Please Help... NCL Haven (Specifically Escape) or Allure Balcony..Anyone done both?

[js]

Hi.

 

For those that have done both, NCL Haven and Oasis/Allure balcony, can you please let me know if you enjoyed Allure in a balcony?

 

We cruise NCL (Platinum after my cruise end of month) in Haven and a few nights shy of Diamond on RCCL.

 

We have cruised the NCL "Away" ships about five times and after end of the month, have NCL Escape in Haven booked for my 50th Birthday.

 

However, I have also wanted to cruise on Oasis/Allure since they both started sailing and haven't done so, although I know one day I will.

 

My dh and I are leaving the kids at home and sailing on our own. The balcony cabin on Allure will be less than half of what I'm paying for NCL Haven but I'm trying not to factor in the price. Once I factor in the ultimate drink package (whatever it's called), it will bring up the RCCL price but still not close to Haven. Can't do the Genie since I think with that and adding on the drink package, I would be paying more for RCCL and I am not sure if it will compare to the Haven (we hang out there all day for the most part).

 

If you have done both, would you suggest I just change it up and do Allure? I love the ports on Escape but I will be sailing Allure for the ship. Decisions...decisions...

 

Thank you all very much!

Edited February 13, 2017 by js

[njm5378]

If you are used to The Haven, Allure in a normal balcony is going to be a big disappointment. Comparing these two offerings would be like comparing The Four Seasons and Holiday Inn. Even the Aquatheater suite experience is not at the same level as The Haven. if you are prepared for a no frills experience then you may be ok, but if you are expecting some similarity to a Haven experience you will be very disappointed.

[karmacats]

Hi.

Once I factor in the ultimate drink package (whatever it's called), it will bring up the RCCL price but still not close to Haven.

 

I haven't done the Haven, but in case it impacts your decision, just wanted to mention that if you get a Star Class suite (the level with the genie), drinks are all included, so there would be no need to buy a drink package.

[js]

If you are used to The Haven, Allure in a normal balcony is going to be a big disappointment. Comparing these two offerings would be like comparing The Four Seasons and Holiday Inn. Even the Aquatheater suite experience is not at the same level as The Haven. if you are prepared for a no frills experience then you may be ok, but if you are expecting some similarity to a Haven experience you will be very disappointed.

Thank you. Yes, I understand I will be with the masses. We only sail RCCL in balconies but wondering if I should just sail for the

ship, I've wanted to try for a while but not sure I want to give up the Haven on Escape.

 

I haven't done the Haven, but in case it impacts your decision, just wanted to mention that if you get a Star Class suite (the level with the genie), drinks are all included, so there would be no need to buy a drink package.

Thank you karmacats. Are the drinks included just in the concierge lounge or throughout the entire ship?

[njm5378]

Star Class includes drinks for the entire cruise. You get the ultimate package that includes pretty much everything up to $13 per drink. What specific activity or features attracts you to allure?

[slotmomma3]

I have sailed both. There are other full suites without the genie that are not as expensive. I could not go back to a balcony after sailing in suites. The Grand Suite gives you access to the suite lounge, coastal kitchen and the suite sundeck. The Allure is a fantastic ship!! if you really want to try it look into a grand suite and enjoy all the amenities of all suites, without the cost of the genie. You will have to pay for drink package if you want it, still a lot cheaper. Doing this is almost as good as the Haven.

[njm5378]

Thank you. Yes, I understand I will be with the masses. We only sail RCCL in balconies but wondering if I should just sail for the

ship, I've wanted to try for a while but not sure I want to give up the Haven on Escape.

 

OK, back to your original question, I have enjoyed every cruise I have taken, its vacation. Allure is well designed and does not feel crowded except at shows, dinner, typical congregation times. I think it is an awesome ship, but requires a lot of walking. Balconies are nice but just be prepared for no frills and you will be happy. I think everyone should experience it at least once,it is a really amazing ship.

[js]

Star Class includes drinks for the entire cruise. You get the ultimate package that includes pretty much everything up to $13 per drink. What specific activity or features attracts you to allure?

 

Thank you about the drink package.

I just priced out the Grand Balcony Suite and it is $1,300 higher than the NCL Escape Haven. I don't want to spend more money, just same or somewhat around same price, not $1000+ additional. But now as I am rereading, I am going to see what price my TA comes up with for this cabin.

 

What attracts me to Allure/Oasis is just the ship. If I had to just choose for the ship, I would choose Allure over Escape.

 

If I had to choose ports, I would choose Escape.

I don't mind the balcony over the Haven if my experience would still be great and fun (and what cruise isn't). We will be 50 and 53 but enjoy going out for dinners, drinks and music and casino in the evenings.

 

My dh got the BOGO e-mail yesterday and happened to mention it so I said I would price it out.

 

Before having my TA discount (I sent to them to ask the price), a balcony on Allure would be $3711 less than the Haven but really $2800 less since I want to factor in the drink package. Then I have to add another night hotel making it $2600. I have to change my flight going home to the next day so figure $600, really not sure about the price for that one, so it will be approximately $2,000 difference.

 

For $2000 not sure I want to change. We have Haven restaurant on Escape, drink package, prepaid gratuities and three night specialty restaurants and some internet minutes we won't use. If Allure, I'll be purchasing a dining package, haven't priced that out yet either but in the end, thinking it really will almost end up to be

Allure balcony vs. Escape Haven but I love the way the Allure looks and love the Haven LOL

[js]

I just asked my TA to price out same categories for Harmony if that matters. It leaves the same day as the Escape so I wouldn't have to

change air/hotel but it already looks a little more money since it is newer.

[Snooksi]

I have cruised in the Haven (not on the Escape) and I've cruised in a crown loft suite on the Allure (and doing so again in May). I would definitely stick with the cruise in the Haven for now and then go on the Allure in a balcony another time. I would not give up a cruise in the Haven (with a great itinerary according to your post) to sail in a balcony on the Allure. But, the Allure is a phenomenal ship and you will love her and there is so much to see and do....just do it another time.

 

If you ever choose the Allure in a star class suite (with the Genie), it's basically all inclusive. Not only are your drink packages included but also your tips, internet and any specialty dining venues for any/all nights you choose. Believe me, you more than pay for it in the cost of the suite unless you are able to get a 2 BR aqua theater suite (cheapest star class suite). The only thing not included is the tip for the Genie.

[js]

Thank you all so much!

I don't have a problem sailing in a balcony on another line since we only do the suites on NCL LOL

For instance, I couldn't go back to a balcony on NCL after doing Haven, but have only sailed in balconies on RCCL so I think I will be okay lol

 

But, you may be right, maybe I should just wait until Summer 2018, when I'm planning a family cruise with my mom and sister's family.

I also had my TA price out the Harmony since it has the same exact dates as the Escape:

The Star class is sold out for my sailing and the Sky class is double my Haven (Harmony vs. Escape).

 

The price I received for Harmony balcony (B6) I compared to my Haven Escape (H5 on deck 17 in Haven) also included $350 OBC.

 

The difference was $5959 (really $6459 but I used a $500 CruiseNext Certificate so not counting the $500, I'll use another time).

So $5959 - $3655 = $2304

Drink Package with taxes, no discount I believe is: $910

$2304 - $560 = $1744 (I would use the $350 OBC and add my own $560 for a total of $910 for drink package)

$1744 difference

 

4 night specialty restaurant package is $100 per person = $200

$1744 - $200 (Specialty dinners for four nights) = $1544

 

So, the price for me to change from Escape Haven in actual Haven to balcony on Harmony will be $1544. I will also need to pay gratuities on Harmony (they are paid for on my Escape sailing. I just have to do tips for butler, concierge and Haven people).

 

It really isn't more about the money, although it's always a factor, it is/was more about trying to change it up with a new ship I have been wanting to do for quite a few years but I'm also looking to book a big family trip summer 2018 so maybe I can save it for then? I know I'll be giving up the pampering but wondered if the ship (Harmony) will make up for it with it's concept and different options.

 

Thank you all so much. I'll talk to my dh tonight but thinking we may just stay on Escape with the Haven and our great ports.

I wish the price difference ended up being more to make it more justifiable.

[Snooksi]

I don't know now.

 

If you don't have to change airfare and hotels and can cruise on the Harmony in a balcony...I would probably do that over the Haven. You will never cruise on another ship (as of now anyway) like the Oasis class ships. You will walk onboard, look around and go...WOW. It is an incredible experience but you will be exhausted and will need a vacation from the vacation if you want to see/do everything. We did just that (even made a spread sheet so we didn't miss anything we wanted to see/do) and were exhausted when we got home but it was an INCREDIBLE vacation.

 

Why not enjoy both and do the Haven now and choose the Harmony, Oasis or Allure for next summer.

 

But again...if given the choice of the Harmony in a balcony now (since you don't have to change hotel/air) or the Haven now...I would choose the Harmony since it's such a new ship. Just don't forget....if you wait until next summer and cruise on the Oasis or Allure...the price will be much less than the Harmony. I was shocked when I priced my suite on the Harmony and saw that it was 4K more than the Allure for the same week. That's crazy when the only difference is the newness of the ship and a couple of slides!

[Lizcourt]

I've sailed both in the Haven on NCL and in suites on RCCL Oasis, and you have it actually have it exactly right -- the NCL suite experience, including the Haven, is far superior to RCCL (though the recent adoption of the new Royal Suite services might change that), but the ship-wide experience on the Oasis/Allure is much, much better than any NCL ship we've been on. It's a tough call. I guess you have to know which is more important to you -- the world within the suite life or the ship beyond.

[jticarruthers]

Done Balcony on Allure and it was good, did an oceanview on Escape and thought the overall cruise experience was comparable ... given the choice of Have on Escape or Balcony on Allure I would be in the Haven without a second thought. If you want to do an O class just to see if you have been missing anything I would do Harmony.

[js]

Thank you all so much.

 

I talked to my dh last night and this morning still going back and forth with myself (it really can be my decision, it's for my 50th birthday) and think we will be staying on the Escape in Haven. I'm not thrilled with the ports on Harmony but the only reason we would be sailing is the ship, although I love sea days and the Harmony has 3, Escape 2, which doesn't leave a lot of time to enjoy the Haven....gggrrrrr.

 

I love the ports on Escape and have the Haven. I think I will save the O class for our big family cruise summer of 2018.

 

My sister's family and my mom just follow what I suggest since they don't have a clue or care to know so I'll just have us book the O class as soon as dates open up for Summer 2018.

 

Thank you all so much!