questions - I will try to help. Enjoy!! ;) :D

Edited December 5, 2013 by happy cruzin

[happy cruzin]

I do believe you've booked THE BEST Penthouse Suite category on the ship.

Check out this thread, (with thanks to OnTheGoMom921):

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1871807

 

ABSOLUTELY....no question! ;) :D

[enj2012]

Here is a link to the photos I have posted out on facebook - showing our cabin on the Breakaway (9316) from September. You can see them - even if you don't have a fb account or log in.

 

 

If you have any questions - I will try to help. Enjoy!! ;) :D

 

YOU ARE AWESOME!!!! Thank you so much for those pictures!!!!! I just showed my husband them and all he asked was "can we live there?" All of you responders have been so awesome!!!!! I love this board. It helps so much! So we have either a 12 day in January or a 7 day in February.... Which to choose, which too choose....

 

 

Thank you all so much again. You all sold me! I should give you each a commission :)

[ckk_li]

YOU ARE AWESOME!!!! Thank you so much for those pictures!!!!! I just showed my husband them and all he asked was "can we live there?" All of you responders have been so awesome!!!!! I love this board. It helps so much! So we have either a 12 day in January or a 7 day in February.... Which to choose, which too choose....

 

 

Thank you all so much again. You all sold me! I should give you each a commission :)

 

Wow...really awesome pictures and suite. Makes me want to book the same suite.

 

I was hesitant to book the Haven at first but after having read many posts, I finally booked a 2 bedroom suite on the Epic sailing next month. Can't wait!!!! Surprise for my wife to celebrate our 10th anniversary. Have just received the luggage tags (priority) in the mail today.

[enj2012]

Wow...really awesome pictures and suite. Makes me want to book the same suite.

 

I was hesitant to book the Haven at first but after having read many posts, I finally booked a 2 bedroom suite on the Epic sailing next month. Can't wait!!!! Surprise for my wife to celebrate our 10th anniversary. Have just received the luggage tags (priority) in the mail today.

 

That's super sweet! I wish my husband did that!!

[ckk_li]

That's super sweet! I wish my husband did that!!

 

Trying to hide it as long as I could until we arrive at the port. There, she will realize we are in a different check in room.