What is there for kids to do in the Haven common areas?

[luv2sleep]

Debbie, so there are freely accessible video games in the clubs, right? It would be my only chance for a 1-2 he break per day. If there were no games he might not go.

[boydsoftexas]

Our family of six sailed on the Jewel and stayed in the Haven for Thanksgiving. Only my 15 yr old dd liked the teen club. The others stayed in the room or the Haven area. All the kids were well behaved on our cruise. There were games in the lounge area. They played cards and monopoly. Our butler brought movies to our suite. It was the best QUIET and relaxing vacation ever. There was also a tv in the haven lounge. You will love all that the haven has to offer.

[DrNora]

We kept going back. Not skeptics going back. Oh!

[silvercrikhix]

Great info everyone! Thank you!

 

Debbie, thanks for the detail! I hope the social aspect for him get better as he gets older. I wish we had cruise buddies. Hard to find other single moms who can afford it. I can't homeschool so I have to travel for the most part during peak season. So great that you've got that set up! :)

 

Our youngest son is an Aspie and has greatly improved his social skills over the years.

He is almost 22 now and his social skills are so much better than when he was younger.

The past 4-5 years he has really blossomed.

His big boost of self-confidence, by being "adopted" by his HS football team, (al a "Radio" style) really helped his confidence.

This acceptance shot him into school wide recognition and popularity.

 

He is still with them every season and is looking to move up into an asst coach in the future, after some college courses in Coach Certification.

I never dreamed he could improve so much.

I am so grateful to the team who changed his life.

Everyone will have a different experience, of course, but wanted to share with you, how bright the future can be.

I really wondered & worried a lot when my son was younger.

[luv2sleep]

Silver....that's great to hear!

 

So are the regular pools just maddening or something? Or is there just no adult pool on the ship aside from the spa? Wondering why people prefer quiet in this area. The Disney ships have quiet pools outside of the spa along with a quiet cafe so there's plenty of adult quiet space. The rest of the pool areas there aren't bad though. I've never even had to utilize the adult quiet pool areas on a Disney ship.

[heakja]

I think many suite customers want the Haven to be to what NCL advertises it as, which does happen to be peaceful and relaxing.

 

http://thehaven.ncl.com/courtyard/#overview

 

I'm really tired of the implication that I'm the one being unreasonable for booking a "haven" experience when I'm looking for a tranquil vacation instead of being thrilled to listen to screaming brats...I mean... precious darlings.

 

Oh my, had not seen that advertisment before. They should probably tone that "tranquility"-pitch down a bit.

Edited March 30, 2014 by heakja

[xriva]

I think many suite customers want the Haven to be to what NCL advertises it as, which does happen to be peaceful and relaxing.

 

http://thehaven.ncl.com/courtyard/#overview

 

I'm really tired of the implication that I'm the one being unreasonable for booking a "haven" experience when I'm looking for a tranquil vacation instead of being thrilled to listen to screaming brats...I mean... precious darlings.

 

 

I would agree. While the suites are large, I didn't immediately think "family" when I saw the descriptions, I thought "older couple with discretionary income, avoiding the riff-raff." Since we are usually in a balcony, we are usually part of the riff-raff.

 

We have been in the Haven once (upgrade fairy on the Breakaway TA), and there was a mix of couples and families, but the children never got in the way. However, TAs are not known as family cruises, apparently. The reason I told my wife to spend the money was because of the amenities - butler, concierge - that I thought would be useful on a no-ports cruise. (They were.)

 

So, while I can see the possible economics of putting a family in the Haven, I didn't think that was the design. (As in, we met a family of four on one cruise that stayed in an inside cabin. Four grown adults. They didn't see the point in spending money on something they only slept in.)

 

We're doing the Epic TA next month, and we're in the Haven again, because my Mom is going with us and it seemed to make more sense to get a two-bedroom suite than two balcony rooms. It might be fiscally more sensible to make other arrangements, but Mom would be solo, so it's easier to find a cabin that accommodates three with some level of privacy (separate rooms.)

 

I will try to keep Mom from jumping in the pool, but you know what 79-year olds are like.

[hencoll]

So I'm confused. Is it supposed to be an adult only quiet area? Or is it billed as a family area? If it's advertised as a family area and joy adults only quiet then quiet is definitely not a realistic expectation. Kids can't he quiet. How confusing. Disney has adult areas that are strictly adult and they are quiet. Kids are escorted out.

 

I consider the Haven family friendly. I didn't say anything about expecting kids to be quiet. We only sail the Haven with our 3 daughters 18-11. My post was in reference to what is done when kids get out of hand. We were on a spring break cruise and almost every two bedroom Haven suite was full of families including our family of 5. My two youngest enjoyed the Haven pool until one almost got hit in the head by kids tossing other kids into the pool. Diving from the sides of the hot tubs is against the rules but some were doing it.. The Marco Polo game I mentioned was not your everyday game, it was few obnoxious pre-teens yelling out as loud as possible. This was our 3 rd cruise on the Epic in the Haven and it's the first time we saw such out of control behavior. I'm sure it's the nature of spring break but it should have been addressed by the concierge and it wasn't.

[djmess]

Debbie, so there are freely accessible video games in the clubs, right? It would be my only chance for a 1-2 he break per day. If there were no games he might not go.

 

I think it depends on the ship as to how "freely accessible" the video games are.

 

I also think it depends on the dynamic of the club (kids in attendance and the counselors) During the Free Play time, kids can definitely use the video games. Other times they tend to have activities (generally less than an hour in length)

 

You may want to contact the special needs department of NCL, just so it is noted about your son. Then when you go to the club upon boarding, maybe ask to speak with the Club director about your son and what works best for him. I've always had great conversations with the counselors and always make it a point to meet the head person. We've cruised almost exclusively with NCL for the last 5-6 years. The cruise value (generally inside cabins) and perks I receive for Platinum have just always made it work for us and enabled us to cruise a bit more often.

 

I am lucky that I can travel at off times. The joys of being a former school teacher and now being self employed.

 

I'm taking this year off of cruising as I receive treatments for breast cancer, but I have now already scheduled 3 cruises for 2015. So I'm playing a lot here on CC and dreaming of being cancer free and celebrating life in 2015

[DrNora]

Great info everyone! Thank you!

 

Debbie, thanks for the detail! I hope the social aspect for him get better as he gets older. I wish we had cruise buddies. Hard to find other single moms who can afford it. I can't homeschool so I have to travel for the most part during peak season. So great that you've got that set up! :)

l

 

Luv2sleep....

 

I know many single moms and dads with autistic/ spectrum children that are in the same boat when it comes to travel. ( no pun intended) Does any one here on CC know if are there any travel buddy/ cruise buddy groups for ladies like luv2sleep out there? You may be on to a great idea...there used to be group in the Phoenix area ....

[NLH Arizona]

So I'm confused. Is it supposed to be an adult only quiet area? Or is it billed as a family area? If it's advertised as a family area and joy adults only quiet then quiet is definitely not a realistic expectation. Kids can't he quiet. How confusing. Disney has adult areas that are strictly adult and they are quiet. Kids are escorted out.

If I were you, I would call NCL and get the answer to your question. You'll find many answers on here with different opinions.

[djmess]

 

l

 

Luv2sleep....

 

I know many single moms and dads with autistic/ spectrum children that are in the same boat when it comes to travel. ( no pun intended) Does any one here on CC know if are there any travel buddy/ cruise buddy groups for ladies like luv2sleep out there? You may be on to a great idea...there used to be group in the Phoenix area ....

 

Luv2sleep and DrNora, great idea about looking into travel and cruise buddy type groups. I'm fortunate with the homeschooling aspect and have met people on the off times that also homeschool. One family in particular that we love so much that I have crashed their family cruise one year and then the Mom and I took advantage of the kids sail free program and she left her hubby at home while the moms and sons cruised.

 

Another good place to go is the family board here on CC, I'm sure others on that board may be able to offer suggestions.

[AjBren2]

Why would one not think that staterooms billed as Two Bedroom FAMILY Villas not be intended for family use? Our cruise on the Gem will be our first cruise ever. It will also be our first Haven experience. I have 2 boys that will be with my DW and myself. I consider my boys very well behaved. But THEY ARE KIDS! From everything that I have read on NCL and in speaking with the pre-cruise concierge, there is no limitations on children's access to the Haven common areas and no special rules targeted towards children. I have been on many vacations (before and after the arrival of our kids) and I can honestly say that I have seen more disruptions and and more rudeness from adults then from kids. To me, kids having fun and playing and being a bit silly, without being offensive or destructive or breaking rules in common areas of the Haven should be no issue to anyone. I guess when you get right down to it, everyone, regardless of age, should try to be courteous to fellow passengers, again regardless of their age. One of the biggest discourtesies I see in the responses is intolerance. We were all young. We were all loud. We were all an annoyance to someone somewhere. While I do not condone offensive or destructive behavior by anyone, I do think it is perfectly acceptable to let kids be kids, Regardless of what the grumpy old folks say!

[isdoo]

From our experience this week in the Haven on the Epic, absolutely nothing. The concierge David, did nothing when kids were using the sides of the hot tubs as their diving board into the Haven pool, throwing each other in and loud games of Marco Polo.

 

That is disappointing, considering you complained and he did nothing. Not sure what Marco Polo is though.

 

the haven website says of the courtyard

 

As a guest of The Haven, you'll have exclusive access to the Courtyard. This private enclave at the top of the ship has quiet places to dine, drink and relax, and an expertly trained staff to attend to your every need. Take a swim in a private pool, work out in a private fitness area and soak your tired muscles in a private hot tub. Order from a special Courtyard menu and spend your tranquil days at sea enjoying the luxury of complete privacy and personal service.

 

certainly your experience, does not sound as if he ensure that it has quiet places to relax and for you to enjoy tranquil time at sea.

[SissasMomE]

What is there for kids to do in the Haven common areas? Are there toys, games, movies, etc. For the kids to do while their parents hang out? Or do people put their kids in the clubs and then go hang out there? I'll be traveling solo with my son and was wondering if I'd even have an opportunity to use the area.

 

It's supposed to be a quiet, peaceful "haven". I would think young kids would prefer to be on the main pool deck!

[isdoo]

I know it's supposed to be peaceful and relaxing, and you certainly aren't being unreasonable. That was the point I was making that it IS supposed to be like that, yet NCL puts large, family suites there so it attracts families with multiple kids.

 

The Haven common areas are clearly not, but many of the Haven suites clearly are.

 

I agree that there are family suites there, and nobody is saying that children can't be in the courtyard, however there are other pools to fool around in.

 

I have teenagers of my own, so am not 'old', but I also like to have some relaxation.

 

Hopefully our cruises will not have lots of kids in the Haven, but if they do I hope they will be well behaved, just as I expect the adults to be.

[SissasMomE]

I think many suite customers want the Haven to be to what NCL advertises it as, which does happen to be peaceful and relaxing.

 

http://thehaven.ncl.com/courtyard/#overview

 

I'm really tired of the implication that I'm the one being unreasonable for booking a "haven" experience when I'm looking for a tranquil vacation instead of being thrilled to listen to screaming brats...I mean... precious darlings.

 

I think those of us with kids (me), who are spending the money for the haven (also me) and have raised our kids the right way (again me) resent those that allow their kids to yell, scream, and act like baboons. I'm not talking about kids playing in a pool being kids. There is nothing wrong with that at all. I am talking about inconsiderate, rude kids who jump into hot tubs, splash around in hot tubs, and have no regard for others around them. They really are not to blame - it's the parents fault.

[meatball_nyc]

That is disappointing, considering you complained and he did nothing. Not sure what Marco Polo is though.

 

 

 

Marco Polo is a game kids play in a pool. It's like a tag you're it game. One kid closes their eyes and yells "Marco". The others yell back "Polo" while trying not to be tagged by the kid whose eyes are closed.

 

 

~Robin

Norwegian Breakaway July 2014

Carnival Miracle 2010

Carnival Legend 2006

[SissasMomE]

He's 7. We've been traveling together often also! Glad to see another single mom cruiser! :) He's not very social in new situations. He has high functioning autism and anxiety. He's great with long time friends. We've only done Disney so far. He likes to play video games in the clubs and socializes with other kids through those. Since I know that's all he'll do I don't leave him in there all day. I won't worry about the Haven. Sounds like there's tons to do on NCL. since you've cruised a lot do all of the NCL ships have the sane amount of around the ship fun stuff to do?

 

There's nothing wrong with bringing him to the pool with you in the haven!! Mine is 17 now, and we booked the haven. It really had no use to me before this, when she'd much rather be on the main deck, with water slides and in the middle of it all. Honestly - I'd rather be on the main deck in the middle of it all as well ;) When people complain about kids, they are really complaining about the undisciplined, entitled, spoiled little snotty nosed brats. Not all kids are like that!!

[SissasMomE]

Are there signs that say "Quiet Area"? If not and it's a family area and family pool I can't understand why kids would need to be quiet. I have not been on BCL yet but if there's no rule about it being Quiet or Adult Only then it's family and everything goes. I can see why the staff won't do anything. There's nothing to enforce.

 

Kids jumping from a hot tub into a pool is nothing to enforce? :eek: I would never allow my kid to do that. Never. The first time would have been the last.

[isdoo]

I think those of us with kids (me), who are spending the money for the haven (also me) and have raised our kids the right way (again me) resent those that allow their kids to yell, scream, and act like baboons. I'm not talking about kids playing in a pool being kids. There is nothing wrong with that at all. I am talking about inconsiderate, rude kids who jump into hot tubs, splash around in hot tubs, and have no regard for others around them. They really are not to blame - it's the parents fault.

 

Agree - although what is just as worrying is that the concierge did not do anything when a complaint was made to what a passenger considered rowdy and disruptive behaviour.

[52marv]

Hi Luv2sleep,

 

I just got off the Getaway yesterday, March 29, 2014 during Spring Break, after having spent the week in a 2 Bedroom Haven Family suite with my very quiet 13 yr old and my BOISTEROUS ADHD 15 yr old. It was their 10th cruise and they both know to abide by our family rule "DO NOT BOTHER THE OTHER CRUISERS".

 

This was our best cruise ever, according to both kids. The Haven was full of kids from infants to teens and I did not see any inappropriate, loud or annoying behavior all week. However, I'm a mom, and I have a high tolerance, so what doesn't bother me, may well annoy other cruisers. There seemed to be a lot of multi-generational families in the Haven. There were several kids in the 2-6 year old range who stayed in the pool and hot tubs all week and played with pool toys they brought themselves, but they were well behaved and didn't seem to bother anyone, in fact most people in the Haven adopted them and thought they were adorable. There were a some 7-10 year olds who played for a bit in the Haven, but seemed to leave on a regular basis for a few hours and come back wet, so I'm assuming they were on the sports deck using the kids pool and slides (which are amazing). There were a ton of teens, some hung out in the Haven, getting sun and listening to music on headphones, most seemed to be out on the ship having fun like my son. I saw many games of Marco Polo, and there was a bit of jumping in the pool. The parents stopped the pool jumping right away for safety reasons and no one seemed bothered by Marco Polo. I stayed in the Haven most of the time because it is wonderfully relaxing and I never heard grumbling or saw anyone who seemed annoyed or upset. Keep in mind the Haven sun deck has two floors and four separate areas so if you want quiet you can get it, easily. Most of the people by the pool were families. Most of the quiet people like myself were on the upper deck, mostly because you can see the ocean from there. I ate breakfast and lunch by the pool every day and found the kids charming. Everyone seemed to get along well and everyone was nice to everyone else.

 

My son spent all his time in the teen club and rarely used the Haven except to eat 3 meals during the entire week. He reports that there are lots of video games (Wii, Xbox, Playstation) and fun structured activities, but that the teens tend not to use them, and create their own social activities. He also used the arcade, but the games are somewhat expensive ($1.50-$5.00 per game), so he only spent $2-3 per day there. My daughter never left my side and loved lounging in the Haven all day during Sea Days and was doted upon by the outstanding staff who kept up a steady supply of smoothies, cookies, fresh fruit and juices: she's spoiled for regular life.

 

As to your specific situation, there was a family with three boys who looked to be between 6-13. The middle boy seemed to have sensory issues of some sort. At breakfast, his mom and dad explained to the Haven staff that they wanted him to speak directly to the staff and asked the staff to wait for him, instead of trying to interpret what he wanted. I was very impressed by the Haven staff and their care for this young boy and for giving him time to be himself and get the courage to ask for things and make eye contact. He seemed to have a good cruise and even though he had a rough time or two, he wasn't bothering other cruisers and other cruisers let him be himself without making him self conscious.

 

Your 7 year old will be fine in the Haven and probably enjoy it a great deal. Bring your own blow up pool toys for him and your own video games. The Haven staff is wonderful with kids and adults alike. My daughter has severe allergies and by the end of the first day, every one we came across knew what not to bring to our table and was going out of their way to bring her substitutes they thought she'd enjoy.

 

I second the previous poster who said to contact the ship ahead of time with your son's preferences. I did that for my daughter's allergy situation and the Haven staff was prepared well for her. She loved them and they were so good with her. Make use of the Haven's Pre concierge email. I made all sorts of requests ahead of time and it was great. For instance I requested, via email, gummi bears and chocolate chip cookies to be in the room when we arrived and they brought them every day after that as well. Horrible for the teeth, but the kids loved it! I also asked them to deliver lobster to the room at 5:00 pm so we wouldn't have to fight the buffet line and I thought my son would die from happiness when the butler showed up with two plates full of lobster. Our butler also made sure, on his own, that we had sandwiches and fresh fruit every afternoon at 4:00pm. When he noticed we always ate the bananas and grapes, he included more of those and none of the fruit we didn't eat.

 

Contact the Kids Club Staff ahead of time as well. They will call you if he's having a difficult time and ask you to come get him. You can also get him a cheap cell phone and download NCL's iconcierge app so he can text you if he wants to leave. It's $7.95 per phone to download and allows you to call or text other people on the boat at no additional cost. We used it all week.

 

If your son wants to do activities outside the Haven, you will find the Sports and Pool complex fun, if loud and crowded. I've served my time by the kids pool :) but with headphones and classical music I find it easy to relax there. The Atrium had lots of kids activities with Nickelodeon, if he's into it. There is so much to see and do for a 7 year old. If you want a quiet space, the Library is a good spot.

 

Have a wonderful vacation and relax, he'll have a great time!

[SissasMomE]

The Haven is for families no matter what anyone tries to sell you. The 2br suites are billed as ( or used to be) asa perfect second bedroom for the children.

But that does not give anyone carte blanche to take over, annoy , a fool or act in a disruptive fashion. To some, a. Children's game of Marco Polo is an atrocity. Mine were asked by grumpy old man to play it without speaking. I kid you not.

I had them compromise and they whispered, and g.o.m. Still complained. They were whispering too loudly! So, to some, even well-well behaved children are despised, as the cherished Haven is only for those traveling sans-a-kid. Makes me wonder what the pull down bunks are for- can't pictures my 85 year old mom up ther....

 

I digress.

To others, throwing chairs in the hot tubs in no big deal. We have been with this family.

 

 

Our experiences are all on the Jewel class. Three times it was semi-peaceful, twice it was overrun with teens and once- yikes!,,,Except for breakfast time, the courtyard area would be taken over by the multiple kids in the Garden Villas.Never were these children or their parents taken to task except when i got annoyed at them throwing chocolate chip cookies in the pool and we had a lesson in manners.

 

Think I scared the crap out of them- and then mom trotted out in her high - heeled flip-flops and tried to give me a piece of her " I am in the Garden Villa -how dare you speak to my babies" mind. I did not accept that piece and offered her a plate of the cookie smush that I made her little cherubs clean out of the pool. These kids were 13-15 years old- not 4.

Other suites reported them to the concierge- nothing happened.

 

While the cookie monsters were the worst offenders that we encountered, the Haven was never really peaceful except in the morning for breakfast , which we loved and enjoyed each day, and

In the late afternoon. My husband is much better at ignoring it- something to do with he stays out of the sun and wears. Noise canceling headphones!

 

But even with the take-over on some trips we preferred the area to the big pool

 

I hope that on the getaway size ships that the monster type children will be out on the slides and ropes

On our last trip, my 3 kids met a boy with autism ( non-verbal) and they really took to each other . They played in the haven pool and shared gameboy things- and went off to a quiet corner when needed.

I am sure you will f

Have a great time-even after the cookie kids, we skeptics going back!

Sorry about the th

Typing. I hate this ipad!

 

Those are exactly the baboon type children I was referring to. Trash with money is the worst kind of trash. They think they can do whatever they want. I'm sorry you had that happen. That must not have been fun at all.

 

As for the GOM - that's the other end of the problem. Either they are nasty grumpy old people who hate kids (kids are going to laugh and play - and they should!!) or they are entitled brats who run free. It's a no win situation!

[isdoo]

Are there signs that say "Quiet Area"? If not and it's a family area and family pool I can't understand why kids would need to be quiet. I have not been on BCL yet but if there's no rule about it being Quiet or Adult Only then it's family and everything goes. I can see why the staff won't do anything. There's nothing to enforce.

 

So I can sunbathe nude then?

 

Doesn't say I can't on your statement.

 

The agreement that all passengers make is that they will behave on the ship. 'Everything goes' as you say could easily be a breach of that agreement, as is me sunbathing nude!! (not that I would LOL)

 

Oh and it is NCL ;)

[SissasMomE]

Agree - although what is just as worrying is that the concierge did not do anything when a complaint was made to what a passenger considered rowdy and disruptive behaviour.

 

I completely agree. The problem with entitled kids stems from entitled parents. It's a no-win situation for the concierge. Can you see mommy and daddy in a tiff because junior was told no?! I bet they are afraid to enforce the rules.