Suite Differences NCL versus RCCL

[castle701]

We are usually RCCL cruisers, however next January the only date my Son can depart on is January 3rd which only gives us the option of the Oasis on Royal or the Getaway on NCL. Having been on the Oasis before, and not enjoying the "hugeness" of that ship, we are highly considering NCL. Our big question, is the perks on NCL which we are very interested in since we only cruised NCL one time before which means we are very low Latitudes members versus being Diamond on RCCL. If we cruise NCL in a suite, will that give us some nice perks? Is there a dedicated Concierge lounge and what deck is that on. As far as the Haven goes, what deck is best? Can I prebook our restaurants? And the last question is, if I book a suite for my husband and myself and my kids (who are 21) in a lower category, can they visit the Haven with us or is that not possible (Royal lets the kids come into the Concierge lounge) Thanks in advance!

[katyjeka]

The suite life on NCL has the best perks available on any mainstream cruiseline. The haven is a wonderful experience, making it very hard to return to a regular cabin, although we've done so many times. The bathroom in the 2 bedroom family suite is BEAUTIFUL!!!!! We love Cagney's, Blue Lagoon delivered to our room, and the ability to get off the ship without waiting in a very long line. We've been on RCL, had a nice time but our love is NCL. We are strange, but we do not like the really big ships. Yes, they have a lot of "stuff", but they also have double the people. We just feel more connected to the ocean on a smaller ship. (weird, I know) I say give the suite life a try on NCL, you won't be sorry.

[castle701]

I booked the two bedroom haven "S4" but will most likely hold the Oasis too. I agree, I really don't like really huge ships and was not at all happy when we cruised the Oasis previously. It will be a family decision ultimately... thank you for your response.

[Fishbait17]

As for your last question, most likely your children will not be permitted to join you in the Haven if they are not booked in a suite, especially if they are old enough to be booked in a cabin alone (the two bedroom suites are great for bringing along kids of all ages!). The Haven, especially on the new ships, is not like a lounge, but more an entirely different experience from private priority boarding to escorted disembarkation, with private pools, hot tubs, sun decks, dining room, bar, etc. You would, however, be permitted to escort/entertain them in your suite, just not in Haven areas. While not 100% sure about the Getaway (which is actually sailing it's first cruises this week), you would be permitted to invite them to join you for dinner for a limited number of times in the Haven restaurant for a fee. You could dine with them outside the Haven at any time. While some people don't mind splitting their family between Haven and non-Haven, it becomes more difficult on the larger ships and I wouldn't do it with a nuclear family myself (we book our children in their own suites so the are no issues).

 

Robin

Edited January 14, 2014 by Fishbait17

[DMH15]

As for your last question, most likely your children will not be permitted to join you in the Haven if they are not booked in a suite, especially if they are old enough to be booked in a cabin alone (the two bedroom suites are great for bringing along kids of all ages!). The Haven, especially on the new ships, is not like a lounge, but more an entirely different experience from private priority boarding to escorted disembarkation, with private pools, hot tubs, sun decks, dining room, bar, etc. You would, however, be permitted to escort/entertain them in your suite, just not in Haven areas. While not 100% sure about the Getaway (which is actually sailing it's first cruises this week), you would be permitted to invite them to join you for dinner for a limited number of times in the Haven restaurant for a fee. You could dine with them outside the Haven at any time. While some people don't mind splitting their family between Haven and non-Haven, it becomes more difficult on the larger ships and I wouldn't do it with a nuclear family myself (we book our children in their own suites so the are no issues).

 

Robin

 

It appears they booked a family suite. Good decision. As I agree with Robin's points.

 

 

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[DCP]

Someone correct me if I am wrong here, but the concierge lounge on NCL is not what it is on RCCL. (you do not get free alcohol, snacks, etc.) It is just a place where you can go and see the concierge.

[OurDogCisco]

Sorry to hijack this thread but I was wondering if one of the suite perks is advance reservations in the specialty restaurants? If yes, when are we allowed to make the advance reservations? Thanks!

[garycarla]

Someone correct me if I am wrong here, but the concierge lounge on NCL is not what it is on RCCL. (you do not get free alcohol, snacks, etc.) It is just a place where you can go and see the concierge.

 

Actually, the Haven area is pretty much just a private area for folks to hang out. No treats other than maybe coffee in the morning. The concierge does not hang out there.

 

To us the #1 perk is breakfast and lunch at Cagneys. You can NOT take non-suite guests there. Your non-suite guests can visit your suite anytime you like.

[Fishbait17]

Sorry to hijack this thread but I was wondering if one of the suite perks is advance reservations in the specialty restaurants? If yes, when are we allowed to make the advance reservations? Thanks!

 

Suite passengers can make reservations 55 days in advance by contacting the Pre-Cruise Concierge Desk.. Non-suite passengers can make reservations 45 days in advance online (as can suite passengers).

 

Robin

[OurDogCisco]

Suite passengers can make reservations 55 days in advance by contacting the Pre-Cruise Concierge Desk.. Non-suite passengers can make reservations 45 days in advance online (as can suite passengers).

 

 

 

Robin

 

 

Thank you for the information. I'm not quite at 55 days yet.