Ouch! Wow those Haven prices are high

[david_sobe]

I was flirting with the idea of booking a late 2016 or 2017 cruise with NCL but after last night's pricing I am looking at other options. I know Del Rio is adding all these extras that have really jacked up the prices. But let me be specific and give examples how outrageous the Haven prices are.

 

In 2010 I sailed Epic during Christmas week during her inaugural year (key words for high price is Christmas week and inaugural year for new ship). I paid $7000 for a Haven penthouse suite :eek:

 

In 2013 I booked a 2 bedroom Haven Suite on Epic for $5000.

 

7 years after Epic's debut: February 2017 non peak week the price for the same tiny penthouse suite is exactly the same $7000. I would have to drive to Port Canaveral and pay for parking too. I only priced the slowest and cheapest week in February. It would be over $7000 for any other week. Its the same price as the Christmas week inaugural year. :eek:

 

I priced the Escape for 2017 and Getaway. The same forward suite that I sailed in February 2015 is $1600 more 2 years later.

 

With these prices I don't think I will ever be in the Haven again and will try other lines. But just for fun I priced one of the most exclusive resorts on St John. For a one bedroom full frontal ocean view on St John with private beach access is about $3500 for the full week for 2. If you include airfare its still about half the price as the cheapest suite on Getaway or Escape :eek:.

Edited September 27, 2015 by david_sobe

[sjbdtz]

I was flirting with the idea of booking a late 2016 or 2017 cruise with NCL but after last night's pricing I am looking at other options. I know Del Rio is adding all these extras that have really jacked up the prices. But let me be specific and give examples how outrageous the Haven prices are.

 

In 2010 I sailed Epic during Christmas week during her inaugural year (key words for high price is Christmas week and inaugural year for new ship). I paid $7000 for a Haven penthouse suite :eek:

 

In 2013 I booked a 2 bedroom Haven Suite on Epic for $5000.

 

7 years after Epic's debut: February 2017 non peak week the price for the same tiny penthouse suite is exactly the same $7000. I would have to drive to Port Canaveral and pay for parking too. I only priced the slowest and cheapest week in February. It would be over $7000 for any other week. Its the same price as the Christmas week inaugural year. :eek:

 

I priced the Escape for 2017 and Getaway. The same forward suite that I sailed in February 2015 is $1600 more 2 years later.

 

With these prices I don't think I will ever be in the Haven again and will try other lines. But just for fun I priced one of the most exclusive resorts on St John. For a one bedroom full frontal ocean view on St John with private beach access is about $3500 for the full week for 2. If you include airfare its still about half the price as the cheapest suite on Getaway or Escape :eek:.

 

I'm not sure how you got the $7k in 2013, and the $5k after.....those are typically $9 - $11k cabins.

 

The 2 bdrm PH is usually in the $4700 - $5500 range Per Person.

 

 

It could be that you benefited from a Single Occupancy rate on those earlier weeks, but that the promotion isn't available now, so you're paying 2 x the rate?

 

 

.

[js]

I was flirting with the idea of booking a late 2016 or 2017 cruise with NCL but after last night's pricing I am looking at other options. I know Del Rio is adding all these extras that have really jacked up the prices. But let me be specific and give examples how outrageous the Haven prices are.

 

 

 

In 2010 I sailed Epic during Christmas week during her inaugural year (key words for high price is Christmas week and inaugural year for new ship). I paid $7000 for a Haven penthouse suite :eek:

 

 

 

In 2013 I booked a 2 bedroom Haven Suite on Epic for $5000.

 

 

 

7 years after Epic's debut: February 2017 non peak week the price for the same tiny penthouse suite is exactly the same $7000. I would have to drive to Port Canaveral and pay for parking too. I only priced the slowest and cheapest week in February. It would be over $7000 for any other week. Its the same price as the Christmas week inaugural year. :eek:

 

 

 

I priced the Escape for 2017 and Getaway. The same forward suite that I sailed in February 2015 is $1600 more 2 years later.

 

 

 

With these prices I don't think I will ever be in the Haven again and will try other lines. But just for fun I priced one of the most exclusive resorts on St John. For a one bedroom full frontal ocean view on St John with private beach access is about $3500 for the full week for 2. If you include airfare its still about half the price as the cheapest suite on Getaway or Escape :eek:.

 

 

Haven prices are very high. We are sailing in Haven in Breakaway again in August but after that Im not sure when I can do that again with my family. We sail different lines and almost canceled but we booked so long ago, have all the perks of UBP, UDP and with my kids graduating HS and college decided to have a home party for them instreaf of out so we could experience the Haven one more time while we can lol

 

Remember in St John you would also need to purchase food and deink and pay for any entertainment for two but that extra week sounds wonderful lol

[littlelulu01]

I agree. Our 2 bedroom haven on the Pearl Alaska was considerably less in 2013. I remember getting something like $200-$300 obc and that was it. It was just fine with me though. We do pay for the lumped in perks. Sure would be nice if they offered two different structured prices like HAL. When my NCL Haven cruise was canceled I came very close to rebooking on the Koningsdam . Their structure was x $ for whatever room and obc or add the beverage package and pay more but get a little more obc and a little better room location. At least this way you have the option to take it or if not going to use it not have to pay for it.

 

It seems to be working for NCL though because I don't see those rooms getting any regular or serious discounts any longer. I do see more accounts of people upgrading to a suite for very little on sailings where suites are not selling. Trouble is trying to figure out what sailings won't sell out the suites.

 

On my recent Jade cruise the gave away suites as bingo prizes. One week it was the grand villa. The other week I think it was a two bedroom. We played for the grand villa. I figure they more than made the $ on bingo sales to cover what they wanted for the grand villa and it was fun to see a family win it for $69. I'd much rather see that vs know that I paid three times what the guy next to me got for a last min upgrade. Sure he may not have my UBP and included gratuities but since I don't drink, still have to pay for a water bottle or speciality coffee, why do I care if I got UBP for "free".

[wilmingtech]

For us (a family of 6) the Haven was a pretty good deal for us. Last year we had a family oceanview on RCIs Freedom OTS and it was 5400.00 before tips.

 

This year we priced a cruise in the same week with NCL and it was 4800.00 for a Suite and 5800.00 for the Haven. That's pretty darn cheap for us. Getting a room for 6 is tough enough but getting it as a suite cheaper than 2 rooms is a deal. And on top of that we get all the extras instead of just one.

 

I think the bump in price is to cover the free additional guests. If you are only 2 persons it probably wouldn't be such a deal. That same Haven suite without the kids would have been 5200.00 for just the wife and I.

 

-Sean

[mistertoaster]

I booked a four person H7 on the Escape for $5,200. This included both the unlimited drink and dining package and a $350 on board credit. I did book well in advance and during a family booking promotion. Over the years, I have found the rooms not in the Haven but with Haven access offer the best deals.

[Son of a son of a ...]

We got a 2 BR Haven on Epic in May 2016 for $1,500 pp with a whole bunch of extras. The biggest cost saver was the 3rd & 4th guest free promo. We also booked 14 months in advance.

[luvtheships]

I only book insides....or possibly an ov

 

We cruise often and will only pay rock bottom prices which allows for several incredible vacations per year including very long European jaunts and extra long Carib cruises

 

Keep the haven.....I'll take the insides

 

 

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[2015cruisenewbie]

We just got back from our first cruise (Breakaway to Bermuda) and stayed in the Haven 16722. The family villa (H4) was cheaper than booking 2 other rooms especially considering that 3rd and 4th person in our room were free.

 

Being escorted past the throng waiting to check in/ embark, having a reserved elevator back to the Haven after the disaster drill, escort and reserved seating at the shows, and escort disembarking past the lines waiting for customs more that paid for staying in the Haven. For me, the highlight was soaking in the bathtub complete with lavender bath salts and huge picture window looking at the sunset after a long day walking the decks.

 

Additionally, the Haven pool, hot tubs, and sauna were never crowded, sometimes we were the only ones there and we never had trouble finding a deck chair. The dining room staff knew our preferences, as did the bartenders.

 

We enjoyed cruising and will simply do it less often so we can stay in the Haven whenever we go. Yes it was expensive but we had a totally different cruise than the folks crammed 15 into 8 person hot tubs and dealing with mile long lines at the buffet.

 

NCL Breakaway 16722 Bermuda 9/27/15 - 10/4/15

[navybankerteacher]

It does seem that NCL is leading today's cruise lines back to the class systems prevailing on early twentieth century trans-Atlantic lines: comfortable, roomy accomodations and better food for those who can pay, and crowded steerage accomodations for the masses - fed basicly nourishing but unremarkable food.

 

I, for one, will miss the one-class service which largely existed on cruise ships until about ten years ago.

[kpjb]

Somehow I don't think the early 20th century steerage passengers had balconies, broadway style shows, seven different dining options, waterslides, hot tubs, and a mini golf course. :rolleyes:

 

BTW, a first class suite on the Titanic cost $4300. That's $50,000 in today's dollars. Haven's not so expensive now, is it? :)

[TraJon9]

It does seem that NCL is leading today's cruise lines back to the class systems prevailing on early twentieth century trans-Atlantic lines: comfortable, roomy accomodations and better food for those who can pay, and crowded steerage accomodations for the masses - fed basicly nourishing but unremarkable food.

 

I, for one, will miss the one-class service which largely existed on cruise ships until about ten years ago.

 

I don't feel this way at all.. We travel as a couple so we have 2 in a balcony room. We get Vibe passes. Cabana is at 300 with 100 used as OBC. If the weather was bad we would do the spa. We get the 5 night dining package at 200. And we get the free drink package with a balcony room.. Now that is far from slumming it.. The haven for 2 is just not a great deal, but there is plenty of other nice things to be had. We can do all of this for 2500 to 3000

[jobey]

I only book insides....or possibly an ov

 

We cruise often and will only pay rock bottom prices which allows for several incredible vacations per year including very long European jaunts and extra long Carib cruises

 

Keep the haven.....I'll take the insides

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

I'm with you. For us, paying several thousands for a cabin is just not possible. I booked an OV just to get the UBP, cause I'm ch...er...frugal. :D

[wilmingtech]

It does seem that NCL is leading today's cruise lines back to the class systems prevailing on early twentieth century trans-Atlantic lines: comfortable, roomy accomodations and better food for those who can pay, and crowded steerage accomodations for the masses - fed basicly nourishing but unremarkable food.

 

I, for one, will miss the one-class service which largely existed on cruise ships until about ten years ago.

 

I largely disagree with this. There are still "oneclass" cruiselines....Regent, Crystal, Silverseas....

 

Its nice to have options. Even if there was no haven area there would still be balconies vs insides vs suites.

 

In addition, I think you'd be hard pressed to point out who the "havenites" are onboard a ship. Its not like they are being paraded around in fancy outfits looking down on a "lesser" class. If you had no idea what the Haven was you'd probably never even know it was there.

 

-Sean

[Elainemh]

David, I agree with you regarding Haven prices. We did the forward penthouse

on Breakaway in 2013 for $4100. I loved the Haven, but like you not sure

due to current pricing if we can ever stay in the Haven again.

We have a suite booked on the Star for 3 for $4200. Doing the same cruise

on the Getaway in a suite was over $6000 for 2 with 3&4 passenger free.

We have stayed in the same suite before on the Star and had a great time,

but I would love someday to be able to do The Haven again.

[LrgPizza]

It does seem that NCL is leading today's cruise lines back to the class systems prevailing on early twentieth century trans-Atlantic lines: comfortable, roomy accomodations and better food for those who can pay, and crowded steerage accomodations for the masses - fed basicly nourishing but unremarkable food.

 

 

 

I, for one, will miss the one-class service which largely existed on cruise ships until about ten years ago.

 

 

I don't agree with this. There is a misconception that if someone isn't in the Haven, they can't afford it. That's simply not true. There are lots of people for whom the Haven doesn't appeal for a variety of reasons.

 

However, there are plenty of Haven guests who consider themselves to be above everyone else, and you can spot them on this forum, but especially on the ship. It's important to their self worth to be sure as many people as possible know they are in the Haven. These folks are in the minority, thankfully.

[perditax]

Somehow I don't think the early 20th century steerage passengers had balconies, broadway style shows, seven different dining options, waterslides, hot tubs, and a mini golf course. :rolleyes:

 

 

 

BTW, a first class suite on the Titanic cost $4300. That's $50,000 in today's dollars. Haven's not so expensive now, is it? :)

 

 

There really should be a CC drinking game where you have to do a shot every time someone darkly mutters "steerage".

[LrgPizza]

There really should be a CC drinking game where you have to do a shot every time someone darkly mutters "steerage".

 

[maywell]

It does seem that NCL is leading today's cruise lines back to the class systems prevailing on early twentieth century trans-Atlantic lines: comfortable, roomy accomodations and better food for those who can pay, and crowded steerage accomodations for the masses - fed basicly nourishing but unremarkable food.

 

I, for one, will miss the one-class service which largely existed on cruise ships until about ten years ago.

 

Let's see - $10k for one week in a Haven ~or ~ $10k for 8-10 separate weeks in an regular inside or oceanviews. No offense, I rather be humble and sleep in inside that let's me cruise more in a one year than be 'spoiled' by a Haven / suite that let's me go once every 5 years.

 

 

Especially when humble has complimentary Broadway shows & activities, free dining, free access to the sundecks/pools, free gym access, etc pretty much whatever included in the basic fare on NCL. Not to mention paying less for DSC and not having to tip out hundred(s) to a Butler and concierge. Haven still has to walk out the cocoon to go see and experience stuff especially that that not covered in the fare like specialty dining and spa that 'steerage' has same access to anyway - so yeah, it's all about what cabin you feel like paying for. *smirk*

 

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Edited October 17, 2015 by maywell

[Jane Don]

I don't agree with this. There is a misconception that if someone isn't in the Haven, they can't afford it. That's simply not true. There are lots of people for whom the Haven doesn't appeal for a variety of reasons.

 

However, there are plenty of Haven guests who consider themselves to be above everyone else, and you can spot them on this forum, but especially on the ship. It's important to their self worth to be sure as many people as possible know they are in the Haven. These folks are in the minority, thankfully.

 

I dislike the Haven. I can get a true luxury cruise experience for the same or lower cost on another line. The Haven is designed for people who want exclusivity, (even though that is not the main draw for some). Generally, Haven sailors want to feel special. (ex. Better than the unwashed masses below.)

 

AI Resorts have started taking on this practice as well. You can pay extra for VIP status and you get a different coloured wrist band and some exclusive space. You CAN put a price on feeling important and feeding people's egos. (Look at any casino.) NCL does this well. I however appreciate it on NCL because the Haven is subsidizing my super low cost inside cabin. There is no way that $239 pp for seven days of food, lodging and entertainment covers the cost of my family of 3.

[Merriem]

We were in the Haven on the Breakaway, and I personally would have never gone on that big of a ship if it had not been for that area. It is a personal thing. It has nothing to do with thinking you are better than someone else. There are just too many people on that ship!

[DebQ5]

I booked a Haven Suite for my upcoming cruise not because I want to be or feel better than anyone else but because I wanted the large room and large balcony for my family. Due to a lack of vacation time I am unable to take the 8-10 cruises that I reportedly could take for the same price. Yes, I hope I enjoy the perks of getting on the ship early, having breakfast delivered, etc., but that wasn't the reason to spend the extra money. It was to make my one vacation next year the best that it could be.

[Merriem]

I booked a Haven Suite for my upcoming cruise not because I want to be or feel better than anyone else but because I wanted the large room and large balcony for my family. Due to a lack of vacation time I am unable to take the 8-10 cruises that I reportedly could take for the same price. Yes, I hope I enjoy the perks of getting on the ship early, having breakfast delivered, etc., but that wasn't the reason to spend the extra money. It was to make my one vacation next year the best that it could be.

 

Totally agree. We have about 3 nice cruises a year, and we like the space, peace and quiet of the higher end rooms. I will say our first cruise 40 years ago was in an inside cabin!

[perditax]

I dislike the Haven. I can get a true luxury cruise experience for the same or lower cost on another line. The Haven is designed for people who want exclusivity, (even though that is not the main draw for some). Generally, Haven sailors want to feel special. (ex. Better than the unwashed masses below.)

AI Resorts have started taking on this practice as well. You can pay extra for VIP status and you get a different coloured wrist band and some exclusive space. You CAN put a price on feeling important and feeding people's egos. (Look at any casino.) NCL does this well. I however appreciate it on NCL because the Haven is subsidizing my super low cost inside cabin. There is no way that $239 pp for seven days of food, lodging and entertainment covers the cost of my family of 3.

 

I know you prefaced this with 'generally' but I still want to point out that in a lot of cases (me, for example), people are willing to pay extra for some peace and quiet. I can get extremely anxious in large crowds. I paid recently for DCL concierge, and while I appreciated the way the staff treated us like royalty, I really didn't need the level of service or to be made to feel 'important'. Some level of line/crowd/herding avoidance is what I paid for.

 

I'm torn on the Haven. It sounds nice, but I've read so many stories of the pool area being overrun by large families. What NCL (or another mass market line) could get me to pay out the wazoo for would be an adults-only version. (Yes, yes, I know drunk adults can be way more obnoxious than kids, but that is not usually the story when you read when people talk about the Haven pool area being non-peaceful.)

[Jane Don]

I know you prefaced this with 'generally' but I still want to point out that in a lot of cases (me, for example), people are willing to pay extra for some peace and quiet. I can get extremely anxious in large crowds. I paid recently for DCL concierge, and while I appreciated the way the staff treated us like royalty, I really didn't need the level of service or to be made to feel 'important'. Some level of line/crowd/herding avoidance is what I paid for.

 

I'm torn on the Haven. It sounds nice, but I've read so many stories of the pool area being overrun by large families. What NCL (or another mass market line) could get me to pay out the wazoo for would be an adults-only version. (Yes, yes, I know drunk adults can be way more obnoxious than kids, but that is not usually the story when you read when people talk about the Haven pool area being non-peaceful.)

 

Have you tried a luxury line? From what you are saying, I bet you would love it. Bigger rooms, less pax, great service, many are truly all inclusive down to shore excursions, and much quieter. All for the about the same, or sometimes less than the Haven.